ICSS is Born - 1971 On the chilly winter evening of 10 February 117 member organisations joined ICSS in its 1971, Islington Council of Social Services first year, but individuals could also subscribe. (ICSS) was born at a meeting with 120 A look at the founding member organisations representatives filling the prestigious Council paints a picture of the local voluntary sector at Chamber of Islington Town Hall. The Mayor, that time (some of which had names that seem Councillor Robin Goodman, presided. outdated nowadays). It included voluntary organisations and charities working in the areas Its stated objectives were: of health and disability, children and young y To promote cooperation between the people, community relations, older people, voluntary and statutory services housing associations, welfare advice bodies y To stimulate voluntary effort in the borough and sports associations. But there were also y To provide a central information service faith bodies, and public sector agencies like y To provide a duplicating and secretarial education establishments, welfare, police and service for organisations without such probation services, not to mention – remarkably facilities – local branches of political parties. In addition, the Executive Committee had six nominees 1971 was a year of great change in the world. from Islington Council. (This format continued The digital age began with the invention of until 1975, and there were still two council the microprocessor, brutal conflicts in Asia nominees until 1999). and Africa led to an exodus of migrants seeking safety, Greenpeace was formed as environmental awareness grew and in the UK we moved to decimal currency. Celebrating 50 Years of Service 9