Washington Way - Issue 01

FOR WASHINGTON PEOPLE • BY WASHINGTON PEOPLE

WASHINGTON’S NEW FREE LOCAL MAGAZINE

BUILDING A COMMUNITY HUB ONE CUPPA AT A TIME

WIN: A NEWCASTLE GIN CO GIFT SET CENTRE STAGE NEW BIZ TAKING A PEEK AT SPRINGWELL’S VILLAGE VENUE

WE MEET THREE OF THE TOWN’S NEW BUSINESSES

WHAT’S ON

ALL THE LATEST WASHINGTON NEWS AND EVENTS

EATING OUT, PUB REVIEWS, CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDES, LOCAL NEWS AND MORE

Welcome

CONTENTS 06

News

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What’s going on, who’s doing what, where, when and how – all the latest community news from around the town

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On The Cover

The story of the family whose critically-ill son inspired a new community support hub in Concord

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Centre Stage We head to Springwell Village to lift the lid on life at one of the town’s biggest and busiest community centres

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New Biz

Showcasing three of Washington’s newest businesses as they open their doors just in time for Christmas

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Christmas Gift Guide

Stuck for ideas? Look no further than our quick guide to picking the perfect present

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Pop in for a Pint

We head down to The Wheelhouse to check out its cool recent facelift

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Eating Out

Our review of lunch at Washington’s leading Chinese restaurant, the Kylin Oriental

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What’s On

If it’s on, it’s here – our guide to events, clubs, group meetings and more

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WELCOME

ello and welcome to the first edition of Washington Way, the brand new magazine exclusively for the town.

As someone who grew up in Blackfell during the 70s and 80s and have worked in newspapers and magazines all my working life, I’ve always felt Washington deserved its own publication.

Washington is expanding every year and it’s now the backdrop of nearly 40,000 homes and more than 10,000 registered businesses.

More than ever, the town needs a news and information outlet of its own – and this is why we’ve launched Washington Way. This is a magazine for the people of Washington, by the people of Washington.

As a brand new publication, we’re starting off with 32 pages, printed every two months featuring news, gossip, features and event listings covering Washington and the surrounding areas.

We are printing 20,000 of each edition, at least 16,000 of which are being handdelivered to homes across the town with the rest despatched to businesses across Washington and beyond We aim to grow and expect to be a larger, 48 or 64-page magazine as we enter 2020, but of course we need your help to keep us up to date with your local news and event information.

Our news website – www. washingtonway.co.uk – is now up and running where we will cover news and events as it happens and I hope you’ll all agree this is the start of an exciting journey not just for us, but for everyone who lives and works in the town.

Happy reading,

Zoë Burn, Editor

GET IN TOUCH » Send us your news to news@washingtonway.co.uk » To be included in our What’s On and listings section, send information to listings@washingtonway.co.uk » To advertise with us email ads@washingtonway.co.uk or call 07943 005 261 » To contact the editor, please email zoe@washingtonway.co.uk

Editor: Zoë Burn Managing Editor: Aaron League Community Editor: Angela Burn Publisher: Clubhouse Media Group Cover image: Clubhouse Media Group Printers: Acorn Web Offset

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

PUBLISHER E: CONTACT@CLUBHOUSEMEDIAGROUP.CO.UK W: WWW.CLUBHOUSEMEDIAGROUP.CO.UK

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News

Words: Angela Burn, Aaron League Images: Angela Burn, Staffs Live, WVIB

IT’S MAINLY MUSIC FOR WASHINGTON TOTS PRE-SCHOOL children are getting the chance to join a globally-renowned fun musical group session designed to help their early development – right here in Washington.

St Andrew’s Church hall, Concord, is the venue for Mainly Music, which is part of an organisation formed in New Zealand in 1990 aimed at very young children with accompanying adults.

With clubs all over the world, Mainly Music has specially-trained assistants who take the children through a regular routine, working together with their accompanying parent, or caregiver. Music is the main theme, with movement, fun, and singing.

Community worker Ian Stimpson explained how sessions are carefully thought out and structured.

“We sing along to simple tunes, repeating actions, which the children pick up very quickly,” he said. “We all do this together, including the adults.

“While having fun, the children learn

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skills in movement, colour, memory, actions, and of course music. We give them different props to hold while singing some of the songs” The idea is to bring parents/carers and the children together, working in unison.

And the group lasts just over an hour, with a set routine to help the children understand what comes next.

After the music activities finish, the children gather round for a picnic of juice and a snack. Finally toys are brought out, and while the kids are playing, the adults

are treated to a hot drink and homemade cake or biscuits.

Ian stressed that the group is for the benefit of the adults as much as the children, helping them to socialise, as well as bringing them closer to the infants through song.

The class runs from 10 -11am every Monday during term time, and new visitors are always made welcome.

Further information about the organisation is available on the website: www.mainlymusic.org

News

FURNITURE BARGAINS BOOST CHARITY CASH

BLOOMING LOVELY

A BARMSTON company is providing help for local residents who have fallen on hard times as well as raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

A community service based in Barmston provides help for the town’s residents who have fallen on hard times, as well as raising large sums of money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Washington Community Furnishings Ltd is a not-for-profit company established in 2012 to help local people to buy used furniture at reasonable prices.

Since then it has established links with Social Services, the Changing Lives charity, Washington Women in Need and many other organisations and agencies.

The crammed furniture showroom is not just for those in need. All are

welcome at the store in Burnhope Road to browse the huge range of cheap furniture and household goods.

Director David Munneke explained: “We are proud to offer people in the local community furniture at affordable prices.

“We have supported Macmillan Cancer Support since 2013 by giving £1000 every year. We also support the local food bank and are an outlet for them” The company is always in need of good quality donations of furniture and other household items. They offer house clearances, and free collection of donated items.

Washington Community Furnishings is open Monday to Saturday.

For more information visit the website: www.washingtoncommunityfurnishings. co.uk or call 0191 419 3435.

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WASHINGTON Village gardeners have struck gold once again, after winning a top award for the third consecutive year.

They took a Gold award and were named of Best Village in the region in this year’s Northumbria in Bloom awards, beating off opposition from North Yorkshire to Berwick.

Washington Village in Bloom Chairwoman Joan Atkinson told Washington Way that judges had described the village as ‘an unexpected oasis surrounded by a sea of industrial parks and modern suburbia.’

They also wrote: ‘Its many trees and beautiful village centre makes it easier to believe they are in a much more rural location.’

Joan and her team of local volunteers work every Sunday morning, all the year round from 10am-noon to make the village look beautiful. “We are lucky enough to have extra financial help from local businesses and members of the community, “ she added.

The team grafted all year round to plan and arrange the flowerbeds, which this year incorporated signs of historical interest, including Washington legend Gertrude Bell, and a local chimney sweep.

Volunteers are always welcome to assist the team, any anyone interested can pop down to the village for a chat on Sunday mornings. Further information is available on the website www. washingtonvib.com

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ALL WELCOME AT THE LIFE HOUSE

GOING WILD VISITORS and residents across Washington were treated to two new swathes of colour this summer after two new wildflower beds were planted in the town.

Couns Louise Farthing and Tony Taylor organised the planting of meadow flowers, which not only looked fantastic, but also helped the environment by encouraging an increased population of wildlife and insects.

The beds, which provided a blaze of colour well into the late Autumn were located at Bonemill Lane, Rickleton, and Teal Farm.

Volunteers from residents associations in both areas have agreed to help with their maintenance to make it a community project.

A WASHINGTON wellbeing and mental health resource is going from strength to strength as it doubles up as a community centre.

The Life House at Grasmere Terrace, Columbia is the base for Washington Mind and also offers a range of activities for all members of the community.

The building, which formerly housed the Bridge Women’s Centre, is now used

by Washington residents every weekday.

The centre produces two information leaflets, one yellow, the other blue which are updated each month The yellow flyer lists activities open to the whole community, whereas the blue listing is for MIND, with information for Washington residents referred there by the health services.

One of the projects provided by MIND is Pet Therapy, which is run from Bryson’s Animal Shelter in Gateshead.

There is also a book club, lunch club,

walking group, craft connection, Man Space, knitting and many other social activities along with various mental health advisory sessions.

The general community is served by a host of other activities, with the likes of Washington History Society meeting at the venue, as well as Brownies, WI, Baby Sensory, toddlers, fitness, yoga, slimming clubs and more.

One session is called Fat Quarters, but far from what you might imagine, it’s actually a patchwork and quilting group, which meets on Tuesday afternoons between 1-3pm This is open to anyone with their own equipment and a level of experience, and anyone interested should call Marjorie on 0191 419 3570.

For more information about The Life House call 0191 417 8043, email: info@ washingtonmind.org.uk or visit the website: www.washingtonmind.org.uk

SUPPORT THE FOOD BANK THIS WINTER RESIDENTS across the town are being encouraged to help out their local food bank this winter time.

Washington Community Food Project covers the whole of Washington and Springwell and relies on public donations to provide emergency food parcels to people who need them.

An independent charity run completely by volunteers, the Project is always seeking non-perishable items which still have at least three months left on their use by date.

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These parcels are then delivered to people who have been referred by agencies including the Jobcentre, Gentoo and local health services Each week, the organisation details which items it is in most in need of via its Facebook page and there are numerous drop-off points across the town including: • Albany – The Co-Op and The Wheelhouse pub • Concord – Gentoo and The Sir William de Wessyngton pub • Heworth Golf Club

• Teal Farm – Teal Farm Pub, Sainsbury’s Local • The Galleries – Asda, Iceland and Sainsbury’s • The Galleries Medical Practice • Washington Library Several churches and community centres across the town also act as dropoff points.

For up-to-date information and to learn more about Washington Community Food Project, visit its Facebook page or its website at www.wcfp.org.uk.

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News

DOGGY DELIGHTS IT’S a dog’s life….in the best possible way for pampered pooches across Washington.

In recent months the town has developed a busy social life for our furry friends.

Local hounds can visit a dog cafe, have a swim, or enjoy a beauty session, all from different venues around the area.

Cafe K9 in Concord is known for social activities as well as their food, which has a five star rating. Dog-friendly with an outside play area, the bistro also welcomes clients unaccompanied by man’s best friend.

“All customers are welcome, with or without dogs” said owner Annette Hastings. “People who can’t have pets often like to come to see the ones brought in by our customers. Our birthday parties for dogs are especially popular.”

Woofs n Scruffs is located at

Stephenson Industrial Estate and is a hive of activity for all things canine. It boasts an eight metre heated pool along with an underwater treadmill, which is popular for dogs recovering from injuries or operations.

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Receptionist Sue Richardson explained that training plays a large part in the centre’s day to day activities.

“We have a huge range of Kennel Club accredited courses, including puppy foundation, bronze, silver and gold schemes, as well as help for dogs with aggression or suffering from fear,” she said.

The Dog House grooming parlour in Concord, which shares a building with the Dragon Veterinary Clinic and K9 cafe, is one of Washington’s many beauty and cutting services which transform untidy mutts into handsome hounds.

For further information on Woofs n Scruffs visit www.woofsandscruffs.com or search on Facebook. K9 social events, birthday parties and enquiries can be sourced from the Facebook page.

Further information is available by searching online, including checking local Facebook pages.

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News

ROCKING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WASHINGTON C2C FANCY lending a hand and looking after Washington’s local walking and cycle routes?

The Washington Rangers are on the hunt for volunteers to help maintain the Sea to Sea (C2C) path and other cycling and walking trails in the area.

Providing an opportunity to meet fellow cyclists and walkers, the group looks after the C2C as it passes through the New Town with the local contingent tending to signage and helping keep paths litter-free.

Members also carry out track maintenance and improve biodiversity by managing the verges to encourage wildflower growth.

Washington volunteer Bryan Attewell said: “The Coast to Coast path is one of Britain’s most popular routes, attracting thousands of people every year, so we always need volunteers to help maintain the path and keep it free of litter. We have people of all ages and everyone is welcome.

“There are no fixed commitments, you choose where and when you wish to contribute and how you will be involved. You can work individually whenever you want or enjoy the company on group workdays.

“We’re a friendly, social group. We organise regular social bike rides, always including a café stop.

“We also attend local events where we offer free Dr Bike maintenance sessions, provide learn to ride classes and promote cycling and walking in the area. This year we organised a popular series of short bike rides for the crews when the Tall Ships visited Sunderland.”

No previous experience is

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AN exciting new event will help spruce up the festive season this year in the heart of Washington Village.

Holy Trinity Church is organising its first Christmas Tree Festival, a display of specially decorated trees from links throughout the community.

The event has been organised by the Rev Brenda Forrester, to enable local businesses, schools, and groups to work together to create a colourful display in the church for everyone to enjoy.

“This is a brand new project for us” she said. “We aim to have 23 real, six foot Christmas trees on display in the church, sponsored by local businesses, schools, and groups.

The businesses have been brilliant, we have trees sponsored by local pubs, cafes, shops and even a funeral director” Each sponsor will decorate their own tree in a different theme for the

exhibition and alongside the sponsored trees, there are three for the church congregation.

One is set to be a remembrance tree, for people to post messages for their lost loved ones and is a similar one for prayers.

A baptism tree is also planned, where parishioners can hang a sock belonging to babies who were baptised there.

The church has planned a fun weekend to let the public to view the finished exhibits, including refreshments, entertainment and games for children.

Two school choirs and a school band will be providing music throughout the weekend, which is set to run the weekend of Saturday and Sunday December 7-8 from 1-4pm each day.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a tree can contact the Rev Forrester on 07988 320 368.

necessary, and training can be provided.

In addition to bike maintenance classes, members have access to courses on a variety of countryside skills including using a scythe, hedge laying, wildflower identification and grafting fruit trees.

To help out on part of the 16,500 miles of walking and cycling routes of the National Cycle Network, head to www.sustrans.org.uk WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

News

APPEAL LODGED FOR ‘MONSTER INCINERATOR’ CONSTRUCTION PLANS to build a ‘monster incinerator’ in Washington could still be in the works after the construction company lodged an appeal for planning permission early this month.

Back in August, Sunderland City Council denied building firm Rolton Kilbride’s request to build the 14,326sq m renewable energy facility on the land at Hillthorn Farm after thousands of area residents petitioned against it.

The building was set to stand 57ft high and operate seven days a week to process up to 215,000 tons of nonhazardous waste every year – all to generate electricity via gasification.

Rolton Kilbride also requested provisions for a new vehicular access from Infiniti Drive and the installation of an underground electrical connection.

Sunderland Council cited three main reasons for rejecting plans in its August 2 decision, as below: (1) It would be contrary to saved policies EC4 and WA1.5 of the Unitary Development Plan and emerging Policies EG1 and WWE7 of the draft Core Strategy and Development Plan as the Application Site is located within a Primary Employment Area (PEA10) to be safeguarded for B1 (Business – excluding B1a), B2 (General Industrial) and B8 (Storage and Distribution) employment uses. No exceptional circumstances have been demonstrated in this case to justify the loss of land for non-B1, B2, and B8 uses in a Primary Employment Area.

(2) It would cause a significant adverse visual impact on sensitive receptors at the A1290 (south of Elm Tree Farm) and the open space adjacent to Glover Road roundabout at Sulgrave plus for users of the rights of way running along the west of the Leamside Line and the bridleway linking Nissan Way and the A1290, contrary to saved Policies EN2, EC12, EC15 and M14 of the Unitary Development Plan and the emerging Policies NE9, WWE1, WWE6, WWE7 and WWE10 of the draft Core Strategy and Development Plan. This adverse visual impact significantly and demonstrably outweighs the benefits of the proposed development.

(3) By its size, scale and massing, the development would result in harm to or loss of the significance of the Grade I Listed Earl of Durham’s Monument with no clear and convincing justification for this harm, contrary to saved Policies B10 and M14 of the Unitary Development Plan, emerging Policies BH7, BH8, WWE6 and WWE7 of the draft Core Strategy and Development Plan and

Paragraphs 194 and 196 of the National Planning Policy Framework. The public benefits of the proposed development do not outweigh this level of harm.

Royton Kilbride has opted to lead the appeal with a public inquiry, and anyone who wishes to appear at the inquiry on a formal basis must register interest through Sunderland City Council as soon as possible.

CASH BOOST FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS COMMUNITY groups across Washington could be in line for a cash boost thanks to a legacy set up specifically to bring local people together.

Before Washington Development Corporation disbanded, the organisation set up a trust fund to ensure that the New Town’s social life would thrive and continue into the future.

Since then, modest sums of money have been available for associations and clubs who need a little help to purchase equipment or items needed.

The trust has previously helped social groups, choirs, sports teams, church organisations, and projects such as Washington Village In Bloom.

Chairman Eddie Palmer explained

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that recipients of the award would be expected to be already working to raise funds. “We help people to help themselves” he said.

“Over the decades we have provided so much help to Washington communities that it is simply impossible to list them all” Any Washington organisation, sports or social group can apply for a small cash award, and will be considered, although not all will be successful.

Clubs must have their own bank account and be able to supply receipts showing how the money has been spent.

To get your hands on an application form for your club, contact Washington Community Development Trust via email: w.c.d.t.application@gmail.com

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Heart of the Community Inspired by their toddler’s rare heart condition, the owners of a brand new coffee shop have bold plans to bring the community spirit back to the town…

Words: Zoë Burn Images: Clubhouse Media Group

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HE family behind Washington’s newest coffee shop are hoping they can help bring the community together in a new centre inspired by their young son.

Tori Hetherington and Lee Nicholson opened Bee Bee’s Coffee House at Concord Bus Station in October, but have revealed grand plans to transform the building into a community hub including a nursery and meeting space.

And it’s all because of their son, Nate.

The three-year-old was born with a catalogue of health problems but has so far defied doctors who wrote off his chances before he was even born.

“Our little boy, Nate, was born with five different heart conditions and he’s got a lung condition too. These conditions are not curable and can receive palliative care only,” explained Tori. “He is going to need a transplant at some point, it’s not if, it’s when.

“When we were pregnant we were told our best case scenario was severe Downs Syndrome and that he was also going to have Edwards Syndrome. I think the oldest case of that was someone living until 19, which is rare.

“It was all explained to us but we chose not to terminate but to continue on. Fortunately he hasn’t got any other genetic disorders, only the heart defect.”

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SEEKING SUPPORT As Tori and Nate began life with a critically ill baby, both quickly realised how tough it was going to be, particularly for Tori during the day.

“When Nate was first born he was very poorly and Lee had to go back to work to provide, so I was left by myself raising a sick child during the day while he went back to work and I felt that there was no support.

“We got nothing, not just financial support, there wasn’t anything. I couldn’t take him to soft plays and things as you’d find the hygiene levels weren’t high enough to accommodate a sick child.

There wasn’t much in the area and I was feeling isolated in a way.

“I’ve got two older boys so it was hard juggling everything and then Lee got made redundant at the beginning of the year and we thought this is our opportunity to do something.”

Tori and Lee realised that if they wanted to find a support group or a safe space for Nate to play, they would have to sort it out themselves.

They started thinking of places they could host a support group and after spotting that the former Sunderland City Council-run Concord Childcare Centre was empty, they arranged to have look.

“We had it in our heads we wanted WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

On The Cover

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Clockwise from top left: Bee Bee’s sits quietly just behind the Concord Bus Station; cakes are on offer to complement hot drinks; Lee at work on the daily grind; three-year-old Nate is all smiles despite his condition

something like this, somewhere we could be that support for families, using our own experience to support others. We came to look around the building and we knew instantly it was perfect.”

MAKING PLANS The couple took on the building and quickly set to work on its transformation.

The first thing they did was convert the front part into a small coffee shop so they could start welcoming in the public and telling them their plans.

Aside from laying the floor, they have carried out all the work themselves. Each night when the coffee shop closes they stay on for a few extra hours to work, and weekends are also spent on the building work.

The coffee shop opened its doors in October and the couple are pressing on to get the nursery complete, with bold plans to make the centre a place for the whole community.

“Our plans have evolved along the way,” Tori continued. “Originally we wanted to be a support centre for

“A lot of people like the fact that we are trying to bring a bit of community spirit back into Washington” younger children and their families but once we came in a saw the space we thought well why do we have to stop there?

“Why can’t we support everybody because everyone has gone through similar things to us?

“We’re parents but we need the support just as much as the little ones do.

We’ve experienced it all first hand and we want to be able to offer support to others, to show that there can be some light at the end of the tunnel.”

From the initial plan to open a nursery to support young families, Bee Bee’s is now set to become a much larger centre which offers help to people of all ages.

“We want to be able to offer somewhere for some support groups, I

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want to get some self-esteem groups for teenagers, some bingo and stuff, coffee mornings, just lots of different things,” she said.

SELF-SUSTAINING While Bee Bee’s has to work as a profitable business as the couple’s only source of income, they are both quick to point out that getting rich isn’t part of the attraction for them at this stage.

“Yes, we’ve got to take a wage at the end of the day but we aren’t in this to make loads of money,” said Lee. “It’s more about giving something back if we can and being able for us to enjoy the kids while they’re young.

“All the groups we put on are going to be funded by the takings from the coffee

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On The Cover

shop and the nursery. We are looking for grants and things on top of that to help us and some of our groups may have to pay a couple of pound or something to start with.

“The whole point is to be sustainable so we can provide groups for the small amount that we want to charge, make a bit of an income but ultimately help people in the town.”

As work continues to get the centre finished and the couple continue to make big plans, one thing that remains the centre of everything is Nate, his health and giving him the opportunity to get the most from life.

“Nate has been a miracle, considering what we were warned about,” says Tori.

“He has had a rough ride – he’s had cardiac arrests, he’s been on life support machines – yet we count ourselves very lucky.

GIVING BACK “It’s all been a bit of a knock-on thing, from Nate being born to where we are now. It may even sound a little bit selfish in a way, we wanted a group for our child but we couldn’t find one so we thought we’d start our own.

“But we are doing it all for Nate, and we can gain from it too. We also want to support others, we’ll get a lot from that and that’s why the centre is going to be so important to us.”

Since opening, the coffee shop has

“For us, it took something to happen in our life to change things and made us realise that it’s not all about the money...”

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enjoyed a steady stream of visitors and is already winning the support of locals.

Now Tori and Lee hope to alert more people to the fact they’re open for business “People are coming in, we’ve got a few regulars now which is great. A lot of people like the fact that we are trying to bring a bit of community spirit back into Washington “For us, it took something to happen in our life to change things and made us realise it’s not all about money, it’s about having that community side of things as well.

“We’ve had local Beavers in to help us clean up the garden, the Scouts have been dropping in to help with a bit of painting and that’s just what we want, to get the community in and involved.

“We can help them with activities and things in return and hopefully it will work well and we can become somewhere people in the town can come to for many things, not just a cuppa and a cake.”

Bee Bee’s is located at the back of Concord Bus Station on Victoria Road and is open Monday to Friday, serving a selection of hot and cold food and snacks and hot drinks. WW

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Community Focus

centre stage From humble beginnings in a shack to a bustling community hub, Springwell Village Community Venue continues to go from strength to strength.

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Words and images: Angela Burn

T’S been an integral part of village life for more than half a century and has grown from a simple meeting place to a thriving community hub.

And while its purpose-built community centre welcomes visitors seven days a week these days, it started life as a humble shack – a dilapidated wooden building with the rather grand title of The Assembly Rooms.

Locals quickly re-named it The Sems and after the war it started to attract young people from all over the area to

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attend dances before going on to visit local pubs.

Older Springwell residents remember The Sems with affection, and it became a popular community spot for the next two decades.

Marian Parkin, who was chairman for 35 years, recalled that by the 1960’s the shed had a leaky roof, and was just about inhabitable.

“Springwell came under Durham County Council then,” she explained.

“A councillor by the name of JR Coxon

decided to change things for the better, and in 1965 The Sems was demolished, replaced by the building that we have today.”

The Springwell Village Hall Association was established in July 1965 at the same time the new building was compete, but after a new constitution was adopted in 2009, the name was changed to Springwell Village Community Venue.

Unlike many community centres, Springwell employs staff and is open seven days a week, usually daytime

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Clockwise from left: Ladies enjoying drinks at a Springwell 1940s weekend; Village Hall regular coffee girls enjoying a laugh – (L-R) Brenda Wilson, Gladys Chicken, Joan Liddle, Elsie Foster, Betty Hillier, Brenda Foote and Joan Ashman; visitors checking out exhibits at the 1940s event

and evening. This is all achieved by permanent fundraising, and the help of many loyal volunteers, who have helped out for many years.

A cafe, which is a big hit with local residents, is one of the many projects which help the upkeep of the building.

Breakfasts, meals, drinks and snacks are available every weekday apart from Wednesdays in The Cozy Cafe, from 10.30am-3pm to eat in and take out where you’ll probably find a group of local retired ladies known affectionately as The Coffee Girls, who treat it as their second home and feel they are now part of the furnishings.

The venue caters for everybody, from babies to residents in their later years.

Listing all activities is impossible, but among the most popular are Little legs Rugby for infants, art club, afternoon tea

dance, writers session, youth club, drama group dance, fitness and many more.

Everything is listed online, in brochures and on posters available from the centre.

The venue is a licenced premises and is used for private functions. Children’s parties are catered for, with the option of party food boxes for the youngsters.

Rooms can also be rented for meetings.

The centre also hosts evening shows and events and once the festive rush is over there will be a public meeting to make plans for next year’s popular annual 1940s Weekend.

Approaching its fourth year, the event attracts visitors from all over the country, including a performer from Wales, and members from re-enactment groups from across the UK. “The 1940’s weekend came from an idea within the centre,” said assistant manager Joanne Langley. “A young guy here called Lewis Tuff thought of it, we had a meeting, and the idea just took off.

“Now we strive to include something different every year, which we have successfully managed so far. We had at least 3,000 visitors this year. The whole village was alive with colour, decoration and activities, up to and including the Bowes Railway Centre.”

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Local bus passengers were able to enjoy interesting views on their journeys through the weekend, as events included best dressed house and a scarecrow competition - rumour has it that buses even slowed down to give passengers a better look at pedestrians strolling along in their 1940s outfits.

Centre manager Suzanne Shaftoe added that all members of the public are welcome to attend the planning meeting to discuss next year’s event, on Saturday, January 18 at 3pm.

Springwell Village Community Venue always holds its annual pantomime after the festive season, to give people something to look forward to in the dark days of February.

This year’s show is Sleeping Beauty, which includes a Saturday matinee with sweet shop, and night time performances complete with bar. Tickets cost £6 and are on sale now.

To buy tickets or for more information about any of the centre and its activities call 0191 4162630 or visit the website www.svcv.co.uk *If you would like to see your local community centre featured in a future edition of Washington Way, email zoe@washingtonway.co.uk

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NEW BIZ New businesses are the lifeblood of any town. In each edition, Washington Way will showcase some of the newest arrivals and meet the people behind them…

Words: Zoë Burn, Aaron League Images: Clubhouse Media Group, Haven Wellbeing Centre, Washington Football Hub, Washington AFC

The Ox & Plough Oxclose Since taking the reins at the Ox & Plough at Oxclose Village Centre, new managers Steve and Deb Robson have been working hard to bring it back to its former glory.

The pub had been closed and boarded up for a number of months before the Robson’s arrived, and Steve explains how the first month since re-opening has been all about trying to win over the locals.

“So far it’s going pretty well, we’re definitely starting to pick up. We are still letting people know we’re here and open again and just working on various things.

“We are a community pub and want to stay that way. Previous owners have tried to turn it into a restaurant but that’s not

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what we are. People aren’t going to come to Oxclose for an a la carte meal.

“Everything we are doing is to bring people back into the pub. The way I see it , it’s not my pub.

“It’s for the people who live around here, it’s theirs. I just open up, serve the beer and keep it clean.”

The pub is open every day and Steve and Deb are working on improvements as they go.

Plans are in place to start offering simple pub grub and the couple are planning to repaint the bar area.

Drinkers can enjoy a pint while watching sports on TV, there is live music every Friday, a karaoke disco

on Saturdays and busker’s nights on Wednesdays and Steve plans to add more over the next year.

“It’s so far so good,” he added. “The feedback has been pretty positive. The first thing I did was ask the locals what they wanted from the pub, what they wanted to see in the pub, what they wanted to happen. We had a coffee morning to get some ideas from people, as I said it’s their pub.

“We’ve lots of ideas, we want to start getting people in for Christmas fairs, fundraisers and other events. We want to get back to what the Ox & Plough once was – a good local community pub.

Nothing more, nothing less.”

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

New Biz

Washington Football Hub Northern Area Playing Fields Football and rugby are taking centre stage in the town following the opening of Washington Football Hub. It is the first of three brand new centres being built with an £18million cash investment from the Premier League, the FA, Football Foundation, Sport England, the Government and Sunderland City Council.

“We have four full-size 4G pitches, one of which is a world rugby compliant pitch so you can do full-impact rugby on there and it can also be used as an extra football pitch,” said site manager Neil Couling.

“They’re also marked out for five-aside, seven-a-side and nine-a-side so we can accommodate all levels of junior football.”

The Hub opened for business at the start of November and is the base for four partner clubs – Washington Athletic, Washington AFC, Washington Juniors and NSG Athletic.

“When the centre was built 40% of our use was guaranteed to partner clubs so their use is protected and we’re committed to them,” Neil explained.

“Washington Rugby Club is going to be based here, they train here on a Thursday and then have matches on a weekend.

“There are only about eight matches left this season. They only play friendlies at the minute, but the hope is that they’ll go to a full-time league next season.”

Other clubs and programmes are planning to use the Hub, but Neil insists it is still very much for the people of Washington to enjoy.

“We also plan the likes of adult leagues, kids’ parties, holiday courses –there’s still loads to be done.

“In the first weekend we had 1400 people through our doors and so far we’ve had a great reception.”

Washington Football Hub is on Stephenson Road and full information is available on its Facebook page.

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

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17

New Biz

Haven Wellbeing Centre Columbia Business partners Donna Gilroy and Joanne Pearson opened the doors to Haven Wellbeing Centre on November 9 – and already the appointment book is filling up nicely.

They may have only been open a matter of days as Washington Way went to press, but already the future is looking good after securing some early bookings and lots of interest.

“We offer complementary therapy such as Reiki, colour therapy and crystal therapy and we’re going to do different workshops and courses for general wellbeing,” said Donna.

“We also do different kinds of readings like angel card readings, spirit readings, chakra readings – just lots of different types of holistic therapy.”

Donna and Joanne have been friends for more than 22 years and had talked about setting up a complementary therapy centre together for many years before finally taking the plunge.

“It’s something we’ve always wanted to do and now we’ve finally been able to. We wanted to open a centre where we could help people and now we’ve

18

achieved it,” Donna continued.

“There are a lot of really nice memories here for us both here, Joanne was born in Washington and I used to live in this street for 14 years so it’s nice to come back.”

Joanne and Donna are splitting their time at the centre to cover most days and evenings. Bookings are by appointment only and for further information and to book visit the Haven Wellbeing Centre Facebook page.

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

Win a Newcastle Gin Gift Set worth £45.45!

Gin–lovers rejoice!

One of the finest botanical blends in the country is created here in the North East and we’re giving you the chance to win your very own stash.

We’ve teamed up with the Newcastle Gin Co to offer one reader a Newcastle Gin Gift Set worth more than £45.

Featuring a 700ml bottle of original Newcastle Gin Co London Dry Gin and two branded 16oz goblets in a cool display box, this prize is an absolute must for gin-aficionados everywhere.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply send the answer to the following question to competitions@washingtonway.co.uk including your date of birth and contact details.

Question: Which North bridge features in the Newcastle Gin Co logo?

A: Swing Bridge B: Tyne Bridge C: Northern Spire

Closing date is midnight on Wednesday January 15, 2020. Entrants must be aged 18 or over, full terms and conditions available on request.

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

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Christmas Gift Guide

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*Image credits: Alcatel, Argos, Boots, Burton, Carphone Warehouse, Hepple Spirits, Jo Malone, Lego, New Look, Pandora, Samsung *All prices correct at time of going to press

1 5

3 4 6

7 8

1 • Ltd edition Sumatran Elephant Socks: Help save critically endangered animals with these gorgeous socks. Made from a soft and sustainable blend of bamboo and cotton, each pair bought provides the International Elephant Foundation with two days of care for Sumatran Elephants. £12 from www. criticallyendangeredsocks.com 2 • Booja-Booja Award-Winning Selection: Vegans don’t need to miss out on chocolate this Christmas with this collection of 16 award-winning truffles. Dairy, gluten and soya free, these organic treats are handmade and cruelty-free. £9.99 at Holland & Barrett 3 • Marc Jacobs Decadence Eau So Decadent 50ml: If you love a fruity, floral, feminine scent you can’t go wrong with this reworked version of the Marc Jacobs classic. £72 at The Fragrance Shop 4 • Jo Malone Pine & Eucalyptus Candle: The magical smell of Christmas can now linger through the cold grey January days

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with this heady mix of aromatic pine and bright eucalyptus. £48 at Jo Malone, Fenwick 5 • Camel Faux Fur Ear Muffs: Keep snug and warm no matter how hard the cold hits this winter with this cute set of ear muffs, even more soft and cosy than they look. £5.99 at New Look 6 • Sanctuary Spa Salt Scrub 650g: Bring the spa to your home with this indulgent skin polishing scrub which gently buffs while leaving the skin soft, silky smooth and perfectly moisturised. £14 at Sainsbury’s 7 • Hepple Gin: Made just up the road in Northumberland, Hepple Gin is an award-winning grown-up joy featuring noses of lemon peels and juniper, which is now served in top bars across the world. £38 at waitrosecellar.com 8 • Foreo Luna Mini 2 Facial Cleansing Brush: One minute twice a day is all you need to help you towards great-looking skin and a more even complexion. Made with soft, gentle silicone to suit all skin types. £119 at Boots WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

Christmas Gift Guide

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HIM

2 3 4

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6 1 • Alcatel 3 2019: High gloss, high impact – the sleek design of the stunning Alcatel 3 with its stunning ombre shine, curved unibody and 2.5D glass will make you stand out from the crowd.

If you want a smartphone for a good price look no further than this little beauty. £149.99 at The Carphone Warehouse 2 • Samsung Gear VR headset with controller: Travel new lands and engage yourself right in the action – without ever leaving your home. A must for any VR fan. £119.99 at The Carphone Warehouse 3 • Lego Land Rover Defender: New to the Lego collection this season is the Land Rover Defender, a must for all Lego lovers.

It features authentic Land Rover emblems, a six-cylinder engine with moving pistons, working All Wheel Drive and much more. £159.99 from The Lego Shop.

4 • Red Tartan PJ Bottoms: Slob your way through the festive films and feasts in style with these cool lounge pants. £18 at Burton WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

8 5 • Handmade bottle opener: All made from reclaimed wood from the bar top of The Bombers, a former working men’s club in Gateshead. The nail takes off the bottle top and a magnet catches the top. £8 from www.handmadetyneside.com 6 • Tomatin 12 Year Old: A smooth and silky Whisky matured in a combination of traditional Scotch, Bourbon and Sherry casks for those who love a traditional yet distinctive taste. £44 at www.tomatin.com and Fenwick.

7 • Fitbit Versa in Silver Aluminium: Everything you could need from a smartwatch and it looks great too. It connects to phones, stores up to 300 songs, has a heart rate monitor, lets you read and reply to texts and is swimproof, too. £169 at Currys PC World.

8 • Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce and Apron Set: It doesn’t matter whether he’s a whizz in the kitchen or not, he can cook up a taste of Tennessee this Christmas with this cool gift set. £16 at Boots.

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Croque Madame

LOVE YOUR LEFTOVERS Forget your bog standard turkey sandwiches this Boxing Day – Paul Kelly of KellyBronze Turkeys reveals his popular Croque Madame recipe with Washington Way readers…

Ingredients

• 2 sprigs of thyme • 3 eggs • 10g unsalted butter • 200ml whole milk • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard • 6 slices of white bread • 100g Wensleydale cheese (with cranberry) • 100g Gruyere cheese 1 jar of KellyBronze hot cranberry jelly • 400g leftover KellyBronze cooked turkey

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.

2. To create the béchamel sauce - add the butter and thyme leaves to a saucepan on a low heat. When the butter has melted, stir in the flour and leave to cook for two minutes. Then add the milk and whisk until smooth

(no lumps!) Increase the heat and leave to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened.

3. Remove pan from the heat and add the mustard and Wensleydale cheese.

Return back to the heat for 30 seconds until cheese has melted.

4. Slice the bread into six 1.5cm thick slices. Spread the

PIED AND TESTED We put seven leading mince pies to the test – and guess who came out on top?

GREGGS SAINSBURY’S CO-OP MR KIPLING ASDA ALDI LIDL 22

cranberry sauce onto three slices, then add the béchamel sauce and grate on some gruyere cheese. Add the turkey, some more gruyere and then sandwich together with the remaining slices.

On the top of the sandwich, add a little more béchamel, a sprinkle of gruyere and bake in the oven until the cheese has melted and is golden

brown in colour.

5. Whilst the sandwiches are in the oven, grab a frying pan, add a knob of butter and fry three eggs until the whites are cooked but the yolks are still runny.

6. Remove the sandwiches from the oven when golden brown, and place one egg on top of each.

7. Eat and enjoy!

BOTTOMS UP

Lager-lovers can get fruity this festive season and cut some calories with Jubel naturally-infused fruit lager.

Available in three flavours – peach, elderflower and grapefruit – the beers are crafted in Cornwall and are gluten-free, vegan and have 60 per cent less sugar than fruit cider – each bottle is just 125 calories.

Available in Sainsbury’s from £1.80 a bottle.

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

New Year

The two New Year resolutions you can keep in 2020 Words: Zoë Burn Images: ZeroWater, Clubhouse Media

W

E all know New Year is a time for making – and breaking

– resolutions.

And while most weight loss, fitness and healthy living hopes will fall by the wayside by mid-February, two resolutions that everyone can keep with ease is to drink more water and to reduce plastic waste.

Drinking more water is probably the best all-round resolution because it has so many benefits Want to lose weight? Water can help speed up your metabolism, aid digestion and helps keep you full. Try ditching two of your normal drinks each day for two large glasses and work up to gradually drink more.

Water is also great for the skin – there is no need to spend hundreds of

pounds on fancy creams or treatments when you can save cash by simply drinking more water.

It’s also wonderful for beating stress. People who suffer stress tend to be even worse when they’re dehydrated so keep topping up those levels if you’re having a bad day.

If you want to save pounds on bottled water, you’ll discover filtered tap water is just as good – and you’ll also get to cut down on extra plastic waste.

Invest in a good water filter – a few extra pounds now will save you a fortune in the long run.

We love the 12 Cup ZeroWater Filtration Jug (£39.99) which uses next generation filter technology to remove 99.6 per cent of all tap water impurities.

Thanks to is premium five-stage ion exchange technology, virtually all detectable dissolved solids are removed – and it comes with a digital water meter so you can see the before and after results for yourself.

Available from www. zerowater.co.uk When it comes to reducing plastic waste, the first thing to ensure is that you’re recycling all of those plastic

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

food cartons, boxes, bottles – anything made of plastic which once you’d have just binned.

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest issues the planet is facing at this time. Rogue plastic can hang around for years and years, threatening wildlife as it clogs oceans and rivers as well as contributing to global warming.

As the war against plastic rages, more and more manufacturers are going back to basics with paper-based and other natural ingredients and packaging.

Plastic straws are on banned list from 2020 but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Metal alternatives are cropping up all over, but our personal favourite are

Stroodles Pasta Straws.

As seen on Dragon’s Den, these are made from wheat and water and are 100% biodegradable.

And yes, you can easily cook them and eat them if you prefer. Prices start at £1.49 for a four-straw sample pack, from www.stroodles. co.uk There are many ways you can make a difference to plastic pollution in everyday life, simply by choosing plastic-free products in your usual shop.

Among our favourites are the Little Soap Company’s Eco-Warrior Collection, £4 each from Sainsbury’s, which come in a recyclable box and are free from determents, sulphates and other chemical nasties and synthetic preservatives. WW

23

Pop in for a Pint

Albany

The wheelhouse

Each edition we pop down to one of Washington’s many local pubs for a pint and a chat to see what’s going on in the local area – featuring beer, bingo, banter and more…

I

T’S been at the heart of Albany Village Centre since the estate was built in the 1970s, but now it’s sporting a brand new look and a brand new name.

The Wheelhouse officially opened its doors in early September after a lifetime known as The Duke, with a fresh new paint job inside and out along with a total rebrand thanks to a recent investment by Camerons Brewery.

Joanne Wood has been at the helm for seven years and was heavily involved in the rebranding and refit and is now enjoying life welcoming regulars and new visitors as word begins to spread.

“We’ve always been a local pub and

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that won’t ever change,” she said. “I was brought up in Washington and worked here long before I took it on - my family has been involved in this pub for 15 years and I want to keep it as a community pub because that’s very important to me.

“A lot of people still aren’t aware we have had this big overhaul, we still get people coming in and saying they had no idea it had been done out because they’re not on Facebook or anything.

“It’s going well. We are going to start having bands on and we have a busy schedule. We’ve got the darts and the pool – pool on Sunday and Thursday, darts on a Wednesday and Thursday, Monday is darts and dominos and on Tuesday we have buskers on so there’s always something happening.”

As part of the overhaul, the outside of the pub has been painted in a bright light cream colour with dark blue branding and modern signage featuring the famous wheel – and it looks great.

The cream and blue continues inside to the bar area, while a big feature wall depicts a former pit scene – the jury’s out as to whether

or not it’s actually Washington’s own F Pit, but either way, it’s a great touch to remind customers of the area’s mining past.

The Wheelhouse serves a selection of beers, wine, spirits, cocktails for £3.50 each and even has its own tipple, Wheelhouse Lager priced at £2.45 a pint.

“That’s our very own in-house lager, named after the pub of course,” laughs Joanne.

“It’s gone down really well. People are always keen to try it and we’ve had a fair few regulars who’ve switched to it all the time, which is brilliant.”

The pub doesn’t serve food, although it is currently offering a selection of toasties for £1.50 each and plans are in place to start offering pies and other small snacks in future.

As a community pub, it also hosts family events at weekends. Joanne is keen to get the local youngsters involved wherever possible with events like Halloween Discos and Christmas parties.

Upcoming events include a Christmas market on Saturday December 7, two Afternoons with Santa on Sunday December 15 and 22, £4 per ticket and a disco with kids’ games when the Puffing Billy road train chugs in for a visit on Thursday December 19. WW

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

Eating Out

eating out

Fodder and fare from around Washington

Kylin Oriental Brandy Lane Albany NE37 1BH

T

HERE are two types of people in Washington.

Those who regularly drop by to the Kylin Oriental for lunch…and those who don’t.

It sounds an obvious claim, but the truth is once you’ve been to the Albany restaurant for one of its afternoon specials, you will most certainly go back.

Since it opened its doors over a decade ago, the people of Washington have been able to enjoy top quality Chinese food without having to venture out of town.

And while its main business comes from evening diners and its takeaway menu, I’ve always been a big fan of the lunch deals.

Served Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-2.30pm, you can enjoy twocourses for £8.50 or add an extra course for £2.

There is also a bowl of complimentary prawn crackers on the table when you arrive while you pick from a first course choice of soups such as chicken and sweetcorn, hot and sour and wonton but I always go for the chicken and sweetcorn.

It’s full of flavour. Some restaurants see no shame in dishing out a wishy-washy flavourless gloop, but Kylin’s offering is full of big chunks of chicken and has the delicious sweetness from the sweetcorn – you will always wish there was more.

The second course choice is from a selection of tasty appetisers. You can pick the likes of mini spring rolls, honey roast spare ribs, satay chicken on skewers, crispy wontons and more.

My advice – get the wontons every time. These aren’t your dubious meatfilled lumps of crispy stuff – at Kylin they are full king prawns wrapped in a filo pastry, served with a sweet and sour dip and are seriously delicious.

The satay chicken and the honey ribs have also won rave reviews from my friends and family and the appetisers tend to be our favourite part of the whole meal.

Be aware as this is lunch, these are smaller sizes to what you would get with a normal order, but I feel three wontons

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

is a nice amount for a lunchtime feast.

The main courses pretty much cover most peoples’ favourite meals. Choose a meat – chicken, beef, char siu pork or king prawn and then pick from a selection of dishes such as sweet and sour Hong Kong style, cashew nut, chow mein, chop suey, egg foo yung, Chinese curry, black bean sauce and more.

Boiled or fried rice is included in all except chow mein and you can opt to replace rice with noodles for an extra £1.20.

We’ve tried pretty much every variation over the years and love them all. My favourites are sweet and sour chicken and the cashew nut dishes, although the chow mein remains a firm favourite with my dad.

Lunchtime at the Kylin is a nice, no frills experience where you can enjoy fantastic food for a good price. The staff are friendly and attentive which makes the visit even better. Definitely one for your to-do list if you’ve not yet been. WW

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What’s on Events in the town and beyond

L

IKE it or not, Christmas is hurtling toward us at an alarming rate.

We love it really, but unfortunately there is so much to organise that we eventually start to dread the festive season. How will we entertain the kids, where can we buy presents that are a little bit different, etc.

Your new magazine Washington Way has tried to ease the burden for our residents this year, by helping everyone to make an early start to their plans.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of events to check out well before the Christmas rush begins. Fairs, markets, activities for the kids, pantomimes and Christmas shows are in here, as well as other things happening around our area.

Children can sail to visit Santa on the River Tyne, ride on a train with him at

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Stephenson Railway Museum, join an Elf Academy in Washington, fly with Santa in a helicopter, and enjoy Christmas light switch-ons around the area.

Over the next few pages, there aren’t just Christmas events - there are quiz nights, music venues, regular pub games and more.

We have seasonal happenings, special new year displays, regular meet-ups

across the town, local groups, hangouts for young ones and all sorts.

This is your ultimate What’s On guide to Washington which will only grow.

Enjoy our listings over the next few pages, hopefully there will be something here for everybody! WW *To get your local event listed in a future edition of Washington Way, email listings@washingtonway.co.uk

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

What’s On

NOVEMBER THURSDAY 21 Sunderland Christmas lights switch-on: Keel Square, Sunderland. Featuring ice rink and tipi. 5.30-7pm.

FRIDAY 22 House by the River: Over 18s only, River Bar, Fatfield, 8pmmidnight, free entry.

SATURDAY 23 Spanish City Christmas Fair, Whitley Bay Irish dancing: Live show at Springwell Village Hall, with Fagan’s School of Irish Dancing.

Show times 1 and 6pm. Tickets £5 adults, £3 children Rigid Digits: Sky Lounge, Oxclose Road, Washington. Free entry.

SATURDAY 23 − SUNDAY 24 Christmas craft fair: Sunderland Glass Centre, 10am5pm both days Saltwell Park festive food fair: including heated marquee, illuminated bandstand, Santa and elf hunt. Admission £2.50, kids under 14 free. Opens 10.30am Saturday 11am Sunday SUNDAY 24 Sunderland Christmas fair: Stadium of Light, 10am-4pm

The Odels: The New Tavern, Concord, from 5pm.

TUESDAY 26 Causey’s Evening Market: South Causey Inn, Stanley 6pm Swan Lake: Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle, 7.30pm WEDNESDAY 27 − SUNDAY (DEC) 1 Jack and The Beanstalk: Jarrow Musical Theatre. Tickets £10.

Tel 0191 4225068 for details THURSDAY 28 SAFC legends in conversation: Host Perry Groves chats to football legends Peter Reid and Niall Quinn about the Sunderland club’s history.

Sunderland Empire, 7.30pm FRIDAY 29 − SUNDAY (DEC) 1 Durham Christmas Festival: Various city events including Christmas fair.

Marquee on Palace Green for the three days, 10am-6pm Gateshead Stadium Indoor Christmas evening market: check Facebook page for times for the different days.

Live music with David Stoker: Fiume, Fatfield, 7-9pm SATURDAY 30 Christmas craft and gift fair: St Michael and All Angels, Sulgrave NE37 3BB 11am-3pm Chester Le Street Christmas

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

craft fair: Parish Centre DH3 3QB 10am-2pm Shipley Art Gallery Christmas Fair: Prince Consort Rd, Gateshead NE8 4JB, 10am-4pm Wylam Institute Christmas fair: Church Road, Wylam 11am-4pm Santa Specials: Stephenson Railway Museum start today, 3 mile ride. Details and dates on musem website Christmas market: Bethany Church, Burdon Rd, Sunderland SR2 7EA, 11am- 2pm Ouseburn Farm Christmas fair: Newcastle. Stalls, animals and live music 10.30am-3pm OHASIS: Champs Sports Bar and Grill, Ayton. Tickets £5.

DECEMBER SUNDAY 1 Christmas Market: Festive crafts, foods, drinks, and more. Children’s face painter, balloon artist, food available.

Holiday Inn, Emmerson Road, Washington 12-4pm. Free entry.

The Casinos: The New Tavern, Concord. From 5pm SUNDAY 1 − TUESDAY 24 Santa Specials at Stephenson Railway Museum: Various dates. Tel 0191 2007146 Houghton Christmas fair: Rainton Arena 10am-4pm Etsy Made Local Christmas Market: Tyne Bank Brewery Tap, Newcastle 12-5pm

SUNDAY 1 − TUESDAY 31 Santa on the Rooftop: Fenwick, dates when the store is open. £12.50 per person. Ticket info tel 0191 232 5100 FRIDAY 6 Top Hat and Heels Christmas show: Comedy event, Lumley Castle, 7pm Ladies Night at Aqua Bar: Over 18s only, 7-11pm, free entry SATURDAY 7 Christmas tree display festival: Holy Trinity Church, Washington Village. 10am-4pm Washington Annual Christmas Festival: Spout Lane, Washington Village, 11am-3pm Christmas craft fair: Arts Centre, Biddick Lane, Washington. 1-3.30pm Christmas fair: Glebe Methodist Church, Washington, 11am SATURDAY 7 − SUNDAY 8 Helicopter trips with Santa: from Newcastle airport. £39 each, tel 0191 2499240

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SUNDAY 8 Christmas tree display festival: Holy Trinity Church Washington Village. 10am-4pm North Shields Victorian Christmas market: 10am-4pm.

The Suspect Device: The New Tavern, Concord, from 5pm.

FRIDAY 13 Washington Musical Society Christmas concert: including Westoe Band at Holy Trinity Church, Washington Village, 7:15pm. Tickets £7, available from secretary 0191 4167695.

SATURDAY 14 Holy Trinity Church Christmas fair: 11am-2pm, Washington Village beside Old Hall Early evening Christmas event at Springwell Village Hall: Live music, food, glass of wine, dance etc. Tickets £7.

SATURDAY 21 Smoove and Turrell’s Xmas House Party: Boiler Shop, 20 South Street, Newcastle NE1 3PE. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets £27.50 Grown ups Christmas party: The Stella, Albany. 7pm-late, tickets £6, includes buffet.

Contact Annette Guy on Facebook for tickets.

Christmas afternoon tea: £5, Glebe Methodist Church, Washington. glebemethodistchurch.org.uk SUNDAY 22 Slade concert: The Rockin’ Home For Christmas Tour 2019 at O2 Academy. Tel 0191 2602020 Beyond Madness: Champs Sports Bar and Grill, Ayton. Free

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entry.

Third Beat Drop: The New Tavern, Concord, from 5pm.

MONDAY 23 − TUESDAY 24 Folkworks annual family Ceilidh: The Sage, Gateshead. 2pm. Tickets £8.70

it’s behind you!

Your guide to local pantos for 2019-2020

TUESDAY 27 − SUNDAY (JAN) 5 Twelfth night celebrations: Beamish museum. Stories, dancing games, crafts, hot punch etc. Tel 0191 3704000 SATURDAY 28 The Re-Roaring 20’s: Springwell Village Hall. Singing, dancing and fun night. There is a bar, over 18’s only. Tickets £4.

Big River: Sky Lounge, Oxclose Road, Washington. Free entry.

Andrew Cushin: Champs Sports Bar and Grill, Ayton. Free entry.

SUNDAY 29 Share the Darkness: The New Tavern, Concord, from 5pm.

TUESDAY 31 Gav Pine: Champs Sports Bar and Grill, Ayton. Free Entry

ALADDIN • Playhouse, Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, NE26 1LZ. 14 Jan 2020 to 19 Jan 2020 • Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle NE1 4AG. 6 Dec 2019 to 5 Jan 2020 • Gala Theatre, Durham.

21 November 2019 to 5 January 2020 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST • Theatre Royal, Newcastle NE1 6BR 26 Nov 2019 to 19 Jan 2020

MOTHER GOOSE • Tynemouth Priory Theatre NE30 4HA. 10 Jan 2020 to 19 Jan 2020 ROBIN HOOD • Royalty Theatre Sunderland.

12 December, 7:15pm SANTA’S NAUGHTY ELF • The Customs House, South Shields. 30 Nov 2019 to 24 Dec 2019 SLEEPING BEAUTY • Springwell Village Community Venue, Washington. 17 Feb 2020 to 21 Feb 2020

JANUARY

CINDERELLA • Gateshead Stadium NE10 0EF 6 Dec 2019 to 29 Dec 2019 • Sunderland Empire Theatre SR1 3EX 13 Dec 2019 to 5 Jan 2020

THE SNOW QUEEN • Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle NE1 7RH. 30 Nov 2019 to 4 Jan 2020

THURSDAY 2 David Walliams: Starring in Santa’s Great Escape, with Nigel Planer, Newcastle Arena, 0191 2605000

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK • Playhouse, Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay NE26 1LZ. 30 Nov 2019 to 5 Jan 2020

THE SNOWMAN • The Sage, Gateshead.

Sunday 22 Dec to Tuesday 24th Dec.

SATURDAY 18 Springwell Village Hall Meeting: open to all to discuss plans and new ideas for next year’s 1940’s weekend.

TUESDAY 21 − SATURDAY 25 Curtains: Sunderland Empire, comedy with Jason Manford

TUESDAY 28 − SATURDAY (FEB) 1 Cabaret: Sunderland Empire theatre

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

What’s On

THINGS TO DO Arts & Craft Fair: First Saturday of every month, Arts Centre Washington, Fatfield. Free entry.

Farmer’s Market: Second Saturday of the month from 10am, St Michael and All Angel’s Church, Manor Road, Sulgrave.

SOCIAL Karaoke: Fridays and Sundays from 7pm at The Wheelhouse, Albany Village Centre, Washington.

Karaoke: Saturdays from 7.30pm at The Honest Boy, Blackfell, Washington Open Mic: Mondays 8.30pm at The Courtyard, Washington Art Centre, Fatfield. All players and singers welcome.

Pub Quizzes: > First Friday of the month 9pm at Bowes Incline Hotel. £2 per person, cash and food prizes.

0191 410 2233. > Every Sunday 8.30pm, The Honest Boy, Blackfell, Washington > Wednesdays 8pm, Cross Keys, Washington Village. Quiz night with card bingo, all welcome. > Thursdays, The Courtyard, Washington Art Centre, Fatfield.

Prizes for first, second and third places including cash and beer tokens. 0191 417 0445 www.thecourtyardbar.co.uk

BABIES AND CHILDREN Donwell Village Play Group: Mondays and Thursdays 9-11.15am, Donwell Village Hall, Donwell. £2, includes drink and snack plus hot drink for adults, £1 for under-ones.

Little Legs Rugby: For children aged 4-7-years. Monday 5-6pm, Springwell Village Community Venue, Springwell Village. £4, email: Vigor.Rugby@gmail.com Oxclose Toddlers: Mondays and Thursdays 9-11am, Oxclose Church Hall, Oxclose. Toys, games, singing and fun for preschool children and parents/ carers. Snacks available.

Play Days: Every Wednesday 10am-1pm, Harraton Community Centre, Bonemill Lane, Washington. Drop in and let the little ones play while you enjoy a cuppa, now with undertwos enclosed play space Time for Rhyme: Every Tuesday 10-10.30am, Washington Town Centre Library. Suggested £2 donation, booking not required.

Tiny Toes Toddlers: Mondays and Fridays 10am-noon,

Harraton Community Centre, Bonemill Lane, Washington. Call 07791 135 973 for prices and further information.

Yoga pupz baby and kids yoga: Every Monday, Washington Millennium Centre.

Toddlers aged 1-3 years, 12.451.30, Babies aged 0-1 years, 1.45pm- 2.30 pm.

Mainly Music: St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Concord NE37 2AX. Fun, interactive music sessions for pre-school children and their parents/carers joining together for 30 mins, followed by coffee and calories.

Mondays (term time) 10-11.30

CLUB AND GROUP MEETINGS Washington WI venues and monthly meetings > Washington Station WI. The Life House, Columbia, third Tuesday of the month, 6.45pm > Washington Concord WI. St Andrew’s Church, Concord first Tuesday of the month, 1.30pm > Fatfield and Harraton WI. Skills Annexe, Biddick School.

Second Monday of the month, 7.30pm > Bowes Belles WI. Wrekenton Methodist Church, second Tuesday of the month, 7pm.

**Those interested in joining welcome to attend**

Washington U3A venues and monthly meetings > Washington U3a. St Andrew’s Church, Concord, second Tuesday of the month 10am > Wessington U3a. North Biddick Social Club, Third Monday of the month 1pm > Washington Village U3a. The Stella, Albany, first Thursday of the month 11.15am. *Those interested in joining welcome to attend**

> Washington Forge Rotary: Mondays (except public holidays) 7.30pm for 7.45pm, The Holiday Inn, Emerson Road, Washington. www. washingtonforgerotary.org.uk > Washington History Society: First Monday of the month 1.30-4pm, Washington Mind, Grasmere Terrace, Columbia. washingtonhistorysociety.co.uk Washington Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers: Some of these groups are full but all offer waiting lists. For information contact join@hlsscouts.org.uk Washington Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Seniors: girlguidingnortheast.org.uk Evening Reading Group: First

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

Wednesday of the month 5.456.45pm, Washington Town Centre Library, booking not required.

Morning Reading Group: Last Thursday of the month 10.3011.30am, Washington Town Centre Library, booking not required.

50 plus Pie & Pea or Bacon Butty Social afternoon: Alternative Tuesdays 1-3pm, Washington Millennium Centre, tel 0191 5613880.

Crafty Hands: Thursday 1-3pm, Washington Millennium Centre.

Bring your own crafts. Tel. 0191 5613880 Inspire Ladies Choir: Thursday 10-12. St Andrew’s Church, Washington. Newcomers welcome, no audition required.

Inspireladieschoir.weebly.com for more details.

SUPPORT GROUPS Mesothelioma Self Help Group: First Thursday of the month 10.30-12.30pm, Woodridge Gardens, Oxclose Road, Washington. For information call 0191 416 6275.

Washington Support Group for Men: Washington Millennium Centre Monday 1-3pm, all welcome.

SPORT, FITNESS AND DANCE Adult tap dancing: Washington Arts Centre, Thursday 6pm-7.30pm. £5, enquiries trishdanceacademy@gmail.com Ballroom and Latin for adults: Classes every Tuesday 6-7pm, Art Centre Washington, Fatfield.

No partner needed. Call 07952 155 919 for more information.

Clubbercise: Exercise in disguise. Mondays 6.15pm, The Life House, Washington Mind, Columbia. £4 per class, first class and glowsticks £8.

Columbia Judokwai: Mondays 5-6.30pm, Columbia Community Centre, NE38 7ET. £3, first two free. judoinwashington.co.uk Cycling club: Meets at Washington Arts Centre every Monday 1-3.30pm. £6 per ride. www.cycle-treks.co.uk Kidz Club: Fridays 4.30pm, dancing and games for ages 5-12 at In This Together Fitness, Legends, Tyne Gardens, Washington. £4.

Seishin Judokwai: Wednesday and Fridays 6.30-8.30pm, Oxclose Academy, NE38 OLN. £3, first two free. www. judoinwashington.co.uk

Smile Through Sport: Fourth Saturday of the month 11am12.30pm. Monthly sport for children with a disability to join in, inclusive and adapted sports activities, siblings welcome.

Washington Leisure Centre, NE38 7SS. £3 per person. info@smilethroughsport.com Washington Judokwai: Wednesdays 6-7.30pm, Harraton Community Centre, NE38 8BQ. £3, first two free, judoinwashington.co.uk Washington Boxing Club: Caters for men, women and children, open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Kids,(age 5+) Mon/Wed 5-6pm, Men, Mon/Wed 6-7pm, Ladies Friday 6-7pm.

Washington Glebe Bowling Club: 27 Emmerson Terrace, Columbia. Their current season has just ended, for details of winter indoor bowling at Houghton ring Margaret Dixon 0191 4150395 Washington and Harraton Angling Club: Meets every Sunday, North Biddick Social Club at 11am. Any queries email Catherine Smith on catherine. smith53@yahoo.com 40 plus Table Tennis Club: Washington Millennium Centre 12.30- 2.30 every Friday.

VOLUNTEERING Age Concern: Drivers needed,also other general duties. 0191 5141131 or website, ageuk.org.uk Arts Centre Washington: Volunteers wanted to work in various areas. Ring 0191 561 3455 or email acw@sunderland. gov.uk British Heart foundation shop, The Galleries: Help needed in the sort room. Tel 0191 4162633 or call in the shop for details.

Children’s Society Shop, Concord: Please ring 0191 4150385 or call in for details.

Bowes Railway Centre, Springwell: Volunteers wanted for various duties including woodworking, restoration, tearoom, tour guides. Call 0191 4161847, bowesrailway.org Beamish Museum: Application forms online at beamish.org.uk, or call 0191 3704003 Washington Wildfowl Centre: Help needed in the garden and insect pond area. Call 0191 4165454, wwt.org.uk Washington Fatfield 1st Scouts: Adult volunteers needed, email volunteer@hlsscouts.org.uk

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CROSSWORD

ACROSS

9 Corpulent (5) 10 Extreme surprise (9) 11 Souvenir (5) 12 Inherent (9) 13 Possess (3) 14 Hebrew minor prophet (5) 15 E.g. wine goblets (9) 16 Bush (5) 18 Double birdie (5) 22 Large mass of sliding snow (9) 25 Renounce (5) 27 Open mesh fabric (3) 28 Staff (9) 29 Mistaken (5) 30 Weaken insidiously (9) 31 Passageway (5) DOWN 1 Highest singing voice in women (7) 2 Affluence (6) 3 Recent arrival (8) 4 Saw (6) 5 Book end, perhaps (4,4) 6 Exceptional intellect (6) 7 Convince (8) 8 Adhesive label (7) 16 Frenzied rush (8) 17 Single-celled organisms (8) 19 Conceal with decorative paper (4,4) 20 Neither solid nor liquid (7) 21 Abrade (7) 23 Part of a group (6) 24 Followed (6) 26 Cardiff International Airport (6)

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WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 1

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the green }

the green { florist•giftshop•tearoom } Sister company of The Forge... we are family... gather•eat•drink

g { flthe orist}green bespoke { florist•giftshop•tearoom } Crafted Floral arrangements and bouquets for every occasion...

Wedding, Funeral, birth of a baby, birthday, anniversary... just because... created by our very experienced and talented florist team.• • We can deliver both local and Worldwide. Discount for Forge customers.

the green { florist giftshop tearoom }

0191 340 2345

g { giftshop} quirky

the green { florist giftshop tearoom }

We have a selection of bespoke gifts and•cards from local designers and crafters, as • well as quirky wholesale suppliers.

the green } gather•eat•drink

thegreenwashington

g { space} gather Available to hire for private parties, workshops, art galleries, pop up kitchen... gatherings of all occasions. Open to the public as part of our tearoom. g { tearoom } quaint and cosy Serving local roasted Goldbox Roastery coffee and a large selection of Storm Tea organic loose leaf teas, alongside homemade sweet and savoury snacks and The Forge sausage rolls and pies.

the green }

the green } We are an independent, family owned restaurant in the heart of Washington Village, the big, little brother of the green tearoom, serving up the highest quality, locally sourced, wholesome, fresh, seasonal British food. Our team are committed to offering something a little different to the usual, creating a space in which our customers are valued and feel at home.

We have an extensive wine selection, locally distilled gins, real ales and great cocktails, The Forge is an excellent destination for those seeking fantastic quality food and drink, prepared by experienced talented chefs, in an historic yet cosy setting.

Our head chef, local lad, Lee Bennett, has spent the past 10+ years training and working with

Newcastle’s finest chefs in some of the best restaurants across the City. He wants to share his passion for food with you.

To find our menus, wine list, details of our loyalty club and to book a table visit our website www.theforgefood.com We are open from 12 Wednesday - Sunday booking is advised.

gather•eat•drink theforgefood

01919087621

Washington Village NE38 7AB