YMCA to showcase untold history as part of 175th Anniversary Roadshow

Carrickfergus YMCA has been selected to host the Heritage Exhibition and Roadshow as part of the 175th Anniversary of YMCA.

Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, the project will travel to 11 locations across the UK & Ireland and was launched from the Houses of Parliament in June this year. Carrickfergus is the only stop in Northern Ireland on this tour.

Co-produced and delivered by young people working jointly with 10 local YMCAs and esteemed partner, Birmingham University.

The project has unearthed new materials relating to YMCA as well as developed skills and enhanced the wellbeing of the young people involved.

Councillor Cheryl Johnston, said: “Supporting young people is at the core of what YMCA believes and through this roadshow forty young people have been trained in multiple aspects of the project including oral history training, facilitating local heritage sessions, and undertaking local research.

“The young people involved have researched and compiled heritage material including interviewing prominent individuals who have made significant contributions to YMCA in the past, which have been included in the exhibition.”

Karen Graham, General Secretary of Carrickfergus YMCA, said: “Over the past 175 years, YMCA has impacted upon the lives of millions of people across the UK & Ireland.

“Our Anniversary Roadshow will be the first time we have brought together our rich heritage and history in one place for the public to see.

“Showcasing stories such as our support during the First and Second World Wars, the invention of basketball and volleyball, and our work with the United Nations alongside brand new tales from local YMCAs will bring this exhibition, and the history of YMCA, to life in an exciting way.”

The roadshow will engage up to 6,500 people nationally and will arrive in Carrickfergus from 21-24 October.

For those who would like to visit the exhibition please contact Ian McKenzie at ian.mckenzie@carrickymca.org or telephone 028 9335 5890.