CAN you remember the heyday of the youth club?Today youngsters seem to lose their innocence all too quickly as they move swiftly from teens into adulthood and the world of pubs and clubs.

CAN you remember the heyday of the youth club?

Today youngsters seem to lose their innocence all too quickly as they move swiftly from teens into adulthood and the world of pubs and clubs.

But back in the 1960s and 1970s, youngsters would carry on attending youth clubs and meeting their old schoolfriends for a game of darts or snooker well into their early 20s.

Felixstowe man Tony Lazell is organising a reunion for people who attended Felixstowe Youth Club during those days.

"They were great times and the club was always packed – it would open every night of the week," said Mr Lazell.

"Friday was the main night when there would be football training, and then on Saturday nights there would be a dance. Sometimes the club even opened on Sunday, too."

The club, staffed by a full-time youth worker, was based in buildings on the Orwell High School campus and made regular use of the school sports hall.

Mr Lazell started going to the youth club when he was 16 or 17 and carried on attending until he was about 24. The club also had a junior section for those in their early teens.

"It was the place where you went to meet your friends, but there was always lots going on – darts, snooker, table tennis, shove ha'penny, records to listen to," said Mr Lazell, who works as a postman.

"I just think it would great to have a get together and share some memories of those times and see what people are up to now.

"I know quite a few people who used to go along are still living locally, but a lot of them will have moved to other parts of Suffolk or even further afield."

He is hoping to organise a weekend of events for June 13-15 next year and would like to hear from anyone attended the youth club during the 60s or 70s.

People should contact him on 01394 283531 or by email at t.lazell@btinternet.com