Washington, Tyne and Wear combines the best of both worlds: and I speak from the bottom of my heart, as my mum lived in Brady Square, Columbia, Washington where the newly vamped Columbia Community Association Centre https://www.facebook.com/columbiacommunityassociation/ now thrives. This is thanks to the committee’s endeavours, helped by volunteers, and local businesses, all led by the indomitable Marion Taylor and Red Shoes Bob. Frost Magazine followed their progress throughout, which of course meant I had to visit, toting along Dick who insisted on being there, because he loved every minute of the fun and catch up. Then we would scoot along to the Village, and the Washington Arms (do try their fish and chips) and we’d also have a look at Washington Old Hall (above), the ancestral home of the 1st US President, George Washington – yes really.

Did you know that Bryan Ferry comes from Washington, And… And… My mum knew his mum. Talking of my mum. Her dad ran the Long Pull, or is it Pole. The locals seem to disagree. I just knew it as Uncle Stan’s shop, previously my grandpa’s, and where my sisters and I would stay in the summer holidays. Uncle Stan put brown sauce on his fry up breakfast – we weren’t allowed sauce by mum – so I was in awe.

My grandma died when Mum was 2, in 1916. A photo was taken of Uncle Stan and Mum, Little Annie as she was called, at a proper photographer to send to her father away at war. Clothes were hired from the photographer as they were poor, but they wore their own tatty shoes.

Continuing our journey, we come to Washington New Town, created 60 years ago, in line with the New Towns concept. It is divided into 18 residential ‘villages’ – supported – I kid you not – by thousands and thousands of newly planted trees, well, newly planted then, and which are now fully ‘growed’ as they said of Topsy. You can imagine how attractive the New Town is, a far cry from miles of concrete and bricks.https://gallerieswashington.co.uk/

There is a Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust nature reserve, and The Washington F Pit Mining Museum which is fascinating. The Washington Arts Centre is a converted farm building, and it is where I will be next week, to take part in a podcast on memories. (: look at a demo podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=YMAJKvbGhTQ&feature=youtu.be ) I will add my two pennyworth with my, and my mum’s memories.

The North East Land, Sea and Air Museum is north of the old RAF Usworth base. And … And … there are the amazing Galleries,with 200 retail units, lots of free parking, so you can shop til you drop then revitalise yourself in a cafe or restaurant of your choice, and start again, as people do since they come from all over.

So, no wonder there is a celebration – oh yes there is, so expect to enjoy Washington 60 Celebration Day to the full as live music, local exhibitors and family entertainment deliver a jam-packed day of great live music, local exhibitors and lots to entertain the family.https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/31703/Celebration-to-mark-60-years-of-Washington

The committee is going all out to create a festival atmosphere at the Northern Area Playing Fields from 12.00 noon until 9 pm on July 20th. Ah, you want to know more? Here you go: the Main Stage line up will be headlined by Washington’s own Martin Stephenson and the Daintees, and also Smoove and Turrell and The Revolutionaires. Frankly, we’re being spoiled.

Martin Stephenson says: “To play such a fabulous event in my home town is the greatest honour for me. I come back every year to perform at Washington Old Hall and still have many heartfelt connections from my childhood.

“I have always been proud of my roots and the lovely family and mining community I was reared in. Our drummer Craig McDonald is from Washington too and we’re looking forward to this greatly.”

Frost Magazine absolutely loves the fact that Martin is local, and that Local acts and community groups including theatre, spoken word and acoustic music will take to a second stage throughout the day. Hugely important, I think, is an exhibitor tent which will house Washington-based organisations telling the story of Washington past and present. Clearly not to be missed.

All ages are catered for, and the children should love the arts and crafts activities which will be available throughout the event, including a drop in kite making workshop. I could never make a kite fly, but I bet these kids do.

All of this is wonderful for the soul, but what about the body? Never fear, food providers and a bar will be on site all afternoon to provide snacks and refreshments.

So don’t forget: Washington New Town’s 60th anniversary celebrations take place on 20th July noon until 9 pm. Body and soul catered for. For more information: https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/31703/Celebration-to-mark-60-years-of-Washington