Barnes in Common

the magazine of Churches Together in Barnes
September/October 2006

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Castelnau Centre Project update

A number of Barnes-based marathon sponsors and friends of the Castelnau Centre Project gathered at the Centre on 10 July to celebrate Hazel Levy's long years of trusteeship and to meet the staff team led by Marie Ellis.

Christabel Gairdner of St Mary's Church, Barnes, writes: 'This was an eye-opener to the wonderful vibrancy and success of the community centre on the Castelnau estate. Downstairs is in strong colours; upstairs is a spacious room in pastel mauve and sage, colours chosen by the children; where at one end are four computers while the other is furnished with easy chairs inviting relaxation. We were delighted to hear first hand accounts of the increasing diversity of activities for children of all ages, their mums and a widening range of adults of all ages, as well as from a young dad who helps voluntarily with an after-school club and had taken memorable photographs of the children's and adults' outing on marathon day. Laura and Cylah spoke to us about the fun of that day. I came away thinking of young Cylah passing round delicious eats with a smile that never left her face, signifying to me all the happiness and opportunities that many children are enjoying at the Centre.'

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How are you today?

How are you today?
A kind enquiry waiting for a reply
or just a brusque question
with no real intention of listening?

How do you feel?
If only they had even half an hour
to listen, really listen.
The worries of family, job, bills, health,
crowding in and you
having to struggle on.

How awful!
Do they really mean it?
Would they, could they, do something about it?
Would they want to?

Do they remember you after they've gone whizzing by,
on with their lives and stresses and strains –
thinking of themselves and not others?

Time – where is the time these days,
to bother
to care?

Speak to the Lord
He both listens and cares -
He's always there.

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