Recent Media Coverage of Ryhope Development Trust
and the new Ryhope C.A. Development Committee
Also local News and requests
Miners Memorial Garden
The Miners Memorial Garden is now finished and a plaque has been install to commemorate all the miners who lost their lives at Ryhope Colliery
Ryhope Southern Relief Road
Work started on the Ryhope section of the new relief road on the 30th August 2005 and it was hoped to be finished by Spring 2007. It was finally opened in February 2008
The old Caretakers house next to the Community Centre has been sold to make way for the new Peoples First Centre, the new car park is now complete. The new extension is planed to open 24th May 2008
As from the 1st August 2007 the old scouts hut is no more it has been demolished and a new building development is nearing completion.
A new commercial standard kitchen has been installed in the Community Centre upstairs, also the downstairs is having a major refit with new flooring and kitchen. The downstairs hall is upgraded and the toilet is also upgraded to a disabled and baby changing room, the front lobby now has a new floor and electronic security door installed.
Funding has been obtained to upgrade the IT facilities, with new computers to be installed shortly.
A new creche facility in the C.A. will offer parents with young children the support needed, this was made possible thanks to funding from 'Awards for All' and the 'Community Foundation'.
Ryhope Heritage Society, which meets every second Tuesday of the month at 1.30pm, has received funding from the 'Coalfield Regeneration Fund' for it to obtain Computer equipment so that it can Digitize the many thousands of photogragh's and artifacts it has so that it can go into the community to educate and help relive Ryhope memories.
The Trusts Achievements
The Trust has made great progress playing a key roll in improving both the environment and services within the Ryhope area. here are some of its achievements.
1. Ryhope St ,
The improvements to the footways, road and street furniture are now complete thanks to the highways department whom brought forward the re-surfacing of the road to fall in line with the other improvements and to the shop owners who took up the financial assistance scheme and we hope more will take it on board.
2' Miners Memorial Garden
The garden has been upgraded by "Into Work". the path has made great improvements for the residence that use it as a short cut.
3. Gaining Access to Local Beach
Thanks must go to Paula Hunt and Joe Lemon who have played a great part in working with the Durham Heritage Coast to identify the best ways to reinstate access to the beaches for the residence. both Paula and Joe have taken part in consultations with the Countryside Agency to ensure that Ryhope is included in any national strategies to improve access to the coast.
4. Quarry
Both Paula and Joe have actively highlighted the potential risk of pollution from the old 1960's quarry and talks are in progress to identify the course of action to take and which body will be responsible for funding.
5. Millennium Volunteers
Paula Hunt was asked to administrate the Millennium Volunteers project on behalf of the Sunderland Community Matters. Paula took 4 volunteers in October last year to the Houses of Parliament to be presented by Fraser Kemp (local MP) and David Taylor (Director of Community Matters National) to be presented with certificates to acknowledge the 200 hours of voluntary work done. Paula is currently working with another 3 volunteers based at the Blue Watch whom have completed nearly 100 hours. Sunderland was identified as the area who achieved the best result nationally.
6. Adult and Community Learning.
Paula has worked closely with the community Association and the local schools to deliver * Adult and Community Learning Courses over the year and proved to be a success. R.D.T have been approached to be the lead voluntary organisation to deliver the ACL courses in the new People First in partnership with ACL, Libraries and Sunderland City College.
7. Community Forum
The Community forum has successfully delivered a "Drug Awareness Evening" at the Venerable Bede School. A "Health Awareness Event" is also planned for the 19th may 2005 where the 600 pupils of the school will be able to meet the agencies and services supplied in the area.
8. Community Development Activities
Paula has supported several voluntary organisations in the area to develop projects and has enabled them to secure approximately £12000 of funding for various voluntary organisations and is awaiting a response for another £14000 worth of funding applications. The Trust has actively supported the SR Health and Boxing Club regarding the issue of Youth Disorder and lease agreement etc.
9. Community Cook Book.
Ryhope Community Cook Book was developed in partnership with South Healthy Cities and proved to be a great success.
The Charles Church Estate is now complete as is the estates at Tunstall Vale.
Work has finally started on the demolition of the old council houses in the village Ernest, Thompson and Fawcett Terrace and most of Goundry ave. are already gone
I am trying to get as many old school photo's as I can to put onto the Schools page of this site, If you can help, please send a copy either by email attachment to Mel Robson or to my home address (see sister site my-Ryhope ) please include the school and year and if you can remember names, unfortunately I am unable to return them unless return postage is included.
I have a question that I hope someone out there can help me with.
Can anyone tell me how VINEGAR HILL got its name? (see Vinegar Hill page)
Please reply to Mel Robson by email with Vinegar Hill in subject title @ Vinegar Hill