THE
No. 144 • March 1994 • Circulation 15,500
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Youth say thank you to 85 year old who stands by them First family helper chosen UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE FAMILY 1994
There were whoops and cheers from youngsters at Freshbrook CommunityCentre'sThursday evening youth club as Marie Crane was presented with a big bunch of flowers and a box of chocolates.
The teenagers had nominated her to be recognised by the Relate/Link magazine 'say a little thank you' campaign as part of our contribution to the United Nations International Year of the Family. Marie Crane, though she will not admit it, is a remarkable woman. At 85 years old she turns out on three evenings a week to voluntarily run a youth coffee bar. She used to go along to the Sunday afternoon session as well, but decided her own children needed her attention. "I became involved six years ago when a group of youngpeople asked the community centre management if they could use room," said Marie. "After a few weeks I started to help out and have been here ever since. "There's been so much bad publicity, but the youth are nowhere as bad as they are made out to be. I've never had any problem with the teenagers who come to the club and they've never been rude to me. It all depends on how you treat each other. It's there's respect, thenyou're going to get on. "I've boxed a few ears and I'm not
slow to tell them what I think of them if I don't like their language or behaviour. I think more older people should help the young - it's very rewarding. I love them all." Youth club member Nicola Ham said she had become very close to Marie. "I really feel a lot for her. I became pregnant when I was fifteen and she gave me so much help. And she gave me so much support when my baby Vicky had to go into hospital. It's been hard bringing her up. "Marie's been like my own grandmother. I can talk to her if there is any problem. She helps me work things out." Relate manager Jane Lewis said it was a pleasure to meet Marie. "She is a lovely person; it's obvious that the young people respect her. She's also enabled Nicola to keep in touch with her teenage friends whilst continuing to care for her young child. It would have been so easy for her to be excluded from normal teenage activities."
Jane Lewis from Relate presents flowers and chocolates compliments of West End Flowers and Asda to Marie Crane with some of the teenagers at Freshbrook Community Centre,from left, Angela Clayton, Cherie Lamb, Alma Vowles, Dave Shakespere ,Andrea Watkins, Sarah Donaldson, Nicola Ham, Lisa Utting
Shoe Box Appeal for Bosnia 1st April convoy collection to help wartorn families
The West Swindon based InternationalFamily Group are asking children to fill a shoe box with surprises for refugee children in Bosnia. The Group is collecting in time for a convoy due to pass through Swindon from Cardiff on 1 April. Family Group chair Shala Turn to page 9 to read how you can Davapanah said that a local child nominate somebody who has helped your sent a shoebox on the last convoy in December. "It was such a lovely family
idea. I'm sure many others are willing to give some happiness to a child in a refugee camp. "We're not asking for anything expensive, perhaps some sweets, pencils, paper and small toys. And of course we would like children to write a letter to go inside their gift." The group will also be collecting food outside local supermarkets. Continued on page 9
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