Historical Context

In 1949 the then Urban District Council began the search for a building to put on Recreation Meadow adjacent to Kingston Field. These were post-war days when no new buildings were readily available.

Jetty Lane Site

 A feasibility study and search was initially made across the County of Suffolk to find a suitable building. Many locations including army camps, airfields and other government locations were examined, and eventually a building was located at Elmswell. The building was dismantled and moved to Recreation Meadow. Refurbished and decorated, this building then became the original Woodbridge Youth Club. That building was subsequently replaced by the Education Authority who provided purpose-built premises, and a new, more modern building was erected. It was opened in 1965 by Sir Ian Jacob and was well-used by a wide variety of community groups.

 Woodbridge Youth Club over the years made many worthwhile, long-lasting contributions to the town of Woodbridge, this includes The Deben Players, The Company of Four, and The Riverside Musical Theatre Company. Even the stage in The Riverside Theatre was funded and built originally by Woodbridge Youth Club members.

 It is therefore with great disappointment that this purpose-built premise was demolished in 2016, leaving a number of organisations without a location to carry on their much-needed work within the community.

 We must and we need to put back this much required building in order to provide an artistic and cultural amenity in a central location.

 Words by Mike Warden, with thanks.

Photos by Robin Stroud, with thanks.

Site before the old Woodbridge
Youth Club was demolished