PONTELAND • MILBOURNE • MEDBURN • PRESTWICK • KIRKLEY ISSUE 150 | MAR 18

FREE monthly community magazine for and district 150 th issue

Ancient landmark inspires new schools trust School secures New service to give OAPs a breath of fresh air Premier League Second Britain in Bloom call-up for Ponteland trophy www.pontelandtowncouncil.co.uk pontnews&views 1 Agents for Golden Charter Pre-Need Planning

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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. Produced by Cian creative pr Elusive trophy finally comes to the North East

It has evaded Newcastle United for 25 years, but children at a Ponteland school saw the Premier League trophy face to face thanks to a generous local business. Glenda Toft, whose Toon-supporting husband Noel is MD of Meadowfield Industrial Estate based street lighting manufacturer Tofco, won the prize at a charity auction of the trophy being brought to a venue of your choice for the day. She decided to donate the unique experience, following her winning bid at the Foundation charity ball held at Gateshead’s Hilton Hotel, to Ponteland Community Middle School, where her niece Freya Thompson, 10, is a pupil. The school also won a set of 18 bespoke designed Nike football strips and all pupils had their photo taken with the trophy, amid tight security. Hopefully the trophy will one day return to the North East! Glenda and Noel Toft, and children from PCMS, are pictured with the trophy. Photos by The Image Farm. www.pontelandtowncouncil.co.uk pontnews&views 3 Dog waste reports on the rise

By PC Darren Fisher and PC Ingrid Clayton

There have been 36 crimes recorded during the potential sanction is being barred from entering premises period from January 15th to February 12th for associated with the scheme for a period of time ranging from Ponteland and the surrounding area: three to 12 months. • Child grooming – one Community engagement • Sex offence female under 16 – one The Neighbourhood Policing team has been making regular visits to Ponteland Community Middle School. The emphasis • Import of a controlled drug – one has been on speaking to the Year 7 and Year 8 students • Section 47 assault – one to promote a positive relationship between the police and • Common assault – three students, with discussions encouraged through questions and answers. The children used their imagination to ask questions • Stalking – one which ranged from ‘which celebrity would you like to be on • Malicious communications – three a desert island with’ to the latest technological advances we could use to support us in our day to day role. • Public Order – four • Burglary dwelling – one Pupils were also shown policing equipment and techniques, including handcuffs and limb restraints and enjoyed taking • Theft of motor vehicle – two part in role playing scenarios of being arrested and taken into • Theft from motor vehicle – one custody. The sessions were informative and fun; we received positive feedback from both staff and students and hope to • Theft shoplifting – two continue developing this form of community engagement. • Theft other – six If you have any information regarding the above or any • Theft from person – two other incidents: • Damage to dwelling – one Email [email protected] Call 101. • Damage to motor vehicle – four • Damage other – two. 15% discount on presentation of this advert Dog waste There has been recent information passed by members of the local community about the increase in dog waste, especially Traditional 'full' English around Thornhill Road and Thornhill Park. Please could dog menu served every walkers act responsibly and remove any waste appropriately. lunchtime and evening

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www.pontelandtowncouncil.co.uk pontnews&views 5 150 not out! Landmark issue for magazine

2051490_Pont News Issue 1 18/10/05 08:36 Page 1 802085_PNV Iss37 25/9/08 08:49 Page 1 Issue 37 October 2008 Issue 1 October 2005 ISSUE 55 | APRIL 10 ISSUE 67 | APR 11 ISSUE 96 | SEPT 13 KIRKLEY KIRKLEY ISSUE | JULY 12 KIRKLEY PRESTWICK • PRESTWICK • • KIRKLEY PRESTWICK • MEDBURN • MEDBURN • • PRESTWICK MEDBURN • • MILBOURNE • • MILBOURNE • • MEDBURN • MILBOURNE • PONTELAND PONTELAND • MILBOURNE PONTELAND ew PONTELAND n &views &views tnews FREE monthly community magazine for Ponteland and district FREE monthly community magazine for Ponteland and district FREE monthly community magazine for Ponteland and district news FREE monthly community magazine for Ponteland and district n FREE monthly magazine for Ponteland and district pont FREE monthly magazine for Pontelandp and odistrict • KIRKLEY • KIRKLEY • PRESTWICK • PRESTWICK • MEDBURN • MEDBURN • MILBOURNE • MILBOURNE PONTELAND PONTELAND Inside this month's issue:

All set for February opening Masterplan for a for new health centre Jean, centre, pictured at the Stock Transfer Project Board meeting at Lynemouthnew Resource Centre withPonteland (left to ri Consultation launched on ambitious redevelopment plans The study team will assess the Work set to start on new £6m first school eople living and potential for redevelopment, in working in the terms of new housing, shopping, P leisure and commercial facilities. Ponteland area are being offered the chance to This will be complemented with influence ambitious schemes to improve the quality plans for a major of the environment. It is expected that this will result in redevelopment of the major new financial investment Aerial view of Ponteland village. in the village, predominantly for sale from the private sector. Consultants Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners have been Issues that have been identified appointed by Ponteland to date that the strategy will Regeneration Working Group, seek to address include: Merton funded by Castle Morpeth Way Shopping Centre, Borough Council and Meadowfield Industrial Estate, Northumberland County traffic congestion, quality and Council, to conduct a feasibility location of parking, limited Darras gardeners and study into the potential for range of shops and pedestrian village centre both housing, shopping, leisure and access. blooming marvellous New flood defence commercial redevelopment. Get prepared for the next flood... An initial community meeting Massed ranks Anger as Darras shopping scheme planned Animal attractionrost reception for housing Ponteland’s ‘A team’ off Floral arts festival was held on 7 October, where a uilee celeratios The Regeneration Strategy they Environment Agency warning as it calls publiccentre meeting revamp shelved developers at consultation da to top universities are drawing up will set out a number of suggestions were Ponteland Market Plus...your photos of last month's deluge Anxious wait for ruling raises £5,500 for bold vision for the village centre made on how the village could Jan’s 1910 NUFC FA Cup photos force O2 goesU-turn weekly Airport expansion plans be redeveloped. on bar bistro plan go off it a ag up to 2021, which is capable of in Theatre Royal exhibition to open at Kirkley could create 2,200 jobs being delivered. Introducing your new beat bobby Police warning over good causes Introducing your new beat bobby Full list of Easter churchFull list services of Easter Organisers prepare for Travelling burglars and bogus officials Full story: Page 4 church services duck races and flower show Village celebrates In Bloom silver gilt arsonists target Ponteland

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150 not out! Bringing you the news every month since 2005. Twelve-and-a-half years on from its launch, your community magazine Pont News & But it is your magazine, so we decided to celebrate the landmark 150th issue by asking community Views has reached 150 not out! leaders, local businesses and correspondents what they thought. This is what they said… It has been published and parish enjoys, including delivered free to nearly 5,000 the Party in the Park, Duck “Ponteland is a vibrant community and Pont News homes and businesses Race, Wheelbarrow Race provides a vital service in informing people of local events, across Ponteland parish and Flower Show, give organisations, businesses and individual successes. every month since our first us plenty of photographic Congratulations on the 150th issue and I look forward to edition back in October 2005. opportunities. many more.” The not-for-profit publication, Successful community Guy Opperman MP which is fully funded by campaigns we have featured advertising, was launched include opposition to plans to “At Higgins & Winter we are huge fans of Pont News – by the former Ponteland build a phone mast outside both as readers and advertisers. As a reader it keeps us Parish Council and Ponteland the former Darras Hall First up to date with local news; as an advertiser it places us Community Partnership School in 2010 and the high at the heart of the community. We believe in providing to replace the monthly profile protest against green personalised dental care within this community so this Neighbourhood Watch belt development at Birney couldn’t be more important. Thanks Pont News and keep bulletin and the Council’s Hill between 2013 and 2015. up the good work.” quarterly newsletter. Kevin Higgins, Higgins & Winter Dental Practice In recent years we have The very first issue was just retained the popular letters “Ponteland Repertory Society has had tremendous support eight pages and included page, what’s on guide over the years from the locally distributed Pont News & articles on work starting and police column, but Views which gives local people a very interesting and on the new first school, with increased advertising informative read every month and has no doubt expanded progress on the build of a have had the space to add audiences for amateur theatre in the village.” new health centre, the start in-depth features on the Lesley Eltringham, Ponteland Repertory Society of consultation on a village major issues affecting the centre regeneration blueprint parish including education “Since arriving as Headteacher of Ponteland High School and our first what’s on guide. reorganisation and key in September 2012 I have found Pont News & Views to developments including Since then we have be an essential read. It is a superb way of picking up the new £46m schools and covered all the major events information from across the local community. PNV has leisure scheme. and issues to affect the also been a wonderful advocate for schools within the parish, from the flooding You can also find the latest Ponteland area as well as enabling our school to share in September 2008 to the issue and back copies going many of the excellent accomplishments and experiences of Diamond Jubilee celebrations back five years online on our students.” in June 2012. the Town Council website at Kieran McGrane, Headteacher Ponteland ponteland-tc.gov.uk/pont- Community High School The wide variety of news-and-views community events the

6 pontnews&views email: [email protected] “I think Pont News & Views is the lead pillar for “I’d say that Pont News & Views reaches a wide range of communications in the Ponteland area. It arrives free at people, both young and old, across urban and rural areas. our doorstep every month. It is colourful, punchy, full of Advertising in PNV has definitely helped grow my business both news and views. It keeps everyone up to date with and has proved a very cost effective way of reaching what is happening in our parish. At Ponteland Rotary Club local customers as well as those from outlying areas. we like to think we work closely with the community in Congratulations on your 150th issue and best of luck Ponteland. We certainly value the support that we receive. going forward.” However, if we want to get some news or update to the Tim Irwin, Kirkley Café & Cycles people of the village then Pont News & Views is our first port of call. Congratulations Pont News on achieving your 150th edition. Alan Hall, Senior Vice-President Rotary Club of Ponteland

“Pont News & Views has been a very welcome local publication started by Chris in 2005 and it is the only publication to focus on Ponteland parish. The local newspapers also cover Ponteland, rather erratically, but over the years they have covered less and charged more and sometimes they have no contribution to make. My contribution to PNV is the result of being ‘nebby’ or curious and wanting to find out more about anyone or anything, and I have contacted many people through its pages. PNV provides me with a regular platform to do this and I can share any results.” Muriel Sobo, local author and regular contributor

“There are not many publications that reach 150 editions We always welcome suggestions for improvements and congratulations to PNV on reaching that milestone. I to the magazine – please send your ideas to Editor like PNV because it gets the message out about life in the Chris Jennings at [email protected] or Ponteland area. It strives to be unbiased and politically write to Pont News & Views, 16 Sunniside Lane, neutral and altogether, it is a great read about our locality.” Cleadon Village, SR6 7XB or call (0191) 5191306. Carl Rawlings, former Mayor of Ponteland

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A new trust which will manage six schools including a new £46m combined high, primary and leisure facility is to be named after an old Ponteland landmark.

The schools that plan to form the schools and will have a the Multi Academy Trust dedicated finance, HR and have appointed its board administration team which of directors and revealed would free up more time for the organisation is to be headteachers and senior staff called Pele Trust – a nod to to focus on the education and Ponteland’s 14th century care of our children. Pele Tower. “We are delighted at the The proposed MAT will calibre and experience of our see Ponteland High and board of directors, and look Ponteland Primary School forward to their involvement in operate under Pele Trust our future plans.” along with four primary Guy Opperman, MP for schools in the surrounding , added: “I am area - Darras Hall, Belsay, delighted to support the Heddon St Andrew’s CofE formation of the Pele Trust, and Richard Coates CofE. which brings together six The four former first schools good and outstanding and the middle school schools in the Ponteland became primary schools area who have chosen to last September but will see join together to share their their Year 5, 6 and 7 pupils experience and expertise with remain in their care until they the aim of further improving can join the new-build primary educational outcomes for and secondary site opening young people in the area. I in 2019. wish everyone involved the very best for the future.” Ponteland Community Middle School is now managed by a Northumberland County separate trust independent of Council recently gave the the local education authority, green light for the £46m so will not be part of the MAT scheme to house a brand- or the new-build. new school, leisure centre and library on the site of the Pele Trust was granted old Ponteland Leisure Centre. an Academy Order by the Department of Education Work was expected to begin last October and expects a in late February on the site, decision on its conversion to providing the Government’s Multi Academy Trust status in National Planning Casework the summer term. Unit confirmed the plans will not be called in by the It has appointed a board of Secretary of State. directors in preparation for becoming fully operational Ponteland High School and later this year. They are led by Ponteland Primary School Chair of the Board Gerry Miller plan to move all pupils onto and include representatives the site in September 2019. from the education sector, Darras Hall Primary School business, Church of will see its new school and the local community. buildings open in time for the September 2018 term Ponteland High School and Heddon St Andrew’s headteacher and CofE Primary School and spokesperson for Pele Belsay Primary have both had Trust, Kieran McGrane, said: recent extensions as part of “Pele Trust is effectively Pictured (front) are: Guy Opperman MP and Northumberland County Council each school’s building and the business that will run Leader Peter Jackson with headteachers Clare Cantwell; Heather Cape; Kieran refurbishment plans. McGrane; Lynn Blain; Victoria Parr and Andrew Wheatley.

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www.pontelandtowncouncil.co.uk pontnews&views 9 Your letters

Messy moles and dogs cause concern in this month’s letters…

New resident’s message to inconsiderate motorists and dog owners I have recently moved to Darras Hall and while I absolutely love the area I am rather concerned as to the speed at which vehicles travel around the estate. It is clearly marked as a 30mph limit; however there are vehicles that travel well in excess of that - not only on the two main roads of Darras Road and Middle Drive but down cul-de-sacs too. Pest controllers needed to tackle park moles I have two young children who regularly play outside on their I attach a picture of Ponteland Park taken this morning bikes and scooters and it is such a shame that I am unable to which is being destroyed, presumably by moles (or people let them play unsupervised as I am worried about this. who got metal detectors for Christmas). Please can motorists note the estate is subject to a 30mph If you could put out a request for volunteers skilled in the limit and off the main roads a speed of 20mph should ideally arcade whack-a-mole game, I’d happily provide a few mallets be adhered to, given there are children playing. This reckless and video them sorting out the problem. driving is spoiling our enjoyment of the estate. Steve Eglon I also wanted to highlight that someone is allowing their dog to Western Way, Darras Hall foul on the path all the way from the shops at Merton Way up to the first schools. It is disgusting and not nice to have to step over and try to avoid it when walking up to the school with April issue deadlines: Delivery of the April issue will start on Wednesday two children. March 28th and be completed by Thursday April 5th. The deadline for all copy and adverts is Wednesday March 14th. If you are aware of any There are hundreds of parents and children who walk along missed properties please contact the editor at [email protected] or call (0191) 5191306. Businesses should be aware that all bookings for that path and no doubt many of them have walked through advertisements must be paid in full by the deadline to ensure placement in this dog mess. Please can you make dog owners aware of this the April issue. problem? The path is literally covered in dog dirt. Paul Gibson Letters on all issues are welcomed by Pont News & Views but the Westsyde, Darras Hall views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to amend any submitted letters for legal or other reasons. All letters submitted should include the Disgusting dog mess spoils village walks for many writer’s name and address. Every day my wife and I walk at least once and usually twice down the North Road into Ponteland and can’t believe the amount of dog mess. Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to After talking to other residents we have come to the conclusion it’s probably the same dog responsible. improve your child’s skills, develop their confidence and The mess doesn’t end on North Road but often continues inspire a passion for learning. through the Blackbird car park. Other areas of mess have been outside the Post Box restaurant Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment. and the exit from the lawn in front of the church. Ponteland Study Centre The owner(s) need reminding of how disgusting this is and of Liz Burrin 01661 823273 the potential penalty they face. kumon.co.uk Peter Davidson Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre. North Road, Ponteland

10 pontnews&views email: [email protected] Methodist Church Spring Concert Ponteland Methodist Church is holding a Spring Concert on Saturday March What’s on... 24th at 7pm. This year Graeme and Valerie Danby will be joined by Voces Fairtrade Fortnight Group of the University of Cumbria. Light refreshments Alpine Garden Society after the concert. Tickets costing £7 Fairtrade Fortnight events in Ponteland are available from Syd Cowan at continue with a Fairtrade Coffee Morning On Monday March 12th at 7.30pm we [email protected] or on in Merton Hall from 9.30am to 11.30am welcome Prof John Richards talking (01661) 824459 and can be reserved on Friday March 2nd and ‘Big Brew’ in St on ‘Greece Bulbs Spring and Autumn’ and paid for at the door. at Ponteland Social Club. Visitors £2. Matthew’s Hall from 10am to 12noon on Email [email protected] or visit Saturday March 10th. alpinegardensociety.net/groups/North- Embroiderers Guild Ponteland East-England or find us on Facebook. Branch Women’s World Day of On Monday March 26th we have large Prayer Service Ponteland WI scale planning with Victoria McLeod and on Monday April 23rd embroidered The Women’s World Day of Prayer Service Our speaker at 7pm on March 13th in the clock (advanced booking required) will be held in St Matthew’s RC Church lounge of Ponteland Memorial Hall is Barry Anne Hefford – both from 2pm to 4pm on the West Road on Friday March 2nd Mead with a talk and slide show ‘Whitley at the Memorial Hall. All welcome - cost Bay in old picture postcards’. Visitors at 2.30pm. Everyone is most welcome to £4. Contact Secretary Penny Ford at welcome. attend and there will be refreshments in the [email protected] or (01670) 788278. hall afterwards. Ponteland Village WI On Tuesday March 13th we are welcoming Ponteland Civic Society Ponteland Means Business Gwen Keating, a Newcastle Walking Our next meeting will be held on Monday Ponteland Means Business meets at the Tours by Green Badge Tourist Guide, March 26th at 7.30pm at Ponteland CIU Diamond Inn from 8am to 9.30am on the NewcastleGateshead. We meet on the Club (on Merton Way). This is our AGM first Tuesday of each month. Next meeting second Tuesday each month at 7.30pm in and will be followed by Mike Duffy who St Mary’s Church Hall. Contact us via email March 6th. Contact Brian Russell at will speak on some of the many aspects of at [email protected] or via Durham Cathedral. Visitors welcome - [email protected] or our Facebook page ‘PontelandVillageWI’. cost £2. on (01661) 872004.

Friends of Kirkley Hall Ponteland URC Charity Concert Ponteland Wildlife Group Members of the public are welcomed Ponteland URC is hosting a Charity At our meeting at 7.30pm on Tuesday to our monthly talks at Kirkley Hall. On Concert on Friday April 22nd in aid of March 6th in St Mary’s Hall, Thornhill Wednesday March 14th at 2pm Mark Labentara Village, Kenya, featuring popular Robson discusses Bide-a-Wee Cottage Road, Atholl Swanson will give a talk about Scottish folk duo The Quiggs and NE Gardens and Nursery. On Wednesday April accordion champion Leonard Brown. ‘The River Coquet from Source to Mouth’. 11th Lorna Tingey talks on waste recycling. Tickets costing £8 from Geoff Steven Admission £2 including refreshments. Cost: members £4 and non-members £5. Opticians, Ponteland Social Club or by Open to all. calling (01661) 824243. Ponteland Lions Club Ponteland U3A Our monthly business meeting is at Ponteland Ramblers Our meeting at 2pm on March 7th in 7.30pm on Wednesday March 14th in The Ponteland group of the Ramblers Merton Hall and our social meeting is a St. Mary’s Church Hall will feature talk Association organises group walks in charity fund meal in the New Rendezvous Northumberland and North Durham on ‘Railways to Ponteland, Darras Hall and restaurant on Monday March 26th. The alternate Sundays and two Wednesdays a beyond’ by Keith Stewart. Visitors are Charity Fund bookstall and spectacles month. Sunday walks are between seven always welcome - no charge. Visit u3asites. collection is at Waitrose on Saturday and nine miles and always involve a stop org.uk/Ponteland or call (01661) 824953. March 31st. for a picnic lunch. Wednesday walks are usually five to seven miles and sometimes offer the option of a pub lunch after the Kirkley WI Ponteland Floral Art Club walk. For more information visit Our guest speaker at 7pm on Wednesday Our next meeting is at 7pm on March ramblers.org.uk/ponteland or contact 20th in the Memorial Hall with the AGM March 7th in the Oak Room at Kirkley Steve Edwards on (01661) 886310. for members only, followed at 7.30pm Hall will be Bill Devonshire, who will talk by Vanessa Wellock from Ilkley who will about ‘Gems of British gardens’. Guests demonstrate on the theme of ‘Fabulous’. Ponteland Photographic Society welcome. Visit kirkleywiwordpress.com All welcome; fee for non-members £7. Ponteland Photographic Society meets at Merton Hall at 7.30pm every Monday in March. New members welcome. See Ponteland Senior Ponteland Community Partnership pontelandphotographicsociety.co.uk Gentlemen’s Club Come to a meeting and share your On Wednesday March 7th we have our ideas, concerns and expectations for improving the quality of life in our Ponteland Tuesday Bridge Club annual dinner and ladies’ night and at community. All welcome. We next meet We meet every Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm 2.30pm on Monday March 12th in the at Ponteland Town Council offices at 7pm September to April to play Acol Bridge in lounge of Ponteland Memorial Hall, Barry on Wednesday March 21st. Contact: the upstairs room of the Memorial Hall. Mead will talk about ‘Archeological Digs I pontelandcommunitypartnership.co.uk or Beginners to experienced welcome. Have Been On’. [email protected] Contact Mary Oldfield on (01661) 821769. www.pontelandtowncouncil.co.uk pontnews&views 11 Such love: the power of the cross By Rev’d Captain Paul Allinson, Vicar of Ponteland As a child I remember coming across crosses. The first occasion I remember well is when I would receive schoolwork back from the teacher noting alongside the ticks in green ink were crosses in red indicating all the answers I had got wrong... The second occasion was the cross my dad would put on his ‘Spot the Ball’ form in an attempt to win a cash prize, or my cross on the Treasure Island trying to do the same. Finally, I remember the crosses on letters or cards I either sent or received indicating a mark of love. On Good Friday we remember a cross † that reminds us of the wrongs we commit and also the treasure of forgiveness we are offered and the love God shows for us. This cross stands for all time as an offer of a new beginning as wrongs are righted, treasure is found and unconditional love is offered. This cross of tragedy became on Easter Day a cross of victory and the crown of thorns a crown of glory. Come with us with Christ during Holy Week and Easter on the Way of the Cross. Surrexit Christus Alleluia! Happy Easter. Churches together in Ponteland The Ponteland churches wish you a peaceful and joyous Easter

United Reformed Church, Holy Saturday March 31st St Matthew’s R.C., Ponteland Broadway, Darras Hall Easter Liturgy with renewal Good Friday Passion March 30th, 3pm Palm Sunday Service March 25th, 10am of Baptismal vows, 7pm Holy Saturday March 31st Good Friday Service March 30th, 10am Easter Sunday April 1st Easter Vigil, 5pm

Easter Sunday Communion Holy Communion, 8am Easter Sunday April 1st Mass, 10.30am April 1st, 10am Parish Eucharist, 10am Holy Saviour, Milbourne St. Mary the Virgin, Ponteland Easter Songs of Praise, 6.30pm Palm Sunday March 25th Morning Palm Sunday March 25th Prayer, 11.15am Methodist Church, Ponteland Holy Communion, 8am Easter Sunday April 1st All Age Eucharist, 10am Parade Service March 25th, 10am Holy Communion, 11.15am Evening Prayer, 6.30pm Maundy Thursday March 29th - Upper Room Communion, 7pm St Francis Xavier, Cheeseburn Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday March 26th to 28th Good Friday Service March 30th, 10am Palm Sunday March 25th Holy Mass, 8.30am Compline and Reflection 7pm Easter Sunday April 1st Easter Sunday April Holy Wednesday March 28th - Communion, 10am 1st Holy Mass, 8.30am Holy Communion, 10am Evening Worship, 6.30pm Maundy Thursday March 29th Coates Green, Ponteland Choral Communion,7pm Methodist Church, Milbourne Good Friday March 30th, 11.15am Followed by a Vigil with Compline, 9pm Good Friday Service March 30th, 7pm Raising of the Cross Good Friday March 30th Easter Sunday April 1st Holy Refreshments in the Methodist Hall after Reflections on the Cross, 10.30am Communion, 6.30pm the service.

You are warmly invited to these services

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www.pontelandtowncouncil.co.ukwww.geoffstevenandsons.co.uk pontnews&views 13 www HIGHWAYS WORKING PARTY GRANT APPLICATIONS The Highways Working Party met on January 12th and a proposal was The Council approved the annual grant application from Darras Hall agreed to use recycled green plastic picket fencing as a boundary Estate Committee for £600 towards the upkeep of the bridlepath and treatment for the new Merton Way car park scheme being carried out also agreed to release some of the grant for NCC’s Youth Service later this year. The Council also agreed a HWP suggestion to request to provide outreach work in Ponteland on Friday and Saturday the County Council consider installing yellow hatching on the mini evenings. This is on a trial basis for one month, followed by a review of roundabout at the North Road/A696 junction, following complaints effectiveness before a decision on extending the activity. about motorists blocking the roundabout and making it difficult to turn right onto the A696. The Council also considered a suggestion to rename the housing estate located off Thornhill Road as it was felt it LOCATION OF AIRFIELDS OF BRITAIN should have its own identity. The signage will be funded by the Town CONSERVATION TRUST PLAQUE Council, however the County Council advised a public consultation The Council considered various locations for the siting of the above exercise should be carried out with the residents in this area. Costs plaque. The first choice was on the grassed bank area outside of for a consultation will be obtained by the Clerk before a decision was Merton Hall. Councillors felt this was a highly visible location in the made whether to proceed. centre of Ponteland. The Clerk was asked to seek the necessary permissions to progress this installation. If this was not possible the NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL REPORT Council agreed that the reserve areas were on the wall near to the rockery on Main Street as second choice and in the Park near to the County councillor Veronica Jones reported that the budget was due to Rotary Yew tree as their third option. be agreed by the County Council on February 21st. There is currently a gap of £64m in funding and ways to resolve this were currently being examined. The capital programme will be reduced to make savings of GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATIONS £30m for the revenue budget. More information is on the NCC website Councillors agreed to delegate the organisation of suitable training at northumberland.gov.uk. Resurfacing works have been agreed at on the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) being the top of Middle Drive. Coun Jones also reported she had met with brought into effect from May 25th to the Clerk, who will report back to officers and the owner of the Broadway shops following complaints councillors. The new regs will have an impact on all parish and town about litter behind the shops. She said problems in Medburn continued councils and small organisations who hold personal data. All need to to be a cause for concern, particularly the issue of the private road at register with the Information Commissioners Office and appoint a Data The Avenue and the current situation with ongoing developments. Protection Officer. More information can be found on the ICO website at ico.org.uk EASTER TREASURE HUNT – SATURDAY MARCH 31ST The Council is holding an Easter Treasure Hunt on Easter Saturday This report is based on the minutes of the Town Council meeting held March 31stGreenThumb-ADG-424-90090-Newcastle-Advert-PRINT.pdf at 11am, starting at the main Park entrance near to 1 12/01/2016on February 14:57 14th. Waitrose. See information on page 21.

14 pontnews&views email: [email protected] Volunteers spruce up bridleway at tree planting day

A group of volunteers spent the morning planting 100 trees in the latest stage of the project to spruce up the old railway line from Rotary Way towards the Airport.

They also took part in litter picking and hand pruning along the bridleway. The work will allow extra cover to help the wildlife secure food in the form of seeds and berries and cover for nesting later in the spring and years to come. The 35 volunteers who took part represented U3A, Friends of Ponteland Park, Ponteland Town Council’s Footpath Users Group, Ponteland Community Partnership, Ponteland Greenbelt Group, Ponteland Lions, residents, 733 (Newcastle Airport) Air Cadets, Scouts and Scout Explorers. Northumberland County Council supplied the trees and later in the year will install perch benches to be positioned alongside the three where the ICI Explosives Depot was Environment Action Fund. Support also educational interpretation pedestals located, the second shows the historical came from NCC’s Countryside Officer. Prestwick Colliery daily life, while the which show local heritage along the By the end of March the side skimming third shows the original Woolsington route towards the Airport – along with of the pathway and hard core the two already positioned at Callerton Airfield. reinstatement work will be undertaken Lane and Rotary Way. The project was supported by the land by Ward Bros and around early April the Each pedestal shows our local heritage, owner Ward Bros, and the Community three perch benches will be installed at how the area depended on the existence Partnership accessed funding for the side of the educational pedestals. of the railway and the surrounding the educational pedestals from Once completed wild flowers will be natural environment. The first shows the Community Foundation - Local planted later this spring.

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N £1074 inc VAT! www.pontelandtowncouncil.co.ukGoodfellows hf PontNews.indd 1 pontnews&views09/02/2018 18:3315 Club runs recruitment drive New members A local running club which has seen it membership rise seven-fold in six years has sought for launched a fresh recruitment drive.

Ponteland Runners, which A no-commitment taster evening, footpath launched in 2005, has seen a when would-be runners can give membership of just 20 in 2012 the club a try, is being held at 7pm increase to more than 140 and is on Wednesday March 28th, with watchdog on the lookout for even more the meeting point at Ponteland new recruits. Leisure Centre car park. New members are being sought to Club chairman David Buffham A similar event last year saw 93 people attend and organisers join a group which helps maintain the said: “The club has groups for area’s footpaths. all abilities, including a regular are hoping for similar success. beginners’ course based on the There is no cost involved and The Town Council’s Footpath Committee meets those coming can join any of proven ‘Couch to 5K’ programme. twice each year at the council office to plan with the the running groups based on County Council’s Countryside Officer a series of “We pride ourselves on a friendly their pace, and including a walks to identify any problems. These can include atmosphere and it is the role of walk/jog group. broken or missing footpath signs or way markers the club’s ambassadors, working Everyone - from people who and defective stiles or gates. alongside everyone else in the can walk about three miles at a The committee then submits a short report to club, to ensure a warm welcome reasonable pace to seasoned the Town Council Clerk and remedial works are for newcomers of all abilities. runners - is welcomed. All that actioned (funds permitting) by the Countryside “So, whether you are a lapsed is needed is a pair of running or Officer. Opportunities are available, after suitable club runner, someone who has training shoes. training, for members to become involved in the restoration of the path/stile/signs for the benefit of always run alone or someone who To find out more email the community. wants to get into running for the [email protected], first time we think we have just call David Buffham on (01661) Anyone interested in joining the Footpath Committee the thing for you. And right on 820780 or look up Ponteland should email [email protected] or call your doorstep.” Runners on Facebook. (01661) 825092.

16 pontnews&views email: [email protected] spectacular WINTER SALE

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A free guide which lists groups and activities and contacts for advice on health, care and financial issues in Northumberland has been published.

The 2018 Golden Guide for about to retire or already have, find Over 50s contains details on helpful hints about enjoying it, from local activities, clubs, social and planning your finances to making networks, and carries a wealth of the most of your time. contacts for finding expert help Copies are available from: libraries; with health, care, community and Northumbria Healthcare Care money problems. teams; Age UK; Women’s Institute You can find new things to do like branches; Carers’ Northumberland; walking, wildlife and gardening Healthwatch; Royal Voluntary groups, take up woodwork, singing Service; Alzheimer’s Society; British or sport, or make extra cash by Red Cross; Citizens Advice; Golden starting a business—as many over Age Forum; Practice Nurses and 50s now do. Care Navigators in GP surgeries; and selected Boots pharmacies. There is information on befriending schemes, dementia and mental If you can’t get out or can’t find health support, plus help tracing a copy the full edition is online at lost money, or claiming your goldenguide.org.uk or if you ring pension or other entitlements. Age UK Northumberland on (01670) 784821 and they will post one out Also included is the How to Retire to you free. in Northumberland feature. If you’re Tri-tech PLUMBING | HEATING | ELECTRICAL

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18 pontnews&views email: [email protected] www.pontelandtowncouncil.co.uk pontnews&views 19 ADVERTISING FEATURE The place where people get together It was opened in 1964 in response to concerns that elderly gentlemen sat on village seats in all weathers with nothing to do! But more than 50 years on Merton Hall attracts 10,000 visits per year from people of all ages.

The first building on the site, political groups; slimmers; which was located near the floral; triathlon; U3A; Ageing former Ponteland railway Well; Carers Northumberland; station, was a wooden hut and Social Eyes for the used as a reading room visually impaired. All of before the current facility the groups welcome was built. new members. Today Merton Hall Recreation Rooms can be hired for the Centre, a registered charity morning, afternoon and run in the interests of social evening from only £6 per welfare, still has a popular hour for Ponteland residents reading room with an extensive library containing for weekly bookings. The more than 500 books. morning refreshments are another huge draw – tea and But it has so many other coffee is served Monday to community uses. In the Friday from 9am to 11.30am event of a flood in Ponteland, at only 30 pence per cup. the venue is registered as an Emergency Evacuation The low costs for room hire Centre. and refreshments are only made possible by the hall, It stages numerous events, including fashion shows, which also boasts free Wifi, Christmas fayres, and the being staffed by volunteers. weekly country market held More volunteers are welcome each Friday from March to to work in the hall. December selling home- If you are looking for a warm made food, home grown and welcoming place to meet plants, hand-knitted garments old friends and make new and jewellery. Brunch & ones, or to set up or host a Bingo, held on the second and fourth Thursdays of group, Merton Hall is an ideal each month, is also venue – and ideas for new growing in popularity. uses are welcomed. The hall is hired by a wide A Fairtrade coffee morning is range of organisations being held on Friday March and clubs including: art; 2nd from 9.30am to 11.30am bridge; wine tasting; cyclists; - why not come in and have a photography; WI; Lions; look around?

Contact Merton Hall (email preferred) Email: [email protected] Tel: 01661 872917 Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/mertonhall123

20 pontnews&views email: [email protected] Free Easter treasure trail in the park

Children and their parents by Ponteland Town Councillors Sue are invited to a free Easter Johnson and Christine Caisley. treasure trail in Ponteland Children aged up to 13 years and their parents who want to take part should Park on Easter Saturday. meet at the Main Street entrance to the It is the third year the event, first park by Waitrose at 11am on Saturday launched as part of the Queen’s 90th March 31st. birthday celebrations in the village, has All entrants will receive a free Easter egg. been held. SATURDAY 31ST MARCH 2018, 11AM AT PONTELAND PARK MAIN STREET PARK ENTRANCE BY WAITROSE. ALL CHILDREN UP TO 13 YEARS Children enjoy last year’s event. ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. EASTER EGGS FOR ALL ENTRANTS. More than 100 youngsters and parents attended last year’s trail, organised

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Scots Gap, Morpeth NE61 4DT •Tel: 01670 774205 Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm, Saturday 8.30am - 5pm www.robsonandcowan.co.uk www.pontelandtowncouncil.co.uk pontnews&views 21 Ponteland Community High School Report Primary pupils enjoy a taste of high school life

Children enjoyed a taste of life in the ‘big school’ as they tried everything from cookery to chemistry at a visit to Ponteland High School.

Year 5 pupils from seven have and how our school and primary schools spent the lessons operate. day at the high school as “This means that our future part of the preparations for students will be ideally their move up to the new placed to make the transition 11-18 school due to open in without any fear or worry. I September 2019. am very grateful to our staff Darras Hall, Ponteland, for their work in preparing Richard Coates, Heddon, these sessions as all of these Whalton, Stamfordham and activities take place on top Belsay primary schools all of their regular teaching took part in the taster days. commitment but I know that they have enjoyed it just as Over two days the children much as the Year 5 pupils were given an experience of did.” a typical high school day with a range of lessons including More photos of the two-day maths, English, science, food visit can be seen on the technology, German and art. Darras Hall Primary School Mixed groups offered the website: darrashallprimary. opportunity for youngsters com/our-day-at-the-high- from different schools to school Ponteland cement new friendships. Name of new multi academy Headteacher Kieran McGrane trust revealed: p8 Rotary open said feedback from the primary schools had been evening very positive: “Days such as these are crucial in easing Have you thought about becoming a the move from primary to secondary school. Even member of Ponteland Rotary Club? though these children will We plan to hold an informal evening for anyone to come move to a different school along to learn more about Rotary. The evening will seek building, what we are doing to explain what we do at Ponteland Rotary and how easy now is introducing them it could be for you to become involved. The event will to their future teachers, take place at 7pm on Tuesday March 13th at Ponteland clarifying the expectations we Golf Club. Why not get in touch with an existing Ponteland Rotary Club member? You can contact Suzanne Marshall or Alan Hall. As members of Ponteland Rotary, they will be able to explain what the Club does, how you could become involved and what is planned to happen on the evening of Tuesday March 13th. Suzanne can be contacted on (01661) 824454 and Alan on (01661) 860284. The Club itself consists of a group of around 40 people from Ponteland and the surrounding area. They meet on a regular basis for a bite to eat, to socialise and to plan activities and events. One of the main aims of the Club is to raise money for good, charitable causes. The work of the Club through its annual programme produces thousands of pounds per year for charity. If you would like to know more, please ring Alan Hall on 07740 866764 or email on [email protected]

22 pontnews&views email: [email protected] 2018 PONTELAND Friday & Saturday Online Tickets £ or £13.50 1 when purchased2 from Ponteland Leisure Centre Reception FESTIVAL (subject to availability) Venue: Ponteland Leisure Centre Rugby Pitch

FRIDAY 20th APRIL SATURDAY 21st APRIL SUNDAY 22nd APRIL 6.00pm - 11.00pm 12.OO NOON - 11.00pm 12.00pm - 4.30pm Ticket price includes admission, promotional glass, Ticket price £2.50 or free with any programme & 3 drink tokens. Friday or Saturday ticket purchased.

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www.pontelandtowncouncil.co.uk pontnews&views 23 Lions fund lifesaving device THIS ISN’T JUST A POOL, IT’S AN OASIS in Merton Way OF OPPORTUNITY WITH INNOVATIVE By Andy Anderson, Secretary of Ponteland Lions Club NEW CLASSES COMING SOON. A potentially lifesaving device funded by Ponteland Lions has been installed in the town centre.

Anyone needing to use the defibrillator, located on the wall of Ponteland Social Club in Merton Way, should phone 999 and they will be given the code to unlock the cabinet. No training is required to use the defibrillator as it tells the user what to do, but it is hoped to run a short training session for local businesses. The Lions Club is planning to install similar devices at NEW CLASS PROGRAMME COMING SOON TO Broadway in Darras Hall and PONTELAND LEISURE CENTRE. CLASSES INCLUDE AQUA the Methodist Church. If you would like to help the Lions JOG, HYDRO HIIT, HYDRO POLE, FLOATFIT AND MORE! raise the money for the other Mayor of Ponteland Alan Varley and President of Ponteland Lions For further information visit defibrillators, please contact Geoff Lisle are pictured with the new www.activenorthumberland.org.uk/taketheplunge or call 01670 620 200 us on 0845 833 9913. defibrillator.

24 pontnews&views email: [email protected] New service promises to be a breath of fresh air for the elderly

A Ponteland project manager hopes her including a recent bake sale hosted by The Dept for Ageing latest scheme will be a breath of fresh air for and Vitality at Newcastle Uni, and have a Crowdfunding page. local pensioners. To find out more or to donate email [email protected] or visit crowdfunder.co.uk/cycling-without-age-newcastle-upon- For Katie Wilkinson has joined forces with Lesley Heseltine and tyne before March 19th. Tim Parsons to launch a pioneering service which offers free open air transport for the elderly. Katie is pictured with Lesley, Tim and passenger Bill Ewing in trishaw ‘Annie’. Photo by Dave Bell, Some See Different. The trio are currently fundraising to set up a NE England chapter for Cycling Without Age, a not for profit organisation started in 2012 in Copenhagen by Ole Kassow which aims to tackle social isolation faced by older people due to kirkley limited mobility. CWA volunteers use a bespoke bicycle called a trishaw to take CAFE & older people in care homes and those living on their own out CYCLES LTD on bike rides around their local area. The three-wheeled cycles have a two-seat passenger cab out front and electrical power assist for volunteer cycle pilots, and are ridden slowly to enable interaction between the rider(s), pilot and general public along the route. Cycling Without Age has taken off, and there are now 450 chapters in 33 countries across the world with more than 10,000 trained cycle pilots riding 1,500 trishaws. More than 50,000 elderly people have benefited, with the oldest 106 years young! The organisation was recently featured on BBC Three’s ‘Amazing Humans’. Katie, 28, from Eland Mews, said: “I viewed a video of Ole Kassow and was immediately inspired to bring this initiative to the North East. Last August I signed up to become an affiliate and a few weeks later Lesley was put in touch with me via CWA and Tim, a keen cyclist who lives along the street to Lesley, joined us. “We are building relationships with care homes and managing a scheme of local volunteers to take elderly people on bike rides out of their homes and back into their communities.” Each trishaw costs around £6,000 each, including the blanket and rain hood, and the trio are appealing for donations to fund their first two vehicles. They have been holding events www.pontelandtowncouncil.co.uk pontnews&views 25 Construction of the new Darras Hall Construction on Primary School is on track for its opening in track for September September, developers have announced. This is the final school of six Following the completion opening at Darras which are being redeveloped of the new build for Darras by North East architectural Hall Primary School, a practice Howarth Litchfield as second phase will involve Hall school part of a £50m reorganisation the demolition of half of the of schools in the Ponteland existing school for the creation area by Northumberland of playing fields and multi-use County Council. games areas. The remaining The practice was appointed half of the former school will by the council’s project be demolished in 2020. managers Faithful and Gould The principal contractor is to provide both architectural Galliford Try. and interior design services Howarth Litchfield’s director on five first school projects at leading the projects, Elisa Heddon-on-the-Wall, Whalton, Berry, said the investment Belsay and Stamfordham and would “greatly improve the a first and middle school schools, making them fit in Ponteland. for purpose so that they The work has included function more efficiently as extending, remodelling and they cater for an increase refurbishing St Andrews at in pupil numbers, while at Heddon-on-the-Wall, Whalton the same time providing the First School, Belsay First local authority with value School, Stamfordham Village for money”. First School, Ponteland First Coun Wayne Daley, Deputy School and Richard Coates Leader and Cabinet Member Middle School. Work on these for Children’s Services at schools began at the start of NCC, added: “Providing 2017 and has now concluded. an excellent learning The investment by NCC is environment and helping supporting the transition to deliver the best possible from a three-tier to a two-tier education for children across system, enabling the schools Northumberland is a priority to accommodate Year 5 and for us. The development at Year 6 pupils in the existing Darras Hall Primary will allow first schools and nursery and us to provide a fresh and Year 3 children in Richard modern learning space for Coates. pupils to thrive in.”

26 pontnews&views email: [email protected] Ponteland gets Church marks 750th anniversary second Britain in with year of Bloom call-up celebrations Ponteland will once again be representing the region By Revd Captain Paul T Allinson in Britain in Bloom this year. St. Mary the Virgin in Ponteland has We have been selected to Darras Hall, compared to 75 other announced a year-long celebration to represent Northumbria in the Britain in Bloom finalists. small town category in the Royal mark the 750th anniversary of its link Coun Alan Varley, Mayor of Horticultural Society Britain in to patron Merton College, Oxford. Ponteland Town Council, said: “We Bloom UK Finals 2018, alongside are delighted Ponteland has been A series of events are being held throughout Morpeth (town), Durham (small selected for a second year running city) and Tanfield (village). 2018 including concerts, visits and a summer to enter this competition and flower festival. Ponteland secured a silver hope that the many businesses, gilt award in the ‘small towns’ organisations and individuals who Musical events are planned for most months, category in Britain in Bloom gave us so much support in 2017 including a visit by Merton College Girls’ Choir last year – a great result for a will continue to assist this year.” in August. first-time entry. This followed The Town Council hopes to A three day flower festival is being held in the five consecutive gold awards involve residents, businesses church from July 27th to 30th. in the ‘small towns’ category in and organisation in this year’s Northumbria in Bloom. Events being held in March include flower festival entry. If you would like to get fundraising at Fratelli’s on March 12th and a RHS judges will once again visit involved please contact the concert by Hartlepool Choir on March 24th. in August to judge the standard Clerk to the Council Kath Mavin of floral displays and the general at [email protected] For full details of the events see the church website cleanliness of Ponteland and or ring (01661) 825092. at: pontelandstmary.co.uk

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28 pontnews&views @HaveliPonteland /Haveli.net HaveliPonteland email: [email protected]