Residents at HC-One’s Eastbourne House Care Home in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear were thrilled to be invited to Afternoon Tea with Mayor Norma Redfearn in the soon-to-be opened Spanish City Dome.
Two Residents, John and Gladys Muitt, met in this venue 71 years ago and were invited back as special guests, accompanied by four other Residents who each have special memories of the dome.
Mary Wardlaw was a keen dancer and used to go dancing in the 50s in the Empress Ballroom every Saturday, Judith Hunt met her first husband in the dome and also used to attend various dance groups there, Jean Dale and her husband used to frequent the ballroom and spent many hours with friends socialising, commenting:
“There was no drinking involved and it cost a sixpence to get in.”
Noel Bogie grew up around the corner and used to go dancing in the days when there was a resident band with a dance leader directing the couple around the floor.
John and Gladys were absolutely thrilled to meet the Mayor and to have a photo taken with her, they even had the fantastic opportunity to feature in a video interview which will be added to the local council site.
Gladys Muitt commented:
“I am completely overwhelmed, I can’t believe I actually got to visit the dome again.
Meeting the Mayor was a highlight and the memories came flooding back!”
Everyone enjoyed the fantastic afternoon tea with all the trimmings and waiter service; a great day was had by all.