A job well done

A COMMUNITY centre is preparing to bid farewell to its own Miss Fixit.

Linda Logan started work at the Bowes Lyon Centre, Stevenage, in 1968 and loved it so much that 38 years later she's still there.

But that is about to change.

Linda is maintenance engineer and she's such a Jill of all trades that when she retires on January 12, on her 60th birthday, she will leave a huge gap.

"Every day is different," she said. "I unlock the centre at 6am, clean and set up rooms for meetings. Then it could be anything from decorating and sanding to plumbing and carpentry.

"My dad was a carpenter and I was lucky enough to go to work with him on Saturdays, so that's how it all started. I just enjoy being at Bowes Lyon and the time has flown by. There's such a good atmosphere and a great team spirit."

Among other strings to her bow, Linda is a health and safety official, and completed a part-time youth workers' course, running groups in the evening for young people.

"She'll be a hard act to follow" said facilities manager Kathy Brackley.

"It's a massive building to maintain and we work well together. Linda is such fun and everyone will miss her. We're all sad that she's retiring."

Bowes Lyon is the biggest youth centre in the county and is run by a team of six full-time and 20 part-time staff. Over the years its role has changed and now, as a dual purpose centre, it is not only used by young people but by other groups as well. These include a popular disco for young people with learning difficulties, a Sunday church group and a young mums group.

"The centre is a focal point for people of all ages not only as a place to socialise but also for the educational and challenging opportunities it offers," said county councillor Jane Pitman, lead member for children's services.

"Linda has played a key role in the Bowes Lyon team and I'd like to congratulate her for her enthusiasm and commitment over the years. Everyone who knows Linda will miss her and we all wish her a very happy retirement.