Ponteland is to carry on a long-standing Castle Morpeth tradition by holding an annual Civic Service this weekend.The popular event has been held as a borough-wide occasion for many years, with all the pomp and ceremony of a formal civic occasion.
But with the recent local government restructure and the abolition of Castle Morpeth Borough Council, which managed the annual event, Ponteland would have missed out.
However, the borough deputy mayor’s chain of office has passed to Ponteland’s new Town Mayor, Coun Robin Ramsay, who is keen to continue the tradition.
On Sunday (May 10) he will lead Ponteland’s Civic Service, which includes a parade headed by North Tyneside Pipe Band before and after a service at St Mary’s Church. The parade will comprise councillors and youth organisations, including the Scouts and Girls’ Brigade.
Invited dignatories and guests will enjoy afternoon tea at the Memorial Hall afterwards. They include representatives of local schools, businesses, charities, clubs and associations and all churches.
Coun Ramsay said: “I don’t want Ponteland to lose out on this important civic occasion because of the local government restructure, and the village is well known for its established traditions and annual events, including the New Year’s Day Wheelbarrow Race and the summer Party in the Park.
“The Town Council is also keen to promote our vision of giving residents a real sense of pride in Ponteland. So I felt it appropriate with the Ponteland Town Mayor taking on the chain of office from the last Deputy Mayor of Castle Morpeth that we also continue this event. I’m hoping for an excellent turnout on Sunday.” The parade from the Memorial Hall to St. Mary's starts at 2.15pm, followed by the service at St Mary’s at 2.30pm.
