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Partnership: Mr Clark (left) will take over the running of the club following Mr Redman's death

The caretaker manager of Borehamwood's Brookside Boys' Club has confirmed it will remain open despite the death of founder Henry Redman.

Dick Clark, who worked with Mr Redman for 43 years, said this week that he would be taking on the day-to-day running of the centre, in Buckton Road.

Mr Redman opened the club in 1965 and since then thousands of youngsters have used its sports and recreation facilities.

He died on March 14 at the age 88.

It is one of the last remaining youth clubs in the Borehamwood area and received grants of more than £7,000 last December to keep it open.

Mr Clark said: "I shall take over as club leader and will carry on the running of the club.

"It would not be fair to Henry's memory to say we're packing things up and leaving. I believe you can't let something like the club go, otherwise it would probably close, be knocked down and have flats built over it.

"My wife Vera already helps at the club and my son will be helping us also."

He said an annual general meeting would be organised after Mr Redman's funeral has taken place on Tuesday April 1.

The club will continue to open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for the foreseeable future.

Mr Clark added: "One thing we will be getting is new astroturf for the pitch at the back of the club, hopefully in May.

"This is something that we had been planning for a while and it's a shame that Henry will not be able to see this. I will continue with the club for as long as I can and I don't know when I'll retire.

"Henry said every year since the age of 65 that he would retire soon, but he didn't because he loved the place so much."

Councillor Ernie Butler said the club's long-term future may depend on younger members coming forward to join its committee.

He said: "Hopefully Brookside has got a good future and the club is now working with the county council to make sure that it gets long-term funding.

"I'm sure it will flourish as the kids love it and the unique thing about it is that it has older leaders and young people who mix well together and respect each other."

8:15am Thursday 27th March 2008

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