The 70th anniversary of the London Irish Centre is being remembered this month from the days it first opened as a hostel in Camden Town to help immigrants arriving in post-war Britain.
It was set up by a group of Catholic priests worried about the ill-prepared new arrivals.
They provided accommodation, welfare and employment support.
The centre became a registered charity in 1956 and has since grown into a major resource for the Irish community, including arts programmes and social activities.
The ‘home from home’ today provides support on issues like housing, debt and health, while offering a place of connection in London.
US Senator Ted Kennedy visited in 1964 to see plans for the JF Kennedy Memorial Hall to be built in the gardens, which opened to following year.
Hollywood superstar Bing Crosby visited in 1968 to discuss an appearance at a fundraising concert.
A 70th anniversary raffle is being organised to support those in need. Prizes include a backstage ‘meet and greet’ with Lewis Capaldi at his sold-out Dublin show, with two tickets, flights and hotel. The raffle closes midnight September 25.
Number 50 Camden Square was chosen in 1955 for its proximity to Euston where trains from the Holyhead ferry arrived with the immigrants. The Georgian building was purchased for £3,900.
By 1969, the Irish Centre Hostels was set up as a housing association, which charged just £2 a week for bed, breakfast and dinner.
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