tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40991035954836678332024-03-28T04:08:11.833+00:00Ponteland Online NewsLocal News and Blog for Ponteland, Darras Hall and Surrounding areas.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger370125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-24581078728933607782014-02-28T19:15:00.003+00:002014-02-28T19:15:42.233+00:00Olivia Dixon Teenstar 2014<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Olivia Dixon aged 14 years from ponteland has made the regional finals of teenstar 2014 this is the singing competition that Luke friends won last year . The regional finals will be held at the Tyne theatre in newcastle on the 22nd march</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPonteland, Northumberland, UK55.049871 -1.739843999999948255.0134775 -1.8205249999999482 55.086264500000006 -1.6591629999999482tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-17940879669265195792014-02-27T14:26:00.000+00:002014-02-28T19:16:17.722+00:00Celebration of Success for Ponteland Teenager<div class="mobile-photo">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hannah Elliott aged <st1:metricconverter productid="14, a" w:st="on">14, a</st1:metricconverter> pupil of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Ponteland</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Community</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">High School</st1:placetype></st1:place> has her sights firmly set on the stars after being awarded the title of Junior Miss Newcastle Galaxy <st1:metricconverter productid="2014 in" w:st="on">2014 in</st1:metricconverter> a national Beauty Pageant. Hannah will now compete for the National Title of Junior Miss Galaxy Great <st1:country-region w:st="on">Britain</st1:country-region> at the Galaxy Pageant Finals being held in <st1:place w:st="on">Lancashire</st1:place> on the 8<sup>th</sup> March.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hannah is delighted to have been given the opportunity to take part in this event and is very proud of her new title which allows her to represent the North East in what is deemed to be a very grand finale indeed. As well as being able to wear some stunning outfits during the finals, Hannah will be interviewed to determine her ambitions and personality; extra points are also awarded for work carried out within her community and for fundraising. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hannah is a terrific role model for other teenagers, a grade A student who is determined to make the world a better place. Hannah is regularly involved with fundraising particularly for her local dance school as well as other community activities and is renowned for putting a smile on the faces of everyone she meets. A very talented performer and dancer Hannah has entertained 1000’s of people from the North East since the age of 6 having appeared in every Theatre in Newcastle & Sunderland including the Theatre Royal and the Sunderland Empire Theatre. Hannah is currently in rehearsals with the West End Musical Theatre Company where she will be undertaking the lead role of Dorothy in their production of the Wizard of Oz in June 2014 at Northern Stage.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hannah is being supported on her Pageant quest by local photographer Joe Laws and Elaine Milbourne Performing Arts School. We wish her lots of luck in finals.</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPonteland, Northumberland, UK55.049871 -1.739843999999948255.0134775 -1.8205249999999482 55.086264500000006 -1.6591629999999482tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-56281783801915618052014-01-28T09:15:00.001+00:002014-01-28T09:15:39.838+00:00Rotary Club Has its First Females<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ODOENEWcr0w/Uud0wukm0LI/AAAAAAAABsg/lA6yLNwRKNo/s1600/Rotary+Ladies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ODOENEWcr0w/Uud0wukm0LI/AAAAAAAABsg/lA6yLNwRKNo/s1600/Rotary+Ladies.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">THERE was a notable first for the club when Suzanne Marshall and Caroline Parkinson joined their partners as full members.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Ponteland club, which celebrates its 50th birthday this year, has never previously admitted ladies, although worldwide there have been plenty of clubs with a mixed membership.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Suzanne and Caroline both felt that they were supporting the club’s activities anyway through their men folk and perhaps they should join up and enjoy some of the benefits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Caroline said: “The community involvement is important as well, both belonging to it and contributing to it through our own skills and time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“In addition, we want to help with fund-raising”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Suzanne, as well as agreeing with Caroline, pointed out the very good social programme they had in Rotary and hoped that more ladies would be emboldened to come forward to join. They would be very welcome.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In December, Ponteland Rotary Club sponsored the annual Carol Concert. Earlier in the year there was the Gala Concert at the Britannia Hotel next to Newcastle Airport and before that the Duck Races in Ponteland Park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These are annual occasions and part of the many events in the social calendar organised by club members.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year’s special events to mark the anniversary include golf competitions and dinners for St George’s Day on Tuesday, April 22, and the AM/PM day on Tuesday, May 13.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For more information about them and the club in general, call Stewart Blair on 01661 822367 or email stewart.blair1@virgin.net</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Source: <a href="http://www.morpethherald.co.uk/news/club-has-its-first-females-1-6391635" target="_blank">Morpeth Herald</a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-13953781202714136802014-01-07T21:43:00.004+00:002014-01-07T21:43:41.530+00:00Ponteland Runners - Beginners running sessions<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do you want to get fit after the Christmas and New Year? Well Ponteland Runners has the perfect answer. W<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">e
will be starting a 10 week series for absolute beginners on Wednesday
15th January at 7pm from Ponteland leisure centre. The sessions will be
aimed at anyone who wants to start running who has never ran before or
for those who are lapsed runners who would like to get some fitness back
before joining in one of our other week<span class="text_exposed_show">ly
sessions. The aim will be to take you from non-runner to be able to run
continuously for 30mins in 10 weeks. We will end the series with 5k run
at <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=192057907103&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Newcastle-parkrun/192057907103">Newcastle parkrun</a>
for those who are interested. This event will be a great focus to
weekly runs and will be a fantastic achievement at the end of the
series. <br /> Sessions will be led by Suzanne Dunn and Sue Heppell. <br /><span> Get in touch if you would like any further information by email at secretary@pontelandrunners.org</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>.uk.<br /> Please share to pass the message on!<br /> Suzanne and Sue</span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16537725803466873993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-61761134891204171362013-10-22T17:21:00.002+01:002013-10-22T17:21:51.312+01:00Kirkharle Courtyard's Autumn Fayre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">SUPPORT LOCAL AND KICK OFF YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT KIRKHARLE COURTYARD’S AUTUMN FAYRE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This month sees the return of Kirkharle Lake and Courtyard’s annual Food and Craft Fayre, which runs from 25<sup>th</sup> to 27<sup>th</sup> October and is open from 10am to 4.30pm each day (4pm Sunday). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now in its fourth year, the Autumn Fayre takes place in the historic 18<sup>th</sup> century courtyard and birthplace of ‘Capability’ Brown, known as the Shakespeare of gardening. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The event will showcase more than 40 craft, food and gift stalls from Northumberland, Durham, Cumbria and Scotland in two heated marquees. Dozens of local food producers will offer a wide selection of top quality seasonal food and drink from around the region. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Children are also invited to enjoy the newly opened play area and traditional games in the attractive courtyard. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kitty Anderson, project co-ordinator at Kirkharle Lake and Courtyard, explained: “Kirkharle Lake and Courtyard will be transformed for our Autumn/Winter Fayre weekend. Visitors will be able to get ahead with their Christmas shopping, with an array of original gifts on offer from some of our region’s most talented craftspeople, as well as Kirkharle’s galleries and boutique shops which are producing special gifts for the occasion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“In addition to supporting local businesses and producers, we are proud to again be joining forces with Marie Curie, and will raise valuable funds to benefit patients at its Newcastle hospice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Fayre has proved popular throughout the four years it has been running. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“The event attracted 2,000 people last year, and we hope to attract even more this year,” Kitty said. “Admission and parking are free, so we’re looking forward to welcoming regular visitors to Kirkharle Lake and Courtyard as well as visitors from further afield.”</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comKirkharle, Northumberland NE19, UK55.136641999999988 -1.977807999999981829.614607499999988 -43.286401999999981 80.658676499999984 39.330786000000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-37138365525477105482013-10-10T17:24:00.000+01:002013-10-22T17:25:03.059+01:00Ponteland based charity nominated for Lloyds Community Fund 2013 award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Local charity helping sight impaired children shortlisted for £3,000 community award</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Useful Vision needs public vote in the Lloyds Bank Community Fund<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Useful Vision, based at Prestwick Park in Ponteland has been organising activities and days out for the families of blind and vision impaired children in the region since 2006. The aim is to give the families the chance to take part in a range of activities and family fun days. The children grow in confidence, make new friends and are given the opportunity to try a host of activities their sighted peers take for granted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rebecca Wilson, Trustee Director said “We are delighted to be nominated for this award. We fundraise so we are able to offer all of our activities free to vision impaired children and their families. We can organise anything from kayaking to cookery classes and we welcome vision impaired children whatever their level of ability. This award would enable us to run so many more activities and engage with a lot more families.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Lloyds Bank Community Fund is helping local good causes across England and Wales to have a positive impact at the hearts of their communities by giving grants to over 1,300 local causes in villages, towns and cities across England and Wales. There are four local good causes in each community and each will receive an award. Two local good causes from each community will receive £3,000 each, with the other two receiving awards of £300 each.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can find out more about the Community Fund and Useful Vision and cast your vote by visiting Lloyds Bank Community Fund website at <a href="http://www.lloydsbank.com/communityfund">www.lloydsbank.com/communityfund</a>. You can text a vote. Voters need to text VOTE LDSC to 61119 to vote for Useful Vision. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Community Fund 2013 voting is open until 1 November<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPonteland, Northumberland, UK55.049871 -1.739843999999948255.0134775 -1.8205249999999482 55.086264500000006 -1.6591629999999482tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-9497448163300359722013-09-16T22:51:00.000+01:002013-09-16T22:57:38.347+01:00PONTELAND RUNNERS INVITE YOU TO COME ALONG AND RUN WITH US<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Week commencing 23rd September we are inviting anyone to come along and try any of our
running sessions. You don't have to pre-register, just turn up to one of
the sessions and its all for free! If you've just done the GNR and need some motivation to
keep that fitness, it's an ideal time to come along and try us.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Sessions
are as follows:<br /> Monday 8pm from Ponteland leisure centre - main club session of about 6 mil<span class="text_exposed_show">es training run using intervals, hills etc (intermediates/advanced)<br /> Tuesday 7pm from Ponteland leisure centre - ladies only social run 3 to 4 miles at 10-11min/mile steady run (beginners)<br /> Thursday 9.15am from the corner of Darras Road and Eastern Way. 4 to 5 miles training run using intervals, hills etc (beginners/intermediates)<br /> Friday 7pm from Ponteland leisure centre. Steady run 4 to 5 miles (intermediates/men's beginners)</span></span></span><br />
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Please share the post with your friends and relatives. It'll be great
to see a load of new faces coming along and it's always easier when you
know that you're not the only new one there. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">Have a look at our website for more information www.pontelandrunners.org.uk or find us on facebook.<br /> For more information email secretary@pontelandrunners.org<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>.uk or contact Sue on 821547 </span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16537725803466873993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-51928481453998872912013-09-06T09:31:00.000+01:002013-09-06T09:33:58.507+01:00ELEVEN YEAR OLD SWEEPS TO VICTORY AT PONTELAND<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TENUEayqsnQ/Uihm2o603WI/AAAAAAAABgc/8YyfKwUvqNw/s1600/Pictures%2B010-781791.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5920094799061638498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TENUEayqsnQ/Uihm2o603WI/AAAAAAAABgc/8YyfKwUvqNw/s320/Pictures%2B010-781791.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Eleven year old Owen Thomas turned a few heads with an incredible 48 points as he carried off the prize as overall winner at the Ponteland Golf Club’s annual junior golf competition this week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With his handicap now down to 21 after his recent win, he is a regular player during the summer months at Ponteland where he has been a member since 2010.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sponsored for the fifth year running by the Newcastle office of Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), a national commercial property consultancy, the competition had a strong turn out with 45 entries. Players had to be under 21 years of age to take part and this year, nine of the entrants were girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Darron Barker, head of office at LSH’s Grey Street office, awarded the prizes, congratulating everyone who took part. He said:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“My two sons have both come through Ponteland Juniors and it gives me great pleasure to be able to put something back into junior golf today, thanks to the generosity of Lambert Smith Hampton. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Playing golf is a great training ground for life – not just the camaraderie and the competition - but it is a way of meeting new people and when your swing is not so good, it teaches you to deal with life’s disappointments too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“It is the fifth year we have sponsored this competition and I am delighted to see such a great turn out, including nine girls, which is a record.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ponteland Golf Club’s Greg Waugh, regular organiser of the competition was delighted with the standard of play and the enthusiasm shown by the entrants. He said: “The good summer weather has undoubtedly been a big factor, but this year there have been around 20 or more young people playing on the course each day, which is great for the game and for the future of the club.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Other winners were Michael James from Ramside Hall who was runner up with 47 points and Marcus Grove from Tynemouth who won ‘best visitor’ category with 39 points. Best player for the 0-12 handicap was Andy White from Roxburgh with 39 points and in the 13-30 handicap category, Ali Dodds from Ponteland won with 40 points. Best girl was Katie Thirwell, also from Ponteland, with 34 points.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Caption: (L to R) </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Simon McStravick, Ponteland Golf Club Junior Liaison Officer,<br />Ian Latimer, Captain of Ponteland Golf Club, Robbie Robertson, Owen Thomas,<br />Michael James and Darron Barker</span></span></span><span style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ian Latimer, Captain of Ponteland Golf Club, Robbie Robertson, Owen Thomas,</span></span></span><span style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Michael James and Darron Barker</span></span></span></h4>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPonteland, Northumberland, UK55.049871 -1.739843999999948255.0134775 -1.8205249999999482 55.086264500000006 -1.6591629999999482tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-50227462912028785012013-09-04T19:22:00.000+01:002013-09-04T19:22:37.110+01:00PONTELAND OFFICE SITE REDEVELOPMENT<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Press release<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4<sup>th</sup> September 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">An open evening is to be staged for people to see
new plans for the redevelopment of Galliford Try’s former North East offices in
Ponteland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The proposals, to create 18 apartments on the site
off the A696 West Road, will be on display in the Ponteland Memorial Hall
between 5pm and 7pm next Wednesday (11<sup>th</sup> September). Company representatives will also be there to
answer questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Feedback from the meeting will be used to inform the
finalisation of a planning application which is expected to be lodged with
Northumberland County Council in the next few weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The changed plans come after a series of meetings
with planning officials and consideration of local views about the initial
proposal to develop seven luxury homes on the Mill House site. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If approved, Linden Homes - Galliford Try’s
Housebuilding division - could begin work early next year.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPonteland, Northumberland, UK55.049871 -1.739843999999948255.0134775 -1.8205249999999482 55.086264500000006 -1.6591629999999482tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-91976226894950837952013-06-27T09:36:00.004+01:002013-06-27T09:44:59.171+01:00Clowning for CLIC Sargent-The Sandow Clowns All Laughter Show<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Clowning for CLIC Sargent</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Sandow Clowns All Laughter Show will occur on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 2:00pm to 3:20pm <br /><br /><b>Description:</b> Special holiday treat! Clowning for CLIC Sargent -The Sandow Clowns All laughter Show. The best value clean slapstick comedy on stage for all the family. Hilarious comic sketches, juggling, balancing, stiltwalking, comedy musical car and lots of prizes! All Profits Covenant to CLIC Sargent national registered charity 1107328. Over £24,000 donated on our tours. Check out our Childrens Choices Facebook page! Show starts at 2pm, tickets on the door from 30 minutes prior. <br /><br />All tickets £3.50 adults and children three years and over, free for two years and under.</span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Location:</b></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Ponteland Memorial Hall</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Darras Road</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />Ponteland, NE20 9NX<br />07969933236 </span><br />
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">More Info:</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://childrenschoices.co.uk/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">childrenschoices.co.uk</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPonteland, Northumberland, UK55.049871 -1.739843999999948255.0134775 -1.8205249999999482 55.086264500000006 -1.6591629999999482tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-59440004807081270552013-06-25T09:49:00.000+01:002013-06-27T09:50:26.103+01:00Leonard Cheshire Disability - Bradbury Court<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Leonard Cheshire Disability has been a part of the Ponteland Community for many years, although many people may be unaware of Bradbury Court on Thornhill Road.
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bradbury Court is a Supported Living Unit for 9 People with varying disabilities.
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Leonard Cheshire the Man was the most decorated pilot in World War II and took part in the Dam Busters Raid; started the charity in 1948, predating the founding of the National Health Service.
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite Bradbury Court being opened since 10th October 1995, very few people in the area are aware of our existence.
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To help remedy that situation, we are holding a Cheese & Wine Evening on Wednesday July 3rd 2013 at Ponteland High School.
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The evening is being hosted by Ponteland High School and Waitrose, Ponteland.
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On the night, entertainment is being provided by the Ponteland High School Jazz Band.
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tickets are on sale via Michael Metcalf Leonard Cheshire Disability & Carol Wilson at
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ponteland High School and priced at only £8.00
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">An electronic copy of the Flyer is attached.
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For any further information, contact Michael Metcalf - Volunteer Coordinator
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">07831 585 803
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Best wishes,
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Michael Metcalf
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Michael Metcalf - 07831 585 803
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Volunteer Co-ordinator, Northumbria Supported Living
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Leonard Cheshire Disability
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Telephone: 01661 867610
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">E-mail: <a href="mailto:michael.metcalf@lcdisability.org">michael.metcalf@lcdisability.org</a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-78651134992577934732013-06-25T09:47:00.000+01:002013-06-27T09:48:05.545+01:00WOOLSINGTON DAD GOES AN EXTRA 1000 MILES FOR CHARITY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 150%;">WOOLSINGTON dad of two, </span><st1:personname style="line-height: 150%;" w:st="on">Martin Cowell</st1:personname><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 150%;"> is set to complete a challenge of a lifetime to mark his 40</span><sup style="line-height: 150%;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 150%;"> birthday by cycling unsupported from John O'Groats to </span><st1:place style="line-height: 150%;" w:st="on">Land’s End</st1:place><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 150%;"> in aid of the North East Children’s Charity Heel & Toe.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Starting on Friday June 28 2013, Martin aims to complete his gruelling journey in just eight days, finishing in time to celebrate his 40<sup>th</sup> birthday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Martin, who works for his family-run business Cowell’s Garden Centre, aims to raise £5,000 by completing the End 2 End cycle challenge for the Heel & Toe Children’s Charity. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">The Durham-based organisation provides free conductive education to children suffering from Cerebral Palsy and other physical disabilities, and is a cause close to Martin’s heart after seeing how his daughter Macey, 10, has benefitted from its work. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Martin said: “As a family we have witnessed first-hand the fantastic work that Heel & Toe do to support children throughout the region. I wanted to do something really special to mark my 40<sup>th</sup> birthday and I couldn’t think of a better way to give back to the organisation which has made such a difference to my daughter’s life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">“I know this isn’t going to be easy - to start at one end of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region></st1:place> and get to the other end in only eight days is quite a challenge, especially when most riders take around 14 days and that’s with support. But I’m confident I’ll succeed and I’ll just have to keep reminding myself why I’m doing it – Heel & Toe is a truly marvellous charity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">“I am grateful for any donations, however big or small, and would like to thank everyone who has donated so far, particularly the Strawberry Foundation based at The Strawberry Pub, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Newcastle</st1:city></st1:place> which has kindly contributed £500.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">By visiting Heel & Toe’s weekly group sessions Macey’s confidence has grown dramatically as she has receives support with everyday practical skills which has helped to improve her interaction with others, coordination and balance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Martin, who also has an eight-year-old son Finley, began his training in November 2012 and has currently cycled 3 back-to-back 120 miles in final preparation for his challenge. He has set up a blog to log all of his training efforts which will be used throughout the eight day ride to track his progress. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; line-height: 150%;">To support Martin’s End 2 End cycle challenge in aid of Heel & Toe Children’s Charity, donations should be registered via his Just Giving page </span></span><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/GeordieJogle">www.justgiving.com/GeordieJogle</a> or TEXT - DAFT50 £5 to 70070.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">To follow Martin as he completes his training and during his challenge, visit his blog <a href="http://geordiejogle.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page_21.html">http://geordiejogle.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page_21.html</a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comWoolsington, Tyne and Wear NE13, UK55.0213731 -1.692599200000017829.499338599999998 -43.001193200000017 80.5434076 39.615994799999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-25634415568453308082013-06-25T09:40:00.000+01:002013-06-27T09:43:46.559+01:00FAMILY FIRM CLIMBS TO NEW HEIGHTS<div class="mobile-photo">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Established in 1985, Gustharts sells equipment to gardeners as well as those working in the woodland, landscape and arborist (tree surgeon) trades. A major Dealer in the STIHL and VIKING product ranges, Gustharts sells everything from chainsaws to hedge-trimmers, multi-tools and lawn mowers to protective clothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">2012 was the best year to date for the family firm run by <st1:personname w:st="on">Rob Gusthart</st1:personname> and his brother-in-law Michael and nephew Phillip Mitchell. The company grew turnover by 15 percent to bypass the £1m mark in the last 12 months, and despite the poor <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region></st1:place> weather, April 2013 was their best ever month in the history of the business.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">In 2001 they introduced climbing kit for arborists when one customer asked for a single harness and now Gustharts is the biggest specialist tree-climbing equipment supplier in the North, also supplying many colleges across the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region></st1:place>. Their specialist tree-climbing equipment also gets sent to EEC countries, with some internet sales travelling as far as <st1:country-region w:st="on">New Zealand</st1:country-region> and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Australia</st1:country-region></st1:place>.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">A need for more space for storage and good quality display space for demonstrations led Gustharts to double its space at Blagdon Estate with a brand new showroom and workshop built by the estate owner, Lord Ridley, with Gustharts subsequently investing £120,000 in a state-of-the-art shop fit and green IT equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">The new showroom is located adjacent to Gustharts’ former site on Blagdon Estate, but the new enhanced two-storey 6500 sq ft layout has almost doubled their space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><st1:personname w:st="on"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Rob Gusthart</span></st1:personname> said: “Now we have the bigger showroom customer equipment demos are much easier and people are browsing or just popping in to look round, as opposed to before in our smaller workshop when we didn't have much passing trade.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">“We have even got a 20 foot tree in the centre of the showroom to try out harnesses and in the summer we’re hoping to take customers outside onto the Blagdon Estate to test equipment too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">The investment in green IT facilities was handled by EastQuayIT who installed a special ‘veryPC’ server that is designed to consume less power and a number of ‘veryPCs’ at the new premises. Built using a unique chassis which comprises 100 percent aluminum sourced from renewable and geothermal resources, the PCs are engineered for Low Power Consumption with Eco Power Management and consume around 80 percent less power than a typical PC. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Ian Fraser, director at EastQuayIT, added: “EastQuayIT is happy to be working with Gustharts and to be helping the family firm further develop its green credentials following its recent move, by reducing power consumption and incorporating recyclable equipment into its IT infrastructure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">The company was established on 4<sup>th</sup> November 1985 as Gustharts Chainsaw Centre and coincidentally moved into its brand new showroom on the same day (4<sup>th</sup> November) last year. Marking the official opening recently was Lord Ridley and managing director of STIHL GB, Robin Lennie.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Gustharts is one of the first STIHL Dealerships in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:personname w:st="on">Britain</st1:personname></st1:country-region></st1:place> to benefit from both its smart showroom fit-out and a bespoke workshop facility, making it a flagship Dealer for the German firm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Speaking at the opening ceremony, STIHL GB’s Robin Lennie paid tribute to the Gustharts family business which has been a STIHL Dealer for more than 27 years: “Gustharts has long been a top quality STIHL Dealer. They are a pleasure to work with and give excellent customer service, reliable technical support as well as sound advice to their customers. On behalf of all at STIHL, I congratulate them on this new flagship premises, which clearly reflects their quality and scale. We wish them all the very best for long-term and continuing success.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Gustharts took on its first employee 15 years ago, and now has nine staff which it hopes to grow considerably in the next few years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">For further information on Gustharts visit </span><span style="line-height: 150%;"><a href="http://www.gustharts.com/">www.gustharts.com</a></span>.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPonteland, Northumberland, UK55.049871 -1.739843999999948255.0134775 -1.8205249999999482 55.086264500000006 -1.6591629999999482tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-83829015662029031532013-06-18T16:51:00.001+01:002013-06-27T09:45:43.124+01:00New Ponteland Dementia Café opens in July 2013<!-- Converted from text/rtf format --> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Following the positive response to a Hexham social and support group for people with dementia and their family members, and in response to local people’s needs, Alzheimer’s Society’s Tynedale branch is setting up a new group in Ponteland’s Merton Hall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The group will be known as ‘D.Caff’ and will be a café-style session, meeting the third Wednesday of the month, starting Wednesday 17<sup>th</sup> July (1:30-3:00). People who have dementia (or are concerned about their memory) and their family and friends will be welcomed at the get-togethers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dementia Support Worker, Trudi Jackson, and her 4 volunteers Judi, Nicky, Jose and Trish are very much looking forward to welcoming new members. Each month they plan to offer a range of activities such as table top games, team activities, speakers, entertainment and, of course, time to chat and relax over a cuppa. For those who would like additional support or information about living with dementia, Trudi will be happy to help within the group or will arrange a one to one meeting outside the group, if preferred. A peer support group for carers of people with dementia meets in Hexham each month and if there proves to be a demand, then a similar group will be established in Ponteland too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Cafés value reducing taboos around dementia through discussing and understanding the condition and offering information in a non-clinical environment. Also of great importance to living well with dementia is having a network of support which the café can offer through regular contact with those in a similar situation – people affected by dementia are informed and do not feel alone. Trudi and her volunteers whole-heartedly endorse these aims. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The cafes are all on Wednesdays at 1:30-3:00pm on the following dates: </b> </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">17 July, 21 August, 18 September, 16 October, 20 November and 18<sup></sup> December 2013</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>For more information about the group or about living with dementia, please contact</b> </span></div>
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Trudi Jackson, Alzheimer’s Society, Hexham Community Centre, Gilesgate, Hexham, NE46 3NP</b><br />
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<b>trudi.jackson@alzheimers.org.uk</b></div>
</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPonteland, Northumberland, UK55.049871 -1.739843999999948255.0134775 -1.8205249999999482 55.086264500000006 -1.6591629999999482tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-40661625423380723102013-06-18T16:40:00.000+01:002013-06-18T17:00:42.548+01:00Hundreds have fun in the sun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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FAMILIES took advantage of the glorious sunshine to enjoy the entertainment and activities on offer at this year’s Ponteland Party in the Park.</div>
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On the main stage there was music from Ponteland Community Band, The Rambling Group and Darras Hall First School Choir and a group from the Jill Errington School of Dance and Drama did a showcase on the nearby grass area.</div>
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There were also performances from local U3A Recorders and Ukelele Band in the tea tent. Among the other attractions were a Punch and Judy show, bouncy castle, football games, fire engine and a range of stalls.</div>
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The Friends of Ponteland Park had a display at the flower meadow and expert Guy Tansley brought along some bugs for people to look at or touch if they wished.</div>
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Sunday’s event was organised by Ponteland United Reformed Church, St Matthew’s Church, Ponteland Methodist Church and St Mary’s Church.</div>
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Andy Anderson, who is part of the organising committee, said there was a record turnout this year.</div>
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“We were delighted with the fantastic weather and both the tea tent and barbecue sold out, while there was a good 20 to 30-minute queue for an ice cream during parts of the afternoon,” he added.</div>
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“The stalls were kept busy and both Guy Tansley and Punch and Judy man Tony James were very popular with those who attended.</div>
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“We’re grateful to our main sponsor, Newcastle International Airport, Ponteland Town Council for allowing us to use the park for the party and the other organisations and individuals who help to make this event possible each year.”</div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Source: <a href="http://www.morpethherald.co.uk/lifestyle/hundreds-have-fun-in-the-sun-1-5764673" target="_blank">Morpeth Herald</a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPonteland, Northumberland, UK55.049871 -1.739843999999948255.0134775 -1.8205249999999482 55.086264500000006 -1.6591629999999482tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-91114238232825351802013-06-15T12:36:00.002+01:002013-06-17T11:59:15.451+01:00CHARITY AUCTION for KENYA NURSERY SCHOOL<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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4</span><span style="font-size: 20px;">th</span><span style="font-size: large;"> JULY 2013, 7pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<st1:placetype w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">HIGH
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In February this
year 36 students and 5 staff from <st1:placename w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Ponteland</st1:country-region></st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">High
School</st1:country-region></st1:placetype> embarked on an expedition to
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region></st1:place>. Having flown to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Nairobi</st1:country-region></st1:city>
the group travelled north to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Lake</st1:country-region></st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Baringo</st1:country-region></st1:placename></st1:country-region></st1:place>,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4099103595483667833" name="_GoBack"></a> stopping en route at the equator for the compulsory
photographs, before pitching camp on the shores of the lake.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Whilst at the lake
we enjoyed nature walks to discover local flora and fauna, including both carpet
vipers and scorpions. The early morning boat trips to watch dawn rise over
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Lake</st1:country-region></st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Baringo</st1:country-region></st1:placename></st1:country-region></st1:place>
were spectacular, and included sightings of so much wildlife, including hippos,
crocodiles and fish eagles. From Baringo we headed south to Olorte via
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Lake</st1:country-region></st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Naivasha</st1:country-region></st1:placename></st1:country-region></st1:place>.
At Olorte, we stayed in an Eco Camp and involved in local community work,
helping to paint furniture at a local school and to build a new “wallow” to try
to encourage the wildlife to return to the area. A particular highlight was to
spend a night under the stars at Enchorro Naibor, a truly inspirational
viewpoint visited by very few Westerners – estimated at less than 200 Europeans
to date. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">From Olorte, we
travelled to Labentera, a small village which hosted its first “international”
football match between Ponteland students and their Kenyan counterparts. It was
at Labentera that we were introduced to Moses who is the chief of a small
Maasai tribe which lives about 5 miles outside the village.. The children of
Moses’ village have to walk these 5 miles every day to attend school. It is a
physical impossibility for the infants to walk this distance and consequently
the younger children are not receiving an education.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Part of the motivation
behind our recent trip was to support the efforts of Moses and the villagers in
their attempts to raise funds to build a nursery school. This school will be
built close enough to the village to enable the younger children to attend. If
further motivation was required it was most certainly encouraged by the
hospitality the tribes folk showed us. They welcomed us into their homes and
organised a wonderful evening of song, dance, food and ceremony in our honour.
Wonderful times were had delivering outdoor lessons to the children who, whilst
initially sceptical and cautious, soon became involved, enthusiastic and
appreciative.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">To date Ponteland
students have played a small part in helping to prepare the site for the new
nursery school and have worked with the villagers to remove the bushes in the
area and to mark out the parameters of the building. Using the money Ponteland
staff and students have already collected, the building work has already begun.
It is our intention to raise sufficient funds to complete the building and
furnishing of the nursery school. To that end we are holding an auction at<br /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><b>Ponteland</b></st1:country-region></st1:placename><b> <st1:placetype w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">High
School</st1:country-region></st1:placetype></b></st1:country-region></st1:place><b> on Thursday 4<sup>th</sup> July at 7pm</b>. We
are hoping many local residents will come along to bid for the variety of ‘lots’
on offer. Many generous donations of items to auction have been received from
parents and local businesses.</span></span></div>
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7 day, 7 night adventure in
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2014<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Trip in light aircraft over
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Trip in micro light over
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Cruise on Tyne for 8 – 10
people<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Passes for Ponteland Leisure
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Tickets to Dare to Dream at Metro
Radio Arena<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Many vouchers / items from local
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A return to
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region></st1:place> in February 2015 is in the
planning – hopefully Ponteland students will be able to see the nursery school
in action.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPonteland, Northumberland, UK55.049871 -1.739843999999948255.0134775 -1.8205249999999482 55.086264500000006 -1.6591629999999482tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-29272417675738921462013-05-10T17:33:00.000+01:002013-05-15T17:35:01.137+01:00Flight of the Red Kite Photographic Exhibition<div style="text-align: center;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPonteland, Northumberland, UK55.049871 -1.739843999999948255.0134775 -1.8205249999999482 55.086264500000006 -1.6591629999999482tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-17248928234149275902013-05-04T14:24:00.000+01:002013-05-04T14:26:13.339+01:00Something Special in Ponteland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fG8QTYyj3o8/UYUL7FdF7gI/AAAAAAAABXs/a2yhQRqS9XY/s1600/SC+Jon+Gray_tcm4-73949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fG8QTYyj3o8/UYUL7FdF7gI/AAAAAAAABXs/a2yhQRqS9XY/s1600/SC+Jon+Gray_tcm4-73949.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">A local officer who retired from Northumbria Police and returned two days later to become a Special Constable has been recognised for his work in Ponteland.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Jon Gray who retired after 30 years' service came back as a Special Constable and still continues to work 20-30 hours per week, doing voluntary duties.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He made the finals of the Force's 2013 Excellence Awards following his dedication to the voluntary role.</span></div>
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Local to the area, Jon is recognised by the residents of Ponteland and is often approached even when not on duty.</div>
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Inspector Dave Balmer said: "Jon has been an asset to this team as a police officer for many years and continues to be an asset as a Special Constable.</div>
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"He was nominated for the Excellence Awards and was proud to say he made the finals. The people of Ponteland really do speak highly of Jon and he works hard to uphold his loyalty, commitment and reputation within Ponteland.</div>
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"Jon regularly pops into the station to update victims to update intelligence and has one of the highest amounts of intelligence updates in the sector.</div>
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"Working in excess of 20 hours a week coupled with the experience and skills he has amassed from his 30 years as a regular officer having Jon around is a huge asset to the sector.</div>
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"In the past year Jon has made a number of significant arrests and continues to exceed expectations. A simply outstanding individual, who has shown dedication to the service and his community the like of which I have not seen before."</div>
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Special Constable Jon Gray said: "I thoroughly enjoy what I do and it is a love of the job that keeps me going. I was a police officer for 30 years as I always wanted to protect the community and help tackle crime - I still do.</div>
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"It's not about the hours I work, it's more about the satisfaction of helping my colleagues keep Ponteland safe.</div>
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"Being nominated for an Excellence Award was a real honour and I hope I can continue to help police the local community in the future."</div>
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For more information about policing in your community follow Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/npnmbland">@NPnmbland</a> or like us at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/npnorthumberland">Facebook.com/NPNorthumberland</a>. Google search - <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=Police+Northumberland&meta=">Police Northumberland</a>.</div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.northumbria.police.uk/releasedetails.asp?id=73950" target="_blank">Northumbria Police</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPonteland, Northumberland, UK55.049871 -1.739843999999948255.0134775 -1.8205249999999482 55.086264500000006 -1.6591629999999482tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-18951876323918811292013-04-27T14:28:00.000+01:002013-05-04T14:32:34.991+01:00Chapterhouse Theatre Company summer tour. <div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We have a wonderful line up of open-air theatre performances touring some of the most beautiful</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> country houses, castles and heritage sites across the UK and Ireland. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Pride and Prejudice</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Twelfth Night<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Belsay Hall <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sense and Sensibility</i>/ 6<sup>th</sup> July</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Warkworth Castle <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Twelfth Night </i>/15<sup>th</sup> August</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Belsay Hall <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Wind in the Willows</i> / 9<sup>th</sup> August</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Belsay Hall <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pride and Prejudice</i> / 3<sup>rd</sup> August</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.chapterhouse.org/">www.chapterhouse.org</a></span></div>
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBelsay, Northumberland, UK55.104316 -1.839850999999953355.104316 -1.8398509999999533 55.104316 -1.8398509999999533tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-81418049535253165822013-04-25T14:33:00.000+01:002013-05-04T14:39:52.575+01:00Gollon Returns to Northumbria (Balman Gallery)<div class="mobile-photo">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hi there<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We have a fantastic Chris Gollon exhibition coming up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Chris Gollon is known for his epic paintings of the 14 Stations of the Cross in the Church of St John on Bethnal Green, which inspired Sara Maitland’s book <i>Stations of the Cross</i>. Chris’s work appeared in both the Hollywood <i>Twilight</i> film saga and was featured by Alan Yentob in his BBC1 <i>Imagine</i> programme. Chris Gollon has strong links to the North East of England: in 2009, he became a Fellow and First Artist in Residence at the Institute of Advanced Study, Durham University. He was invited to participate alongside leading global thinkers in the <i>Being Human </i>project, exploring what it means to be human in the 21st century. This is Chris’s first solo gallery exhibition in the NE, and he is delighted to exhibit in the region that has given him so much.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Best wishes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Margaret</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Balman Gallery<br /> 2-3 Town Hall Buildings<br /> Princes Street, Corbridge<br /> Northumberland NE45 5AD<br /> 01434 634 629<br /> <a href="http://www.balmangallery.com/">www.balmangallery.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comCorbridge, Northumberland, UK54.974045999999987 -2.017505000000028354.974045999999987 -2.0175050000000283 54.974045999999987 -2.0175050000000283tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-70155466769554159492013-04-22T12:14:00.000+01:002013-04-23T12:21:37.822+01:00New business group enters debate on Ponteland green belt housing row<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">BUSINESS people in a sought- after North East community are being asked for their views on controversial housing plans in the hope of providing support for the plans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Public protests have been held against plans to build 780 new homes at Ponteland and Darras Hall, which campaigners claim will destroy protected green belt land surrounding the upmarket community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now a new business-led organisation has been launched in a bid to provide some “balance” in what some see as a one-sided debate, dominated by green belt campaigners.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Ponteland Business Network (PBN) will hold its inaugural meeting next week in a bid to gauge the opinion of local business people about the housing development plans being proposed by the Lugano Group and Banks Developments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesterday, PBN founder Matt Gray, who owns Ponteland carpet and flooring business Bonner and White, said he can see significant benefits coming from the controversial projects, and wants to know if others share his views.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Tyneside-based Lugano Group wants to build 280 homes at Birney Hill in a £96m development, which it says will create 672 construction jobs and a further 228 in the region.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lugano, which owns the 2,500-acre Dissington Estate at Ponteland, says its scheme will pump £4.4m into the local economy and has promised a community benefits package totaling £16m if it goes ahead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the same time, Banks Developments is working on plans for 500 homes at Clickemin Farm, east of Ponteland.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Two months ago, more than 300 supporters of the Ponteland Green Belt Group handed out 5,000 information packs to local homes in support of its campaign against the building plans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The group – which last week claimed Lugano is “more interested in profit margins than job creation” – has also staged a demonstration outside a public exhibition of the company’s plans. Hexham MP Guy Opperman and local Conservative county councillors are also hostile to the plans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesterday, Mr Gray said the PBN has been set up to give the hundreds of local business people in the area more of a voice. He said the proposed redevelopment of Ponteland’s Merton Way shopping centre appears to be going nowhere, and there is a need for new investment in the community, and a boost for local business.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He said: “I believe the green belt views need to be balanced a bit because there has been huge amounts of negativity. Lugano is talking about £16m for the community and that is more than anyone else is putting on the table. It could be used to improve roads, sewage systems, transport and infrastructure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“On the whole, I think these development proposals are pretty good and a positive thing, but I’m only one businessman. Our inaugural meeting will allow us to find out how other businesses view these developments.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The meeting – which is by invitation only and limited to 120 attendees – will be held in Ponteland Memorial Hall on April 26, when representatives of development company Arch and the North East Chamber of Commerce will be in attendance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Source: <a href="http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2013/04/18/new-business-group-enters-debate-on-ponteland-green-belt-housing-row-61634-33193103/#ixzz2RHbG0BvX" target="_blank">Journal Live </a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-64635958330727964832013-04-19T11:17:00.000+01:002013-04-23T11:20:58.994+01:00Project at risk of heading back to square one<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">PLANS to regenerate the centre of Ponteland may have to go back to the drawing board.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Following long delays to the Merton Way project, with the future of the library a major sticking point, Northumberland County Council has set the proposed developer – MKP Ponteland – a May 1 deadline.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This has been criticised by the Ponteland Community Partnership (PCP) and Ponteland Town Council, which has issued an open letter urging both parties to sort out the issues and move things forward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is now five years since the PCP’s design brief for the area, which is in need of re-development, was supported by a large majority of residents.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">MKP Ponteland unveiled its initial plans in February 2009, but progress has stalled over the last three years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the letter, the two organisations say: “The county council, during financial discussions with the developer and separately during meetings at which community representatives were present, stated that the library was not going to be included in the overall development area. This was in direct contravention with the original brief.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“The developer requires the library to be part of the scheme, for financial viability reasons, but the county council has stated that it has no long-term plan in place for moving the library.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“For negotiations in respect of such a major project, developed initially by the community, to have reached such a depth displays a disastrous state of affairs. The town centre regeneration scheme is to be lost as a result of the inability to reach agreement by negotiation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“This is totally unacceptable and we request the withdrawal of the ultimatum, confirmation that the library remains within the scheme and a sense of real purpose is devoted by both parties towards moving the project forward to the next stage.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">PCP Chairman Brian Prickett said residents have been asking him for many months what is happening with the scheme.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“It has been a long and frustrating process, but we believe that issuing a unilateral deadline and ultimatum is beyond the pale and so we felt it was necessary to issue an open letter,” he added.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">MKP Ponteland’s initial plans included the building of new retail units, office space and residential accommodation, improved car parking and an increase in green space.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The central hub would provide a focal point – offering public space for markets, flower shows and other events – and sympathetic architecture would be used to retain the ‘village’ feel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Under the proposals, the works would be carried out in four stages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A spokeswoman for the county council said: “The viability and as such the deliverability of proposals to regenerate Ponteland town centre are key issues, and we therefore have to be assured that there is a sound scheme and business case in place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“We have been waiting to see details of these for some time now, and as soon as we are presented with a viable funded plan we will consider it.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Source: </span><a href="http://www.morpethherald.co.uk/community/project-at-risk-of-heading-back-to-square-one-1-5591077" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Morpeth Herald</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPonteland, Northumberland, UK55.049871 -1.739843999999948255.0134775 -1.8205249999999482 55.086264500000006 -1.6591629999999482tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-10996668895487619362013-04-05T09:24:00.000+01:002013-04-05T09:25:16.146+01:00Lovely Ladies - Fabulous Food in Ponteland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-70eFR2FKn5o/UUjRZZiwNXI/AAAAAAAABUQ/WXzwrpeZn3I/s1600/bible%2Bsoc%2Blunch-792907.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5857161549678916978" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-70eFR2FKn5o/UUjRZZiwNXI/AAAAAAAABUQ/WXzwrpeZn3I/s320/bible%2Bsoc%2Blunch-792907.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 115%;">Twice a year the ladies of our four churches get together and
plan a marvellous cold lunch in the URC church and feed about 100 people. At a cost of only £7 a two course meal of
cold meats and salad followed by a stunning selection of sweets is provided to
raise funds for the Bible Society.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 115%;">This
money helps towards the translation and distribution, throughout the world, of
the Bible.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 115%;">There is plenty of chat and
banter but the ladies deserve our praise for such a feast for the eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 115%;">This </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4099103595483667833" name="_GoBack" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 115%;"></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 115%;">picture only shows
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPonteland, Northumberland, UK55.037309269455378 -1.764769200000046155.03503426945538 -1.7698117000000462 55.039584269455375 -1.7597267000000461tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-28817210388569333432013-04-05T09:18:00.000+01:002013-04-05T09:26:21.495+01:00Great Show of Faith for Easter Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVl2NQLpbK4/UV6IRvZWyGI/AAAAAAAABVQ/Snm5Ski9Mns/s1600/2685969458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVl2NQLpbK4/UV6IRvZWyGI/AAAAAAAABVQ/Snm5Ski9Mns/s320/2685969458.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">PONTELAND residents braved the cold weather to attend the Raising of the Cross ceremony. The traditional Easter event, which takes place each year on Good Friday at Coates Green, is organised by the area’s four churches.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Representatives came together following their own services. Ministers taking part were Rev Joan Ross, representing Ponteland United Reformed Church, Rev Peter Barham and Rev Christine Brown, from St Mary’s Church, and Father Seamus O’Kane, of St Matthew’s RC Church.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The St Mary’s Church Choir led the singing of a few hymns.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rev Barham said: “More than 200 people turned out for the event despite the very cold conditions and we’re grateful to them all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“There’s something good about standing in the middle of Ponteland, while life goes on around you, to remember why we celebrate Easter.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Source: <a href="http://www.morpethherald.co.uk/news/local-news/great-show-of-faith-for-easter-event-1-5554254" target="_blank">Morpeth Herald</a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPonteland, Northumberland, UK55.049871 -1.739843999999948255.0134775 -1.8205249999999482 55.086264500000006 -1.6591629999999482tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099103595483667833.post-36807712769810529682013-03-07T15:33:00.000+00:002013-03-07T15:33:06.527+00:00Do You Recognise This View?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkVrx5Pp-8c/UTh1YB53B-I/AAAAAAAABSk/rQZk6hSvGis/s1600/cheviot%2Bview%2B1-760258.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5852556771456387042" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkVrx5Pp-8c/UTh1YB53B-I/AAAAAAAABSk/rQZk6hSvGis/s320/cheviot%2Bview%2B1-760258.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes, it is Cheviot
View, the gates of The Lodge on the left place it, but it is the two school
boys on bikes, the lack of traffic and the abundance of trees that are all very
different from today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This picture was
probably taken in the 1950s. In 1955 the
road was widened, Clickem-in bridge was widened and two brick cottages,
opposite Clickem-in farmhouse, were demolished to facilitate all this. Clickem-in farmhouse and the farm cottages
are marked on plans from the beginning of the 1800s, and may go back
further. There was also a milestone from
the Turnpike days at the bridge indicating that this was 7 miles from Newcastle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now, the question.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Does anyone have photographs or memories of
this part of the road, from the Dobbies roundabout to Bell Villas, before 1955
when it was widened?</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Please contact
Muriel on 01661 871969.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last month I found
a formal picture of the Castle Ward Rural District Council,mounted and everyone
named, just before it was consigned to history in 1973.<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a> From the Charity shop in Merton Way!!</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPonteland, Northumberland, UK55.044403357198618 -1.727316010559093255.04212885719862 -1.7323585105590933 55.046677857198617 -1.7222735105590932