Rain fails to dampen the parade at Ponteland Civic Service

Civic leaders joined community groups of all ages for the annual march from the Memorial Hall to the service at St Mary's Church led by The Reverend Peter Barham, Vicar of Ponteland.

Pipers, the Boys Brigade and Girl Guides, local WIs and the village bowling club all took part, along with representatives of Northumbria Police, Kirkley Hall, Northumberland County Council and local churches.

Morpeth Pipe Band led the civic party, which included Ponteland's new Mayor Peter Cowey, the Chairman of Northumberland County Council Councillor George Todd and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Caroline Pryer, in parades to and from the Memorial Hall, where guests enjoyed afternoon tea after the service.

They included politicians, local businesspeople and representatives of a wide range of parish organisations, including charities and clubs.

Town Mayor Peter Cowey said: "This is the third year of this now popular event in Ponteland's calendar and once again it was great to see people of all ages join together for the community gathering. I'd like to thank everyone involved in organising such a successful event."

The next big community event run by Ponteland Town Council is Music in the Park, being held at Ponteland Park on Saturday July 2 from 6pm. Hosted by BBC weather presenter Paul Mooney, entertainment comes from Sonia Michelle, Dunston Silver Band and Ponteland Community Band.

Entry is free but donations are encouraged for ex servicemen's charity Help For Heroes.

Sun Shines on the Ponteland Parade

Ponteland was on the march yesterday as the community gathered for the annual Civic Service.

St Mary’s Church was packed as more than 200 invited guests joined the service led by The Reverend Peter Barham, Vicar of Ponteland, supported by all the local clergy.

They included politicians, local businesspeople, church leaders and representatives of a wide range of parish organisations, including charities and clubs.

Morpeth Pipe Band led the parade to the church and back to the Memorial Hall, where afternoon tea was served after the service. The players were joined by the Air Training Corps, Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade and county and town councillors.

Ponteland Civic Service was launched last year to carry on a long-standing Castle Morpeth tradition following the demise of the Borough Council, which previously ran a borough-wide civic service.

Town Mayor Robin Ramsay said: “The fantastic turnout yesterday – double last year’s – suggests this event is now firmly planted in the village’s annual calendar as a new tradition.

“The Civic Service is one of a number of community events I want to develop as part of the Town Council’s vision of giving residents a real sense of pride in Ponteland.

“It was really pleasing to see so many people, young and old, turn out on such a lovely afternoon and I’d like to thank everyone involved in organising and taking part in such a successful event.”a