Events aim to raise funds in memory of South Tyneside College founder

Les Watson, an organiser of Winterbottom Week, with, left, Garner Harris, back, Lucy Nicholaidis, and Sandy Harris, all of The Creative Seed.

Staff and students are getting set to raise cash for good causes as part of the annual Winterbottom Week - created in memory of Dr Thomas Masterman Winterbottom.

Established last year, the charity aims to offer life-changing support to individuals linked to the college.

These can include budding student entrepreneurs looking for funding, or learners in exceptional circumstances from South Tyneside or overseas.

It has already paid course and accommodation fees for maritime students, and helped a single mum from South Tyneside to continue her studies.

Les Watson, who helped found the fund, said: “Although only in its second year, Winterbottom Week is firmly established in the college’s social calendar.

“It pays tribute to Dr Winterbottom, while supporting students from various backgrounds, who are in need of a little financial assistance.

“I hope members of the public will join staff and students in supporting Winterbottom Week and help raise money that can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Winterbottom Week starts on Monday with a Lunchtime Concert in the South Shields college’s refectory, from 12.15pm to 1.15pm.

The concert, repeated at the same time each day until Friday, will feature performances by college music students.

On Tuesday, a Winterbottom Walk starts and finishes at the Old Town Hall in South Shields Market Place, taking in the riverside and Greens Place, from 11am to 1pm.

And on Wednesday a Carnival Catwalk Party, produced by specialist production company Creative Seed, with support from South Shields Marine School students, takes place.

Held from 6pm to 8pm in the marine school and Costa coffee break-out area in F Block, entry is free but donations can be given.

On Thursday, the public can also take part in a sponsored Wax for Winterbottom, which takes place in the college’s foyer in St George’s Avenue, from 12.15pm to 1.15pm.

Winterbottom Week concludes on Friday with a Business Lunch in the Bistro 150 fine dining suit, between noon and 2pm. Tickets are £15 each, which includes a £5 donation to the fund.

For information email [email protected] or by call 0191 427 3717.