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Available for over a year

The Coventry Caribbean Association really struggled during the pandemic. Their venue at the West Indian Community Centre on Spon Street in Coventry fell into disrepair. Because memberships could not be renewed, the activities that the Association organised for the welfare of the local Caribbean community ceased, and the funds necessary for getting the centre back up and running were not available. The Centre and the association had to relaunch, almost starting from scratch, with a whole new membership drive and a renovated space. Someone who was key to that fundraising effort was Marcia. Marcia Risden has made an extraordinary effort to support the centre and all of its users as a long-standing volunteer. She has worked tirelessly and for countless hours to organise bingo nights, domino nights and tournaments which attract around fifty people a week. Her fundraising events have helped renovate the Centre, including a new kitchen. Now the Centre is booked up with parties, wakes, weddings, support groups, sports and fitness classes, Black physical and mental health advice sessions, bingo nights, dancehalls, and now even a restaurant. Thanks to Marcia, the Caribbean community once again has a space to meet, embrace each other, and celebrate their heritage and favourite activities together.