December 9, 2011 2.44 pm This story is over 146 months old

Birchwood mums put to use community centre

Community spirit: Two mums from Birchwood become events organisers to bring their local community centre to life.

Sharon Bratley (L), Debby Lamb (R) and Shirley Hoe (seated), wife of the former caretaker Bill, whom the bench is in memory of

Two mums have taken it upon themselves to rejuvenate their community hall in Birchwood, Lincoln, after feeling it was being underused.

The Boiler House on Woodfield Avenue even ran out of chairs when over 50 people attended one event organised by Sharon Bratley and Debby Lamb.

Aiming to liven up their community, the team, who have named themselves SaD (Sharon and Debby) Events, have laid on a series of events including a psychic night, fashion show, family fun day and Christmas Fayre.

Bratley said: “Both being mums we wanted something exciting to do but there was nothing that interested us, so we decided to make use of our community centre and organise something we did want to do.”

Advertising via Facebook and by putting posters in local shop windows, the community soon got on board and a local school showed support by giving each of its pupils a leaflet to take home.

Bratley was delighted by the participation from locals: “Community is a big thing at the minute, it was great that at the events I’ve met new people from my area and I can recommend to anyone if you want to do something similar to pick up the phone and get it arranged.”

Money raised from the events has been donated to Lincolnshire Air Ambulance and Lincoln B.A.B.I.E.S, as well as being spent on improving the community centre with items such as a hot water urn and a new bench.

SaD Events are taking a break over Christmas but have plans for the new year with a ladies’ pamper night along with a quiz night on the table.