The launch of this latest event complements a range of popular activities which earned the community association a commendation from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The party, organized by the village’s small independently-run and self-funded charity, was open to villagers of all ages who enjoyed food and refreshments prepared and served by dedicated volunteers.
Supported with a £600 donation from Durham City’s Freemen, the Waterhouses Community Association’s decision to introduce the summer event followed the success of a free Christmas lunch served up to 60 senior citizens.
“We have a population of just over 1,000 and our mission revolves around providing social leisure and educational activities for all ages and capabilities. The village hall offers a central hub for community life, lifts spirits, reduces isolation, and fosters a sense of togetherness and belonging where people can come together and enjoy each other’s company,” said Tracey Gemski, a trustee of the charity and events co-ordinator.
Over the past 28 years the association’s activities have grown to provide coffee mornings, playgroups, cinema evenings, music and memory afternoons, scout meetings and social gatherings, with the Christmas lunch topping the list.
The Queen’s letter of commendation hangs proudly in the foyer of the village hall and was joined at the end of 2024 by the King’s cipher, hand crafted in sandstone. It was fashioned by Steve Mann, a Durham Cathedral stone mason and mounted on a wooden frame created by joiner Anthony Swallow, another member of the cathedral team. Both men are also city freemen.
Eric Bulmer, chairman of the freemen’s charitable trustees said: “The community of Waterhouses is well served by this dedicated group of volunteers whose wide range of activities embrace people of all ages, a combination which serves to maintain and strengthen the ethos of village life.”
