‘What a difference a week makes,‘ says Marion. ‘We seem to be working in a very different environment, and it’s wonderful.’
Mariusz, the plumber arrived to change the valves on the radiators, and he assured our Marion that this time they the right ones. He was at the CCA most of the day as he had 17 radiators to do. His mug was replenished as he worked, of course.
The new gates came equipped with spy holes, four to be exact, so one plank needs to be changed. Rather a shame really, just imagine the peeking that could have gone on.
A lovely bunch of flowers arrived for Marion from the CCA Chair, Dianne, and were very much appreciated. Plus, a Deluxe Belgian Chocolate Cake, her absolute favourite.
Parasols and mats have been delivered by Pauline and strategically placed in the corridor.
A lot of ordering has taken place during the week, so the Amazon man will be kept very busy delivering CCA’s wares, and Marion insisted Frost Magazine included her thanks to Simon Grant for his help in rehanging the swing doors, ‘They are very big boys and quite heavy.’ Simon also offered to help install the WIFI Security system scheduled for delivery during last week. Gary from ACT dropped a ladder off for when the CCTV system is installed though there is no date yet planned. The hope is that it’s SOON.
ACT drilled the ground to fill with tarmac,which will add to the patchwork quilt they have created.
Marion told Margaret of Frost Magazine that it was actually raining men during the week, what with plumbers, decorators, electricians all working away. Coffee was on hand and everyone was happy, including the lovely ladies from Cultural Creatives who made a “Patchwork Block”
‘Thank you, Barbara Fiddy, for the ceramic planters, it was so kind of you to deliver them to our centre.‘ boomed Marion, delighted that she’d simply HAVE to visit the garden centre again. Does it serve coffee, I wonder? Wheelbarrow No 2 from Joanne Leech, now painted and flowers planted. ‘Joanne Leech, that’s a bookcase and a wheelbarrow you have donated to our community centre for which we are extremely grateful.‘
Tom Astley, Sunderland City Council, Community Engagement Worker, came to visit, and was enormously impressed with all the CCA does in respect of Warm Spaces, particularly the photographs they have displayed. ‘Tom has promised to down load every edition of the Frost Magazine as he thinks it is amazing and come along to our Friday coffee morning one week. Once he tastes the scrumptious food, something tells me he will be a regular,’ says Marion.
During the week there were tears. Heavens… But… hang on… the CCA’s VSA Denise is moving on, and will be missed greatly. Marion says that she has been a guiding force in the progression of the CCA but of course they all wish her the best of everything in her new career as a Social Worker. Denise has promised to pop in for the CCA Open Day. Marion shared with Margaret that Denise gave her an amazing little bag called Marbles filled with several little items all with their own meaning. She promises to tell us all about it in due course.
The coffee morning was wonderful as always, (followed by the Flower Arranging class). ‘I do believe that we all missed our good old chin wag last week,’ confessed Marion. ‘And it was lovely to hear how pleased everyone is with the new corridor flooring, and a relief to know that Chris from SCC checked the water system for Legionella’s (all OK) and said, “Wow, the place has gone from a shack to a Palace”.’
WEll, of course it has. Look who’s in charge, in collusion with Red Shoes Bob. What’s more there is glorious sunshine this weekend. Last word from Marion, (Goodness, that’s a surprise.)
‘Be careful out there and enjoy.‘
Information: Columbia Community Association Columbia uk Community Forum