I paid a visit to Low Simonside Community Centre in Jarrow as part of its 30^th anniversary celebrations.

I was delighted to visit Low Simonside Community Centre, in Taunton Avenue, which has welcomed thousands of visitors since it was formed in December 1979. I met with Coun Maisie Stewart, for the Bede ward, and chairman of Low Simonside CA, and chatted with staff to learn about the service and facilities the centre has to offer the community.

I visited the recently-renamed Violet Hope Function Hall, which was opened in honour of the late Jarrow councillor Mrs Violet Hope, who served the Low Simonside area for approximately 50 years. I also knew Mrs Hope well as a council colleague.  

To mark its 30th anniversary a new bowls club has been established at the centre. Low Simonside CA is now heavily involved in healthy eating and living projects and works with community arts groups, such as Find Your Talent, to boost facilities available for people on the Low Simonside Estate. Everyone from the Women's Guild to members of Bilton Hall Amateur Boxing Club also use the centre.

For further information call Low Simonside CA on (0191) 489 8224.

It was a pleasure to visit Low Simonside CA to see the excellent facilities and what’s on offer for the local community at the centre.

It was a wonderful gesture to rename the Function Hall at the centre after my former council colleague and friend Mrs Violet Hope and I very much look forward to seeing the centre go from strength to strength in the months ahead.