pRACT1CAL advice about I founding a club was given at the Youth Leaders" Conference by Mr. George Leslie, Warden of Christ Church Club, Vauxhall.
" The ideal club premises," he 'aid, ' are those you design and have built for the job, but failing that you should make use of a intrish hall or school rooms. But rent a house, even a small one, nearby, which would be the club headquarters. . . Premises should be clean and bright. El's worth of distemper will go a long way and club members will enjoy applying it. . .
" The snag of using a hall, which amounts to really one large room, is that only one activity can go on at the time, ping-pang, or dancing, etc.. and you might have 10 Split the evening to get in several activities. It is better, therefore. to arrange your evenings accordingly, one night for this, and another for that activity. In school rooms. on the other hand, several activities can be carried on at a time. . .
" Start with a small membership of boys and girls you know well; a nucleus is necessary and best, and then suggest a probation period for newcomers. . .
" The Leader's personal attention to a new member is essential, os as to make hint feel at home. Inshe him to a game of tabletennis with you. . .
" Have the club covered by insurance and third party risks. The Leader should be covered against negligence, for injury might be suffered by a member while under the supervision of the Leader. . .
" Attendance at the weekly club parliament should be compulsory on all members. and it will be found to form a good basis for a discussion group. . .
" As much of the income as possible should come from members; they earn bigger wages now, they can afford to go to the pictures, so can well pay a higher club membership fee. But let members themselves suggest the fee at the preliminary, meeting. . .
" A good deal of Board of Education money is available for Youth work, and the Board prefers, I think, a large application to a small one. I should think Board of Education money should be used for about two-thirds of the amount needed, the other third being divided between. members' fees and donations and funds raised through dances, etc. .
" Twin Clubs are better than Mixed Clubs, but there should be plenty of mixing. Some things cannot of course be mixed, such as P.T. .
" Ten coupons are allowed per club member each requiring clothes or equipment for games. and they are obtained via the N.A.B.C. and N.U.G.C. for clubs affiliated to these organisations only, The equipment remains the property of the club, and is subject to inspection. . .
"On application the Ivory Cross will supply dental treatment free to club members. . .
" There is a thrill in starting a club from scratch and without equipment, but the Organisers should have their plans well laid in advance and not keep members waiting too long for equipment."