New Mayor's pledge to community

Outgoing Town Mayor Robin Ramsay hands over the chains of office to Coun Peter Cowey.

PONTELAND'S new Mayor is aiming to bring the community closer together during his time in office.

Coun Peter Cowey took the chains at the Town Council's monthly meeting after Coun Robin Ramsay decided to retire from the role.

The father-of-two served in the RAF for a decade before his 32-year career in IT, from which he retired in 2002. He was elected as a Conservative town councillor in October 2009.

The keen jogger and songwriter, who has lived in Ponteland for 18 years, said his early priorities would be seeing progress on the proposed town centre redevelopment, "the sooner the better", and relocating the council's offices to the Memorial Hall.

Coun Cowey said: "I want to promote a sense of community where people are considerate and look out for each other, for example helping elderly neighbours and being fully prepared for the winter weather.

"There is a limited budget so it is sometimes hard to meet expectations, but we will be a caring, honest, hard working and listening council."

He added that he has some specific ideas for the coming year that will be discussed at future meetings.

Coun Ramsay was Chairman, then Mayor, of the authority for a total of four years and he is proud of the achievements it made in that time.

He said: "I've enjoyed this role very much and I appreciate the support I've received over the last four years.

"I've chosen to retire because I'm a strong believer that others should have a go at it and it's beneficial for the council as it brings a change in direction.

"The vision for Ponteland was to promote a place people took pride in and to encourage a greater sense of community.

"We introduced popular new events, including the Civic Service and Music in the Park.

"One of the things which has improved the village immensely is the new park entrance, we have a new children's play area in Callerton Lane and working in partnership with businesses we have installed CCTV, among many other things. We have accomplished a lot over and above the precept."

Coun Alan Chilton, speaking on behalf of all members, recorded their gratitude for Coun Ramsay's "hard work and application".

Coun David Butler was once again elected Deputy Mayor.

The new Mayor's first key public engagement is the Ponteland Civic Service and Parade, which is being held on Sunday from 2.30pm.

Source: Morpeth Herald

Mayor gives Philippa a helping hand

A PONTELAND High School student has received a helping hand with her career in recognition of a successful charity drive.

A special fund-raising day to raise money for CLIC Sargent, which cares for young people with cancer and supports their families, saw Philippa Aspinall collect £405 through a cake sale and donation boxes.

Preparations lasted about a month, with Sixth Former Philippa and other students staying behind after school to make the cakes and put together posters.

After being told of her achievement, Ponteland Mayor Robin Ramsay gave her a Mayor's cheque for £100.

The 17-year-old was driven to do something for the charity after a grandson of a family friend was diagnosed with bone cancer.

"This involved a lot of hard work, but it was worth it and I was delighted to raise so much money," she added.

"I'm very grateful to the students and teachers who supported me and everyone who donated on the day.

"Thanks to the Mayor for this cheque. I will use it to buy new art supplies as I want to pursue it as a career once I leave school."

The Heddon on the Wall resident often does paintings and takes photographs of the scenery in Scotland and the Northumberland coast.

She recently received tips from renowned artist Alexander Millar at the opening of his exhibition in Newcastle and is planning to attend an open day this summer in London for people to find out more about universities that specialise in art.

Source: Morpeth Herald

New Mayor for Ponteland

Councillor Peter Cowey (right in photo) has been elected by his fellow Councillors to take over the role of Mayor, as Councillor Robin Ramsay decided not to let his name go forward. 

Five star quality for Ponteland

Mayor Robert Ramsay

Civic leaders in Ponteland are celebrating after securing a national quality standard for the fifth year running.

Town and Parish Councils have to pass a series of stringent tests to attain Quality Status from the National Association of Local Councils. 

They include promotion of local democracy and citizenship, how they communicate and engage with residents, how they conduct council meetings, the management of accounts and annual reports and electoral arrangements. 

Out of more than 140 town and parish councils in Northumberland, Ponteland is one of only three to have achieved Quality Status.

Town Mayor Robin Ramsay received the Council's Quality Status award from Norman Dunn, Chairman of the Accreditation Panel at the Northumberland Association of Local Councils, at the Town Council's monthly meeting on Wednesday night. 

Coun Ramsay said: "It is great to receive independent recognition that the Town Council is providing a quality service to people living and working in Ponteland parish. Both councillors and staff work very hard to serve the community and this is a richly deserved award." 

The authority submitted a portfolio of evidence to an NALC panel supporting the application for Quality Status reaccreditation and was interviewed in September.

Source: Cian creative pr

Sybil celebrates 103rd birthday with the Mayor

Ponteland's oldest resident celebrated her 103rd birthday with a visit from the Town Mayor.

Coun Robin Ramsay and his wife Jean dropped in to Ponteland Manor care home to wish Sybil Harvey many happy returns with a bouquet of flowers.

The centegenarian enjoyed a birthday party organised by staff at the home with friends and her only child, daughter Jill.

The great-grandmother of seven, who hails originally from West Sussex, has lived through two world wars and seen five monarchs and 20 Prime Ministers since she was born back in 1907 in Bognor Regis – the year the farmland Darras Hall estate was built on was purchased.

Sybil, who went to school in Chichester, was married to municipal engineer George in 1935. They lived in North London and Dartmoor, where George worked as borough engineer and surveyor. They were married for over 40 years until his death in 1976.

She retired to West Sussex, where her interests included golf, bridge and working with the WRVS.

Sybil moved to Ponteland in her centenary year to be near Jill, who lives in Darras Road. She said: "My mother had a lovely day – she certainly enjoyed it. It was extremely kind of Robin and his wife to come along. The flowers they brought were amazing, and have been divided into four vases and displayed around the home.

"She has had an interesting life, with lots of friends and lots of things to do and would no doubt put her long life down to good living and taking care of herself."

Coun Ramsay said: "This is one of the loveliest parts of being Mayor, joining in celebrations like this. Sybil must be the oldest person in Ponteland and was in great spirits. We were delighted to be there at Sybil's party and help her mark the occasion."

Photo:
Sybil Harvey is pictured at her 103rd birthday party with Town Mayor Robin Ramsay.

New bike gives Ponteland police off road presence

Ponteland's beat bobby has a new set of wheels to help him police the community – thanks to a grant from civic leaders.

Ponteland Town Council and Darras Hall Estate Committee shared the cost of the £700 Giant Roam XR3 bike for Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Paul Henery after hearing the benefits it could bring to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

With numerous paths, parks and bridleways in the area, the bike gives PC Henery a speedy off road mode of transport when hunting or chasing criminals, as well as a highly visible presence to help address fear of crime.

Town Mayor Robin Ramsay said: "The Council is keen to improve the quality of life for residents and businesses and this bike is another weapon our local police can use to tackle criminal activity. We thought it was an extremely worthwhile joint initiative we were more than happy to support."

John Scott, Vice-Chairman of Darras Hall Estates Committee, added: "PC Henery made the point that there are places in Darras Hall he can get to quickly on a bike which are simply not accessible by car, including bridlepaths. It also gives us high visibility policing and we felt the bike was something he should have."

PC Henery said: "I'm really grateful for the bike as it's going to make a difference to how I can patrol the area. I'll be able to provide a greater visible police presence in and around Ponteland and because I'm on a bike I can access hard-to-reach areas, such as the bridlepath, in order to tackle anti-social behaviour. I find that when I ride a bike I can talk to the public easily while patrolling Ponteland's paths and tracks, something which is not possible in a car."

Photo:
PC Henery is pictured on his new bike with Town Mayor Robin Ramsay and John Scott, Vice-Chairman of Darras Hall Estates Committee.

Ponteland student goes the extra mile

A PONTELAND High School sixth former who has dug in to help his community has received a special council accolade.

David Metcalfe was given the Second Mile Award, which includes a cheque for £100, by Ponteland Mayor Robin Ramsay at a recent Town Council meeting.
He has been very active in the school as a library prefect and one of the founder members of the school choir among other roles and he is also a candidate to be school student president later this year.

The Year 12 student has also recently helped the authority with some planting ideas for its Northumbria in Bloom bid and he and some fellow students had assisted with the re-planting of the rockery on Main Street and work in Ponteland Park.

Ponteland High School's Head of Year 12 Dave Hicklenton said: "David has done quite a few community activities and he's always prepared to volunteer for things at school, so we felt it was right to nominate him for the award.

"He has always been one of the students you can rely on and he always wants to help people — it's just in his nature."

David said he would like to study pharmacy or ancient history at university and he would use the funds to help him in his studies.

"I'm delighted to accept the award and it will be useful for me as I look forward to enjoying new experiences," he added.

Source: Morpeth Herald

Ponteland Mayor's return

ROBIN Ramsay was unanimously chosen by Ponteland Town Council to be Mayor for the year ahead.

This is the second year he has taken on the role after the authority decided to have a Mayoralty following the end of Castle Morpeth Council.

David Butler was once again elected Deputy Mayor for 2010/11.

The chairmen of the council's committees and working parties were appointed as follows: Planning Committee: David Butler; Highways Working Party: Robin Ramsay; Environment Working Party and Northumbria in Bloom Working Party: Joyce Butcher.
Source: Morpeth Herald

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

Irene Brumwell Resigns From Council

Irene is the fifth councillor to resign from the Town Council this year. She completed her year as the last Mayor of Castle Morpeth in March but has since carried on as a Ponteland councillor. Until now! She said ‘My main reason for originally standing in the election of 2003 was to help the people of Ponteland’. And that has been her guiding principle in her six years as Councillor.

‘But now’, says Irene, ‘There have been a lot of changes, in personnel, in the attitudes of authority and many things have changed’. When the mayor, Robin Ramsay, accused her in a meeting of having bad eyesight as she had not seen the local policeman since Party in the Park in June she no longer felt her role was effective. She was no longer getting the support from the council. Well known in Ponteland Irene will have more time to follow her many other interests.

By Muriel Sobo

Ponteland Carries on Civic Service Tradition

Ponteland is to carry on a long-standing Castle Morpeth tradition by holding an annual Civic Service this weekend.

The popular event has been held as a borough-wide occasion for many years, with all the pomp and ceremony of a formal civic occasion.

But with the recent local government restructure and the abolition of Castle Morpeth Borough Council, which managed the annual event, Ponteland would have missed out.

However, the borough deputy mayor’s chain of office has passed to Ponteland’s new Town Mayor, Coun Robin Ramsay, who is keen to continue the tradition.

On Sunday (May 10) he will lead Ponteland’s Civic Service, which includes a parade headed by North Tyneside Pipe Band before and after a service at St Mary’s Church. The parade will comprise councillors and youth organisations, including the Scouts and Girls’ Brigade.

Invited dignatories and guests will enjoy afternoon tea at the Memorial Hall afterwards. They include representatives of local schools, businesses, charities, clubs and associations and all churches.

Coun Ramsay said: “I don’t want Ponteland to lose out on this important civic occasion because of the local government restructure, and the village is well known for its established traditions and annual events, including the New Year’s Day Wheelbarrow Race and the summer Party in the Park.

“The Town Council is also keen to promote our vision of giving residents a real sense of pride in Ponteland. So I felt it appropriate with the Ponteland Town Mayor taking on the chain of office from the last Deputy Mayor of Castle Morpeth that we also continue this event. I’m hoping for an excellent turnout on Sunday.” The parade from the Memorial Hall to St. Mary's starts at 2.15pm, followed by the service at St Mary’s at 2.30pm.

Alderman Frank Harrington

Nine Aldermen were recently created by Castle Morpeth to honour their long service to the Borough. Frank has had twenty two years of distinguished service including a year as Mayor and has given freely of his time and talents for the benefit of the community. A well-deserved honour!

Last Mayor of Castle Morpeth

When Castle Morpeth Borough Council ceased to exist on 31 March Irene Brumwell hung up her robes and hat for the last time and looked back on her year as Mayor which was packed with interest and activity.

Irene, originally from Bradford, has lived in Ponteland for more than forty years. When asked about the highlights of her year she said that meeting Prince Charles and Camilla, when they made an unscheduled visit to see the flood damage at Morpeth, was special. ‘They were so interested and warm ‘. In Ponteland she has special memories of visits to the Grange Lea care home and her welcome there, the applause for her personally when she stepped out of the Mayor’s car at the Methodist church and her enjoyment when she opened the Party in the Park among so many friends. She also visited the further reaches of the Borough to share the experience of people working for their communities with proud youngsters in marching bands or sampling a variety of sports. Irene says she loved seeing the young ones and sharing their joy and pride.

Another of her delights was showing people around the Mayor’s parlour in Morpeth Town Hall which was recently refurbished. It is full of historical paintings and artefacts, some of which go back to the thirteenth century. Another role, which was more daunting, was chairing the full meeting of the Council. Now she will have more time for her five grandchildren and Ralph, her very supportive husband, and perhaps knock the garden into order.

Top photograph: Irene Brumwell, Mayor of Castle Morpeth Borough Council. Below: Lucky Spot at Belsay Castle.

Castle Morpeth BC funded the return of Stella McCartney’s Lucky Spot, the fantastic crystal horse she designed specially for the great hall of Belsay Castle and there was a low key event with English Heritage to celebrate the installation. Irene was there to welcome everyone. Open from Easter.

By Muriel Sobo