charliie’s charity auctionpontelandonline.co.uk/pnv/issue 47 september 2009.pdf · september 25...

FREE monthly community magazine for Ponteland and district

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 48 | SEPT 09

Fantastic flower festival a growing

success

Police step up patrols after pensioner suffers head injuries in street attack

Town Council lobbies against car parking charges

Order in for CCTV cameras

to thank cancer unit for saving her life

Fratelli - full Christmas menu: pages 8-9

Charliie’s charityauction

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, contact: [email protected] write to Editor, Pont News and Views, 5 East Boldon Road, Cleadon Village, SR6 7SH or tel: 0191 536 2078.

Produced by Cian creative pr

ABACUS HOUSE, MEADOWFIELD, PONTELAND NE20 9SD

www.cs-sol ic itors.co.uk

01661 820 444

F A M I LY L A W S P E C I A L I S T S

The 2009 edition of Chambers and Partners UK guide says of the firm:

“This small niche practice punches well above its weight in Northumberland,

handling all manner of private family work in the local region and beyond.”

pontnews&views 3www.pontelandtowncouncil.co.uk

It is almost exactly two years since Charlotte Lee, who is known by friends and family as Charliie, was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a highly malignant brain tumour.

She had been suffering severe headaches and vomiting which doctors at first put down to hormonal factors.

But mum and dad Joan and Kevin demanded a second opinion and took her to Newcastle General Hospital’s A&E walk-in. That was Saturday August 25, 2007. The following day 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.

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

The 15-year-old Ponteland High School pupil, who lives with her parents and younger sisters Jessica and Stephanie in the village, said: “I am now on the road to recovery and want to give something back to those who helped me.

“All of the money raised at the charity auction will be split equally between Medulloblastoma brain tumour cancer research and the new children’s cancer

ward at the RVI. If you would like to make a promise or donate something, anything would be appreciated – nothing is too big or too small.”

Mum Joan, who is helping Charliie organise the evening, added: “We have had about 30 donations so far, including the use of the venue itself, a mobile phone from O2, hotel and restaurant vouchers and cases of wine. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has pledged their support so far.”

The charity auction is being held at the Badger pub by Dobbies on Friday September 25 at 7pm. To donate prizes contact Joan on 07753 181924.

Charliie’s charity night to repay cancer unit

A Ponteland teenager who fought off a brain tumour is holding a charity auction to raise cash for the children’s cancer unit which treated her.

Charliie is pictured recently and during treatment with sisters Jessica and Stephanie and also at a family meal with parents Joan and Kevin and grandmother Betty.


Police have stepped up patrols in Ponteland village centre after an alleged attack on two men in their 60s by a gang of youths.

At just before 11.20pm on Saturday July 25 police received a report of a disturbance in Merton Road involving a number of youths fighting in the street.

It is understood a man aged 67 who was on holiday with relatives in Ponteland suffered head injuries during the incident requiring hospital treatment.

Police attended and made several arrests. Two people have since been bailed pending further enquiries.

East Tynedale Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Oates said: “Police action in relation to the incident at Merton Way has led to six arrests to date. Further patrols and support to local shopkeepers is being provided by local officers and additional police resources.

“Ponteland residents can be assured that such behaviour is being tackled, those responsible will be brought to justice and the law abiding majority will continue to have the support of local officers.

“Any information about this or any other incident in Ponteland can be passed by emailing [email protected] or phoning 0345 6043043.”

Insp Oates added: “A number of residents attended a meeting at the United Reform Church on August 11 and raised local issues regarding parking, disorder, speeding and general policing of Ponteland. We will continue to address these issues over the coming weeks by police and partners.”

Pensioner suffers head injuries in street attack Police step up patrols in village centre

Residents in Ponteland are being urged to safeguard their vote at election time by sparing just a few minutes of their time to get their name registered on the electoral roll.

The plea comes at the start of the annual canvass, as local authorities in Great Britain are delivering electoral registration forms to all households.

It also comes at a time of continued speculation of a General Election date as the next one must be held by June 2010.

All 150,000 householders in Northumberland are being asked to look out for the annual canvass form which will be dropped through letterboxes at the end of August. Electors are asked to simply complete the form, sign it and then return it to the council as soon as possible.

If a child becomes 18 during the life of the register (December 1, 2009 – November 30, 2010) they too should be included on the form.

If it is more convenient for you, you can also register by ringing the free phone number 08000 251 088. Alternatively, you can log on to www.ElectorRegistration.co.uk/northumberland and register your details on line.

If you have any queries regarding electoral registration, please ring Northumberland County Council’s customer service line on 0845 600 6400.

Don’t get caught out – make sure you are on the electoral register

NORTh EAST ENgLAND gROUP Of ThE ALPINE gARDEN SOCIETY

On September 14th our first speaker of the 09/10 season is Jim Almond with a talk entitled “Sowing, growing, showing – an alpine triathlon”.

Jim lives in Shrewsbury and has been a keen exhibitor for over 20 years with considerable success. He is an AGS judge and Assistant Director of Shows. He grows a wide range of alpines but is particularly keen on Primulaceae and bulbs.

Wherever possible Jim grows things from seed and is an obsessive propagator. His talk is an overview of raising alpines from seed, growing them on and showing them. The talk reflects the practical aspects of growing.

Jim is also a keen birdwatcher. Our meetings take place in St Mary’s Hall, Thornhill Road. The doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. The charge to visitors is £2 per meeting. Details from Terry Teal at [email protected] or 0191 4132574.


Town Council lobbies against Ponteland car parking charges A copy of the Northumberland County Council Car Park Questionnaire had been circulated to Town Councillors as part of a consultation on a new county-wide car parking strategy. Councillors felt strongly that parking charges should not be introduced in Ponteland. It was agreed that the Council’s Highways Working Party would complete the questionnaire.

Request for extra public meeting on day care centre closure plans refused Further to the last meeting the Town Council had received a response from the County Council in relation to consultation on Day Centre Care provision. The request for additional consultation could not be granted. The County Council had also consulted with users of the day centre and their carers and felt that an additional meeting was unnecessary. The Town Council remains opposed to the proposals for closure of the day centres .

CCTV cameras coming soon The order for the five village centre CCTV cameras has been placed. There are ongoing negotiations with Northumbria Police relating to the camera proposed to be sited on their premises in Bell Villas.

Welcome signs await planning permission Planning applications have now been submitted to the County Council for new Welcome signs for the village.

Skate Park The land earmarked for the new skatepark is owned by the ISOS housing group and a letter has been sent asking to lease additional land for this facility.

Public Question A question was raised by Mrs Sheila

Campbell asking if the Council was going to include anything in their budget wish list for next year relating to the public toilets in Ponteland. The Mayor replied that several options had been included in the wish list for consideration. He reiterated that the Town Council did not own the toilets, they were owned and maintained by the County Council however the Town Council did pay for them to be cleaned. The toilets were being checked on a regular basis and being monitored for graffiti.

Ponteland Park Tree Management Plan Requests for quotations have been sent out to various companies and tenders were to be received by August 28.

Slope Protection Works The consultants have carried out the Hydrological Assessments and completed the ecological survey. This information is now with the Environment Agency and the consultants will report back when a response has been received.

Budget Wish List Following receipt of items from Councillors, a wish list for items for possible inclusion in next year’s budget had been prepared. Initial costings had been included and further detailed work would be carried out on this prior to consideration of the budget for 2010/11 in the autumn.

Music in the Park cancellation The Mayor referred to the need to cancel the above event due to the weather. This was unfortunate as a great deal of work had gone into the organisation however, it was planned to hold the event next year.

The next meeting of the Town Council will be held on Wednesday 9 September at 6.45pm at the Town Council offices.

Centegenarian Sybil Harvey received a 102nd birthday surprise with the presentation of a bouquet of flowers by Town Mayor Robin Ramsay.

Sybil, who lives at Ponteland Manor, hails from West Sussex but moved to Ponteland in 2007 to be near her daughter Jill.

She was born in Bognor Regis in 1907, went to school in Chichester and was married in 1935. After several moves she returned to West Sussex to retire.

Interests there included golf and bridge.

During her birthday party, arranged by the Manor staff, Sybil told the Mayor she finds the North-East weather very different to the South but is getting used to it!

Mayor springs 102nd birthday surprise for Sybil

OPERA gALA CONCERT INCLUDES MATINEE ThIS YEAR

Many members of the public may find the Rotary Club of Ponteland’s 25th Anniversary Opera Gala Concert with Graeme Danby and friends more appealing than normal this year because there will be a matinee at 2pm for 2.25pm as well as the hugely popular evening performance.

The event will be held at the Britannia Hotel on Sunday, 18th October and tickets priced £10 are available from Mackley and Studdert, Main Street, Ponteland (01661) 823374, Stewart Blair (01661) 822367, David Curd (01661) 822644, Les Danby (01661) 823219) or any other member of the Rotary Club of Ponteland.

PONTELAND ROTARY CLUB AND WAITROSEPresident John Gill received a cheque for £224 for Rotary Charities from Viv Sewell, Marketing Partner for Waitrose in Eldon Square and Ponteland.

Each trading month, Waitrose shops have £1,000 to divide between three local organisations – such as welfare organisations, community groups, schools or local divisions of national charities. Under the ‘Community Matters’ scheme, customers nominate organisations, with the final decision made by Partner Voice forums (Waitrose’s local democratic bodies). They are offered a token every time they shop. These can be inserted in one of three Perspex tubes – one for each organisation. At the end of the month the tokens for each organisation are weighed. The beneficiaries will then receive a proportion of the cash.


Fantastic flower festival praised by visitors

‘Fantastic’ ‘very imaginative’ ‘the best I’ve seen’ ‘the theme matched the church’ ‘very creative’.

Just some of the comments made about the Flower Festival in St Mary’s Church during the week-long celebration of Northumberland.

No description can do justice to the colour and form and expert skills used to mount the displays, all part of the bi-annual display of pictures in the Hall, flowers in the Church and additionally this year a marquee of historical information in the vicarage grounds.

So we’ll let the pictures do the talking!

Reverend Peter Barham said: “Thank you to everyone for their help and support for our Summer Festival. It was a smashing week - and we’ll let you all know the profitwe’ve made when it’s been finalised.”

Cover shot and pictures on this page by Trevor WalkerBy Muriel Sobo

Callerton Kitchens & InteriorsUnit 4c Airport Industrial EstateKingston ParkNewcastle Upon TyneNE3 2EF0191 286 0514www.callertonkitchens.co.uk

Neff ’s experienced Home Economist will be holding an in-store demonstration to enable you to find out more about Neff ’s appliances and their capabilities. If you are thinking about choosing Neff, why not come along and see for yourself on Saturday 5th September from 10am – 4pm.

For more information, please use the contact details bellow or visit www.neff.co.uk

Why not come and join us?

Your local Neff MasterPartner is holding a special event soon.


Rachel’s record breaking round

A young teenager played one of the best rounds of golf ever in a ladies’ competition at Ponteland in August.

Rachel Bruce won the President’s Day stableford competition with a record-breaking 47 points.

At 14 years old she is one of the most promising young golfers at the Ponteland Golf Club. This is only her fourth season and in this competition she reduced her handicap from nine to seven.

She said: “It just seemed to come naturally, the putting was good and I knew I had a good round. I just feel on cloud nine at the moment.”

By Muriel Sobo

Fit guys in their fifties competed in the European Triathlon Championships in Holten, Holland last month.

Among them was Ponteland resident Tony Prince, 59, who took part in the gruelling 40km cycle, 1500m swim and 10k run. What some people do for fun!

He qualified for these championships last year at the national event. The Dutch event was held over three days with hundreds of competitors in the different age groups and categories.

The cycling part was a dream for someone who had trained on the hills of Northumberland over the past year but the lake swim, because of the very warm temperatures, was without a wet suit which made it much harder.

The run route went through the town square with a lot of vocal support from spectators. Tony said: “It was a relief to finish, many didn’t, but I came in 25th so there is room for improvement for next year. The whole experience was unforgettable.”

Tony pictured at the finish line

Tony competes in European Triathlon Championships

Ponteland Sports Round Up

Once again it is Ponteland’s tennis aces that are making the headlines in this month’s sports round up as they continue to enjoy success.

After some of Ponteland Tennis Club’s rising stars cleaned up in the Ponteland Junior Tennis Open in July, it was over to Darras Hall First School to continue the village’s success in the sport as they won the Tony Blair Sports Foundation Tennis Challenge Cup at the Puma Centre in Sunderland.

The successful team of Grace Hudson, Bethan Hudson, Hannah Buffham, Sophie Gerrard, Thomas Reeman, Aidan Nylander, Ryan Gerrard and Aidan Nylander beat off competition from schools right around the region to lift the trophy.

The lucky players then got to meet Mr Blair himself, who presented the trophies along with former British tennis star Greg Rusedski, who enjoyed a game of doubles with Aidan Nylander.

The school’s success continued into August as they were voted the Northumberland LTA School of the Year at the organisation’s end of season awards, rubbing shoulders with the stars once more as Peter McNamara presented the awards.

They were not the only ones to enjoy success at the awards however as Patrick Cree was voted Volunteer of the Year and Ponteland Tennis Club’s men’s first team were voted Team of the Year as they won Division B of the Northumberland and Durham Tennis League.

The link between schools in Ponteland and the tennis club is stronger than ever, due in no small part to the efforts of coach Nick Clark, who spends considerable time coaching in schools and the club.

Elsewhere this month, Ponteland Cricket Club’s infuriatingly inconsistent season continued in August as they lost three of their four games.

Unfortunately, all three defeats were fairly convincing. After dismissing Whickham for 156, mainly due to the accurate swing bowling of Howard Wright, the side collapsed to 87 all out, with only Tom Common offering any resistance on 26.

Despite a 50 from skipper Jim Ealey, 128-8 was never going to be enough for promotion chasing Lanchester, who knocked off the runs with some ease, with New Zealand professional De Brooder scoring an unbeaten 63.

The final defeat was equally disappointing as Pont posted a mere 114-8, with Common scoring fifty. Visitors Burnopfield had no problem in knocking off the runs as they secured an eight-wicket victory.

What makes these defeats so disappointing is that the sultry win for the side came in an outstanding victory away to previously unbeaten Chopwell.

Common was again in the runs as he made an unbeaten 62 in Pont’s total of 200-9 and with the hosts coasting on 122-2, Duncan McGregor then produced a phenomenal spell of bowling, producing figures of 5-1 from 2 overs as Chopwell collapsed in style to 124 all out.

Finally, with September approaching, football and rugby comes back on the calendar with both of the village’s sides confident of success in the new seasons.

By Muriel Sobo


Your lettersThe high School independence plans and congestion problems spark this month’s letters

October issue deadlines: The October issue will be delivered week beginning September 28. Deadline for all copy and adverts is Friday September 11. Businesses should be aware that all bookings for advertisements must be paid in full by the deadline to ensure placement in the October issue.

Letters on all issues are welcomed by Pont News & Views but the 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 writer’s name and address.

Teachers’ views need as much coverage as those of governing bodyI have read with concern page 4 of the August edition of Pont News, with the headline ‘Teachers Divided’, which deals with the proposal that Ponteland High School should leave education authority control in favour of becoming a charitable trust.As views have been invited, may I comment as follows. Ponteland High School is widely known to be an outstanding school. The achievements and success of any school, company or organisation is due of course to good management, but essentially to the work and loyalty of the core staff it employs.It is therefore obvious that the teaching staff have been a major factor in the excellent attainments and reputation of this school.The first principle of successful management is well known to be consistent with consultation and agreement between employers and employees. This is even more important in this case, where the teaching staff would actually become employees of the governing body.I note that a whole half page has been given over to the chair of the governing body to spell out the case for change to charitable trust status. This space covers some 14 paragraphs of explanation, whereas the teachers comments on the same page given by the Campaign Against Charitable Status (CATS), takes up four paragraphs only.In the interest of democracy, fairness and balance concerning such an important local issue, it is not unreasonable for CATS to be offered equal space in the magazine to explain their case.John Wood

Middle Drive, Darras Hall

Editor’s note: Any further comments from the governing body, teaching staff and unions, parents or students are welcomed for the next issue.

Former teacher and governor at High School airs concerns

As a retired teacher and former governor of the high school I have some concerns with regard to the intention to become a charitable trust.

The advantages outlined by Mike Brown appear to be mainly in the business and commerce area.

Where are the benefits to the traditional academic areas of maths, science, the humanities etc? Change in the curriculum to accommodate the interests of the partners could disadvantage some students.

Leaving local authority control whilst other schools in the pyramid stay in it has the potential for conflict of interests. This could damage the good relations in place now.

Governors are volunteers who give time to the school. Much is already expected of them. Time spent on the management areas currently operated by the LEA will take time away from the educational and welfare issues at the heart of the school.

The expertise and experience of the LEA over many years will be difficult to replicate ‘in house’. Nothing has been said about the structures that are to be put in place to ensure the same level (or better) management of students, staff and buildings.

Maureen Sheehan (Former governor of PCHS and teacher at the school)

Parklands, Ponteland

Old first school bus park plan a good idea

As another resident who has lived in Ponteland all my life and attended the First School (and my mother before me) I agree that the old wooden classrooms at the back of the main building would make an excellent bus park, but totally disagree that the school and playground should be used for more houses.

Why can’t the old main building be renovated/refurbished and made into a new, more modern and bigger library. The old playground could then be made into the library car park, possibly with an entrance via Thornhill Road to save more traffic disruption on the North Road.

After all Ponteland has grown immensely since the original library was built and a bigger building would surely be of more value to the village than more housing.

The original library/doctors surgery buildings could then be demolished and this would make even more room for a car park entrance and school buses if required.

I personally think there are enough houses in Ponteland/Darras Hall. There is little enough of the original character of Ponteland left now - why take more away when it could be put to better use?

Susan Hope

Berwick Court, Ponteland

We need to fight for a bypassA letter is response to Janet Dakers (Bell Villas Ponteland) in the August issue.

We have lived in Ponteland for 21 years and my views are that the last thing Ponteland needs at this moment in time is another site development.

In our time we have seen the developments of Eland Estate, Cecil Court, Pont Hospital, Berwick Court and the Lairage.

The roads of Ponteland have absorbed all the additional traffic from these developments in tandem of course with traffic heading for the Scottish Borders and beyond. Not to mention the Otterburn military vehicles that venture through our village, or should we now refer to Ponteland as a town?

The only road improvement that I can recall was the strengthening of Pont Bridge to support the loads imposed by army vehicles.

On the horizon is the threat of the police headquarters site and the proposed 150 homes. Despite 178 resident objections the site no doubt will proceed because it is solidly backed by influential bodies, most of whom do not reside in the area.

Highways officials estimate that additional vehicles spilling on to the congested roads of Ponteland will number 49! One in three house in that site will use a car at a time of heavy congestion, or so Highways content. Pull the other one!

Rather than further development, Ponteland needs to be eased of traffic congestion. We need a Ponteland bypass. This is grossly overdue. Haydon Bridge fought and won. How about Ponteland putting up a fight?

In the interim however, Northumberland County Council needs to seriously consider an ‘out of town’ park and ride system. Yes, build a car park on some plot on the outskirts of Ponteland and provide school buses of the electric variety as we see on Newcastle Quayside. Bus the kiddies to school, having provided a decent drop-off base for parents.

A Mee (Mr)North Road, Ponteland


ThE ROTARY CLUB Of PONTELAND - ANNUAL DUCK RACES

Sunday September 6, Ponteland Park, 1.30pm to 4pm.

First race 2pm. Fun for all the family with bouncy castle, fairground organ, refreshments and displays.

Race tickets available from Mackley & Studdert or any Rotarian and on sale in Waitrose and on Broadway on Friday 4th September and in Dobbies on Saturday 5th September.

All proceeds go to deserving charities.

This year’s Parish Flower Show will be different.

The death of Dick Dodsworth leaves a big gap in the entries for both flowers and vegetables and his fierce competitive streak and his wonderful gladioli blooms will all be missed. He said plants were in his blood.

Dick died in July just short of his 79th birthday after spending many weeks in hospital. He will be greatly missed in Ponteland. He was a friendly man, full of life, with a big personality and for about the last 50 years has been a motivator in Ponteland village life.

Born in Yorkshire in 1930 he was always proud of his Yorkshire roots. His father was head gardener at Norton Conyers but in 1947, with Dick, he came north to work for Donald Ireland at his nursery on Edgehill, Darras Hall.

National Service was completed between 1948-1950 and then he worked for the Blood Transfusion Service in Newcastle where he met his wife Margaret, and they went to live in Gosforth. With his brother-in-law he set up a greengrocer’s business and eventually they ran a number of shops in Newcastle.

It was in the late 1950s that Dick and Margaret began to take part in social activities in Ponteland and this prompted their move to a house on the North Road, Ponteland, in 1964. He was also for some time on the management committee and a Trustee for the Ponteland Memorial Hall.

In 1977 Dick and Margaret started holding Domino Drives to help raise funds for charity. Dick provided the dominoes, organised the catering and acted as Master of Ceremonies.

In 1978 Dick and friends re-established the Ponteland Flower Show, still held annually in September, for the local people to exhibit flowers, vegetables, fruit, cookery, handicrafts, art, photography and floral art – a veritable display of the talents.

At the same time, 1978, again with a

few friends he initiated the Memorial Hall Leek Club. This was for the culture and exhibition of prize leeks and onions, a unique north-east activity associated with the mining communities. Not only did they run the annual leek show but also a well-supported social calendar which raised funds for the Memorial Hall. Of course Dick was carrying off prizes as well.

There are other events where he was involved and Dick’s efforts and organisational skills were recognised by Ponteland Parish Council in 2002 when he was awarded an inscribed crystal trophy in recognition of his service to the community. Castle Morpeth Borough Council also recognised his input to community and presented him with a Meritorious Service Certificate.

Margaret died in 1997. Dick was known to many locals since he walked his golden retriever, Squire, daily in the Park. To an older generation he was ‘Mister Ponteland’ and he will leave a big void in village life. Well done, Dick!

Exhibitors can put on their displays at the Memorial Hall from 7.30pm-9pm on Friday September 11 and 8am-11am on Saturday September 12. The show opens to the public from 1pm on the Saturday following judging, and the awards ceremony is at 4.30pm.

Loss of ‘Mr Ponteland’ leaves big gap in annual flower show

Dick with First Prize for mixed blooms at the Memorial Hall Leek Show, 2008.

St Mary’s Church September eventsTuesday 1st to Friday 4th 9.30am-11.30am each morning. Rainbow People Holiday Club at Ponteland Methodist Church. Any children aged five to 11 welcome to come along and join in games, craft, music, and discover the story of Noah.

Sunday 6th 10am Family Service at St Mary’s

Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th Heritage Open Weekend. Pele Tower open 2pm to 4pm each day. St Mary’s church open 10am to 4pm each day. There will be an exhibition in Church celebrating Richard Coates, the man and his school. The school building in Thornhill Road is 50 years old this year.

Saturday 12th 3pm and 7.30pm. Railway films in the Church Hall on Thornhill Road. This is York 1953, Farmer moving south 1952, Fully fitted freight 1957, and others. Admission free, tea and doughnuts in the interval, donations please.

Sunday 13th 10am, the preacher at the 10am Service at St Mary’s, The Reverend Simon Jones, Chaplain of Merton College, Oxford.

Thursday 24th 7pm, Holy Saviour Milbourne - a traditional Harvest Festival service in a church surrounded by fields.

By Muriel Sobo

pontnews&views 13

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Ponteland NE20 9BE

Freephone 0800 107 3000E-mail: [email protected] . www.browells.co.uk

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

and

A living large-scale Kenyan flag was made by Ponteland Middle School on the last day of term. The pupils were choreographed by the staff, the centre piece of shield and spears was made in advance, the sun shone and photographs were taken.

Why Kenya? The Middle School supports a Kenyan school near the shores of Lake Victoria and has already bought a computer for them which saved the Kenyan children a 10km round trip to get to the nearest machine!

The Ponteland school raised £1,600 for that piece of kit and this last year they raised an amazing £6,000 to build a new classroom and put in a fence around their vegetable allotment to prevent animals eating all their produce.

The Wanga Primary School in Mbita, Kenya, had a previous visit from some of the teachers in Ponteland and this last holiday saw five of the staff travel out to Kenya.

Wanga’s headteacher Michael Oketch Keta is expected in Ponteland in November on a reciprocal visit.

Pupils flag up support for Kenyan schoolBy Muriel Sobo

Kenyan flag factsThe Kenyan flag was adopted on December 12, 1963, after gaining independence from Britain.

The black stripe represents the African people; while the red stands for the struggle for independence.

The green represents Kenya’s agriculture and natural resources. The thin white stripes symbolize peace and unity.

The central emblem of a Masai warrior’s shield and spears represents Kenya’s fight for freedom and their preparedness to defend that freedom.

www.pontelandtowncouncil.co.uk


It allows children and their parents, grandparents, aunties etc, to explore church in a relaxed and informal way. It meets on Saturdays and starts with games, followed with art and craft.

A short, lively act of worship where children are encouraged to jump, and make a noise, is followed by a shared meal before we all depart.

So, why the name? Well ‘Messy Church’ welcomes all, but equally this national project attracts people for whom their lives with children and families can be frayed around the edges.

Ask any parent and they will all so often say they feel as if they are constantly spinning plates, balancing, and comprising. ‘Messy church’ allows a haven of peace in an all too busy world; an opportunity for children and parents to make time for play and interaction.

It may also be called ‘Messy Church’ because we allow, and encourage, children and adults to make a mess, be that painting, model making or icing cakes.

This event is a churches together event in Ponteland using the Methodist Church as a base. We gather the second Saturday of the month 4-6pm. We aim to have a fun time for parents and children finishing with a meal, then time home for a quiet evening for all.

For further information contact Hannah Middleton at Ponteland Methodist Church on (01661) 872297.

Join our Messy Church

Every Friday morning from 9 o’clock there is a Country Market held at Merton Hall selling home made baking and preserves.

It is part of the national scheme started by the WI and the Ponteland market has been running since 1976, all be it with some changes of venue.

There is a wide range on offer, from home baking to various crafts such as jewellery and

cards, seasonal fruit and vegetables and plants for the garden. All local produce of a very high standard, but if it is the pies and cakes you fancy then an early visit is necessary since they are sold out before the close at 11.15am.

Founder members Marjorie Goodchild and Kathleen Almond are still shareholders. New producers are welcome. The market also has a stall at the monthly Farmers’ Market in the Memorial Hall.

Food and crafts every Friday at Country MarketBy Muriel Sobo

PONTELAND CIVIC SOCIETYMonday 28th September, 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church Hall. ‘The Woodland Trust’ by Peter and Rosemary Dodds concerning the Trust’s work in preserving natural woodlands round the UK and particularly in our Region. Visitors welcome (£2 donation please).

It may appear an unusual title for a church event but ‘Messy Church’ is just what it states.

pontnews&views 15

Did you take a lot of photos during the summer? Are you wondering what to do with them, how to store them or improve them or perhaps make a DVD show?

There will be plenty of ideas and help available on Monday September 21 when at 7.30pm the Ponteland Photographic Society opens its doors at Merton Hall in the Village to start a new season aimed at the enjoyment of photography.

Perhaps you are struggling to master a new digital camera and would welcome a short course in digital imaging. Or maybe you want to learn more advanced techniques to enhance your images.

Whatever your level of skill I’m sure you will find something of interest, with hints and tips to help you improve your pictures.

The Society has a range of computing, digital imaging and other equipment which can be borrowed with plenty of help on hand.

New members are always welcome so why not come along on Monday evenings and see what we have to offer. There is no obligation to join. We have extended the season from September 21 until the end of April 2010 (with short breaks for Christmas and Easter) with an interesting mix of expert speakers, practical evenings and the occasional competition. There’s bound to be something to interest you and boost your own photography.

Have a look at our website at www.pontelandphotographicsociety.co.uk for further details or ring Mike Sadler on (01661) 823519 or Gary Smith on 0191 217 0038.

Want to improve your photography?

It was with great pride that I presented Ben Guadagno, one of the Ponteland Beavers (Tuesday Colony) with his Chief Scouts Bronze Award.

Ben had been attending Beavers for the past two years and during that time, had worked with great enthuasiasm towards attaining his six Challenge badges and therefore making himself eligible for the Bronze Award.

Scouting had changed its badge structure for Beavers during Ben’s stay with the Colony and Ben is the first member of the Colony to be

awarded the new Bronze Award. Sadly for the Colony, it also meant that Ben had reached the ripe old age of eight, which meant that he

could now move onto Cubs - our loss is their gain!

Well done Ben, and Bear Grylls watch out - there’s a new Chief Scout in the making!

Ben’s bronze first for BeaversBy Lynn Ashforth, Beaver Scout Leader

By Mike Sadler


Surma

charliie’s charity auctionpontelandonline.co.uk/pnv/issue 47 september 2009.pdf · september 25...

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