By Sarah Newstead

Last updated at 13:10, Monday, 18 August 2008

SISTERS-IN-LAW Joan and Betty go together like pie and peas – and it’s great news for the community of Moorclose that they do.

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Resourceful pair: Betty Armstrong, left, and Joan Humes won last year’s volunteer of the year award for their work to regenerate Moorclose Community Centre in Workington. This year the sisters-in-law are sitting on the Cumbria Community Awards judging panel

The double act won last year’s volunteer of the year award for their tireless work to make the Moorclose Community Centre the hub it has become.

This year, Joan Humes and Betty Armstrong have agreed to help Cumbria County Council find other community stars by sitting on the Cumbria Community Awards judging panel.

Legendary in the Workington estate for their pie and pea suppers, knit and natter sessions and bingo evenings, Joan and Betty have brought countless people together in the centre they helped to set up.

Fifteen years ago, Moorclose School was going to knock down the building as it was no longer needed. Residents formed a committee to save it and to develop it for the community.

Joan and Betty were the driving force and remain the centre’s main volunteers. Betty still does many of the grant applications and both women can be found at the centre on at least five days a week. Joan said: “Over the years we’ve had some tears and we’ve had some real laughs. But it’s worth it – we enjoy it.”

Betty added: “We did work hard to raise funds in the early days.”

For many people, the centre has become a second home.

Joan said: “The roof used to let the rain in. There was one old lady who used to come to bingo and always sat in the same seat and when it rained, she would get wet. So she used to just put her rain hood up. She wouldn’t move seats, that particular one was hers!”

The pair are no strangers to the demands of putting the community first, even postponing holidays to ensure that essential work is done.

As judges, Betty and Joan will be looking out for individuals and community groups that put their all into their work.

Betty said: “If you can handle a bit of stress and have a bit of a laugh and just get on with the job, you’re a great volunteer.”

Being happy to muck in with any task is also crucial according to Betty, whose years at the centre have seen her go from wiggling her hips at belly dancing lessons to getting elbow-deep in dirty dishes.

“We even hauled bricks away on sheets when they were doing out the rooms,” she said.

Joan said that resourcefulness is key quality in a good volunteer, with many of the centre’s furnishings begged from closing shops and pubs.

Betty added: “We’ll be looking for anything that people have put their heart and soul into.”

First published at 05:37, Friday, 15 August 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk