Marion of the Columbia Community Association updates Frost Magazine as the New Year gets underway.

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The year 2024 started off fine and dandy with everyone happy at the way things were going. Bookings were flooding in, parties galore in full swing, Google merrily played its part in our monthly quizzes, Margaret and Dick Graham continued to visit us as much as they could however, between you and me it was actually a ploy on their part as they always called in to the Washington Arms Pub, in our wonderful little village for Fridays Fish and Chips with mushy pies. They must be excused for this as there is nothing like them anywhere.

Spring brought us hours of pleasure in the garden, new plants, hanging baskets, people donated garden benches etc. We even agreed to house a clothing bank outside, all clothing goes to Ukraine, and we get a few coppers for our charity, dependent on the weight of the clothes deposited. It also brings lots of people to the centre who pop in for a good old natter which has resulted in several party bookings.

It soon became time for the periodic yearly maintenance checks to be carried out. All went swimmingly until – ouch – the Gas engineer condemned our boiler, and we were left with no heating whatsoever. As you are all aware we lease the building, however Sunderland City Council felt we could source grants etc. to pay the estimated costs of 10k. We began the task, and Lady luck was on our side – we managed to attain sufficient funds via two grants. In addition, Gentoo supplied us with heaters and again lady luck was shining down on us – the weather changed, the sun was shining and although without a boiler for several weeks we managed to ride the storm. In September we became fully functional, and everything was back to normal (or was it?).

Red Shoes Bob and lovely Marion

Holiday time arrived, and Red Shoes Bob and I spent two glorious weeks in Tunisia and on our return we found we had once again a leaky roof. To cut a long story short we employed a professional who found the problem and fixed it. Bookings for parties and events were plentiful and there were trips out to Hylton Castle, Beamish Museum and of course our in house quiz nights, Halloween was a hoot, and the good old folks of Brady Square couldn’t wait to get dressed up.

Before we knew where we were, it was early December. We decided to do a £25 gift voucher every week at our coffee morning raffle which went down very well, as people could spend this on whatever they choose. We did however, decide to do a Christmas hamper and a lot of our wonderful ladies offered to contribute to the hamper which was valued at approximately £150.00. It was won by Brenda Dodds, Brenda’s husband Colin came to collect it and stated he needed a hoist to lift it (he did manage to get it home with a little help form his friends)

Arrangements for Christmas parties for all groups was well under way, some using Cosy Café across the street which was Di’s Dinar but is now under new Management with the lovely Racheall Thompson, who since taking over has been exceptionally kind to us. We certainly have no problems being her tester for all the new scrumptious delicacies she produces, it would be so rude to refuse these offers.

Aimee’s dance class

The children who attend Aimee’s dance class enjoyed a pyjama pizza party on Tuesday 17th December and guess who visited them, none other that Santa himself. Their reaction brought tears to my eyes; they were so excited it was amazing to be part of the experience. I do believe that Santa enjoyed his time here as he made a return visited to our coffee morning on Friday 20th December. This left plenty of time to get back to the North Pole to supervise the Elves.

Our wonderful Forever Young ladies Group presented me with an amazing bouquet and a card signed by them all saying thank you for all you do for us. What more could anyone ask, amd it really did mean the world to me.

We closed our doors on the 20th and had a well-earned rest. The ups and the downs and smiles and laughter had made 2024 all worthwhile. But what will stick in my mind, and I still have a little giggle about it, as Santa was leaving Aimee’s party the children were waving and shouting ‘Bye Santa’, and one little voice from the back shouted, “Bye Bob”.

Makes you wonder whose kidding who.

God bless you all and have a prosperous, healthy and happy New Year from all at Columbia Community Association. https://www.facebook.com/columbiacommunityassociation/