DOWN YOUR WAY
GRANGETOWN AND ASHBROOKE
Another litter pick organised by the Blue Watch Youth Centre, starting from the St Michael’s base at Stannington Grove Community Centre, took place last week. At last the sun shone and pupils from local schools were joined by ward Councillors, Peter Wood and Michael Dixon. The Blue Watch staff were there to organise the equipment and several bags of litter were filled by the hardworking children, setting a great example by trying to keep the streets clear of litter. The parts of the ward covered this time were the cut in Aylesford Mews and around the play area in Westheath Avenue. The Friends of Backhouse Park and helpers, were up bright and early on a recent Sunday morning to make preparation for an eventual wildflower area within the park close to the Ryhope Road entrance. The wet grass did not deter the hardworking members and the planting of seeds duly took place. Following further funding for 2018 from the Virgin Money Foundation, the Steps to Success Employability Skills Programme is available to those who do not wish to undertake further long-term courses and just wish to gain employment or an apprenticeship. In the previous year the programme has engaged with 44 learners of which 20 have gained employment and those who have not been job ready have been supported into further training or work experience placements to develop practical skills and confidence but hopefully during this year will be able to move into paid employment. Blue Watch also offers short courses including: Food Safety & Nutrition, First Aid, in addition to work experience placements, tailored to the needs of the individual to assist them in gaining employment. Dropin sessions are also available to do job search, complete paper or online application forms and construct CV’s. Other support in Interview Techniques, Budgeting. Individual appointments can be arranged for those requiring more one to one support or unable to work within large groups. The Employability Support Provision is available to anyone not in education, training or employment aged 16 to 25. The programme would be beneficial, if you are a school leaver, and not sure what you want to do or where to obtain the information you need to make an informed decision on your career goal. If you are claiming benefits or working with Sunderland Connexions, ask your adviser for details to be referred to the provision or contact Denis Crompton, Senior Youth Worker / Employment Adviser at Blue Watch Youth Centre, Burdon Lane, Ryhope, on 0191 5214060, or email: bwyc. denis.crompton@gmail.com.
President Lorely Yorke, of the Inner Wheel Club of Sunderland, and President Derek Sherriff, of the Rotary Club of Sunderland, greeted around 90 guests to the annual Joint Presidents’ Dinner at the Seaburn Marriott Hotel. Following a welcome drink and canapés, a threecourse meal and coffee, there was an excellent presentation by Geraldine Straker, of Beamish Museum. Geraldine featured the new 1920s and 1950s developments, including the Grand Electric Cinema from Ryhope and a dwelling from Red House Estate. Both buildings will be taken down brick-by-brick and rebuilt in the 1950s area at Beamish. St Michael’s Ward Councillors, Michael Dixon, Robert Oliver and Peter Wood, hold their next ward surgery tomorrow at St Nicholas Church hall, Queen Alexandra Road/Dunelm South, from 11am to noon. Sunderland Conservative Women’s Organisation is to hold its Spring Fair this Saturday from 10am to noon at St Cecilia’s RC Church hall, Ryhope Road. Admission is £2, children free, and includes coffee and biscuits. There will be a door prize of £25 and also a raffle with plenty of prizes, the first being £50. There will be many stalls including cakes, books bric-a-brac, greetings cards, costume jewellery and handicrafts. Sunderland Floral Art Club will meet today at St Cecilia’s RC Church hall at 2pm. There will be a flower demonstration by Angela Walsh, Sue Elsdon, Jessica Langley and Allan Raby, four students studying with Rebecca Hough at Peterlee College. It will be the students first demonstration. The Friends of Backhouse Park and Barley Mow Park met last week at the Back on the Map building, To-
ward Road, with Claire Wayman in the chair. Members were joined by St Michael’s ward councillors, Michael Dixon and Peter Wood. Various matters were discussed, including a report on the wildflower area preparation and the Theatre Space NE being involved in the “Fairy Doors” event for children in the area. The recent heavy rainfall had resulted in flooding and contact was being made with the council for action. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 8, at the same venue, at 6.30pm. The next meeting of the Thornholme Residents’ Association will be held on Monday, April 23, at Ashbrooke Sports Club, at 6pm.