Issue 19 - Spring 2006.

What do you hope for? What will it be like to live here?

Where will you be sent for hospital treatments?

Will our railway station still be open?

What do you imagine Branch End corner will look like?

Will we still have a village school?

Will we have a youth centre?

Will the Surgery provide an evening session?

New footpath along the south bank of the river?

A local car-sharing scheme?

Will our vulnerable and elderly residents be able to stay here, instead of having to move to care homes in Prudhoe, Riding Mill etc?

Could there be a wind farm above New Ridley Road?

It is almost 10 years since the people of Broomley and Stocksfield gave their views on questions such as these, and much has changed in that time, including many of the residents.

The Parish Council needs to know what YOU think about various issues, how strongly YOU feel about what should be supported and what needs improvement. The Council’s views are regularly sought by Tynedale and Northumberland Councils, the Government Office for the North East, and various other authorities about their plans for our public services, and we would like to reply with the conviction that we really know YOUR views.

We also need your re-appraisal of facilities which are directly provided by the Parish Council.

So, during the coming year, we hope to involve a lot of residents in drawing up a Parish Plan. If you are asked to join a discussion group, please say YES. If you are keen to be involved, please don’t even wait to be asked, but give your name to the Clerk, Margaret Williams - 01661 843114 or Click to e-mail.

And if you receive a questionnaire, please do find the time to complete it and return it – YOU live here, and YOUR views will help to form a more complete picture. The first opportunity to make suggestions will be at the Annual Parish Meeting on 24th April. A Parish Plan for Stocksfield 2006—2016.

Annual Parish Meeting

The Annual Parish Meeting will be held in the Community Centre, Stocksfield on Monday, 24th April 2006, 7.30 p.m.

Speaker: Dr Alan Maguire Branch End Surgery Dr Maguire will talk about changes to the NHS and how they will affect us in Stocksfield.

There is also the opportunity to bring up matters of concern with the Parish Council.
All welcome

Stocksfield.org

Thanks to the efforts of Dave Porter, Jodie Barwick-Bell and Margaret Williams, this, the Parish Council website, has been redesigned and re-launched. We are planning to include a variety of information on the site and Dave Porter has kindly agreed to keep it up-dated.

Most of your Parish Councillors can now be contacted by e-mail. Please click on the 'Councillors' button on the left and click on the e-mail address of the councillor you wish to contact.

We would like to include photographs maps and illustrations of Stocksfield both recent and historical as part of the website, so if you have any material that we might be able to use, do contact us.

If your organisation has something to publicise, do consider the website. We are planning to at least list future events. You might also like us to include links to your own website.

Similarly we would like to build the business and commercial section of the website and would be happy to include all businesses based within the parish boundaries. So if your business is based between the river to the north, the A68 to the west, Apperley Dene to the south and Branch End to the east, do contact us. We would be happy to include links to your own website but if you don’t have one are equally happy to include only phone numbers and addresses.

Do look at the newly designed website and let us have your comments and contributions.

Click to e-mail Dave Porter

Planning Applications

Would you like to comment on Planning Applications? We have set up an e-mail address to let you do just this.

If you have any views on any applications submitted for Parish Council comment (Planning Applications are generally listed in the Hexham Courant each week) please send us an e-mail as soon as possible.

Your views will help Councillors make balanced decisions and comments on planning applications.

To comment on Planning Applications, please e-mail us

New Rural Police Surgeries

Over the next few months Northumbria Police have a number of initiatives being run in Stocksfield. On Saturday 15th April 2006 Local Beat Managers will be on hand in the mobile police office at Branch End from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. They will be offering security advice and surveys in conjunction with Northumberland County Council and Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade and where appropriate shed bars and alarms may be provided free of charge.

The Community Beat Managers (CBM's) covering some of the rural areas of PRUDHOE SECTOR will be holding new monthly surgeries for residents who live in the Wylam, Heddon, Mickley and Stocksfield areas.

Surgeries in Stocksfield will be held at Amanda Barton's store in Stocksfield from 1pm to 2pm and at Jiggery Pokery Mickley from 2-3 p.m. every first Saturday in the month.

Surgeries are also held in Prudhoe every week at the Partnership Info Point office (82 Front Street) on Wednesdays between 1 and 3 p.m. and at the Library every Saturday 11am-12 noon.

Officers will be available to meet local people, listen to their problems and take any necessary action. They will also be able to assist with Property marking and crime prevention advice.

For more information check out the website northumbria.police.uk or contact the CBM's at Prudhoe Police Station, or leave a message on their answering machine Tel: 01661 872555 ext 61525.

Horse Security is also under the spotlight. If you have a horse in the NE43 area please complete a registration form available from Prudhoe Police Station. This will make officers aware of the added security issues at your address and also enable officers to trace you as the owner if your horse gets loose.

Tyneside, Wearside and Northumberland are amongst the safest places in the country to live and work. Crime fell by 9% last year and has dropped 32% since the early 90's.

Neighbourhood Watch - Apperley Road

The current co-ordinator for Apperley Road has moved away from the road and wishes to retire. We are now looking for new Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator for this area.

So if you know anyone who lives along Apperley Road who may be interested, please ask them to get in touch with Michelle Owens Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator on Click to e-mail

Contact the Elderly

Can you Help? A Little Time – A Lot of Fun - A Big Difference

A Sunday afternoon tea with friends once a month makes all the difference when you are elderly, live alone and, like many, find Sunday the loneliest day of the week. Can you help us for just a little time, and so make all the difference.

Contact the Elderly is a registered charity that has been working with and providing much needed support to elderly people for 40 years. Our aim is to relieve the acute lon eli ness and isolation of frail, elderly people living alone with limited support from family, friends and statutory services. Each month volunteer drivers from within the community take elderly guests to the home of a volunteer host, where all enjoy the warmth of friendship for a few hours over after- noon tea.

The recently launched Tynedale Group has already enjoyed several pleasurable outings to local volunteer host’s homes around the Stocksfield area. To continue with the success of the group we are currently looking for more volunteer drivers and hosts. Volunteers with cars collect one or two elderly people from their homes, driving them to the host’s home to enjoy a few hours together before returning their guests safely back home. Volunteer hosts welcome a small group of elderly guests and their driver- helpers into their home for afternoon tea just once, or perhaps twice, a year; all it takes is a downstairs cloakroom and a large teapot!

It takes such a small amount of time to help one of our elderly guests escape the loneliness and isolation of being confined in their own homes. If you could spare just one afternoon a month and would like to make a difference to the lives of local elderly people, please do get in touch either by phoning Rachel Welch directly on 01661 842349 or Click to e-mail.

Website: contact-the-elderly.org.uk

First Responders

Some people have asked what would happen if there was a major incident/disaster in Stocksfield.

We have been advised that in the first instance 999 should be rung, the police would then get in touch with the Emergency Planning Officer at the County Council who would then, if appropriate, contact the WRVS who would set up such things as emergency accommodation/feeding centres.

The WRVS has lists of residents who can be called on to help in emergencies. If you would like to be involved do get in touch with County WRVS office.

Easter Craft Fayre

Street lighting

15th & 16th April

at Broomley Grange Boys' Brigade Centre, Hindley Road, Stocksfield.

Lunches & refreshments will be served both days.

Faults in street lights can be reported to the County Council. You will need to give the reference of the light, which is on the pole, e.g. KD6 and its location, e.g. on the railway bridge on the A695, Stocksfield. Freephone 08000 850029

Let's go for a walk in Stocksfield

This walk starts at Apperley Dene where ample car-parking facilities are available on the eastern side of the cross-roads.

The first part of the walk is along the B6309 to Kipperlynn Farm. Join the footpath through a field gate east of the farm entrance. This path climbs steadily to the top of Apperley Bank and at this point it is well worth pausing to admire the surrounding countryside. From here there is a bird’s eye view of Kipperlynn Farm and Apperley Dene with Castle Hill, site of a Roman fortlet, in the middle distance.

The rest of the walk is downhill, finishing at the Lead Road. Turn left on the road to regain Apperley Dene. This is a splendid walk of about 2 miles and although some sections are rather steep it is well worth the effort.

The above walk is taken from the first edition of the leaflet "Let’s go for a walk in Stocksfield". A few copies of the original leaflet are still available as are copies of the second edition. If you would like a copy or would like to know more about the work of the Footpaths Group, please get in touch with the Clerk. 01661 843114 or Click to e-mail.

Stocksfield Players

Would you like to get involved in Stocksfield Players’ next production?

Many residents will have enjoyed Stocksfield Players’ production of Cinderella last Christmas.

Those of you who did come along will appreciate how much work was involved in putting on the production, and also how much the cast and backstage team enjoyed taking part.

To ensure the success of future productions we really need more residents to participate. We need people of all ages not just to take acting roles but also to help out backstage, help with costumes, props, set-building, lighting, publicity, even to help serve drinks at the interval.

If you would like to get involved please get in touch by calling Karen on 01661 844119 or Jodie on 01661 844872.

7th Annual Arts Festival Bywell Churches 30th June – 2nd July

Arrangements for the photographic competition are now complete and entry forms are available from various clubs and the Community Centre. If you would like to enter the competition and have not got an entry form do contact Margaret Williams 01661 843114 or Click to e-mail.

The theme of the competition is Bywell and entries must be submitted by 1st June.

Stocksfield Recycling

Parish councillors were disappointed to note that a fridge-freezer, a vacuum cleaner and a microwave oven had been left at the recycling area recently. Can we remind residents that the Re-cycling facilities at the Sportsfield are only for recycling:

Paper, Glass, Cans, Clothing and Books

Please DO NOT leave any waste other than plastic bags in the Wheelie Bins.

Please note:
The Re-cycling area at the Stocksfield Sportsfield is not a civic amenity site and should not be used as such. Garden waste, furniture and other general waste should not be left at this site.

THE SITE IS ONLY FOR RECYCLABLE WASTE.

The nearest civic amenity sites are at Prudhoe and Hexham.

FLY TIPPING
Over the past weeks and months, the Parish Council has received complaints about fly tipping and litter.

Once again we ask residents not to use the verges and burns as sites for fly tipping. Do help us to keep Stocksfield and its environs a pleasant place to live in and dispose of your waste and litter in a considerate manner.

Bulky waste can be collected by Tynedale Council - please ring 01434 652121 for further information.

Spruce Up Stocksfield

What can you or your organisation do to help?

On Saturday 29th April the Parish Council is organising a Spruce up Stocksfield Day. Can you help between 9.30 a.m. and 1 p.m.?

Can you litter pick a particularly untidy part of the village, sweep the area in front of your house or shop, clean a phone box or bus shelter, clean the street signs or anything else that will improve our local environment?

The Parish Council can provide litter pickers, gloves and bin bags. These can be collected from the Community Centre between 9.30 a.m. and 10 a.m. and full bags should be left in the skip at the Sportsfield Car Park.

Stocksfield WI will be serving refreshments at the Community Centre between 10 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. so even if you cannot help with the Spruce Up Stocksfield Day do come and have a coffee (or soup and a bun at lunch time) and a chat. There will also be a small exhibition illustrating the work of the WI and the Parish Council

There will be a skip in the Sportsfield Car Park from around 25th-30th April.

For further details please ring The Clerk 01661 843114 or Click to e-mail.
Keep Stocksfield Tidy

Precept / Budget 2006 - 2007

In January the Parish Council set its precept / budget for 2006/07 at £49,000.
Budgeted expenditure for 2006/07 includes:

Staff Costs and Administration	£13,500
Grants	£13,510
Footpaths & Environment	£21,100
Leisure & Sport	£9,000
Communication	£1,900
Special Projects including: Multisports Area Improvements Branch End Play Area Improvements Parish Plan	£7,750
Total Expenditure (including transfers to savings accounts)	£68,760
Budgeted income for 2005/06 includes	£9,000
Precept	£49,000
Miscellaneous Income	£2,400
Total Income and funds brought forward from 05/06	£68,760

New Councillor

At the February meeting of the Parish Council, councillors confirmed the co-option of Dave Porter to the Parish Council and welcomed him to his first meeting.

Dave has lived in Stocksfield for more than 13 years. He is a professional broadcaster, currently working with BBC Radio Newcastle. He also works as a web designer and has already redesigned this Parish Council website.

Dave is also interested in planning matters and has joined the Planning & Highways Advisory Group.

Parking

Parking problems continue to be raised at Parish Council meetings and the Council is to look again at areas of particular concern with a view to discussing the situation further with the County Council and in the hope that the problems can be resolved to the benefit of all. Of particular concern are Branch End (Alexandra Terrace ad Cross Street), Birches Nook Road and the Birches Nook bus stop and New Ridley Road and the top of Painshawfield Road.

The Council requests that wherever possible residents use their driveways to park cars.

Drivers are reminded that it is an offence under the law to park on the pavement. The pavements should be left to allow pedestrians and residents with prams and buggies and electric wheelchairs safe and comfortable access.

Singing Masterclass in Stocksfield

On Saturday and Sunday 13/14th May the Tyne Tees Solo Singer's Club will take part in a singing masterclass together with singers invited from various parts of the UK. This is the fifth year that Wynford Evans (tenor), well known for his tutoring ability will put twelve singers through their paces.

Sessions in St John's Church, Meadowfield Road, Stocksfield start at 9.30am each day and finish at 5.30pm. Visitors may enter at any time during these hours (not while a song is in progress-please) and £2 is charged per half day.

There is a lot of talent in our district, come and observe its development. Enquiries to Peter Pengilly at 01661 842130

Play Facilities

BRANCH END PLAY AREA - As part of its ongoing maintenance programme, the Parish Council has arranged several essential repairs to existing equipment over the last few months, and has approved the costs of installing a self-closing magnetic entrance gate at the Play Area.

Such work does not come cheaply – it is worth explaining to residents that repair and maintenance bills, and call-out charges from the main play equipment suppliers, takes up many hundreds of pounds from our budget each year. The small, but dedicated Regeneration Group, continues to work tirelessly with the Parish Council, to provide new play facilities.

Large grant aid still eludes us, but the Group has been greatly encouraged by recent donations from local businesses - The Engineering Business at Riding Mill, and the Specials Lab at Prudhoe, through the Community Foundation. We are also grateful to local residents who supported an all day fund raising effort at the Dr Syntax on Boxing Day. Recent encouraging meetings with large grant givers leave us hopeful that we can at least make a start on a new toddler area by this summer.

So far around £30,000 of the £90,000 required for the whole project has been raised or promised.

KATE’S PLAIN – A partnership has recently been formed between the Parish Council, the local police, youth service, High School, residents and young people, to try and resolve the difficulties that have been encountered in recent months in the vicinity of Kate’s Plain.

The Parish Council is encouraged that there is an on-going commitment from all concerned to work together for the good of this part of the Parish, taking into consideration the various needs of both the residents and the young people.

Kate's Plain

Following a series of meetings held between residents affected by disturbances at Kate’s Plain and representatives of the police, the Parish Council and the Youth Service, the following recommendations were made to the Parish Council and endorsed.

1. A Kate's Plain Working Group was set up to discuss the recent problems and seek a solution to them.
2. That the young people be encouraged to establish a "code of conduct" for Kate's Plain. This to be ratified by the Kate’s Plain Working Group and the Parish Council.
3. That the closing time for both Kate’s Plain and Branch End Play Areas be set at 9.30 p.m. for a trial period.
4. That the Parish Handyman be requested to no longer lock the gates at Kate's Plain.
5. That the Parish Handyman be requested to litter pick at Kate's Plain on Saturday mornings.
6. The situation to be reviewed in May by the Kate's Plain Working Group and the Parish Council.
7. That the Youth Service be asked to keep in mind the provision of a bus service on Friday evenings at or about 9.00 p.m. to return young people to Branch End, Mickley, Prudhoe etc.

Painshawfield Estate Roads and Hedges

The Parish Council continues to be concerned about the condition of the roads on the Painshawfield Estate and is pressing the County Council to resolve the problem.

However, concern has also been expressed that householders do not always cut their hedges back as far as they should, nor are hedge cuttings always picked up.

The Parish Council is also concerned that both pedestrians and motorists can use the roads and pavements safely and comfortably. It has been drawn to the Council’s attention that despite the introduction of dropped kerbs, because of the overgrown state of some hedges, it is not always possible for residents with buggies and prams or disabled scooters to use the paths and pavements.

The Council would ask residents to take note of these points when cutting their hedges later in the summer and appreciates your co-operation in this matter.

Dates For Your Diary

20th May

Spinners’ Gathering All Welcome
Come and see what we do.

Community Centre 10-4.00 p.m.

27th May

Plant Sale

Community Centre 10-12 noon

1-2nd July

Bywell Arts Festival

Bywell Churches

14 July

Blood Donor Sessions

Community Centre 2.30 –7.00 p.m.

For further details on any of these events, please see local press and posters Please let us have information on events you wish to include in this listing.

Species Survey Report

We have at last completed the analysis of your returns for the Species Survey and apologise for the length of time it has taken to produce a report. A copy of the full report will be placed in the “Library” at the Community Centre for anyone who wishes to read it. In the meantime, here are a few highlights.

In January, 96 surveys were returned and in July, 63 – a total of 159 returns. 37 respondents completed both the January and July surveys.

Residents were asked to identify birds and large animals but no attempt was made to identify specific species of bats, mice, in- sects or amphibians (although some returns did identify some individual species).

From the surveys it would seem that the ten species of birds most frequently seen in the gardens of Broomley & Stocksfield are:

Blackbird Robin Chaffinch Magpie Wood Pigeon

Blue Tit Great Tit Dunnock (Hedge Sparrow) Coal Tit House Sparrow

81 respondents feed the birds in their gardens providing a bird table, a bird bath and or a bird feeder.

In the July Survey residents were asked about birds nesting in their gardens

	83 nests were recorded of which the most common were Blackbirds (27) 36 respondents had a total of 92 nest boxes in their gardens of which 53 were used (39 by Blue Tits and 12 by Great Tits)
Residents were asked to record the species of animals seen in winter and summer. In January the commonest animals recorded were:
	In January the commonest animals recorded were: Grey Squirrel in 10 gardens Rabbits in 9 Fox in 8 Badger in 7
	In July the commonest animals recorded were: Bats in 27 gardens Field Mouse 23 Grey Squirrel 22 Badger 19
Residents were asked to record the species of insects seen in winter and summer. In January no insects were recorded
	In July the commonest insects recorded were: Bumble Bee in 58 gardens Cabbage White Butterfly 43 Wasps 46 Ladybird 19

Thank you for your contributions to this project.