1844

The first Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) was formed by George Williams in St Paul's churchyard in the heart of London.

1847

Derby YMCA is founded – one of the first YMCAs in the world outside London. Dr Ogle is one of the leading figures in the Association's early years.

1851

The Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in London proved to be a milestone in the YMCA's history as publicity leaflets distributed at the time helped to develop links with other countries.

1855

The World Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Associations is established at the first International Conference of the movement, held in Paris.

1874

Derby YMCA is put on a firmer footing under the presidency of Mr H H Bemrose JP.

1892

1894

The YMCA movement had become so significant that its 50th anniversary was marked with George Williams receiving a knighthood from Her Majesty Queen Victoria and the Freedom of the City of London. Sir George died in 1905 and was laid to rest in the crypt at St Paul's Cathedral.

1914

During World War I, the British YMCA extended its work across the Channel to support the troops. YMCA huts provided soldiers with food, drink and free writing paper and envelopes.

1932

The YMCA launched two initiatives to help tackle rising unemployment: British Boys for British Farms, which placed unemployed young men as agricultural workers on farms; and an Employment Department, which found jobs for 38,000 ex-servicemen.

1945

The YMCA continued its war work and mobile canteens were introduced to bring refreshments to the troops.

1959

A government report was published on the need for better leisure facilities for teenagers. As a result, many YMCAs began youth clubs to help young people with their personal development through recreation, leisure and informal education.

1967

Derby YMCA moved to Devonshire House, a new building on London Road in Wilmorton, Derby. The new building was officially opened on 10th April 1967 by the Duke of Devonshire. YMCA Derbyshire is still based on the same site today – although the original building was demolished in 2008 to make space for the new Campus for Learning and Development.

1970

The YMCA George Williams College was established to provide professional training for youth workers. It remains today one of the leading training colleges for those working in informal education.

1980

YMCA Training for Life was launched which would result in the creation of YMCA Training - one of the UK's leading vocational training organisations.

1984

A new residential block, Hilton Court, is opened on Derby YMCA's London Road site by Her Royal Highness The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon.

1994

The YMCA began work in prisons and young offenders institutions. Today, the YMCA's Prisons Unit works with around 5,000 young people a year, helping them to find accommodation and jobs on their release.

2004

Derby YMCA is renamed YMCA Derbyshire to reflect our growth and also to encompass our activities across the county.

2005

The 150th Anniversary of the World Alliance of YMCAs, culminating with a global event in Mumbai, India from 17th - 22nd August 2005 on the theme 'Celebrating, envisioning and building peace with justice.'

2009

New YMCA Derbyshire centres are opened in Alfreton and Ilkeston. YMCA Derbyshire's offices in Chesterfield are moved to Field House in Wheatbridge, from where a new Furniture Project is launched.