Border Reiver Archers

Border Reiver Archers is a target archery club based at Ovingham Middle School. Our main club shoot is on Sundays from 10:30 and we have practice sessions on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 17:30 until dusk.
We welcome new members - whether experienced archers or absolute beginners - and have three coaches who will be running a four week beginners course from 24.06.12. If anyone fancies 'having-a-go' without committing themselves, the club will be doing free one hour taster sessions at Wentworth Leisure Centre on 22 July. Taster sessions must be booked through the leisure centre.
For more info on the club we can be contacted by e mail at borderreiverarchers@yahoo.com or by 'phone on 01434 681002.
The club is open to anyone aged 14 years and over. Archery is a very inclusive sport and is practiced by people of all ages and is very disability-friendly.

Parish Council Notes - June 2012

Following the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council in May, Councillor Turnbull was re-elected Chair, and Councillor Jordon, Vice Chair. In her report, Councillor Turnbull thanked all the Councillors for the hard work throughout the year as well as that of County Councillor Kelly and the villagers who contribute on a regular basis.

Complaints have been made to both Northumberland County Council and ISOS about the state of the grass cutting in the village. The Councillors are closely monitoring this and it is hoped that improvements will be seen by the time you read this.

All three interactive speed units are up and running throughout the village, which should prove an extra deterrent against speeding.

The Ovilympics will be taking place on July 14^th to which everyone is welcome. Do come and support this event and join in some of the many activities planned.

Margaret Davenport

Grasscutting in the Village

The grassed areas of amenity land around Ovingham are cut by two separate teams. Most of these areas are cut by the county council though the parish council pay them for additional areas to be cut.
The areas around Windsor Crescent and Tyne Gardens however, are the responsibility of ISOS Housing Ltd who subcontract the grasscutting to Vale Contract Services.
It is not an exaggeration to say that the state of these amenity areas is a disgrace. These areas have never been in such a bad state in thirty years or more.  ISOS is clearly aware of the widespread dissatisfaction and you can click here to see what they have to say about it.

The parish council has already registered its profound disgust at the quality of service. However, it will be even more persuasive if lots of individual residents also contact them with their personal comments and observations.
ISOS Customer Services can be contacted on 0300 300 1505 or you can email them at info@isoshousing.co.uk. 

Digital Switchover

The switch from analogue to digital will begin on 12 September in our area when BBC2 analogue transmissions will cease. On 26 September, all other analogue transmissions will cease.

'Digitaluk' is an organisation set up to help with information and advice about what's involved.
A switchover Drop-In Clinic is being held in the new Spetchells Centre in Prudhoe on 24 May between 10am and 5pm for anyone wanting to find out more. Alternatively, you might want to phone the Digital UK Advice Line on 08456 50 50 50 or look up their website at www.digitaluk.co.uk .

Canvassers Needed

Northumberland County Council Elections Office requires canvassers to help with the compilation of the 2013 Electoral Register.
Due to the Police and Crime Commissioners Elections to be held in November, the Electoral Registration Canvass will be earlier than usual this year, commencing in mid August and must be completed by 24 September.
The work is to visit properties to deliver forms and collect responses from those addresses where no reply has yet been received, up to 2 visits per property. Canvassers must also attend a briefing session at County Hall as part of the appointment, on 13 August 2012 at 6pm.
Anyone aged 18 or over may apply for a canvassing position, so if interested, or you have family members, friends or know of retired people who may be interested please let them know.
Payment will be £1-50 per form collected in urban areas, and £2-50 in very rural areas. (There is no mileage payable).
If you are interested or need further information, please contact the Elections Office on 01670 624811 or email: elections@northumberland.gov.uk

Parish Council Notes - May 2012

The April meeting saw an informative talk from Adam Keen, Recycling Officer, Northumberland County Council Local Services. Adam talked about the options available for a bottle bank that the Councillors are considering. This can be made available on a trial basis but further discussions will take place, especially about the locality, before a decision is made.

The new garden bench is now sited in the Churchyard and a commemorative plaque will soon be ordered. This has been a joint donation from Ovingham and Ovington Parish Councils and it is hoped that much use will be made of the bench although the weather needs to improve considerably first!

The Councillors are also awaiting a response from Northumberland County Council to see if planning application is needed for the proposed seat by the Church bus stop.

Further to the written complaint about the route of the 686 Bus service to Prudhoe, a reply has been received confirming that there are no plans to change or review the service.

Margaret Davenport

Parish Council Notes - April 2012

Since a letter of complaint was sent to Northumberland County Council regarding the route of bus service 686 to Prudhoe, a reply has been received by the parish Council. Unfortunately, there are no plans to review the service or make further changes.

Re-surfacing work is due along Castle View starting mid to late April. It is hoped that it won't cause too much of a disruption. [Ed. See the earlier post for more details].

The Councillors have decide that due to other events in the village, such as the Goose Fair and the Roses Festival, and surrounding areas, there will not be a separate celebration for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The “Ovilympics” will be the focus on July 14^th. Again, if anyone can offer help, please contact one of the councillors.

The next meeting of the Parish Council takes place on Thursday, 17^th May at 7.15 pm in the Reading Room and will include the Annual Meeting that will commence at 8.00 pm.

Margaret Davenport