Slaley, Northumberland

Creating a circular orchard at Minsteracres

A very special event is being held at Minsteracres retreat centre on the first Saturday in March. This is a community tree planting day to create a beautiful circular orchard of 75 trees and will be the first major planting done in the Peace Garden, which is being designed and created with co-operation from many different groups who use the retreat centre there, including a group of refugees/asylum seekers who were responsible for the original concept of a 'peace' garden.

There can't be many (if any) new orchards of this size planted in Northumberland these days.This one is doubly noteworthy as it will be circular - planted as two concentric circles and divided by paths to form a Celtic cross. We hope to have adults and children working together through the day. Volunteers are very welcome and will be greatly appreciated - I believe hot soup will be provided at lunch time. To get there follow the A68 south from the Riding Mill roundabout for about 2 miles the centre is signposted and is about half a mile along a road on the right.

Janis Irvine adds that "Minsteracres is a near neighbour and I'm sure many in Slaley would be interested in the good things that are going on over there."

Slaley Gardening Group's 2010 Programme

The Slaley Gardening Group, led by Nigel Green, has announced its 2010 Programme.

• Thursday 28th January: "The Walled Gardens of Northumberland", a talk by Veronica Goulty
• Saturday 13th February: A visit to Howick Hall to see the snowdrops.
• 25th March: A talk about Bees and Honey making, by Mr Bill Hunter.
• 29th April: Quiz night; bring along surplus seeds and plants.
• 28th May: (To be confirmed)
• 24th June: Club visit to members' gardens.
• 29th July: Gateshead Flower Show (Friday 30th, Saturday 31st or Sunday 1st August)
• 26th August: No Meeting.
• 30th September: Harrogate Flower Show.
• 28th October: "Orchids", a talk by Mr Chris Barker.
• 25th November: "Gardens And Garden Design Through The Ages", a talk by Dr Yellowley.
• 23rd December: Yes it's that time again! Quiz, drinks and nibbles.

February Parish Council meeting postponed!

The February meeting of Slaley Parish Council has had to be postponed (on account of the Clerk's illness). It is hoped to re-schedule this for next Monday, February 15th.

Further announcements will be posted here.

Slaley Parish Council December 2009 minutes

No street light at Parkside bungalows. Read more on agenda item 4a

SlaleyParish Council November 2009 minutes

Slaley Councillors discuss the NCC distribution of Northumberland News. Read more on agenda items 7d and 8a

Film Club on Friday, January 15th.

At present, we are still planning to show "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" on Friday, January 15th. If the weather deteriorates we may review this decision, and will announce any changes here.

We hope that people might welcome a night out without having to travel too far, and this is a sunny romantic comedy from Woody Allen, with two young American women on holiday in Barcelona, an amorous Spanish painter and his volatile ex-wife. The supper will be a warming Spanish broth!

One reviewer concludes: "the actors are attractive, the city is magnificent, the love scenes don't get all sweaty, and everybody finishes the summer a little wiser and with a lifetime of memories. What more could you ask?"