Pub backs Tyneside medics’ India mission with pie and music night

Doctors and nurses from South Tyneside District Hospital are to be helped to aid families in India by a special evening in their local pub.

Originally the idea of Dr Sanjay Deshpande, a consultant anaesthetist in the borough, the SVJC Trust mission heads to to Walawalkar Hospital, in Dervan, one of the poorest areas of the subcontinent, in January 2014.

Once there volunteers give up their own time to carry out operations and work in outreach camps, restoring sight, correcting facial deformities, carrying out hernia repairs and replacing joints.

And to support them on their way, helping to pay for flights and the shipping of equipment, the Toby Carvery in Cleadon Village – known locally as the Britannia Inn – is holding a pie and music night.

Acting pub manager Jamie Balfour said it was great to be able to help the medics make their trip.

“We are pleased to support the great work these people are doing,” he said.

Entertainment for the evening, this Saturday, November 23 at 8pm, will be provided by the band Pipe Dream, with other local musicians lending their support.

Tickets, which cost £5 and include a pie and pea supper, are available from the pub in Front Street, Cleadon, or by calling hospital staff Shelley Quantrill on 07921560551 or Dave Wales on 07702401411.

To find out more about the SVJC Trust go to www.topopdoc.com