SCORES of Prudhoe folk packed out the big club as 'the treat' returned for 2022.

More than 100 over-60s were at the first day of the Prudhoe People's Treat, which ran from Tuesday-Thursday, December 8, in Prudhoe Social Club.

The treat, formerly known as the Prudhoe Aged People's Treat, has been a staple in the town's history since 1906. It is organised by a team of dedicated volunteers who work all-year-round to put on the popular event free of charge for residents of the town and neighbouring Mickley.

The annual event is generously supported by local businesses and was renamed some years ago to encourage more 'younger' attendees. Many people had said they didn't feel particularly old or aged but wanted to be part of what is now a staple in the Prudhoe calendar.

Hundreds attend the event over the course of three days, which as well as a festive meal, plays host to live entertainment, this year from Jonny Sax, and a raffle. Top prizes in the special raffle included a television, microwave and slow cooker.

Festivities started from 2.15pm until about 8pm.

The treat had only ever been cancelled during the First and Second World Wars until the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2021, a scaled-down event was held with changes to the menu but this year, old formatting returned with the usual broth, turkey and ham salad, and buffet.

Donors included:

  • The Co-op
  • Prudhoe Town Council
  • Thompsons of Prudhoe
  • Salem Tube
  • Serenity Bathrooms
  • Cllr Gordon Stewart
  • I R Restorations
  • Neil Edgar 
  • Mickey McIntosh
  • Dawn Lloyd
  • West Wylam Inn
  • Caris Robson
  • Eduk8
  • Mickley Garage
  • Car and Go Garage
  • P. Plunket Tiling 
  • Riverside Auto Repairs
  • Heritage Accountancy
  • Chris Fenwick
  • The Legion
  • Annie Barr
  • Best One, Halfway
  • The Stationery Shop
  • Grant Cycles
  • Turkish barbers
  • Greggs
  • One Stop
  • Balls of Prudhoe 
  • Essity
  • Asda
  • Just Tanning
  • Buddies Tearoom
  • The Hair Boutique 
  • Walnut 
  • R Salon
  • G & F Threadgold

Anonymous donors also gave cash donations to allow the event, which is praised for bringing people together at Christmas time, to go ahead.