Three cheers, the doors have all been hung – the lads worked over the weekend, the swing doors in the corridor are fantastic. A makeover for any 83 year old is a lengthy task, but just look at these beauties now.
The new brass handles, name plate and a knocker are on order for what will be the best front door in Brady Square and Marion has ordered me to come and see them. I will, I promise. She also says, ‘Corey from CJ Carpet fitters is arranging a date for fitting the new flooring in the communal room and our computer room. Once this is laid, Equan are going to decorate the hub room and install wall units etc. When completed the community can come along and use the computers and tablets.
On a roll now, Marion continued: ‘Did I happen to mention that I negotiated with Stu the Equan boss man to have new flooring laid in our toilets. He asked how much we would charge for the lads to use our facilities during the ongoing refurb programme in Columbia so I suggested we did a deal and we both came away quite happy. Our committee too.’
Margaret thinks Marion is terrifying.
It was a week for meetings, chats and donations, bingo, sewing, singing and dancing, exercise classes and a booking for a 5-piece band to rehearse, Columbia Community Association is certainly the place to be.
The first community visitor arrived and he was so helpful in helping Bob to move the units we are keeping for our computer room. Thanks John, you deserved that cup of coffee.
Bob also started dismantling a notice board left over from the 1939 old dole office. In its place will be the television. The wall might have to be skimmed. Thankfully, Justin and Dave were only too pleased to help with the plastering of the wall on top of the kitchen walls. Which is promising to be as wonderful as everyone hoped.
Dave
Marion said, ‘During the week Shake that Boogie arrived and the centre became alive with music and laughter, leaving the lads from Equan outnumbered and I caught young Michael singing away to YMCA. (gotcha). Of course he denied it’.
Then, surprise surprise, Marion’s grandson arrived. Everything stopped, tears started, and hugs. Marion was so thrilled because she misses him, but he has a good life in Texas and is happy there. On this visit, he also gifted Bob and Marion some stunning news – she will be knitting bootties for a while. Congratulation from Frost Magazine, Grannie.
FYI Shake that Boogie are starting a Thursday class and the Bingo ladies were ‘at it’ again. Denise from Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance popped in, and is always available for advice.
Denise Tom
We hear that Tom, has volunteered to decorate the embryonic computer room. In return Marion has to constantly replenish his tea mug. This is a job that must never be given to Margaret Graham, who makes a dreadful cup of tea, her son in law says. Dick agrees. Margaret just says,’Make it yourself then.’ Margaret is BAD.
Pouring rain alerted the team to a leak in Communal Room 2 which was reported to the Council. But, never fear, Equan stepped in and identified the problem (oh lord, a bad one) so back onto SCC for an urgent callout…30mins and they arrived. Temporarily fixed.
Hazel from “Plain N Purl” kindly agreed to display a poster in her shop, asking for volunteers to knit woolie hats for Sister Mary’s beloved Seafarers. Whereupon ‘The wonderful Meg Barber called in to drop some hats off that she had knitted for the Seaman, Sister Mary will be delighted,’ said Marion.
‘How lucky are we in dear old Brady square to be surrounded by such special people.’
Lynn Johnson from Equan came in May with a donation of toiletries for our Ukrainian appeal and she is the person responsible for starting the ball rolling for our new kitchen. Without this beautiful human, Marion told Frost, none of her wheeling and dealing would have been possible.
Lastly, from the Columbia Community Association, together with Frost Magazine, please raise your glasses to our beautiful Queen Elizabeth II, may you rest in peace ma’am.