NEW YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITIES:

Discovering Community and Activity Groups in Ashington

With the start of a New Year, many of us may be looking for a new challenge, hobby, or just to get out and meet new people. Here we look at some of the community and activity groups in and around Ashington. If you have a local community group you think is worth mentioning, then please let us know about it by emailing info@yourabc.co.uk ashingtonveteransandeldersinst. godaddysites.com www.sea-cadets.org/ashington

The events run from 11am until 2pm, all food sold is home-made and there is a raffle at each coffee morning. They also sell items that the Institute produce, to raise money for The NHS and for SAAFA, and all funds raised stay in the local area.

17, an experience that will help them grow into the person they want to be in a safe and friendly environment. Through various activities and adventures, you are taught teamwork, respect, loyalty, selfconfidence, commitment, selfdiscipline, honesty and how to be the best version of yourself. What’s more, all volunteers have the opportunity to be part of a committee.

Ashington Hirst Running Club

Ashington Hirst Running Club is a UK Athletics affiliated running club. The club are now based at Ashington Rugby Club, Ellington Road, Ashington, NE63 8TP.

The club holds lots of different sessions for all abilities, from absolute beginner to more experienced runners. Regular sessions are held at 6.30pm as follows: Tuesday: Run & Run/Walk Groups or Effort Session, Thursday: Run & Run/Walk Groups/ Hill training or endurance run, Friday: Run Group ashingtonhirstrunningclub.co.uk

Ashington Choi Kwang Do

At Ashington Choi Kwang Do, the aim is to teach this martial art as a practical and easy way to learn selfdefence techniques that are suitable for people of all ages and abilities. It is an inclusive activity and even many with disabilities can participate and benefit from the training. Choi Kwang Do is a fun and exciting way to get and keep fit, to lose weight and firm up, to improve balance and coordination, to increase flexibility, to aid and improve concentration, as well as to promote longevity. This is done in a friendly, safe and fun learning environment.

The group are based at St. Andrew's Church Hall, for more information contact Richard Farrar on 07954578018. or find them on Facebook at Choi Kwang Do Ashington.

www.ashingtonckd.co.uk

Northumbria Scuba Divers

Northumbria Scuba Divers offer courses and internationally recognised certifications from Ashington, many subsidised, making them one of the cheapest in the U.K. They offer training from absolute beginners to instructors and welcome anyone from age 8 upwards. Courses are held in Seaton Delaval, and dive all along the North East coast. The club have their own boat, and dive the Farne islands almost weekly. The club charge a £10 monthly fee, which gives access to their trips and events, as well as discounted courses.

www northumbriascubadivers co

Ashington Veterans And Elders Institute

Ashington Veterans and Elders institute hold open coffee mornings every first Saturday of every month.

Ashington Sea Cadets

At Ashington Sea Cadets, the aim is to give young people aged 10 to

Age Uk Gardening Social Group

This new initiative will launch on Wednesday 22 February at Woodhorn Museum in Ashington, and welcomes gardeners of all abilities to come along and enjoy the great outdoors whilst meeting like minded people. See page 18 for details.