A VOLUNTEER group has celebrated 30 years of serving the community. The Royston Community Association (RCA), which is based at the Coombes Community Centre in Burns Road, has been promoting activities in Royston since 1976. Over the years it has support

A VOLUNTEER group has celebrated 30 years of serving the community.

The Royston Community Association (RCA), which is based at the Coombes Community Centre in Burns Road, has been promoting activities in Royston since 1976.

Over the years it has supported groups, including Royston's BMX Rockets, Royston Table Tennis Club and Royston Amateur Boxing Club. It also has links to the Royston Arts Society, the Rainbow Playgroup, Corvus Amateur Dramatic Group, Royston Day Centre and the Royston WI.

RCA administration officer Gillian Morland said: "The RCA is one of the foundations of the community and supports a wide range of activities."

To celebrate, members were joined by Royston mayor Cllr Lynn Berry at its annual meeting, where a history of the groups work was displayed. Cllr Berry marked the anniversary by cutting a cake.

RCA chairman Cllr Bill Prime said: "Thirty years is a marvellous anniversary to celebrate."

He said outstanding memories over the years included the setting up of the playgroup and the building of the community centre.

Originally, the RCA started life at Royston Town Hall, but as demand for activities increased and with the support of North Herts District Council the Coombes Community Centre was built and opened in 1987.

Mrs Morland said: "We have many dedicated volunteers, some of whom have been part of the group since the early days. Everyone of them is extremely important and they have given up a lot of their time to support so many activity groups."

Cllr Prime, who has been chairman of the RCA for three years, announced that he will be stepping down from his position and will be handing over to Bill Davidson.

He said: "I just feel that it is an appropriate time to hand over.

"I think that it's important for someone new to come in, with new ideas and take the group forward.

"I'm not walking away as I will still be involved. I enjoy my involvement with the community and I think that the over the years we have done a good job and we will continue to do so.