Dave John Kelly
‘Come the Spring,‘ Annie Newsome, who started life at the Long Pole back in 1914, (or is it Long Pull) used to say, ‘time to clean all the windows.’ Margaret, her daughter, now Editor of Frost Magazine, would groan as the window spring cleaning was her job. At the CCA the windows were cleaned but not by Marion, who had the sense not to on call Margaret either, but by Dave of Clean Master on Wednesday, to prepare for the blinds – roll of drums… tra la la – from Cosmic Blinds, which John Kelly put up. Such excitement at the centre, for it seems much of what’s happening comes under the heading: finishing touches.
Of course, to achieve window cleaning and so on, scaffolding had to be dismantled, which it duly was, and new glass then arrived for the swing doors and Carl is going to do the honours. The external wall has been washed and brushed by the pointers.
At this point, Craig and Melanie from Cultural Springs visited to plan the organisation of the room for the Red Coat Show scheduled for next month. Time to draw a breath… But hurry hurry: Equans came for their weekly session and the team were delighted to see Jodie again; they feel she brings sunshine into people’s lives and they want her back in the community, and quickly. Then, more good news, quite wonderful news actually in relation to Sister Mary Scholastica, who is going to be honoured with a new song celebrating her charity work, fund raising and powerful force within the city. This song will be produced by Sunderland Male Voice Choir.
Her achievements have worldwide recognition in relation to the retention of the Seafarers Mission. ‘We, along with Plain n Purl are so proud that the seafarers from various countries are wearing the hats knitted by our own community. The song’s title is “Sunderland’s Angel of Mercy “ and we cannot wait to hear it. In addition, we have posted on our Brady Square site the exciting news that we would like our lovely community to share their thoughts of growing up in the area so we, with the help of Margaret Graham, can create a Brady Square Memoir. those memories will last forever for future generations.’ says Marion.
Margaret adds that they already have one amazing offering, recapturing the writer’s childhood, including the games she played. It made Margaret and Marion recollect their own childhood. Or fragments of it, for that’s how we all remember really. So, come on, let’s get these memories into the centre, so that they are there for others to understand the community ‘back then.’
Praise indeed for a very special volunteer Ray Turnbull, who in January 2021 took on a three-year challenge to walk and pedal 20,000,000 steps. Ray has completed this challenge and on Thursday 20th April a celebration event was held for him at at the CCA. His challenge has raised a staggering £4,000 for the Mesothelioma Charity, a disease to which Ray lost his beloved wife Jean.
It seems to have been a week of hustle and bustle, what with Warm spaces, shake that Boogie, Aimee’s school of Dance, Cultural Creations, workmen inside and outside, which is just how the CCA should be, thinks Marion.
Just to add to the excitement Dave Munneke, from Washington Community Furnishings has donated an array of picture frames.. Red Shoes Bob reckons the centre could end up like the Louvre Museum. ‘ Cheeky Monkey,’ says Marion. ‘A Rouges Gallery omes to mind, but on second thoughts we are all so wonderful in good old Brady Square so yes, the Louvre is more apt.’
As always, it was a fabulous coffee morning on Friday, great food, lorra lorra laughs, prize bingo with chocolates for the winners. This was followed by the Flower arranging class with the lovely Tina, beautiful floral creations made by everyone.
So, all Frost Magazine can report is that it has been another exciting week where progress has been made and as Marion says, on behalf of all at Columbia Community Assocation, ‘We wish everyone near and far a great week-end. Remember, it’s always a good day to have a good day.’
Information: Columbia Community Association Columbia uk Community Forum