1999 was our 50th anniversary and to commemorate this milestone in our history we started fund-raising to erect a safe play area in the village for the benefit of all the children. As you can imagine this was a very ambitious project for 100 women to take on, as the total cost would be approximately £70,000, however, we started in September 1997 and by coffee days, sponsored walks and nearly new shops and various other fund-raising events we had raised a total of £10,000.00 We then went to other organisations in the village, businesses and charitable trusts and raised another £10,000. Then in1998 we applied for Lottery money and received a grant of £50,000, our target had been met. We opened the play park in May of our golden year and in July the Prime Minister, Tony Blair visited our club and the play-park. This was only one of the special things that we did in our Golden Year. Pat Swallow, one of our members wrote this poem to commemorate our special year.

Our Golden Year Our 50th Birthday Banquet was a Gourmet Delight with cake, Champagne and presents, it was an unforgettable night At Durham Cathedral a blessing we received, the choir sang, it was beautiful , a very emotional service indeed. Fund-raising and a grant from the lottery realising £72,000, to build a playpark for the children in Wheatley Hill school grounds Dorothy was the driving force behind this campaign, encouraging us along the way when we were struggling, our goal to attain. Tony Blair, the Prime Minister came for a visit, commended us on work well done Mrs Powell and children from the school officially opened the playpark on the 27th June. Bob Johnson forecasting the weather using a cone from a pine tree, Sending money to Kosova to help people whose homes they had to flee. Taking our new banner made by Jean to Church to be blessed, followed by a meal at Kensington Hall, its time we had a rest!!! Out again rambling through Castle Eden Dene, Sue the warden took us, but no wild life to be seen Watching glass being blown at Sunderland Glass Centre was fascinating to see, Meeting Denise Robertson and Wendy Gibson making a programme for the BBC. The Stadium of light was impressive, meeting Bob Murray and sitting in Peter Reid's Chair. Visiting Sunderland University, Marvelling at all the equipment there. Making money at the Harvest Festival, selling fruit, veg and beans, Modelling for our Calendar against a background of our village scenes. Mrs. Powell, our president also a founder member celebrated her 90th Birthday on the 15th November, she's got her finger on the Mother's Club pulse, its interest at heart she's watched it go from strength to strength right from the start. Carol singing with the Scouts around the village with a decorated float, tree and trimmings all A buffet was waiting when we arrived back at the hall. A £4,999 grant from the lottery to cover our calendar expenses, for finding ways of making money, Dorothy is very inventive. Thank you to all of members who helped to make 1999 such a success a year we will remember as one of our very best. To end our millennium year in style what a more fitting place could there be, than Durham Castle for our Christmas Party and to wish the Mothers Club a Happy 21st Century. Written by Pat Swallow December 1999