YMCA memories sought as charity marks 180th year

A 1950s photo shows a queue for a dance outside Percy Thomas Hall in Stafford Street, Wolverhampton

The YMCA is calling for people with memories of the charity's activities in the Black Country over the past 70 years to come forward.

Nationally, the organisation is due to celebrate its 180th anniversary on 6 June and has been operating in the local area since 1888.

It wants to hear from those who joined community events since the 1950s, used local services, lived in accommodation or worked for the charity.

It has a series of events planned over the year, including a photo exhibition, and an open day in West Bromwich on 22 June.

Grace Maddocks, head of communications at the YMCA in the Black Country, said staff "would love to hear from people who have memories of their time with us".

"You may have worked for us, been amongst our first gym members, spent time living in one of our accommodation settings, used the Bridge project in Wolverhampton or been to one of our dances or concerts," she said.

"With our open door policy, the YMCA has helped people of all ages, faiths, cultures and backgrounds."

Ms Maddocks said people's lives had been touched "in many different ways, from our housing services through to our nurseries".

With sites across the Black Country, the YMCA provides services including childcare, housing for young workers, supported accommodation, employability, health and social enterprises projects.

Today, across England and Wales, it provides services to about 35,000 young people.