UNFORTUNATELY, all good things must come to an end.

Once again we must say goodbye to a well-worth project that has existed in Redditch for the past five years.

Community Works is due to end but it leaves behind a legacy of community-based ventures that, hopefully, will continue long after its departure.

Personally, I will be saddened to witness the departure of community education which has successfully brought together the community of Redditch regardless of their backgrounds.

They emphasised that education was accessible to all by going out into the community with their mobile learning venture.

Community centres, schools and even public houses became places for adults to be educated in and free childcare was provided to enable all to learn.

Links were forged with NEW College and the Open College Network so that the courses undertaken were attaining a recognised certificate.

All learners were given the scope to grow personally, as well as intellectually, in a non-judgemental, reassuring and supportive atmosphere.

Community education is swamped with approachable guidance workers, tutors, support workers, not forgetting those who worked behind the front line.

The process of learning was unintimidating and fun to be part of, producing happy and relaxed learners.

I hope everyone who has benefited from community education has personally grown in one way or another.

In this era where lifelong learning is promoted, community education has been an oasis in the desert of choice, enabling the community of Redditch to have the time, space and experience to decide on their path in life.

Congratulations Community Works for a job well done.

Thank you for showing us that, still, in the 21st century, the possibility is there for communities to work together and achieve a sense of unity and belonging.

Fronchesker von Heissein

Beoley Road East

Lakeside