SEDBERGH Youth & Community Centre is calling for memories, as Arnie Butterfield celebrates 25 years as centre manager.

Arnie became involved as a boy in 1966 and 20 years later qualified as a youth worker. In 1998, with the Odsal centre facing closure, he took on running it and made it a thriving community venue. He and the team have raised over £2million to ensure it continues to provide activities, sports and support services. Cllr Joan Clarke said: “Arnie is a steadfast guardian of our shared space. His tireless efforts have transformed Sedbergh Youth & Community Centre into a thriving community hub.”

The centre started in 1905, when governors at Sedbergh School in Cumbria and Sir Francis Sharpe-Powell, a Bradfordian, set up a Boys Mission in the city. Sedbergh School Bradford Boys Club was based above a baker’s shop in Little Horton when it opened in 1906. The present club on Huddersfield Road, Odsal, was opened by the Princess Royal in 1963. This year it celebrates 60 years of serving local people with sports, recreational and support services.

The team is seeking memories from people who’ve used the centre, to include in its archive. Maybe you were a member of Sedbergh Boy’s Club or you went to the ‘Sedgy’ youth club... Visit sedberghcommunitycentre.co.uk or call (01274) 679843.