
A village social club that has served generations of families will close for good this weekend.
Ushaw Moor Catholic Club will close on Sunday, October 11, ending more than 50 years at the heart of the County Durham community.
The club called the closure an "incredibly difficult" decision and thanked its staff, volunteers, committee members and customers.
The club said: "Over the decades, the club has been so much more than just a building.
"It has been a place for friendships, celebrations, laughter, bingo nights, entertainment and countless memories that we know will stay with people for many years to come."
The club singled out Tracy Stone for praise, saying she had worked tirelessly to keep it going through tough times.
The statement said: "Her hard work, determination and commitment to the club cannot be overstated.
"She has given so much of herself to keep the club going, particularly through the difficult times."
The committee also thanked staff members Andrew, Lisa, Charlotte, Becky, Phill, Donna, Catherine and Hannah, plus the volunteers who helped run events and support the club.
The club on Durham Road, Ushaw Moor, has hosted social events, live entertainment and bingo for more than 50 years.
A party at St Joseph's Catholic Club in Ushaw Moor to celebrate 20 years of the 2/4 club. Mark Elvis Nixon performs at the event. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
The public is invited to one final weekend of events before the club closes for good.
The club will open on Friday, followed by live entertainment from singer Laura Cairns on Saturday, October 10, and a final bingo night on Sunday.
In a message to customers, the club said: "We would love to see as many familiar faces as possible over our final weekend.
A party at St Joseph's Catholic Club in Ushaw Moor to celebrate 20 years of the 2/4 club. A cake is cut by the eldest member, 96 year old Monica Smith. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
"Come along, raise a glass, enjoy one last song, have one last game of bingo and help us give the club the send-off it deserves."
The statement concluded: "There will undoubtedly be sadness as the doors close for the final time on Sunday night, but there should also be an enormous amount of pride in everything this club has meant to Ushaw Moor and the generations of people who have passed through its doors.
"More than 50 years. Countless friendships. Countless memories. One very special club."
The venue hosted Ammia Storey's first birthday celebration in March 2014, attended by family and friends after she returned home from hospital.
Ammia was born suffering from a rare abdominal wall defect, meaning her vital organs are outside her stomach.
Ammia Storey during her first birthday party at Ushaw Moor Catholic Club. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
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At three months, her parents, Melanie Belcher and Johnathan Storey, from Ushaw Moor, County Durham, were told she may not survive.
In 2017, the club threw a party to celebrate 20 years of the 2/4 club.
The group was formed in 1997and brought people together, giving them an easy way to make friends.