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Alwoodley's community dream celebrates 60 years
It was the ultimate DIY project – and when the people of Alwoodley built their own community hall they built it to last.
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They formed the Alwoodley Community Association (ACA) in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, bought a plot of land on The Avenue, in the Leeds suburb, in 1947 then started fundraising to build themselves a base.
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Despite the post-war struggle to secure funds, materials and labour they ploughed their hearts and hopes into the project and succeeded – building it largely with their own hands.
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Residents young and old queued up to each lay a foundation stone but because materials were so hard to come by and had to be bought whenever they became available, no one is sure how much the project cost.
Now, 60 years on, Alwoodley Community Hall remains the lifeblood of the neighbourhood and is celebrating its diamond jubilee year with a series of events, kicking off with an open day and evening dance on February 14.
Ann Pearce, president of the ACA and a member for 40 years, said the centre's enduring popularity and success was a tribute to the local community as it was entirely self-supporting.
She said: "It's not just a centre, it's a place where people can meet all their friends and have a chat and have somewhere social to go.
"There's nowhere else where they can just meet up, if we lost it it would be a terrible loss to the area."
The ACA has a membership of around 400, of all ages. Several are in their 90s and have been using the hall since it was first built.
Betty Chattaway, 91, is one of them and said she had been a member of almost every organisation there.
Les Grainger, 93, has been using the centre since 1955 and has undertaken numerous roles, including the chairmanshop and presidency of the ACA, over the years.
The grandad-of-three said: "I think it was a brilliant idea that the founder members had, to build this place with their own hands"
It was officially opened by then Lord Mayor of Leeds, Alderman George Brett, on February 12 1949.
Now, it is the venue for a host of activities aimed at all ages, including supper club, social club, fitness league, chess, carpet bowls, badminton, Tumble Tots, Scouts, Guides, lace making and quiz nights.
The building has been extended over the years but the original hall still forms a major part of the centre.
It will be open from 10.30am to 4pm on Saturday, February 14 and there will be an exhibition and demonstrations showcasing all the activities on offer.
The diamond jubilee dance will be held that evening from 8pm to midnight, with music from Leeds band Desperate Measures. Tickets cost 10 and include a buffet supper.
Ring Mrs Pearce on (0113) 2676111.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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