Ron serving-up a feast tradition
The Houghton Feast is upon us once more and is helped, as always, by one of its greatest stalwarts.
RonYounghashelpedatthe 1,000 year-old Feast since the ox roasting tradition was revived in 1967, when he also helped to organise the parade.
Ron, 91, is a member of the Rotary Club, which plays an important part in the annual October event.
He joined in 1972 and was presidentin1987,whenhetook early retirement from the timber and sawmill industry.
Over the years Ron has also been a regular contributor to the Echo’s DownYourWay section for Houghton.
Heislookingforwardtothe 2019 Feast, the ox roast in particular, as much as ever.
Ron said: “We take the ox on the Sunday afternoon and putitonaspit.Itneedstobeon therefor24hourstomakesure it’sproperlycooked,sowetake it in turns to keep an eye on it.
“I’m91nowandI’minsemiretirement. I’m not as mobile these days, but I’ll still be around in an advisory capacity. I’ll be taking a shift watching the ox.
“We’ve got a good team at the Rotary Club. I must stress what a team effort it is.”
The ox roast is the centrepiece of the Houghton Feast.
It is held in commemoration of Rector Bernard Gilpin, who would roast an ox or hog to feed Houghton's poor in the 16th Century.
This year it takes place on Monday, October 7, at 4pm at the Rectory Field in Dairy Lane. The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor David Snowdon, will carve. Proceeds from the sale of ox sandwiches will go to charity and there will be fireworks at 7.30pm.
The 2019 Feast begins tonight at 7pm with a spectacular community show on The Broadway.
Colourful flags made by local school children will decorate the arena as Houghton Pipe Band, Zazz Dancers, Houghton Area Youth Brass Band, The New Houghton Feast Children’s Choir and the winner of the Voice of Houghton-le-Spring singing contest entertain the crowds.
Attheconclusionoftheoutdoorshow,theHoughtonFeast illuminations will be switched onbytheMayorofSunderland.
The carnival procession takes place tomorrow at 2pm, moving from the library to the Dairy Lane entrance of Rectory Park.
Over 10 days to Sunday, October 13, there is a full programme of music, arts, sports, entertainment and community events.