I was delighted to be invited to the 60th Birthday celebrations of Batley Community Centre on Saturday 7 October. The centre was jam-packed with friends old and new, all there to celebrate 60 successful years of community engagement.

Our local MP, Kim Leadbeater gave an opening address, and the Mayor of Kirklees attended the event. The Batley Bulldogs mascot was also there to show the club's support for their local community. During the birthday celebrations the centre's main hall was renamed in memory of Mary Bateman, one of the initial founders of the centre. Mary was a highly committed woman who worked hard to ensure the vision of the centre became a reality for the people of Batley to use and enjoy.

The centre has hosted many events from birthday parties, to political hustings, conferences, community Great Get Togethers and more over the years. 60 years later the centre is still going strong and is a testament to Mary's vision and hard work. There was even a special birthday cake made by one of our Trust Members, the very talented Fazila Aswat. Batley is a very special place to live, to work and to learn.

Community Makes Us and the unity in community is key.