The Centre

In June 1936, several companies on the Trading Estate set up a social fund to raise money to build a social centre for workers on The Trading Estate - a place they could relax after a hard day at work. The Social Centre was opened in April 1937. The building cost £45,000 and was one of the first of its kind in Britain. King George and his wife Queen Elizabeth visited the Centre on 17th December 1937 where they saw demonstrations of all the activities that happened at the Centre.

Lots of Activities
The Social Centre was a place to go and do things, not just to go and sit! The aim was activity and members were encouraged to start their own clubs. Cricket, boxing, swimming, football, chess, photography and roller-skating were just a few of the activities people could take part in. It was very popular with young people as the cost of activities was very low. The Social Centre was a place for everyone. Its motto was 'People of every creed and every walk of life are welcomed as members.'