The Basilica Recreation Centre - Before and After----------------------------------------------------------- '"I shouldn't say we were bad, but we had fun. It wasn't always condoned fun. It wasn't things that we should have been doing. Every generation is the same,' Burke says, smiling at the mischievous nature of their former fun. "If ever there was a painting that exuded a subconscious laugh track it would be Burke's rendition of long time best pals Sharon Claybourne and Nadine MacMillian Moffat, who he captured at the height of a darned good laugh. 'They're all here and there's a strong bond among the people from the early days. When you meet anybody you still have a fondness in your heart for them. They're a very exceptional group,' said Nadine." BASILICA REC. CENTRE YOUTH GROUPS 1965-75 Gordie MacCarville grew up on and spent most of his early years at the Rec Centre. He was involved with many of the youth groups. He became a very popular teacher and was in involved in municipal politics as chair of the West Royalty Community council until West Royalty was amalgamated with the City of Charlottetown . I am indebted to Gordie for providing me with the following important information about the various youth groups that formed, their activities, and several interesting pictures. With large numbers of young people attracted to the newly built Basilica Recreation Centre, it became obvious that something had to be done to plan and organize events for the young people who flocked to the centre after school and on weekends. Rec. Centre manager Jack "Spy" Ready had provided the Senior Youth Lounge, the Junior Youth Lounge, and eventually a teen room. He also organized several after school and evening youth activities and programs with the assistance of two local school teachers, Stu McFadyen and Bill Mulligan . Stu and Bill assisted Ready with organizing and supervising many of these activities. At one point, Ready even bought several band instruments to establish a Basilica Rec Centre Marching Band. Unfortunately this was around the same time Colonel Gray was 46