Almost a year ago January 2025 the CCA was manic with so much going on: a music extravaganza, dancing, yoga, bingo, ladies’ day, wargamers, even fitting in several birthday parties along the way. In addition , on a personal level, we welcomed our beautiful great granddaughter Delyla Renee on the 3rd of January, a fabulous bundle of joy. The year has continued to be hectic, which is how we like it at the CCA and now …. it is almost Christmas. The decorations are a go-go and we are taking a breath to think back over the year.
In early February we became – with the backing and funding of Sunderland City Council – a Digital Hub for the community. New computers were delivered along with all the equipment that goes with them. Workers carried out the WIFI bits and we were soon up and running. We also had new office furniture with lockable cupboards where I could safely store my new computer. As a result of the new WIFI we turned our computer room into a second kitchen which was a great asset and very functional, with its new fridge. This means two groups can make a brew at the same time and eases congestion.
Our in-house events started with a Valentine’s Evening with quiz, romantic of course, where Bob presented the ladies with a red rose. Gentoo provided a new outside bench after the other had been damaged.
We hosted our very first open circle evening, which was a remarkable success, and when would we get a breather all the time new requests for room hire were coming through on a weekly basis. We continue with our weekly raffles, and of course, this year’s Christmas raffle will be as popular as ever. But back to out ‘doings’…
Easter was an immense success and our egg campaign for our chosen charities saw over three hundred chocolate eggs being delivered to various children’s charities. Holidays were also fast approaching, the sun was showing its face more often as the days went by. Our beloved Sister Mary Scholastica invited us to her book launch at the City Hall in Sunderland which was so exciting, and we felt privileged to be part of her special day.
Bob (the hunk with the red shoes as Margaret Graham describes him) and I jetted off to Corfu for a well-earned break to recharge our batteries. Aimee Green and her group of dancers did a charity car wash outside of our centre. These little darlings with the help of their parents raised a lot of money for their dance group.
We had a reminiscence evening all about growing up in Brady Square which was a definite hit and which Margaret would have loved to attend but was committed to another event. (She spent many holidays with her Uncle Stan in Brady Square.) We had pie and pea suppers with quiz, fun bingo evenings – you name it, we did it.
We were approached in relation to Maths tutoring and hey ho Ryan Mason has weekly sessions here. Twice a week for Higher Tier Maths, Foundation Tier Maths and Key Stage Three Maths all of which are an enormous success and very well attended. Then along came Jenna Briggs who delivers English Language on a Wednesday evening. Both amazing tutors who deliver a fantastic service. We received requests from the Twisted Duck theatre company to come to rehearse, then the RVI hospitals own theatre group who actually brought their own props and pop up stage which was awe inspiring and we loved having them here.
In September the CCA decided to host a charity coffee morning for the Daft as a Brush cancer patient care charity. On the 26th of September we raised an amazing £1,200 for them and had the privilege of meeting Brian Burnie the founder of the charity when we attended their headquarters to hand over the money. October, Bob, and I flew off to Texas to attend our grandsons wedding and had the most fantastic time making many new friends and experiencing an American wedding, vastly different to what we know, but we loved it.
November: it was time to discuss our intentions for Christmas and went about the business off organising and preparing for this. So much to do while maintaining our everyday schedule. But there was always Dudley to remind us not to forget him!
The weather was turning wet, cold, and low and behold we discovered an issue with damp in the office. One builder visited and said it was a big job and quoted a phenomenal repair charge. However, a second builder got up on the roof and said it was the guttering which needed replacing – so not so bad after all.
We are busy now preparing for our Christmas functions. In addition, we have Christmas trees to assemble and decorate. However, our Saturday exercise class for seniors with the lovely Stacey Reay keeps us fit and, on our toes, so we should have no problem with this at all. We are seasoned gymnasts (ha ha) and quite agile in lunges, thrusts, and squats. In December up went the Christmas trees, all three of them and they look fantastic. Next were the window lights and decorations.
We are again sponsoring the amazing Washington Youth Council who are collecting pamper products for women escaping domestic violence, a marvellous charity for these young and thoughtful children, showing care for others less fortunate fills us with pride and respect at their initiative. Our Christmas raffle is well under way. We successfully attained an Aspire grant from GENTO which has allowed us to purchase items for the raffle and Christmas Hampers, the first one is now completed and even if I say it myself, she is a beauty. Tickets are now on sale at £1 a strip and well worth it. Furthermore, we have had promises from local businesses of more food hampers and vouchers to be donated as raffle prizes.
We have enlisted the services of the lovely Racheall Thompson owner of Cosy Café to do the Buffett at our Christmas party on the 19th of December. In addition, Santa just happened to be free that day and confirmed he will be attending the party (let’s hope he comes bearing gifts) as we have all been very good this year. So have the builders, Ryan and his team who will set about removing the existing guttering, replacing it with sparkling new guttering in time for Christmas.
Marion and Sister Mary Scholastica
Monday 15th was put aside for the amazing Sister Scholastica. Bob and I had Wooley hats knitted by the lovely Belle Cummings for the Seafarers and gifts for the lady herself to deliver. During our visit, sister asked Frost Magazine to mention her thanks and good wishes to all the parishes in Sunderland, and all the fabulous people who had been so generous in her mission. Sister said, and I quote ‘I would love to send each and everyone of them a Christmas Card but it’s impossible as there is so many.’ She is also preparing for her big event where she will receive the Freedom of the City of Sunderland. All so exciting.
As the year closes in on the CCA and all its members, we remember the loved ones among us who did not make it and send our heartfelt blessings to each and everyone. Columbia Community Association continues to go from strength to strength with the support of our local community in good old Brady Square and our friends at Frost Magazine.
We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.