Princess Anne opened the new Catacombs Youth Centre in St Ebbes in Oxford

There was added joy when the Rector of St Aldate’s, Canon Keith de Berry, announced that the £60,000 target for the building, after months of fundraising, had been reached.

More than 70 youth club members were inside the building in Littlegate Street in June 1972 when the Princess, wearing a light beige fabric coat and broad-rimmed brown velour hat, arrived.

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She was welcomed by Canon de Berry, who described the new centre as “a monument to generosity and to answered prayer”.

There was applause when he said: “We reached the £60,000 target yesterday.”

The Princess said that to build a new club was no easy undertaking.

“It takes energy, enthusiasm and stamina – all these traits have been very much in evidence here.

“Everybody is to be congratulated on the completion of this project. I’m sure that membership will continue to increase and all concerned will be greatly encouraged by the new building and facilities.”

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After unveiling a plaque, she toured the building and chatted to members who were demonstrating their club’s numerous activities.

Over tea in a marquee behind the club, the Princess met more young people who were presented to her by club leader John Bird and Canon de Berry.

Guests at the ceremony included the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Alderman and Mrs Arthur Conners, the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Colonel John Thomson, and Lady Thomson, and the Dean of Christ Church, the Very Rev H Chadwick, who had earlier dedicated the building.

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The young people’s reaction was summed up by 15-year-old Heather Austin, who said: “I was quite nervous at first, but the Princess was very nice.”

Apart from leisure activities, the youth centre devoted much time to help youngsters who had been unable to find jobs. Any memories of the Catacombs? Let me know.