Quarter-century of community work honoured at dinner.
It was a night to celebrate the achievements of the past and the potential of the future as former directors, councillors, MPs, local partners, residents, board members and staff came together for Witton Lodge Community Association’s 25th anniversary dinner.
The birthday bash at Perry Common Community Hall was attended by friends and colleagues representing the many different organisations who have worked with the Association since it was established in 1994.
Guests were treated to a special 3-course anniversary dinner which included a spectacular two-tier cake, specially commissioned and designed to capture the highlights and successes of the last 25 years. There was also the official premiere of the Association’s exclusive 25th anniversary video.
Linda Hines MBE, Resident Chair of Witton Lodge, said the secret to the Association’s success is quite simple. “More important than the things we do is how we do them and it’s people who are at the heart of everything,” she said.
“Any success we’ve enjoyed over the past 25 years is only because of the wonderful support and help we’ve received from so many individuals and organisations who have become more than just our partners, they’ve become our friends.
“This celebration is as much theirs as it is ours so here’s to the next 25 years working together to make a difference in our communities, positively transforming lives.”
Afzal Hussain, the Association’s Chief Officer, added: “Over the course of the past 25 years the Association has overseen the redevelopment of Perry Common with over 900 new family homes built, creating new parks, cycle paths and walking routes as well as new health, education and community facilities.
“Last year alone we supported over 450 residents and young people to gain new skills and find employment; helped 350 older residents to lead more independent lives through our Living Well service; attracted over 2,000 local residents to our community festivals and events and benefitted from over 5,000 volunteer hours.
“Our partners and supporters have been integral to these achievements and will continue to be so in the future.”