Easington - Down Your Way

The band has secured grants and donations totalling £33,000 from a range of organisations around the region and members have been able to buy 11 new instruments. Peter Lawson, band secretary, said: “When the colliery closed in 1993, we received one of the first ever lottery grants for £45,000 for a full set of instruments, but time has naturally taken its toll on them and the need to replace has been becoming ever more apparent if we wanted to keep playing to the high standards that we’ve always set. The cost of a full set of instruments has risen to around £70,000, and as we’re entirely self-funded, we don’t have this kind of money available, so we knew we had to start a campaign to raise the money we needed.”

Regional employer the Banks Group made a £3,000 donation from its community fund, allowing for the purchase of a new euphonium. As well as securing the band’s long-term future, the group’s management committee is also hoping to set up a junior feeder band, which will use the existing instruments to give more musicians the chance to play together and to one day reach the standards required to join the main band. The band is self-supporting, aside from an annual donation towards the band and band room’s running costs from its sponsor Michael Watt. The band room is the last remaining building that is still in use with direct links to the old pit. Members play in concerts and competitions around the UK every year and aim to promote, improve, develop and maintain public education in the appreciation of the art and practice of brass band music.

Another great morning was had at The Barn at Easington with Year 3 and 4 from Seascape Primary School. Pupils found Blackbeard’s black stone heart, his beard comb, which was a little bit stinky, and his rusty old cup – not to mention the chocolate gold coins in the cave.

Three OAPs, who enjoy singing, are called The Harbour Lites. Representative Gina Ryder said: “We are offering to entertain groups such as ladies’ fellowships, senior citizens, groups or meetings. Our first booking is free of charge and any future booking we ask for £25 to cover expenses. We do this as a hobby and all enjoy singing. We were very well received at the Senior Ladies meeting at Easington Lane.” Anyone interested should phone Gina on 0191 680 7277 or email [email protected]

St Mary’s Church Parochial Church Council will be held tomorrow at 7pm.

Congratulations to Fiona Pearson and her two boys, who were the overall winners of the Snowman Competition organised by Hawthorn Parish Council. They will receive a £25 voucher as their prize. Thank goes to all who entered.

Boxercise and Zumba Fitness classes are held in Easington Colliery Social Welfare Centre with the The FiT-NesT with Theresa Spiteri on Thursdays. Boxercise is at 5.45pm and Zumba Fitness at 6.45pm, sessions are 45 minutes long. All abilities are welcome and no boxing experience is necessary. For more information go to Facebook or ring 07767 348055. Sessions cost £3 or £5.

Easington Village Women’s Institute will meet in Seaton Holme on Monday, February 20, at 7pm. The talk will be on the National Gardens Scheme.

If you have any empty boxes, washed yoghurt pots, washed bottle tops, old keys, jewellery, buttons etc, Rosemary Lane Nursery School would welcome them for its reclaimed materials area. These items are treasures to the children.

Are you looking for a new challenge? Not too sure what to do or where to go for help? Are you unemployed? This exciting new innovative project will enable you to make an informed choice about your next step, in a supportive and relaxed environment. A course started Wednesday, February 8, from 9am to 2pm, covering a wide range of creative activities from crafts to cooking, to gardening and onto enterprise skills, all aimed to boost personal and greater wellbeing through achievement. Free lunch is provided. You can register by contacting Healthworks reception on 0191 527 4150 or for more information, Denise Hepplewhite on 07747 832225.