Silksworth and Ryhope - Down Your Way

Condolences are expressed to the family of Bart Trotter, who died recently, aged nearly 92 in Beckwith Mews Silksworth. He was born in Ryhope, and was one of 11 children. He was especially proud of his brother Jim, who will be celebrating his 100th birthday soon and was looking forward to the celebration. On leaving school he went to work at Ryhope Colliery for 25 years, then Thorns, and finished his working life at Pyrex. He loved singing and entertaining in clubs and pubs for charity. For many years he sang as part of a trio Three in Harmony, with Laurie Robinson and John Usher.Three years ago due to failing health he moved from Farringdon to Beckwith Mews where he was very happy, spending time socialising with the residents. Bart’s family would like to thank everyone who donated money in his memory, £520 has been forwarded to Cancer Research at Newcastle University. Bart will be sadly missed.

Ryhope Heritage Group is holding its monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 8, at 1.30pm in Ryhope Community Centre. Speaker will be Colin Orr with a talk on a Pit Village Wash Day. New members and visitors are welcome.

A knitting group is held on the second Saturday of every month in North Street Methodist Church, Silksworth, from 10am. If you enjoy knitting, crochet and friendship you are invited to come along and make hats, scarves etc for children’s charities. The next meeting is March 12.

StLeonard’s School, Silksworth is collecting Sainsbury’s Active Kid vouchers. Donations gratefully received.

A Police and Communities Together meeting will be held in Ryhope Library on March 8 at 4.45pm.

This year’s Swimathon (The World’s Biggest Swim) takes place from March 18 to 20 in Silksworth Community Pool and Wellness Centre. This event was established in 1986 and has raised more than £40million for charitable causes. For more information, ring 03330 050152 or visit www.swimathon.org.