A POPULAR community centre is preparing to celebrate fifty years since it first opened its doors.

A special event has been announced in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the The Hindpool Community Centre in Nelson Street, which first opened in 1969.

In recognition of its long history, a soul and motown music event will be held at The Forum, on November 23.

Tickets have officially gone on sale, and the event will feature 20 Barrow DJs who from the last 50 years.

The event is fundraising for Mind in Furness, MND Furness (Motor Neurone Disease) and Furness Carers.

Tickets are £10 advance sales and £12 on the door.

Over the years, the Hindpool Community Centre has played host to generations of Barrow teenagers.

Originally called the Catholic Youth Centre, it was heralded with great fanfare when plans were first announced, with 60s icon Englebert Humperdink signing and laying the foundation stone in 1967.

The stars popularity in Barrow was so fervent, within three days of him laying the foundation stone, it had been stolen and has not been seen since.

On 22nd November 1969, the Centre was officially opened.

It was the only purpose built Youth Club in the area.

The centre was only made possible by the generosity of the local community.

Half of the funding was raised locally,.

Various events were held at the Knights of St Columba in Dalkeith Street, as well as various sponsored walks were and parents were asked to “buy a brick” in an effort to gather the funds together.

It was a remarkable community effort that made the building of the Centre possible.

The first youth leader was Father John Foulkes, he managed the day to day running of the Centre.

Speaking in 1969, he spoke of the plans hold a weekly members dance.

Little did he realise his words would shape the social habits of a generation of Barrow teenagers

The Motown and soul nights at the centre spanned three decades from the 60s through to the 80s and 1,000s graced the sunken dance floor.

The centre became known as the Tufty Club.

Similar venues began to spring up across town Hawcoat Park (then Vickers Sports Club), Furness Rugby Club, The British Legion and Maxims to mention just a few.

They laid the foundations for the town’s Northern Soul heritage which continues to the present day.

Today the centre hosts a variety of regular groups as well as acting as a base for Furness Carers.

50 years on from the centres opening, Father Foulkes spoke of fond memories and wishes the best to everyone who will celebrate its history.

He said: “50 years is a lifetime and yet I can remember it so well.

“Thoughts of so many good and wonderful people, I am humbled that you will celebrate the opening of the Youth Centre 50 years on.

“I recall all the volunteers who worked so hard for the Youth Centre to be built and kept it running.

“Then the hundreds of young people who came through its doors.

“I will certainly be with you in thought and spirit when you meet in November, but by then I will be 84 if still alive and it would be too much for me.

“Please give my love and prayers to those who might remember me.”