Mablethorpe & Sutton Leader: article by former Leader reporter, Janet Allinson

In 1965 a group of youngsters set up a youth club in Sutton on Sea, in the resorts old lifeboat house. Initially providing the usual disco evenings and games, no one ever could have imagined the enormity of its success 40 years on.

This year (2005), Meridale Youth & Community Centre not only celebrates its 40th year, but the tremendous accolades, awards and endurance it has achieved in that time.

John Monk MBE was one of the leaders who helped set up Meridale and over the years he has striven to ensure youngsters not only come along to the centre, but help run it.

He told The Leader: "I am extremely proud of all of them, the have set up computer systems here, their own health and safety programmes and they regularly balance hundereds of pounds each week. They are a credit to our town."

Fundrasing is always high on the agenda for Meridale (now a registered charity) and John and his team always keep a regular line up of events on the calender to bring in funds. Pensioner Eveline Holmes is a dedicated supporter of Meridale and has raised more than £6000 for the organisation through her fundrasing efforts.

A variety of groups and organisations use the facility for meetings and is also used for council and police agencies, the Leader meeting point and computer training. Events such as the very successful live webcast, celebrate Sutton and the Horticultural Show, along with bazaars, fete's, coffee mornings and exhibitions are well supported and provide a continous hub of activity at this thriving enterprise.

The Community Newsletter has achieved greatness as a means to keeping up to date with local events and is welcomed into homes across the resort and into Huttoft.

Over the years Meridale has recieved high praise from civic, community and government leaders and the community it serves.

John was awared an MBE in 2002 for his tremendous commitment to the community and last year (2004) Meridale was awarded with The Queen's Award for Voluntary Serivce.

Meridale began as a meeting place for teenagers and have evolved into a true community project providing interest, fun, friendship and opportunity for everyone.