DOWN YOUR WAY
Every Tuesday in your Echo
GRANGETOWN AND ASHBROOKE Ring Chris Dixon on 0191 551 7090/07950828272 or email cmdixon@hotmail.co.uk
The latest St Michael’s Ward litter pick took place recently in the streets around Gorse Road, when local residents were joined by Councillors Michael Dixon, Robert Oliver and Peter Wood. Commenting afterwards, Julia Bentley, project manager from Groundwork NE, complimented the volunteers, who despite dreadful weather conditions managed to collect eight bags of rubbish and litter. Groundwork is delivering a project in St Michael’s called ‘Reclaim the Lanes’, funded by the council’s East Area Committee and supported by ward councillors. There was another enjoyable and successful community event recently at Ashbrooke Hall, The Cloisters, by the Sunderland Sikh Community, when residents were invited to their Punjabi Mela 2019. There were many stalls which served delicious food, had traditional clothing on display, while included in the programme was some outstanding and exciting dancing. Tours were arranged in the temple which explained the Sikh religion and services that take place. The aim of the event was not only for those attending to have an enjoyable time but to enlighten and educate people about the Sikh culture. The police, fire service, plus many other groups were in attendance, as were the three St Michael ward and other city councillors, including the Mayor. Congratulations to the Sikh Community of Sunderland for another fantastic event. The Friends of Backhouse Park and Barley Mow Park met recently, with Claire Wayman in the chair. Joining committee members and local residents at a well-attended meeting were Daniel Krzyszczak (ICOS), St Michael’s ward councillor Michael Dixon and Hendon ward councillor Barbara McClennan. There was much to discuss including Ashburne House, metal detectorists, community cleanups, the wildflower area and tree planting update. Claire Wayman was congratulated by the meeting for her award for volunteer work in St Michael’s ward at a recent event organised by the East Area Committee of Sunderland Council. The Friends next meet on Tuesday, June 11, as usual at the ex-Hendon Library, now Back-on-the Map building, commencing 6.15pm. Thornholme Residents’ Association (TRA), with Paul Baker in the chair, met recently at the Ashbrooke Sports Club. Joining local residents at a very well attended meeting were local ward councillors Michael Dixon, Robert Oliver, Peter Wood, (all St Michael’s), Julia Potts and Andrew Wood, (both Millfield). Guest speaker was Hannah Finney from Citizens Advice who gave an interesting talk about the services on offer. Various issues were discussed including planning, parking, litter picks and city-wide matters. However, the main talking point was the level of break-ins, especially to vehicles and the extent of blatant open drug-dealing on the nearby streets. Both residents and councillors raised concerns with the police, who acknowledged the latest crime stats for break-ins in many streets covering both wards within the TRA area, were especially disappointing. The next meeting will be on Monday, June 17, same venue, starting at 6pm. St Michael’s councillors Michael Dixon, Robert Oliver and Peter Wood, will hold their next ward surgery, tomorrow, May 22, at St Timothy’s Lutheran Church, Queen Alexandra Road, from noon to 1pm. Sunderland Ladies Probus Club next meet this Thursday, May 23, at St John’s Church, Ashbrooke Road with coffee at 10am and then the meeting itself commencing at 10.30am. Guest speaker will be Linda King who will be giving a talk entitled ‘Victorian Customs and Superstitions’.
BARNES, PALLION AND MILLFIELD Ring Dorothy McQuillan on 0191 514 0315 or email frankieanddorothy@yahoo.com
The Sunderland Minster Vintage and Craft Fayre is a popular event that people come from all round the region to look at the stalls. The next event is on Saturday, June 1, from 10am to 3pm. You are assured of a warm welcome and will have an enjoyable day, as well as being surpised at the vast assortment of items on sale. The Save The Cildren Coffee Morning at St Gabriel’s Church last Saturday raised a total of £400, which included donations. This year it is Save The Children’s centenary. Barnes Residents’ Association’s next meeting will be held on Thursday, May 23, at 6pm at Barnes Junior School. The association is a non political group run by a committee of volunteers. They rely on the support of the local community, so go along and find out more about what they do and the plans for the future, and take the opportunity to get involved. People living in High Barnes, Plains Farm, Humbledon, and Springwell are all welcome. Sunderland Minster invites you to an evening with author and historian John Grundy, when church funds will be gratefully received, tonight at 7pm. Tickets not required, just go along. Refreshments available. Deptford and Millfield Community Centre is holding a Summer Fete on Saturday, June 1, from 11.30pm. Stalls, entertainment, food, bingo,