| George Hood, from Pelaw, Gateshead, retained his World Spoons Playing Championship for the 3rd year running, in a stirring performance as part of the 6th Trimdon Festival weekend. However, his battle was not clear cut as a `knife-edge' finish saw George (79 years) pip Fishburn's Bert Draycott (74 years) at the post, following a previous dead heat. It was finally left to the audience to determine a winner in the Bird in Hand using an old fashioned method _ `the clapometer'! In the Junior Spoons Playing Championships, Cieran Jasper, 9 years old from St. William's Primary school, got her `just desserts' by beating 7 other junior competitors to claim this year's Junior title.
A packed Bird in Hand also enjoyed good-humoured banter from Radio Cleveland's Stu McFarlane (who MC'd the Spoons event), music from the Teesside Fettlers and the Scratch Band, and traditional sword dancing from the all-female, Pengwyn Rapper Dancers. This free afternoon event was part of the weekend Festival programme, which commenced in the Labour Club on Friday 9th September featuring music from the Doghouse Skiffle group from Hull, Trimdon's own folk band, Skerne, together with other local singers. At the same time, the Red Lion was the venue for a Singaround, hosted by Bill Redhead and featuring Johnny Handle, the ex-High Level Ranter from Northumberland. A good time was had by all at both events, with a surprise treat for the audience at the Labour Club, when Lonnie Donegan's son, Peter, joined the groups at the end of the night for a memorable impromptu Skiffle session!
The Labour Club was the venue once again for the gala concert on the Saturday night, which featured Sedgefield's John Wrightson Band, a fabulous, witty and unique comedian from London, Earl Okin, and a lively, five-piece folk-rock group from Warwick - Meet on the Ledge.
Sunday saw the end of the programme with a final gathering in the Black Bull for the Festival Survivors' Session.
All in all, another successful festival offering good value for money, with something for everyone.
The organisers of Trimdon Festival would like to thank their main sponsors _ Northumbrian Water, Alan Etherington, Durham County Council, Sedgefield Leisure Services, Trimdon Parish Council and Xenosys, without whose support the festival would not have been possible.
A BIG THANK YOU
from Trimdon Festival Committee to Gordon and Sheila (Red Lion), Coates Butchers, Bolams Butchers, Powis Newsagents, Knotty Hill Golf Club, J. Ridley Betting Shop, Dave's Fish Shop, Sedgefield Race Course for donating raffle prizes for the events held over the Festival weekend.
We are sure that the winners will enjoy their prizes, which included a meal out for two, meat vouchers, a game of golf and a day at the races. The person who won the betting slip, may even increase his winnings if he has the knack of betting on the right horses!
TRIMDON VILLAGE CRAFT AND CHAT GROUP
In September fifteen members met to celebrate 21 years of weekly `CRAFTING AND CHATTING' at a special l unch to mark the occasion.
The group started at the home of Mary Robinson with a few friends and founder members. It became so popular that the venue was changed to The Village Hall where happily several of their original `Crafty' ladies rarely miss their weekly get together.
All present members are willing to share their skills and talents with others.
Visiting experts are invited occasionally to demonstrate new types of crafts, which is greatly appreciated.
New members are always welcome so why not come along to the Village Hall on Tuesdays from 1.30pm until 3.30pm and find out more. Each member pays 50p weekly towards hire of the hall. |
