YMCA is inviting fans of military history to a day of talks looking back at its involvement in supporting troops and civilians during World War One.
The world’s oldest and largest youth charity played an important role in the conflict, offering sustenance to troops on the frontline and helping relatives of injured soldiers in France.
This ‘Day School’, on Thursday 19 November, will look specifically at the work of YMCA India and other YMCAs across the empire. Discussions will include how YMCA India helped Indian troops on the Western Front and the work of the Australian YMCA in service to Australian Jewish Soldiers.
It will go ahead at the Indian YMCA, in Fitzroy Square, central London from 9.30am to 4pm.
Guest speakers include Dr Clyde Binfield OBE, from the University of Sheffield; Dr Mohan Varughese, from Mar Thoma College, in southern India; Dr Ailsa Ferguson Grant, from the University of Brighton; Dr Jonathan Lewis, from the University of London; and Dr Emma Hanna.
Ken Montgomery, Head of International Affairs at YMCA England, said: “We are immensely proud at YMCA to have provided support to both troops and civilians on such a global scale in World War One.
“For an organisation with such humble beginnings in Victorian London, we have expanded the world over and this talk at the Indian YMCA show just how far travelled our organisation has become.
“I would invite anyone with an interest in YMCA or military history in general to come along to this event and learn how the world’s oldest youth charity played such an integral role in supporting troops in the Great War.”
Tickets can be booked online at https://bit.ly/1KRMIQk
ENDS
For interviews or more information, please speak to Andrew Mortimer, YMCA England Communications Manager, at Andrew.mortimer@england.ymca.org.uk or call 020 7186 9543.
Notes to Editors:
- Founded in 1844, YMCA in England is made up of 114 member YMCAs working to ensure that young people have opportunities to thrive and contribute positively to their communities.
- YMCA operates in over 530 different communities in England impacting upon the lives of over 600,000 people every year.
- YMCAs provide almost 10,000 beds for young people every night. YMCA is the largest voluntary sector provider of safe, supported accommodation for young men and women.
- YMCA enables nearly 43,000 people every year to engage in education, skills and training to enable them to improve their opportunities in the job market.
- YMCA is the largest voluntary sector provider of health and wellbeing services promoting physical activity.