BRIDGES Community Centre celebrated its 30th birthday in great style on Saturday (6th December) with a party for over 70 guests. Party-goers included trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters; some of whom had been involved with the organisation from its very beginnings in offices above the Monmouthshire Beacon.

The evening started with a magnificent fire juggling display by the amazing Fred Weston, a member of the Building Bridges team.

After a warming glass of mulled wine, guests were welcomed to the evening by the Mayor of Monmouth, Councillor Jane Gunter, who praised the contribution that Bridges had made to the life of Monmouth over the last 30 years. The evening continued with the showing of two films about some of the activities that go on at Bridges.

The first, Thursday Afternoons, is a very moving testimony to the work of the Bridges' tea dance in bringing together so many people every week to share an hour or so of social dancing in a very convivial and supportive atmosphere. The second was based on the work of the Community Connections team who support isolated and lonely senior citizens in the community.

Shelagh Salter-Jones described the early years of Bridges, in which she played a leading role in its affairs until 2004. Pam Lloyd took up the story, describing in particular the momentous decision to move from Hadnock Road to Drybridge House and the massive fundraising and volunteering effort that this involved. Pam was the centre director from 1989 to 2003 and is now back at Bridges running Home Start Monmouthshire. Finally, the current centre director, Mark Walton, paid tribute to the work of staff, volunteers and trustees in keeping the operation going and helping to position the centre to face the next 30 years.

Everyone present enjoyed excellent entertainment from the Monmouth Big Band to round off a memorable evening