Washington Way - Issue 05

FOR WASHINGTON PEOPLE • BY WASHINGTON PEOPLE

WASHINGTON'S FREE LOCAL MAGAZINE

SUPPORT OUR SHOPS

JUMP START

DEFIBRILLATORS ARE POPPING UP ALL OVER TOWN

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ISSUE 05

ALSO INSIDE

WASHINGTON WAY NEW BIZ, GLORIOUS GARDENS, EATING IS READY TO HIT OUT, NEWS & MORE THE AIRWAVES

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Family Tidings Celebrate your loved ones

AN EASY WAY TO MAKE YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES PERMANENT LOCAL newspapers have always printed notices of births, marriages and deaths – as a way for people in their community to share in each other's important family news.

So we're now offering you that service, in partnership with new website familytidings.co.uk All you have to do is visit www.familytidings.co.uk and fill in their very simple form, which allows you to enter your own notice (up to 400 characters long) and upload a picture of your family's new baby, happy couple or lost

The Family Tidings online information and payment form is designed to make it as easy as possible to create your Family Notice, complete with picture.

The Family Tidings website is designed to be as simple as possible to use, and to work smoothly on desktops, laptops, tablets and mobiles.

loved one.

Then you have two options – you can pay £20 for your notice to be published online (where the service also allows you to share it via social media) or £40 to have it published both online and in the next edition of Washington Way. Notices printed in Washington Way would appear as shown to the right.

The service has been designed and priced to be accessible and affordable for every family, without costly charges.

F a m i l y T i d in g s

Visit FamilyTidi ngs.co.uk to pl ace your family New Babies contains exactly notice 400 cha racters.

Baby’s Full Nam e Here The parents’ nam es and area of residence (eg: Barmston, Jarr ow, Hylton Castle) will appear her e.

Baby’s birth stat istics (eg: date of birth, place of birth, birthweigh t) will appear her e.

Any further info rmation or personal messa ge (eg: thanks to midwifery tea m) Baby’s family will provided by appear here (subject to the overall charact er limit of 400). To give you some idea of the am ount of informa tion you can include , this sample not ice contains exactly 400 characters.

Baby’s Full Nam e Here The parents’ nam es and area of residence (eg: Barmston, Jarr ow, Hylton Castle) will appear her e.

Baby’s birth stat istics (eg: date of birth, place of birth, birthweigh t) will appear her e.

Any further info rmation or personal messa ge (eg: thanks to midwifery tea m) Baby’s family will provided by appear here (subject to the overall charact er limit of 400). To give you some idea of the am ount of informa tion you can include , this sample not ice contains exactly 400 characters.

Baby’s Full Nam e Here The parents’ nam es and area of residence (eg: Barmston, Jarr ow, Hylton Castle) will appear her e.

Baby’s birth stat istics (eg: date of birth, place of birth, birthweigh t) will appear her e.

Any further info rmation or personal messa ge (eg: thanks to midwifery tea m) Baby’s family will provided by appear here (subject to the overall charact er limit of 400). To give you some idea of the am ount of informa tion you can include , this sample not ice contains exactly 400 characters.

Baby’s Full Nam e Here The parents’ nam es and area of residence (eg: Barmston, Jarr ow, Hylton Castle) will appear her e.

Baby’s birth stat istics (eg: date of birth, place of birth, birthweigh t) will appear her e.

Any further info rmation or personal messa ge (eg: thanks to midwifery tea m) Baby’s family will provided by appear here (subject to the overall charact er limit of 400). To give you some idea of the am ount of informa tion you can include , this sample not ice contains exactly 400 characters.

Weddings

All notices checked for spellings etc before going live.

Baby’s Full Nam e Here The parents’ nam es and area of residence (eg: Barmston, Jarr ow, Hylton Castle) Groom’s Name will appear her & e.

Baby’s birth stat Area/s of residen Bride’s Name istics (eg: date ce (eg: Barmst of birth, place of on, Jarrow, Hylton birth, birthweigh Castle) will app t) will appear her ear in here. e.

Any further info Bas ic wedding informa rmation or tion will personal messa then also appear ge (eg: thanks here, such as to midwifery tea date, venue/s. m) Baby’s family will provided by Any further informa appear here tion or (subject to the personal messa overall charact ge (eg: thanks er limit of 400). To to witnesses/brid give you some esmaids, idea of the am hon eymoon details ount of informa etc) provided tion you can include will appear her , this sample not e (subject to the ice overall charact 24 er limit of 400 ). To

give you some idea of the am ount of information you can include , this sample not ice contains exa ctly 400 characters.

surviving).

Any further info rmation or messages will appear here (sub ject to the overall cha ract 400) eg: brief care er limit of er details, funera arrangements.

To give you som l e idea of the am ount of informa tion you can include , this sample not ice contains exactly 400 characters.

Deceased’s Groom’s Name & Name Here Area/s of residen Bride’s Name ce (eg: Barmst Then comes on, Jarrow, Hylton Castle) will app area of ear in here. residence (eg: Basic wedding information will Barmston, then also appear here, such as South Shields, date, venue/s.

High Barnes) Any further info will appear her rmation or e. personal messa Bas ic further informa ge (eg: thanks tion will to witnesses/brid appear here eg: esmaids, age, date of honeymoon det passing, next of ails etc) provide kin (deceased d will appear her or surv iving). e (subject to the overall charact Any further info er limit of 400 rmation or ). To give you some messages will idea of the am appear here (sub ount of information ject to the overall cha you can include ract , this sample not 400) eg: brief care er limit of ice contains exa er details, funera ctly arrange 400 characters. l ments. To give you some idea of the am ount of informa tion you can include , this sample not ice contains exactly 400 characters.

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Basic wedding information will then also appear here, such as date, venue/s.

Any further info rmation or personal messa ge (eg: thanks to witnesses/brid esmaids, honeymoon det ails etc) provide d will appear her e (subject to the overall charact er limit of 400 ). To give you some idea of the am ount of information you can include , this sample not ice contains exa ctly 400 characters.

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will appear her e.

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Any further info rmation or messages will appear here (sub ject to the overall cha ract 400) eg: brief care er limit of er details, funera arrangements.

To give you som l e idea of the am ount of informa tion you can include , this sample not ice contains exactly 400 characters.

Deceased’s Name Here Then comes area of residence (eg: Barmston, South Shields, High Barnes) will appear her e. Basic further information will appear here eg: age, date of passing, next of kin (deceased or surviving). Any Deceased’s Nam further informa e Here tion or messages Then comes are will appear her a of residence e (subject to the (eg: Barmston, Sou overall charact th Shields, Hig er limit of 400) h Barnes) will app eg: brief career ear here. details, funera Basic further info l arrangements. rmation will To give you som appear here eg: e idea of the am age, date of ount of informa passing, next of tion you can include kin (deceased , this sample not or ice contains exactly 400 characters.

WASHINGTO N WAY » washin gtonway.co.uk » Issue 2

Bereavements

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Welcome

CONTENTS 04

News

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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Save Our Shops

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It’s a testing time for the town’s traders as we look at what needs to be done to get Washington businesses booming again

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New Biz

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HE summer may be over and the days are sadly getting shorter but at least – for now – we can enjoy a somewhat better quality of life than we were six months ago.

As the kids return to school, the pubs, restaurants, beauty salons and barbers are now all operating – not quite as usual, but at least in some way.

Here in Washington, things are continuing to return to normal – I won’t use the expression ‘new normal’ because, quite frankly, I really dislike it and I refuse to accept that this way of living is forever.

However, while things are picking up, there are waves of concern among many traders at the lack of business as many people are still shielding or are choosing to do their grocery shopping online.

In this edition we meet business owners in Concord who are worried for the future as we urge people to shop local wherever possible before we lose our high street completely.

After two editions where the world stood still, I’m over the moon to be able to bring back our New Biz section as we meet four new business owners in the town and find out a little more about where they are and what they’re doing.

Also in this edition we celebrate the return of our Eating Out section now we’re allowed back into pubs and restaurants, we’ve finally got some events listings back and of course, we’ve got all of the latest news from Washington.

We hope you like it!

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A brand new barber shop, authentic Lebanese cuisine, a pub takeover and tearoom pasta - all inside...

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From the Horse’s Mouth

The disabled riding academy bidding for a big batch of funding - and how you can help

28

Glorious Gardens

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Private patches are being opened to the public...think your garden can make the grade? Read on

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Eating In/Eating Out

A mighty dose of pub fare sure to leave you full, plus our tried and tested home curries

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Autumn Glow

Celebrate the change of seasons with this season’s latest homewares

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What’s On

Groups, clubs and more - check out just some of the many activities around town

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 07437 590 405 » To contact the editor, please email zoe@washingtonway.co.uk

28 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 5

WELCOME

Zoë Burn, Editor

PUBLISHER

PO Box 533, Gateshead, NE8 9EW E: CONTACT@CLUBHOUSEMEDIAGROUP.CO.UK W: WWW.CLUBHOUSEMEDIAGROUP.CO.UK

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NEWS

Words: Angela Burn, Zoë Burn, Aaron League, Harry Chalmers Images: Angela Burn, Clubhouse Media Group

DEFIBRILLATORS HELP SAVE LIVES ACROSS THE TOWN

Serge Randhawa, Phil Hopps of Washington Forge Rotary Club, (left) and Coun Bernard Scaplehorn

COMMUNITY defibrillators are starting to appear in various places across Washington.

And it’s all thanks to an idea mooted by Washington Forge Rotary Club, following a successful appeal for one to be installed at Teal Farm, which is now operational.

Rotary member Fidelma De Faoite approached Coun Bernard Scaplehorn, who after discussion with his colleagues at Washington West Ward, agreed to fund four of the devices for Blackfell, Donwell, Albany and Springwell Village, in the hope that that councillors from other wards would eventually do the same.

Gentoo then agreed to fit them free of charge.

The project is still ongoing after being delayed due to Covid-19, and in the meantime Springwell Village has had a machine donated from another source, which is not yet up and running.

“Defibrillators are now at Blackfell Shops, Donwell House care home and will soon be available outside The Stella in Albany,” explained Coun Scaplehorn. “The

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Blackfell one has already been opened after an incident in which a lady collapsed in the village.

“Her daughter rang 999 and was given the access code to unlock it. She was in the process of taking it out when the ambulance service took over, so thankfully it wasn’t needed in the end.”

Many people are still unclear about public defibrillators, and how to use them, so here the official advice from the North East Ambulance Service regarding an emergency situation is as follows: “If someone is unconscious and not breathing normally you must first call 999 and arrange for help. As well as guiding you through CPR, they will be able to advise if there is a defibrillator nearby.

“If there is, they will ask you to continue CPR and find someone else to operate it, giving you a three digit access code to unlock it.

“Once opened, the unit gives the operator clear audio instructions.

“You cannot hurt the patient because the machine will not work unless the

patient is in cardiac arrest.

“Studies have shown that a shock given between three to five minutes can produce survival rates between 50 and 70 per cent. Immediate CPR followed by the early use of a defibrillator gives a person in cardiac arrest the best chance of survival.”

The Blackfell unit is maintained by local shop owner Serge Randhawa, and The Stella Club Steward Frank Reay is taking responsibility for the one in Albany.

Donwell House manager Victoria Leighton and her staff maintain the unit outside their building.

Phil Hopps of Washington Forge Rotary is currently in talks with councillors from the other areas, in the hope that they will follow the lead of Washington West by financing three each in their wards.

“We have identified 12 more areas with really good coverage,” he said. Each unit needs a host to look after them, but they require very little maintenance. Our aim is to eventually have a defibrillator in every village in Washington”

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

News

NEW RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION FOR FATFIELD HOMEOWNERS HOMEOWNERS and people living in Fatfield are being invited to join a brand new residents group.

Fatfield Residents Association has been created by Sean Laws with the aim of strengthening the community and improving the area to make it a better place to live.

Following a Zoom meeting with Gentoo’s Billy Broad, Coun Fiona Miller and her Labrador and a number of

members, the group has made firm plans to move forward.

The Residents Association plans a series of community events throughout the year culminating in a community day, all aimed at bringing people together to talk about community issues and strengthen community bonds.

The Association hopes to proactively identify any new issues and raise awareness via social media and

(L-R) Fundraisers Bob Singh and Julie Simpson alongside Terry Degnan.

EYE TESTS RESUME AT TOWN OPTICIANS WASHINGTON opticians are urging not to neglect eye health now the lockdown restrictions have been lifted.

A recent survey by Specsavers has revealed a third of people across the UK noticed a deterioration in their eyesight during lockdown.

Claire Elliott, director of the Washington stores in Sainsbury’s and the Galleries is encouraging those who missed out on routine eye tests during this period to get in touch.

“During lockdown, opticians across Washington and beyond were open for urgent and essential care only - meaning those most in need could access vital eye care services,” she said.

“This meant routine eye examinations were on hold, but now lockdown measures have been eased, we are pleased to be able to offer them again and are getting customers booked in as quickly as we can accommodate them.

“If you are due a routine appointment or have any concerns about your eye health, don’t delay in getting in touch.”

Customers must book appointments in advance, enabling the store to manage social distancing, and a range of new hygiene and personal protection measures are in place.

To book an appointment contact the Washington Galleries store on 0191 419 2525 or the Sainsbury’s at the Galleries store on 0191 419 5460.

newsletters and engaging local councillors, Gentoo, Northumbria Police and other agencies where needed.

The group also hopes to become a pressure group for improvements in the area and as it becomes established, Mr Laws will be looking to hand it over to a newly-formed committee.

Anyone living in Fatfield is encouraged to join the group by visiting the Fatfield Resident’s Association Facebook page.

MORE THAN £4000 RAISED FOR LOCAL BOXING HERO LOCAL fundraisers have poured in their support to give back to Washington boxing hero Terry Degnan.

One of the founders of the Washington Boxing Club, 70-yearold Terry has been a mainstay in the community for more than four decades and has even been invited to one of the Queen’s garden parties at Buckingham Palace to recognise his work with youngsters.

But after he left the club earlier this year with family matters taking priority, a few of the town’s keen fundraisers were eager to give back.

Julie Simpson, Jaye Price and Bob Singh were among the organisers of

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

a number of raffles and prize-givings which raised money for Terry in an effort they dubbed ‘Terry’s Testimonial’.

“Terry has been a major part of the community for a long, long time, so it was really important for us to give back because he’s given so much to the community,” Singh said.

“He is a very popular guy and for what he’s done for the young people and the vulnerable over the years, this is the least we can do.”

In just three and a half weeks, the crew managed to raise £4250 for Terry, thanks in part to a signed poster of Mike Tyson which was raffled off to boost the donation.

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NEW MANAGER BOOSTS CARE HOME RATINGS STAFF and residents at Donwell House Care Home are celebrating the news it has been rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission.

After several years of being rated ‘Inadequate’ and ‘Requires Improvement’, the home, part of the Bondcare Group received ‘Good’ ratings across all five areas of inspection.

Led by manager Victoria Leighton, Donwell House provides accommodation for up to 63 people with services including residential, nursing, dementia and palliative care.

The CQC report highlighted that the home had made many changes over the past year (despite facing a global pandemic) since the new manager arrived, such as staff training, writing of care files, residents input into the meals, contact with families, activities, attention to religious beliefs, and community engagement.

The home had also appointed a family

liaison officer who has been working on End of Life Care and supporting families through this difficult time.

One resident’s family member said: “We have no complaints and even the smallest of issues are dealt with instantly. It used to not be the best but since the new manager joined it has improved more and more. They communicate often and keep us totally informed.”

Another said “I am very happy since the new team has taken over and the service has improved immensely.

The decor, kitchen and food quality have massively improved. I absolutely know she is being looked after. The

management and carers are great.”

A statement from the management team said “We are thrilled to have received a Good rating by the Care Quality Inspection. Our people centred approach creates a home-like environment where people are happy to live.

“Our excellent team efforts have once again been recognised and we couldn’t be happier.”

Manager Victoria Leighton added: “I am ecstatic for the home to have received this acknowledgement especially through the difficult times we have come up against through the pandemic.”

OXCLOSE YOUNGSTERS ENJOY SUMMERTIME FUN YOUNG people in Washington were given a lifeline in July with the launch of a set of activities to keep them occupied during the summer.

A soon as restrictions were eased, Oxclose and District Young People’s Project delivered goody bags to over 300 youngsters, with the help of two teams of youth workers.

The bags contained idea suggestions, chocolate bars, colouring sets and similar items.

A programme of outdoor activities followed, running for seven weeks until the beginning of September. Carefully planned to include social distancing, these included cycling, face painting, fabric painting, tie dying, making dream catchers, bottle lights, and scented cushions.

Project Manager Phil McAloon said that the scheme had been very popular. ‘We have had some lovely comments, from children and parents” he said.

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“We purchased two gazebos which weren’t cheap, but were worth every penny for our unpredictable summer weather.

The kids were given a sandwich, fruit and water at every session.

“It was great to see them enjoying the company of others outdoors after months of isolation” The Centre runs youth clubs for youngsters from 11 to 16, five nights a week during normal times, as well as offering various training and education courses.

An ongoing study group has

Oxclose and District Young People’s Project participants hard at work.

managed to keep going throughout the crisis, to help the students . For more details, or any enquries call 0191 417 3382 or visit the Oxclose and District Young People’s Project Facebook page.

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

News

TRUMP V BIDEN: WASHINGTON'S TAKE

Washington Way’s deputy editor and resident American Aaron wading into the Trump v Biden debate for Betfair.

WASHINGTON residents have weighed in on one of the world’s biggest political races as they offered up views on the next American presidential election.

As part of a Betfair campaign to see how political betting predictions stacked up against real opinions, the company’s US Election Swingometer made its way into Washington Village late last month.

A number of locals were asked how strong the connection is between America’s Washington and ours, and how the winner of the Donald Trump v Joe Biden battle could influence life in the Tyne and Wear town.

“Our village has become more prominent as Americans have expressed interest in their history, especially George Washington’s family links to the area,” admitted Ged Parker, Head of the Washington Historical Society.

“Over the years, we have had a number of famous American visitors, including President Carter in 1977. Along with Prime Minister Jim Callaghan, the 39th President visited Washington Old Hall to learn more about the capital’s history and planted two trees on the village green which are visited by the many American tourists we have each year.

“The people of Washington are very welcoming, and we also play host to US ambassadors each year and will continue to do so, along with whoever wins in November.”

Washington Way’s Deputy Editor Aaron League, who left his home near Washington DC for the North East of England in 2016, also waded in on the debate.

“I suppose it’s a unique view I have as an American living in Washington… it’s definitely interesting to see how the

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

politics change on both sides of the Atlantic,” he said.

“I think people look to American politics because it’s a world superpower, and now you’ve got this great caricature of a man in office, which makes it even more interesting.

“The US election certainly has the potential to shake things up here. If Trump happens to win another term and shows up here to plant a tree, I guarantee you’ll have plenty of people heading to our town.”

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SCHOOL FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN OPENS ITS DOORS IN HARRATON A BRAND new school dedicated to children with autism was set to open as Washington Way went to press.

The Harry Watts Academy Harraton, based at the former Harraton Centre, is set to serve as a temporary school while work continues to be completed on the Harry Watts Academy, which is due to open in 2021.

The Washington site is able to accommodate 40 to 50 pupils who have autism, while the main academy promises nearly 100 spaces.

Named after local hero Harry Watts, who is said to have helped save around 120 people during his time with the Sunderland Lifeboat and Life Brigade services among other duties, the main premises is being built on the former Bishop Harland Primary School site in Red House.

Coun Louise Farthing said: “We are beyond impressed at the quick turnaround of the Harry Watts Academy Harraton. To be able to have a new school ready to open within three months is incredible, and I would like to send my thanks to everyone who has helped allow

this project to be such a success “The ability to provide the right care and education to children with Autism is vital. Sunderland City Council aim to ensure that every child receives the best support, so that they can go on to achieve opportunities later in life. I have no doubt that the Harry Watts Academy Harraton will provide this for every pupil.”

Derek Cogle, Head Teacher, Harry Watts Academy said: “This is an exciting opportunity for autistic pupils in

Sunderland and surrounding areas, we are overjoyed to be able to open the school at the beginning of the school year to provide consistency for the children.

“Harry Watts staff are delighted to be launching Harry Watts Academy in Washington and are looking forward to building excellent links in the area, to support the school in years to come.”

The Harry Watts Academy Harraton was set to open on September 7.

EASY PICNIC-INGS

St George’s Church in Harraton arranged a socially distant picnics for local families every day during the last week in August, with packed lunches supplied by Washington Community Food Project.

Lucy Barr-Hamilton is seen here on the right, with some of the youngsters.

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WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

News

FROM LOCKDOWN TO SLIMDOWN SEND US

WASHINGTON slimming groups are going back to school as bosses toast the successful return of physical meetings.

Slimming World’s local weight-loss consultants had been meeting virtually for much of the lockdown period, but last month welcomed back the usual meetups with social distancing in a bid to jumpstart members’ fitness initiatives.

Supporting nearly 700 weekly members, the firm’s Washington groups are excited to be back in action after a testing few months and hope to carry on spirit from their virtual meetings to boost events going forward.

“We know we’ve had our days when it’s felt really difficult to stay motivated, and that’s completely ok because we’re all human,” said Washington Team Developer Katherine Mason.

“We’ve learnt that getting support so you don’t feel alone is key when it comes to keeping up healthy habits, whatever life throws your way.

“We’ve found our virtual groups are giving members a chance to focus on their goals, to regain control, and to feel a sense of togetherness with the rest of our group. We’re all in this together and we’ve learnt that if we can get through this and manage to manage our weight healthily, we really can do anything.”

In accordance with government guidelines, the groups are introducing a booking system to help with social distancing regulations.

Anyone interested is asked to contact your local consultant, or telephone Katherine Mason on 07824 553785 for any further information.

COLOURFUL COURTYARD GREEN-fingered Ayton residents have been praised after their courtyard scooped a gardening award from Gentoo.

Tenants from 1-6 Kestrel Close decided to cheer each other up during lockdown by improving the enclosed outdoor area containing their front doors.

Flowerbeds were planted, plants and bushes installed and they got to work making the most of their area, adding upcycled ornaments and covering the open space above the walls with small lights.

Resident Carolyn Moreland organised a set of six handmade wooden door number plaques, all slightly different, for the wall beside each entrance.

“Our project brought out the creative side in all of us,” she said. “Everyone came up with new ideas and we had a great time, working together while socially distancing.

“The overhead lights added the finishing touches, as the whole arcade is illuminated after dark.

Andrea Elliott enjoyed getting together with neighbours. “We all loved

working together,” she said. “We are a lovely little community here and enjoy each other’s company.

“This gave us a purpose during the lockdown and we were really pleased with the results by the time summer arrived.”

The neighbours later learnt about Give it a Grow, a gardening competition

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

YOUR NEWS

DO YOU have story that needs to be heard, know of an unsung hero in the community or just feel you have something to share with the rest of Washington?

We here at Washington Way are dedicated to our town – the magazine is for Washington people,

by Washington people, and our community comes first.

Get in touch – send us your news on news@washingtonway.co.uk, ring our office on 07437 590 405 or feel free to write to us at PO Box 533, Gateshead NE8 9EW. *Note: We will only print news and exclusive content (unless in exceptional circumstances), so will not run an article if it has already appeared in other local press.

run by Gentoo for their tenants in Sunderland and surrounding areas.

Encouraged by comments from passers-by, they decided to enter and were thrilled to find they had won Best Neighbourhood Garden.

Gentoo presented the group with an outdoor plaque, which now takes pride of place inside the courtyard.

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SAVE OUR The lockdown is over but the damage to our local businesses may never be repaired.

Washington Way investigates the alarming effect Covid is having on our shops…

Words: Zoë Burn Images: Clubhouse Media Group

T

HE empty pavements and shuttered-up shops are a reminder of the lockdown days, when we were told to stay home and only go out to shop for necessities.

But these photographs were taken at 1.45pm on Saturday August 29, a time when the streets should have been buzzing with shoppers, the cafes and restaurants should’ve been bustling and the pubs crammed.

Here in Concord, it’s like an empty wasteland. Shops are open but nobody is here. People are drinking in the pubs but they aren’t packed, there are no queues… so where is everyone?

A trip over to the Galleries reveals they aren’t there. The bus station stands almost empty, the car parks aren’t empty but there are plenty of spaces in every one and as for the malls…it’s more like 4.45pm on a Wednesday than 2pm on a Saturday.

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While it’s clearly ticking over at what can almost be described as ‘steady’ at the Galleries, there’s an air of desperation in Concord.

Some businesses like the takeaways and small cafes are doing, as they say ‘okay’ but others are just managing to tick along. Concern among traders is clear.

UPS AND DOWNS “It’s up and down, you’ll have your good days and your bad days…but I think there’s probably more worse days than good days at the moment,” said Carl Sacco of Sacco’s Confectioner and Tobacconist.

“Our regulars are still coming in, but we have noticed one or two haven’t come back. I’m putting it down to people working from home so you don’t get the passing trade and of course a lot of people are shopping online.

“There’s a definite lack of people about.

How to reverse it, I just don’t know.”

Sacco’s has been part of the Concord landscape for 65 years. Originally opened

by Carl’s father, Tony, the shop has been through good and bad but Carl admits things have never looked so bleak.

“I closed for a period of time because I had to, all the shops did, so now we have to try and get our customers back.

“It’s going to take a while and I don’t know if it’ll ever go back to how it was.

Maybe people will just find another way of living. Hopefully it comes back. We need people to keep shopping local if we’re to survive.”

Along on Heworth Road, Paul and Nicola Young who run Michael’s Forever Flowers have had to change how they operate to meet government regulations and are now looking into ways to branch out.

“We worked from home during the

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

Save our Shops

UR SHOPS Left: Normally a hive of activity, Concord’s Front Street stands quiet on a Saturday afternoon. lockdown but we still lost quite a bit. We were able to do funerals and then told we could do bouquet deliveries but they had to be contactless. We had to do these deliveries free because there wasn’t a collection option,” explained Nicola.

"WE NEED PEOPLE TO KEEP SHOPPING LOCAL IF WE'RE TO SURVIVE." - Carl Sacco

ADAPTING “We were travelling all over the place, South Shields, Ashington, Gateshead…we had to adapt, that’s all we could do.

“Now we’re back open it’s still quiet.

I think a lot of the older people are still scared to come out. We’re now looking at other things, for instance we’re getting a perfume stand in store to just offer something extra.

“We are ticking over but the biggest thing now is the implications another lockdown would have. We’ve managed up until now but the idea of it happening again is a big worry.”

And it’s a concern shared by

Kevin Thoburn, who runs Thoburns greengrocers, a shop the family has owned for 45 years.

Mr Thoburn has watched the steady decline of Concord and believes the problem was here long before Covid, but fears the virus could be the final nail in the coffin.

“There’s nothing to come here for, that’s the problem,” he said. “Thirty years ago you had everything here but now there’s very little. No clothes shops, no butcher, no toys shops…even the banks have gone.

“So this has hit everyone even harder.

At the start of the lockdown we were

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

extremely busy, there was only us, Herons and the Co-op open. It was a ghost town and it was non-stop with deliveries and things. Since everywhere else re-opened, we’ve naturally quietened down.”

The shop is also home to Fatties Café which reopened last month with a reduced capacity but even that hasn’t boosted business much.

MASKING THE PROBLEM “I know people moan about having to wear masks but I don’t think that’s made any real difference, they weren’t here before they were made compulsory.

“Some people still don’t want to come

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

Clockwise from right: Saturday parking normally means not a space in sight; greengrocer Kevin Thoburn; the Galleries bus stand is usually full; Market Village’s main cafe, along with many surrounding trade stands, have been cleared out; Carl Sacco of Concord’s staple sweets shop.

"IT'S RIDICULOUS WHEN YOU LOOK OUTSIDE...IT SHOULD BE HEAVING HERE AND I HONESTLY THINK IT'LL GET WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER." - Kevin Thoburn  out, or think it’s easier to shop online.

“It’s ridiculous when you look outside.

It should be heaving here and I honestly think it’ll get worse before it gets better.

To be honest, I was surprised most of the shops opened up again, I was expecting more wouldn’t come back.”

Kevin admits his and the shop’s future lives under the constant dark cloud of another lockdown.

“If we get lockdown again, this place will close and I don’t think we’ll reopen.

“Last time the fact it was April made a big difference. If that happens in the winter then we won’t be opening and that will be it.”

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While businesses in the Galleries are all reporting better footfall, the threat of another lockdown is still on the minds of many shop owners and staff.

But as ToyTown store manager Amy Woodford reveals, this may be getting people out to spend while they can.

“To be honest we’re doing really well,” she said. “We do have reduced hours at the moment but it has really picked up.

WHILE IT LASTS “Now, whether that’s because people are panicking about the prospect of a second lockdown and they’re doing their Christmas shopping earlier, I’m not sure

but compared to where we were last year, we’re not as far off as expected.

“As a store we are doing well. Yes, things have changed. We can’t do many of the things like swap shops which we did before so we’re working on different things and ideas to be more exciting.

“I think we’re doing as well as we can and just working hard to keep our customers happy and safe.”

Just opposite is Plain ‘n’ Purl, a wool shop owned by Hazel McCain. Hazel moved into the shop after running the business from inside Market Village for 11 years and feels she made the move at the right time.

Currently, Market Village looks to be struggling for shops, with many units empty and traders concerned for business due to a lack of footfall.

And although things are going well for Hazel, she is very concerned for other small independent owners.

“Of course the shop is a lot quieter

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

Save our Shops

A PLEA FROM THE EDITOR than it should be but I’m doing okay here. It’s not as brilliant as it could be if everything was back to normal but it’s still been a positive move for me.

“I’ve had a good start and I’m building up some new customers and my regulars are very supportive but I can understand the problems other shops may be having.

GET OUT THERE “People have to start going back to the shops. I know the corner shops have thrived during the lockdown and that’s great for them and I don’t think anyone would begrudge that but our other smaller shops and cafes need support.

“People need to get back out and start shopping locally to keep us all going.”

Carly Moore, store manager at the Galleries’ British Heart Foundation shop echoes those sentiments.

“I think shops need to build confidence

back up with customers,” she said.

“For us, I feel the tide is turning a bit and things are much better than the way they were maybe a month ago.

“Obviously footfall is definitely against us and I feel like with the introduction of masks in shopping centres it’s definitely deterred some people from coming in – but I think that’s the case in shopping centres universally, not just here.

“Like everywhere, we’ve got other things against us like limited numbers of customers allowed in, all new donations have to be rested for 48-hours according to Government guidelines but those are the biggest things we’ve come up against.

“I think there’s a lot of apprehension still out there, a lot of uncertainty but I totally get it. It’s a very strange and unusual time and we just need to work hard to get the confidence back and hopefully, get people back shopping locally.” WW

HERE in Washington we have something special - our own town, a thriving community and a lot of hard working independent business owners.

We’ve all struggled with the Covid crisis, we’ve all lost work, we’re all poorer and none of us know what the future holds.

But one thing is for sure: if we don’t start getting out and supporting our own network of local shops now, we will probably lose them. And when they’re gone, we’ll never get them back.

I can’t tell people to get up and go shopping if they’re genuinely scared, but I really want to encourage anyone who is venturing out to cafes or pubs but still not using local shops to seriously consider doing so.

I know many people are working from home, and the idea of going out just to save someone else’s job may not be high on anyone’s priority list but if you can, please, please do.

As I type this, there’s never been a better time to shop local. Our shops and shopping centres are quiet.

There’s no worry about getting too close to people if you don’t want to.

The shopkeepers are keen to see you, they want to welcome you back and our town needs the shot in the arm your help can give.

Please, if you do one thing this week or next, just pop into a local butcher, greengrocer, café or restaurant and spend a little bit of money. Let’s keep our town alive.

Zoë Burn

---------- Zoë Burn, editor ---------WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

13

SAY WHAT??

THROUGH THE LENS Hobbyist snapper Bernie Strafford captured this shattered glass bottle on the bowling green at Usworth Park. Local readers, including Bob Dexter (see below) have raised concerns over the potential hazards and ruination of green spaces this can cause.

A WORD OF THANKS

I wanted to give a big thanks to the people that run the Ritz in Columbia for showing that there are good, honest people in our community.

We were all at a funeral and had the wake at The Vic, then we went to the fish shop.

We had our granddaughter there and when we came home we realised she’d lost some money, a five pound note out of her back pocket.

The Ritz chippy rang us later on that evening and said they’d had a look on the CCTV and they’d actually found it.

They held onto it at the shop and we just had to call round and collect it, but I thought that was a really nice thing of them to do.

We hadn’t got in touch with them, they took it on themselves to get in touch with us after finding out who had lost the fiver.

It just shows that there are genuine, honest people out there and it’s great to know.

John Seed

14

SINGING PRAISE

CONGRATULATIONS on another good read via Issue 4 of the Washington Way – it beats all the National press in these strange times.

The article on Page 6 re Virtual Choirs was particularly interesting to me as I have the very privileged and happy position of being Chairperson of The Inspire Choir and I know Richard personally.

He has been a great encouragement and help to Inspire Choir and with his guidance we have gone from strength to strength and have performed at many local venues over the past few years.

Sadly, due to the current Covid crisis, all choir activities have ceased throughout the country, but with the help of Richard some of us have taken up the challenge and joined the Virtual Choir.

I must admit it isn’t an easy challenge but it certainly gets the brain cells and vocal chords moving, albeit rather slowly!

I’m sure lots of others could join and swell the numbers and give the North

East some good exposure.

The plus point is that once Richard has put everything in place you then become a YouTube Star! Come on Ladies and gentlemen, give it a go and join in.

Teresa Rowell

KEEP IT CLEAN

THE lovely green open spaces in Washington kept us sane during lockdown, we were lucky to be able to roam close to home.

Why would anyone want to spoil our countryside and grass verges with litter, fly-tips and trolleys? And now we have to add “disposable” masks and gloves to the mix too.

Even if they don’t mind the ugly mess, or don’t mind paying the Council to clear it up, surely everyone remembers the images of distressed animals on Blue Planet?

It isn’t just whales who die from ingested rubbish, it’s the creatures near our home.

Carol Attewell

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

.

Letters

LOOKING BACK

ROYAL APPOINTMENT

IT’S not every day the town receives a royal visit, but in 1977, residents lined the streets to welcome the Queen.

Along with Prince Philip, the Queen arrived in the region on July 15 as part of her Silver Jubilee tour of the country.

They arrived at Newcastle Quayside aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia before embarking on a whistle-stop tour of the North East – which included a visit to Washington to check out the New Town. *Do you have a historic photograph or memory of the town which you would like to see feature in a future issue of Washington Way? Please send us your images via email to news@washingtonway.co.uk – it doesn’t have to be really old – anything from around 15 years ago or more – along with a little bit of information about the photograph. *Pic Copyright: Tyne & Wear Archive and Museums

DISAPPEARING ACT

I HAD massive shock last week when I went into the old In Shops area of the Galleries on my first visit to the centre since the lockdown.

Where have all of the shops gone? I went in just to pick up some fruit but the fruit and veg shop has moved and I couldn’t get over how empty it was.

It seemed like half of the shop units were empty, the café area was empty with not a single person sitting there and I noticed two of the three food places weren’t even open.

I don’t know if this is all due to Covid but I hope this is just a transitional period for one reason or another because it was really sad.

Hardly anyone was in walking about and the shopkeepers all look fed up.

Angela Robinson

SMASHING BOTTLES

WHY do people seem intent on wrecking all of our green spaces by smashing glass bottles all over them?

It doesn’t seem to matter where you

go these days, there’s broken glass everywhere. Just this week I was taking my mother in law for a walk around Usworth Park and there in the middle of the public bowling green was a huge pile of smashed glass.

Like everywhere else there are lots of dog walkers down there along with little kids and it would be so easy to injure a little foot, hand or paw.

I don’t know if the installation of bottle banks or more recycling units would make a difference because the people who are doing this are doing it deliberately – you can’t accidentally just drop a glass bottle onto a bowling green and see it smash.

It’s definitely time something was done about it.

Bob Dexter

SEND US YOUR LETTERS

If you want to appear in our letters pages in future editions, please email news@washingtonway.co.uk and make sure to put ‘Readers’ Letters’ in the subject box.

Alternatively you can write to us at Washington Way, PO Box 533, Gateshead, NE8 9EW. We reserve the right to edit correspondence.

Please send all potential Through the Lens images to the same addresses. Please note, we are unable to return photographs.

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

15

NEW BIZ Words: Zoë Burn, Aaron League Images: Clubhouse Media Group

D

ESPITE a difficult summer, brand new businesses have been opening their doors all across town and welcoming a host of new customers...

CHALBI’S In a back corner of the Galleries’ Market Village sits Chalbi’s, one of the newest barber’s in the town owned by Moncef Dogmani.

Moncef took over the unit previously occupied by Rizz Cuts and rebranded it as Chalbi’s towards the end of March, but before he had even shaved a wisp of hair, the Covid lockdown halted everything.

Moncef was finally able to open his

16

business on July 4 and is now settled into life as a trader in the town.

“It’s been a very strange time, but we had no idea what was coming when I first took the lease over,” he said.

“Instead of opening in March like we planned, I had to sit around for a few months waiting until we were allowed, and it’s still quiet at the moment because not everyone is coming out and people still don’t know we’re here.”

Chalbi’s offers the usual selection of men’s cuts such as gents cut £7.50, boys cut £6.50 OAP cut £5 and crew cut £5.50.

Beard trims, wet and cut throat shaves are also available.

Following Government guidelines,

Moncef wears a clear visor so clients don’t have to wear masks.

“It’s been an unusual start but I’m hoping once people realise we are here they will start to come in. I know it’s a strange time for everyone but I am looking forward to welcoming clients old and new,” he added.

LEBANOS Just a stone’s throw away from Chalbi’s inside Market Village is another new arrival – Lebanos.

Brothers Mo and Mac Beydoun are the brains behind Washington’s only Lebanese eatery and are quickly winning fans and new customers of all ages.

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

New Biz

Clockwise from far left: Moncef Dogmani hard at work; Mo and Mac Beydoun serving up some Lebanese favourites, including chicken shawarma (below).

The brothers first spotted Market Village last year and were struck by an idea originally mooted by their father to open what would be the only restaurant of its kind.

“Our family is genuine Lebanese and

this is what sets us apart from other similar restaurants in the north east,” said Mo. “We really wanted to open somewhere authentic and offer quality food using fresh ingredients. We saw this place was available and it was the perfect solution.”

The boys secured one of the catering units and were just about to open when the lockdown hit, forcing them to halt plans. However, once they were given the green light, it was all systems go and Lebanos finally opened its doors.

Lebanos serves freshly-prepared Lebanese cuisine such as shawarma chicken, lamb moussaka and chicken tawook. Other dishes include falafel,

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

grilled or fried halloumi, hummus, various wraps and chips.

Diners can sit in and enjoy their food or take it away and Lebanos is also listed on a number of food delivery apps such as Just Eat, so you can enjoy the taste of Lebanon without even leaving your home.

“We are now working to secure later opening hours so we can offer takeaway food later into the evening and so far we’ve had a wonderful reception from the people in Washington.

“We wanted to bring the taste of Lebanon to the north east and so far we’ve had great feedback, lots of returning customers and we can’t wait to welcome even more.”

17



Clockwise from above: Pizza and pasta-inspired frontage at the new Maggie’s; Lee and Sharon Jobling at the Vic; tea and lasagne could now be a thing...



MAGGIE’S TEA ROOM & PIZZERIA Putting a fresh twist on what’s reported to be the oldest team room in Washington are Richard Green and Michelle Howe, who took over the establishment just a few weeks before lockdown.

But plans for the quiet corner of Crowther Industrial Estate were already in the works when the close-down order was handed to eateries, and the new owners were keen to put a twist on the local favourite by adding simple yet elegant Italian fare to the scones, cakes and drinks already on offer.

And the first port of call was the chef and a brand new menu, as Richard explained.

“Our idea was that this is Washington’s oldest tearoom meets Washington’s newest pizzeria,” he said.

“We brought on a new chef, Danilo, who is actually from Naples, and we’ve put some simple Italian favourites on the menu like pizzas, pastas, garlic breads, that sort of thing.

“We just want to offer something different. It’s definitely still a place where you can come and have your scone or cake with a cup of coffee or tea, but it’s also now a place where you can have a nice pizza or pasta lunch too.”

Maggie’s also features an events room where a number of groups have already established regular meetings.

THE VICTORIA INN Another new business couple to the block is Lee and Sharon Jobling, who – like Maggie’s – were hit by the unfortunate events of the late-March lockdown.

The Joblings were just beginning to overhaul the interior of the Columbia staple when they were forced to close shop, but a warm, welcoming

18

neighbourhood and the return of regulars looks to have spirits on the up following the reopening of pubs in early July.

“It’s taken a bit of time, but we’ve been doing pretty well since the pubs were allowed to open back up,” Lee told Washington Way. “We put in one of the biggest orders our brewery has ever seen from this pub a few weeks ago, and the food is going really, really well.”

The Joblings recruited local man Kevin Pinder, a long-serving chef at the Havelock, to rejuvenate and refurbish the pub’s menu.

The well-known Azzuri Kitchen title is now out, but a host of new items are in – including Sunday lunch.

“We just started the Sunday lunches a few weeks back and they’ve been going really well.

“We’ve had nothing but positive reviews, which is encouraging, and the rest of the food Kevin has planned is amazing as well.”

Featuring a bright, refurbished frontof-house and new-look dining area as well as a spacious beer garden to the rear, there’s plenty of room for drinks, distancing and more. WW

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

GARDEN PARTIES

3/4 & 5M BELL TENT HIRE THEMED AFTERNOON TEAS PACKAGES FOR ALL OCCASIONS DAY & OVERNIGHT OPTIONS

HORSES FOR COURSES As Washington’s Riding for the Disabled centre bids to win a share of a £1million prize pot, we take a closer look at the often forgotten riding centre which has been part of the town for 43 years…

Words: Harry Chalmers Images: Angela Burn

F

OR more than 40 years, Washington’s Riding for the Disabled centre has been providing a unique form of therapy for children and adults of all ages and disabilities.

And now the centre has been shortlisted in a national contest to scoop a share of a £1million prize pot from Persimmon Homes’ Building Futures scheme.

The scheme, which has support from Team GB, has been created to give a much-needed cash injection to help projects for young people under 18 in health, sport, education and the arts across the country.

But to win, Riding for the Disabled needs the people of Washington to join forces and help bolster the vote.

Eileen Curley from the RDA has revealed that the organisation has already received £1000 and has the chance to pick up another £5000 this month, along with the hope of picking up one of the bigger awards of £20,000, £50,000 or

20

even a whopping £100,000.

The centre has been part of Washington’s fixtures and fittings for 43 years but, surprisingly, many people are still unaware it even exists.

Tucked away on Stephenson Road, Washington Riding Centre has long provided the base for the Tyne and Wear group of the National Riding for the Disabled Association.

ROYAL APPROVAL It opened its doors back in 1977 and was known back then as the Strang Riding Centre, in a nod to its founders, Dr Strang and his wife, Norah.

Dr and Mrs Strang had originally created the centre in South Shields in 1964 before moving to the new premises as Washington began to thrive in the late

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

Washington Riding Centre

Clockwise from far left: Chief Instructor Lorna Watson hosts a riding lesson; instructing a budding rider; (L-R) Lorna, Manager Jayne Cherry and volunteer Gilda McCall; Lucky poses for a photo

seventies, with a high profile visit from Princess Anne to conduct the official opening ceremony.

Jane Cherry, chief instructor and advisor has been there from the start and remembers the halcyon days well.

“We used to receive lots of financial support from national and local government and children from most of the local schools used to come and use the centre,” she said.

Nowadays, she feels the biggest change has been watching the funding disappear along with the schools where the emphasis is now on core subjects. “Management now has to rely on donations, grants, volunteers and diversification,” she added.

As soon as you enter the centre’s large arena, you notice the calm, family atmosphere which operations manager Lorna Watson has worked hard to create.

She explained the benefits service users can gain from attending, such as interaction, movement and freedom.

ACCESSIBLE TO ALL “Hoist facilities and specially trained horses allow wheelchair users to ride a horse as an equal to an able bodied person, giving them the opportunity to participate in sport and spend time out of their chair,” she said.

“Mental health and wellbeing is also improved by making friends and bonding with the horses.”

However, Lorna adds that like many other charities, Covid-19 has added to their financial issues. “We have had to diversify and introduce new sponsorship opportunities such as Sponsor a Horse which is a great way to help.”

For a donation of £20 per month, members get to choose a horse and receive monthly updates and photographs along with the chance of

monthly visits to see your chosen horse.

As part of its diversification, the centre now offers a full livery service to private clients and private owners can also rent time in the indoor and outdoor arenas if they don’t have access to these facilities at their own stables and yards.

Private riding lessons are also offered to the able-bodied.

PARTY TIME Another fun new element is the introduction of children’s parties.

Youngsters can enjoy a 30-minute ride and 30-minutes of stable management which includes grooming.

Party bags can be supplied if required and a room is also available for the

children to eat together.

Both Jane and Lorna are keen to emphasise the importance of their team of volunteers, who perform a wide range of vital tasks such as leading horses during lessons, grooming, stable management, admin and fundraising – and are always keen to hear from anyone interested in helping out.

Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, volunteer recruitment has had to be suspended, but the centre is happy to hear from anyone who would be interested in volunteering in future and will contact interested parties as soon as they are able to recruit again.

For more information, visit the website: www.washingtonridingcentre.co.uk WW

VOTE NOW TO HELP WASHINGTON RDA TO be in with a chance of winning a piece of the £1million prize pot, Washington RDA needs your vote.

Simply visit www.persimmonhomes.com/building-futures, click on ‘finalists’ and scroll down and select Tyne and Wear RDA and press vote.

You are allowed to vote every day and votes close on Friday, September 18, 2020.

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21

Domestic Abuse

SALON SIGNS UP TO HELP COMBAT DOMESTIC ABUSE

A

WASHINGTON salon is stepping up the fight against domestic abuse after joining a training scheme to help spot potential

victims.

Staff at Salon 38 in Washington Village have undergone training from Behind the Mask, a national scheme which teaches hair and beauty professionals how to spot the signs of domestic abuse and how to respond in the correct way.

Behind the Mask was launched last summer to give hair and beauty professionals the information and guidelines needed to help clients who they feel may need support.

One in four women will experience abuse from a partner or ex-partner at some point in their life and two are

22

killed each week.

The aim of Behind the Mask is to spot the signs in clients and then offer information as to where they can receive help and support.

Hair and beauty professionals can take a free online learning course to teach them how to look out for tell-tale signs and learn the best way to move forward.

Victoria Hood, owner at Salon 38, was keen to sign up as soon as she heard about Behind the Mask.

“Domestic abuse is a very serious issue and something we’ve always had an interest in – we’ve previously worked with Wearside Women in Need and it’s something we all want to see stamped out,” she revealed.

“When you’re in the salon you welcome customers from all walks of life. Some want to talk, some don’t and you don’t always know whether to push them to talk or just leave them to it.

“We’ve always been a bit a like therapists as far as being a listening ear and we all wanted to be able to help people who needed it, so joining this initiative was the obvious thing to do.”

Part of the training is to learn more about domestic abuse and what it is, along with how to spot potential signs, particularly in those clients who are

Words and Images: Zoë Burn

suffering a non-physical form of abuse.

And the timing couldn’t have been better, as Victoria points out. “Coming back from lockdown it’s something we’ve been very aware of,” she said. “There was a lot noise about victims who had been stuck in the house with their abuser and we really wanted to be a friendly support to anyone who needed us.

“The training has enabled us to see things we didn’t before, such as how a client reacts in the chair to things. It’s really about being more sensitive. If we get a feeling there may be something wrong, maybe try and push a little to talk and try and read the body language a bit.

“It’s also knowing what to say. If someone opens up you don’t want to push an opinion like “Oh you’ve got to leave him!” on them. Instead you say “you’re really brave telling us.’

“We have sheets with support numbers we can give them as long as it’s safe to do so, but it’s letting them know we’re there. The point is not to get involved, not to get tell her what to do or interfere, it’s to let her know we’re here. Come in any time for a chat or a cuppa, just know we’re here.”

Any salons keen to get involved with the Behind the Mask initiative can visit the website: www.behindthemask.online

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

September 2020

WASHINGTON

NEIGHBOURHOOD INVESTMENT PLAN

T

he Washington Area Committee continues to finalise the details of the Neighbourhood Investment Delivery Plan, agreeing the key priorities for the first year of activity.

Responding to the comments and outcomes from the Let’s Talk consultation, we are committed to achieving the best outcomes for our residents.

As the Plan is finalised it will be available to view on the council website and residents will be able to follow what’s happening in their area and also see where they can get involved to support community efforts and projects. You can have a look at the Neighbourhood Investment Plan for your area at www. sunderland.gov.uk/neighbourhoodinvestment-plans.

Washington Area Committee is looking forward to working with our communities

and partners to help transform our neighbourhoods and creating more resilient communities Area Committees will continue be at the heart of this transformation journey.

Watch this space for further updates on how we are getting on.

FOCUS FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS:

• Tackling all types of Antisocial Behaviour including fly tipping, litter, dog fouling, vandalism – all things that affect the neighbourhood.

• Investing in parks, play and open spaces, cycling and walking routes and encouraging Love Where You Live campaigns and pride in the area.

• Highways, pavements and street lighting, transport and road safety.

• Support for the VCS, volunteering and changing how we support the sector to provide additional services at a local level.

• Health and wellbeing activities.

• Supporting our young people.

• Reduce fear of crime through partnership working.

• Supporting local events and investing and celebrating community heritage.

BY THE NUMBERS

£438,910

Neighbourhood funding awarded to 32 projects during 2019-2020.

£59,630

Awarded to 55 groups within the local community via the Community Chest, with an average grant of £800 to support neighbourhood projects.

14,150

Residents of all ages showed their support by attending the four Washington Community Events.

1,489

Children and young people accessing ‘activity with food’ sessions during summer holidays.

1,484

Young People engaged in 25 social action projects.

901

Local residents benefitting from ‘Healthy Action’ projects.

247

People received much needed information, advice and guidance, including 164 one-to-one advice sessions for residents in crisis

221

Residents supported during COVID-19 pandemic with shopping support, dog walking and prescriptions.

71

Residents are receiving support to access employment and training opportunities through the Washington REACT Project.

68

New volunteers recruited, trained and given ongoing support to volunteer in local community organisations.

62

Clean & Green Environmental volunteers. Keep Washington Tidy volunteers collected more than 1500 bags of litter throughout 2019-2020.

Throughout 2019 and 2020, Washington Area Committee worked hard to support a huge range of projects and initiatives.

Check out our year in numbers below to see some highlights of our biggest achievements over the past 12 months...

42

Local organisations supported to develop their capacity, apply for funding and strengthen their governance arrangements.

40

Clean & Green environmental programmes and community clean-up initiatives.

32

Individual Washington town ward improvement projects.

11

Community-based projects approved to provide support to lonely or vulnerable adults and reduce social isolation.

PROJECTS & OUTREACH

BACK in March, just before COVID-19, the Area Committee approved some new projects for Washington, which – due to lockdown and restrictions – were delayed.

But finally, one of the new initiatives now underway is the Washington Outreach Project for young people.

The Sunderland Together Youth Consortia is working with Oxclose and District Young People’s Project and other key partners to reach and support young people who meet out on the streets.

The project promotes wellbeing and safety, targeting young people in hotspot areas who may be causing anti-social behavior and entering into dangerous lifestyle choices. The project has been

Washington

operating across the five Washington wards since July 6, and in the first six weeks has worked with 216 young people from across Washington.

Other Area Committee funded projects offering support and activities include the Washington Clean & Green Volunteers Project, the Washington Healthy Lifestyles Project at the Millennium Centre, a range of support and Counselling at Washington MIND’s Life House, information, advice and guidance for residents in crisis through the WISP Project, and employment advice through the Washington REACT Projects However, due to government advice and guidance, our Washington Events

Neighbourhood Investment Plan covering the wards of Washington: Central, East, North, South and West

Programme will now be delayed until next summer.

But festive fans needn’t worry, as the Christmas Illumination Switch-on will still happen in both Concord and Washington Village.

Watch this space for more information on what’s to come...

SUPPORT FOR RESIDENTS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES FROM day one of lockdown, we have been supporting our residents, alongside partners within the NHS and the local voluntary and community sector.

Working with these partners, we set up Community Hubs, which matched residents needing support with a local volunteer to help with shopping or collecting prescriptions, as well as many other support services.

LEND A HAND While restrictive measures are easing and many people are getting out and about more often, there are still many residents who need support.

If you are able to help your community and would like to volunteer, head to the website below to get started today: www.sunderland.gov.uk/volunteering

And our area’s community hubs are still helping residents that need us.

All shielded residents have been contacted to make sure they have support in place.

In addition, all residents across the city have received a newsletter which shares more information about what support is available, from books at home to how to stay fit and well, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.

The newsletter also lets you know how to stay in touch with what’s on locally and activities in your local area.

More than 200 Washington residents contacted us to ask for help and support.

Alongside that, 220 Washington residents came forward to the council to offer their support.

The swift response to the coronavirus pandemic, the support provided to our most vulnerable people and the efforts from all volunteers and community organisations have made such a big difference.

Hopefully, many relationships that have been formed will continue long after this pandemic has ceased.

BE IN THE KNOW Not sure where to find the latest government advice or council guidance?

You can help your community by following and sharing trusted sources of information, including: *www.gov.uk/coronavirus *www.nhs.uk/coronavirus *www.sunderland.gov.uk/coronavirus To receive even more information on what’s happening in the area, register for the residents e-newsletter today at www.sunderland.gov.uk

Be a key part of your Washington community by learning what’s happening in all five wards of the town. Join the conversation today at: facebook.com/WashingtonSunderlandCommunity If you need support or would like to help please use the following link: www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/17092/Need-support-or-want-to-help

CONTACT YOUR

WASHINGTON COUNCILLORS Cllr Len Lauchlan Cllr.Len.Lauchlan@Sunderland.gov.uk 0191 9068526 | 07833 482475

WASHINGTON CENTRAL

Cllr Fiona Miller Cllr.Fiona.Miller@Sunderland.gov.uk 0191 4166839

Cllr John Kelly Cllr.John.Kelly@Sunderland.gov.uk 0191 5611922 | 07917 556634

Cllr Graeme Miller Cllr.Graeme.Miller@Sunderland.gov.uk 0191 4166839 | 07769 886932

Cllr Bernie Scaplehorn Cllr.Bernard.Scaplehorn@Sunderland.gov.uk 07940 435087

Cllr Linda Williams Cllr.Linda.Williams@Sunderland.gov.uk 07774 416778

WASHINGTON EAST

Cllr David Snowdon Cllr.David.Snowdon@Sunderland.gov.uk 07788 415480

WASHINGTON NORTH Cllr Jill Fletcher Cllr.Jill.Fletcher@Sunderland.gov.uk 07717 348206

WASHINGTON SOUTH Cllr Louise Farthing Cllr.Louise.Farthing@Sunderland.gov.uk 0191 4179960 | 07788 191189

WASHINGTON WEST

Cllr Henry Trueman Cllr.Henry.Trueman@Sunderland.gov.uk 07789 922335

Cllr Dianne Snowdon Cllr.Dianne.Snowdon@Sunderland.gov.uk 07825 052048

Cllr Tony Taylor Cllr.Tony.Taylor@Sunderland.gov.uk 0191 4151518 | 07786 732748

Cllr Peter Walker Cllr.Peter.Walker@Sunderland.gov.uk 0191 4172007 | 07790 785922

Cllr Dom Armstrong Cllr.Dom.Armstrong@Sunderland.gov.uk 07810 056469

Cllr Dorothy Trueman Cllr.Dorothy.Trueman@Sunderland.gov.uk 07917 554259

fWSlimming World feeďż˝ bAf!l<oJ,tit!

Contact your friendly local Consultant to book your place in a real-life group today...

BOOKING ESSENTIAL touching hearts, changing lives

Helen

07903 234055 Wednesday AM & PM Westwood Club

Katherine

Lillian

07824 553785 Tues day PM Biddick Social Club

Chris

07801 834807 Th ursday PM Oxclose Church

rJ rl@ slimmingworld.co.uk

07725 363817 Monday AM, Saturday AM Millennium Centre

Lynne

07960 750866 Thursday PM. Donwell Hub Friday AM, Saturday AM Washington Mind

WASHINGTON WAY WANTS YOU!

We are looking for a Media and Advertising Sales Executive to join our growing team...

Requirements: *Sales experience essential *Impeccable communication skills *Ambitious, highly-motivated self-starter *Comfortable meeting potential clients faceto-face *Meet monthly sales targets *Interest in print media is vital This position is part-time and commissiononly for a trial period, with a view to becoming salaried.

Interested?

Send your CV and a brief covering letter to aaron@washingtonway.co.uk

Sharon

07568 349565 Thursday PM Gethsemane Revival Centre

Victoria

07919 037382 Monday PM Millennium Centre

Michelle

07718 786820 Monday PM, Holy Trinity Church Tuesday PM Whitehouse Club Thursday AM Harraton Community Ctr

OPEN ALL FLOWERS Proud of your lockdown summer gardening efforts? Then you could consider opening your pride and joy to visitors next summer, like these Washington residents…

Words and Images: Angela Burn

I

F the thought of visiting gardens as an attraction just conjures up the likes of Kew or the Royal Botanical Gardens, think again.

Because right here in Washington, normal people welcome visitors from all over the UK each summer to enjoy their own patches of heaven.

The National Garden Scheme (NGC)

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provides the perfect opportunity for people to view the gardens of ordinary folk, as well as the grounds of larger houses, showcasing the work of proud gardeners while raising vital charity cash.

It gives keen gardeners who have created magical spaces at their own homes the chance to open their doors once or twice a year and meet and share WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

Glorious Gardens

Clockwise from left: Sheila Brookes working in her garden in Bede Crescent; NGC North East Publicity officer Liz Reid amongst the greenery in her garden in Springwell Village. to make the best of a small space.

“We average about 100 people each visit, and everyone has an enjoyable time whilst helping charity.”

Sheila opens her garden in Bede Crescent on two Sundays every year, attracting visitors from all over the country. Guests are issued with a ticket from the National Garden Scheme and pay a small entrance fee. All money raised goes to charity.

This year the scheme was postponed but it is hoped to resume for summer 2021.

From humble beginnings in 1927 to help nurses, the scheme has evolved into a tourist attraction, raising millions every year for health-based charities including Macmillan, Marie Curie and The Queen’s Nursing Institute – last year it donated £3million.

Around 3,500 premises open their gates annually for one or two days, offering tours, information, and refreshments.

Home-made cake is usually one of the attractions for visitors and a small admission fee is charged, depending on the size of the property.

tips with likeminded folk.

Sheila Brookes is one of Washington’s green-fingered stars. A regular volunteer with Washington in Bloom, she has been maintaining her own stunning garden for a number of years.

And after scooping a trophy in Sunderland in Bloom in 2016, Sheila was persuaded to join the National Open Gardens Scheme.

SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED “I thought mine would be far too small for this, but the representative assured me this wasn’t the case,” she said.

“Visitors enjoy visiting large properties, but many of their own plots are small, so they welcome ideas and enjoy learning about my plants and how WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

TOURIST ATTRACTION Garden addicts now plan holidays around the dates each one is available, touring all over Britain to fit in as many as possible.

“Some people travel 200 miles or more” explained North East Publicity Officer Liz Reid. “They study our calendar and book their holiday accommodation accordingly.

They say it’s their perfect summer break, meeting people, viewing beautiful gardens and of course eating cake!

“Most of this year’s visits were unable to go ahead due to Covid-19, so we organised some virtual tours instead, which can be seen on our website. A few premises opened up later in the year when things eased, but most are at their best in spring and early summer.”

There are around 50 sites in our area, stretching from Northumberland to Catterick, which can be seen in an annual leaflet which will be issued to the Washington Garden Centres at the beginning of next year for 2021 visits.  The website updates a list of all

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Glorious Gardens

Clockwise from above: Village in Bloom volunteers at work maintaining the Ribbon Bed in the village; (L-R) Barbara Lindsay, Jim Ramsey, Pauline Johnson and Joan Chilton hard at work. 

participating gardens annually, usually around November, for the following year.

The National Garden Scheme also issues an annual publication called The Yellow Book which can be pre-ordered from October and lists all the sites in the UK for the following year.

GETTING INVOLVED Liz opens her own large garden in Springwell Village twice a year, attracting visitors from far and wide. “Friends and neighbours bake cakes, they love being involved,” she added.

“We have our regulars who come every year, they love wandering around the garden and enjoying home-made teas, or a glass of wine or beer in the open air.

“We would love some more open gardens in our area, it makes it more worthwhile for tourists coming north. We have two in Washington already, so it would be lovely to have a few more”.

Two days per year is all that is required to be part of the scheme and anyone interested in getting involved for next year can contact Liz Reid on 07719 875 750.

More information and this year’s virtual tours can be found at www.ngs.org.uk while those without the internet can contact Liz by telephone for general information. WW

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VOLUNTEERS KEEP VILLAGE BLOOMING AN exciting opportunity for Washington’s gardening volunteers and something which would’ve been a huge boost to the town was unfortunately put on ice this year.

In addition to winning a gold award for the third consecutive year in 2019, Washington Village in Bloom took the coveted Best Village trophy for the whole of the Northumbria region, beating off opposition from North Yorkshire to Berwick – giving them the chance to represent Northumbria in the finals of Britain in Bloom 2020.

But as chair Joan Atkinson and her team of volunteers were in full swing making preparations, everything was postponed due to Covid-19.

Undeterred, the gardeners soldiered on, working every Sunday morning to keep the village looking beautiful.

“Of course we were disappointed, but our main priority is to maintain the high standard of our flower beds and surrounding area,” said Joan. “We’ll still be in the finals when the competition resumes.

“During Lockdown, three of us used our one-hour exercise time every day working here. We were often stopped by people re-discovering the village during their walk.

“A few said that walking through here

kept them sane during that time” Their sense of pride is shared by the whole village, with the community now making an even bigger effort in the area surrounding their own properties with new flower displays to impress the Britain in Bloom judges when the time comes.

Some have made donations to help buy plants as they are unable to do physical work themselves.

Washington village has been entering the competition every year since 2002, winning many awards and accolades along the way.

The group has close links with Washington Old Hall, as well as local schools which regularly raise funds.

“Sunderland City Council gives us great support, as do our local cafes and businesses, which often make donations,” added Joan. “We have a very strong community spirit here, everyone does all they can to help us financially.

“What we really need are more gardeners. We are in the finals of a national competition and only have 12 volunteers. We would like others to join us, and share our pride and excitement preparing for the judges visits” The group can be found working around the village on Sunday mornings from 10am-noon and welcome any enquiries.

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

New Town Radio

WASHINGTON WAY SET TO HIT THE AIRWAVES

W

ASHINGTON’S recentlylaunched radio station is going from strength-tostrength as it prepares to collaborate with the town’s only dedicated print magazine.

Washington Way and NewTown Radio are set for an exciting new association after striking a deal to work together to help celebrate and promote the town.

Last edition we revealed the launch of Washington’s first and only radio station – also known as NTR Sounds – which had been created by stage and screen actor Craig Conway and his partner Andrea Davison.

Returning to Washington after more than 20 years based in London, Craig instantly felt there was something missing from the town and the idea for a station was born.

Craig and Andrea teamed up with two other partners, George and Louise Heron and together they launched the station in July.

The aim of NTR Sounds is to help give the town something of its own, while helping develop new talent from across the community.

Since its launch on July 4, the team has created a busy schedule of music and other shows and is now working hard to develop new shows with emerging talent.

And as part of the local involvement, NTR Sounds and Washington Way are teaming up to develop a monthly show which will look at the latest news and goings-on along with shining the spotlight on the people and organisations

making headlines across the town.

Zoë Burn, editor of Washington Way is excited about the collaboration. “The idea of Washington Way has always been to give people living and working in our town a voice of their own instead of just being grouped in as part of Sunderland,” she said.

“So as soon as we heard about NTR Sounds we were really excited. We have exactly the same aims and ideas, we both want to put Washington and its people in the spotlight and help grow a thriving community.

“I’m very excited to be working closely with Craig, Andrea and the team and I feel that together we can really help

put Washington on the map where it rightfully deserves to be.”

Craig Conway also added his delight at the collaboration: “It’s been great to discover that we all want the same thing and are working to bring this together across two very different but very influential platforms here in Washington.

“Over the coming weeks we’ll be working closely to develop a new show focussing on what’s going on in the town, with focus on the different the people, organisations, events and the community.”

To listen to NTR Sounds simply download the app or listen online at www.ntrsounds.co.uk WW

DO YOU HAVE A VOICE FOR RADIO?

NTR Sounds is always on the lookout for interesting voices to use in its adverts, jingles and promotions.

Each month one girl and one boy will be chosen as the voice of the station’s official jingle and the team is inviting people from all over Washington to get involved.

There is no age limit, but successful applicants will need to have a dynamic, unique and clear sound.

Simply make a recording of your voice introducing a song or show for NTR Sounds or even better, record your own jingle and send it to ntrsound@icloud.com For more information visit the station’s website www.ntrsounds.co.uk

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Above: Washington’s flagship Princess Anne Park as it stands today; Inset: a very similar view from way back in the park’s early days.

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WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

Green space

PARK LIFE When it comes to finding a piece of green space here in Washington, it really is a walk in the park…

Words: Zoë Burn Images: Angela Burn, Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums, John Kelly

D

ID you know, Washington has more green space than anywhere else in the borough?

The town has the most formal and country parks in the whole of Sunderland – even though most people only know and visit one or two.

Yet Washington’s parks and open spaces do matter to residents, as Sunderland City Council’s latest Let’s Talk consultation identified an investment in parks, play and open spaces as a key priority.

Washington Area Committee has been working hard to support studies and plans to improve parks across the town, with investment one of the main targets for this year’s Neighbourhood Investment Plan.

Washington is home to seven parks – Princess Anne, Usworth, Albany, Ayton, Holly Park, James Steel Park and Seldom Seen Park in Springwell.

GREEN SPACE ROYALTY Probably the most well-known and most visited of them all is Princess Anne Park next to the Galleries.

It was created as part of the Washington New Town development on

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

a reclaimed industrial site which wasn’t suitable for homes.

During the 1970s and 80s it became a popular central meeting point, as the landscape grew in around the man-made stream and pond and became a regular haunt for families and children.

Kids would spend the day playing on the stone crocodiles in the pond or climbing up the hill where there used to be flagpoles.

Today, the pond and the flagpoles are just a distant memory and the park is now better known for its winding footpaths and big green spaces, while a proactive Friends of Princess Anne Park keeps it in tip-top shape.

The group can regularly be found organising litter picks and bulb planting activities to keep it clean and attractive so it can continue to host walks, fun runs, cycle events and more.

Funding has been approved to review a master plan in consultation with the Friends and work has finally begun on the review following a delay due to Covid.

Another large green space which borders three of Washington’s wards is Albany Park. While many think it’s just a field where people walk their dogs, the 

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Clockwise from below: Coun John Kelly (pictured) has seen many changes at Albany Park - from the old heap to BMX racing; the 2019 Miner’s picnic at Usworth Park; Washington Greys Jazz Band performs; dog walkers at Holley Park; fishing at James Steel Park.

park, adjoining the F Pit Museum is an exciting site which is steeped in history.

RICH HISTORY “Albany Park is basically an open space created where the old spoil heaps used to be at Washington Colliery,” explained Coun John Kelly, who is passionate about the town’s parks and open spaces.

“When the F Pit closed in 1968 and they started redeveloping it and made it into a green space for the good of the people.

The Development Corporation then gifted the winding house to the people of Washington. It belongs to us all.”

Currently the home of events like  Washington Carnival, the park is undergoing maintenance work to keep it in good order, but ambitious plans are currently being looked at to create and build a new visitors centre on the site.

“The idea is to get people to visit the F Pit more regularly. At the moment, schools won’t go because it’s a 15-20 minute visit at best and obviously with transport costs that’s very prohibitive.

“But the park itself is also hopefully part of that plan and it will be reconfigured in order to recognise its industrial past and

34

give people opportunities for events and activities there as well. It’s a good space but it could be so much more.

“When it was created, the spoil heap that it replaced could be seen as far away as Gateshead so it was massive and an awful lot of waste had to be removed to do that. We’ve now got this great open space on what was effectively the colliery site.”

Coun Kelly, who is Washington born and bred, has his own fond memories of the site over the years.

“Back in the day, before it became the park people used to scrap on the heap for coal, they’d scrabble up the side of it to see if they could find bits of coal that had been missed. I vaguely even remember doing that myself as a youngster.

“There was also a BMX trail made into Albany Park in the 70s because it was the height of BMXing. Then motorbikes started using it so it became hazardous so it was taken out.

“There’s a lot of history there and we really need this larger cultural venue so we can actually recognise it. Durham only has one genuine in-place winding house

of that nature and that’s the F Pit. It’s quite unique and we need to really make the most of it.”

HIDDEN GEM Another park close to Coun Kelly’s heart is Usworth Park. Located towards the back of Concord, you may not even

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

Green space

know it’s there but back in the day, it was one of the biggest and most popular community areas in the town.

A former Green Flag holder, the park is now a key focus for refurbishment funded

by Washington Area Committee in a bid to reclaim Green Flag status.

Today’s park is a lot smaller than the original which was built around 1924 as Usworth Welfare Park. After some of it was bulldozed to make room for a new road and houses, the remaining parts were sold to Sunderland Council in 1978 for £8000.

Today the park is home to two bowling greens – one used by Usworth Park Bowls Club and the other for community use – six tennis courts and a grass field which has hosted numerous community events over the years.

Like many residents, Coun Kelly remembers a buzzing park which was the hub of the community.

“There’s a huge history there. Jazz bands like Washington Greys used to use play there, there would be massive tournaments where bands would march in from all over Washington to compete.

“There’d be football there, a funfair used to visit, loads of events were held there. It was huge and an essential part of the community. Sadly now it needs a lot of work as it’s been a bit neglected over the years.

“We’ve started on some initial work and we’ve got lots of plans. We’re trying to get a Friends Group up and running and hopefully we’ll be able to go for some lottery funding for additional work.

IN THE WORKS “A lot of people have some great ideas.

They’d like to turn one of the bowling pavilions into a community café, put some events on, put some lights on for Christmas, things like that to really make it special. But it needs a lot of work.”

Washington Area Committee is keen

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

to help restore it to its former glory and become an attraction in its own right.

More than £50,000 has been invested in a survey, consultation and development plan and some work has already started.

New gates have been installed on the tennis courts, which are also being refurbished and remarked. Benches have been painted, trees and bulbs planted along with a general clean-up and landscaping.

As part of a drive to host more events and activities to get more people into the park, last year it hosted a Miner’s Picnic which was popular. Plans were afoot for another this year, but now it is hoped to have one next summer.

“It’s just a fascinating piece of Washington’s history and we need to look after it,” concluded Coun Kelly.

“If you’re from Washington then it’s something to be proud of and I really hope everyone can get behind our Friends Groups and help make this a really special place for people to visit for many generations to come.” WW

GET INVOLVED WOULD you like to do your bit to help Usworth Park?

Washington Area Committee is working to develop a Friends of Usworth Park group as part of the ongoing work to make it a more attractive space and encourage the community to use it more.

Anyone interested in either volunteering to help in the park or being involved in the Friends group can contact Karon Purvis via email: karon.purvis@sunderland.gov.uk

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Eating Out

EATING OUT AROUND WASHINGTON

FODDER AND FARE FROM

THE ENGINE ROOM Rockcliffe Way, Eighton Banks NE9 7XR Tel: 0191 487 6135

Words and images: Zoë Burn

A

FTER a summer where the joys of eating out were taken away from us, cafes, pubs and restaurants are slowly but surely returning to some semblance of normal.

Our local eateries have worked hard and swiftly to get things up and running to provide the best service they can while adhering to the ever-changing guidelines.

Last week, we finally took the plunge and decided to get back out and enjoy a meal at The Engine Room in Eighton Banks.

Okay, it’s not technically Washington but it’s close enough and well within walking distance for those living in the west of the town.

Still unsure how to go about eating out – do we book, can we just turn up, do we need masks?…the questions were endless – we looked for a website and found there isn’t one, while the pub’s Facebook page isn’t too active so we picked up the phone and managed to secure a table a few hours later.

The Engine Room is billed as a ‘gastropub’ but we weren’t sure if we’d be met with limited menu, or how any of it would work. But we needn’t have worried.

On arrival, there is a book to leave your contact details along with a hand

36

sanitising station and inside the tables are well spaced. It was a Friday afternoon and pleasantly busy – enough to have a nice buzz about it but not enough for any concern about getting too close to anyone.

Shown to our table we were handed our menus and discovered the whole range was on offer. From light lunches and sandwiches to salads, big meals and a kids menu, it was all there.

We started with beef chilli-topped nachos with salsa and sour cream (£6.45) and the classic prawn cocktail (£5.95).

The food arrived quickly. The prawn cocktail looked every inch the classic with a thinly sliced lettuce, piles of prawns, Marie Rose sauce, a wedge of lettuce, slice of egg and a slice of buttered brown bread.

It was very good. The sauce was thick and tangy and there was a lot of prawns – it’s definitely one of the best I’ve had.

The nachos, however, were something else. Topped with loads of cheese, the chilli was gorgeous – not at all hot in flavour – while the salsa had a lovely crisp and sweet flavour.

It was so delicious that if it was made in a larger bowl and packaged as a main course, I’d be

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

TRIED &

TESTED

READY-MEAL CURRIES

in there at least once a week for it.

We were quite full before we’d even tried the mains, which arrived within five minutes of our starter plates being taken away.

After much contemplation we’d opted for the mince with a leek and herb dumpling served with mashed potato, vegetables and gravy (£9.95) and the chicken parmo skinny fries and mixed leaf salad (£11.95).

Keen to try the hand cut chips (£2.95), we also added a side portion to our order just to see what they were like.

The plates arrived piled high with stunning home-cooked food – and it quickly became apparent we didn’t need those extra chips!

The mince and dumplings is served in a large bowl, the dumpling covering a huge stack of tasty mince and onions, with a nice slab of mash and big pile of

ASDA Meal for 1 Chicken Korma with Pilau Rice - £2.00 A little sparing on the meat but the chicken was juicy and tasty while the sauce was thick and creamy.

Co-op Chicken Jalfrezi & Pilau Rice £2.75 Packaging isn’t oven-friendly and despite looking good, the chicken was tough and tasteless and the sauce was spicy yet somehow low on flavour.

Sainsbury’s King Prawn Makhani with Pilau Rice £3.25 Lovely big and tasty prawns, the sauce was thick and creamy with a warming tomato flavour – absolutely delicious.

mixed veg – carrots, cabbage and peas – served on a plate with a gravy boat on the side.

It was fantastic. The dumpling was lovely and tasty with a slightly crispy top and softer inside. The mash was gorgeous, the veg was perfectly cooked and very fresh and there was simply loads of it.

More like a breaded chicken breast than the kebab shop favourite was the house parmo, available with Napoli or bechamel sauce.

We went bechamel and neither the topping, crunchy exterior nor side of skinny fries disappointed, but while the chicken breast

was cooked to perfection the lack of seasoning left something to be desired.

The chips were also fantastic but sadly they were a bit neglected, only because we couldn’t even finish the mains put in front of us.

The Engine Room is most certainly worth a visit. If you enjoy large portions of great, home-cooked food in a friendly, homely pub environment, this is the place for you. The prices are good, the quality is brilliant and the portions are incredible value for money.

You certainly won’t leave hungry. WW

N I G N I T EA

M&S Our Best Ever Chicken Tikka Masala £5.00 The Tandoori flame-grilled chicken breast was high in flavour and perfectly cooked while the rich, slightly smoky masala sauce tastes like it’s straight out of a restaurant.

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Kashmiri Chicken Korma with saffron rice £4.00 Tasty chicken and plenty of it, the sauce is delicious and packed with crunch from pistachios, cashews and almonds but just slightly on the loose side.

Aldi Beautifully Fragrant King Prawn Bhuna £2.59 The prawns were small and rubbery while sauce was thin and lacking in any real flavour other than spice.

Tesco Lamb Rogan Josh with Pilau rice £2.50 A really tasty dish which is hard to fault. The lamb tastes like good lamb and the sauce is a nice thick consistency and balanced mix of rich tomato and spice.

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

AUTUMN GLOW Inject some warmth into your home as the temperatures cool with splashes of autumnal shades.

Opt for warm yellows, toasty browns, rich russets, deep oranges and even a touch of glowing gold…

*Image credits: Argos, B&M, Beaumonde, Dunelm, Habitat, John Lewis, Matalan, Next, The Range, Wilko *All prices correct at time of going to press

Embrace warm modern classics with the Frey two-seater leather sofa in Tan, £449 and Greenwich Coffee Nest, £139 both at Dunelm

The sun never has to stop shining with this Seletti Mirror, £230 at John Lewis

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WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

Autumn Glow Snuggle up to the Dakota Faux fur cushion in shade Rust, £10 B&M

*Nothing says autumn like empty branches – bring the outside in with the Anderson coat rack, £75 at Next

Add a bold statement to any room with the Huxley 15 Light Ceiling Light, £350 at John Lewis

The kids will love tidying up with the cute Rope Fox Storage Basket, £8 Argos Home

Add a touch of warmth to your shelves with the Brown Abstract Face Vase £41.50 at www.beaumonde.co.uk

Add a splash of warm gold to dinner time with this 16-piece gold stainless steel cutlery set £18 at Matalan Go bold with a statement piece like the Layla orange velvet three-seater sofa, £1500 from Habitat Warm up even the coldest rooms with this Burgundy glass candle holder, £6 at Wilko

Give your bedroom an autumnal twist with the Inala Duvet Cover and Pillowcase set, £13.99 at The Range

Serve up those warming winter treats on this Loft Living Speckle 12-piece Dinner Set – shade Mustard, £38 at Argos Home

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

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WHAT'S ON EVENTS, LISTINGS AND ENTS WE think we’ve found plenty of things happening in and around – and just slightly out of – town over the next few months along with the latest updates from Washington’s community venues.

Please remember to contact all venues individually for more information or to confirm events are taking place.

All of the below information was correct at time of going to press and everything is subject to change or cancellation depending on ever-changing rules and guidelines.

SEPTEMBER FRIDAY 11 Kriss and Ross live at The Ox and Plough, Oxclose Village Centre, 9pm (ticketed, free entry)

FRIDAY 25 The Pre-Amps at Usworth and Washington Gardeners Club 6pm Hawaysis, Oasis tribute band at The Ox and Plough, Oxclose (ticketed, £2)

SATURDAY 12 Laura Cairns at The Wheelhouse, Albany, 8pm New community brewery opening at South Shields, 12-10pm. Locally brewed ales.

Unit J, Portberry Street, South Shields NE33 1QX chris@morethan2brew.co.uk

SATURDAY 26 Buskers Gig at the Ox and Plough, 4pm onwards Guitarist Kev Hack at The Stella, Albany Village Centre, 9pm Nicola Brown singing at The Wheelhouse, Albany Village Centre, 8pm

FRIDAY 18 David Moffat live at the Ox and Plough, Oxclose 9pm (ticketed, free)

SUNDAY 27 Wild bird ringing demonstration, watch birds being ringed and recorded from 6am in the bird hut in Soutar Point, The Leas, South Shields.

SATURDAY 19 Rach, female singer in concert at The Stella, Albany Village Centre 9pm Buskers Gig at the Ox and Plough, Oxclose, 4pm onwards

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Plough, Oxclose.

SATURDAY 3 Festive children’s ceramics print session, Miss Tina’s Tearoom, Barmston Village Centre. 10am-1pm. Finished pieces taken away to the kiln, then returned two weeks later.

Details on Facebook page or at popoloceramico.co.uk.

Booking essential, £5 deposit needed.

Smoove and Turrell live at The Tyne Bank Brewery Tap, Newcastle, 7.30pm THURSDAY 8-SUNDAY 11 The Crafters Roadshow exhibition at Gateshead Metrocentre.

FRIDAY 9 The Reflex, 80’s band at The Cherry Tree, Ayton Village Centre 8.30pm

OCTOBER FRIDAY 2 Electric Sheep at The Ox and WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

What's On

SUNDAY 11 Big Walk 2020, Herrington Country Park, 2, 7, and 11 mile routes. Some free places available for minimum £20 sponsorship fee. Contact Anthony.McDermott@stft.nhs. uk to book your place.

WEDNESDAY 14 Newcastle careers fair, St James Park, 2pm. Further details on ukcareersfair.com FRIDAY 16 Kamino at the Ox and Plough, Oxclose, 9pm SATURDAY 17 Sleep and stress workshop, designed by Mental Health First Aid Engineers, St James’ Park Newcastle. 6-7pm.

Maximum 30 allowed, to confirm a place contact Sam. Cooper@nufc.co.uk Foraging basket workshop, Land of Oak and Iron Heritage Centre, Blaydon. Make a traditional basket, Covid restrictions apply, £55. Only 5 places available, call 01207 524 883 ASAP Herb Planter Making, Laing Art Gallery Newcastle. 1-4pm.

Northumberlandia Autumn Fair, also Sunday 18th,

10-3pm. NE23 8AU WEDNESDAY 28 SATURDAY 31 Halloween ghost tours of Tynemouth Priory and castle, over 16’s only. Tickets £15, or £10 for English Heritage members. 7pm and 8.30pm.

Booking essential. Info from englishheritage.org FRIDAY 30 Seaham fireworks extravaganza, North Terrace Seaham, 5pm.

Nemo Pumpkin painting, hourly sessions at Souter Lighthouse, South Shields.

Ages 2+. £10 including paints, materials and pumpkin. 11-3pm. Info from katiesgardenuk.com or her Facebook page.

NOVEMBER SUNDAY 1 Gateshead Indoor Winter Market, Lancastrian Suite, Dunston NE11 9JR. 11am4pm.

The Newcastle MoRun 2020, Exhibition Park, Newcastle.

This will become a virtual event if necessary. Full details from mo-running.com/newcastle

THURSDAY 5 Pre-employment drop in, for those looking for work. Kayll Road Library, Sunderland 9am.

SUNDAY 15 Emirates Riverside Christmas Fair, Emirates Riverside Chester-le-Street. 11am-4pm.

TUESDAY 10 Adult pottery painting night, Rosebud Ceramics Seaham Grange Industrial Estate. £5 booking fee deducted from pottery purchased. Covid restrictions in place. Ring 0191 521 4477 for further details.

FRIDAY 20 Spanish City Christmas Market evening, Spanish City, Whitley Bay. 5pm-9pm

SATURDAY 14 The Pre-Amps, The Blue Bell, Usworth, Washington 9pm.

SATURDAY 21 AND SUNDAY 22 Spanish City Christmas Market, Spanish City, Whitley Bay. 10am-5pm.

SATURDAY 21 Charity Race Night, Holiday Inn, Washington. £5 includes pie and pea supper. For tickets ring 0191 418 9419 Christmas Craft Fair, National Glass centre, Sunderland, from 10am.

SUNDAY 22 Indoor Christmas Market, Grand Hotel Gosforth Park, 11am-4pm. NE3 5HN. Free entry.

FRIDAY 27 Dedication Christmas tree, unveiled for St Benedict’s Hospice at the Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland.

9am onwards.

Seaham Christmas Parade, Church Street, Seaham. 5pm.

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

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COMMUNITY CENTRES AND MEETINGS Washington Millennium Centre Partially back up and running, offering the following facilities: *Gym - 7 days per week *Computer access - 7 days per week *Library - 7 days per week *Football pitch - hire available midday and weekends (evenings are fully booked) Millie’s Magical Garden open from September 3. Sessions must be pre-booked by calling 0191 561 3883. Face coverings required.

Washington Arts Centre Exhibition in main gallery from September. Looking Out, Looking In, reflecting the community’s experience of Lockdown.

Classes and courses are planned to return as soon as possible with Covid safety measures. Tel 0191 561 3455.

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Springwell Village Community Venue Classes are planned to return as soon as possible. From September 7 the following are running: *Toddlers, Monday 9.30am and Tuesday 1.30pm *Mini Monkeys and Youth club returning for usual sessions. *A new baby and toddler yoga group on Wednesday more details from centre. *Twins and multiple birth group, Friday mornings 9.30am Harraton Village Community Centre The centre is fully operational with Covid safety measures in place. All groups are back at their usual dates and times.

New enquiries welcome, or for one-off/weekly room hire. Call Sheila on 0191 417 8043 for further details or enquiries.

Donwell Village Community Hall Most of the groups are up and running, with restrictions in numbers due to the size of the hall. Any enquiries ring 07762 235 233 or check the Facebook page.

Washington Village Community Association Most sessions have returned, with restrictions in numbers due to the size of the hall. Any enquiries ring 0191 416 0044

St George’s Church, Fatfield The Church is now open each week on Wednesdays between 9am and 4pm for private prayer, with a short service at 1pm.

To replace the lunch club, there is a delivery lunch for local vulnerable, isolated and elderly people.

For further details ring 0191 415 4200 or check the website www.stgeorgesfatfield.co.uk or visit the Facebook page.

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

What's On

STAYING IN Not everyone wants to go out just yet, so here are some new ideas to while away the hours online…

ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT Stand and Deliver Comedy Club have launched Operation Lolington Bear - full stand up sets from comedians that were filmed at their pre-lockdown shows, available on YouTube Mad Monkey Improv have playlists of events on YouTube The European Union Chamber Orchestra have put together ‘The most socially distanced Mozart in the World’ on YouTube

ONLINE COURSES & WORKSHOPS DIY Soap-making, learn to make your own natural hand sanitising soap using oils available from the supermarket. Course costs £30 and includes seven different formulas, free of animal products. Access lasts for a year. Visit naturalsoapworkingshop.com Container candle making for beginners, £19.99 for a lifetime access. Head to can-to-candle.thinkific.com Silk screen printing, four week online course £50.

Details from dionneswift.com

Calligraphy, four letter correspondence course by professional calligrapher Gaynor Goffe. £75. Details from gaynorgoffe-calligraphy.co.uk First Year of Beekeeping, all the details needed to start your own beehive from scratch. Introductory free videos and more information from beesitter.co.uk. Course costs £48 Get Started in Beekeeping, Masterclass from farmer and tutors from Bees and Co Honey farm.

Course costs £34.50. More info on website www.beesand.co Intuitive Oil Painting For Beginners, a free 25 minute video course from theoldkennels.co.uk

ONLINE WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN Fantasticforfamilies.com lists an enormous selection of workshops for young people, most of them lasting from this month up until November and December 2020.

These include:

sheep, Leeds Museums and Galleries

*Mini Mash up, Mini Mash Productions

*Bake ginger nuts and other small delights Leeds Museums and galleries

*Colouring-in sheets from Abberley House Museum

*Sculpture trail at Waddesdon Manor Country Estate

*Create your own Sakura (Cherry Blossom), Lotherton Hall

*Design your own crown, Leeds Museums and Galleries

*Live stream, Little Angel Theatre

*Virtual Jack and the Beanstalk Panto, New Wolsey Theatre

Baba the Bad Baboon, free download Audio Book from GAFA Arts Collective - https:// www.gafasamoa.com/ GSF 2020 Science On The Sofa from glasgowsciencefestival.org Brilliant Banknotes, a home workshop for kids and adults from the Bank of England Museum to design and make your own money.

Visit bankofengland.co.uk

*Paper tulip activity, Waddesdon Manor Country Estate *Music Cares Online, educational videos *Virtual Bugsy Malone, Middlesbrough Theatre *Thwaite’s Book Challenge Print with fruit and veg, Leeds City Museum

*Sew and weave a woolly

GET LISTED

Send us your listings, events, groups and community meetings to listings@washingtonway.co.uk

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

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NEW RECRUITS Come one, come all: Washington sport is back in action and teams are on the hunt for new members, both young and old...

A

Words and Images: Harry Chalmers, Angela Burn

S life slowly returns to some form of normality, adults and children across the town are looking forward to returning to or starting to play sport.

A number of clubs in Washington are currently seeking players for the new season, and your Washington Way has compiled a list of all clubs currently looking for new members, along with meeting times and contact details.

Washington Silvers FC are a Washington-based under-15s team who play in the Russell Foster League division 4 and are currently seeking players aged 13 and 14.

An independent club with a history of success, they train on the old Usworth Top Club pitch at Sulgrave every

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Wednesday from 5.30-6.30pm.

Any players interested in attending a training session should contact Ronnie Thirlwell on 07734 156 450 .

Washington Athletic FC was established in 2010 and runs teams for players aged seven to 16.

They train at Usworth Colliery Primary School, Manor Road, Sulgrave at various times Monday to Thursday each week.

Currently, the under-eights team which trains on Tuesdays, has vacancies.

Text 07551 847 862 or visit the club’s Facebook page for more information.

Washington Athletic Yellows under17s have two FA-qualified coaches allocated to their squad and are looking to add players.

For this age group, contact Mark on

07854 023 118 and for all other age groups either contact Terry Rutherford on 07905 653 874 or e-mail terry@washingtonathletic.com.

Washington AFC are currently recruiting players for their girls teams.

Each Friday evening they run sessions for girls aged five to 10 years to get involved in football.

These sessions are designed for girls to attend and play for the first time while meeting new friends and having fun. Year Two girls meet at 4.30pm and Year Three to Five girls at 5.30pm.

The club also runs girls football teams from Year Two through Year 11 – seven16-years old. The under-13s Lionesses train on Wednesdays 5.45-7pm and have vacancies for players.

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

Sport

BOWLED OVER Bill Piggott iddle) beat (m n so ob Bill R up trophy, residents C avid Scott (L) P e th to ) (R ir D y club cha awarded b

Anyone interested in playing for the teams or joining the wildcat sessions can contact Garry Sykes on 07743 820 274 or email info@washingtonafc.com Washington United FC are looking for players in a range of age groups: Undersevens for Mondays 6-7pm, Under-10 boys for Tuesdays 6-7pm and Under-11 boys and girls for Wednesdays 6-7pm.

All sessions are held at Biddick Academy 4G pitches. For information contact Andy on 07834693517 NSG Athletics under-10s play in the Russell Foster league division 7 on Saturday mornings and train Tuesdays from 6.30pm at Washington Football Hub. For more information contact Barry on 07709 063 924 For the adults, the Ox & Plough in Oxclose is looking for players. Visit the pub’s Facebook page send a message for further information.

For anyone interested in rugby, Washington Rugby Football Club trains on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7pm at Washington Football Hub. The club is looking for players of all ages and abilities regardless of experience and fitness levels and everyone who attends will be made welcome .

Anyone interested is invited to go along to a session to learn more. WW

Officials from the Washington Glebe bowls club hit the green...

WASHINGTON’S bowling clubs have managed to grab a little bit of action late this summer after Covid-19 played havoc with the season.

Following lengthy delays, North Biddick and Washington Glebe Bowling Clubs have been able to salvage some vital time on the green and are now looking ahead with excitement to 2021.

North Biddick club opened its green several weeks ago and after introducing a strict new Covid regime, most of the members have gradually returned.

No competitive play has been possible in the Sunderland & District League but the club managed to play one of its main internal competitions, The Presidents Cup. The knockout competition culminated in a showdown between Bill Robson and Bill Piggott. After an exciting game, Robson won and was presented with his trophy by club chairman David Scott.

The green, in Penshaw Park on the old road from Washington to Penshaw, is open Monday to Saturday from noon2pm until it closes for the season on September 19.

Anyone interested in learning more about the club or how to join is invited

WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

to call in any day. No experience is required as coaching is offered along with the loan of bowls to get started.

Meanwhile, Washington Glebe is also going from strength to strength.

Founded in 1956, the club took over land which had previously belonged to Glebe miners and handed to the council for use for the general public after the mines closed.

Members meet on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, Saturday mornings and Friday evenings.

“We were very relieved to get back after lockdown,” explained secretary Margaret Dixon. “We have about 50 members and have attracted another 10 this year. Our club also has two speciallyadapted wheelchairs for the green.

“The club usually organises social events during the winter, but we are having to give those a miss at the moment. We would love to have new people along for our next season in the spring, and as an incentive Bowls England have suggested we give newcomers the first session free, which we are happy to do” Anyone wanting further details can contact Margaret on 0191 415 0395.

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Crossword

CROSSW RD

ACROSS 1 Eyots (5) 5 Rubbish (5) 8 Incantation (5) 10 Russian sleigh (6) 11 Defence covering (6) 12 Having the form of a song (5) 13 Sister of Mary and Lazarus (6) 14 Resident of e.g.

Nairobi (6) 15 Stage play (5) 17 Scratched (6) 19 Plan (6) 21 Cuban dance (5) 22 Die from lack of food (6) 23 Professional killer (6) 24 Locations (5) 25 Workshop machinery (6) 27 Pressed (6) 29 Grecian architectural style (5) 31 Go back (6) 32 Beast (6) 33 Porridge (5) 34 E.g. Tarka (5) 35 Is inclined (5) DOWN 2 Rill (9) 3 Throw out (5) 4 Not in any circumstances (Poetical) (4) 6 Recall past experiences (9) 7 Sweat room (5) 8 Mayonnaise (5,8) 9 Lazy (13) 16 Allow to enter (5) 18 Storage building (9) 20 Cemetery (9) 26 Representative (5) 28 Oil source (5) 30 Part of speech (4)

LOOKING FOR 2, 3 AND 4 BED PROPERTIES IN ANY CONDITION

NO FEES, NO STRESS!

CALL 07841 423 617 FOR A DECISION WITHIN 48 HOURS

I WILL BUY YOUR HOUSE!

Issue 4 answers: Across: 1 Gorgeous, 5 Swims, 10 Offbeat, 11 Aviator, 12 Bees, 13 Summertime, 14 Else, 16 Rhinestone, 19 Passageway, 22 Tyke, 24 Premarital, 25 Gems, 28 Radiant, 29 Concave, 30 Udder, 31 Tyrolean.

Down: 1 Goodbye, 2 Rifle, 3 Eden, 4 Untruth, 6 Waitress, 7 Matrimony, 8 Carmen, 9 Breeze, 15 Suspended, 17 I o W, 18 Database, 19 Papery, 20 Evicts, 21 Anarchy, 23 Eastern, 26 Elate, 27 Undo.

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WASHINGTON WAY » washingtonway.co.uk » Issue 5

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