Ovilympics - how it went.

After several months of planning and fund raising and with the weather being very kind on the day, the Ovilympics 2012 took place on the playing field on 14th July.

The afternoon's activities included Space Hopper, sack, egg and spoon and mini-sprint track races, wellie wanging and a tug o' war. Tynedale Harriers kindly organised and sponsored four serious one-mile perimeter races. The winners' achievements were celebrated with gold, silver and bronze medals on a specially built podium. Medals were presented by Bill Jordon, a 2012 Olympic Relay torch runner and Kevin Forster, 1988 Seoul Olympics marathon runner.

Stamina was maintained with the provision of refreshments from the pavilion, Rea's ice cream and the Hungry Elephant with their spectacular tent. Competitions alternated with entertainment by the Electric Band, Floralprint, Dean, a yet-to-be-named band from Ovingham Middle School and dance routines by Energize. All young and all so talented. Stalls provided a mixture of fun and information. You could make your own health drink on The Smoothy Bike, slide down the bouncy castle, get your face painted, make crafty things and even get your blood pressure checked. The Beat-the-Goalie goalie was still saving penalties three hours after the event had finished!

The event was very well attended and feedback has been very positive and encouraging. It wouldn't have been possible were it not for the tremendous amount of preparation done by the twenty plus volunteers on the planning team. The Reading Room committee has also been very supportive both with practical help and by providing marquees, gazebos and loads of other equipment needed for the event.

After a short break to catch their breath, the planning team aim to get together in a few weeks to make a start thinking about next year.
Now the bunting is down and the marquees packed away, the field looks very bare ... except for the youngsters happily playing there.

Ovilympics - 14 July 2012

Plans are just about finalised to ensure that the Ovilympics will be a great, fun, inexpensive, family afternoon out.
We have loads of competitions and entertainment lined up. There are loads of medals and trophies to be won and photo opportunities with an Olympic marathon athlete and an Olympic Torch Relay runner complete with torch.

We hope you can be there.

Wylam Road - Closure

N'land County Council have just informed us that a Traffic Order has been taken out to close the Wylam Road - the C254.
Northumbrian Water need to install a new water main near 'The Hermitage' and although they only expect the road to be closed for three days, the Traffic Order is from 6 August to 13 September.
Signs will be put in place earlier to advise motorists of the closure and diversion signs will also be installed.

28th June 2012 - Flooding

The county council is trying to collect and collate detailed information about the effects of last Thursday's downpour. The parish council has been asked to collect and pass on this information.
Did the water get into your house? Did it come close to getting into your house? Please let us know. Our contact details are on our website.
In the meantime, meetings are being arranged between our parish council, the county council, the Environment Agency and Northumberland Estates to discuss the impact of this deluge and what if anything can be done to minimise the risk of it happening again. We'll keep you informed about the outcomes of these meetings.

Parish Council News - July 2012

For those who kindly completed and return the Village Plan Questionnaire last September, results are still being analysed. However, there will soon be initial information available to view on our website (www.ovinghamparishcouncil.co.uk). Apologies for the delay in collating the information but there are many ideas to think about.

Planning permission is required for the proposed seat by the Bus Stop (at the Church) so unfortunately things are moving here more slowly than hoped.

As you all know the weather has been horrendous and our thoughts are with those who have particularly suffered during the recent flooding in Piper Road and Dene Garth. A letter of complaint has been sent to the Northumberland Estates (the owner of the Playing Field) about the drainage (or lack of it), as well as a phone call that has resulted in a site visit by one of their officers. However, further discussions will take place with them as well as Northumberland County Council. Many culverts were blocked throughout the village as well as evidence of subsidence.

As is customary, there is no meeting of the Parish Council in August and the next scheduled meeting will be on Thursday, 20^th September at 7.15 pm in the Reading Room.

Margaret Davenport

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