Tuesday 30th August at 8am the lovely Donna from Haven Wellbeing Centre in Columbia kicked off a brilliant week, Marion tells us, when she arrived with a donation of a new Dolce Gusto coffee maker and pod stand, sandwich maker and food dicer. Sadly, due to the current climate they are having to close down but on a positive note they will be using Columbia Community Centre to deliver certain sessions. ‘We are grateful beyond words.’ says Marion
Liam and Stu are here to prepare and re-hang the doors. They will need to be primed and painted and new hinges. The lads were so full of life, singing and dancing to the music while working , that Marion had the cheek to wonder if Liam had been sipping the wine he won on the Hamper Raffle. Gasp! Then, a bit of bad news: CCA’s treasurer Pauline has tested positive for Covid. Another gasp, and wishes for a quick recovery from the team at Frost.
It seems all the free crockery has gone, thanks to social media. Red Shoes Bob will be moving the fridge and freezer before Thursday, though the kettle will remain in the office as it’s always on the boil for anyone who pops in. Beautiful pottery was created by the children who received free bags courtesy of Andrew Leach from MBC Arts Wellbeing.
Marion wanted Frost Magazine to emphasis tthe CCA’s gratitude that so many wonderful people have come into the CCA’s lives, – each and every one of them has been the cream of the crop, and: ‘Every one of them will remain our friends for life and always welcome at the centre. Our christmas card list will stretch from here to Newcastle by the end.’ Marion says. ‘ Oh, and by the way, Dianne is on Library duty ensuring that the fabulous novels we have for hire by Margaret Graham are all accounted for, as they are being borrowed like hot cakes. That’s great, as long as you say where Marion can find you and ‘Margaret’.
Margaret, author, BAD girl, and editor of Frost Magazine, says, ‘I will be up with more books, some by me, but as I review books by other authors I have these to share with the CCA too.’
At last, Thursday arrived, and danger -“Men at work”. Liam and Justin did a mighty good job of dismantling the kitchen, and Phil the Plumber did what Plumbers do and it’s service with a smile.
Marion is so delighted. ‘We have waited so long and at last it’s all happening around us and we are all so happy. Bingo ladies are having a day off today, they tell me they wouldn’t be able to hear the numbers shouted out for the noise but they would have enjoyed the eye candy – Girls that’s naughty (but nice)’
Marion tells us that the CCA have nothing but praise for these lads from Equan, they haven’t stopped all day, even washed the floor all ready for the joiner the next day. Then with the smooth came the rough. The emergency lights came on in the midst of a power cut. But why the power cut? After several phone calls a charming chap called Chris (Marion tells us – what is she like?!) telephoned to say he was on his way. It transpired the RCD had tripped. Now Marion knowswhat to lookout for if it happens again, so frankly, says Margaret. Marion won’t have to call out the charming Chris, so very there.
Marion reports that new kitchen is fabulous and so much is down to the skill of the men doing the refurb, plus – dare she says they are all so easy on the eye. She also says that ‘Margaret Graham will say I am Bad but Margaret Graham is not here but I bet she wishes she was. (She does) Then along came Ross to help with the handles.’
Liam Ross Supervisor
‘Linda arrived with delicious home baked Lemon cake (now the work has stopped)’ Marion said, ‘But they deserve a treat.’
‘That’s a rap,’ said Marion. ‘Roll on my next report, as we show off our doors and new kitchen.’
.Information: Columbia Community Association Columbia uk Community Forum