Beautifully-restored gem with colourful history launches events
Bensham Grove community centre pictured several years ago
A beautiful 200-year-old listed villa which some people may not even realise is there has launched a series of pop-up events that will help show off its unique charms. Bensham Grove in Gateshead is tucked behind a stone wall so passers-by can be totally unaware of its striking looks, never mind its rich history.
As previously reported, Bensham Grove – now a community centre – is a restored arts and crafts villa dating from the early 1800s, once visited by the likes of Victorian designer and writer William Morris – a leading figure in the Arts and Crafts movement – as well as Pre-Raphaelite artists. Now Grade ll-listed, it still has original features such as stained glass windows, ornate fireplaces and tiling.
The house in Sidney Grove, which is just down the hill from the popular Café Under The Spire, became an educational settlement in the 1930s and received an infamous visit by JB Priestley, who witnessed its work in helping unemployed men learn new skills. The writer wrote disparagingly in his 1934 book English Journey of not just his visit but the whole of Gateshead.
But that early work was pioneering in its day and Bensham Grove is still a community hub for those in the know, operating as an adult education centre as well as running activities. It no doubt gained new fans just last weekend when it took part in The Late Shows, the annual ‘culture crawl’ in Newcastle and Gateshead which sees cultural venues open their doors after-dark every May.
And following up this month will be events ranging from relaxed socials to creative experiences, with the aim of offering people a chance to unwind, meet new people or try something new – and they offer a chance to see that beautiful interior at the same time of course. To whet people’s appetite even more, the venue has also just launched a ‘Bensham Grove Scone’.
This new treat is hand-made using traditional ingredients grown on-site and, following a ‘pop-up scone launch’ last week, it will be available on the first Thursday of every month, from 12pm until 2pm, at a cost of just £3 which includes a pot of classic English tea. The next in Bensham Grove’s programme of May events – following on from a book club get-together this Thursday evening – will be a ‘pop-up lounge’ social on May 21, from 12pm-2pm, which will have a ‘quiche and quiz’ theme.
Then a Sari Fashion Show will take place on May 27 from 1pm-3pm and after that there will be a ‘BrazilFit’ charity dance class on May 30, from 2pm to 4pm, with two sessions focusing upon wellbeing through movement. The charity classes will be free, save for a request for people to bring a donation for the local foodbank.
The Facebook invitation to the events says: “Taking time for yourself matters. Stepping out, having a chat or simply being part of a welcoming space can go a long way.
“Come along, bring a friend and be part of a supportive community this May.” And the invitations clearly appeal, with one response including: “Would love to join the book club” and another saying of the scone offer: “definitely going to try this”.
Bensham Grove has also announced the return of its Family Pottery Classes, aimed at four to 16-year-olds, from May 17. That 1pm-2.30pm session will be followed by two more Sunday afternoons on May 31 and June 7.
Another event coming up after May will be a ‘makers market’ from 10am to 2pm on July 18. There is also an opportunity for creatives to take part in this, with stalls available to book for £15 although there will be limited places.
To inquire about booking a stall email admin@benshamgrove.org.uk which is also the contact for anyone interested in any of the upcoming events and wanting more information. To follow what else is on offer at Bensham Grove, including details of a garden makeover project it needs volunteers for, see its Facebook page here.
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