Olivia Dixon Teenstar 2014

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

Celebration of Success for Ponteland Teenager

Hannah Elliott aged 14, a pupil of Ponteland Community High School has her sights firmly set on the stars after being awarded the title of Junior Miss Newcastle Galaxy 2014 in a national Beauty Pageant.  Hannah will now compete for the National Title of Junior Miss Galaxy Great Britain at the Galaxy Pageant Finals being held in Lancashire on the 8^th March.

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.

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.

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.

Rotary Club Has its First Females

Ponteland Rotary President Peter Lowry with new members
Suzanne Marshall and Caroline Parkinson.

THERE was a notable first for the club when Suzanne Marshall and Caroline Parkinson joined their partners as full members.

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.

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.

Caroline said: “The community involvement is important as well, both belonging to it and contributing to it through our own skills and time.

“In addition, we want to help with fund-raising”.

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.

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.

These are annual occasions and part of the many events in the social calendar organised by club members.

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.

For more information about them and the club in general, call Stewart Blair on 01661 822367 or email stewart.blair1@virgin.net

Source: Morpeth Herald

Ponteland Runners - Beginners running sessions

Do you want to get fit after the Christmas and New Year? Well Ponteland Runners has the perfect answer. We 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 weekly 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 Newcastle parkrun 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.
Sessions will be led by Suzanne Dunn and Sue Heppell.
Get in touch if you would like any further information by email at secretary@pontelandrunners.org.uk.
Please share to pass the message on!
Suzanne and Sue

Kirkharle Courtyard's Autumn Fayre

SUPPORT LOCAL AND KICK OFF YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT KIRKHARLE COURTYARD’S AUTUMN FAYRE

This month sees the return of Kirkharle Lake and Courtyard’s annual Food and Craft Fayre, which runs from 25^th to 27^th October and is open from 10am to 4.30pm each day (4pm Sunday).

Now in its fourth year, the Autumn Fayre takes place in the historic 18^th century courtyard and birthplace of ‘Capability’ Brown, known as the Shakespeare of gardening.

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.

Children are also invited to enjoy the newly opened play area and traditional games in the attractive courtyard.

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.

“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.”

The Fayre has proved popular throughout the four years it has been running. 

“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.”

Ponteland based charity nominated for Lloyds Community Fund 2013 award

Local charity helping sight impaired children shortlisted for £3,000 community award

Useful Vision needs public vote in the Lloyds Bank Community Fund

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.

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.”

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.

You can find out more about the Community Fund and Useful Vision and cast your vote by visiting Lloyds Bank Community Fund website at www.lloydsbank.com/communityfund.  You can text a vote. Voters need to text VOTE LDSC to 61119 to vote for Useful Vision.

Community Fund 2013 voting is open until 1 November

PONTELAND RUNNERS INVITE YOU TO COME ALONG AND RUN WITH US

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.

Sessions are as follows:
Monday 8pm from Ponteland leisure centre - main club session of about 6 miles training run using intervals, hills etc (intermediates/advanced)
Tuesday 7pm from Ponteland leisure centre - ladies only social run 3 to 4 miles at 10-11min/mile steady run (beginners)
Thursday 9.15am from the corner of Darras Road and Eastern Way. 4 to 5 miles training run using intervals, hills etc (beginners/intermediates)
Friday 7pm from Ponteland leisure centre. Steady run 4 to 5 miles (intermediates/men's beginners)

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. 

Have a look at our website for more information www.pontelandrunners.org.uk or find us on facebook.
For more information email secretary@pontelandrunners.org.uk or contact Sue on 821547

ELEVEN YEAR OLD SWEEPS TO VICTORY AT PONTELAND

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.

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.

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.

Darron Barker, head of office at LSH’s Grey Street office, awarded the prizes, congratulating everyone who took part.  He said:

“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. 

“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.

“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.”

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.”

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.

Caption:  (L to R) Simon McStravick, Ponteland Golf Club Junior Liaison Officer,
Ian Latimer, Captain of Ponteland Golf Club, Robbie Robertson, Owen Thomas,
Michael James and Darron BarkerIan Latimer, Captain of Ponteland Golf Club, Robbie Robertson, Owen Thomas,Michael James and Darron Barker

PONTELAND OFFICE SITE REDEVELOPMENT

Press release

4^th September 2013

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.

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^th September).  Company representatives will also be there to answer questions.

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.

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.

If approved, Linden Homes - Galliford Try’s Housebuilding division - could begin work early next year.

www.lindenhomes.co.uk

Clowning for CLIC Sargent-The Sandow Clowns All Laughter Show

Clowning for CLIC Sargent

The Sandow Clowns All Laughter Show will occur on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 2:00pm to 3:20pm

Description: 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.

All tickets £3.50 adults and children three years and over, free for two years and under.


Location: Ponteland Memorial Hall
Darras Road
Ponteland, NE20 9NX
07969933236 
More Info: childrenschoices.co.uk

Leonard Cheshire Disability - Bradbury Court

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.

Bradbury Court is a Supported Living Unit for 9 People with varying disabilities.

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.

Despite Bradbury Court being opened since 10th October 1995, very few people in the area are aware of our existence.

To help remedy that situation, we are holding a Cheese & Wine Evening on Wednesday July 3rd 2013 at Ponteland High School.

The evening is being hosted by Ponteland High School and Waitrose, Ponteland.

On the night, entertainment is being provided by the Ponteland High School Jazz Band.

Tickets are on sale via Michael Metcalf Leonard Cheshire Disability & Carol Wilson at

Ponteland High School and priced at only £8.00

An electronic copy of the Flyer is attached.

For any further information, contact Michael Metcalf - Volunteer Coordinator

07831 585 803

Best wishes,

Michael Metcalf

Michael Metcalf - 07831 585 803

Volunteer Co-ordinator, Northumbria Supported Living

Leonard Cheshire Disability

Telephone: 01661 867610

E-mail: michael.metcalf@lcdisability.org

WOOLSINGTON DAD GOES AN EXTRA 1000 MILES FOR CHARITY

WOOLSINGTON dad of two, Martin Cowell is set to complete a challenge of a lifetime to mark his 40^th birthday by cycling unsupported from John O'Groats to Land’s End in aid of the North East Children’s Charity Heel & Toe.

Starting on Friday June 28 2013, Martin aims to complete his gruelling journey in just eight days, finishing in time to celebrate his 40^th birthday.

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.

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.

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^th 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. 

“I know this isn’t going to be easy - to start at one end of the UK 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.

“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, Newcastle which has kindly contributed £500.”

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. 

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.

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 www.justgiving.com/GeordieJogle or TEXT - DAFT50 £5 to 70070.

To follow Martin as he completes his training and during his challenge, visit his blog http://geordiejogle.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page_21.html

FAMILY FIRM CLIMBS TO NEW HEIGHTS

NORTHUMBERLAND family business Gustharts has invested in a brand new 3500 sq ft flagship showroom, which will also offer an additional 3000 sq ft of storage space, on Blagdon Estate to handle the growing demand for its garden power tools and range of equipment for professional users. 

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.

2012 was the best year to date for the family firm run by Rob Gusthart 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 UK weather, April 2013 was their best ever month in the history of the business.

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 UK.  Their specialist tree-climbing equipment also gets sent to EEC countries, with some internet sales travelling as far as New Zealand and Australia.

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.

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.

Rob Gusthart 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.

“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.”

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. 

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.”

The company was established on 4^th November 1985 as Gustharts Chainsaw Centre and coincidentally moved into its brand new showroom on the same day (4^th November) last year. Marking the official opening recently was Lord Ridley and managing director of STIHL GB, Robin Lennie.

Gustharts is one of the first STIHL Dealerships in Britain to benefit from both its smart showroom fit-out and a bespoke workshop facility, making it a flagship Dealer for the German firm. 

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.” 

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.

For further information on Gustharts visit www.gustharts.com.

New Ponteland Dementia Café opens in July 2013

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.

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^th 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.

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.

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.

The cafes are all on Wednesdays at 1:30-3:00pm on the following dates:

17 July, 21 August, 18 September, 16 October, 20 November and 18  December 2013

in Merton Hall, Merton Way, Ponteland, NE20 9PX

For more information about the group or about living with dementia, please contact

Trudi Jackson, Alzheimer’s Society, Hexham Community Centre, Gilesgate, Hexham, NE46 3NP

Tel. 01434 607 318

trudi.jackson@alzheimers.org.uk

Hundreds have fun in the sun

FAMILIES took advantage of the glorious sunshine to enjoy the entertainment and activities on offer at this year’s Ponteland Party in the Park.

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.

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.

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.

Sunday’s event was organised by Ponteland United Reformed Church, St Matthew’s Church, Ponteland Methodist Church and St Mary’s Church.

Andy Anderson, who is part of the organising committee, said there was a record turnout this year.

“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.

“The stalls were kept busy and both Guy Tansley and Punch and Judy man Tony James were very popular with those who attended.

“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.”

Source: Morpeth Herald

CHARITY AUCTION for KENYA NURSERY SCHOOL

CHARITY AUCTION for KENYA NURSERY SCHOOL

THURSDAY, 4th JULY 2013, 7pm

at

PONTELAND HIGH SCHOOL

In February this year 36 students and 5 staff from Ponteland High School embarked on an expedition to Kenya. Having flown to Nairobi the group travelled north to Lake Baringo, stopping en route at the equator for the compulsory photographs, before pitching camp on the shores of the lake.

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 Lake Baringo were spectacular, and included sightings of so much wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles. From Baringo we headed south to Olorte via Lake Naivasha. 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.

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.

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.

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
Ponteland High School on Thursday 4^th July at 7pm. 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.

Examples include:

·         7 day, 7 night adventure in Maasailand, KENYA in October 2014

·         Trip in light aircraft over Northumberland

·         Trip in micro light over Northumberland

·         Cruise on Tyne for 8 – 10 people

·         Passes for Ponteland Leisure Centre           

·         Tickets to Dare to Dream at Metro Radio Arena

·         Many vouchers / items from local retail outlets

A return to Kenya in February 2015 is in the planning – hopefully Ponteland students will be able to see the nursery school in action.

Flight of the Red Kite Photographic Exhibition

St. Mary's Church Ponteland

14th - 22nd May

Something Special in Ponteland

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.

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.

He made the finals of the Force's 2013 Excellence Awards following his dedication to the voluntary role.

Local to the area, Jon is recognised by the residents of Ponteland and is often approached even when not on duty.

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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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."

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.

"It's not about the hours I work, it's more about the satisfaction of helping my colleagues keep Ponteland safe.

"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."

For more information about policing in your community follow Twitter @NPnmbland or like us at Facebook.com/NPNorthumberland. Google search - Police Northumberland.

Source: Northumbria Police

Chapterhouse Theatre Company summer tour.

I am very excited to announce our 2013 summer tour.

We have a wonderful line up of open-air theatre performances touring some of the most beautiful country houses, castles and heritage sites across the UK and Ireland.

This year we are touring with 6 fantastic shows;

Pride and Prejudice

Sense and Sensibility

The Wind in the Willows

Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Twelfth Night

We are pleased to announce that a range of these wonderful shows will be appearing in your area.

Belsay Hall – Sense and Sensibility/ 6^th July
Warkworth Castle – Twelfth Night /15^th August
Belsay Hall – The Wind in the Willows / 9^th August
Belsay Hall – Pride and Prejudice / 3^rd August

www.chapterhouse.org

Gollon Returns to Northumbria (Balman Gallery)

Hi there

We have a fantastic Chris Gollon exhibition coming up.

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 Stations of the Cross. Chris’s work appeared in both the Hollywood Twilight film saga and was featured by Alan Yentob in his BBC1 Imagine 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 Being Human 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.

Best wishes

Margaret

Balman Gallery
2-3 Town Hall Buildings
Princes Street, Corbridge
Northumberland NE45 5AD
01434 634 629
www.balmangallery.com

www.balmanbydesign.com