Hendon - Down Your Way

There is a Christmas Fair (open day) at the Donnison School, Church Walk, off Church Street East, on Saturday, from 11am to 3pm. Have a go at traditional clippy mat craft, or let the children make Christmas cards. There is a grand Christmas Draw with a Â£200 first prize, tombola, bran tub, cake stall, vintage Christmas gifts from the Themed Shop. Keep warm with refreshments including soup and bun, sweet mince pies, hot drinks and mulled wine. All are welcome. Proceeds help keep the Donnison School open, maintaining the heritage and educating future generations.

Sunderland Maritime Heritage is extending its opening hours, you can now visit on Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Have you any blunt tools? Maritime Heritage is offering a tool sharpening service to visitors at the Heritage Centre in Church Street East.

Sunderland Antiquarian Society’s next meeting is on Tuesday, December 20, at the Tom Cowie Business Suite at Thornhill School. There is ample parking available, doors open at 7pm, talk at 7.30pm. The speaker is Norman Kirtlan with a talk entitled ‘The Devil and Mrs Armstrong’. Non-members welcome, with a charge of £2.

Hendon Karate Class at Cheers public house, tomorrow at 6pm to 7pm for beginners and on Friday, from 6pm to 7pm for further details. Telephone 07932 724720.

There is a Toddler Group on Tuesdays at Sunderland Minster from 9.30am to 11.30am. Refreshments are available for parents and children. All welcome.

Sunderland Antiquarian Society Archives at the Sunderland Antiquarian and Heritage Centre, 6 Douro Terrace, is open for research on Wednesday, from 9.30am to noon, and Saturday, from 9.30am to noon.

Victoria Gardens Public House in China Street, Hendon, invites you to go and view their refurbishment. Meals are served from 11.30am and an evening quiz takes place on Thursdays at 8.30pm at £1 per team. For further information call 0191 565 8283.

Drop-in sessions are held at the YMCA Centre at 2-3 Toward Road each Tuesday, from 2pm to 4pm. They offer advice on the types of accommodation at the YMCA for 16 to 35-year-olds. Or you cancall 0191 567 6160 for advice.