IT LOOKS as if Maxine Charlett is about to be beaten up, despite the smile on her face.

In fact, nothing could be further from the truth – this was a scene enacted by girls in a drama group.

It was one of many activities on offer to the young Afro-Caribbean community at the Roots drop-in centre in Oxford.

The picture was taken when the Oxford Mail dropped into the group’s base on the site of the old South Oxford Middle School in Thames Street in 1986.

Roots had begun nine years earlier in what was described as a “sagging shack of a building’ in Turn Again Lane in St Ebbe’s.

But it all changed after a long period of fundraising, proper organisation and a move to new premises.

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Mail reporter Valerie Green wrote: “The drop-in centre has blossomed into a big community project with sound finance and a smart headquarters.

“The Afro-Caribbean community have got it buzzing with activity, as a part-time nursery, drama club, youth club, social skills centre, church meeting house and much more.

“At least 300 people use it regularly every week. It is one place where the young homeless, unemployed or disaffected can be sure of counselling, help with form filling, briefing on their rights, and firm direction into whatever mainstream part of the community can best serve their needs.

“It doesn’t aim to be a substitute for further education, career counselling or housing aid – it is far too small for that. But it does aim to be a channel to them.”

Oxford Mail:

The fact that Roots had survived and was flourishing surprised many people.

For 18 months, it was in limbo after its old base in St Ebbe’s were condemned and closed down.

It had become insanitary and younger members had upset neighbours with loud music.

But supporters were determined to keep the organising committee going until new headquarters could be found.

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Lobbying and fundraising started and in 1984, the keys to the old school were handed over, with Oxford City Council providing funds for a full-time coordinator, Valerie Ricketts, her assistant, Bob Evans, and youth worker Dolcie Obhiozele.

Mr Evans said after the reopening: “People now seem astonished when they find Roots is on the telephone and that we can even offer people lunch on the premises.”

Roots and all the services it offered provided much-needed help for a community which often faced difficulties in their future lives.

Let me know if you have any memories of Roots drop-in centre.