- United Reformed Church

Chris Merrick (2nd from left) with some members of the Saints Youth Club

In the 60's , to meet the needs of the community , Lea Road opened its doors to local youngsters who had no links with the Church. A group of young people were supported by older members who manned a coffee bar. It was called the Saints Club.

Rapidly developing from one night into four nights a week , the club soon needed a full time paid leader. The Saints was to run for 30 years. Activities included drama, dancing, photography,cooking, sport, and music.

Wokshop space was set up for basic woodwork,metalwork& car maintainance.

Daytime workshops were set up offering various craft and educational skills and child care training for young mothers. An afternoon club was established to meet the needs of the young unemployed.

During the years of high unemployment for the unskilled, the Saints Club responded by opening all day .

The project was offering employment training, support & counselling long before these were provided by central Government and the outstanding leader, Chris Merrick was awarded the M.B.E. for her services to the young people of Penn Fields and beyond.