Silksworth and Ryhope - Down Your Way

Father Gerard Monaghan, former priest at St Leonard's RC Church from 1981 to 1999, has died. He had a great love of Silksworth, and enjoyed making a return visit, which happened to be on his 80th birthday, to the IM Church when the Hartlepool Male Voice Choir, of which he was a member, entertained in 2014. He is survived by his sister Josie, and brother Austin. His funeral took place last week at St Joseph's RC Church, Hartlepool, and was conducted by Bishop Seamus Cunningham, of Hexham and Newcastle. Deacon Norman Barron, of St Leonard's Church, preached the eulogy.

Tunstall WI’s January meeting was well attended despite the adverse weather conditions. Four new members and one visitor were warmly welcomed by all. Andrew Stephenson, from Trading Standards, gave a very interesting talk and lots of information on how not to be a scam victim. He was thanked by secretary Sheila Cassidy for his talk and for stepping in at very short notice. The next meeting will be this Thursday in North Street Methodist Church, Silksworth, at 7pm. There will be a pie and peas supper followed by bingo. Competition is the prettiest table mat.

Visitors are welcome

The next Compton Organ Concert in Ryhope Community Centre will be on Sunday, February 21, with Christian Cartwright at the console. Christian had an interest in electronic organs from a very early age, after a visit to the famous Blackpool Tower to hear the mighty Wurlitzer organ. Not only is he an accomplished player but has a keen interest in the intricate side of organ restoration. Together with his brother, he is presently restoring and renovating a Christie cinema organ. Doors open at 2pm with a prompt start at 2.30pm.

A free craft session for children will be held in Ryhope Library next Tuesday, February 16, from 2pm to 3pm. Celebrate Chinese New Year and decorate a stained glass monkey. Children under eight years must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact Ryhope Library on 561 4444 or Central Library on 561 1235. Ryhope Library is open Tuesdays from 10am to 6pm, and Wednesdays from 10am to 5pm.

Silksworth IM Church, holds many weekly activities, including Tuesday 3.30pm Stay’n’Play@Church, Wednesday 6pm Detonate, youth group for junior school children, Sunday service 10.30am including fun club for children followed by tea, coffee and a natter. The coffee morning will be this Saturday with a Valentine Day theme. For more information, ask any member of the church or contact Alan Bickle on 5238 138, or visit www.silksworthimchurch.org

The library area in Beckwith Mews, Silksworth, is now closed. A small community book collection will be available in the Beckwith restaurant and there will be an additional community book collection at Silksworth Community Centre. Books can be returned to either of these places, or any library. For information call 0191 520 5553 or www.sunderland.gov.uk/libraries