Northants Association of Youth Clubs

Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee.
 
The photograph shows the Chairman of Northants West Branch, Allan Pope, presenting the Bible to John Whittaker, Chief Executive of NAYC.

In the photo are several members of the Association's Youth Development Team.whilst to the left is the Branch's "Friends Secretary" Alan Hadley who is employes as Business Director for the Association.
 
Until his retirement in 2008 Allan Pope was Deputy Chief Executive for NAYC and had been involved with the Organisation in its work with young people since 1973.
 
Another link with the Gideons to be found in the photograph is via the pictures on the wall behind the group.
The right hand picture is of the founder of NAYC in 1961, the late Harry Whittaker MBE who died in 1986 - whilst the left side painting shows the late Cyril Darby, former Treasurer for the Association. Both men were inspirational members of the Northants West Branch for many years.
 
From its embryonic start in 1961 NAYC has grown into one of the largest voluntary Christian youth associations in the U.K. servicing over 200 plus youth groups within Northamptonshire through its Y.D. Team and providing residential, training facilities via a 200 bedded Centre in Northampton which is situated next to its large Sports Arena and Tennis and Trampolining Centres. A 300 bedded Adventure Activity Centre, situated in Shropshire is used by many groups - whilst a brand new Activity Centre in Staffordshire is coming on stream in September/October. The Association has received Royal approval with several visits being made over the years by members of the Royal Family, including two by the late Queen Mother.
 
The firm Christian foundation based on Christian principles that was laid 50 years ago has been maintained with staff continuing to seek God's will and recognising His hand at work in any "success" that has been achieved.
 
I hope that in these times of concern over the futures of young people this article may encourage your readers to know that God is very much at work, both nationally and locally, through organisations such as NAYC.
 
Every blessing,
 
Allan Pope
Chairman - Northants West Branch