Many people support the odd charity here and there, but one Norfolk family has been supporting the same county-based organization, YMCA Norfolk, for over 150 years. Keith Morris reports.

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The Jarrold family, famous for its book printing, retailing, property management and philanthropy, can trace its support for the local Christian charity back to its foundation in 1856.

And today, through the John Jarrold Trust , it has continued that support through a generous donation of £25,000 towards the £1m still needed to pay for 40 new flats for homeless young people on Bethel Street in Norwich .

YMCA Norfolk has just launched an appeal to raise the last part of funding for the £4.2m project just as work has begun on site.

With both Caroline Jarrold and YMCA Norfolk president, Richard Jarrold, both patrons of the appeal, one of the first to contribute was the John Jarrold Trust, the charitable arm of Jarrold & Sons Ltd .

Jarrold brothers Thomas, William, John James and Samuel were among the 48 founding members of what was the City of Norwich YMCA , back in 1856. In fact, the very first meeting of the Association took place on what is now the site of Jarrolds Book Department.

The family’s connections with the YMCA have continued since then and included sponsoring a bazaar and garden party in 1892, providing a meeting place for the YMCA above its Cromer store in 1910 and in 1928 supporting a week of fundraising activities right across Norwich.

John Jarrold Trust secretary, Caroline, unearthed a programme for the 1928 event while researchers were archiving family material.

“It was printed by Jarrolds and contained several adverts for the store,” she said. “It also outlines fundraising events such as a flannel dance, an open-air whist drive, a grand auction, a concert and dancing display and a self-denial day, when citizens were urged to refrain from smoking, sweets, theatre and the pictures.”

The programme describes Norwich YMCA as “offering accommodation first class in every way. And any young man entering the city without a friend is speedily put in that atmosphere of hearty welcome which banishes the gloom of leaving home.”

It goes on to say: “If you are lonely, if you feel no zest for life, if your senses of the world’s good things is dulled, this place means everything to you.

Richard said: “That was back at a time when most of the leading citizens of Norwich would have been supporting the YMCA in one way or another.”

Back in 1970, the John Jarrold Trust supported a £75,000 appeal for the St Giles YMCA accommodation and so it seems appropriate that 40 years later it should also be one of the first to support the current appeal.

Last year, the Trust contributed towards the Central YMCA building and now a £25,000 gift has enabled the current appeal to get off to a good start.

“The old building on Bethel Street is worn out and not suitable for modern accommodation,” said Richard. “The new development will provide much better accommodation and help the young people to become good citizens.

“The YMCA needs generous support to ensure that this important work can go forward successfully. “

The Christian ethos of the YMCA is also important to Richard: “I believe that the Christian tradition is a good philosophy of life and the YMCA holds to it without forcing it upon people. With Christian leadership, it does help with the way that young people are treated.”

YMCA Norfolk CEO Tim Sweeting, said: “The YMCA in Norfolk has always had strong community support. The Jarrold family has led the way in this regard, having been instrumental in the foundation and ongoing well-being of the Association. We are extremely thankful for their wide ranging support.”

For more details of the current appeal, contact Susie Knights on 07967 741103 or susieknights@ymca-norfolk.org.uk or visit www.ymca-norfolk.org.uk