SPENCERVILLE CENTRE

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28133, 23 November 1956, Page 2

SPENCERVILLE CENTRE

Y.W.C.A. Camp Used For Community

DEVELOPMENT IN SIX MONTHS

From the nucleus of the Blue Triangle camp, built at Spencerville last year to mark the centenary of the Y.W.C.A., a community centre for residents of the district has developed rapidly during the last six months. Spencerville, which is a fairly isolated area, formerly had little to offer in the way of leisure interests for those who lived there permanently. Those who had no transport to take them to town on Saturdays and Sundays found that time dragged. Now they can enjoy regular entertainment programmes arranged specially for them in the neighbourhood.

Some time ago. the Y.W.C.A. was allotted five acres of land at Spencerville by the Government for youth work. As its centenary project, the association erected a building there with sleeping accommodation for 16. a large recreation room. a wellappointed kitchen, washroom, showers and toilets. Its purpose was to provide camping facilities for Y.W.C.A. members and as a centre ’for the

‘‘Teenage Club” to hold its leadership training week-ends.

Last April a group of residents asked the association’s board of directors if they could use the building as a community centre when camps were not in session.

The board agreed readily to the request and a committee of residents and Y.W.C.A. members was set up. In a short time fortnightly entertainment programmes were begun, which have included film evenings, concerts, organised games, a fun fair, a demonstration in cake decorating, and the screening of coloured slides. The entertainments have been arranged by Miss Rosemary Barlee, programme secretary of the Y.W.C.A., and Miss Daphne Chapman, a prominent member of the organisation. As time went on, the committee realised that there was a need for a Sunday school in the district, so classes were started on an interdenominational basis and have been held once a fortnight ever The Rev. C. S. Knight, vicar of Burwood, conducts bi-monthly church services in the camp building, which he dedicated in January last. He has also conducted a Baptism there. Gifts to the Camp Soon after the camp building was finished, several Christchurch business firms supported the Blue Triangle venture by sending practical gifts to the camp to improve the sites. These included fencing wire, grass seed, cement and mortar for paths, and linoleum. Several Christchurch citizens have given bunks for the building and presented lockers and tallboys. Last summer 22 campers were in residence at one stage. Some slept in tents: others in the camp building In the spring. Miss Earlee laid out a vegetable garden and hopes to provide potatoes and probably tomatoes for the next- summer camp. The cost of erecting the camp building was about £2500. of which nearly £BOO has yet to be found. Already £5OO has been raised by the sale of the Y.W.C.A. booklet: a portion of the last Y.W.C.A. street appeal was given Io the fund, and private gifts have been made. A Government grant made to the association was also put towards the project. Spencerville residents, grateful for the asset of a community centre, have decided that they want to help the fund. too. Their effort will be a garden party to be held tomorrow at “The Ranch,” Lower Styx road, the home of Mr and Mrs C. Carnie.

‘‘Bring and buy” stalls, afternoon tea. games for children and other attractions have been arranged by the organising committee, which is headed by Y.W.C.A. officers. The public will also be given the opportunity of inspecting the camp, which is nearby.

REGISTERED NURSES’ ASSOCIATION

The Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Registered Nurses’ Association held its annual meeting last evening and elected the following officers.— president. Mrs M. Chambers: vicepresidents, Misses D. Buchanan and P. Dudderidge; secretary-treasurer. Mrs A. Fulseth; council. Misses W. Armstrong. D. Buchanan. M. Corkill. P. Dudderidge. D. Hill. 8., Helliwell. E. Kent-Johnston. M. Little, M. Rae. S. Rolls, L. Murray, N. Tait; delegates to the Dominion conference of the association. Misses D. Buchanan. P. Dudderidge, M. Corkill, J. McMillan.