(just before access to Westoe Village) and serves further education to people ages 14 years and older. Recreation Westoe Rugby Football Club Westoe Rugby Football Club, which was established in 1875, is one of the oldest organisations still in the Westoe area today. The club has continuously occupied its original ground, directly opposite Westoe Village, since its establishment, and is today one of the local community hubs of the area. Robert Readhead Park Robert Readhead was a local businessman, and was the eldest son of John Readhead, who founded John Readhead and Sons Limited, a noted local shipwright and marine engineering firm. Joining his father's business as an apprentice, Readhead stuck with the firm and eventually became one of the directors, retiring from active involvement in 1909 to take a larger community role - something he continued for the next 40 years (including four years spent as mayor). In 1921, Readhead donated the land on which the Robert Readhead park lies to the town in thanksgiving for peace. The park was opened on 18 May 1923, and features a 3 ft high scroll-style commemorative plaque which reads: Nowadays, the park has a bowls club (which includes a bowling pavilion), tennis courts, and a small children's play area. Notable residents Elinor Brent-Dyer, author of the Chalet School books; born in South Shields; attended school in Westoe Catherine Cookson , author, lived at Tyne Dock, South Shields and would have visited Westoe, although she was not a resident. It was the backdrop for a number of her romance novels William Fox, four time Prime Minister of New Zealand Robert Ingham, twice MP for South Shields, lived at Westoe House Joe McElderry, winner of The X Factor in 2009, pop/classical crossover singer and model; born and grew up in Westoe and still lives nearby Livingston Middlemost, born in Westoe; first-class cricketer Dame Flora Robson, actress; nominated for an Oscar for her role in Saratoga Trunk Andrew Stoddart, born in Westoe; played international cricket for England and rugby union for England and the British Isles; Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1893 References Suburbs of South Shields