Centenary celebration flows
08/12/2006
Prudhoe Aged People’s Treat celebrated its 100th birthday this year and the event was made extra special thanks to the generosity of Northumbrian Water. Fifteen water workers helped out at the celebrations, through the company’s ‘Just an Hour’ scheme, and £250 has been donated from its Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.
The Treat, which started in 1906 by a group of miner’s daughters from West Wylam, has gone from strength to strength and now caters for 900 older people in the area. This year’s Treat was held on 5, 6 and 7 December at Prudhoe Working Men’s Club. On each day there was a sit down meal, entertainment, prize draws and presents. The event, as always, was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by older people in the area, particularly those who live alone.
Northumbrian Water’s ‘Just an Hour’ scheme gives employees, working within the company’s supply area from Berwick to North Yorkshire and across to the Pennines, the opportunity to spend at least 12 hours of paid work time a year improving local communities and the environment. The Northumbrian Water employees helping at the Treat, in total, spent 75 hours serving meals, washing dishes and ensuring that the centenary celebration was one to remember.
Secretary, Maureen Goodfellow said:
“This year the treat really is a party as it is 100 years old. Without the generosity of companies like Northumbrian Water, the treat would not be so successful so their donation is greatly appreciated.”
Northumbrian Water’s Davie Miller, who was born in Mickley and lives in Prudhoe, has volunteered at the Treat before:
“This was the fourth year I have helped out. I remember one elderly lady mentioning to me last year that she had hardly been out socially during the course of the year and that she really looked forward to the Treat. You don’t realise how isolated and lonely some people are. I think it is excellent that Northumbrian Water is giving employees time under the ‘Just an Hour’ scheme to make a real difference to peoples’ lives in the communities we serve.”
About the Northumbrian Water Fund
The Northumbrian Water Fund was established in 1991 with a pledge of £100,000. The income generated by the fund is used to support community groups and projects throughout Tyne & Wear and Northumberland and it has given away over £43,000 to more than 65 different groups so far.
About the Community Foundation
The Community Foundation provides a service to individuals, families and companies who want to help the local community. Funds set up by donors at the Community Foundation are invested to produce an annual income to support a wide range of carefully chosen voluntary groups in Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. The aim of the Foundation is to make it easier and more rewarding for successful people and organisations to serve the community. The Community Foundation manages more than 150 funds in Tyne & Wear and Northumberland and awarded grants of almost £10 million to community groups.
For further information about setting up a fund, becoming a member or about applying for a grant, please contact us on 0191 222 0945, email: general@communityfoundation.org.uk or visit the website on
www.communityfoundation.org.uk
Notes to Editors
1. Photo attached
2. For more information on Northumbrian Water Fund or the company’s ‘Just an hour’ scheme Cara Hall on 0191 301 6720.
3. For more information on the Prudhoe Aged People’s Treat contact Maureen Goodfellow on 01661 835030.
4. For more information about the Community Foundation contact Kate Bradley on 0191 222 0945.
Author:
Kate Bradley
Development Manager
Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland
Cale Cross
156 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6SU
Tel: 0191 222 0945
Fax: 0191 230 0689
Email: kb@communityfoundation.org.uk