The Beginning
A vision that needed a home
In the late 1970s, leaders recognised the need for a permanent base — somewhere to run courses, host groups, and support youth development year after year. The Boys' Brigade North West District was growing, and with it the ambition to give young people a proper, purpose-built place to learn, train and adventure together.
What followed was a long, determined journey: fundraising, planning, and building in stages as resources allowed. It was never easy — but it was always purposeful.
"The Centre exists because people chose to build something that would outlast them."
The Journey
Key milestones
The Centre was never built all at once. Each step forward was earned — through determination, generosity, and practical hard work.
Late 1970s
The idea takes shape
District leaders recognised the need for a permanent training base. A formal scheme was drawn up and an appeal launched — moving the project from wish to work.
Early stages
Site secured and groundwork begins
Land was secured in Lancashire's countryside near Kirkham. Early works began — foundations laid, initial structures raised, and a vision becoming visible on the ground.
Building in stages
Facilities grow with resources
The sports hall frame went up. Buildings were moved to site. The camp kitchen and outdoor areas took shape. Every phase responded to real need, available funding, and practical opportunity.
Community and volunteers
Built by people who cared
Volunteer time and goodwill were as important as funding. Leaders and supporters gave their weekends, their skills, and their energy to something they believed in.
Ongoing
A living, growing centre
The Centenary Hall, the trim trail, the climbing wall, the archery range — each addition continued the same purpose: making it easier for groups to grow, learn and thrive.
What it took
The four pillars of the build
Vision & planning
A formal scheme and appeal gathered momentum, moving the project from ambition to action.
Fundraising
Determined fundraising across the district raised the resources to build in stages as opportunities arose.
Volunteer effort
Leaders, supporters and members gave time, skills and energy — the Centre was built by people who cared.
Practical building
Foundations, frames, kitchens and trails — each stage built to meet genuine need and serve real groups.
Building moved to site
Camp kitchen
Trim trail
Archive
From groundwork to a working centre
A few snapshots from the build and early years.
Foundations laid
Building moved to site
Sports hall frame
Early camp kitchen
Anchor feature
Trim trail
Legacy
Why it still matters
The Centre exists because people chose to build something that would outlast them — a practical, welcoming base for training, adventure and community. Every improvement since has continued that same purpose: making it easier for groups to grow, learn, and thrive.
Today the Centre serves youth groups, schools, churches, sports teams and community organisations across the North West and beyond — fulfilling exactly the vision those early leaders had in the late 1970s.
To God be the Glory.
Come and see for yourself
The best way to understand what was built here is to bring your group and experience it.
Explore the site
Read about the Centenary Hall, the sports barn, the activities and everything the Centre offers today.