History

HYPeR is more than just the town centre youth venue for under 18s in Harrogate. This page outlines the birth of the vision and much of the work since 1997.

A few lines about how Harrogate Young People's Rendezvous was set up.

The Vision:
The Harrogate Young People's Rendezvous was born out of a concern expressed by many people, both inside and outside of the Church, parents and youth workers. It was recognized that our young people want to be in town, having a good night out, meeting and mixing across age groups, away from the parent's watchful eyes. The Vision was born of the desire to offer them somewhere of accepted credibility, a 'safe' environment free from drugs, tobacco and alcohol.

The team in 1997 knew that the project was ambitious - and the potential benefits to the next generation are inestimable and worthy of our combined resources.

We hope that you will catch this vision and be ager to help with this project. We're always delighted to hear from anyone suitably gifted who could feel able to offer some kind of support to this valuable work.

The Venue:
The former Salvation Army Citadel has been leased to us as a base for our club; it's just a couple of minutes from Harrogate town centre across from the railway station. This sets the place amongst the local night-clubs, offering a good location and events of an attractive nature. Our aim was to offer:

• A venue open to those aged 13 - 18.
• A non alcoholic bar and snacks.
• Pool / snooker and social venue.
• The chance of an active roll in the management of future events.
• Live bands and professional disco.
• Low cost membership and entry fee.

Young people will quickly see that they can have a good time without the use of drugs or alcohol.

The original cost:
A project of this size needs regular financial support. One way in which you can help is by making regular payments by direct debit or standing order. With charitable status, we are able to claim tax back making your gift worth even more. (Awaiting ref #). The Harrogate Young People's Rendezvous can accept donations through the "Gift aid Scheme". We hold an AGM every year at which you can share ideas, news and suggestions for the further work of this project.

Please do whatever you can to help.

How did HYPeR come about?
Major alterations and a bar were installed before the grand opening.

Every parent knows that dangers exist for young people - we read about them and see images of them every day in our papers and on the TV. With the growing maturity of teenagers, it is often difficult to tell the difference between a 12 year old child and an 18 year old adult. Modern times, and an increased access to information and bad influences have bred attitudes in our young people which were unheard of only a few years ago.

Our society offers drugs, alcohol, and tobacco to anyone, regardless of age, who is willing to pay the asking price. Even our schools are not free from people who seek to supply drugs and other harmful substances to our young people.

We believe that the Harrogate Young People's Rendezvous will offer a place in which our children will be free from such damaging influences.

We do everything in our power to prevent drugs, alchohol and tobacco from entering our premises.

Conversion pics

The front of HYPeR in 2001

This is what the alcohol free bar looked like before alterations! The bar now also serves hot drinks and snacks

This is the drop in centre, open during the early evening. It could be the place to meet after school before Mum and Dad get home from work. Snacks and drinks are available from the bar

Hard to imagine! This was the stage for all the gigs and events held at HYPeR. before the revamp to the current "Night club" style lighting and sound gear.

HYPeR in action

Up to date pictures awaited