1915

1915 The Institute reported a successful year, with the senior football team ‘Dingle’ winning the Championship, and the boxing class showing ‘extraordinary zeal’. The social room games of ping-pong, bagatelle, draughts, ‘Happy Family’ and Quoits proved as popular as ever, and the conduct of members was, as ever, a particular point of pride. This seemed […]

1914

1914 The outbreak of the First World War did not appear to have a significant effect on the membership of the Institute, although the Committee reflected ‘In one way we have been hard hit, and that is in the loss, for a time at any rate, of a very large number of those who have […]

1913

1913 This year the Institute focussed on formalising their efforts to help members obtain employment, becoming closely in touch with the Head of the Juvenile Employment Exchange on Fraser St. A Telegraphy class was launched during the winter months, taught by volunteer Mr A.R. Ward of the GPO, ‘As a considerable number of our members […]

1912

1912 Thankfully, attendance was again well maintained this year, with most members present on a regular basis, with the index card scheme now yielded detailed statistical information about attendance.  ‘In the past we have often felt how little we have been able to do for the merely casual member, who soon drifts away before any […]

1911

1911 Attendance at the Institute was well maintained this year, and the Committee hoped that the new card registration system would soon provide proper statistics regarding members’ attendance. This was a relief for the Institute in light of more amusements in the neighbourhood, particularly animated pictures, which were real competition for the attentions of members. […]

1910

1910 The Florence Institute was open 154 times this year, with an average monthly membership of 341. This year saw the introduction of the index card method of registration, and the purchase of a much sought-after billiard table. In addition, the Lending Library was now open two nights a week. Modelled on the public library, […]

1908

1908 The Twentieth Annual Report lamented a decline in members due to effective competition from other Institutes, local churches and evening education classes, which most members attended three times a week. Despite this, they still paid the full price of their subscription to The Florence, which would eventually take its toll on their resources. Furthermore, […]

1907

1907 1907-8 saw a rise in subscriptions, and the Committee took very seriously the benevolent influence the Institute had over the boys of the neighbourhood:  ‘The boys are a very deserving class and pay for the privileges they enjoy. If they had not such Institutes, where they spend their evenings in a sensible and manly […]

1905

1905 This year saw the very first gathering of The Florence Institutes ‘Old Boys’, with 250 in attendance. ‘Many of the old members expressed their delight at meeting former comrades after not seeing them for several years and hoped that the reunion would become an annual fixture’. Over 115 years later, the Institute remains incredibly proud […]

1904

1904 The noble art of self-defence and boxing maintained its popularity throughout the season, with members outweighing room capacity. It appears the popularity was down to an experienced member becoming the boys’ instructor. Unfortunately, there’s no record of his name, only accolades of his efforts and relative success. Whilst swimming remained an important and vital […]