Margaret, editor of Frost Magazine, and Dick, hot footed from Carlton Miniott, their village on the outskirts of Thirsk, North Yorkshire up to Columbia during the week. We wanted to say hi, and chat about progress with Marion and Bob, but more than that, to deliver a big box of jigsaws and books donated by Carlton Miniott Post Office (and hub of the village) to help fill up the new CCA bookcase shelves.
Marion was able to fill us in on the Christmas ‘doings’ of the CCA, which, though shut over the main festive days, was open on 27th until 30th. So, full of mince pies, turkey, chocolates, and of course wine,they were open again for business with Warm Spaces very much in mind. ‘True to form, the kettle is always on the boil and our new Christmas gift by the way of the lovely Alexa keeps us entertained,’ laughed Marion.
She filled us on the 4th birthday party which followed delivery of the bouncy castle and boy, did the day ring with fun and laughter. So was that it? Come come: the rest of the week was scheduled for the “Free holiday Club” and on Wednesday along came Andy Gilroy with his son Harrison to host the session. Harrison, just happens to be an athlete, playing quarterback/safety for the GB American Football Team- amazing.
Harrison and Andy were still there, when we arrived, so it was great to have a chat with this remarkable young man, and it proved to be so interesting that Frost Magazine have decided to follow Harrison’s inspiring progress in the sport throughout the year. So yet again, CCA has offered our readers a real treat.
The treats keep coming too for the CCA! Linda Williams brought handmade dipped HONEYCOMB, which just happens to be one of Marion’s favourites. Oh crikey, put it under lock and key – fast, is Frost’s advice.
Community Opportunities arrived to deliver free training and soon got stuck in to playing a game of cards, no money exchanged hands only jelly tots (or so Lisa told Marion).
Then Margaret and Dick had to move on in the pouring rain – heavens, did it rain – and drove into Washington Village because they love to see Washington Old Hall when they are in the area, even though they can’t go in at this time of year. It is as you will all know, George Washington’s ancestral home, and later in the year Frost Magazine will talk more about it and show the front, and lovely gardens, which wasn’t possible this time.
But hunger was rampant so past Holy Trinity Church we went, where my grandparents are apparently buried mum thinks, but she was a child when they died, and round the green with the two trees festooned with lights, (if you peer closely enough you can make out a few lights, but trust me, they are festooned and show up far more off camera). Around the green are the flower beds which later in 2023 will no doubt be entered into the Village in Bloom again, (they have done well in the past, which is hardly surprising as the committee are hard at it for months) and into the Washington Arms for fish n chips. Margaret thinks these are the best she has ever had, except for Cleethorpes Pier, where they have plaice ‘n ‘chips. Plaice is better than any other fish, in Margaret’s obsessed opinion.
A rather wet Dick saying, ‘Hurry up.’
As well as eating and there were the usual friendly faces amongst the clientele. Clare and Jed told Margaret about a relative who has just started a craft ales brewery. How wonderful – there are also a few around Thirsk, ( Dick is the expert,) and hopefully Frost can visit Clare’s relative’s brewery and report back to you all. This will miff Frost Magazine’s Food and Drink Critic, but he’s down south and we are not, so there.
But back to Marion who will close this week’s update as we reach the end of a momentous year for the Columbia Community Association…
What a year we have had, met so many wonderful people, experienced so much kindness and generosity from our community for all the causes we have supported, to which we are eternally grateful. As this year comes to an end, and 2023 stands before us like a chapter of an open book let us make yet another wonderful story. All of us here at Columbia Community Association, along with the Residents of Brady Square would like to wish everyone near and far a very Happy and prosperous New Year, May all of your hopes and dreams come true.
Information: Columbia Community Association Columbia uk Community Forum