Sue Surridge

Until March 2002 I had never heard of the Tabor Centre but then Margaret Weeks who had run the English and Maths classes for some time got a new job. She asked me whether I would take over the classes till the end of the year. “You will like them, they’re a nice lot up there”, she said. So, not really knowing what to expect, I arrived one Monday afternoon to sit in on her lesson in a somewhat gloomy room at the old Silk Museum. The atmosphere couldn’t have been more different from the surroundings as everyone was friendly and cheerful and there was a lot of laughter - so I agreed to do the classes.

I spent Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings for the next four terms getting to know not only the members who attended the class, but other members, staff and volunteers. I began to appreciate what a valuable resource the Centre is for both members and their carers, and what a struggle it is to raise the money needed to run it. When I decided to give up the classes I realised that I would really miss the Centre and asked Anthea if I could stay on as a volunteer. In typical Anthea fashion she thought probably I should do two days a week but I said I would start with just one!

Over the last two years I have got to know more of the members, staff and volunteers; discovered Anthea’s ability to get blood out of a stone (or more usually money out of everyone’s pocket – the words ice and Eskimos spring to mind!!).

I am still impressed by the happy and supportive atmosphere of the Centre and the way people cope so cheerfully with their situation and hope that I will be able to carry on as a volunteer for years to come.

Margaret was right – you are a nice lot.