History

HISTORY OF THE HFCO

The HFCO was formally founded on 14 September 1982 at an inaugural meeting held at Lonsdale Community Centre. The early 1980’s saw an upsurge of interest in ‘community’ and Hull CVS brought together a nucleus of six community groups which formed the Community Centres Forum, this in turn became the HFCO. Hull CVS serviced this group until the HFCO became independent when it obtained its own staff through an Inner City Grant in May 1985.

1949	ONE community centre in Hull. (North Hull, 37th Avenue)
1974	The newly established Humberside County Council substantially increases costs for community groups for use of schools.  Users seek alternative accommodation.
1979	THREE community centres in Hull. (37th Ave, Spring Bank, Mitchell)
1980	Hull CVS brings together a nucleus of six community groups to form the Community Centres Forum.  All wanted community buildings.  (Drypool Green, Orchard Park, Newington, Preston Road, Edinburgh Street, Coltman Area Residents Association).
1981	The Community Centres Joint Working Party is formed, involving the Community Centres Forum and the City and County Councils.
1982	Official inauguration of HFCO with a membership of six community associations.
1983	The City Council adopts its strategy for the Development of Community Facilities in consultation with the HFCO.  (Looking at providing 30 community centres across the city).
1992	10th Anniversary celebrated with Community Link Up Day
2001	HFCO becomes part of Community Matters Millennium Volunteer programme supporting young volunteers in several community centres.
2004	The Millennium Volunteer project continues for another two years involving additional community centres.
2004	Full time Community Centre Support Worker appointed through the National Lottery
2006	Hull City Council took over the funding of the Community Centre Support Worker.
2010	HFCO works in partnership with Hull City Council to establish service level agreements between HCC and 23 community centres.
2011	HFCO works in partnership with Hull City Council to develop a community centre strategy.