Glanton Newsletter - August 2001

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Almost There

The mammoth project of compiling our village chronicle is almost complete. The book is currently being printed and we have been promised delivery before show day. This has truly been a local venture with all aspects of this project being done by the committee and the friends and residents of the village. The design process has been time consuming with Richard Verrill and John Swanson putting in many hours of work to give us a professional look to the publication. Our thanks also go to Thomas Johnson who spent a considerable amount of time retaking a number of photographs so they converted to black and white prints better.

Remember the book will be on sale at the village show, so put the extra £12.50 in your pocket to secure your copy on show day.

The book will also be on sale in the shop, post office and hairdresser's. Our thanks to everyone who will sell the book.

The book can also be ordered from Norman Dunn, 5 Front Street, Glanton NE66 4AP.

£12.50 plus UK postage and packing £4.00 per book.

Glanton Show

After consulting local farmers the show committee decided to go ahead with a much reduced event this year. The show will be held in the Memorial Hall and the URC Hall, limited to the indoor classes only. The sections at this year's event will be flowers, fruit, vegetables, floral arrangements, children's section, cookery, handicrafts, sticks and photography. Schedules are available detailing individual classes. Exhibits should be staged by 10:00 am and the Halls will be open from 1:30 p.m. Please note, for safety reasons, the road outside the halls will be closed from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and the committee hope the inconvenience will not be too great. We look forward to seeing you at the event as a competitor or visitor.

Parish Council News

Housing Needs Survey

The housing needs survey indicated a need for affordable housing. At a recent consultative meeting called by the District Council the Parish Council representative expressed concerns about small villages having access to affordable housing. In larger communities this type of housing can be built into larger developments as a planning stipulation. There are no such developments in small villages therefore it was suggested that the District Council should consider alternatives. The District Council are now looking at other options. The Parish Council will monitor any developments.

Village Appraisal

The Parish Council's representatives are still attending meetings regarding village appraisals. Currently there are two separate initiatives, one organised by the Community Council of Northumberland and the other by the Countryside Agency. The two initiatives have access to separate funding channels therefore to maximise the benefit for the village the Council agreed that the village will be best served by being involved with both processes.

We cannot guarantee funding for any project but we would welcome suggestions for future village projects. Please give any suggestions to members of the Parish Council.

Dog Fouling

The Parish Clerk reported that there is still a problem with dog fouling in Playwell Road. Please remember that the restriction applies inside the 30 mph signs. Your co-operation would be appreciated.

Computer Training

After many attempts to organise replacement trainers for the computer classes the Computer Club decided to dissolve the club, the assets reverting to the Parish Council.

The Council has now been contacted by a group called Learning Choices who do offer computer training.

The range of training seems wide and varied and is funded through payment by the trainee and a subsidy from the Government. The trainee pays an up front fee then the Government adds a further 80% to create a training "bond" which can be spent on training courses.

An example: the first million applicants paid £25 and received £125 credit to spend on training. The first course may cost £40 for 13 weeks training, leaving a balance of £85 in your fund. You are able to keep using this fund to purchase future courses without any additional payment, until you use your fund up.

You will receive a questionnaire with this newsletter. If you are interested in receiving training please complete the form and return it to the village shop. Learning Choices will then analyse the results and offer training events. Filling in the form does not commit you to anything so please indicate any interest.

Oak Avenue

Thanks go to John Swanson, John Guiry and Thomas Johnson who have erected the plaque to commemorate our Oak Avenue.

Table Tennis

Thank you for all who have showed an interest in table tennis in the village hall. We now have two tables tennis tables and John Ainley has offered to act as coach. If you are interested in forming a club please attend a meeting in the village hall on Monday 13th August at 7:00 p.m. Anyone interested in playing table tennis will be welcome.

Village Hall

The Hall Committee wishes to thank John and Claire Swanson for hosting an excellent event at Glanton Pyke Hall. The event raised over œ1000 and was a ray of sunshine on a great day.

A future event is being organised by the Bowls Club on the 7th September to support hall funds. Why not come and try out carpet bowls and help support the hall.

The Auction has also been rearranged for October and the committee will be grateful for any support in donations of goods or pledges of services that can be auctioned at the event.

At the turn of the year there will be a visit from a theatre company. They will perform the "Singin' Ringin' Tree". Watch out for further details.

Glanton United Reformed Church

It is probable that many people already know that the Revd. Barbara Flood-Page will be leaving us in September. She is moving to Thatcham in Berkshire. Barbara will be taking her final service in our church on Sunday 2nd September at 6 p.m. and afterwards we will be giving her and John farewell gifts. Anyone who would like to donate towards the presentation should give their money to Mike or Pam Bridges - or any member of the congregation before the end of August.

Our thanks to Mike and Pam Bridges for hosting our Garden Party on Sunday 29th July. A magnificent œ620 was raised - so many thanks too to everyone who helped in any way.

Eglingham Book

Our neighbouring village has produced a booklet about their beautiful village. Priced at œ2.50, it is available from the Tankerville Arms or Jean and Mike Findlay. Enquiries Tel 01665 578407.

Future Events

August 11th Glanton Show 11th Glanton Book Published 15th Hall Committee Meeting 22nd Show Committee Meeting September 2nd Revd. Barbara Flood-Page final service 4th WI Meeting 7th Invitation Bowls Night 24th Parish Council Meeting