Peter launches new playpark - Pontelandpontelandonline.co.uk/PNV/Issue 50 November 2009.pdf ·...

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P O N T E L A N D • M I L B O U R N E • M E D B U R N • P R E S T W I C K • K I R K L E Y ISSUE 50 | NOV 09

Peter launches new playpark

New mast plan signals fresh protest

Tony tackles 23,000ft peak for charity

New pubwatch scheme launched

Charliie’s charity night raises £8,500

email: [email protected]&views2

PETER ATKINSONMP for Hexham

1 Meal MarketHexhamNorthumberlandNE46 1NFTel: 01434 603954Fax: 01434 601659

House of CommonsWestminsterLondonSW1A 0AATel: 0207 2194013Fax: 0207 2192775Web: www.peteratkinson.com

If there is an issue you are concerned aboutplease do not hesitate to contact me. I hold constituencysurgeries in Ponteland and can also be contacted through

Alternatively you can keep up to date withmy latest news and send me a message bylogging on to www.peteratkinson.com.

WORKING FOR YOU www.peteratkinson.com

Pont News and Views is published by Ponteland Community Partnership in conjunction with Ponteland Town Council. If you would like to submit an article, feature or advertise in the magazine, please note the new contact details for Pont News: Tel: (0191) 3408422 Mob: 07954 157939 Email: [email protected] Write: Cian creative pr, 5 East Boldon Road, Cleadon Village, SR6 7SH

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Darras Hall mountaineer Tony Hodson is to tackle the world’s second highest peak to raise cash for an armed forces charity.

Tony tackles Aconcagua to help heroes

The 51-year-old, who runs a people development consultancy, is aiming to raise £6,962 – a pound for every metre climbed – for the Help for Heroes charity.

He is taking on Mount Aconcagua in Argentina in January - at almost 23,000ft only Mount Everest is higher.

Of the world’s top seven summits, Tony has previously climbed 19,000ft Mount Kilimanjaro and 18,000ft Mount Elbrus. He will be in a team of eight who will have to face temperatures of as low as minus 25 degrees, along with huge glaciers and altitude sickness, during the 25 day expedition.

The father-of-three explained his inspiration: “I was inspired by the recent achievements of Major Phil Packer, who was not expected to walk again after suffering a spinal injury whilst serving in Iraq in 2008.

“Yet you may recall that this year he completed the London Marathon, rowed across the English Channel and successfully climbed the 3,000ft sheer rock face of El Capitan, a mountain in Yosemite National Park - clearly not a guy who hides under the circumstances!

“My goal is to raise £6,962 for the Help for Heroes Charity by reaching the summit of Aconcagua, Argentina in January - a target donation rate of £1 per metre, a very worthwhile goal for a charity that does make a difference to the lives’ of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

“This is a big target and I need the help of a lot of people to achieve this goal, so I ask you to dig deep and donate now. I am paying all of my own trip costs and using the services of Adventure Peaks, a specialist mountaineering company based in the Lake District, who are organising the expedition. This means that 100% of all donations will go to the Help for Heroes charity.”

Tony is already halfway to his target but anyone else who wants to support him can do so by logging on to www.justgiving.com/climbaconcagua2010

Tony is pictured on previous climbs in Pakistan, Greenland and Russia.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE | SANDERSON ARCADE

The striking new developmenthas been inspired byLondon’s elegant BurlingtonArcade, and the developer’sattention to architectural

detail coupled with a fantastic retail lineup promises a whole new shoppingexperience for residents and visitors.Gone are the arcade’s darkunwelcoming corridors replaced by astunning light and airy Edwardian gallerywith individually designed shopsopening out onto a landscaped piazza.Shoppers will be welcomed by smartlydressed Beadles and customer care willhave the highest priority.

Marks and Spencer are the anchortenant at Sanderson Arcade. The town’spopular Simply Food is being upgradedto a 32,000 sq ft store with a biggerfood hall as well as ladies and mensweardepartments, homewares and a �rst�oor Cafe Revive.

The 90,000 sq ft development also

has modern purpose built o�ce spaceabove as well as a new bus interchangeand car park - all carefully designed tocreate better links with the town centre.

The developers Morpeth II havesought to establish the right mix of highstreet names and excellent quality localcompanies to compliment the town’sunique market town atmosphere.

New Look, Fat Face, Waterstones andLaura Ashley are among the new storesgetting ready for the grand opening onNovember 12th.

They’ll trade alongside a host of wellloved local �rms including Oxley’s ofMorpeth whose business was forcedto move out of town after last year’s�oods. Other local companies includethe Jeweller’s Guild and AdvancedNutrition. The Newcastle co�ee houseCentral Bean is also expanding to openits second outlet at the Arcade bringingits unique blend of fantastic co�ee in atruly relaxing environment.

And the best kept secret in Morpeththis month is which high pro�le celebritywill perform the ribbon cutting when thearcade opens on November 12th.

Centre Manager at SandersonArcade, Debbie Anderson said: ‘We’vegot a very special guest opening thearcade and I think we’ll all be a bit starstruck on the day! We’re keeping it topsecret for now which is not easy, butrest assured this is someone everyonewill want to come and see!

‘The whole team involved withSanderson Arcade is looking forward toseeing the centre open and bringing acompletely new shopping experience toMorpeth this Christmas.’

Sanderson Arcade opens onNovember 12th. The ChristmasLights Switch on will take place onSaturday November 14th. VisitSanderson Arcade’s websitewww.sandersonarcade.co.uk

Sanderson Arcade Morpeth’s eagerly awaited Sanderson Arcade

development will be unveiled in November - and the

£32 million centre is poised to put the town on the

North East’s shopping map


ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE | SANDERSON ARCADE

The striking new developmenthas been inspired byLondon’s elegant BurlingtonArcade, and the developer’sattention to architectural

detail coupled with a fantastic retail lineup promises a whole new shoppingexperience for residents and visitors.Gone are the arcade’s darkunwelcoming corridors replaced by astunning light and airy Edwardian gallerywith individually designed shopsopening out onto a landscaped piazza.Shoppers will be welcomed by smartlydressed Beadles and customer care willhave the highest priority.

Marks and Spencer are the anchortenant at Sanderson Arcade. The town’spopular Simply Food is being upgradedto a 32,000 sq ft store with a biggerfood hall as well as ladies and mensweardepartments, homewares and a �rst�oor Cafe Revive.

The 90,000 sq ft development also

has modern purpose built o�ce spaceabove as well as a new bus interchangeand car park - all carefully designed tocreate better links with the town centre.

The developers Morpeth II havesought to establish the right mix of highstreet names and excellent quality localcompanies to compliment the town’sunique market town atmosphere.

New Look, Fat Face, Waterstones andLaura Ashley are among the new storesgetting ready for the grand opening onNovember 12th.

They’ll trade alongside a host of wellloved local �rms including Oxley’s ofMorpeth whose business was forcedto move out of town after last year’s�oods. Other local companies includethe Jeweller’s Guild and AdvancedNutrition. The Newcastle co�ee houseCentral Bean is also expanding to openits second outlet at the Arcade bringingits unique blend of fantastic co�ee in atruly relaxing environment.

And the best kept secret in Morpeththis month is which high pro�le celebritywill perform the ribbon cutting when thearcade opens on November 12th.

Centre Manager at SandersonArcade, Debbie Anderson said: ‘We’vegot a very special guest opening thearcade and I think we’ll all be a bit starstruck on the day! We’re keeping it topsecret for now which is not easy, butrest assured this is someone everyonewill want to come and see!

‘The whole team involved withSanderson Arcade is looking forward toseeing the centre open and bringing acompletely new shopping experience toMorpeth this Christmas.’

Sanderson Arcade opens onNovember 12th. The ChristmasLights Switch on will take place onSaturday November 14th. VisitSanderson Arcade’s websitewww.sandersonarcade.co.uk

Sanderson Arcade Morpeth’s eagerly awaited Sanderson Arcade

development will be unveiled in November - and the

£32 million centre is poised to put the town on the

North East’s shopping map


Children in Ponteland saw their idea for a new village playpark become reality as it was officially launched by local footballing hero Peter Beardsley.

Peter, who played in Kevin Keegan’s famous ‘Entertainers’ team in the 90s, tested out the new play equipment with children from Ponteland First School as he officially launched the new park with Town Mayor Robin Ramsay.

Local youngsters came up with the idea of creating an ‘all singing all dancing park for children of all ages’ and were widely consulted on what play equipment they wanted in it.

Ponteland Community Partnership’s youth sub-group then secured £40,000 from Castle Morpeth’s Extra Mile fund and £26,500 from Northumberland County Council’s Playbuilder programme – a £1.1m Government-funded pot to develop at least 25 children’s play areas across the county.

The Community Partnership, assisted by Castle Morpeth Borough Council, had a

scheme designed by Livingstone-based The Play Practice. Ponteland Town Council then took the project on, appointing The Play Practice to build the park in Callerton Lane.

Coun Ramsay said: “The children had a great time with Peter, demonstrating just how popular this new play park will be. We are very grateful to our funders for helping us turn what started as an idea by local youngsters for a new recreational area into reality.”

Next comes the skate park

Brian Prickett, Chairman of Ponteland Community Partnership, added: “The playpark launch was the culmination of a lot of hard work by members of the High School Youth Service and the Partnership’s youth sub-group, with the support of the Town Council.

“We are now looking forward to phase two of the playground refurbishment project - the skatepark which is planned for completion by the summer of 2010.”

Councillor Isobel Hunter, executive member for culture at Northumberland County Council, said she was delighted that the council had been able to help provide such a great facility: “The refurbished park in Ponteland will provide a great focal point where children of all ages can enjoy adventurous play time together. I am sure it will be very popular and well used.”

There is still some funding available from the Playbuilder programme for new projects. To find out more contact Val Knowles in the Culture, leisure and tourism team at [email protected] or on (01670) 533659.

Children’s Ponteland playpark dream becomes reality

Cover shot and p5 pics by Trevor Walker.


Programme of Works report:

Skate ParkLand ownership issues have now been resolved and discussions are to commence re leasing of the land. Grant funding sources are being examined and it is hoped to be able to submit a planning application soon.

Ponteland Park tree management planTenders have been received, opened and evaluated. The contract was awarded to Marshalls Tree Surgeons.

CCTVWorks have commenced and are ongoing.

Play areaThe play area at Callerton Lane was officially opened by Peter Beardsley on September 30. A letter of thanks had been sent to Peter however, the Council wished to formally record their appreciation for his attendance which had been a tremendous success.

New park entrance – Callerton LaneWorks will commence shortly.

Co-options to the Town CouncilPeter Cowey has been co-opted to represent the South Ward and Mr Alan Mee to represent the North Ward after they responded to a council advert. They will take up their appointments once the appropriate documentation has been received.

Regeneration updateFurther meetings have been held with county council officers and the developer and good progress is being made regarding proposals to progress the works. A project group is being established including officers from NCC, Ponteland Community Partnership and the Town Council.

Police meetingNotes of a recent meeting with the Police Inspector were submitted to Councillors. These discussions outlined various options proposed in an attempt to reduce anti social behaviour.

Community Beat Manager PC Henery attended the meeting to update Councillors on various recent incidents.

Grant applications: Ponteland United Reformed ChurchA grant of £250 has been approved to assist with equipping the new cafe facility at the church.

Great North RunThe Mayor paid tribute to the Deputy Mayor, Councillor David Butler who completed the Great North Run and has raised £250 for the Great North Air Ambulance. Councillor Butler thanked all those who had sponsored him on what had been a great day.

Farmers Markets MeetingCouncillor Armstrong had attended a meeting where it had been agreed to maintain the Farmers Market in Ponteland until December. Attendance would be monitored during that period and she stated that it was necessary for people to use the market or it would cease to be held here.

LADIES TAKEOVER LIONSPonteland Lions voted to end discrimination in their membership five years ago and this year two ladies came forward to share the President’s role over a period of two years.

Anke Jackson and Muriel Sobo, newcomers to the Club, decided they needed mutual support to take on this job and have plenty of new ideas to bring forward. They hope to raise the profile of the club, raise more funds to spend on worthwhile projects and enjoy a varied social programme.

UPDATE FROM PONTELAND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPOn Thursday November 12 the second meeting of the Ponteland and Stamfordham Community Forum will be held in the Ponteland Memorial Hall, 7.30pm to 9pm, with coffee seved from 7pm.

The purpose of this meeting is to continue working on the community’s ideas, needs and wants for Ponteland, Stamfordham, and the surrounding areas. These are to be used to prepare a Community Action Plan for development over the next 5 to 10 years.

There will be group discussions on the following seven topics: Transport; Environment; Business; Youth; Over-60s; Leisure; and Infrastructure, with a short summary at the end about how the local plan will be developed.


By PC Paul Henery, Ponteland Community Beat Officer

Time called on troublemakers as PubWatch scheme launched

There were a total of 18 crimes for the period from September 18 to October 17.They break down as follows:

• one dwelling burglary

• one non-dwelling burglary

• one assault

• one arson

• one public order offence

• one theft of motor vehicle

• four damage to motor vehicle

• one possession of cannabis

• one making off without payment

• one possession of cannabis

• five thefts (including one shoplifting).

There have been seven arrests to date and enquiries are ongoing into a number of other offences which may lead to further arrests.

The force’s bonfire campaign is well underway and we would seek to encourage people to attend organised displays.

There are many dangers and serious consequences associated with the misuse and abuse of fireworks and bonfires. We would seek to highlight these and to reinforce the message that anti-social behaviour linked to fireworks will not be tolerated and that any bonfires found on public land will be removed by the council.

Once again I would issue a reminder to the public to lock away their property

especially at night. A lot of thefts could be avoided if this advice was followed. A number of recent rural thefts could well have been discouraged if items were out of sight and properly secured.

Ponteland now has a Community Support Officer of its own. CSO Jill Ruddick started work in Ponteland town centre in September following a transfer from Newcastle.

Her role is to provide a highly visible reassurance to the public and deterrent to anyone engaged in anti social behaviour. She will primarily be on foot and bicycle patrols in any identified hot spot areas targeting crime and disorder.

The next LMAPS meeting is at 9.30am in the East Centre, Prudhoe on Tuesday 3rd November.

New Community Support Officer arrives to tackle anti-social behaviour

Following the success of other similar initiatives around East Tynedale, Neighbourhood Beat Manager Paul Henery has met with local licensees in the village who have formed their own PubWatch scheme in Ponteland.

All 21 of the licensed premises in Ponteland are signed up to the scheme. That includes nine pubs, the leisure centre and social club, eight restaurants, three supermarkets and one off-licence.

PC Henery said: “Due to the relatively small number of pubs in the town centre we have managed to get all of the licensed premises to sign up to the scheme which is fantastic.

“And it means if someone is banned from one of the pubs then they won’t be

able to go to a restaurant or somewhere else that sells alcohol and cause more trouble.”

The PubWatch members appointed local landlord Paul Holliday as chairman of the scheme and he attends meetings held every two months with police, local council officers, and other licensees signed up to the scheme to discuss any current local problems and share national good practice between members.

He said: “It’s an excellent way to give the licensees and public in Ponteland a united voice to deal with a number of issues in the town, the chance to liaise with the police and council regularly and it helps ensure Ponteland remains a safe drinking environment for residents and visitors.”

POLICE, licensees and residents in Ponteland have come together to start a PubWatch scheme.

LITTER FOR LITERACYThe Ponteland Middle School pupils continue to pick litter around the school site and books have been chosen with monies from the Lions. The volunteers from Mrs Garner’s class in Year 6 with a selection of books are Tim Hastie, Drew Lilley, Sophia Large, Heidi Fulton and Kate Denys.

SWIMARATHONThe annual all-day swimarathon is scheduled for Saturday November 14 at the Ponteland Pool. Sponsors and teams please note.

email: [email protected] pontnews&views8

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A Ponteland teenager who fought off a life threatening brain tumour has raised £8,500 in a charity auction to repay the children’s cancer unit which treated her.

Pont News featured Charlotte Lee’s cancer battle and fundraising efforts in our September issue.

The 15-year-old Ponteland High School pupil, who is known by friends and family as Charliie, was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma in 2007 after suffering severe headaches and vomiting which doctors at first put down to hormonal factors.

After mum and dad Joan and Kevin demanded a second opinion and took her to Newcastle General Hospital’s A&E walk-in, an MRI scan revealed the tumour and within 24 hours she was operated on.

After subsequent chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment for over a year, MRI scans since last November have shown up all clear.

Charliie decided to show her appreciation to the staff who saved her life by holding the auction to raise money for Newcastle RVI’s children’s cancer ward and research into the condition.

The hugely successful event was held at the Badger pub on September 25. More than 50 people attended and there were over 100 lots. Donations included £2,000 from Northern Rock.

Charliie, who lives with her parents and younger sisters Jessica and Stephanie in the village, said: “A huge thank you to all the local businesses within the Ponteland area for a variety of prizes and raffle prizes and all parents/carers from all relevant schools that have donation a variety of fantastic prizes.

“A special thank you to Colin and Kay Morgan at Ponteland Print for printing, Kevin Thompson for completing the Great North Run and raising over £700, and Uncle Scooby for giving his time on the evening to conduct the auction.

“Also a huge thank you for all the cash donations that have flooded in. Last, but not least, Joanne and Pete at the Badger for use of the venue.”

Brave Charliie raises £8,500 to repay cancer unit which saved her life

Charliie is pictured with her best friend Hannah on the night.


After six years of planning, fundraising, modernising of the existing premises and new building work, Ponteland United Reformed Church is delighted to announce the opening of its brand new Community Meeting Place.

The Meeting Place will be open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday for coffee, tea and other light refreshments. This is a place to meet friends and make new ones, chat, share pleasures or concerns and perhaps take part in some of the activities planned for the coming months.

The people of Ponteland are invited to join us at the opening ceremony, which will take place at the Church on the Broadway, Darras Hall at 11am on Saturday November 7 in the presence of the Mayor of Ponteland, local church leaders, councillors and many of the people involved in bringing the project to fruition.

For more information contact Colin Scott on (01661) 822 724 or at [email protected] or Carol Gabriel on (01661) 824257 or at [email protected]

All are welcome at our Christmas Fayre on Saturday November 14 from 11am-3pm. Fourteen stalls include home bakery, bric-a-brac and many other attractions (childrens games, barbecue and café are new this year). Contributions are welcome - contact Les Donald on (01661) 872728.

All invited to launch of new church community hub

A new monthly comedy club launched at Ponteland’s Blackbird Inn promises top acts from TV and the comedy circuit.

This Saturday (Nov 7) sees Canadian Tom Stade, star of Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Mock the Week, supported by New Yorker Lewis Schaffer, winner of the Malcolm Hardee Cunning Stunt Award at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

Hebburn-born Carl Hutchinson, Magners Pub Comedian of the Year 2008, is also on the bill, with Alfie Joey of BBC Radio Newcastle acting as MC.

Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8.30pm start. Tickets costing £9 advance can be booked online at www.thegrinningidiot.com or over the counter at The Blackbird, or you can pay £11 on the door.

Pic: Tom Stade, star of Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Mock the Week, appears at the Blackbird Inn this weekend.

New comedy club brings TV act to Ponteland


Follow the Yellow Brick Road...By John Hutton

...and you’ll find The Wizard of Oz at the Memorial Hall, Darras Road, from Wednesday 23rd until Saturday 26th November.

This latest production from Ponteland Repertory Society replaces their usual Pantomime offering at this time of year, however they are sure that nobody will be disappointed as this show is a hugely popular musical for the whole family.

Directed by Katie Howes and ably supported in the music dept by Deborah Barry, the cast includes Helen Cash (Dorothy), Joe Costigan (Scarecrow), Brian Barry (Tinman), and John Hutton (Cowardly Lion), with the part of the Wicked Witch of the West played wickedly by Heather Thompson - and not forgetting David Wilkinson in the title role.

Evening performances are at 7.15pm with the Saturday matinee commencing at 2pm. Tickets are available as always from Alan Newton the Butcher in Merton Way, Ponteland, tel (01661) 822985.

Governors at Ponteland High School have decided to move forward with their bid to become one of the Government’s new flagship Foundation Schools.

They decided to formalise proposals to create a charitable trust, following three months of consultation with parents, students, staff, teaching and other unions, Northumberland County Council and the wider Ponteland community.

Official proposals will be published in the local press on November 2, with another chance for people to have their say up to November 30, before the governors meet again on December 9 to make a final decision. If all goes to plan, the school will begin the next exciting phase in its life in April 2010.

As a foundation school, Ponteland High would still be part of the state system, funded on the same basis as other local authority schools and following the national curriculum, but with more freedom to guide its own future and closer ties to parents and the community.

Representatives from partner organisations – including Newcastle International Airport, Newcastle Business School (Northumbria University), the Cooperative Group and the county council – would join the school’s governing body, which would continue to run the school and be responsible for its performance.

Around 3,000 copies of the consultation document were sent out, and copies were also available through the school’s website, but only two response forms opposing the plan were received from the public.

A petition against the proposal was received from the Campaign Against Trust Status (CATS) containing 76 signatures, mainly school staff with concerns about whether the move would bring with it any real improvements in educational standards, and worries over pay, conditions and pension rights.

Chair of Governors Mike Brown said teaching and support staff pay and conditions would not be affected by the move.

Ponteland High School independence bid to move forward


December issue deadlines The December issue will be delivered week beginning November 30. Deadline for all copy and adverts is Friday November 13. Businesses should be aware that all book-ings for advertisements must be paid in full by the deadline to ensure placement in the following issue.

New contact details for Pont News & Views Please note the new contact details for Pont News as of October 1:

Email: [email protected]

Tel: (0191) 3408422

Mob: 07954 157939

Write: Cian creative pr, 5 East Boldon Road, Cleadon Village, SR6 7SH

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N O A P P O I N T M E N T N E C E S S A RY

and

Earlier this year a bid by Telefonica O2 to put up a 12.5metre-high mast in Broadway was rejected by Northumberland county councillors, following strong objections from Darras Hall First School and a number of residents.

It then transpired that the planning refusal was invalid because it did not happen within the required 56 days of the initial application being received. This left 02 free to go ahead and install the mast right next to the school – but the company agreed to hold talks with the council on finding an alternative site.

Now the firm has submitted a revised application to erect a 15metre-high mast further along Broadway, about 200 metres from the original site.

But that has angered people living close to the new site, including residents of elderly people’s flats at Darras Mews and families in nearby Wentworth Court. Objectors say the problem is simply being moved away from the school and onto their doorsteps.

Objections from residents and the school to the initial application were on the grounds of radiation hazard, clutter, over dominance, highway safety and visual impact.

O2 spokesman Tom Powell said: “The original site outside the school gained planning permission by default (because the local planning authority allowed the application to ‘time out’).

“However, rather than implement the planning permission and build this site O2 has taken on board local concerns and has worked with the local planning authority to come up with a more suitable alternative site within the local area. As a result the proposed site has been moved away from the local school and a

planning application has been submitted to the local planning authority.”

He added that the new site was needed to enhance existing 3G coverage, meeting a huge increase in demand for mobile data, and said latest evidence showed no adverse health effects are expected from exposure to RF signals from base stations.

A Northumberland County Council spokeswoman said: “The application will be heard by the West Area Planning Committee on Thursday 5th November. Letters of representation will be accepted until this date but it is strongly encouraged that people submit letters as soon as possible.”

New mast plan signals fresh objectionsNEW plans to erect a mobile phone mast in Darras Hall have signalled a fresh campaign by objectors.

Objectors say the problem is simply being moved away

from the school and onto their doorsteps.

ROTARY CLUB DOMINO DRIVE: NOVEMBER 6A Domino Drive is being held by the Rotary Club of Ponteland this Friday, November 6 at the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm.

Tickets costing £7 in aid of Rotary charities can be obtained from Mackley’s opticians on Main Street or Rotarians Fred Gilhespy (825802), Mike McDonnell (824723) and Eddie Dunn (824888). A bar, raffle and mince pie, mash and peas also on offer.

email: [email protected] pontnews&views12

Alpine show draws entrants from across UKBy Alan Furness

Exhibitors travelled from as far afield as Aberdeen and Norfolk to take part in the Alpine Garden Society Show held at Ponteland Memorial Hall.

The wide range of flower and foliage available to growers of alpine plants at this time of year were on display.

Cyclamen and crocus are two of the most important groups of autumn flowering alpines and were shown in abundance.

Local group members David Boyd (Powburn) and Sue Gill (Stobhill) between them exhibited the full range of the autumn cyclamen - hederifolium, graecum, and mirabile - all with exquisite flowers in shades of pink and white as well as the velvety and marbled foliage, which is an added attraction with these plants.

Crocuses, spurred on by the cooler autumn nights, were successfully shown by local members Alan Newton (Ponteland), George Young (Stocksfield), and John Richards (Hexham).

Between them they showed the range of species available at this time of year - the mauve crocuses tournefortii and goulymii, and the white crocuses niveus and boryi. These are all crocus happy in a warm spot in the garden where they can dry out in the summer.

Although local exhibitors formed the backbone of the show, this is a national show supported by the Alpine Garden Society and the Scottish Rock Garden Club.

Exhibitors travelled from as far afield as Lancashire, the Midlands and Norfolk, as well as Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Stirling.

The winner of the show’s Premier award, the George Forrest Medal for the best plant in the show, had journeyed 300 miles from Twickenham. The plant being a stunning terrestrial orchid Diplodium coccinum with unusual hooded, maroon and white flowers and which hails from Australia.

PONTELAND SENIOR GENTLEMEN`S CLUBMeetings are held on the second Monday of every month in the lounge of the Memorial Hall at 2.30pm. Membership is open to gentlemen over 55 who are not in full time employment. The annual subscription is £10. For further details contact the Secretary, Spenser Mullins on (01661) 820754. Speakers: Nov 9 Derek Smith - The Saga Experience; Dec 14 Michael Taylor MBE - Robert Stephenson and his Anniversary.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR STARS?The Northumberland STARS or Small Task And Repair Service provides a handy person service for the over-60s or the disabled. Most tasks are free, but for non-essential work like assembling flat pack items, there is for a small fee. They can hang or change curtains, put up curtain rails, mend sticking doors, unblock sinks, change light bulbs, put up pictures or mirrors and much more. They are trained in home safety, home security and fire safety and can fit appliances like smoke detectors and locks and chains were necessary. Anyone can make a referral by calling (01670) 351135. This is part of a countrywide scheme and there must be many people in our parish who could benefit from such a service. Get on the phone!


Five teachers from PCMS spent part of their summer holiday working with the teachers at Wanga primary school. They learnt about the local culture and heritage, compared teaching methods, joined in activities and it all added up to a wonderful life-enhancing experience.

In the last few years the pupils, staff, parents, and friends of PCMS have raised funds to help projects at the Wanga school. The garden area where pupils cultivate crops was fenced and a much needed new classroom was built, both with money from Ponteland. There was an official opening of the classroom with the visiting staff this summer.

Severe drought in the area has made conditions difficult for everyone. The importance of water for life is a theme which will be taken up by both schools in lessons this year.

Wanga pupils carry water from the shores of Lake Victoria each morning. It is poured into a water tank where it is treated and then it can be used for cooking and hand washing. Every drop is valued. When it does rain the water is collected from the gutters into a large tank and such a precious commodity has to be protected by a fence and a locked gate.

Dr Mark McCaldin and Dr Ruth Walter from the Ponteland Medical Group joined the teachers for five days and set up a link with a local clinic near the school. They also set up a mobile clinic where many local people were helped.

Now a reciprocal visit to Ponteland by the head teacher at Wanga, Mr Michael Keta and Mr Benson Oswago, who coordinates volunteers, is starting on 4 November.

We hope they enjoy their stay and find a warm welcome in Ponteland. We at PCMS are hoping to promote a community-wide link between Ponteland and Wanga and invite interested persons to contact the school on (01661) 824853.

Ponteland school hosts Kenyan visitBy Muriel Sobo

Pupils and teachers at Ponteland Community Middle School are this week hosting a visit by staff from a school in Kenya.


At least 2,000 meadow plants, grown from seed and half of them by young children in Ponteland, were planted out on one of those perfect autumn days we have had this year.

The scene was the top meadow in Ponteland Park and many Friends of Ponteland Park, children, parents and community minded people came between noon and 3 o’clock to play their part.

Holes were dug, plants dropped in, they were well watered and next year there should be many and varied blooms to please the eye and provide a habitat for bees and other insects.

Margaret Stainsby, Chairman of the Friends, said she wanted to increase the diversity of flowering plants to interest visitors and increase the numbers of birds and animals in the park.

BBC’s Breathing Spaces (The Big Lottery Fund) awarded a grant to the Friends of Ponteland Park earlier in the year which helped to finance this work. The Friends organised a well-run event with old and young enjoying the work and co-operating to enhance the environment.

The organisations taking part were the Beavers, Cubs, Ponteland scouts, classes from the First Schools and the Eco Warriors from Ponteland Middle School.

New flower-rich meadow in Ponteland ParkBy Muriel Sobo

Chairman of FOPP Margaret Stainsby is pictured with young planters.

Order online at www.waitrose.com/entertaining, by phone 0800 169 2701 or in branch.

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Order online at www.waitrose.com/entertaining, by phone 0800 169 2701 or in branch.

Festive food made to orderturkeys • seasonal meat • party food • desserts and cakes

Waitrose PontelandMain Street, Ponteland NE20 9NH Telephone 01661 823900

waitrose.com/ponteland

Peter launches new playpark - Pontelandpontelandonline.co.uk/PNV/Issue 50 November 2009.pdf ·...

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