Bolton YMCA

YMCA Bolton History

• 1844 George Williams instrumental in founding the YMCA.
    
• 1883 Committee formed to oversee the founding of a YMCA in Bolton.
    
• 1884 Bolton YMCA founded.
    
• 1884/1914 A wide programme of Social, Educational, Sporting and Religious activities developed in various venues in the town centre, including Gt Moor St & St Georges Rd.
    
• 1914/1918 A programme of service to the Armed Forces implemented.
    
• 1919 After a lightning campaign the citizens of Bolton raise the money to purchase the Deansgate building as a memorial to those who made the supreme sacrifice during the Great War and as a thank you to the Association for its devoted service to our soldiers during that conflict.
    
• 1923 Bolton Boys Federation Football League is founded under the auspices of the YMCA and bases its Headquarters in our premises.
    
• 1923 Princess Helena Victoria visits the Association.
    
• 1925 An extension to the rear of the building is built creating more space for the rapidly expanding work of the Association.
    
• 1937 The Duke of Gloucester visits the Association to support the work with young people.
    
• 1940/1946 Over 41000 service men use the temporary hostel accommodation provided within the building.
    
• 1946 A 32 bed residential unit is opened at Lostock Deane on a site given to the YMCA & Bolton Boy Scouts.
    
• 1950's Regular Holidays organised by the YMCA for its members, which included visits for young members to the Continent.
    
• 1975 A refurbished Coffee Bar/ Youth Centre opens in the basement.
    
• 1978 Ladies admitted into membership for the first time.
    
• 1983 Bolton YMCA commences vocational training with the long term unemployed. Also exchange development links begin with Detmold YMCA in Germany.
    
• 1984 Y-Fit Health Studio opens as part of the Associations Centenary celebrations.
    
• 1987/88 Exchange visits with Montclair YMCA, New Jersey, USA.
    
• 1991 Launch of 'Bolton Bonanza' Bolton's own game produced by the Association.
    
• 1992 Y-Fit wins National Competition for innovative activity in the 'Fit for Life' campaign.
    
• 1993 Day Camps programme of summer activities for children commences.
    
• 1994 The Association shares in the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the YMCA with a week long display in the Market Place.
    
• 1995 Regular second hand book sales commence as a fund raiser for the Association.
    
• 2003 Phil Glanvill retires after 24 years as General Secretary.
    
• 2004 Arrival of Julian Finch as current Chief Executive Officer.
    
• 2005 YMCA basement reopens as the 'Venue' youth café and a thriving youth and children's programme commences.
    
• 2007 Bolton YMCA's own Youth Council forms and marks the move towards a more active role for young people in the future development of the organisation.
    
• 2009 Bolton YMCA celebrates its125th anniversary.
    
• 2010 Bolton YMCA reunion