Donnison School Heritage and Education Centre

14/02/2025

13/02/2025

VCAS are pleased to announce the first Sunderland’s Voluntary Sector Spring Conference taking place Wednesday 26 March.

Our sector, and the communities we represent, have faced a significant and ongoing set of challenges over a number of years.

Lets hear what you have to say.

Go to: www.vcas2020.org/events

Timetable and venue announced soon. Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland Sunderland, UK BBC Sunderland

10/02/2025

10/02/2025

Book your seat for our first trip of 2025. Book online or pop in and secure your seat. Sunderland, UK Visit Sunderland UK

10/02/2025

Book a day trip with the Donnison Day Trippers this year. Fancy a jolly to Carlisle or Keswick. Take a look and see what you fancy!

10/02/2025

Save the dates for The Donnison Lovell Lectures for 2025. See link below for flipbook

10/02/2025

09/02/2025

Lovell Lecture at The Donnison this February is one not to be missed! Book early. Sunderland, UK Visit Sunderland UK Voluntary & Community Action Sunderland (VCAS)

07/02/2025

Sending birthday wishes to our wonderful volunteers. Happy Birthday to Alan and Darcy, who celebrate their birthdays this week. Thank you to our wonderful volunteers

07/02/2025

The Donnison School were more than happy to welcome our first cream team booking of 2025. We welcomed the from Seaham's U3A. As the ladies and gents donned red hats and purple outfits, we of course were curious. They enjoyed a warm welcome, lovely food and entertainment from the volunteers. So, this is the story behind Red Hats and Purple outfits a testimony to the difference one person can make!
In November 1997, Red Hat founder Sue Ellen Cooper’s gift of a red hat and the poem by Jenny Joseph titled “Warning” grew into something much larger than a club or group; it evolved into a women's movement of sorts consisting of members committed to supporting each other through fun and friendship. The
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people’s gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practise a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

Jenny Joseph
from Warning: When I am an Old Woman I shall wear purple
~SuSunderland, UKsunderlandevents @followersoVoluntary & Community Action Sunderland (VCAS)

27/01/2025

https://www.donnisonschoolheritagecentre.com/event-details/the-history-of-the-barracks

The barracks were opened in 1795 to house 1600 troops. The building was demolished and rebuilt in 1915...

10/01/2025

10/01/2025

2025 places available, so book early for The Donnison Night dramatizations. Donnison School Heritage and Education Centre Sunderland, UK

10/01/2025

Looking for some great company and a game of bingo or two. An opportunity to have a great time on a Monday night at our Social For Seniors Donnison School Heritage and Education Centre. £1. entry fee.