Bees Under Threat - 18 Dec 09

If we have any beekeepers in the area, they may well be interested in this scheme aimed at offering advice and support. In a recent letter from DEFRA, they write:-

"The National Bee Unit (NBU), which is based at the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), manages BeeBase and uses it to identify apiaries at risk in the local area and as a result target inspection measures effectively. We need to know who is keeping bees and where they are kept to ensure any new or existing health problems are identified and to improve our chances of successfully controlling disease and any incursions of new pests. In return, once registered on BeeBase, beekeepers have access to a wealth of information such as; interactive maps of disease outbreaks, access to current legislation, up-to-date disease management leaflets, be alerted to pest and disease outbreaks in their own area and will receive a free advisory apiary visit from their local bee inspector."

Further information can be obtained at www.nationalbeeunit.com or by phoning the NBU on 01904 462510.

Parish Council Notes - 18th December 2009

Unfortunately the Parish Council Meeting was rather restricted - sickness, other commitments and bad weather meant that the Council met but some items on the agenda had to be carried over to the next meeting.

There seems to be many conflicting views concerning where the Interactive Lighting is placed on Castle View. The Council were advised by Northumberland County Council that this was the best place for it, bearing in mind that it is there to stop speeding through the village. Were it to be placed further to the East the Council were informed that cars would slow down on seeing the sign but were likely to speed up again once past. The Council will, however, keep a close eye on the situation.

Councillor Holden was able to report a healthy number of visits to the Council website. Village organisations are reminded that they can advertise their events free on this Blog. Just email the details to ovinghamparishcouncil@yahoo.co.uk. A new strimmer is assisting in cutting back foliage and he was able to report that thanks to the services of community workers ground maintenance had proceeded well. Too well if the reappearance of moles is anything to go by!

Councillor Holden is proceeding well with the Play Equipment Project and seekintg funding from many quarters. Ovingham Middle School have submitted more suggestions and these are being examined.

The Council proceeds all the time with endeavouring to make sure that some of the day to day maintenance needs of the village are carried out. However, NCC is cutting back on so many basic areas that it is very difficult at times.

Christmas Services at St.Mary the Virgin

A warm welcome to all at any of these services.

Tues 15th Dec 7:00pm Mothers' Union Carol Service

Sat 19th Dec 6:30pm Choir Concert (Reading Room)

Thurs 24th Dec 6:00pm Carol Service & Blessing of the Crib

Fri 25th Dec 9:30am Christmas Parish Communion

Parish Council Notes - 25 Nov 2009

There was much discussion at the Council Meeting on what may seem like small items of maintenance - but these are items for which a close watch needs to be kept.   Many were items which fall under the remit of Northumberland County Council but do not seem to be carried out, especially road maintenance. It is not only Ovingham which suffers from the lack of road maintenance but also many other villages and on which NCC have had to cut back because of financial restrictions.

 The Council is still endeavouring to arrange for the blocked culverts at the Packhorse Bridge to be cleared. Thankfully, even with the heavy rain at the moment the Burn has not flooded (though it has risen very high). 

 Councillor Holden gave the meeting an exciting power point demonstration on envisaged improvements to the playing field. As many of the younger residents of Ovingham will know the play equipment is becoming very out-dated and is in need of renewal.   However, Councillor Holden has attended a 'Playbuilder' Scheme presentation for the construction of play areas which encourages imagination and creativity rather than the usual play equipment. Our Middle School have contributed innovative ideas  and now Councillor Holden is seeking funding. He was supported by all the Councillors and now it is a case of "watch this space".

 By the time this account reaches the magazine the New Year will be with us and the Parish Council would wish all members of the Parish a very Happy New Year and the hope that 2010 is trouble free for the village.   Our January Meeting will be held at 7.15 p.m. on  Thursday 18th January in the Reading Room, when all parishioners are welcome.

Parish News - 28 October 2009

Once again the public, and especially a representation from the Green Group, were well represented at the meeting held on 15 October. The Chairman opened the meeting to enable them to inform the Council of their progress. The Council voted to give the group a "one off " donation to help with some initial expenses.

The culverts at the Packhorse Bridge are still giving much concern to the Parish Council and the work recently carried out has been insufficient to clear the culverts, where only one is open and two blocked. The clerk will write to Northumberland again and point out the danger of the blockage which could contribute towards future flooding.

Planning and Routine Maintenance were discussed, much of which centred around foliage and trees which overhang pathways. The Council would remind residents that it is their responsibility to cut back foliage on their land which overhangs or impedes walkways. The clerk was asked to request that the hedging on the Ovingham/Wylam Road (North side) be cut back.

The Clerk has received a letter from NCC assuring the Council that the standard of grass cutting will be improved next year. They have agreed that the standard has not been satisfactory this year.

A request has been received from the Allotment Association, enquiring whether there was further land which could be let. Unfortunately, whilst sympathising with the Association, the Parish Council owns very little land within the village.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 19 November. The unconfirmed date for the December meeting is 17 December.

Parish News - 26 September 2009

The Parish Council Meeting held on 17 September was well attended and the Council were pleased to welcome members of the new "green" group formed in the village. It is hoped that they will be able to produce advice and suggestions on how Ovingham people may be able to become more focused on a 10% reduction in the carbon footprint.

The clerk has received details of compost bins which can be purchased at a good discount rate. If you are interested in purchasing a bin please contact the clerk (831897) for more details.

Much of the meeting was concerned with maintenance items throughout the village. It was noted that some more pavement repair has been carried out on the Piper Road Estate, though not finished. The Parish Council have been informed by Northumberland that completion of the work will be done in time, but we are having to share the work with other villages.

The Council are much concerned about the poor condition of the grass cutting throughout the village this year. Although it must be acknowledged that the inclement weather this Summer has not helped, it was felt that the grass cutting this year has not been to an acceptable standard. Apparently, Ovingham is not the only village which has complained about the condition.

At the meeting Councillor Kelly (NCC) gave details of the Northumberland deficit which has gone from £25 1/2 million to £33 1/2 million. He explained that this increase in deficit had been caused mainly by the payment in redundancies and equal pay payments which have had to be paid. He also gave details of residential homes closing and the opening of the new home in Prudhoe which will not only serve the residents but also the community.

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 22 October at 7.15 p.m. in the Reading Room, All residents of Ovingham will be welcome to attend.

Parish News - 12 Sept 2009

Thank you to all those who have submitted requests for both routine maintenance improvements and items for more long term action. These will be discussed at the next meeting.

Doreen Jordon and her small band have maintained the flower beds throughout the village and it has never looked more colourful. However, the Parish Council is concerned over grass cutting throughout the village and this will be discussed at the next meeting.

The Solagen interactive speed light has been up and working on Horsley Road. Its position, both there and on Castle View will be discussed at the next meeting. If anybody has any comments please let the clerk know.

Our September meeting will be held on 17 September (7:15pm in the Reading Room) and  our October meeting will be held on 22 October.