Berkshire Youth Memories

20 January 2021

As part of our #BY80 80th birthday celebration, Peter Trentham, ex Chairman of Berkshire Association of Boys’ Clubs in the 1980s, has shared some of his memories.

“I was very much involved with BABC as Chairman in the early 80s having taken over from John Fowles. My tenure of six years being a part of the Association was an amazing experience…

The club leaders (over 100 clubs) were always so enthusiastic for their clubs, the management team too under Ray Tapken were incredible – their time and encouragement to Berkshire young people was unstoppable. The awarding of the MBE to Ray was a huge reward for his total dedication.

So many of the boys from right across Berkshire benefited from BABC and were grateful for the many opportunities given, be they in sport, events, the arts or to have just some where to go to meet up with their pals.

During this time at the Association I was lucky to work with Jim Leftwich and Gillette – his company gave huge financial support, including an office in the tower and many hours of personal help from Jim.

During my Chairmanship years I was so fortunate to host the visit of HRH The Duke of Gloucester in 1982 who was President of the National Association. What a day! We were helicoptered and driven around the county visiting clubs with them, as well as the Gillette office for lunch with the Lord Lieutenant, Mayor of Slough and members of many other boys clubs.”

Thank you so much to Peter for taking the time to share these happy memories with us.