PONTELAND • MILBOURNE • MEDBURN • PRESTWICK • KIRKLEY ISSUE 184 | JAN 21

FREE monthly community magazine for and district

Action taken against Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night offenders Happy New Year Hit and run driver dents pensioner’s pride and joy (and good riddance Discount scheme to help people buy their own home to 2020)

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Pont News & Views is published by Ponteland Town Council in conjunction with Ponteland Community Partnership. Inclusion of articles and advertising in Pont News & Views does not imply Ponteland Town Council’s or Ponteland Community Partnership’s endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided. If you would like to submit an article, feature or advertise contact: T. (0191) 5191306 E. [email protected] Westray, 16 Sunniside Lane, Cleadon Village, SR6 7XB.

2Produced bypont Ciannews creative&views pr email: [email protected] Canadian sport with a difference added to high school curriculum

A distinctive Canadian sport and Ponteland completing their National deliver innovative activities during these Citizenship Service Award, arranged by challenging times, for the benefit of our is being added to Ponteland the Youth Service, by organising a Family young people’s wellbeing. High School’s PE curriculum, Fun Day in Ponteland. “Usually we deliver the projects but thanks to a grant from the The event was part of a national this time, as we can’t due to Covid Community Partnership. programme providing a community restrictions but schools and some youth Kin-Ball, which was introduced in Quebec project based on “making a difference organisations can, we are being more in 1986 by PE teacher Mario Demers, in the community” helping to build creative to support our community.” confidence and self-belief and giving differs from other team games because Paul Dunn, Head of PE at Ponteland young people the chance to embark on it has three teams taking part in a match High School, added: “This will allow challenges and building skills for work and the ball is much larger with a us to develop our provision of moving and life. The young people wanted to 1.2m diameter. Ponteland High School PE and school raise money to be spent on improving sport away from a culture of traditional The International Kin-Ball Federation has activities for young people who live or are sports and introduce an alternative and been spreading across Europe and Asia educated in Ponteland. ever since, and the sport’s popularity in broader provision for activities. The Kin-Ball donation is one of a the Czech Republic has elevated it to “This is in line with our vision and core number of PCP Youth Projects running becoming their national sport. purpose for PE to ensure we teach and into spring 2021, working alongside provide all students with a range of The High School is able to include local schools and youth organisations activities and opportunities to develop this additional team game, seen as to fund creative youth activities aimed them as people and ensure they live a an interesting alternative activity for at improving young people’s wellbeing healthy active lifestyle.” students who do not engage in traditional during the Covid-19 pandemic. sports, in its curriculum following The next round of funding, made PCP Chairman Alma Dunigan said: “We funding for the Kin-Ball from Ponteland possible through the generosity of local need to help young people through Community Partnership. donations, will be at the end of January this difficult time. The partnership has when the Community Partnership will Monies were raised by a group of 16 prioritised its efforts to encourage local look at the remainder of the applications young people from Ashington, Prudhoe schools and youth organisations who can for consideration. www.ponteland-tc.gov.uk pontnews&views 3 Discount scheme to help people buy their own home A discount scheme double bedrooms, one with Ashberry Homes is building three-bedroom houses for has been launched en-suite shower room. 184 new two, three and affordable rent alongside the four-bedroom homes at homes for private sale. To be eligible for the scheme, at a new housing Church View. The first homes buyers must not be able to development just a were released for sale at the “These homes are part of an afford the property at its open development in October. attractive new development on few minutes’ drive market value price. They the edge of open countryside, from Ponteland to must also either have been Oliver Wray, Sales Manager yet there’s a range of local help househunters living in Newcastle upon Tyne for Ashberry Homes Durham, facilities conveniently close said: “There is a select who otherwise on a permanent basis for at hand and it’s just five miles at least 12 months, or have number of homes available at from the centre of Newcastle.” couldn’t afford to buy permanent employment in the a discounted rate at Church their own home. North East region. View, to help those who might For more information on otherwise be unable to afford the discount market value Eight discount market value Alternatively they must their own home to step on scheme, visit ashberryhomes. homes are being built at demonstrate an essential the property ladder. We are co.uk or call the sales team on Ashberry Homes’ Church need that they live close also constructing 22 two and 07976 205211. View, off Stamfordham to another person who Road in Westerhope. has lived permanently in They will be offered to Newcastle upon Tyne for at qualifying buyers for up to least 10 years, due to caring 70 per cent of their value responsibilities or age. as part of the affordable Buyers must also demonstrate housing provision at the that they are able to proceed development agreed with with the purchase within a Newcastle City Council. reasonable amount of time, The properties available including having a mortgage through the scheme are offer. If the discounted plots two-bedroom Oxalis semi- are sold in the future, their detached houses, which price is restricted to up to include a living/dining room, 70 per cent of their open A computer-generated image of The Oxalis house-type at Ashberry Homes’ a separate kitchen, and two market value. Church View.

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4 pontnews&views email: [email protected] Family’s anger as pensioner’s car damaged by hit and run driver The family of an away from the car an hour. the person responsible to studying CCTV, but no come forward: “So annoying; images of the collision have “Mum has had the car for elderly widow whose I have also had to foot the many years – it has hardly been found. The car has beloved car was bill for such an incident, it’s done any mileage and is been booked in for repair at sickening. Hope whoever damaged in a hit and a local garage. immaculate. It really is her it is does eventually do the run style collision pride and joy. But because right thing.” If anyone has dash cam have slammed the of its age, if she made an footage or saw what driver responsible, insurance claim it would just The incident has been reported to police and local happened they can contact saying they must be written off as the damage Pont News Dec 20.qxp_Pont News 09/12/2020 16:33 Page 1 is estimated to be around businesses have been Fiona on 07523 216722. have known what £300 to £400. happened. “She is absolutely furious that Social Distancing doesn’t mean Norma Hall, 76, was making someone would do that and a rare trip out during the not even leave a note. I would your family should sound distant current lockdown restrictions imagine there will be damage to visit the dentist and and red paint on the front opticians in Darras Hall when driver’s side of their car.” the incident happened. Fiona’s anger and disbelief The mother-of-two and was echoed by local people grandmother-of-two returned commenting on the Darras Hearing family and f to her Peugeot 106 to find the Hall Facebook group, where riends is more important than ever. The latest hearing aid technology front nearside wing had been she had posted an appeal for is designed to make hearing your loved ones crashed into. No note had witnesses. easier, even when socially distancing. been left with the offending Ideal style One correspondent wrote: To find out how you can benefit from the driver’s details. latest hearing aid technology, call now to book when wearing “That’s ridiculous. Sorry to your Hearing Assessment and demonstration.* facemasks It had been parked outside see that. Some people can’t Dobson’s Estate Agents on park to save their lives and For your safety and peace of mind: Broadway between 3.45pm to cause such a dent and not All customers are screened for COVID symptoms and temperature and 4.45pm on Tuesday leave a note is unacceptable.” checked. Hand sanitiser is provided. Appropriate PPE is provided. December 8th. 2m social distance is maintained where possible throughout your appointment. Appointment times are staggered. Additional Another added: “That ‘Sanitising time’ is allocated after each face to face appointment. Norma, of Darras Hall, said: “I is dreadful, somebody am extremely annoyed – no should be hanging their one could have done this head in shame!” without realising.” Lisa Graham A third agreed, writing: HEARINGCARE Daughter Fiona Price added: “Absolutely disgusting that Croft & Graves Optometrists: Whickham Pharmacy: “Like most people at the whoever’s responsible for Hill Street, Corbridge, NE45 5AA 32 Front Street, Whickham, NE16 4DT moment, mum is barely going Tel: 01434 213 632 Tel: 0191 486 2488 this chose to ignore it and out at all. She just needed to [email protected] • www.lisagrahamhearingcare.co.uk drive away.” visit the dentist and opticians *Full hearing assessment and demonstration is £75, refundable against hearing aid purchase. In addition, a £20 Peace of Mind surcharge applies to all face to face appointments. on Broadway and was only While another appealed for www.ponteland-tc.gov.uk pontnews&views 5 Action taken against Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night offenders PC Tom Ward, Ponteland Neighbourhood Police Officer

In last month’s column we covered a number of incidents that had occurred over Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night. These resulted in damage across our community among other issues and disorder. Through the cooperation with members of the public and other police enquiries positive action has since been taken against those responsible. We would again like to thank those who got in touch with us, and to stress that this was a vital contribution to our enquiries.

Darker nights – road awareness As the darker nights come in we would like to encourage our readers to ensure they remain aware of changing road and weather conditions. This applies to all drivers, cyclists and joggers who use our roads during the winter months. I would like to encourage readers to conduct the appropriate checks on their vehicles prior to use, and to be aware of the impact the environment can have whilst using our roads. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions we have seen an increase in those exercising across Ponteland outdoors; whether this be running or cycling. I would encourage those who do to be mindful of low light levels and to use the appropriate high visibility clothing/equipment to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

Speeding vehicles – you said, we listened I and other members of our team have recently received training in the use of speed detection devices that will allow us to take appropriate action against those who endanger sabatinis.co.uk themselves, our community and other road users. Over the 0191 2614415 coming weeks we will be proactively using our training to take action against offenders and to further educate our community on the risks associated with improper driving.

Parking - a careful reminder Our team would like to encourage those who are going about the school run or commuting at busy times to be considerate around the placement of vehicles in and around schools. This fratelliponteland.co.uk is in the interests of ensuring that our vital highways and roads 01661 872195 do not become obstructed, and that local residents are able to receive key services. This also will ensure that pedestrians are able to view all necessary areas of the road, and therefore navigate them more safely on foot.

How to get in touch Readers can get in touch through 101 or web submission by visiting northumbria.police.uk. If your call is of an emergency nature this should always be done through 999. You may also speak with our team by emailing northernprudhoenptmailbox@ signornewcastle.co.uk northumbria.pnn.police.uk. You can also provide information 0191 2614415 anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.

6 pontnews&views email: [email protected] New Deputy Chief Fire Officer appointed

Northumberland has a new and have already started to develop some thinking in collaboration with the deputy chief fire officer. Service Leadership Team. Graeme Binning, from Stirling, joins “I’m also looking forward to being part Fire and Rescue Service of Northumberland County Council and from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service working with our partners to support the where he was Area Manager/Local delivery of an excellent service to our Senior Officer for East Renfrewshire, communities and residents.” Renfrewshire and Inverclyde. Chief Fire Officer Paul Hedley added: In this role he was responsible for “Graeme will be a tremendous addition the delivery of the Fire and Rescue as we continue to push forward on Service across three local authority our improvement plans and bring real areas covering a population of 350,000 innovation to the services we deliver for incorporating seven wholetime stations our communities and partnerships. and four retained duty system stations. “In the short time he has been with us Graeme said: “I am delighted to be he has already impressed everyone joining Northumberland Fire and Rescue with his passion and commitment to Service and I'm looking forward to getting Northumberland. I’m really excited about to know my new service and everyone how he will work with all of our staff and working within it. colleagues at Northumberland County “Having been with NFRS for only one Council to shape and influence the future week, I have had a really warm welcome of NFRS.”

ADVERTISING FEATURE Why emotional health is key to your quality of life By David Lamb In my column last month, I suggested the most important factor in a balanced lifestyle is physical health. The second is emotional health.

People who are emotionally healthy work-related stress, which can then without having to work for long hours have greater control of their thoughts, contribute to conditions such as in a stressful environment. I have seen feelings and behaviours and are more anxiety or depression. many clients relieved that they can able to cope with life challenges. walk away from jobs they hate. Many people worry about money and They keep problems in perspective one of the most common reasons Being financially well organised can and bounce back from setbacks and why couples argue is money. These relieve a lot of money worries. I tell my they feel good about themselves and arguments are rarely about having clients that with an ongoing financial have good relationships (more on too much money! plan they only need to worry about relationships in my next column). As a financial planner, I see a lot of money for three or four hours a year, Poor physical health can lead to an people – usually business owners as part of their annual review. After increased risk of developing mental and members of the professions – that, they can spend the rest of the health problems and, similarly, poor who are working far too hard for year focusing on what’s important, emotional health can negatively many reasons, but quite often knowing that the financial aspect of impact on physical health leading into because they think they need more their lives being well managed. an increased risk of some conditions, and more money. One of the best parts of my job is such as heart attacks. In many cases, this is a fallacy. When being able to tell people when they Common causes of poor they know how much is ‘enough’ can stop doing the things that don’t emotional health are stress of work they can often ease off, get a better want to do and start doing things they and money worries. lifestyle, and lose a lot of their stress do want to do. and money worries. Work-related stress is often caused Do not let work-related stress and by demands at work that exceed Financial planning can help work- money worries affect your emotional how much an employee can cope related stress by identifying how health. Remember: the quality of your with; more than 11 million working much a person needs to earn to life is often a direct result of the quality days are lost each year because of give them the lifestyle that they want of your emotional health.

www.ponteland-tc.gov.uk pontnews&views 7 Vanloads of Christmas hampers donated to needy families by generous students After providing a tonne of help for needy families with 70 crates of supplies for Newcastle West End Foodbank in November, Ponteland High School students have now donated more than a vanload of Christmas hampers.

Pupils from each tutor group Headteacher Kieran McGrane in the school were tasked with said: “The kindness, providing food and presents generosity and thoughtfulness for an individually decorated of our students and staff will make a substantial difference Northumbria Kitchens hamper with a festive theme. But staff say they have to a large number of people, been “blown away” by their at what can be a difficult time generosity and creativity. of year. North East On December 11th the “This year the hampers have been just outstanding; a lot  # /.'$/(* ./, ( /,' (%,+/*" Christmas hampers were collected by officers from of work had gone into the Award Winners 2020 decoration and it is brilliant (+! .#"'*.&#&# ,.+$+,.&/) #,( *" the Early Help Team - South that the students and staff are East/Central, Wellbeing & !(+-#.+#0! -.(# *"1*#-'"# showing their compassion in With more than 25 years' experience, Northumbria Kitchens offers a Community Health Services a practical way for others less Group (Children's Services) range of styles to meet your personal taste. Our award-winning in-house fortunate than themselves.” at Northumberland County designer takes inspiration from distinguished periods in English history, Council and Domestic incorporating bespoke handmade beautiful cabinets made from the Abuse Support Service Northumberland - Places for finest quality materials. People Living+. They were distributed to local Telephone 01830 540048 people in need in the run up Email [email protected] to Christmas.     The ladies from www.northumbriakitchens.com Northumberland’s Children Services had to do a return Stone Barn, Kirkharle Courtyard, Northumberland, NE19 2PE trip as they couldn't fit Showroom 9 miles north of Ponteland A696 000 #(- 10++"( *" /,' (-!+) everything in one van load

        and the lady from Places for . # '*$+ #(- 10++"( *" /,' (-!+) People was left in tears at the Approved supplier of the Laura Ashley Kitchen Collection generosity of the students. 8 pontnews&views email: [email protected] Northumbria Kitchens North East Award Winners 2020 With more than 25 years' experience, Northumbria Kitchens offers a range of styles to meet your personal taste. Our award-winning in-house designer takes inspiration from distinguished periods in English history, incorporating bespoke handmade beautiful cabinets made from the finest quality materials.

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Approved supplier of the Laura Ashley Kitchen Collection www.ponteland-tc.gov.uk pontnews&views 9 Your letters

Anger at vandalism at a new play area and a call for a wide berth from panting runners in this month’s letters…

New play area vandalised within a fortnight of opening In the company of my young granddaughter, we visited the new play park located near Henry’s Hut at the new school/leisure site. We discovered that one of the see-saw seats in the park had been gouged out by some mindless individual (see photo opposite). I do wonder whether the person responsible has considered his/ her actions in this act of wanton vandalism? A new facility to compliment the new school/leisure building and vandalised within two weeks of opening. Would it be too much to ask that we could enjoy the new facilities Can panting runners give less mobile without somebody destroying them? pavement users a wide berth? Alan Mee North Road, Ponteland. I’ve never had the need to write in before, but I feel quite strongly about this matter. As the winter is closing in and Covid seems to be spreading at an alarming rate it’s really important that we all feel able to use the public pathways without fear, especially the old and infirm. This is an appeal to all the people who run in and around the estate. It’s fabulous to see you all active and trying to stay fit and healthy. However, could you please all try to be a little bit more considerate to other pavement users during these Covid times? No fuss, plain The number of times I have had to cross the road or throw myself into a bush to try and avoid a panting runner this past week is unbelievable. English wills, Not everyone is mobile enough to be able to cross the road and I think we all have a duty to try and keep each other safe. Simply crossing the road or taking a wider berth around written by walkers (especially if you are not wearing a mask) means we can all use the paths safely and without fear. experts Chantel Noel Darras Road, Darras Hall • Single or mirror wills • Trusts • Lasting power of attorney • Estate planning February issue deadlines: The deadline for all copy and adverts for the • Severance of tenancy • Funeral plans February issue is Monday January 18th. Door to door distribution will be from Monday February 1st to Friday February 5th. Businesses should be aware that all bookings for advertisements must be paid in full by the deadline to FOR ALL YOUR ESTATE ensure placement in the February issue. Please visit ponteland-tc.gov.uk/ PLANNING NEEDS, CONTACT: pont-news-and-views for online issues and all updates.

[email protected] Letters on all issues are welcomed by Pont News & Views 07788 710953 but the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of thewillguys.co.uk the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to amend any submitted letters for legal or other reasons. All letters submitted should include the writer’s name and address.

10 pontnews&views email: [email protected] Ponteland U3A What’s on... Due to the current situation we cannot meet at St Mary’s Parish Centre until it is safe to do so. However, thanks to Zoom we are Virtual talks by Ponteland Senior able to give our monthly talks on the first Northumberland Archive Gentleman’s Club Wednesday of each month at 2pm. These Northumberland Archives are being brought As the lockdown drags on with no prospect talks are available for members and non- to life in a series of free online talks hosted of us being able to resume meetings in the members alike. Apologies to those members by staff from the archives and library teams. Memorial Hall, we have decided to hold who do not have internet access but we can The virtual sessions, funded by a £48,000 online Zoom meetings at our usual meeting only hope that the situation changes before times – the second Monday of every month grant from the Government’s Culture too long. The contact number for information at 2.30pm. These will take the form of a Recovery Fund, continue with a talk on on Ponteland u3a is (01661) 824953. In the short talk followed by an opportunity to Thursday January 7th by Berwick Archivist meantime keep safe and well. ask questions and to chat. As with our Linda Bankier entitled ‘Evidence of Women normal meetings, we will welcome senior and their Lives in the Berwick Archives’. gentlemen as guests. Enquiries to Ponteland Rotary Archivist Sarah Littlefear will then talk [email protected]. Rotarians in Ponteland are holding their about ‘The Butler Family of Ewart Park’ on meetings online using Zoom every two weeks Thursday January 21st. To book a place on Ponteland Village WI on a Tuesday morning. Visit rotary-ribi.org/ the talks visit eventbrite.co.uk and search for With Covid set to dominate our lives for some clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=155 Northumberland Archives. time to come, Ponteland Village WI is busy making plans for lots of virtual meetings. Three ladies of A Zoom craft evening in December was Ponteland Community Northumberland - Mrs very popular and a series of Zoom coffee Partnership mornings have been held and more are The partnership continues to work for the Montagu, Emily Wilding planned for 2021 plus evenings with speakers benefit of the community, but because and teach-ins. The book club has been Davison and Nancy Spain of Covid-19 distancing restrictions, it is meeting monthly on Zoom plus the Cycling A talk on Zoom by Freda Thompson at holding virtual meetings via Zoom. All for Softies and Walking Group have met 6.30pm on Thursday January 21st. Members when restrictions have allowed. A monthly residents are invited to view its activities and guests welcome. If you would like to join newsletter has helped members to stay in on its website, where many facets of the presentation on Thursday 21st January touch and share experiences. For updates, its work may be of interest Comments please register your interest by emailing: email [email protected] or and ideas are always welcomed. Visit [email protected] find us on Facebook. pontelandcommunitypartnership.co.uk

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www.ponteland-tc.gov.uk pontnews&views 11 Views sought on county council's draft budget plans

People living across Northumberland are being invited to have their say on the county council’s draft budget proposals for the next financial year.

A cornerstone of the plans Council Leader Glen Covid has brought to many “We always knew the will be a focus on economic Sanderson (pictured) said: people and how saving a financial context was going to recovery after a challenging “The global Covid pandemic few pounds can make a be challenging this year - as financial year, with significant has presented profound real difference. well as into the future - and budget pressures due to challenges for us all this this is where we’d like you to “Like many other councils increased demand in adult year – not least the way we have your say. our proposed Council Tax and children's social care, communicate with residents special educational needs and that’s why we’re doing increase will be 1.99%, “We’ve always prided and disability services, things a little differently. we're splitting the Adult ourselves as being a council Social Care Precept over two that listens to its residents so as well as the impact of “Councils, including ours, years – with an increase of that's why we’ll be opening Covid-19. have been on the front line 1.75% 2021, and then 1.25% up a discussion on our Savings of £8.3m have of responding to Covid, the following year. budget proposals. been identified to balance adapting quickly to keep the budget for 2021-22 vital services operating, “So while facing extra “It will be a genuine but over the coming supporting our schools demand for services we're consultation on the years there will also be a to stay open throughout, looking to keep the rise to a challenges we face, and an significant push on helping and protecting the most minimum and continuing our opportunity for people to let vulnerable people in our Northumberland to recover ambitious capital investment us know how they’d prioritise communities. and grow economically, with to regenerate the county and the services we deliver. an emphasis on delivering a Nick Oliver, Cabinet Member bring jobs.” “We’ll be gathering all green and sustainable future for Corporate Resources Coun Sanderson continued: this information together for the county. added: “It’s with this in “Whilst this year has been mind we welcomed the which will help us make From Thursday tough, we have continued to Comprehensive Spending some key decisions.” December 10th until develop plans for economic Review last month where January 21st people recovery and progressed The Council’s budget local authorities were given can go to haveyoursay. delivery of investment in consultation runs for six more flexibility around setting northumberland.gov.uk and the county’s infrastructure – weeks until January 21st Council Tax. give their views on a wide from new schools to leisure and will go before Full range of issues. "We know the hardship that centres and improving roads. Council in February.

Ponteland student gets ATP call-up

Ponteland High School’s Marcus Jeffery got a Boost call-up to support the ATP Tennis Finals at the your child’s O2 Arena in London. confidence For the Year 12 student, an excellent competitive tennis player himself, was chosen as a ball boy at this event for the second year running. Liz Burrin The ATP is the second highest tier of annual men's tennis Kumon Instructor 07765 051136 tournaments after the four Grand Slam tournaments. A week- long event, the tournament is held annually each November at #KumonKidsCanStudyAtHome the O2 Arena in London, . In 2021 it will move to Turin, Italy.

12 pontnews&views email: [email protected] Luxury kitchen and Home to some of the world’s most exclusive kitchen and bathroom products, Stonebridge Interiors offer a full bespoke bathroom showroom kitchen and bathroom design and installation service opens in Ponteland to customers across the North of and Southern Scotland.

Many of the leading brands stocked by the new showroom are exclusive to Stonebridge in this region.

The bathroom side is headed up by Armani-Roca, with other premium brands such as Matki, Kaldewei, Swadling Brassware and Silverdale Bathrooms.

To complement our partnership with Stoneham, the kitchen manufacturer which has held the Royal Warrant since 1995, Stonebridge work with Miele, BORA, Buster & Punch, Spekva and many more carefully selected brands.

Perfection by design

19 Main St, Ponteland, NE20 9NH [email protected] stonebridgeinteriors.com 01661 520251 www.ponteland-tc.gov.uk pontnews&views 13 Be a reading hero Get those knitting this winter with needles and Northumberland Libraries crochet hooks out

Young bookworms are being invited to Following the popularity of the giant join a national winter poppies displayed in the village to reading challenge mark Remembrance Week, Ponteland with Northumberland Town Council is making plans to Libraries. create three more for other areas for 2021 and is asking people to start The Winter Mini Reading knitting or crocheting poppies again. Challenge aims to help children discover the pleasure of reading More than 2,000 poppies will be needed so the over the Christmas holidays. Council is asking people to start now. They can sign up online at Coun Karen Overbury, who helps to organise wintermini.org.uk and set Remembrance events in the village, said: “Due themselves a reading challenge to concerns over the Covid pandemic and - the recommended number is Government restrictions, many people are staying in their homes a lot more than usual. Also, the dark three books - and post a review Northumberland Libraries will also days and winter weather are keeping us all inside a of the books they read on the be sharing lots of fun activities lot more. challenge website. and book recommendations on This year The Reading Agency their Facebook page. “So this is a good time to get out those knitting needles and crochet hooks to make poppies for the has teamed up with children’s Children and families can use the people of Ponteland to enjoy. publisher “Knights Of” to bring Select and Collect service, which you the Everyone Is A Hero is available at most libraries, to “Many people felt the giant poppies were an reading challenge, where they will select their favourite books or they impressive and fitting tribute to the fallen of the meet characters from Knights and can access them online via the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts, and Bikes, High-Rise Mystery, and the digital library. we would like to make more for other areas of Run series. the village. Having seen the splendid displays, Children can also collect a we are sure that even more people will want to The challenge runs from Christmas Activity Bag from their get involved.” December 1 to January 15. local library which will contain There will be a host of fun lucky dip Christmas books, a The Town Council has patterns on its website and activities, videos and reading craft activity booklet and other supplies of wool which are available for collection recommendations, plus an surprises subject to availability. by appointment or which can be posted out. For exciting competition on the Please call your library ahead or more information, visit ponteland-tc.gov.uk or tel challenge website. book online via Select & Collect. (01661) 825092 Mon to Thurs 9.30am-1pm. Happy New Year!

For those of you who may not have been able to get out to see the fantastic seasonal lights in the village during Christmas we have a stunning cover shot for the January issue courtesy of Colin Morgan Photography/Ponteland Print & Publishing. We hope you enjoy it.

14 pontnews&views email: [email protected] ADVERTISING FEATURE Early Years provision in Pele Trust schools

Choosing the right school for the start of your child’s education is one of the most important decisions for a parent. We are confident that in choosing a Pele Trust primary school you are choosing excellence.

Why start your child’s journey through school in a Pele Trust primary school?

All five of our primary schools have years of experience in Early Years and have well developed provision that includes highly trained and experienced sta‰. Our schools work closely together and support one another to share the best of what through expansive speech. We recognise the we do to ensure outstanding outcomes for pupils. importance of well planned language development for social learning and communication, forming an We recognise the importance of building on the excellent foundation for future success. Our natural curiosity of children. Therefore in each of our curriculum provides no limits or barriers, but instead schools pupils are given the opportunity to explore, promotes a love of learning and a willingness to investigate, problem solve, discover and experiment succeed where children consistently keep on trying, to support their learning. This is done within safe, showing motivation and high levels of self control. orderly, warm and encouraging environments. Please contact individual schools to discuss their High quality interactions with well trained adults provision and see which of our schools will best ensure that pupils develop e‰ective communication meet your child’s needs.

Deadline for applications is 15 January 2021.

www.ponteland-tc.gov.uk pontnews&views 15 Registered address: Callerton Lane, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE20 9EY. A charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (company number: 11395017). WE HAVE EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR THOSE WORKING WITHIN THE NHS - CALL FOR MORE DETAILS

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