Final dance as West Auckland youth club calls it a day after 50 years

YOUNGSTERS in West Auckland came together for one final time to mark the closure of their much-loved youth club.

A closing party was held at Millbank Youth Club last Thursday, March 30, after which the centre on Station Road closed its doors for the final time.
Funding cuts by Durham County Council forced the club’s management committee to make the regrettable decision back in February. The council’s youth service budget is being reduced by £1million and resources are being shifted to target areas where they will be of the greatest benefit. As a result, Millbank Youth Club will no longer benefit from any council funding.
Around 100 people, young and old, attended the poignant event which was filled with mixed emotions.
Club treasurer Nadine Kipling has been involved with the club for the past 37 years.
She said: “The children are devastated. When Durham County Council pulled the plug it was just too big of a hole to fill. I think if we could have seen a way forward where we could have had a group that was dedicated to funding that could have helped, but that is a big ask.”
The community rallied together to try to save the club but annual running costs stood at around £30,000. Despite West Auckland Parish Council’s pledge to donate £5,000, West Auckland WI’s promise of £1,000 and a combined total of £5,000 from county councillors Christine Wilson and Rob Yorke, the committee felt that it was just not possible to continue.
Ms Kipling said: “In six months’ time we would be facing the same situation again. We had to let our heads rule our heart.”
Management committee chairman Father Robert McTeer, of St Helen’s Church, said: “We have looked at all ways to keep it open but without Durham County Council there is no way we can do it in a proper and professional manner.”
Last year, around 200 young people benefited from the club which would have been celebrating its 50th anniversary next year.
Ms Kipling said: “We asked the young people what they wanted for their last night. The older ones chose a pizza night which they had last night and the younger ones chose a disco night with hotdogs and crisps tonight. It is a nice way for them to finish.”
Auxiliary youth worker Rachel Wade said: “I’ve been coming here for 20 years. I have worked here for 11 years since I was 18. My little girl comes now too. It is really sad.”
Auxiliary youth worker Elisha Ornsby added: “Although it is a celebration it is quite sad really. I used to come here when I was little then I started working here.”
Every young person who attended the youth club’s closing events took home a commemorative plaque as a keepsake.