Whitburn - Down Your Way

Irene Jones celebrated her 100th birthday in the Marriott Hotel, surrounded by friends from Whitburn Monday Line Dancing Class, which she has attended for many years. Although she is now usually a spectator, Irene danced regularly at the class until she was 98. Many family members travelled from Scotland, Marlow and Brighton to attend her party, and donations to Macmillan Cancer Support were given in lieu of gifts. Irene was delighted to receive a card from Her Majesty the Queen.

Irene Jones, third from left, who has been celebrating her 100th birthday, with some of her friends from Whitburn Monday Line Dancing Club.

South Bents Townswomen’s Guild committee meets tomorrow at 6.30pm prior to craft class at 7pm in Whitburn Methodist Church hall. Next Wednesday, February 24, social studies will welcome speaker Mrs Baty giving a talk about Ice-creams Through Italy.

There is no meeting of the Cultural Spring Choir, Singing with Music in the Minster, tonight. The final four sessions of this term will be on February 23 and March 1, 8 and 15. All are welcome to attend and can join at any point during the current term Musical knowledge is not required and a voluntary contribution of £2 per session would be welcome.

Souter Lighthouse, the gift shop and tearoomm are now open daily from 11am to 5pm. Get Crafty activities for children, aged from three, are available today and until Friday from 11am to 4pm. There will be opportunities to build a bird box on Wednesday and Friday or a miniature lighthouse today and on Thursday. The cost per child is £3 per craft. For more information, go online at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas , email [email protected] or call 529 0909.

Half term sport and leisure activities for youngsters are available all this week in various venues throughout the borough. For details, call 427 7000 or go online at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/20818/February-half-term-holiday-activities

A new programme of hour-long dog training classes will start in the Barnes Institute on Monday, February 22, from 6pm to 9pm. These are in addition to the Thursday classes. To book a place, ring Gil Crossley on 07534 558 765 or email: [email protected].