WolvercoteYPC

Wolvercote Young People’s Club was formed in 1939 at the outbreak of WWII under the original name of Wolvercote Boys’ Club. At this time, meetings were held in Upper Farm House on St Peters Road in Wolvercote, which was made available by Oxford City Council for community use, free of charge. Wolvercote Boys’ Club was a voluntary organisation, with a Management Committee that was made up of a few enlightened parents and several prominent members of the local community, amongst whom were: the Vicar of St Peter’s Church; the Parish Priest of St Gregory and St Augustine RC Church; the ‘Comptroller’ of Wolvercote Paper Mill (the largest employer in the immediate area); the Head Teacher of the Village School; a local doctor; the County Secretary of Oxfordshire Association of Boys’ Clubs; and a Youth Officer for Oxford City Council. The club continued to thrive and soon employed a Club Leader / Youth Worker, working with the many volunteers to provide an improved service for the younger club members. In 1958-59, having received a grant from Central Government, Oxford City Council had the new club premises constructed and the old Upper Farm House building demolished. As well as the grant towards the Leader’s salary, further grants were made towards the costs of sports equipment and utilities. Following local government reorganisation in 1974, the buildings became the responsibility of Oxfordshire County Council. The Chairman of the Management Committee met with the County Council and was assured that Wolvercote Boys’ Club would retain its autonomy and receive the support of the Council. In the early 1970s girls were also welcomed into the club, and in 1997 the name was changed to Wolvercote Young People’s Club. The Management Committee has overseen the expansion of the buildings, doubling the size of the club in the 1970s and 1980s.