Jenny read the notice with dismay. She could not believe it -
surely there had to be some mistake.
But there was no mistake; it was all there in black and
white.
"Due to lack of funds and high running costs, the
council will close the community centre at the end of the month." The
building was to be sold at auction the week following.
Lack of funds - that was not possible. The centre was used by
several different organisations, each paying a fee for the privilege. There was
no doubt; the centre paid its way.
Jenny looked across to where her son, Tommy was playing
happily with his friends. It was hard to believe he was the same little boy who,
only a few short weeks ago, had been so shy and retiring.
It was only after introducing him to the playgroup that he
had come out of his shell. If the centre were to close now, the group would be
forced to break up and all the good work would be wasted.
She wandered across the hall to the playroom wondering
whether anyone else had seen the notice. Many mothers had jobs and didn't always
have time to read the notices.
Sue, the playgroup leader, was heaving a large box out of the
toy cupboard.
"Hello, Jenny," she said, pausing for breath.
"Going shopping again? Didn't you find what you were looking for
yesterday?"
Normally Jenny enjoyed telling Sue all about her shopping
trips, but today she didn't feel in the mood for such pleasantries.
Sue, why didn't you tell me that the community centre was
closing?" she asked.
Sue stopped tugging at the box. "Closing? What are you
talking about? No one's said anything to me about it."
"It's out there on the notice-board." Jenny pointed
towards the hall.
Sue ran out to read it for herself.
By the time she got back many mothers had got wind of what
was going on and were most alarmed. For those who worked, it was the ideal place
to leave their children. What were they going to do now?
"Why don't we raise the money and buy it for
ourselves?" asked Jenny suddenly. "I know we don't have much time, but
surely it's worth a try."
"Jenny," replied Sue. "A building like this
costs thousands. Where are we going to get that kind of money in under a
month...?" She had a sudden thought. "You know, I bet the council has
a buyer in mind."
"Surely they wouldn't do anything like that," piped
up Becky, a younger mother.
"Why not?" retorted Jenny. "Sue's right, it's
just the kind of thing they would do." Then seeing the look of disbelieve
on Becky's face, she explained.
"Look, someone approaches the council seeking a suitable
building to purchase, but they don't have one. However, the thought of all that
lovely money going into the corporation coffers is very appealing, so they find
one; namely ours."
"I see," said Becky quietly. "I never thought
of that."
"Wait until the other groups learn of this," said
another lady. "They won't be happy, especially the drama group. They have a
production in two month's time and need the hall for rehearsals."
"Why don't we get up a petition?" asked Becky.
"We could get the whole town interested."
"But would the whole town be interested?" asked
Jenny, doubtfully.
"They would if some heavy engineering plant moved
in," said Sue thoughtfully.
"That's true, but by then it would be too late,"
said Jenny. "Besides, isn't this a listed building? It can't be used for
just anything."
"Well, I still think a petition is a good idea,"
said Becky, Looking disappointed that her proposal had been taken so lightly.
"Of course it is," said Jenny. "But we're
short of time. If we're to raise the money ourselves, we need to get our
thinking caps on and not argue amongst ourselves."
"I agree," said Sue. "Some of the other groups
who use the centre will probably help out when they hear about it; after all.
it's for their good as well. In the meantime, does anyone have any ideas?"
"Why not approach the council?" asked Becky.
"Well, I suppose we could let them know how we
feel," said Jenny.
"I think a visit to the council wouldn't hurt,"
said Sue. "But let's leave that to the men. They'll probably have more
clout. Ted the local butcher is formidable, especially when he's holding a meat
cleaver."
Becky gave Sue a grateful smile. She looked pleased that at
least one person had thought her suggestion worthwhile.
"Is that the time?" asked a mother looking at her
watch. "I'm going to be late for work."
The others also had to leave. However most agreed to come
back that evening to speak to the other groups.
Jenny stayed on with Sue. Together they hoped to come up with
a money-making scheme before meeting up again later that evening. They felt it
necessary to have something to put forward.
Once the children were settled, the two women found some
paper and pencils to make notes. But after a while they looked at each other
blankly.
"Where on earth do we start?" Sue asked.
"I've no idea," answered Jenny. "I must
confess, I was never very good at this sort of thing. Why only last years at my
niece's school sports when they needed..."
She broke off and leapt to her feet.
"That's it. What about a sports day? All the local
people could be involved - children and adults alike. Surely that would draw a
great number of people."
Sue agreed. "As well as sporting competitions for
children and adults, we could organise some stalls, selling things like cakes,
bric-a-brac and books. You know the sort of thing," she said, her eyes
shining with excitement. "And of course refreshments. They're always
welcome."
By the end of the day, Sue and Jenny had worked out most of
the details. Though it was short notice, they decided to hold the event in two
weeks' time. When the parents arrived to collect their children, they were told
of the sports day and everyone was keen to be involved.
That evening Jenny set off for the centre. When she arrived,
Sue was already talking to several members of other groups. They were annoyed to
hear of the closure - especially Ted.
"I'd be happy to visit the council and give them my
opinion," he said.
"I'll go with you," said Jenny, concerned that he
might go over the top and lose his temper. Being firm was one thing, being
aggressive was quite another.
"Suit yourself, but I'll have my say. Make no mistake
about that," he said.
The plans for the sports day were well received and a few
more suggestions for stalls were forthcoming. Jenny left the centre very tired,
but happy that no one was prepared to give up the community centre without a
fight.
Ted and Jenny went to the council offices, but did not get
very far. The man behind the desk was most unsympathetic. When Jenny pointed out
how disappointed the children would be to lose their playgroup, he merely said.
"They'd best get used to it. Life's full of disappointments."
Ted would have jumped over the counter to thump him if Jenny
hadn't grabbed his arm.
"It isn't worth it Ted. If it was, I would help
you."
Two days later a committee had been formed. It was divided
into two groups - one responsible for the sporting activities, and the other to
oversee the stalls and other money-making ventures.
A local farmer volunteered to lend them a field on the edge
of the town and a firm of printers even offered to print leaflets. Anxious to do
her share, Becky offered to post them through all the letterboxes.
After a great deal of hard work, the sports day arrived.
Jenny arose to find the sun streaming through the window. She dressed quickly
and left the house; her husband was to bring Tommy later.
When she arrived at the field, Sue was already setting out
some of the tables.
"I haven't slept a wink all night," she said.
"I was too excited. I only hope the others aren't late in arriving."
"I'm sure they'll be here in good time," replied
Jenny.
The others turned up shortly afterwards and by the time the
church clock struck ten, they were ready for the onslaught.
Once the sports day was declared open, the queue filed
through the gates. Ted was in charge of collecting the entrance fee. No one
would get past him without paying.
The sporting competitions were soon underway. There was a
charge for each entrant and a small prize for the winner of each race. Ted had
also agreed to display the winners' names in his shop window for the whole of
the following week.
It was gratifying to see that all the stalls were very busy.
While Jenny had hoped the day would be a success, she'd never expected anything
like this. It appeared that the whole town had turned out to help save the
community centre.
As Jenny was carrying hot water across to the tea-stall, she
saw an elderly gentleman stumble and fall. Helping him into a chair, she offered
him a cup of tea.
"Thank you, my dear," he said. He told her his name
was Alf Robson and explained how he had recently returned to his home town after
years of living abroad.
"It's nice to get back to my roots." He went on to
say he was enjoying the day. "It takes me back to when I was a lad. My,
those were the days. But I can see how busy you are, I mustn't keep you."
"I'm sure I can spare a few minutes," replied
Jenny, sitting down beside him. She felt the old man wanted someone to talk to
so she told him why they were holding the sports day.
"Of course, I don't suppose we'll raise enough money,
but if we show the council we're earnest..." her voice trailed off.
He looked thoughtful. Perhaps she was boring him.
"But that's terrible," he said, sound sympathetic.
"I really had no idea. Perhaps I could have helped in some small way."
He smiled. "But it's not over yet, young lady. Not until the fat lady
sings."
After she was sure that he'd recovered, Jenny went back to
the tea-stall.
Some time later she saw him helping the ladies with the
bric-a-brac. She waved. He looked happy to be helping out after all.
At the end of the day the sports day committee was delighted
to find they had made nearly £10,000.
"It's a great deal of money," said Sue. "But
it isn't enough."
"Well, we still have another ten days to go - perhaps we
could think of something else," replied Jenny.
However, they all knew they would never be able to top the
sports day.
By the day of the auction, they had managed to raise only
another £500. Nevertheless, Jenny and Sue decided to attend; they might as well
see who the knew owner was.
Asking around, they learned that because of the restrictions
on the building, only one person was interested
"I told you it was a put up job - there was someone in
mind all along," said Sue.
Jenny hardly heard; she was looking at a man in the front row
It was Mr. Robson. He smiled and came across to her.
"Hello," he said. "Have you come to put in
your bid?"
"We didn't raise enough money."
"And what is enough?" said Mr. Robson, smiling.
"It's never over until..."
Jenny laughed. "...the fat lady sings."
"Exactly!"
Just then the auction began. After a long introduction, the
auctioneer said. "Now then, how much am I bid for this beautiful old
building?"
"£100!" called out Mr. Robson. He nudged Jenny.
"Go on, put in your bid."
Jenny gulped. "£200," she said.
There was silence.
"Come, come," said the auctioneer nervously. He
looked at Mr. Robson. "The building is worth much more that that."
When the old man shook his head, the auctioneer turned to the
council's representative for guidance. But unprepared for this, he simply looked
away.
"Sold... for £200!" The auctioneer banged down the
gavel and wiped his face with a handkerchief.
"We did it," said Sue in disbelief.
"No! Mr. Robson did it." Jenny looked at him in
amazement. "Why?"
"Because they lied - they said the building was unused.
I attended school here years ago. It holds many happy memories for me, so I
wanted to buy it. But not at your expense." He laughed "The council
were so confident that they didn't even put a reserve price on it; serves them
right."
"You know you can visit any time," said Jenny.
"Thank you, my dear. I'd like that."
"Mr. Robson..." said Jenny,
"Yes?"
She smiled at him. "The fat lady sang well today."
"Yes, Jenny, she did indeed."
The End