The
Butetown Community Centre has a long and varied history.
Originally
located in Bute Street, it was called the "George Cross"
and was seen to be the vibrant heart of what was then "Tiger
Bay".
However,
following irreparable bomb damage in World War II, the George
Cross had to be demolished and a new community building was erected
in Loudoun Square.
Fifty
years on, the Community Centre is growing from strength to strength.
Recently fitted with a state of the art kitchen, the Community
Centre's Luncheon Club has become a successful and familiar tradition.
The ESOL classes and various advice sessions are also a roaring
success.
But
perhaps most importantly, is the success of the local people.
Many community members of Butetown have attained outstanding achievements
in many different areas.
Billy
Boston, Colin Dixen and Johnny Freeman are nationally
renound for their sporting accomplishments in rugby league. Indeed,
Billy Boston was the first black man ever to take part in the
Rugby League tour of Great Britain!
Joe
Erskine is another familiar name in sporting circles, having
achieved great success in boxing.
Colin
Sharp and Betty Campbell are also names that spring
to mind for their accomplishments in the fields of business and
local government respectively.
However
diverse their talents, there is one noticeable factor in which
they all stand united. Their roots lay in Butetown and this is
something of which they are proud.
Indeed,
the community spirit of the people of Tiger Bay can be witnessed
on a daily basis at the Butetown Community Centre. As one member
of the community described it
"I
call the Community Centre Births, Deaths and Marriages - everything
goes on there" and indeed it does.
Everything
from Surestart through to Age Concern and a whole host of social
celebrations take place at the Butetown Community Centre.
It
is a community centre for a community
spirited people.
