South Tyneside park takes visitors back in time

Sword fights, archery skills and a variety of old-fashioned crafts were on offer to those taking a trip to Drewetts Park in Jarrow on Sunday.

A medieval fayre had moved onto the site for one day only in a series of events making up the Jarrow festival, which was launched on Saturday.

The event was put together by Time and Tide events and supported by Groundworks South Tyneside.

Despite the overcast weather, people packed out the park in Church Bank as they watched sword fight re-enactments, tested their knowledge of medieval times and enjoyed a host of fair ground rides.

Visitors were also able to get up close and personal to a range of owls and birds of prey.

Helen Borthwick, from Time and Ride Events, said: “We think the event has gone amazingly well. The food stalls were so busy they ran out of food and the stall holders themselves said they’d done really well too.

“It has been a lot better than it has been in previous years and there has been a lot more people turning up.

“The weather has been ok, we’re all really happy with how the day has gone.”

The event, in the past has taken place in the field, but was later moved and incorporated into Bede’s World. But after the museum closed it’s doors earlier this year, it was decided to still go ahead with the event but take it back to the park.

Doreen Marshall, from South Shields, visited the event with her daughter and three grandchildren.

She said: “We were here since it opened, it’s been a great day and the kids have loved it. They really have enjoyed every minute of it.

“We knew about the event before we came down. We have been to the ones held in the past in Bede’s World, it’s such a shame about the building but they’ve done a really good job of it in the park.

“The kids have had a great time and have really enjoyed the fighting scenes.”

Simone Martin travelled from Durham to visit the Medieval event in Jarrow. The mum, who is originally from Australia, was with her son Loughie, eight, enjoying the duel which was taking place on the field.

She said: “My husband works for Time and Tide events which has helped to organise the event so we’ve come along to support him.

“It’s something we come along to each year and we love it. It’s just a shame the sun wasn’t shining as I think even more people would have come out.

“But even though the weather could have been better there is quite a lot of people here. It really has been fab.

“I love the medieval feel to it all and the stories are brilliant. It is a real nice positive event and I hope people do keep coming back and support it.”

The event was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside Coun Alan and Moira Smith.