They have a court booked for 1 hour from 11.00am but normally meet about 10.30am in the ground floor cafe for a coffee. For anyone who hasn’t been it's a fantastic facility and the court can accommodate 4 table tennis tables, 2 pickleball courts, a badminton court and a five-a-side football pitch.
It is emphasized that not everyone participates and there is no pressure to do so. Some just come for the craic and to spectate. They have been going since July 2024 and normally have around ten to fifteen regular attenders.
It is an alternative to the more formal NARPO meetings. As the event can obviously cater for more, the committee have asked me to offer the hand of friendship to your members if they want to pop along even if it's just as a recce. There is a £3 voluntary contribution per session (to help cover the cost of hiring the court & equipment) via a 'honesty box' and no need to contact in advance, simply turn up.
There is a cafe that does toasties etc if anyone is peckish.
This social meeting is regularly attended by retired Durham officers
The next meeting three meetings are on :
Thursday 28th May 2026
Thursday 25th June 2026
Thursday 16th July 2026
Address for The Beacon of Light: Stadium Way, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland SR5 1SN
Please Note:
From Sunderland NARPO Chairman Colin Dobson: "As from 26th August 2025 car parking charges have been introduced.
Currently 0-2 hours: Free, 2-4 hours: £4, 4-8 hours: £8 and 24 hours: £10.
IMPORTANT: Payment will be taken via the EVOLOGY cashless parking app.
IMPORTANT: Payment will be taken via the EVOLOGY cashless parking app.
I would suggest that to save time you download the app to your phone and REGISTER AND CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT.
If you intend staying for more than 2 hours then the first payment shown in the app is for £4.25 for 4 hours ie the free 2 + 2 hours.
