A YMCA Member’s Reminiscence
“I first experienced a YMCA warden when I left school and joined the Ministry of Defence as a Student Apprentice working on Radar in Malvern, Worcestershire in 1960. The students were housed in a Government Hostel run by a YMCA warden.
One hundred and fifty 18-23-year-old young men were very well controlled and educated in all domestic responsibilities of household chores. We also experienced all the extracurricular pleasures of soccer, rugby, athletics, snooker, darts, table tennis etc. which were highly organised by YMCA staff.
The soccer especially was a thriving activity as the YMCA warden was a Nottingham Forrest Scout! We entered all the local YMCA leagues, and some of us (me included) were selected for a match against a Welsh YMCA team in 1963 before it was cancelled due to a severe Winter. We were however given a token medal (see picture).
I returned to the North East in 1966 to work in the North Shields where I soon found myself joining the North Shields YMCA soccer team where I played for 2 years (see picture below). I obtained a job in Ashington in 1969 so left YMCA. However, I kept in touch with my teammates and began playing again for a couple more years.
In 1995 I encountered an old teammate in North Shields who encouraged me to come back and do some training at YMCA Gym (we used to train in the basement), and I’ve kept up the twice-a-week training ever since!
I’ve always lived in Holywell, but I’ve seen YMCA Gym’s facilities continuously improve where I feel they are now the best in the region! The mission statement is to be ‘Happy, Healthy and Connected’ and is indicative of the wonderful atmosphere promoted by the staff and members, not to mention the consideration and respect given to we Senior Citizens!
Here’s hoping to ‘Staying Alive’ for many more years to come.”
An 82-year-old eternally grateful YMCA Gym member.
A Crackin’ Christmas Lunch
Early December, Cafe 1879 hosted YMCA Gym’s Annual Christmas Lunch where 29 of our members attended, enjoying an afternoon of celebrations and a delicious 3-course meal.
Good for the Body, Better for the Mind
It may still be cold and windy outside but the warmer weather is just around the corner and there’ll be no better time to exercise outdoors. There are many reasons why working up a sweat in the great outdoors makes us feel good. Gorgeous views, sun on our faces and getting away from the hustle and bustle of a packed gym, to name a few.
Inclusive Classes for All!
At YMCA North Tyneside we pride ourselves on being a community who support each other, no matter a person’s background or situation.
Encouraging people to be themselves often leads to remarkable things. This story of one of our members proves that to be very true indeed.
New Year, New Starters
As the New Year approaches, new January starters will come flooding through our gym doors. For some, it will be their first time stepping foot in a gym, for others it won’t be their first time restarting their fitness journey. Whatever their situation may be, it’s especially important to be kind, have empathy and welcome the new members into our gym community with encouraging smiles.
Get Ready for Gym At Home!
YMCA is now offering a new membership for those who like the flexibility of sweating it out at home.
New Outdoor Exercise Classes in North Shields
As of 29th March 2021, outdoor exercise is permitted as part of the Governments Road map out of lockdown. With this in mind, YMCA Gym has launched a number of fun and engaging outdoor classes in North Shields.