Residents of Glenview Gardens find ways to build their own community centre.
Glenview Gardens housing estate in Limerick has a population of approximately three hundred people, primarily families with children.
A community centre is to be built on a green area on the edge of the estate, and fundraising is underway. Rehearsals for a variety show are in full swing, with the cast and chorus drawn from the wives, mothers and grandmothers of the neighbourhood.
Given that most of these amateur performers work full time in the home, how do their families manage when they are at nightly rehearsals?
Quite well, says one woman, as all it requires is a little bit of extra preparation. A few hours of singing and practising dance routines provide a welcome break from running a household.
It's really therapy in itself for the women.
Chairman of Glenview Residents Association Bill Rowley explains, the community centre project began with the problem of illegal dumping on the green.
Limerick Corporation were unsupportive, and so the residents decided to take matters into their own hands, clearing the rubbish and constructioning a new building which will serve the needs of the community.
This has worked well for the people of Glenview Gardens, and he recommends that other communities in similar situations get on with the job of building it for themselves.
A 'Newsround' report broadcast on 14 December 1975. The reporter is Tom MacSweeney.
