A Bootle community centre has celebrated its 70th anniversary after teaming up with One Vision Housing.
The Brunswick Youth and Community Centre was founded in 1947 by a group of prisoners of war (PoW) held in the German camp of ‘Oflag 79’ in Braunschweig.
With talk of a new social order the soldiers in the camp decided to act and start a fundraising campaign to offer young people new hope.
Locally known as the ‘Brunny’ it provides support and community groups for children and young people in South Sefton under the age of 25, as well as other groups.
Ex-Liverpool FC and England footballer Jamie Carragher is a famous member of the club and runs his Sports & Learning Academy at the centre.
Carragher was among over 200 guests who attended the celebration along with the Mayors of Sefton and Liverpool, MP Peter Dowd and local business leaders.
OVH were instrumental in organising the event alongside staff from The Brunny, local charity Sefton OPERA and the 156 Regiment RLC.
Bob King, a PoW at Oflag 79, was also present as traditional wartime food such as Scouse and corned beef hash was served in a wartime-esque field kitchen set up by the 156 Regiment, who also stationed an army truck outside.
St James Brownies performed wartime songs that they were taught by Sefton OPERA during inter-generational work carried out by the charity.
OVH’s parent company the Sovini Group has supported the Forces Community for a number of years, including taking part in the BBC DIY SOS Veterans Special, offering employment opportunities to ex-service personnel and refurbishing the Veterans in Sefton’s office.
The group has also achieved the Armed Forces Silver Covenant in recognition for their support of the Forces Community.
Ian Fazakerley, Group Executive Director and Armed Forces Champion at One Vision Housing, said: “We have a strong relationship with the Brunswick, and were more than happy to support them in celebrating 70 years of success.
“The Brunswick does a fantastic job in the local community, and it’s a pleasure to work alongside a centre founded by those that have sacrificed so much to serve our country.”
Keith Lloyd, Centre Manager at the Brunswick, said: “We’re extremely grateful to One Vision Housing, Sefton OPERA and the 156 Regiment for their support – not only for this celebration but throughout the year.
“We pride ourselves on the opportunities we offer to the local community, and could not do that without the help of these businesses.”
For more information about One Vision Housing, visit www.ovh.org.uk or alternatively call 0300 365 1111.