By MAGGIE GIBSON IT was the swinging sixties and teenagers living in Wisbech were certainly making an impact on the town. Wisbech Youth Club, which met in the Hill Street Centre, published its first official magazine called Impact in August 1963. Its aim

By MAGGIE GIBSON

IT was the swinging sixties and teenagers living in Wisbech were certainly making an impact on the town.

Wisbech Youth Club, which met in the Hill Street Centre, published its first official magazine called Impact in August 1963. Its aim was "to give a reflection of a group of intelligent, responsible and happy youngsters".

Cliff Richard was back in the charts, The Beatles had sold a quarter of a million copies of 'She Loves Me' before its release and Freddie and the Dreamers were following their first big success with a second one called 'I'm Telling You Now".

The youth club gang are now hoping to organise a reunion and want to contact former youth club members and others who may have taken part in team games and activities.

Youth Club member Trevor Smith who now lives in Norwich was the magazine's features editor and is keen to hear from other members. Another member of the editorial team was Barry Dennis who did go on to be a journalist. The magazine was edited by Hugh MacDougall.

Other 'reporters' included Sandra Wright, Colin Gant, J A Goodrum, Maggie Clark, Pete Vine, Linda Vallers, Dell Skelton and Pat Clarke. Assistant youth leader Alan Powers took on the role of photographer.

The magazine was sold for sixpence and sold several hundred copies each time and covered various subjects including fashion, music and sport.

In the second issue the editor did apologise for some teething problems but said his staff was getting into the swing of things. He said: "Please remember, they are just ordinary teenagers in pursuit of a goal - to show local people the sturdy stuff youngsters are made of today."

Some former club members do get together each year but it is hoped to organise a much bigger reunion this year.

Mr Smith who has a photograph of the front cover of the September 1963 magazine said: "We are looking for anyone who is in this photo, or anyone who knows anyone in this photo. Also any others who went to Wisbech Youth Club in the 60s.

"We are also looking for anyone who played football for Wisbech Youth Club or any other local teams in the 60s such as Fen Stars, Nene Rovers, Wisbech Rovers, Metal Box, Park Rangers, Alfred House, Wisbech Dynamos, Wisbech Town or Town Reserves. Please get in touch with us, it will be great to meet up with all our old friends from the 60s, the more the merrier."

n If you have any information or want to attend the reunion, Tel or text 07765531109 or email curry-smith@tiscali.co.uk

You can also send or take letters addressed to Mr Smith to our Wisbech office at 34 Market Place, Wisbech, PE13 1DP