This week we held a little celebration with Merv to thank him for the 25 years he has spent with us. We presented him with a sketch of his beloved dog Charlie, who was also the inspiration for the cake.

As Ali, our Centre, Manager, wrote in the summer edition of Community News …

As our hirers will know, Merv is our Caretaker. He can often be seen in the Centre with Charlie, his spaniel, a favourite of many. Merv is our 6ft-plus elf who cleans and tidies the Centre, making sure equipment is ready for use and the Centre runs smoothly. He even manages to keep me supplied with coffee which is a Herculean task.

Merv has now been with us for 25 years – quite a feat of endurance! He is an invaluable source of information about the Centre and the people, and even knows where the bodies are buried! Merv has given more than 100% to the Centre. I do mean more than 100% as he often volunteers to help hirers and to do extra things to keep the Centre running smoothly, over and beyond his job. Merv is there 7 days a week nearly every week of the year (we do force him to have some time off). Merv may seem gruff, but he is one of the kindest souls I have met, and he goes a long way to make our Centre a place for us all to be welcome.

Thank you Merv, here is to the next 25 years!