As the cold hit, the team rushed to the Centre to get the heater on and make sure all was welcoming, though Equans Monday meeting was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Nonetheless gritters arrived to attend to the CCA car park, and the buses began to run.
Good news arrived too, in the form of a booking for a “Washington Play Activities “ funded by Washington Area Committee – Sunderland City Council – for over the Christmas holidays. This is free for children 7-11 and includes fitness activities, arts and crafts, group sports. And children can make their own packed lunches to take home .
Special thanks also to the donor who popped in to the centre to leave a £20 donation which will be put to very good use.
The CCA had a very positive meeting in relation to the electrical refurbishment; Lewis, from JLA Caire, Quantity Surveyor at SCC, and the lovely Richard, ( as Marion calls him,) the surveyor visited the Centre to assess the works to be carried out. Hey ho they have lift off, work is to commence week beginning 9th January 2023.
Defibrillator training day with the amazing Nev Harris arrived, and how great to be trained by the best in the business. This is fully funded by CCA and the team hope this is the first of many sessions they will be able to offer the community through monies raised and kind donations
Zoe Burn dropped in bundles of the Washington Way, anyone wanting one can pick one up from the Centre. Andy Hayes called in to collect Sister Mary’s Christmas present. Marion does so hope she likes it as, she says, it is difficult buying for a nun. I am sure she will be pleased, though, she said.
The electricians appeared: Chris and Craig from Harry Burnicle who are updating the lights.
Fun arrived in the form of the CCA Christmas Coffee Morning. The tables were all decorated, Phil from Di’s Diner did the buffet, Pauline had the list of bits and bobs needed from the shops. Marion was in the thick of it, sorting prizes for the Bah Humbug Bingo – not this week, but soon. (Don’t ask all will be revealed in good time).
What an end to a superb week at the CCA , as Christmas is galloping towards us all: there has been refurb progression, more bookings secured for over the festive period including a Free Christmas Holiday Club for the kiddies.
Then, when things couldn’t get any better, the CCA friends – the Redeemed Christian Church of God – came to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and sang a melody, with the CCA group willingly joining in.
‘Margaret, you would have loved it.’ said Marion. ‘I know I would,’ agreed Margaret. ‘So would the rest of the Frost Magazine team.’
Information: Columbia Community Association Columbia uk Community Forum
J