It used to be a farm until 1949 when it was bequeathed for the benefit of the local community.

And the Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre located just off Magdalen Way in Gorleston still serves it to this day. 

Today we have delved into our archives and found a batch of old photos from a reporter's visit to the community facility in 1988.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Reporter Sandra Warren discusses the Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre with its members in 1988.Reporter Sandra Warren discusses the Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre with its members in 1988. (Image: Newsquest)

At the time the centre's organisers wanted to shake off the old-fashioned stereotype of youth clubs only offering pool tables and table tennis.

Instead, they promoted the centre as a modern facility ready for the 1990s. 

Beyond traditional activities, the youth club had computer and video equipment and offered all kinds of sports to its members.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Two boys sit at a computer in the technology room of the Shrublands Youth Centre in 1988.Two boys sit at a computer in the technology room of the Shrublands Youth Centre in 1988. (Image: Newsquest)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Members of the 221 ATC Squadron at work in the Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre in 1988.Members of the 221 ATC Squadron at work in the Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre in 1988. (Image: Newsquest)

But youngsters weren't the only beneficiaries of the facility. 

Clubs for adults included judo, weight-lifting, air rifle shooting and a range of education classes.

Screen printing, pottery and photography workshops were on the agenda for 1989.

The former farmhouse had a coffee bar area, pool room, lounge, craft space and photographic dark room.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Take aim! Members of the air weapons section practice their skills at the Shrublands Youth Centre, 1988.Take aim! Members of the air weapons section practice their skills at the Shrublands Youth Centre, 1988. (Image: Newsquest)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A member performs a chest fly on a bench at the gymnasium in the Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre in 1988.A member performs a chest fly on a bench at the gymnasium in the Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre in 1988. (Image: Newsquest)

There was a gymnasium and floodlit area for five-a-side football, netball and tennis while outbuildings provided facilities for the drama group.

Perhaps you used to go to the Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre in years gone by.

You might have sent your children there to enjoy the activities and facilities. 

Let us know your memories in the comments below.

For more old photos and articles about Norfolk history and heritage, subscribe to our fortnightly Through the Decades email newsletter. Sign up by clicking here.   

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A knotty problem for cubs at the Shrublands Youth Centre, 1988. A knotty problem for cubs at the Shrublands Youth Centre, 1988. (Image: Newsquest)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Members of the judo section perform a spectacular throw for our photographer at the Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre in 1988. Members of the judo section perform a spectacular throw for our photographer at the Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre in 1988. (Image: Newsquest)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Member of the singing and choir group at the Shrublands Youth Centre in 1988.Member of the singing and choir group at the Shrublands Youth Centre in 1988. (Image: Newsquest)