Eastwoods Park, Prudhoe celebrates 100 years with picnic

Eastwoods Park, in West Wylam, Prudhoe, celebrated its 100th birthday with a community picnic on April 13 and 14.

Free events included a dressing-up tent, a proggy mat demonstration, a chance to try furniture upcycling and a history tunnel with artefacts from residents telling the tale of West Wylam people and local history.

Prudhoe councillor Gordon Stewart (R) attended the event (Image: Gordon Stewart)

Community groups and pupils hand-painted pebbles for a century path to be laid at a later date.

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Fiona Wardlaw, project and development worker at Eastwoods Park and Miners Lamp Café, said: "It was fantastic – there were loads of people and the laughter was ringing in your ears.

Photographs displaying local West Wylam history (Image: Gordon Stewart)

"The dressing-up tent was great fun. In the history tunnel, people recognised their family gone by. People saw themselves when they were young in jazz bands or football.

"The U3A did a fantastic job with pebble painting for the century path.

1960s vintage cars were on display (Image: Gordon Stewart)

"There was music from Wor Vera, Gleemen Prudhoe Choir with Essington Brass Band playing, everyone's feet were tapping and singing – just fabulous."

The Prudhoe Cadets performed drill work and vintage cars from the 1960s were on display.

Prudhoe Army Cadets at the event (Image: News and Star Facebook Camera Club)

"The day could not have been as good as it was if not for volunteers from the Friends of Eastwoods Park and other local organisations. A massive big thank you for helping to celebrate Eastwoods Parks' 100th birthday."

The Essington Brass Band performing (Image: Supplied)

Prudhoe councillor Gordon Stewart, who represents the south ward, said: "This event brought together the community. I have received many positive comments, it was clear several people visited the park for the first time or returned after a long time and were extremely impressed by the investment over the last few years. Prudhoe has a long and proud history and it was good to reflect upon this."

Historical photographs on display (Image: Gordon Stewart)

Cllr Angie Scott, who represents Prudhoe North, said: "I was delighted to attend the Eastwoods Park 100th birthday celebration at the weekend. A marvellous occasion attended by many local residents. A personal highlight for me was looking at all the memorabilia and old photos of West Wylam and Prudhoe town. It reminded me of what a rich tradition we have. Huge thanks to Friends of Eastwoods Park and all the volunteers for putting on such a wonderful event."