Food Hygiene Course

If you are involved in preparing food for the public, you may need to have completed a food hygiene course which is certificated.

Certificates are valid for three years. So if you completed the last course held in the Reading Room, you may need to repeat it.

There are still a few places left for the next course which is being held in the Reading Room on 4 April 2009. Starts 9:00am and finishes at 3:30pm.

Ring 01661 832695 to book your place.

Ceilidh - 27 March 2008

There will be a ceilidh in the Reading Room on 27 March 2009 at 7:30pm. A licensed bar including soft drinks is available.

Ticket price includes a supper of soup and stotties.

The event is in aid of roof repairs to the Reading Room and tickets are available from the Londis shop or Hazel on 836692.

Parish Council News - 20 March 2009

LITTER
The Parish Council are still very concerned over the amount of litter which is dropped throughout the village. There are very few areas which are litter-free and every person is asked to be vigilant, not only to ensure they do not drop litter but also to stop others doing so. The three main problem areas in the village – the rear lane to Castle View, Bewick Lane and the area at the top of Horsley Road. Please let us all do our best to make sure our village stays beautiful.

INTERACTIVE LIGHTING
Several people have asked when the speed light will be moved. It is the Council’s plan to move the light after April. There are three positions and the light will be moved approximately every 4 months.

NEW UNITARY AUTHORITY
At the present time it is not clear what difference to small Parish Councils the new Unitary Authority will make. Ovingham Parish Councillors are all aware that there will be some differences taking place and Councillors are involved in the local Forum which has been formed.

CYCLING ON THE OVINGHAM FOOTBRIDGE
For some time it has been obvious that the “no cycling” signs are ambiguous and it could be that cyclists do not realise they should be using the road bridge. Unfortunately, it seems that only signs used within the Highway Code can be erected. It is hoped that new clearer signs will be placed in a more prominent position in the near future.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
Since the beginning of the year it has become law that everybody must be able to access information of all official bodies. To this end Ovingham Parish Council has put on their Web Site the means of access to all information

Parish Council News - March 2009

Flooding in Ovingham

Mr Ian Hodge, Environmental Agency and Ian Douglas, Director Environmental Services Tynedale were welcomed to the Parish Council Meeting which was opened for questions. Mr Hodge explained that flooding was caused by culverts not being able to cope with the heavy rainfall, water draining from fields and Whittle Burn. He stated that there were no powers which could be used to prevent any of these happening again and householders would need to make their own provisions for dealing with future flood risks. However, although he had no powers to act, because the build-up of water in The Tyne may have been a contributory factor, two engineers are to produce a report which when completed will be passed to Ovingham Parish Council.
Mr Douglas urged everybody to remember that any flood water must always be treated as contaminated.

Interactive Speed Lights

These are now in place and the first sign is positioned at the West entry to the village. It will be circulated periodically on Horsley Road and Castle View.

Land Registration

Legislation is to come into place ensuring that all land throughout the country is registered. Some time ago Councillor Holden offered to undertake the registration of Council land (little knowing how time consuming it would prove). However, the task is now completed and the land owned by Ovingham Parish Council is registered. Councillor Holden must not only be congratulated but thanked for completing such a time-consuming exercise.

Churchyard Wall

The Council has for some time had concerns regarding the Churchyard Wall to the East which seemed to be slipping. When finally inspected it was found that there was not only a large void under the wall but also a gas leak. Re-filling the hole was delayed by sub-zero temperatures and caused considerable problems to traffic flow. Thankfully, the repair is now complete though it’s not yet known what plans are in hand to repair the sagging wall.

Reading Room Film Club

Friday 30th January.

Doors open 7:00pm. Film starts 7:30pm.

NARNIA, PRINCE CASPIAN

Parish Council News

Dog Fouling.

This continues to be a problem in the village. The main areas reported by residents are – the back of Castle View, particularly next to 37 Castle View, the foot bridge across the river, the paths in front of the shop and West Road . The Tynedale Council dog warden has been informed and he is to visit the village and find out where the reported areas are. Hopefully he will then patrol the area to catch the dog owners concerned.

Laurel Bushes at Reading Room.

These were planted many years ago by the Reading Room . They have become overgrown and will eventually be a problem to traffic at the bridge entrance if they are not cut back. This is not Parish Council land therefore they are reluctant to pay for the pruning of the bushes. Tynedale Council have been asked to cut the bushes back as it is Highways land .

Church Yard Wall.

The clerk received a letter and photographs pointing out the poor state of the church yard wall where the old bus stop used to be. A large hole has formed at the base of the wall. This information has been passed on to Tynedale Council.

Precept.

This was discussed in detail at the last meeting and Councillors present decided the Precept would stay the same as last year at £15 000.

Flooding.

Ian Hodge from the Environment Agency will attend the January Parish Council Meeting . Residents will be informed of this meeting. He will talk about how the environment agency deals with the problem of flooding and will then try to answer questions and concerns from the general public.

Christmas Services

At the Church of St.Mary the Virgin.

Tuesday 16 December 7:00pm Mothers' Union Carol Service
Wednesday 24 December 6:00pm Carol Service and Blessing of the Crib
Thursday 25 December 9:30am Christmas Parish Communion

You will be very welcome at any of these services.