We finally received the news today that the renovation of the South Square Centre in about to begin. The centre is a community arts organisation in the Thornton area of Bradford. It has been in existence since the mid-1980s, and occupies a small square of former quarry workers’ cottages, in which a variety of art-related organisations are based, together with a cafe, the local historical archive and (of course!) a bar. Even when the charity took over the premises from the local authority they were in desperate need of renovations. It has taken several years of determined and extremely capable fund raising, largely by the very energetic and able administrator, Yvonne Carmichael, to raise the funds necessary to ensure that the buildings rain structurally sound. Now that money has been raised, and we heard today that work will begin in November.
As the alterations involve the replacement of the roof and all of the windows there is going to be the most almighty upheaval. Knowing the propensity of the human race we will all spend a good deal of our time complaining. Even so, it is great to be able to report, in these desperate times, a piece of good news, however small that might seem.
PS. Don’t go climbing with a woman sixteen years younger than yourself, who cycles regularly. I’m still more able than she is, but my word I’ve ended the day in a state of exhaustion!