Norwegian YWCA (KFUK), which opened in London in 1908, will celebrate its centenary on 12 – 13 of April. HH Princess Astrid, Mrs Ferner, who is a patron of the YWCA, will visit London in connection with the celebrations.
For a hundred years the YWCA has been a meeting point for Norwegian youths in the capital. The home first opened in 1908 by the wife of the then vicar at the Norwegian Seamen’s Church, Mrs Magda Hornemann, to provide a decent home for Norwegian housemaids who travelled to London to find work. In 1912, the organisation was able to rent a house in Red Lion Square, before settling in at Clifton Gardens in 1914. However, in 1938 a bigger place was needed, and they relocated again, this time to Holland Park, where the YWCA still is today. As well as providing a home for both male and female students and young professionals, the house is also a meeting point for Norwegians and offers a traditional Norwegian menu every day of the week.
The centenary will be marked by a special programme on Saturday 12 April, when the YWCA will be open to the public from 11am, with a separate evening programme commencing at 6.30pm. On Sunday 13 April there will be a special service at the Norwegian Church in London.
12 – 13 April
Norwegian Y.W.C.A
52 Holland Park
London W11 3RS
Opening ceremony at Holland Park in 1938. Photo: Ethel Barker