Birds of a Feather actress, Linda Robson, was guest of honour at The ARC in Weston Drive, Caterham last month, when it held an Open Day to celebrate its re-opening. After spending two hours looking around and signing autographs, Linda said: "I wish there was a similar centre near where I live in Islington!"

Dick Moran, Chief Executive of the Caterham Barracks Trust, is delighted that Linda decided to support the venture further by becoming a shareholder.

Visitors to the Open Day were delighted The ARC had reopened after closing suddenly in March last year. The soft play area was in full operation while mums and dads took the opportunity to try out the new cafe run by Aldo Floris, the restauranteur and chef from 'La Fiaba' Italian restaurant in Caterham Valley.

Children had the opportunity to join in free theatre workshops and dance classes in the studio and there were futher entertaining activities to enjoy in The ARC's gallery. Visitors were invited to buy shares in The ARC, which is currently being run by a team of enthusiastic volunteers, to secure the future of the popular arts and recreational centre. On Sunday 21st February, the celebrations continued with a dinner dance in the performing arts studio hosted by Aldo and his wife Marcia. Frank Sinatra tribute singer, Ian Gallagher entertained the 62 guests with a superb medley of hits throughout the afternoon which raised £660 for the second stage of the restoration programme.

Afterwards, Dick Moran said: "It's great to have Aldo involved with The ARC. He has equipped the kitchen at his own expense in order to provide a cafe service in our soft play area. He has such enthusiasm and along with Marcia, has worked hard to help us make a success of the project. I'm very grateful to him for donating the proceeds of today's lunch to our restoration fund."

For information about forthcoming activities at The ARC, call 01883 330380.