Glanton Newsletter - May 2001

(Click here for previous Newsletters)

Book Your Book

We are making progress on the production of the Millennium Book. As a result of the survey we have decided to produce a firm backed book only. The price of the book will be £12.50 and we are now taking orders for it. Over the millennium year we received a number of grants towards equipment and costs for the production of the book so we did have £1700 in the bank. We decided to have the book produced professionally so will incur printer costs in the region of £4000. To save on possibility of bank charges we are offering the book for sale NOW. You can book a copy from Richard Verrill at the post office or from Norman Dunn at 5 Front Street. Payment can be made in full or by instalments. Please help us save the cost of bank charges by paying for the book in advance. We expect publication to be about the end of July.

Ruth Cocks completed the mammoth task of writing the 'People' Section but wished to say that because of the pressures of time she was unable to give interview transcripts to everyone however people's wishes have been respected when compiling the section.<.p>

We remain grateful to everyone who took the time to help in this massive project and we are sure the final book will be a celebration of our village. The great wealth of information we were not able to include in the book will not be lost; it will form an archive for the village and may lead to future projects.

Garden Fete for Hall Funds

As announced in the previous newsletter John and Claire Swanson have kindly offered to host a garden fete to coincide with the blossoming of their laburnum arch, a sight to behold. Conditions permitting, this event will take place on the 17th June and all are welcome. Please watch out for posters giving more details nearer the time.

Parish Council News

Village Meeting

A village meeting was held in the Memorial Hall on 21st May 2001. A small turnout of villagers heard an update of various parish council initiatives.

Council Activities

An update of this years Parish Council activities covered the millennium projects, including the planting of the oak avenue, the book and the celebration events. The Council has also continued to support this newsletter and our village Christmas Tree.

The meeting also heard about the work with the District and County Council to replace litter bins and get Glanton back on the gritting priority list. The parish is also making further representations to have something done with the storm drains. We are also promoting the village through attending many meetings to encourage partnerships with, for example, other community groups.

Billy Wealleans generously donated flower troughs to enhance the village.

The meeting also heard of the current involvement with the Rural Stress Initiative and, more widely, the implementation of the Rural White Paper.

Housing Needs Survey

The results of the housing needs survey has been received indicating the further needs for affordable housing in the village. Representations will be made to the District Council following analysis of the findings.

Village Appraisal

John Swanson and Norman Dunn had attended a number of meetings connected with funding opportunities for the village. An underlying theme was the need for a village appraisal to support any funding requests. The major fundraising for the coming year will be the village hall therefore volunteers were asked to look at the requirements of the village appraisal. Mike Bridges and Angela Manktelow offered to help.

Beyond the Millennium Book

The meeting discussed what should happen when the current millennium projects come to an end.

The village meeting two years ago set up the committee to undertake the various projects which have been extremely successful. It was suggested that it would be a great shame to let the initiative fade.

Advice had been sought from David Francis from the Community Council of Northumberland and it was suggested that the Parish Council set up a subcommittee to take over these initiatives. The subcommittee would not be only Parish Councillors and although the accounts would form part of the parish accounts the committee could work independently to support existing village charities and help with other new initiatives.

An example of the work of this committee would be to support the fundraising initiatives of the village hall. It could also help new groups wishing to set up in the village. The oak avenue may still need some further spending, and some funds are available. (A copy of the accounts were distributed at the meeting.)

The meeting agreed to the suggestion. Firm proposals will be worked up and put to a future Parish Council meeting.

Glanton Show

The show committee met in May to discuss this year's show. It was agreed that if there were to be a show it could not be in its usual form. The option of using the two halls in the village for the indoor show classes was discussed but the committee did not think they could make a decision to hold the show at this stage due to foot and mouth. It was decided that a final decision will be made at the June/July meeting after seeking the views of the local farmers.

Show Coffee Morning

The Show coffee morning went ahead in the Memorial Hall in May. It was very well attended and raised a staggering œ501.76. The committee wish to express their thanks to all who gave and all who supported the event on the day.

Clean Sweep

Thanks to all who made the effort to clean the village on the 22nd May. This annual event really makes a difference to the village. Unfortunately another victim of foot and mouth was the road sweeper. The District Council could not send the sweeper this year because of the foot and mouth restrictions. We remain grateful for the District Council's support and, no doubt, will see them back again next year.

Glanton United Reformed Church

Mike and Pam Bridges have invited us back to their home for a Garden Party on Sunday, 29th July 2001. Everyone will be welcome.

Table Tennis

Are you interested in playing table tennis? There is an opportunity to run a table tennis club in the village hall. If there is interest shown then Glanton can challenge other villages in the area. If you are interested in joining in please contact John Ainsley ( 578315. Please let John know as soon as possible because there may be some equipment available.

Future Events

June 5th WI Visit 6th Book Meeting 7th Northumberland Wildlife Trust Meeting (Powburn) 8th Computer Club Meeting 17th Garden Fete (Glanton Pyke) 27th Show Meeting July 3rd WI Visit 11th Hall Meeting 29th Garden Party (Stonecroft) 30th Parish Council