Newton le Willows Boys & Girls Club

The transformation of Newton Boys and Girls Club

 

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham officially re-opened Newton-le-Willows Boys’ and Girls’ Club (NB&GC) on September 6.

 

Andy, who is originally from Newton le Willows, was deeply impressed by NB&GC’s transformation from a run-down building into a first-class facility.

 

The extensive refurbishment was largely thanks to Graham Chisnall, a NB&GC member in the 1960s, who is now a retired executive of telecoms giant Talk Talk and trustee of Salford-based charity Hamilton Davies Trust (HDT).  

 

The new centre is now a state-of-the art facility with amenities such as a cinema room, recording studio and radio station, thanks to £250,000 funding from HDT.

 

Inspired by fond memories of the club, Graham persuaded colleagues at HDT to back the centre. He then project-managed the scheme and became a trustee of the club.

 

Graham worked closely with club manager Victoria Musk, staff at HDT and volunteers to make the project happen. 

 

There has been no significant investment in NB&GC since 1962, when it was opened by singer and showbiz personality Frankie Vaughan.

 

Graham, aged 62, said: “I had very happy times at NB&GC. It was a big support to me in my youth and helped me develop the confidence to succeed in my later life. I wanted the younger generation to have the support I had and enjoy first-class facilities.”

 

NB&GC is a registered charity, offering sports, music, culture and diverse activities, which is open to young people between the ages of eight and 18.

 

Andy Burnham, who was educated at St Aelred’s Roman Catholic High School in Newton-le-Williows said: “Thank you to Graham, Victoria and all the volunteers for giving the youth club a well needed refurbishment. The wide range of activities now available is fantastic and I hope the young people who come here enjoy them for years to come!”