DOWN YOUR WAY
BOLDON Ring Margaret Davison on 536 7388 or email margaret-davison1@sky.com
Members and friends of the Ladies Group at St Nicholas Church in West Boldon enjoyed a summer coach trip to Ripley Castle and Ripon earlier this month. The visit included a guided tour around the historic castle and the warm sunny day meant they were able to get outside and enjoy the gardens, grounds and quaint French inspired model village which is on its doorstep, and of course, a Ripley ice cream cornet. There was an added bonus when they arrived in Ripon in the late afternoon and visited Ripon Cathedral and found the rehearsal of a massed choir and orchestra taking place. They were able to sit down and enjoy the beautiful sound of Mozart’s Requiem and Eine Kleine Nachtmusiki, sung by Leeds Festival Chorus accompanied by the York Guildhall Orchestra. East Boldon Methodist Church Hall, on the corner of bridle path, is home to many community groups and activities daily throughout the year. Congratulations go to the Table Tennis Club, which meets on Thursdays from 6.45pm in the hall. This club includes both children and adults and they have been awarded the Sunderland & District Table Tennis Association’s Club of the Year trophy for 2016-17. A new judo club has also started recently in the hall on Fridays from 7.15pm to 8.15pm. Anne and Neil Cuthbertson of St Nicholas Church in West Boldon completed the Christian Aid Bedesway Walk on a Saturday in June and thanked all who kindly sponsored them and gave them some support on the day. They have been able to send off sponsorship money totalling £260 to the charity. A reminder that members of the church have tickets on sale for an Afternoon Tea on Saturday, August 19, in the Parish Hall from 3pm to 5pm. This event is by ticket only, which costs £7.50 per person, available from church members. The Boldon’s History Society will meet in the function room of The Grey Horse in East Bold on on Tuesday, July 25, at 7pm. The ‘Boldon Soldiers – Website’ is the title of the talk and presentation by Stephen Muir. Old and new members and guests very welcome at all meetings. Local folk band Seganainm will be playing at the Friends of the Irish Night on Thursday, July 27, at the Alberta Social Club in Jarrow (next to the Metro station). They will also entertain at the Pie and Pea Supper with music which will be held in The Wheatsheaf in West Boldon by the West Boldon Residents’ Association at 5.30pmon Wednesday, October 18. Tickets are on sale costing £7 for the supper and entertainment, available from association members. If you have caught the tennis bug watching Wimbledon and would like to give it a go, why not turn up this Saturday at Boldon Tennis Club in Dipe Lane, East Boldon. The club will again open its doors to all to celebrate the Great British Tennis Weekend and you can try tennis for free from 10am to 1pm. There is a Summer Fun Activity Day – drop-in at any time between 9.30am and 4pm for £2 per person at West Boldon Lodge Environmental Centre, near Testo’s roundabout on the A19. Celebrate the start of the summer holidays with a fun family day out. Relax and enjoy a full day playing and exploring the site which features an enchanted woodland and fairy village, music area, games field, picnic meadow and much more. Hot and cold refreshments will be available to purchase. Crafts and a number of other activities will be available at an additional cost. On August 1 and 2, from 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm, suitable for ages threeplus, there is a Dinosaur Day at West Boldon Lodge. Join in a self-led dino day, a fun packed day of dinosaur adventure and exploration in the wild woodland, arts and crafts activities and a fossil footprint trail. Dinosaur Activity Day costs £6 per child and £2 per adult. Places must be booked for the latter by contacting www. westboldonlodge.co.uk Boldon Golf Club supported the Rotary Club of Washington, who had organised a fundraising day in aid of Hope4Kidz and the QE cancer department at Gateshead. An amazing day for the 100 golfers started with a bacon butty then on their return they were treated to delicious fish and chips. It was all day fun. The winners were John Anderson and Graham Porter. Rotary president Bill Stephenson, along with Terry Gibson’s daughter Siobhan, presented the winners, second and third with their cheques, cup and personal trophies, also bottles of wine went to the other individual winners. During the afternoon the raffle was drawn providing lots of prizes. Viv Watts, Shannon Crowder and Aimee Burns (Hope4Kidz)and Rotarian Rupa took all the banter and stress of registration and selling raffle tickets. We are sure that Hope4Kidz and the QE cancer department will be delighted with the funds raised from the fantastic support provided through the event.
DOXFORD PARK Ring Debbie Mitchie on 0191 501 7347 or email debbie.mitchie@jpress.co.uk
The next meeting of the Church View Patient Group Will take place at Church View Medical Centre on Wednesday, July 26, starting at 5.30pm. The speaker will be Jackie Spencer, senior commissioning manager at NHS Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group. The topic will be an update on the provision of GP and clinical services to the patients of Church View Medical Practice after September 30, 2017. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be served at the commencement of the meeting.
WHITBURN Ring Carol Shield on 529 3935 or email clshield@talktalk.net
South Bents Townswomen’s Guild meets tomorrow for the final time before the August break for Social Studies. Andrew Clark will talk about the 30s, 40s and 50s. Meetings will resume on Wednesday, September 6, when ladies will support the Sunderland Federation Coffee Morning hosted by Tavistock TG at 10am in St Mary’s Church hall, Bridge Street.
Souter Lighthouse, the gift shop and tea room, is open dai--
ly from 11am to 5pm. Starting today and then weekly until August 29 there will be various summer sports activities in the Foghorn Field from 11am to 3pm. These activities will be free and booking is not necessary. For more details, contact Stephen Fortune on 07780 338301. Do you dare to Tackle the Tower to help return this piece of north east maritime history to its former glory? On Saturday and also on August 13, Souter is offering a handful of brave people a rare chance to abseil down the lighthouse under the expert guidance of outdoor activity specialists Pinpoint Adventure. It’s all in a good cause – after being buffeted for decades by damp coastal winds, the Foghorn House is in desperate need of repair. Cost per person is £20 and a minimum of £50 sponsorship is required to secure a place. For full details and to obtain sponsor forms, contact Vicki Johnson on 0191 5290902oremailvicki.johnson@nationaltrust.org.uk Souter is holding a Car Boot Sale on Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Sellers will be charged £10 per car and can set up from 9am on the Leas, north side of the lighthouse. Entry for buyers is by donation. The next sale will be on Sunday, August 20. For details of this and future special events and activities, go online at www. nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas/ whats-on email douglas.holden@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 0191 529 0903. HelpkeepWhitburnLibrary open. There are petitions to sign in the Barnes Institute and various shops in the village. If the library closes we will lose its availability to borrow books on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays along with regular weekly activities, Baby Bounce, Mat Making, Knit and Natter and Storytots. Other facilities available at the library are five public computers (with support available from staff but no wi-fi), photocopying, language courses, audiobooks and faxing. For more information, call 0191 529 3412. South Tyneside Festival continues in South Shields with many free events being held during the summer months. These include the Sunday concerts in Bents Park with famous performers – Louisa Johnson and Jedward this Sunday – live music in South Marine Park Bandstand on Saturdays, local brass bands at Sandhaven Amphitheatre on Sundays and Kids Fun-Fest on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons during August. For full details go the festival website www.southtyneside.gov. uk/article/58682/South-Tyneside-Festival A coffee morning is held in Whitburn Methodist Church hall each Saturday morning from 10am to 11.30am. All are welcome to attend. Memories of Whitburn, a much loved book about the village by Sybil Reeder containing old photographs and stories collected by the author over several years, was thought to be out-of-print and no longer available. Two hundred brand new copies have been found and are available for sale at £5 each. Christine Buckham on 0191 529 3007, is co-ordinating the sale on Sybil’s behalf. Telephone Christine if you would like to purchase a copy and spread the word that these beautiful examples of local reminiscence are on sale again.
HETTON Ring Sam Blacklock on 07715416213 or email samblacklock1997@gmail.com
Moorsley’s annual Fun Day was held on Saturday, July 1, and, thankfully, the sun came out and helped to make the event an enjoyable one for everyone who attended. The children were entertained by Mr Bungle and his puppets, made delicious food with Carolyn from The Canny Kitchen and were taught how to juggle by Cathie, the circus performer. Music was provided by Pittington Brass Band, which was much appreciated by all those who came along. It was a great day with lots to see and do and some delicious food to eat. All the raffle prizes have now been distributed to the winners. Many thanks to the Moorsley and Easington Lane Big Local Community Fund and Gentoo’s Aspire Grant scheme for providing funding towards the event. The Friends of Hetton Lyons Country Park have organised a series of free events for children on Wednesdays from noon to 3pm in Hetton Lyons Country Park this summer. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Parents need to register their children and receive wrist bands to partake. The dates are Wednesday, July 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23 (Coalfields Community Sports Festival £1 per child) and Thursday, August 31. Durham Wildlife Trust will be holding a fun day from 10am to 4pm. Call along, take a picnic and enjoy the day. The Rotary Club is holding a Dragon Boat Race on Sunday, July 30, in the Country Park. This is the third year for this event, see http:// dragonboats.co.uk/ The next meeting of the Friends Group will be held on Thursday, July 27, at 5.45pm. It is a meeting for all volunteers to finalise arrangements for the summer events. Please come along and give us your support. More information on www.hettoncountrypark.wordpress.com Eppleton Cricket Club hosted their first ladies’ day last weekend, which was a huge success. Ladies from the local community and members of the club went along and played some softball cricket, while sipping on Prosecco and eating scones and jam. What more is there to enjoy! A big thanks to everyone who went along and supported the event, and to all the volunteers on the day who helped make the day such a success. Eppleton Cricket Club Juniorcricketcoachingsessions continue this Thursday night for all ages, both boys and girls. Sessions run from 6pm until 8pm every ThursdaynightattheChurchRoad ground. For information email eppletoncc11@gmail. com
FULWELL, ROKER AND SEABURN Ring Connie Bulmer on 0191 548 6066
Roker Crafts meet from 1pm to 3pm in Roker Methodist Church hall. Each session is led by a member of the group. On Friday, July 28, Edith – Knitted Angels, you will need size 12 knitting needles. Please bring a basic craft kit (pen, pencil, fine scissors and a cutting board) and any textured or other interesting coloured papers or wool etc. Call 0191 549 5878 for more information. Seaburn (Men’s) Probus Club meets in Roker Methodist Church at the junction of Lonsdale Road and Roker Park Road tomorrow at 10am. New members would be very welcome to see what the club has to offer. The next Wearside Field Club walk is on Saturday at Scarborough and Thornton-le-Dale led by Alan and Norma Major. Early start – 30 minutes earlier at each point. Fulwell Art Club, for anyone wishing to join, meets at Fulwell Community Centre on Wednesdays at 1.30pm. Just go along. An evening of entertainment and music including a raffle, auction, tombola and more in the Yacht Club, on Friday, July 28, at 7.30pm with full bar. A night to support dogs and cats at Sava’s Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary. Tickets are £5, which will be entered into a draw to win high street shopping vouchers. Tell them If you buy a ticket just to enter the draw and cannot attend, you must inform them by Wednesday, July 26. The tickets are available at Cutz Hair Salon, Groomers, Bojangles, Smith Shoe Shop and JP’s Pet Supplies or Steve DMP Disco and Karaoke Services, call 07403 689207 or contact Lex on Facebook. Are you looking for a venue to hold your meetings or activity groups? There are a few spaces available at the newly refurbished Fulwell Community Centre in Chapman Street. If you are interested, please contact fulwell.ca@gmail.com for information. Fulwell Mill Tearoom has opened in the visitor centre from 10am to 3pm, Wednesday to Saturday, with a range of hot and cold food, all freshly baked on the premises. Soup, sandwiches, quiche, scones and cakes available. There is a 50/50 Tea Dance at the Mill View Club, Fulwell, on Thursday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Cost is £2.50 and includes refreshments. Dance with Johnny and Jean. Due to the temporary closure of Fulwell Library, councillors Bob Francis and George Howe will be holding surgeries in the Blue Bell on the first and fourth Saturday mornings of each month between 10.30am and 11.30am. They will be located on the ground floor in the right hand corner of the main dining room area. They wish to thank the Blue Bell management for opening their doors to everyone. They look forward to see you there on Saturday. Sunderland Art Club exhibition is at the Watch House, Pier View,Rok er, on Sundaysfrom no onto 4 pm. They meet at the Watch House on Monday at 6.30pm for two hours. They have a programme of themes for each session to encourage members to try different styles and subjects. New members are welcome with £2.50 to cover the cost. neSlimmers – three meals, four snacks – classes are held in Chapman Street Community Centre (off Sea Road) every Wednesday at 6pm. No joining fee, pay only as you attend. Find them on Facebook @NorthEastSlimmers.Claire will see you there.
SILKSWORTH AND RYHOPE Ring Olive Thompson on 0191 521 4960 or 07758439449 email
The next meeting of the Church View Patient Group will take place at Church View Medical Centre, Silksworth, from at 5.30pm on Wednesday, July 26. The speaker will be Jackie Spencer, senior commissioning manager, NHS Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group. The topic will be an update on the provision of GP and clinical services to the patients of Church View Medical Practice after September 30, 2017. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be served at the commencement
of the meeting. All patients are welcome The Men’s Den at Ryhope Community Centre is open every Thursday from 10am until noon. There are dominoes, cards, draughts, crosswords, soduku and quizzes. Sessions are free, tea, coffee, biscuits and cake are included. Call along and make new friends. St.Cuthbert’s Church, Ryhope, is holding its monthly Craft Fair on Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Refreshments will be available along with homemade cakes and gifts, local crafts and a raffle. Admission will be 50p, children free. All welcome.
GRANGETOWN AND ASHBROOKE Ring Chris Dixon on 0191 551 7090/07950828272 or email cmdixon@hotmail.co.uk
Outgoing president of the Rotary Club of Sunderland Sharad Trivedy was delighted to confer a Paul Harris Fellowship on incoming president Derek Sherriff at the weekly meeting in the Rosedene Hotel. Derek has lived in the Grangetown and Ashbrooke area all his life. He recently retired as Southwick Postmaster and is an active member of St John’s Methodist Church, serving as vestry steward and circuit steward. Derek was quickly into action presenting a cheque to Rachel Smith of the University of Sunderland Development Trust. Rachel was able to give an example of a Sunderland student given help by the trust with fares and accommodation to travel to the USA for a Pixar Conference and now who is working in animation in London. The next Northumbria Police ‘PACT’ meeting for St Michael’s ward is tonight at Auckland Homes, Hill View Road, commencing 6pm. All ward residents are welcome to meet representatives of the local police team, while ward councillors are also usually in attendance. Parishioners of St Cecilia’s Catholic Church, Ryhope Road, will be holding their annual Summer Barbecue in the church grounds on Saturday. It will start at about 7pm, after the evening vigil Mass. Musical entertainment will be provided by Andy Barker. There will be a vegetarian food option for those requiring it, while entertainment will include a quiz. There is also a bar. Tickets are available after Mass or from Tom Martin and Bernadette Lawson costing £5 - with children free. The Cub Scouts Group in Ashbrooke is looking for volunteers. The cubs are aged eight to 11 and meet at St John’s Church on Mondays from 6pm until 7.15pm. There are also other opportunities if you are interested in working with children and young people between the ages of six and 18 years. Contact volunteer@sunderlandscouts. org.uk for details of Scouts, CubsandBeaversintheSunderland area. Friends of Backhouse Park and Barley Mow Park held its latest meeting last week at the Back-on-the-Map building. Clare Wayman was in the chair and members were joined by St Michael’s ward councillor Michael Dixon. A variety of issues were discussed including a wildflower area, future community clean-ups, the ongoing feasibility study, the Parks for People meeting and the proposed Lantern Parade in Backhouse Park later this year. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 8, at the usual venue, commencing 6.30pm. St Michael’s councillors Michael Dixon and Peter Wood recently met youth workers from the Blue Watch Youth Centre for an update on the community clean-ups in the ward. They were told that various streets in Hill View had been visited and that young people attached to Blue Watch were enjoying the sessions ofhelpingtokeepthestreets cleaner with litter picking. Also for some time now Blue Watch has also used the nearby community centre in Stannington Grove for regular youth work, which has been very well attended
CLEADON Ring Lesley Smith on 0191 536 3346 email lesley.smith@live.com
Today Cleadon WI is enjoying an outing to Amble on the Northumbrian coast. On Friday, the Friday Lunch Club meets in All Saints’ parish hall at 11am for coffee before a delicious two-course lunch at noon. The PCC of All Saints’ Church meets at 7.30pm in the Chapter House next Wednesday, July 26. On Saturday, July 29, there will be a Table Top Sale in the Britannia Toby Carvery from 10am until 2pm. All kinds of goods will be available including jewellery, toys, books etc and all proceeds are in aid of animal charities. On Saturday, August 5, there will be a Paddy’s Market and Jumble Sale in All Saints’ parish hall from 10am. Refreshments will be on sale and stalls will include clothing, household goods, books, and jewellery. Call along and have a browse. Entry is free. A Slimming World class takes place on Thursdays in All Saints’ parish hall at 9.30am and at 11.30am. Anyone who would like to lose a pound or two for the summer will find support and friendship here. Just go to a class to join. The Dokan Karate Club meets on Thursdays in All Saints’ parish hall at 5pm for juniors and at 7pm for adults. The club has had many successes in tournaments and competitions across the country. Go along to a class or call 07939 130411 for further information.
WASHINGTON Ring Harry Chalmers on 07938955778 or email harry. chalmers@9gc.co.uk
North Biddick Bowls Club played host to the Sunderland and District Presidents team on a glorious sunny day. An enjoyable game was held in brilliant sunshine and North Biddick ran out worthy winners. After the game both teams and guests enjoyed a meal at the Penshaw Community Centre. Lots of activities at the Life House, Grasmere Terrace, Columbia, in July. Tiny Toes Toddler group, suitable for ages nought to five, meets 9.30am to 11.30am every Monday. Tuesdays, a patchwork and quilting group runs 7pm to 9pm, call Marjorieon01914193570forinformation. Washington Station WI meets the third Tuesday of the month. Wednesday every week is iyengar yoga from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. The first Wednesday of the month is the book club from 2pm to 3pm. Thursdays, TinyToesToddlergroupmeets again, 9.30am to 11.30am and 12.15pm to 2.15pm. Also on a Thursday, Healthy Eating group meets, booking is essential for this on 0191 417 8043. Friday from 10am to 11am they have a walking group, but please note this leaves from the Arts Centre and not the Life House. Slimming World holds sessions every Thursday from 7.30pm to 9pm, Friday 9am and 11.30am and Saturday 8.30am and 10.30am. Springwell Community Venue is hosting an afternoon tea and songs with live vocalist Shirley Mac on Saturday, September 16, from 1pm to 4pm. There is a bar and tickets costing £6 include entertainment, afternoon tea and a glass of wine.Tickets are on sale now and expected to sell quickly. To book call 0191 416 2630 or email svha@live.com The recent 1940s weekend at Springwell Village was a big success and it is hoped to make it an annual event. To do this organisers need the help of volunteers.If you are able to assist either visit the Spring well Community Centre or email svha@live.com Summer dance boot camp for children aged five-plus is at NE38 sports bar, Barmston, every Friday for five weeks from July 28 at 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Circuit training, stamina and dance fit. Contact Gemma Lewin on 07964 574727. August 19 sees the sixth memorial skateboard, bmx and scooter competition in memory of Shane ‘Shorty’ Sloan, who was tragically filled in a car accident aged 18. The event is being held at Override skate park, Jarrow. All competitors receive a medal plus trophies for winners and spot prizes. The Oasis in the galleries has re-opened after a major refurbishment. On August 2 at Miss Tina’s, Barmston, for children aged three-plus, go along to artventurers workshop and create a super sized lego figure. Call or text Harpeet on 07736 932187. Saturday, July 22, at 10.30am in the Arts Centre, is The Mix Up Muddle Bird. Join theatre tots on an epic adventure through the jungle .The mixed up muddle bird is part crocodile, tiger, monkey and bird, she lives in the tallest trees and does not come down in case the other birds laugh at her. One day the jungle animals come and ask her a question that changes her
life. Suitable for children aged one to five there is a 30-minute performance and a 30-minute workshop. An adult plus child ticket is £6, additional adults and chidren £4. On August 3, LittleMovers at Miss Tina’s, Barmston, are having a summer special day of activities for children from birth to five-years-old. Lots of activities from a variety of play school providers plus face painting. Free entry, £1 extra for face painting. Fusion Dance Summer Festival is on from 9am to 3pm on July 26 at Oxclose Academy. The day will consist of circuit training, ballet/contemporary, commercial jazz freestyle and musical theatre. Suitable for ages three-plus, contact Aimee Green on 07552 233432. The SNCBC clean and green volunteers collected eight bags of litter from the playpark beside Harraton and District Community Centre while carrying out work in James Steel Park, well done to them. Washington Ramblers have walks arranged for July 30, Selkirk to Melrose, August 13, a circular route around Kilburn, North Yorkshire Moors, and August 27, Belford to Holy Island. For information contact Eddie Robinson on 0191 410 8420 or visit www.washingtonramblers@.co.uk Washington Theatre Group will present Ten Times Two The Eternal Courtship, by David Belke, on July 27 to 29 at 7.30pm at Washington Arts Centre. Tickets are £6, call 0191 561 3455. An epic romantic comedy set over hundreds of years. When an evildoer cursed with immortality falls for a barmaid in 1939, it is the start of a romantic pursuit spanning the centuries. The Cheery Tree has a buskers night fortnightly, next one is Friday, July 28, from 8.30pm. There is also live music on Saturday, July 22, with Soul Addiction. Lots happening in Washington Town Centre Library for the school holidays. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 2.15pm to 3.15pm. Commencing Tuesday, July 25, Liz Million, booking essential; Tuesday, August 1, Fantastic Finger Puppets; Tuesday, August 8, Detective Dogs; August 15, Steve’s Animal Ark, booking essential; August 22, Sleuth Dog; August 29 Snake Sleuths; July 27, Bernia Bears Headband, August 3, Canny Kitchen, booking essential; August 10, Secret Agents; August 17, Steve’s Animal Ark, booking essential; August 24, Rabbit Rendezvous; August 31, Action Agents. All activities are free, children under eight must be accompanied by an adult and donations are welcomed. For further information or to book a place call 0191 561 1235. Fatfield Musical Stage Society is starting rehearsals for its next big production, Sister Act, on Tuesday, August 15, at 7.30pm, in Trinity Methodist Church, Shiney Row. Well done to the pupils at Barmston Primary School and members of Gentoo and McDonalds, plus Coun David Snowdon, who planted flowers and did a litter pick in the Barmston play area.
EASINGTON Ring Eileen Hopper on 0191 527 2668 or email e4eileen@yahoo. com
Easington Colliery Co-op had Easington Colliery in Bloom in store to give them £150 they raised to buy new equipment to keep the community blooming. Thanks this will buy tools and plants. Easington CofE Primary School Pluto class enjoyed a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) workshop provided by the Esh group, who erected their new perimeter fence. After the workshop they were given lots of construction toys for the children to enjoy. The Junior Road Safety Officers celebration was held in June and Durham County councillor Angela Surtees congratulated all five JRSOs, Alyssa, Ava, Poppy, Charlie and Maks from Easington CofE Primary School, who all behaved impeccably. They were presented with certificates and a beautiful JRSO boxed pen. At the event the children were all spoken to by a number of people in the council, Coun Olywn Gunn, portfolio holder for children and education, Coun Brian Stephens, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, Sheila Parmerley, Ron Hogg, Police and Crime Commissioner, and the new EDP (Educational Development Partner) Mr Gardner, who chatted with the children for quite a while. The Haswells Summer Activity programme starts on Monday, July 24, with a Picnic at the Pit from noon to 1.30pm, then every other Monday. Bowling Buddies in the Parish Bowling Green each Tuesday from 1pm to 3pm. Wednesday is Free Family Fun Day at the LisaDixonCentrefrom11am to 3pm. Thursday is Family Fitness from 6pm to 7pm at £2.50 per adult. Various events for children will be held in the Giant Steps Nursery. Leaflets with times and events are available. Hope Wood Academy would like to thank Klassy Entertain- ment for supplying the disco and balloons free and to the Black Velvet Cake Company for donating a cake and Chappies Butchers for donating food. Thank you to everyone who took part in the third Big Lunch at Hawthorn, whilst the weather this year was not exceptional, everyone enjoyed the various activities. Thank you to all residents in Hawthorn who opened their gardens between 1pm and 4pm for the Open Garden Walk. This is now an annual event as part of‘TheBigLunch.’Therewas also the Flowerpot Festival and Photography Exhibition. TheHaswellsCommunityParty were out and about the beginning of July delivering the brand new free Parish Patch. If you prefer to read on your tablet or phone, here’s the digital edition of the first Parish Patch from us http://anyflip. com/jukn/tpnk/ Various organisations are involved and the will be publishing news and views every three months. Commencing at Healthworks on Tuesday, July 25, for six weeks, free family craft sessions. Call along from 1pm to 3pm and try out the range of family fun. If you like beautiful singing and ukuleles then this Summer Concert is for you with Easington Silver Singers and Easington Ukulele Band on Tuesday, July 18, from 10.30am to noon at St Mary’s Church Hall. Two fantastic musical groups from Easington are coming together to share their music with you, free entry, refeshments available. For more information on the two groups contact Diane Robson (music workshop leader) on 07950 406223 or email dianerobson2003@yahoo.co.uk
HERRINGTONS, FARRINGDON AND LAKESIDE Ring Debbie Mitchie on 0191 501 7347 or email debbie.mitchie@northeast-press. co.uk
Following the success of their 90th anniversary party, some of the members of Herrington WI enjoyed a very interesting outing to Ampleforth Abbey and Orchard in North Yorkshire. Whilst the summer weather tried its hardest to dampen the spirits, the ladies made the most of The Orchard and Cider making talk, including some sampling of products, the wholesome lunch and the Abbey tour. The only regret was for a longer stay so no doubt a return visit could be on the agenda again. The next WI event will be the annual charity coffee morning which this year will be on Wednesday, August 2, at 10am in St Chads Church Hall. The chosen charity is the Great North Air Ambulance, so it is hoped for a good turnout to support this worthy cause. Councillors Gillian Galbraith, Stuart Porthouse and Darryl Dixon are holding ward surgeries on Saturdayfrom10.30amto11.30am in the Methodist Chapel, Crow Lane, Middle Herrington. Also on Wednesday, July 26, from 5pm to 6pm in the Community Room, Aldenham Tower, Lakeside Village.Everyoneiswelcome and no appointment is necessary.
HOUGHTON Ring Ron Young on 0191 584 2692
St Mary’s Church West Rainton is holding an Afternoon Tea on Sunday, July 23, in and around the church from 2pm to 4pm. There will also be a raffle, tombola, home produce stall, books and second hand goods. Afternoon tea tickets are £5 and can be pre booked with Annabel Burns on 0191 584 4959. Further detail is on the St Mary’s Church West Rainton Facebook page. All visitors will be most welcome.
HENDON AND EAST END Ring Connie Bulmer on 548 6066
The next Lovell Lecture is on Monday, July 24, at 1pm to 3pm in the Donnison School, Church Walk, off Church Street East. Speaker Margaret Atkinson with talk about ‘The Fishwives of the North East’. Entrance is £3 and includes refreshments. ‘Framing Your Community’ Photography for fun at the Donnison School each Tuesday at 10am to noon until July 25. The sessions will focus on enjoying the local area and achieving the best with whatever camera you have. Bring along your phone, digital or film camera. There will be short tutorials followed by time to experiment then review your images over a coffee. Call 0191 565 4835 to book a place. The sessions will culminate with an exhibition. Sunderland Maritime Heritage recently attended the Seaham Lifeboat Day where HMS Venerable model and Jack Crawford re-enactment raised £187 for the RNLI. Public feedback and enthusiasm was very good. Fred Gooch, who is head model maker for HMS Venerable model, has requested volunteers with a model making background to possibly make 1/ 10th scale cutters and launchers (small craft) to go on their Venerable model. They can be made using their facilities at Church Street East or in your own spare time. Anyone interested contact 0191 510 2540.
The Mother & Toddler group meets at St Cecilia’s Church hall, Ryhope Road, each Tuesday at 9.30am to 11.30am. Just go along no need to book. Hendon Karate Class is at Cheers public house on tomorrow from 6pm to 7pm for beginners and on Friday from 6pm to 7pm. For further details call 07932 724720. Sunderland Antiquarian Society Archives at the Sunderland Antiquarian and Heritage Centre, 6 Douro Terrace, is open for research tomorrow and Saturday from 9.30am to noon. The Parent and Toddler group meets at Sunderland Minster on Tuesday from 9.30am to 11.30am. Drop-in sessions are held at the YMCA Centre at 2-3 Toward Road each Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm. They offer adviceonthetypesofaccommodation at the YMCA for 16 to 35-year-olds. Or you can call 0191 567 6160 for advice. Sunderland Art Club is keen to attract new members. They meet at St John’s Methodist Church in Ashbrooke on Fridays from 9.30am to noon. They also have a sessions on Mondays at the Watch House, Roker, from 6.30pm. The charge of £2.50 covers costs and all are welcome. Sunderland Intergenerational Singers are connecting generations through song. Go along and join this new intergenerational choir. All welcome, just bring your voice! Would you like to sing for fun? Meet new friends? Sing in the community? This is a great new opportunity, meets tonight at the Donnison School, Church Walk, Sunderland SR1 2BJ, at 6pm. Call 0191 565 4835.
PETERLEE AND HORDEN Ring Eileen Hopper on 0191 527 2668 or email e4eileen@yahoo. com
Lesley Powell, executive headteacher at the Academy at Shotton Hall and CEO of the North East Learning Trust, was awarded the CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in recognition of her services to education. Born and bred in Gateshead, with 29 years teaching she worked her way up as a newly qualified chemistry teacher at Highfield School in Gateshead, then moved to work in schools in Manchester for 14 years before returning to her native north east 12 years ago to take up a deputy head post at Shotton Hall. Her uncompromising ambition for educational excellence was soon rewarded with promotion to headteacher seven years ago and a further outstanding judgment from Ofsted for the school in 2013. She has established Shotton Hall as a teaching school, and within it the outstanding school based teacher training provider, Shotton Hall SCITT. She also established the North East Learning Trust, which now boasts five schools in its growing family. This year has also seen Shotton Hall named as one of just 11 prestigious research schools in England. As a national leader of education, practising Ofsted inspector, member of the regional headteacher board and member of the national secondary headteachers reference group, Lesley is always on the go, working extraordinarily hard to improve education and the life chances of young people. Blood donor sessions will be held in Peterlee Fire Station, Shotton Road, on Tuesday, July 25, from 2.05pm to 4pm and 4.55pm to 7.10pm. There arelimitedwalk-inslotsand appointments can be made athttps://www.blood.co.uk/ or call 0300 123 2323. Congratulations to all the talented students who took part in the brilliant North East Learning Trust summer concert last month at Elvet Meth-