A centre of excellence since Kelly took over

All Shoreham seems to be doing now is rebuilding, ruining precious

outlooks, skylines and riverbanks and crowding our lovely town with too many houses.

One thing that has changed for the better over the last few years or so is the Shoreham Centre.

Before that, we barely noticed it.

There never seemed to be anything going on.

It all seemed to turn around about five and six years ago, when a new manager took over.

Since then, my wife and l have attended all manner of events that go on there, and got to know the manager, Kelly.

She is so friendly and wants to know everyone and, indeed, please everyone. Kelly put the centre back on the map.

The Saturday night disco tribute bands are fantastic. You have to be there by 9pm or you don't get in.

There is so much going on there at Christmas and New Year; it is fantastic.

Where else could you find a venue with such a selection of events, something going on every day and every night?

We have done salsa and line dancing, danced till midnight and can still walk home.

Kelly built the place up and, most of all, she seemed to be there for everything.

Always on the door, taking money, keeping everything

running smoothly. Then came the fire.

The low life that stole the lead from the roof of the centre had no idea of the problems and misery it was to cause.

My wife has a market stall on a Wednesday and it is still going, despite everything.

I don't know how, but Kelly is keeping the whole place going, just on a smaller scale.

We still go to the discos and shows, though, in a somewhat smaller room.

It feels even more special, more intimate and just as good as before.

I take my hat off to Kelly and want to tell her how grateful we are (I think I speak for most of Shoreham) that she is keeping the Shoreham Centre alive.

We are so looking forward to the day work is finished.

Chris Gunn

via email