TOWN CRIER September 2004

PRIMARY SCHOOL LATE LUNCHES

The late lunches are proving to be very popular so much so that a note of appreciation has been received from Mrs.I.Lister who as well as enjoying the meal was able to meet up with old friends. She writes as follows;

 

"Thank you to the staff and pupils of the Primary School. It is a wonderful innovation for oldies to be invited back to school, for a social occasion, to enjoy a splendid meal served by willing pupils, which is much appreciated by all who partake"

 

The school is pleased that the idea has proved to be such a success and has now arranged 4 further lunches before the end of the year as follows

 

  • Monday September 13th
  • Monday October 4th
  • Monday November 1st
  • Monday December 13th

 

Although notices will be on display a few days before each lunch it is recommended that you make a diary note now . There will be a special Christmas lunch on 13th December .

 

Don’t forget to leave your name in advance at either Ridley’s Paper shop or Shuttleworths in order to ensure that you will not be disappointed if the Numbers exceed 30. The number attending the last two lunches was 24 and 28 respectively and with the increasing interest the maximum attendance may soon be reached .

.NORTHUMBRIAN WATER

 

Representatives from Northumrian Water attended a meeting with the Parish Council to discuss the adequacy or otherwise of the sewers in Wolsingham. The Parish Council having requested the meeting in view of the proposed new housing development at St Annes.

 

In essence the Northumbrian Water are satisfied that the sewer and surface water system is adequate although the they have stipulated that surface water from the new development must be separate and discharge directly into the river.

 

As far as sewage is concerned that will be discharged into the main sewer which is considered adequate although there is an ongoing work to improve our sewer system. If there are any concerns or complaints by residents the number to ring is 0845 7171100.

 

PARKING

Many cars are being parked obstructing the pavement and prohibiting free access by prams and wheelchairs. Although some pavements are wide enough to allow partial encroachment by cars others are not and it is understood that the police cannot be selective. If they have to move one car obstructing the pavement they will have to move all.

 

Parking in Wolsingham is difficult but unless there is free pavement access for everyone all offending vehicles will forced to move even if that creates more road congestion

RECREATION GROUND

The promised new play equipment has now been installed in the Recreation Ground. It is the "adventure" type and suitable for the older children.

 

Although the Parish Council arranged for the installation it has been partially funded by a grant under the Neighbourhood Renewal scheme plus the balance of money raised by David Foster some years ago specifically for older youth facilities.

 

David was one of the original young members when WRECASS was formed and he carried out some personal fund raising It has taken longer than was originally envisaged but thank you David.

 

The equipment is there to enjoy and it is now up to the Wolsingham teenagers to ensure that it is well used and not vandalized. Unfortunately it is already suffering as the re-positioned fence .has been damaged.

FLORAL GARDENS

Judges Mike and Pat Birch from the Arcadia Garden Centre, between Nunthorpe and Stokesley in the shadow of Roseberry Topping were most impressed with the standard of entries for the first Wolsingham and Thornley Garden Competition organised by the Parish Council

 

The official presentation took place at Wolsingham Town Hall at 7.00pm on Tuesday evening 13th July 2004. Cllr John Anderson Parish Council Chairman presented Cups and Voucher prizes

1st Garden Prize Mrs A.Arnison

2nd Mrs V.Crooks

3rd Mrs M.Tasker

Highly Commended Mr R.Garraway

 

1st Container Prize Mr F.Bell

2nd Mrs D.Walker

3rd Mrs S.Lister

So wonderful were the gardens that all other entrants tied for 4th position only one point behind the winners! Such a situation had never happened before in the judges considerable experience.

John Anderson congratulated all the winners present for the effort which must have gone into their achievement and hoped that their success would encourage others to enter in future. The event was organised by Cllr Mrs V.M.Welsh for the Parish Council in conjunction with their entry into the "Britain in Bloom "competition.She wished to say a big "thank you" not only to the competitors but to everyone in Wolsingham and Thornley whose baskets,tubs and gardens were such a floral delight.

A NEW VENTURE FOR THE DALE

 

A Weardale Festival, initiated by the Weardale Society, is planned from 20th August until 5th September during which a wide variety of activities will be held. The intention is to celebrate the Dale’s heritage and traditions for the enjoyment of local people and at the same time demonstrate to visitors that Weardale is an attractive and stimulating place in which to spend a holiday.

 

Over 35 activities are planned including walks, talks, exhibitions and demonstrations . A visual arts exhibition, an exhibition of work of the Photographic Society and an Arts and Crafts exhibition will be open throughout the Festival .

 

The three weekends will see Dale wide local history exhibitions in many churches and chapels in addition to an exhibition of old mining and quarrying photographs in the Dales Centre. There will be well known speakers at individual events and visits will include an exploration of Slit Wood and a guided tour of the extended Burnhope Reservoir. The Northern Sinfonia Ensemble will give a concert on 20th August and a celebratory meal will be on offer at the Dales Centre beforehand. The Stanhope Silver Band will give one of their popular concerts on Saturday 4th September.

 

In addition to the well established Agricultural Show and the Church’s annual Art Exhibition there will be several Festival events in Wolsingham area. Three churches are taking part in the community history trail. There will be a children’s Paper, Paste and Paint workshop, the Weardale singers will be performing. There will be 2 performances by the Wolsingham Players . Dr Jane Young will give an illustrated talk "A celebration of England" and another talk will have Thomas Attwood as its subject. Eric Robson ,the popular TV presenter give a luncheon talk

 

There will be a French evening of music and food. Thornley is offering a wedding dress exhibition and cream teas. The Baptist Church members are holding a field event complete with the Salvation Army Band, teas and other music. The Crook and Weardale Singers will be singing at St Thomas’celebration of the 150th anniversary of the return of a Roman Catholic presence to the Dale.

 

The programme is complete. The Society has been successful in obtaining the required funding from various sources and is hoping that the new venture will be successful. Success is however dependent upon 2 factors – effective publicity and most importantly support from local people. Please spread the news; support the events; enter for the Art exhibition or even volunteer to do some stewarding at one of the exhibitions.

 

The Weardale Society is trying to make the Festival a real community effort and with your help it could be a huge success.

. RAILWAY UP-DATE

 

Following an article in the Summer edition of the Town Crier commenting upon the activities of Weardale Railways the Parish Council received a letter of complaint from a director of Weardale Railways seeking a retraction. Space prohibits reproducing the letter in full but the undernoted extract states;

 

"The statement is made that we have started major works at the steelworks and a station car park for which planning consent has not been obtained. This is completely untrue. The Railway has obtained and has in its possession all the relevant planning consents. The information could have been and should have been verified by contacting Wear Valley District Council or the Railway prior to the publication in the Town Crier."

 

Checking was carried out before publication and it is a matter of record that Wear Valley District Council received an official complaint on 6th June requesting the enforcement officer to take appropriate action. In responding the District Council commented;

 

"The works that are taking place that do require planning permission were requested to cease however the company stated that they intended to continue with works "at risk" "

 

Not all the work being carried out by Weardale Railway needed planning approval but some did and despite being told of the planning requirements the company elected to proceed in advance of permission which in the event was not granted until 21st June.

 

The Parish Council does not wish to be controversial nor does it seek confrontation in any way. It has no objection whatsoever to attempts being made to run trains and accepts that as Weardale Railways is in its infancy it is certain to encounter some teething troubles .Having said that is it not the case that planning approval needs to exist before work is carried out and not applied for retrospectively .

 

 

 

 

Parish Church Services for Wolsingham & Thornley in September 2004

 

Day

Date

Sunday

Calendar

Time

Type of Service

Location

Sunday

5 Sept

13th Sunday

8.00am

Holy Communion

Wolsingham

   

after

9.30am

Family Service

Thornley

   

Trinity

10.45am

Holy Communion

Wolsingham

Sunday

12 Sept

14th Sunday

8.00am

Holy Communion

Wolsingham

   

after

9.30am

Holy Communion

Thornley

   

Trinity

10.45am

Family Service

Wolsingham

Sunday

19 Sept

15th Sunday

8.00am

Holy Communion

Wolsingham

   

after

9.30am

Holy Communion

Thornley

   

Trinity

10.45am

Holy Communion

+ Sunday School

Wolsingham

Friday

24 Sept

Harvest Festival

 

7.00pm

Special

Service

 

Thornley

Sunday

26 Sept

Harvest

8.00am

Holy Communion

Wolsingham

   

Festival

9.30am

Holy Communion

Thornley

     

10.45am

Matins

Wolsingham

Sunday

3 Oct

17th Sunday

8.00am

Holy Communion

Wolsingham

after

9.30am

Pet Service

Thornley

   

Trinity

10.45am

Holy Communion

Wolsingham

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

Holy Baptism

Jack Samuel Newton 11 July at Wolsingham Parish Church

James Edwin Hawkins 8 August at Wolsingham Parish Church

Sally Alexandra Wilkes 14 August at Wolsingham Parish Church

Through faith you are all children of God in union with Christ Jesus. Baptised into union with him, you have put on Christ as a garment.

Holy Matrimony

Mark Julian Bell and Tracy Louise Hetherington 3 July at Wolsingham Parish Church.

Paul Neary and Jane Lucille Shepheard 9 July at Wolsingham Parish Church.

Richard Ian Charlton and Anne-Marie Neasham 24 July at Thornley Parish Church

Michael Andrew Bibby and Andrea Louise Watson 31 July at Wolsingham Parish Church.

Simon Anthony Andrew Booth and Brigit Katherine Leybourne

21 August at Thornley Parish Church

God our Father, you have taught us through your Son that love is the fulfilling of the law. Grant to your servants that, loving one another, they may continue in your love until their lives end; though Jesus Christ our Lord.

Mothers’ Union

The meeting on Tuesday 7th September will be a joint meeting with the Methodist Ladies at 1.30pm in the Church Hall. Will MU members please bring their payments for Christmas Cards etc to the meeting.

The Tow Law Rally will be on Wednesday 1st September at 7.00pm.

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.

Hidden Gardens: This was a great success with 372 visitors, which meant the ladies making 372 cream teas. Thanks to all who helped in any way – opening your garden, making scones, making and serving the teas, erecting gazebos etc. This event raised £1237 for church funds.

Harvest Lunch & Auction: This will be held on Sunday 26th September at 12.15pm in the Church Hall. This follows the Harvest Festival service at 10.45am.

Advance notice: "Wine & Wisdom" will take place on Friday 15 October at 7.30pm in the Church Hall.

Wolsingham Art Group

The autumn session begins on Thursday September 16 from 1.30pm to 3.00pm at the Church Hall, Church Lane. All are welcome including those who have let their skills lapse and beginners. For more details please contact Vivien welsh on 528 529.

French Connection

On Friday 10th September the Durham Shakespeare Group will present "The Miser" by Moliere – in English. It will be a 7.30pm in the Town Hall. Tickets ( including a glass of wine) at £3.50 are available from the Paper Shop, Post Office or any member of the group.

Wolsingham Community Club

Are you tired of the TV? Do you want to visit places but have trouble with transport or wish not to go by yourself? Then you invited to attend the inaugural meeting of the Wolsingham Community Club at 7.00pm in the Town Hall on Wednesday 15 September.

This is a new club open to people of all ages. Come along and join with like minded people to arrange outings, meetings, demonstrations, visits, walking trips and other events to suit your interests.

Wolsingham Baptist Church

The speaker at the service on September 5th is the Rev’d john Singleton, who will also lead the Songs of Praise on Sunday 12th September at 3.00pm in the Town Hall.

The speaker at the services on 19th and 26th September will be Gordon Lennox from Frosterley.

Envelopes for Donations

The enclosed envelope is to allow

those who wish to make a donation

which helps to keep the Town Crier

viable as a free magazine to all

households in Wolsingham.

Northumbria Historic Churches Trust

Sponsored Steeplechase

This annual event takes place on Saturday 11th September between 10.00am and 4.00pm. Both Thornley and Wolsingham churches will be involved. Steeplechasers can visit any number of participating churches in Durham and Northumberland, and through sponsorship raise money for the Trust and their own church – proceeds are divided equally.

You may steeplechase by any means – horse, bike, foot, car, bus, metro – but please remember about road safety and inform the local police of any large groups of cyclists. You many start and finish wherever you please.

If you wish to take part, sponsor forms and lists of participating churches can be obtained by calling 527840. If you can spare an hour or so to act as a "welcomer", to stamp the vital sponsorship cards of visitors, please contact the above number or, if you live in Wolsingham, sign the list in Church.

Racing 4 Families

This is a Mothers Union event at Thirsk Racecourse on Saturday 18th September between 11.00am and 4.00pm. Everyone is welcome and admission is free.

Among the attractions will be face painting, craft stalls and exhibitions, classic cars, races and treasure hunts. The day will provide an opportunity for acts of worship and there will be exhibitions explaining the work of the Mothers Union and other Family orientated charities.

News from St. Bartholomew’s Church.

Thornley Village.

Hi Everyone

Rather damp outside at the moment, days of torrential rain, thunder & lightening. Remember, the second week in August!!

As I write this letter, we are about two & half weeks away from the Wedding Dress & Flower Festival, by the time you read it, the festival will be over. Wish it was as simple as that!

Every one was out on the village green on July 24th for the wedding of Richard Charlton and AnneMarie Neasham. AnneMarie looked elegant in her beautifully styled halter neck dress. The bridesmaids looked lovely too, as did Heather in her outfit. A really, lovely event. We wish Richard and AnneMarie a wonderful life together. It was a little unusual as they left church, AnneMarie was driven off in the wedding car and Richard rode off on his motorbike, his blue velvet jacket flying in the wind. Hardly recognised Ian, all scrubbed up and, in his best bib and tucker!

A special thank you goes out to Norman & Eileen Ridley & the Morgan Car Club for coming along to entertain us on 1st August. Everyone, including children, joined in the singing and really enjoyed themselves. Over £50 was raised at the half hour event. Don’t miss it next year!

Dates for your diary:

Harvest Festival and Auction: 24th Sept; Pet Service: 3rd Oct; Christmas Fayre: 27th Sept; Christingle: 28th Nov;

Tree of Lights: 5th Dec; Carol Service: 17th Dec.

Remember:-

Holy Communion: Sundays 9:30am.

Family Service: First Sunday in month.

Here’s hoping we have we have a sunny September. Take care.

Bye for now. Geraldine - 01388 730012.