SureStart Play Van

The SureStart Play Van is visiting Ovingham Playing Field on 31st July and 14th August from 1pm to 3pm.
When it came last week, it was brim full of exciting things for toddlers to do.

The weather looks good so get on down there with your toddlers for a fun couple of hours!

Ovi-Fun Field Day 2013

Parish News - July 2013

In line with the majority of other Parish Councils, Ovingham have introduced a new format to their meetings. Each meeting will commence with an “open surgery” where issues can be raised by residents before the meeting starts. Such issues can of course, be brought to the attention of any of the Councillors or Clerk before then.

Councillors are looking at the possibility of introducing a village newsletter – it’s at the early stage but they are keen to do so.

Whilst the Councillors recognise that the majority of dog owners are responsible, in an attempt to encourage others to clean up after their pets, free doggie bags will be available at various points in the village, including by the Playing Fields and entrances to the Dene as well as the Village Shop.

Assurances are being sought that the pedestrian bridge will remain open whilst repair work is done next year and that it will be “off limits” to cycling, (they must dismount to cross which they should do anyway).

The stepping-stones near the Pack Horse Bridge will be reset next year. In the meantime, please be aware of the dangers in using them especially when with children.

There will be no meeting in August but the September meeting will be Thursday 19^th September at 7.15pm.

Margaret Davenport
Clerk to Ovingham Parish Council

Parish News - June 2013

At the May Parish Council Meeting, Doreen Jordon was elected Chair, and Ian Heslop Vice-Chair.
The Councillors have been allocated to various committees in addition to their Councillor duties and these are:-

Ovingham Joint Burial Committee – Val Mennear and Doreen Jordon
Ovingham Playing Field Users group – Phil Holden and Lesley Richardson
Reading Room Committee – Kevin Piper
East Tynedale Town & Parish Forum – Lou Moore and Doreen Jordon
Prudhoe Partnership – Hazel Chalmers.

Unfortunately, it is now extremely unlikely that planning permission would be granted for the proposed seat by the bus stop at the Church so the Councillors decided not to pursue this any further. It was originally suggested by Mr and Mrs Frank Atkinson, who had very kindly offered to fund it, so the Councillors will contact them to see if they want the seat in an alternative spot in the village.

Funding has been confirmed to “refurbish” Ovingham Bridge. At the time of writing, no date has been agreed but hopefully may start soon.
Margaret Davenport
Clerk to Ovingham Parish Council

Fund Raising Gig Night

The gig night organised by OPPFUG to raise funds for the village family fun day on 20th July was a roaring success.
The resident band, The Bridge End  fronted by Justin, had everyone up dancing. Guest spots by Chris & Paul, Dennis & Clive and the inimitable poet Scottie had the packed audience in raptures.
The 'Pluck a Duck' tombola sold out as did the raffle. The sumptuous buffet, put on by Lou, Lesley and Irene, was scoffed in no time.
All told, the evening raised just over £300. So many thanks to so many people - including those who generously donated prizes.

Family Fun Day

To raise funds for the family fun day in July, the Bridge End Inn and their resident band Bridge End are staging a spectacular evening of entertainment ... and spectacular food.
It's on Sunday 26th May and starts at 8pm.

Be there ...  or miss it!

Parish News - May 2013

Welcome to the four new Parish Councillors. Because of the recent election, Hazel Chalmers, Lou Moore, Kevin Piper and Lesley Richardson will be joining existing Councillors Ian Heslop, Phil Holden, Doreen Jordon and Val Mennear. A new chair will have been elected at the May meeting and I will let you know the details in the July magazine. Thanks must go to outgoing Councillors, Margaret Turnbull, Paul MacDonald, Joanna Jackson and Richard Benjamin for their hard work and efforts throughout the years.

Planing has been completed behind the church; application needs to be submitted to planning for a proposed seat by the bus stop at the church. The Parish Council obtained a refund from Northumberland County Council of approximately 35% as a result of complaining about the poor standard of grass cuts last year. The BMX track has been upgraded and work should soon be starting on the windows at the Pavilion as well as essential work at the cemetery lodge.

Margaret Davenport
Clerk to Ovingham Parish Council