At a retirement presentation attended by YMCA Norfolk board members, church and civic leaders and his family, John’s role in building up the organization to where it is today was publicly acknowledged.

 

YMCA Norfolk patrons’ chairman, the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James, paid tribute: “There is much to admire, appreciate, honour and cherish for all John has done for people in need across the city and county. Everyone can see that it is John’s faith that helps brings hope and renewal to people’s lives.

 

“All of John’s passion will go on to Tim along with a wonderful inheritance of a dynamic and forward-looking organization.”

 

YMCA Norfolk President, Richard Jarrold, said: “John has done an enormous job for the YMCA in the county. When he first came it was in a financially parlous state. He has since built up strong finances and built up the work, laying good foundations for the future. In John’s time, the organisation has expanded from just being in Norwich to stretch right across the county from Great Yarmouth to King’s Lynn and Thetford.”

 

YMCA Norfolk Chairman, David Ingham, said: “John has united those with faith and those with none. He has done more than just talk the talk – he has lived out his faith and his legacy is a superb new Central Norwich YMCA. He will be a very tough act to follow.”

 

At the presentation on July 16, John said: “I consider service a duty, a privilege and an honour and my Christian faith demands both action and a response. The commitment of my children Fergus and Hannah and my wife Barbara has been vital to me and I leave the YMCA in good hands with a strong board, staff and new leadership.”

 

Taking over from John as Chief Executive, is Tim Sweeting, 32, who was Development and Partnership Manager at West London YMCA. He also holds several national posts within the YMCA movement.

 

Tim, who is a graduate of the University of East Anglia, said: “I am really excited by the opportunity to lead YMCA Norfolk forward and build on the great work John has done. I am passionate about delivering the highest quality outcomes for young people and I eagerly anticipate working with the trustees, staff and key stakeholders to achieve this in a way that retains YMCA distinctiveness.”

 

YMCA Norfolk today employs over 120 staff and works not only to support and house homeless young men and women, but also in pastoral care in schools, faith development, outreach work and personal development training. In January 2009, a new £3m Central YMCA opened in Norwich city centre providing accommodation for 34 young people.

Pictured top is John Drake (second right), with Richard Jarrold, Bishop Graham James and David Ingham. Pictured above is John with his successor Tim Sweeting.