The Campaign
For a hundred years The Florence Institute, or the Florrie as it is
affectionally known by locals, continued to serve the young working
and unemployed youth of the area.
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The Florrie 2004
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In later years fundings were withdrawn
and the Florrie withered on the branch.Despite the efforts of the
local community the Florrie was eventually sold in 1987 and its management,
The Florence Institute Incorporated Company, dissolved in 1988 with
the intention that the charitable work should be continued by another
body.Unfortunately this never happened and the building has been neglected,
a target for vandalism, arsonists and the elements.
In the intervening years the local
community have formed a pressure group, 'The Friends of the Florrie'
to work with all the agencies and stakeholders to redevelop the Florrie
into a multi-ethnic community centre for all ages and abilities.
In the last few years the group have
started the formation of the new Florrie company, held monthly public
meetings and made contact with former Florrie members throughout the
world via their new website.
The Liverpool Daily Post & Echo have publicised their efforts
in the 'Stop the Rot' campaign and they have been supported by Bishop
of Liverpool, Rev. James Jones, Gerry Marsden, pop star and former
Florrie member, and Sir John B.Hall, great grandson of the founder.
Tom Calderbank, former Project
Manager
As Tom Calderbank came to the
end of his contract as Project Manager he posed the question:
"What benefits would a ‘New Florrie’ bring?"
"First,it would deal with a present
problem, i.e. the derelict building and its environment. A New Florrie
would help improve local pride, self-esteem and quality of life. It
would enhance and improve the lives of thousands of local people,
especially the young and old. It will be a Capital of Local Culture
in time for 2008.
My challenge now is for all agencies
who care about the communities of Dingle,Granby and the wider Liverpool
areas,to come together in a spirit of co-operation, with a ‘can-do’
attitude, and help make this priceless project happen".
The Florence Institute Board of Trustees
thank Tom for all his efforts and look forward to working with Tom
as he continues in his support of the project as a Friend of the Florrie
volunteer.
Want to be a Florrie volunteer?
Anyone can volunteer to make
a visible difference to this community building.It's about
getting out there and actively making a
difference, giving your time to provide practical assistance, rather
than waiting for something to happen.
Getting involved
You can meet new people, make new friends, learn new skills, make
sustainable improvements to the lives and issues you care about and
feel great!
Join
in by registering here or call in at the Toxteth Town Hall,
and ask for Denise Devine or Jim Brade.
As the re-furbishment work is set
in motion there will be construction jobs, and when that work is complete,
then there will be other employment opportunities.
This is a once in a lifetime chance to bring the'Heritage Industry'
onto Mill Street and into the hands of grass-roots people in the year
of 'Capital of Culture 2008'.
