Tomorrow, this neighborhood house in Val-d'Oise celebrates its 50th anniversary

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She was not there at the opening of the Louvrais neighborhood center, in Pontoise (Val-d'Oise), but she is the one who knows its history best.

Director of the socio-cultural center since 1997, Nathalie Legall has seen three generations of members pass through and many were already there when the equipment in the Louvrais district was launched.

“When it was launched, the neighborhood center offered up to 40 workshops and activities, from wood carving to printing. There was even a motorcycle club,” explains the current manager, who regrets this era, which has since moved on to digital technology and consumerism.

Launched in 1975

50 years ago, the social connection space was a must in the city.

Officially opened on November 15, 1974the Louvrais house was actually put into service in January 1975 and it began by operating with two animators and a secretary.

The objective was to make the social space, “a place for the emergence of ideas where its organizers would advocate total freedom of expression”, we note in the November 22, 1974 edition of L'Écho de Cergy-Pontoise, about the desired destination of the neighborhood facility created in the emerging city of Louvrais, which should be able to have a community living space.

“It is not a question of creating a club space, but a lively and real meeting place” we also warned at the time.

It’s still the neighborhood house!

In its early days, the space had a daycare for children from two months to five years old.

“The crèche was not yet municipalized and it was the neighborhood center that provided childcare. »

The current K'fête was also launched in 1989, under the leadership of the team of volunteers.

The dynamic is preserved. “Even if the commitment is less strong on the part of the public, for many it is still the neighborhood house,” notes Nathalie Legall. Exchange, listening, support, are still there.

Half a century later, community life is still as active there. Under the administration of the Aquarel association, more than 80 volunteers carry out the daily activities.

Friday November 15, at 6:30 p.m., welcome and stroll through the memory box. Retrospective photos, settings, clips to rediscover the moments that have marked the place since 1974. Saturday November 16, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., various creative, artistic and fun activities, then cabaret at 8:30 p.m. Sunday November 17, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., exhibition of the sewing workshop and fashion show at 6 p.m. followed by the inauguration of the 50th anniversary canvas, at 6:30 p.m. A symbolic and commemorative work by members of the Atelier association.

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