Retiring leader playedbig part in young lives

FERNHURST Youth Club has said goodbye to valued volunteer Graham Inns.
Fernhurst Youth Club says goodbye to valued volunteer Graham InnsFernhurst Youth Club says goodbye to valued volunteer Graham Inns
Fernhurst Youth Club says goodbye to valued volunteer Graham Inns

After 15 years with the club, Graham said ill health had forced him to retire from a role he had enjoyed.

He first stepped in when the youth club was having a problem finding leaders. He was one of a group of six who decided to help but only two managed to stay the course.

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Trained by West Sussex Youth Service, he became the leader and gained an NVQ2 in youth leadership in 2002.

He said: “It was quite hard work, not having taken exams for a long time. But it was worth it.”

Now grown up, the children who went through the club then often tell Graham how much fun they had and how important it was in their lives. He said he felt very proud and enjoyed it when they called at his house for a chat.

Graham put a lot of effort into fundraising, redecorating and upgrading the building, which is owned by the youth club. He was also the first leader to take young members away for a weekend, which for several was the first time they had been away from home.

Graham will continue voluntary public service as a Fernhurst parish councillor, the Hyde Group residents’ representative and helping with digital training for older people.