Springwell Village Community Venue celebrates 55 years of supporting residents

A community centre is celebrating 55 years of supporting residents as it praises its team of over 100 volunteers.
Volunteers hard at work at Springwell Village Community VenueVolunteers hard at work at Springwell Village Community Venue
Volunteers hard at work at Springwell Village Community Venue

Springwell Village Community Venue first opened its doors back in 1965, and has been acting as a community hub for residents ever since.

The venue, which houses community rooms, a bar and cafe, plays host to a number of community events, supports local businesses and even has some traditions stretching back over 50 years, including its yearly panto, and ladies club ‘The Ladybirds’.

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As it celebrates it’s 55th anniversary, Springwell Village Community Venue paid thanks to over 100 volunteers who keep the centre running each day.

Springwell Village Community VenueSpringwell Village Community Venue
Springwell Village Community Venue

Community development manager Suzanne Shaftoe said: “We had a big celebration planned for our 55th anniversary but unfortunately we couldn’t celebrate how we would have liked due to coronavirus restrictions.

"Still, this achievement means so much to us, a lot of community centres don’t last this long but it’s all down to our wonderful hard working volunteers.

“It wouldn’t be possible without them. Places like this are unbelievably important to support people in the community, especially in difficult times like we’re in now.”

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Despite not being able to open for several months during the coronavirus lockdown, volunteers continued supporting the community and the vulnerable by delivering food packages to residents in need.

Springwell Village 1940s weekend, 2018.Springwell Village 1940s weekend, 2018.
Springwell Village 1940s weekend, 2018.

As one of Sunderland’s largest community centres, staff are already looking forward to next year where they will hopefully be able to put on some events that were forced to be postponed, including the well known Springwell 1940’s weekend, which was delayed until next summer.

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