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

Paul parties in the park

http://www.morpethherald.co.uk/lifestyle/paul-parties-in-the-park-1-4709383

Partying in the Park

RECORD numbers enjoyed Ponteland Party in the Park on Sunday.

There were plenty of attractions, including musical performances, a bouncy castle, football games, a magician and a barrel organ, as well as a range of stalls.

Children could also enjoy a ride in a fire engine.

The 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: "The day went very well and the weather was kind to us as it stayed dry until 4.15pm.

"We had a record turnout for the event. We regularly saw large queues at the tea tent and candy floss stall among others and the burgers sold out.

"Reducing the entry fee from £1.50 to £1 helped to do the trick.

"All the performances on stage were popular and the Darras Hall First School Choir in particular pulled in a very big crowd.

"There is a core of eight people who organise the event and other volunteers from the four churches came along on the day to man the gates, run some of the stalls and do all the stewarding.

"And a big thanks must go to all those who stayed behind afterwards to help clear up when it was raining."

Source: Morpeth Herald

Ponteland parties in the park

PONTELAND once again turned out in force for its Party in the Park.
Despite grey skies, hundreds came along to enjoy a range of attractions from face painting to a fire engine and music and dance performances at the event, which was opened by the Duchess of Northumberland.

The organising committee, which includes members of Ponteland United Reformed Church, St Matthew's Church, Ponteland Methodist Church and St Mary's Church, was delighted with how things went.

Secretary Andy Anderson said: "The day went very well and it was good to get a decent turnout similar to last year despite the gloomy weather.

"It's pleasing to see so many local residents come along and with this being the eighth Party in the Park, it is now regarded as a major established event.

"We are very grateful to the Duchess for opening the event and she seemed to enjoy it.

"From the organisation side of things, we thank the Scouts for allowing us to store equipment in their hut and use their power supply as well as putting up marquees.

"It was nice to see Newcastle Building Society come along and support us and of course we thank our main sponsor, Newcastle International Airport."
Source: Morpeth Herald

Party in The Park

The four Ponteland churches had their prayer mats out again and were rewarded with another dry day for their Annual Party. Dozens of volunteers had put in a lot of preparation and were there early on Sunday to get everything ready to entertain the hundreds who came to sample the very diverse offerings. The familiar displays from the village clubs and organisations, and the sounds of wonderful musical talents were augmented this year by some new exhibitors. The Party organisers from the churches wish to record their huge appreciation of all the local businesses that supported another very successful event. The Punch and Judy show never fails to entertain both adults and children. Try your strength and if you ring the bell you win a balloon. The food options of beef burgers, hot dogs and spicy Indian were very popular. The Friends of Ponteland Park had Lottery Money to fund a variety of displays. Among them was Shaun Hackett who showed children how to sweep for insects in the grass and how many different ones they could find. The Wildlife Trust personnel were giving the young ones a free bird box kit for them to hammer it all together and take away to hang in their garden. The percussion band of the Ponteland Samba Group, under their leader Chris, played enthusiastically on a variety of instruments.