St. Mary's Community Centre , Widnes
 
It is some time since W. Bro. Jack Parker, (Garston), approached W.Lancs Mark Charities regarding St Mary's Hall and its development as a community centre. Already hosting Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, together with a strong Boys' Brigade and sundry other organisations, there was a big problem. Although there were various meeting rooms, all had to be accessed through one pair of double doors, and everyone had to go through each others rooms to get to their meeting place! Rather chaotic for the various leaders. This contravened both Church and LA Regs regarding the safe guarding of children and vulnerable adults, and there was no disabled access.
W.Bro. Jack Parker, Rev. Dawn Harrison, PGM, Rev. Jane Collier
All these problems were resolved thanks to your generosity. The sum of £ 3,917. provided a new alternate access, observation cameras, computer equipment, a special disability door closer, cupboards and floor covering.
Peter Connolly with Gary Ball, Manager of the Centre
This was achieved by their committee and particularly Gary Ball, the Centre Manager, who designed, managed (and fitted) quite a lot of this work. I have written at some length because I was so impressed by the 'value for money' your donation achieved here.
PGM, Mayor's Consort & Mayor, Rev. Janice Collier and Gary Ball, with the ribbon, after the opening ceremony
Whilst the adjacent Church (about the size of a small Cathedral!!!) overlooks the mouth of the Mersey, close to the Widnes Bridge: the area is by modern reckoning quite deprived, but the whole community seemed to have turned out for their own 'fun day', the opening of the new entrance and our donation.
Peter Connolly with Bridgid Dineen
The Mayor of Halton, Mrs Margaret Ratcliffe opened our new entrance and two members of the ministry team, Rev. Jane Collier and Rev. Dawn Harrison were there for the day. Two Local Councillors, who had supported the development also thanked us.
 
Already the community development worker (Ms Bridgid Dineen) for Halton Clinical Group and GPs is working with the centre. Although I had worked in Bold, near Widnes for 24 years, I had never been to the West Bank. It was interesting to see Spike Island, the Catalyst Museum, and the home of 'Lugsdale Butties'
 
Article and Phptographs Courtesy of Peter Connolly.