Mary Reid

Many of you will simply not believe this is the same place as the rather shabby youth centre that has been used as a polling station for many years. I was very excited about opening it today, since not only is it an excellent initiative, but it is actually located in the ward I represent, Chessington North & Hook.

Today it was relaunched as the Devon Way Centre - a community resource shared by young people and the over 55s.

Here are some of the users of the centre, with the council officers who made it happen and other members of the local community.

The concept of a building shared by two very different groups was developed by the local councillors, then brought to life by a team headed by Fiona Connolly, seen here seated on the left.

Clearing up after the event - you can see the full length of the building from this angle, but you can't see the many rooms and spaces to the sides. Note the juke box on the wall!

Earlier in the day I made the first of eleven official Christmas visits to Council, Health and voluntary centres around the borough. This one was to the Crescent Resource Centre which provides support during the day to people with disabilities.  I saw some wonderful Georgian-style doll's houses in the workshop, and chatted with a number of the people who use the service.

Mince pie watch

Mince pies offered to date: 3
Mince pies consumed to date: 0

(Don't get me wrong - I love mince pies, but I do have to regulate their intake)