The Youth Club meets Fridays during term time at St. Mary’s Island Community Centre from 7pm-9pm. In January 2024, it will meet on the 12th, 19th, and 26th; in February on the 2nd, 9th, and 23rd (closed for half-term from February 12th-16th); in March on the 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd; closed for Easter from March 29th to April 12th, reopening on April 19th and 26th; in May on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th (closed for Spring half-term from May 29th to June 2nd); in June on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th; and in July on the 5th and 12th.
In November 2023, the Club secured a table at the Chatham Maritime Trust Fair, raising £43.75 for the Salvation Army’s New Toy Appeal with additional funds from membership fees. The Club has robust membership and fosters significant youth engagement.
The Club reopens for the 2022/23 school year on September 23rd, 2022, welcoming Year 6 children from St. Mary’s Island School and those living on the Island. New members can join by attending with a parent at 7:30 pm for a ‘Taster Evening’ and must complete a ‘Starter Pack’ for membership. There is a £2.00 attendance fee to cover activity costs.
Following increased Covid cases among children, the Club temporarily closed effective immediately. The Steering Group will review the situation early in the new year and wishes members a Happy Christmas.
The Island Castaways youth club, affiliated with Kent Youth, has provided valuable youth services since May 2008, offering various activities like cricket, table tennis, and themed events to support community sustainability.
The Club invites all children starting Year 6 at Island School or living on the Island to become Members. It meets most Fridays at the Community Centre from 7pm-9pm during term-time, currently hosting nearly 60 members aged 10 to 13 and supported by 30 volunteers. Attendance requires parental consent after the first visit.
Run by CRB-checked volunteers, the Club seeks more helpers. Interested individuals can contact David Taylor at 07817 845402. This is one of the few Youth Clubs in Medway, offering valuable experiences for young people.
The Club relies on regular volunteers who can commit one Friday night a month. After reopening on September 16, 2016, under new Club Leader Rodney Parr, the Club has planned various activities, such as Street Dance, Nerf Gun Wars, and Circus Skills.
It has raised nearly £100 for Children in Need and over £120 for Red Nose Day. Taster sessions are available on upcoming dates; all are welcome to join.
In addition to financial assistance from the Trust, the Club has received funding from Ward Councillors and a grant from “Street Cops” fund through the local PCSO.
Volunteers are required to help to set-up equipment and keep a watching brief or they can get involved if they wish. If you can give some time to support the Club please call David Taylor on 07817 845402 or email .
Nerf Gun Wars
The Club’s Nerf Gun War evenings have been enjoyable, with plans for volleyball, Zumba, and street dance in the future.
On March 23, 2018, the Youth Club raised £213.17 for Sport Relief/Red Nose Day to support social projects. Members must bring their Membership Cards to avoid fees for replacements. Cards confirm membership and adherence to the Club’s Rules and Codes of Behaviour, which promote respect and courtesy among all members and volunteers. Mobile phone rules reiterated at sign-up must be followed.
On November 23, 2018, the Club raised £300.08 for “Children in Need,” exceeding last year’s total. They also participated in the Community Centre Christmas Fair, donating £40 to the Salvation Army for Christmas gifts.
David Taylor and Rodney Parr, along with volunteers, work hard for the benefit of members. Positive feedback from parents reflects this effort.
Youth Club opening dates for the second half of 2019 are September 13, 20, 27, October 11, 18, November 1, 8, 15 (raising £270 for Children in Need), and 22. On November 22, Katie McGarry from The Bindlestick Theatre Company will return for activities.
The final meetings of 2019 are on December 6 and 13, the latter featuring a Christmas party with food, games, and a DJ.
For 2020, meetings are scheduled for January 10, 17, 24, 31; February 7, 14, 28 (with a sports coach); and March 6, 13, 27. The Club is considering supervised off-site sessions starting in April if there is enough interest, including climbing and water sports.
On March 18, 2020, the Youth Club closed due to COVID-19, following government health advice, with plans to reopen when safe. Dates for April through July will be announced later.
David Taylor, the founder of the Club, along with Youth Leader Rodney Parr and volunteers, strives to create a positive experience for young people. A parent praised their efforts, highlighting the safe environment and engaging activities.
Youth Club opening dates for late 2019 are:
- September: 13th, 20th, 27th
- October: 11th, 18th
- November: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd (raised £270 for Children in Need)
On November 22nd, Katie McGarry from The Bindlestick Theatre Company will return for another engaging session.
December meetings will be on the 6th and 13th; the latter will feature a Christmas party with food, games, and music.
If some members cannot attend the final meeting, the Club wishes everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year.
In 2020, the Club will meet on:
- January: 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st
- February: 7th, 14th, 28th (includes a session with a sports coach)
The Club is exploring supervised off-site activities starting in April, with limited spots available, such as climbing and water sports.
March meetings: 6th, 13th, 27th. On March 18th, the Club closed due to COVID-19, adhering to health guidelines.
Upcoming dates:
- April: 3rd, 24th
- May: 1st, 8th, 15th
- June: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
- July: 10th, 17th
Further dates will be announced after the school year ends.
News – May 2017
In 2017, St. Mary’s Island Primary School generously allowed the Club to use their playing fields on Friday evenings, which was greatly appreciated. The same year, the Club received funding from the Streetcops Trust to purchase a foldable snooker and pool table, along with new electronic games. Alan Parfett from Streetcops Trust presented these items to the Club on September 8th, alongside Youth Club Secretary David Taylor and Honorary Treasurer Gubs Samrai.
