News

A Bootle based youth club that was founded by returning Prisoners of War is set to celebrate its 60th anniversary by hosting a special event on St Georges Day – April 23rd.

The club, which has been affectionately known as the ‘Brunnie’ by generations of local children boasts numerous famous ex-members, including Liverpool and England footballer Jamie Carragher, who has lent his support to the event.

The open day which is supported by One Vision Housing and Riverside Housing will see the launch of a year long programme of events aimed at celebrating the foundations and history of the club whilst examining the role it has to play in the 21st Century.

As part of the celebrations organisers are calling upon all former members of the Brunswick Club to get involved by coming along to the event and  / or donating any club related memorabilia they may have to the club for display on the day.

The club was formed in 1947 by former prisoners of the Oflag 79 Prisoner of War camp in Brunswick, Germany and one of the founders, Bob King (88) will be present at the celebrations.

Drawing on their experiences in the camp the club was formed to help provide the under privileged children with focus, facilities and guidance towards future achievement.

Club Leader Keith Lloyd said: "For 60 years the Brunswick Club has played an important part in hundreds if not thousands of young peoples’ lioves across Lioverpool and I am overjoyed to be able to mark this special occasion for current and former members alike.

"The Brunnie’s stated aim is to develop its 400+ members as ambassaddors for Bootle and Sefton, instilling in them a sense of citizenship to help in the future regeneration of the area. "

As part of the year long celebrations Keith has organised a trip to London to visit the Fulham Brunswick Youth Club and visit London’s cultural and entertainment centres, providing for some of the members, their first trip to the capital.

Later this year, a group of members will visit Brunswick, Germany and the site of the Oflag 79, the camp where the founders were imprisoned and where they conceived and planned what became ‘The Brunnie’.  Whilst there, they are planning to meet with the Mayor
and young people to learn and share their experiences of life in two different countries.

The activities will continue in July, when Keith is taking a group of members on  a personal development trip to the Ardeche region of France.

For further details please contact: Keith Lloyd on 0151-922-3552