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WOLSINGHAM POOL In last months Crier the question was raised as to what the District Council’s £11500 reserve for Wolsingham Pool was intended to cover bearing in mind the proposed "community use" closure . It is now understood that the estimate relates the running down procedures, remaining liabilities, possible re-deployment of staff, redundancies or similar internal costs. However if it transpires that the final cost is less than £11500 then the balance will go back into the general reserves. In other words we are being overcharged for a facility that no longer exists.In support if its decision the District Council has advised that for every hour the pool was open to the community two pool attendants were required. Given the available community hours and the overall number of swimmers the statistics reveal that there was an average of one pool attendant for every 2.25 swimmers. Clearly uneconomical. However the question remains as to whether, such a facility should be taken away from Weardale. After all the cost was not substantial with the subsidy per swim being very similar to that applying to Woodhouse Close and Glenholme both of which, overall, were significally more expensive than Wolsingham. But then consider the Spectrum. Despite its virtual closure the 2003/4 reserve has been increased (albeit by a modest amount) but its losses are expected to cost well over £2000 each week. So much for Wear Valleys sense of fairness .LEAZES All those people who remember Leazes as it was will be horrified at the present condition of the grounds. It is true that before its sale the overall condition of the buildings was poor as very little had been spent on maintenance and the grounds similarly needed attention.Wear Valley District Council Planning Committee ignored local opposition and gave planning approval despite the existence of Tree Preservation Orders and the lawn being identified as a Protected Open Space. In its own District Plan the Council states that if identified in the plan such an area will be protected against development. That being the case it is difficult to understand what special reason existed which persuaded the planning committee to approve the building of houses underneath those trees which remain and to authorise the felling of other trees said to be protected with preservation orders. Unfortunately there is no appeal against planning approval and consequently the work proceeds. .At the end of the day this will be a desirable site but the District Council must ensure that all work is carried out strictly in accordance with the planning conditions.
RECREATION GROUND PROJECT As previously reported Wolsingham Recreation Association is working in partnership with the Parish Council in efforts to improve the Recreation Ground. All community groups in Wolsingham are reminded that they are all part of WRECASS and are invited to its meetings. Anyone requiring more information should contact Vere Shuttleworth tel 01388 527238 The first phase of this ambitious project is to replace the present pavilion with a larger single storey stone built community centre, detailed plans for which have been submitted to Wear Valley District Council. At the time of going to print approval had not been given although discussions with the planning officers suggest that it will not be refused and may even have been confirmed by the time the Crier is distributed. When written approval has been received detailed estimates will need to be obtained and thereafter grant applications made in an effort to obtain the balance of funding required. Overall the cost of the new building is estimated to be in the order of £200,000. In addition to the new building it is intended to install some "adventure" play equipment for the older children including a "chat room". It is felt that such installation would be best accommodated close to, but outside the present play area with a re-location of the existing fence that in any event is due to be replaced. The proposed new equipment will not require any safety surface and the overall cost should not exceed £10,000. Funding is already in place. Finally the riverside area is to be improved. It could be cleared to some extent and opened up to improve accessibility. The introduction of picnic tables and the creation of glades with the possibility of an alteration or better use of the present dog walk is under consideration but it is intended to seek the advice of and work in conjunction with Groundwork Trust.. The WRECASS/Parish Council partnership is also in touch with English Nature, the lead organisation in the Mineral Valleys project, which is looking to enhance the natural environment and improve footpath accessibility in the countryside. Hopefully assistance will be forthcoming from them. The Town Crier will carry progress reports from time to time. POLICE REPORT The Police report to the Parish Council at its meeting in April revealed that there had been 7 crimes reported in March although there had been 48 reported incidents. It was also stated that there had been 5 arrests with the result that each culprit had been given an official youth warning. Those involved being 17 years of age or less. Their manes have been logged and they now appear in the official police system.. Effectively they have all been given a second chance but any future misdemeanor will have serious, very serious consequences. The Police are asking local residents to report unruly behaviour, vandalism etc to them as soon as it takes place and they will do their best to deal with it. At present there are some teething troubles in respect of telephoned complaints but it is important that the public continues to report all incidents. The regular police surgery will be held in the Mobile Police Station that will be in the Market Place on 22nd May between 10.0am and 11.00am. Feel free to attend and discuss any police related issues. PRIMARY SCHOOL LUNCH The invitation from the Primary School children to Wolsingham’s senior citizens on 29th March was a huge success. Thanks to qll the staff involved and the children who supplied a very efficient waiter service. The meal was excellent and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day. It is intended to hold late lunch clubs on a regular basis, initially only once or twice per term but eventually ,if it remains popular it will become a monthly event Numbers may have to be restricted. Please therefore keep an eye open for advance notices and make sure your name is submitted in good time to avoid disappointment. RUMOURS? Is it correct that the Catholic school building ,some land behind it and part of the car park is to be sold.? It is in different ownership than the Convent and not part of the proposed development . Time will tell and perhaps the situation will be clarified before the Crier is published.
PARISH COUNCIL REPORT The Annual Parish Meeting was held in the Town Hall on Tuesday 13th April at 6.00pm. There were 22 members of the public present to hear the Parish Council’s Chairman Ken Charlton present his report covering the years activities. Following last years elections there were 6 new Councillors and he hoped they would find the work interesting. There were a number of questions from the floor almost exclusively related to youth disturbances. One resident felt that the Parish Council had a responsibility for allowing the youths to congregate in the Recreation Ground He felt that the ground should be closed at night and there should be a security patrol. He advised that in his experience the police had been quick to act when called upon and there was little else they could do. If there were lights then that might help. The Parish Council already has planning permission for some floodlighting as part of its original multi-sport play area but that was not taken further in view of objections . Clearly not everyone will want the ground lit up at night. The police were present at the meeting and were able to discuss Wolsingham’s present youth problems in depth but repeated that it was up to the residents to report all incidents as they were taking place and they would attend as quickly as they could. Without real evidence there was little they could do. Other issues relating to speeding motor vehicles,dog fouling and the problems facing the residents in the Market Place at show time.. The meeting closed at 7.05pm All matters raised were noted and will be discussed at future Council meetings. NEW CHAIRMAN John Anderson was elected Chairman of the Parish Council for the next year. In accepting the nomination he thanked the outgoing Chairman for all his work during the three years he had held office. David Pattison was elected Vice Chairman. |
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Parish Church Services for Wolsingham & Thornley in May 2004
Wolsingham Methodist Church: Sunday Service at 10.30am St Thomas’ RC Church: Saturday Mass at 6.30pm Wolsingham Baptist Church: Sunday Service at 3.00pm
From the Parish register
Funerals Dorothy Dowson 24 March at Thornley Parish Church and Durham Crematorium June Pearson 1 April at Wolsingham Parish Church and Mountsett Crematorium Kenneth Savage 10 April at Wolsingham Parish Church
Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.
Dorothy Dowson was born in Tow Law and attended Wolsingham Convent School. Although all of her family went into nursing, Dorothy chose to work as a clerk at Dogget’s Bishop Auckland. She was married to Ronnie for 53 years and for most of that time they have lived at Thornley. They met at school and helped to run the youth club together. Dorothy had been PCC secretary for 43 years and for most of that time was also church organist. Amongst her many hobbies were Yoga, reading and cake icing; her love of music was her greatest love and she taught many people to play the piano. Dorothy had many friends but her best friend was her cousin Ruth. She was a very easy-going, caring person and will be sadly missed by family and friends. June Pearson was born at Bill Quay, Tyneside and she was educated at Jarrow Central School. When she married John 52 years ago they went to live at Wardley Colliery where she played the church organ. June spent most of her working life as a clerk in a solicitor’s office then at a builders merchants. They have lived in Wolsingham for the past 30 years. June was very talented; as well as playing the church organ, she was also in the choir. Other hobbies included needlework, she was also secretary of the bowling club (ladies section) and the winner of nine titles but her greatest achievement must have been as Champion Archer of Northumberland and Durham. June’s family and friends will miss her but she will never be forgotten. Kenneth Savage was born at Spennymoor and came to live at Wolsingham after leaving the fairground where he worked. Kenny had developed TB and spent some time recovering at Holywood Hospital where he met Muriel his wife to be. Though Kenny was a qualified butcher and served in the Catering Corp during his National Service, he spent the next 20 years driving a crane at the steelworks. Kenny loved to grow Leeks among other hobbies which he shared with his good friends Arthur and Pearl. Kenny was easy to get on with and made many friends, and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Christian Aid
Christian Aid Week this year will be 9-15 May. There will be a house to house collection.If anyone is willing to help, please contact Carole Hopkinson (527827).
Church News in Short
Home Communions and Visits: If you know of anyone, including yourself, who would appreciate receiving communion at home, please contact the Rector on 527340. This is usually the first Wednesday in the month. Please keep the Rector informed of anyone who is ill or in hospital so that they can be included in his schedule of visits. Lent Course: Though not well attended, it was successful and worthwhile for the regular members of the group. Easter: Attendances at the Easter services were good. Eileen the donkey was a big hit on Palm Sunday with both children and adults. Mothers’ Union
The next meeting is on Tuesay 4th May at 1.30pm in the Guild Room. After a service of Holy Communion, the speaker will be from the Womens’ refuge in Bishop Auckland. Please bring any toiletries for the ladies.
Wolsingham Baptist Church
The preacher on 2 May will be Joe Wilkinson. The weekend of the 8th and 9th May is the Church anniversary. At 7.0pm on the Saturday Gareth Jones of Stocksfield will be the soloist; at 3.00pm on the Sunday there will be a duet from Mr and Mrs Drew and the speaker will be Raymond Deekes. Tea will be served after both events. The speaker on 16th May is David Jewell and on the 23rd and 30th Louis Staley.
New Citizen’s Advice Bureau drop-in for Wolsingham There is now a drop-in for general advice from Wear Valley District Citizens Advice Bureau at Wolsingham Library. Just drop in to talk about issues like Benefits, Housing, Consumer Rights, Employment Rights and much more besides. The advice is being given using a video-link and is fully supported so no technical know-how is needed - it’s as easy as a face to face chat.
The service is free and confidential and sessions will be held 2 pm – 4 pm on the first and third Friday of the month (April 16th, May 7th & 21st, June 4th & 18th, July 2nd & 16th).
Examination Leave at Wolsingham School May-June 2004
We are coming up to that time of year again when our Year 11,12 and 13 pupils begin their cycle of examinations. From May 6th-12th Year 11 pupils will only be expected to come into school if they are involved in practical examinations or Modern Language Speaking Tests. Then from May 17th, all Year 11 pupils will be on study leave and only coming into school in time for their examinations. This will mean an increase in the number of pupils in the village around the lunch period and during the day, as they arrive/leave before/after an examination. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if pupils are causing problems. I am sure that you will join with me in wishing our pupils every success with their examinations.
News from St. Bartholomew’s Church. Thornley Village. Hi Everyone This month our thoughts go out to Ronnie Dowson on the sad loss of his wife, Dorothy who died on March 17th. Over 90 people were in church to say goodbye and that says far more about the lovely lady she was, than I ever could. She lived in the village for over 50 years, and I am so lucky to have known her as a good friend for 23 of those years. Dorothy ‘stood in’ as organist and PCC secretary; over 20 years later was still doing the jobs! That was Dorothy! Goodness knows how many Church Fayres she and Ronnie helped to organise and then serve on the stall. Dorothy never boasted about all she did for the church or the village, she just got on with it quietly. I know from experience that she was a good listener who could always be counted on for help and support. I know that Dorothy would still want us to enjoy life. I’m sure, she was watching and, like all of us enjoying seeing ’Eileen’ the donkey in Church on Palm Sunday; also the lovely Easter Day Service, with balloons and chocolate eggs for children and adults alike. A big thank you to Carol, Harry and Grace Collinson and to John and Judith Stephenson for their help. Thank you also to Margaret Collinson for the beautifully arranged flowers in the Church. Don’t forget the fayre in the Village Hall on Sunday 2nd May between 1pm and 3pm (Bank Holiday weekend.) for the Blue Peter Mencap Appeal and, Insulin Pumps for Children with Diabetes. The children are so keen and putting a lot of effort into it, so please come along and support them. I’ve had a wonderful response to the FLOWER and WEDDING DRESS FESTIVAL. (August Bank Holiday weekend) We have the promise of about 20 dresses (dating from the 1800’s to the present day!) As I said last month, if you have your wedding dress (especially if you were married in St. Bartholomew’s), can give and/or arrange some flowers, help in any way please let me know as soon as possible. Thanks. Dare I say, it will soon be time for the summer fayre! That’s all for now. Remember:- Holy Communion : Sundays 9 : 30am. Family Service : First Sunday in month. Bye for now. Geraldine – 01388 730012.
Wolsingham and Thornley Parish Council
Garden Competition 2004
Judging will take place
Sunday 11th July
By Michael & Pat Birch of "The Arcadia Garden Centre" Stokesley
The Parish Council will award prizes for the following categories ( Arcadia will donate discount vouchers of 25%,20% and 15%)
Entry forms from the Town Hall Office, Shuttleworth’s Angate Street or the Paper Shop, Front Street
NB All entries will receive a 10% discount voucher from the Arcadia Garden centre Wolsingham Parish Plan
This issue of the Town Crier is unusual for two reasons: it is not normal to receive it in a brown envelope and it does not normally have a questionnaire in its middle pages. Both of these features are designed to help you take part in the major consultation that is a necessary prerequisite for a successful Parish Plan project.
The questionnaire should be detached from the magazine, completed and posted to the Parish Council in the freepost envelope in which the magazine arrived. It may be just as convenient for you to deliver it in the envelope to the Town Hall office yourself.
To encourage the widest possible level of involvement, the Steering Group for the Parish Plan have organised a Coffee morning on Saturday 8th May at 10.00am at which members of the group will be on hand to help anyone who has any questions or is uncertain how to complete the questionnaire.
In addition, there are a limited number of large print versions of the questionnaire, available from the Parish Clerk. Also, for those households who might require it, there are additional copies of the questionnaire – these can also be obtained from the Parish Clerk. Envelopes should be addressed to Wolsingham Parish Council, FREEPOST NAT15426, BISHOP AUCKLAND, DL13 3BR.
For the computer literate, it is possible to complete the questionnaire on line by visiting wolsingham.net. At the time of going to press, it is not certain that the document can be downloaded for completion as a hard copy.
All questionnaires and responses should be returned to the Parish Clerk by 15th May so that the process of collation and analysis can begin. Once this has been completed, the process of producing the Action Plan can take place.
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