Women in the YMCA

Women have been involved in Londonderry YMCA for many years. As early as 1904, it was proposed that women should be allowed to join the organisation “at certain hours of the day”. In 1912, in a revision of by-laws, it was decided that women could use the reading room and library when approved by the Committee. It was during the war years of 1939 to 1945 that significant contributions were made by women. Women were responsible for the first house to house collection and in 1946 began the flag day fundraisers. Gladys and Etta Lamberton, two sisters, played a very active role during this time, particularly at the YMCA Canteen at Eglinton. Notable women in the organisation in the 1980s included Esther Loughlin, Corriene Gillard, Isa Keys, and Janet Norris.

The opening of the Drumahoe building saw women joining the bowling and badminton clubs. Meta Buchanan established a new, woman only, Afternoon Circle. The Circles activities included charity work, discussions, lectures and outings. Isobel Canning from the Afternoon Circle became the first ever female Vice President of the organisation.

Now the organisation is lead by two women, Lisa Dunn, General Secretary, and Catriona Coyle, Youth Work Manager. This marks a significant shift in an organisation which was formed to serve the needs of men, and now serves the whole community.

Maiden City Game

The idea for the Maiden City Game came about at a YMCA Ireland meeting in June 1988. Triaktiv, the Norwegian company that made the game, proposed versions for Ireland. Londonderry YMCA liked the idea and decided to make a game about the city. Sam Starrett was involved in creating the game and even travelled to Norway to assist with printing. The initiative received support from many local businesses.

The game was officially launched on the 15th of November 1988 at a function in the Everglades Hotel. It was sold at a price of £12 (approximately £34 in today’s money). It was advertised as “an exciting new game for all the family”. Gameplay involved building a business empire through buying and selling shares, collecting rent and winning or losing on the stock exchange.

East Bank Development Project

The East Bank Development Project was an initiative jointly conceived by Londonderry YMCA and the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) in the 1990s. The objective for the project was to implement and develop programmes which would interest and educate young people living on the East Bank of the Foyle.

A study of the different areas in the East Bank was conducted by consultant Stephen Rourke. The aim was to identify areas of intervention by the YMCA in its new community development role. A steering group consisting of representatives of WELB, outside community groups, and the YMCA was formed.

Faughan Side Shamrock and Thistle Festival

The Faughan Side Shamrock and Thistle Festival was a celebration of the Ulster Scots traditions and culture, and its contribution to the world of popular music. The festival theme, Shamrock and Thistle, as in the song, represents the blend of two cultures; the symbolic shamrock (Irish) and thistle (Scots), together along the Faughan Side.

The first festival was held in 1992. It ran across three days in August with a programme of events including a Knockout competition, festival dance, Rose of the Faughan contest and an open-air concert with fireworks. The festival ran for three years (1992 to 1994).