Youth Service pioneer sadly passes away

WELL known Lisburn man Mayne Harshaw passed away on May 2, surrounded by his family.

Mayne was for many years a well known and respected figure in the Northern Ireland Youth Service. Following his education at Friends’ School in Lisburn, his early career began with the National Council of YMCA, London. He was posted to Ghana, West Africa in 1950. There the first tentative steps were taken to establish an indigenous YMCA training leadership structure, making use of buildings previously used by the Forces during their time spent delivering welfare.

Upon his return in 1954, Mayne was appointed the National Secretary for the YMCA in Ireland. Mayne’s work continued where he set about changing old buildings to create new facilities for young people – with only meagre resources, his approach was always innovative. An outdoor pursuit facility was built in Newcastle, Co. Down and an activity centre was built on the Lagan at Newforge Lane.

Mayne recognised the need for youth facilities during the long summer holidays and in 1962, organised the first Holiday Play Scheme in Rathcoole, employing teachers and making use of school facilities.

This initiative quickly spread to Finaghy and Lisburn and was subsequently adopted by the Boards and Councils throughout Northern Ireland.

In 1970, Mayne became a Youth Officer, first with the County Antrim Education Committee and later with the North East Education and Library Board. Civil unrest, often involving young people on the streets brought the need for youth provision into sharp focus. For years, resources became available on a scale never before or since enjoyed and Mayne had the experience and drive to take full advantage. Mayne oversaw the building or renovation of 14 youth centres, 11 youth wings at schools and three residential centres. During his time in office, Youth Service in the area grew from nil to 53 statutory youth clubs and some 600 registered voluntary groups.

As a fitting acknowledgement of his contribution to the development of the Youth Service, Mayne was appointed a Member of the British Empire in the 1985 Honours List. In addition to his commitment to the YMCA, he served as an Elder - first in Hillsborough and then in West Church, Ballymena.

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