But before we get to the Christmas tree, just stand back and cheer, because:
The unstoppable CCA team had a positive meeting with the surveyor, and after many lengthy debates and negotiations with Sunderland City Council in relation to public concerns about the demolition of the Air Raid shelter, it has finally been agreed that the Air Raid shelter remains in place and the plans to demolish it will now be withdrawn. Hurrah Hurrah.
Margaret gathers that Red Shoes Bob had a bit of a do getting into position to take the photo – the shrubs bit back. He is scratched, so Frost Magazine is grateful for his efforts and will leave it to Marion to slap salve upon the afflicted parts.
As Marion says, ‘This shelter is part of our heritage, although some work needs to be carried out to the structure to make it watertight, preventing damp seeping into the main building. We knew though we had to fight to save it from demolition. (Girl Power and Brady Blood got us through) Our surveyor is returning on Friday to take some structural measurements.’
‘What a week, ‘ Marion continued, ‘Out and about meeting people, introducing ourselves, inviting people to pop in to our CCA and promoting Frost Magazine, a bit of name dropping works every time (I bet your ears were burning Margaret).’ ‘Well, actually… ‘ said Margaret.
It seems the CCA have a new friend, Michael, whose kindness leaves the team enormously grateful as they took delivery of a dresser (delivered with loving care by Emmaus North East), £10 plus £7 delivery which should have been £10 but they received a rebate)
On Monday Equans had their weekly meeting as usual and Denise from VSA came for a catch up, Richard the surveyor also called to discuss the Refurb, so Frost Magazine bets the kettle was on the boil for most of the day.
CCA has had some info regarding the electrical work to be carried out, so fingers crossed there will be some progress very soon.
John from 999 Fire and Safety came to do the yearly Fire Extinguisher check.
Davey from Equans called in to tell CCA that they are going to decorate the office, and the relief and gratitude was obvious (see picture above). Marion really does feel that these people are totally amazing, when she considers what they do for the Community Centre. ‘It’s beyond belief, it is like having our very own Fairy Godmother. Date to be confirmed but it is all so exciting. The team promised to pop in to our coffee morning later on in the week.’
On Tuesday, the CCA had its drains cleaned, however the assistance of a plumber was needed as flora in the guttering causing some blockage. This was soon sorted out by Anthony and all was well.
There were more hats donated courtesy of Plain and Purl dropped off by Belle Cummings, and collected Thursday morning by Andy Hayes. They are now on their way to Sister Mary with sincere thanks from the CCA to all involved.
Now we come to the Christmas bit. Beth from Equans had arranged to come on Friday to help decorate the Christmas tree. Given that the tree is 7′ this could have been a bit of a do. However the man with the red shoes put the tree up ready for decoration which took 2 hours even though the branches are colour coded. (says Marion – leave me out of it) There she stands in her majestic splendour.
The ‘ last Friday of the month coffee morning’ took place, 10.30am till whenever. OK, it’s supposed to be 12 noon but when they get chatting, usually putting the world to rights, they fail to watch the clock. Well, who does, when you are having fun? Bob, the Barista as the ladies call him ensured cups were always replenished and he apparently never ceases to amaze everyone with his multitasking exploits. They had the most fantastic time, Allison Williams, ASDA Community Champion came along with a beautiful hamper, which we raffled, Linda our lovely cake maker was the lucky winner.
To finish off, another £100 was raised for the Ukrainian appeal. All in all a fabulous week was had by one and all at CCA.
Information: Columbia Community Association Columbia uk Community Forum