Boldon - Down Your Way

Major Anthony Tate gave a talk and presentation to the West Boldon Residents' Association at its recent strawberry scone coffee morning. Major Tate (retired) regaled the capacity crowd with stories of his life, memories and experiences as Squadron Leader for 34 years in the Queen's Life Guards Household Cavalry, based in Horseguards in London, where he was in charge of 100 men and 120 horses. His talk covered the breeding and the training of specially bred horses from Ireland, to taking part in all ceremonial and State occasions alongside Her Majesty, including Trooping the Colour and Royal Marriages. He illustrated his talk by handing round his Lifeguards Helmet and Sword so that the audience could appreciate the weight of some the equipment rider and horse carried at these events. The morning was voted a huge success and a collection raised £70 in aid of Major Tate's chosen charity, The Durham (East) Branch of Soldier, Sailors & Airforce Association (SSAFA)
Major Tate holding his Lifeguards Helmet.Major Tate holding his Lifeguards Helmet.
Major Tate holding his Lifeguards Helmet.

West Boldon Lodge Environmental Centre (near A19 Testo’s roundabout) will hold a quiz night this Friday at the Lodge at 7pm. Doors will open at 6.30pm and teams of up to eight people can enter at a cost of £2 per person. There will be a range of hot and cold drinks available although you are encouraged to bring your own, including alcohol and snacks if you wish. Teams are asked to register beforehand to help with the room layout and refreshment arrangements by contacting [email protected].

The Friends of East Boldon Parks are hosting their annual fun day in Grange Park between noon and 4pm on Saturday, September 17, and not September 10 as previously advertised, with live music, local food and ale plus a variety of local stalls. Competitions this year include a cake for adults and children, entries on the day by 2.30pm to the tea tent and a pet show: categories are I Love My Pet Because... and Best in Show. Well controlled, friendly pets are welcome. The raffle prizes will include a variety of quality goods donated by local businesses. This year the price of the children’s wrist band will include unlimited turns on giant inflatable castle, rodeo bull, face painting & games. No 4 Bistro will supply the food again this year and cakes for the afternoon tea stall will be gratefully received on the day. Over the past five years fantastic summer fun days in Grange Park have raised much-needed funds to improve both Grange Park and Mundles Park. Its success depends on your support on the day and volunteers to help set-up, run the stalls and clear up. If you think you can help in any way, contact [email protected].

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The Heritage Weekend, which takes place nationally over this weekend gives the public the chance to see and appreciate places of interest not usually open or accessible to them. The ancient and beautiful church of St Nicholas in West Boldon will again take part in the event and it is planned to have the church open on Friday and Saturday. Volunteer stewards will be on hand to show visitors around and fill in some of its history.

St George’s in East Boldon has planned an autumn trip to Edinburgh on Friday, October 14, leaving outside the church on Front Street at 8.30am stopping at Jedburgh for coffee. On arrival in Edinburgh there will be time for lunch and then a visit to Holyrood Palace to see the exhibition of the Queen’s clothes worn throughout her long reign. Cost is £28 for bus and entry to Holyrood Palace. If interested, contact Joyce Longstaff as soon as possible on 5364464 as numbers need to be in by mid-September to secure tickets.

A Groovy 60s’ quiz night will be held in St Nicholas Parish Hall on Rectory Bank in West Boldon on Monday, October 3, at 7.30pm. Quiz will cover questions and music from the 60s. Tickets Cost £6, which includes supper and are available from committee members. Tickets are also available for a folk night, which is the joint venture with the United Reformed Church on Front Street in East Boldon on Saturday, September 24, at 7pm. The folk night, plus a pie and peas supper, costs £6 (take your own drink and glass).

West Boldon Residents’ Association will hold this month’s meeting in The Wheatsheaf in West Boldon at 10am on Wednesday, September 14. Items on the agenda will include final arrangements for the next social event, a folk group night and quiz and pie and peas supper, which will take place in The Wheatsheaf in West Boldon on October 5 at 5pm. Tickets are £6, available from any committee member. The Christmas Festival community carol singing, Carols Around the Tree, accompanied by the People’s Silver Mission Band from South Shields and the children’s choir from West Boldon Primary School, will take place on Wednesday, December 14,at 6.30pm beside the Christmas Tree and village sign on Addison Road in West Boldon Village.