Selfless efforts

Residents living in a County Durham hamlet now have the perfect community ‘hub’ thanks to the selfless efforts of Linda and John Allon.

Linda and John took it on themselves to renovate the reading room in the middle of the row of Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association properties in Castle Dene, Lumley, at their own time and expense.

Their efforts have been applauded by the rest of the residents at Castle Dene, who now have a lovely place to meet friends and take part in activities.

The reading room had fallen into bit of a sorry state, largely due to it not being used over the Pandemic.

But thanks to Linda and John, it has now been completely refurbished. John plastered over the existing walls, and painted the room while Linda was in charge of the interior design.

With the help of her daughter Marie, who runs the Cocken Ledge Golf Club in Houghton le Spring, they put up new curtains and brought a table, chairs, and other soft furnishings to brighten up the room.

DAMHA, which installed a new fire in the room just prior to lockdown, was also pleased to donate a carpet to finish the room off and everyone is delighted with the result.

The room had its official re-opening in November with Residents Representative Sue Lewis organising an event for all the residents, with cake, coffee, and a tombola, which raised £120. This money will now be used to plan future events in the Reading Rooms, with a fish and chip lunch and afternoon tea all in the pipeline.

Linda said: “When we heard how busy the Reading Room used to be, we thought it was a shame for it just top be standing empty and because we love a challenge and keeping busy, John and myself got to work and we couldn’t be happier with the final result.

“The residents now have a communal area where they can meet for a chat over a cup of tea, and it’s also a nice place to catch up with family and friends.”

Long-standing residents Irene Potter and Joy Wanless said: “The Reading Room used to be so busy so it’s wonderful to have it back again and that’s all down to Linda and John.”

At the re-opening, Sue presented Linda and John with a bouquet of flowers to thank them for all their hard work.

DAMHA Chief Executive Paul Mullis said: “It’s heartening when you see people like Linda and John taking the initiative to improve life for their neighbours, and we were glad to be able to support them to re-open the reading room.”