What we would have to do would be to set up a 'film club'. As they say, "Membership is compulsory in order to be eligible for non-theatrical screenings, but it is also very useful, providing a good database of contacts for publicity. It can be free, or can include the price of tickets for a season of films." Once this has been done, we can decide on a film programme, book it through Queens Hall Arts, and arrange a date for screening. They will then bring the film and the kit over to Slaley to run the show.
I'm quite enthusiastic about this (as are a few other people I’ve talked to) and would be willing to act as organiser (with help). We’ll keep you posted on developments. but meanwhile let us know what films you might like to see, and whether you would be willing to help . . . add your comments below!
BOATs
My uncle recently asked what on earth these BOATs were everyone kept talking about? Well, “B = byway”, “O = open to”, “A = all”, “T = traffic”, and the small “s” at the end simply makes a BOAT into BOATs.
On Monday 22nd March 2004 members or representatives of the four parishes (Blanchland, Healey, Hexhamshire & Slaley) got together to form a special committee especially to deal with BOATs issues. The new name is The 4 Parishes BOATs Sub-committee (although this could change if we could think of a really good acronym).
BOATs
My uncle recently asked what on earth these BOATs were everyone kept talking about? Well, “B = byway”, “O = open to”, “A = all”, “T = traffic”, and the small “s” at the end simply makes a BOAT into BOATs.
On Monday 22nd March 2004 members or representatives of the four parishes (Blanchland, Healey, Hexhamshire & Slaley) got together to form a special committee especially to deal with BOATs issues. The new name is The 4 Parishes BOATs Sub-committee (although this could change if we could think of a really good acronym).
It rather looks like the 1996 BOATs application will be confirmed on April 16th this year. Councilors and interested parties have fought through two public inquiries July 2002 and September 2003 to no avail. The only significant reason for these byways being turned down as roads would be for proof to be found that they had been altered through the law from a public highway to something else. Eight years has been a long wait for the Trail Riders Fellowship and the various 4 x 4 groups to use these tracks for their trail bikes and various motorised vehicles. We can all expect to see greater use of our Countryside and although we now have the right to roam over the moors between Slaley and Blanchland there will soon be a 60 foot wide route for these off road vehicles to use at their pleasure. Health and Safety will be the order of the day rather than enjoying a peaceful and quiet walk in Slaley Forest.
The latest application to develop more of our small roads and green lanes into BOATs affects the U8081 & U8080, which is basically the 2.5 m road past East & West Cornerfield and then continuing up past Slaley Hall to the Espershields Road. The route crosses the main road and continues through Espershields Farm in Healey Parish. At the same time two new applications have been made for BOATs in Hexhamshire. The group is presently collecting evidence of illegal use of these routes or of discourteous behaviour towards other users.
The work of the group over the coming months will be to provide evidence to Northumberland County Council, who will eventually authorise a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). The aims of the TRO will be to regulate the amount of traffic using these Byways in an attempt to protect our countryside from overuse and environmental damage.
As an end-of-term celebration Slaley school are holding a Daffodil Day on Wednesday 31st March, from 2 to 3.30 pm. The aim is to be able to send a cheque to Korongoni primary school in Tanzania, to help them buy the kind of basic materials that we take for granted. Our school already corresponds with Korongoni and this last Wednesday two Tanzanian teachers visited Slaley. It is hoped that children will wear something yellow (they don’t need to wear uniforms).
There will be a cake stall, so please send a cake (or buy one) and something for the bring and buy stall. Please support this worthwhile event: if anyone needs a lift or further information just ring Christine Milligan on 673592.
Many of you will have seen in the Hexham Courant that BT’s exchange in Slaley is now scheduled to be upgraded to support telephone line based broadband access from June. Naturally we are delighted that this is happening in just a few months time, when it could have been left as late as the spring of 2005 under the terms of the contract awarded to BT by our Regional Development Agency, OneNorthEast (ONE) in January (see last broadcast message). Those on 60xxxx numbers should already be able to obtain a telephone line based broadband service from the Hexham exchange. You might already be aware that although BT own the exchange and the lines, you have a choice of suppliers of the actual broadband service running over those lines.
Last week Michael Elphick and Greg Finch met Ed Brown, who ran the ONE project. This meeting provided some interesting additional information which we want to pass on to you.
Firstly, as expected, everyone on a 673xxx and 676xxx number within a roughly three mile radius of the Slaley exchange (more or less opposite the shop and church) should be able to obtain a broadband service from June onwards. This should cover virtually all of Slaley parish and extend into the ‘Shire as far as Juniper, Whitley Chapel, and Rawgreen. However, it is possible that the rest of the Shire could also obtain broadband because the distance limit from an exchange is greater as long as high quality copper cable has been laid. In parts of Scandinavia the same technology reaches more than 5 or 6 miles from exchanges. Lines in the High Quarter of the ‘Shire were renewed relatively recently. This could, for example, bring Lillswood within range. We won’t know for sure until after the Slaley exchange has been upgraded, at which point individual lines can be checked.
It is also becoming clear that the telephone exchange upgrade will support higher speed access than the current ADSL service – which provides high speed internet access (512kbps), but a slower outbound connection (tho’ still faster than over a dial-up line). Ed told us that BT will equip the exchange to provide higher speed SDSL access, which will support even faster inbound speed (eg. 1mbps+) and much faster outbound speeds, which will probably be attractive to those of you running small businesses and needing fast internet and email access. In fact, they would be interested in gaining an idea of the potential level of demand for these faster services. Please respond to this message by using the 'Comments' link at the bottom of this article. We will then send an overall indication of potential demand back to ONE – without mentioning individual names.
ONE’s original aim of providing 100% broadband coverage of the county remains intact. Their plan is to trial wireless access in one part of the region early next year, as the BT exchange upgrades are completed. If we find, following the Slaley Exchange upgrade, that many potential subscribers remain beyond the maximum radius for DSL access, then we could become a pilot area for wireless coverage. In earlier broadcast update messages we mentioned the wireless network that Horizon Wireless are installing in Corbridge. They still intend to proceed with this, but with BT’s planned exchange upgrades it’s now not realistic to see this being extended as a commercial venture into our parishes ahead of ONE’s own pilot plans for next year.
In summary, from June we should see a real difference in the availability of broadband services in our area. With a following wind this will reach the vast majority of those of you who have expressed interest in obtaining broadband access, and wireless/satellite based access remain as options for the rest. If you have any further questions, please respond to this article
by using the 'Comments' link, or (as before) you can email Greg at
A group of interested people are forming a Local Heritage Initiative group, under the umbrella of the Parish Council. A grant pack (offering between £3,000 & £25,000 grants) has been requested. Anyone interested in joining this group and is committed to lots of unpaid free time should contact Pat Wilson on 673388, etc.
The Parish Council are now publishing the Minutes of council meetings, following the meeting at which they have been approved.
Here is the first of these minutes, for the meeting held on Monday 9th February 2004.
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday 9th February 2004, at 7.45 p.m. in Slaley Commemoration Hall.
1. Apologies. District Councillor B.W. Massey, County Councillor Wm Purdue.
Present: Councillor Mrs L. Norris in the chair. Councillors: Mrs A.S. Robson, C.J.R. Ferguson, J.K. Robson, A.J. Weir, D.G. Baynes and Clerk Mrs P. Wilson.
Public: Mrs D. Bottomley, John Mulholland. Slaley Notes: Jean Elphick. Courant Joseph Tulip.
2. Declaration of Interests. No 13 Byway 44 - Mrs L. Norris & Mr D.G. Baynes.
3. Minutes of the Previous Council Meeting already circulated:
The minutes were approved and signed as a true record. Proposed by C.J.R. Ferguson seconded by J.K. Robson.
4. Matters Arising:
a) 4b 12/1/04; 4d 8/12/03 & 6e 10/11/03 Planning Dept replied that the implementation of conditional conditions on Premium Leisure Planning Application No 20030243 was receiving attention.
a) 4d 12/1/04; 4b 13/10/03 & 6b 8/9/03 village dog bin erected Tuesday January 20th. Two letters of concern. Eric Lee opposite at Greyhome & Mulholland family at Cautley Cottage + TC Parish Dog Fouling Survey the survey felt to be premature. Dog fouling was reported by the Councillors outside the Lych gate and near Councillor Ann Robson’s home.
b) 13a 12/1/04 TC Planning Dept been on telephone and looking into building work.
c) 13b 12/1/04 Roadside drain to be cleared. Has not been done
d) 6a 12/1/04 Reply from Alun Michael MP circulated – PC letter to be considered as a formal contribution to the consultation. + copy of (Use of mechanically propelled vehicles on Public Rights of Way) circulated. + articles in Courant 30/1/04; 6/2/04 and Journal Sat 1/2/04.
e) Letter of congratulations sent to Michael Darrington on his knighthood (forgot to record January)
5. Public Participation:
a) Dog Waste Bin. Mrs Bottomley lives opposite Cautley Cottage and was concerned about the new dog waste bin. The Chairman assured both members of the public that the bin was part of the PC commitment to try and control the amount of dog dirt in the village. The grass had recently been removed from outside the school gate to discourage dog fouling. Other sites had been considered for the dog waste bin, the school – rejected because of children, near Orchard House – rejected because of electric pole restrictions. Mrs Bottomley did report that although not a dog owner personally she had dog dirt on her drive, which she did not mind. Mr Mulholland questioned if a survey of dog fouling areas had ever been carried out. Chairman gave instances 29/1/01 Environmental Health officer with two members of PC walked the length of the village. January/February 2003 village questionnaire of where to place the dog bin. 45% favoured near the village centre. It was for a trial period of 6 months and if the feared insect problem became a reality then action would be taken.
Mrs Elphick reported that since moving into the village she was surprised at the amount of dog dirt that appears each day on the footpaths.
b) Roads not gritted & salted Sunday 8th Feb p.m. or Monday 9th Feb a.m. Travellers Rest corner very dangerous with frozen ice. Low temperatures had been forecast. Clerk to report to Highways.
c) Mr Mulholland asked if any member of the parish could be ‘on-hand’ to offer advice to parishioners when Broadband was available. Mrs Elphick thought that Michael would probably cover any problems at a session with the community computers.
d) Mrs Bottomley informed the meeting she had a new position regarding safety in Churches she would be happy to speak at a PC meeting or to any interested parish group. The Clerk to liase and arrange a meeting.
6. Correspondence:
a) TC Update on the review of the Tynedale District Local Plan – circulated & noted.
b) Thank you from Slaley Commemoration Hall for grant.
c) NCC Hexham Library – Posters placed Hall & Shop.
d) NCC Temporary Closure of Eastgate due to residential development circulated – Clerk to reply not acceptable should be kept open by single lane with traffic lights.
e) The Planning Inspectorate – interim decision following Public Inquiry of Tuesday 16/9/03 – circulated – Clerk to write to Alun Michael MP (copy to Peter Atkinson, Brian Massey, Bill Purdue) register the PC protest about this going through when wheels are beginning to turn in favour of protecting the environment. Could the decision be delayed?
f) copy of e-mail from Brian Massey to Martin Eggenton re Holiday Villa for rent at £1,125 per month. Clerk to write to Martin Eggenton + copy of CHS leaflet (where on the planning map is this property?).
g) copy of e-mail from Brian Massey confirming the visit of Richard Robson to Slaley on Friday 2nd April at 2 p.m. to look at the access road to Ladycross and an overview of Slaley Hall development. Agenda item March
h) copy e-mails from Brian Massey re Area meeting – reduction of budget for highway maintenance. – circulated Clerk spoken with Highways Burn Lane who did not know of this, their budget for rural repairs well in excess of last year.
i) TC Hanging baskets & Open Evening 11/3/04 Northumbria in Bloom competition. Councillors decided too windy at Slaley for hanging baskets.
j) NALC 1) Chairman to Royal garden party in July? Yes; 2) response to The Boundary Committee (circulate), & 3) newly formed Democracy Commission. Plus letter Clerk going to meetings for Clerks AQU qualification.
k) Wayfinding Systems leaflet; Community Council of Northumberland GOLD grants; Soc of Local Council Clerks Regional Conference 16/3/04; Glasdon Products News sheet; Tynedale Council Annual Report and Accounts 2002-2003; Tynedale Council Best Value Performance Plan 2003/2004; NHS position of Independent Chair of Strategic Health Authority Dispute Resolution Panel job description; Parsons Containers (given to Slaley Youth Club); Running IMP sports catalogue.
7. Current Planning Applications: None
Decisions from Planning Authority
20031496 FF ext & SS ext to form granny annex 2 South Park – refused circulated
20031463 One dormer window Primrose Cottage – conditionally granted
20031504 Outline agric workers dwelling Reaston – refused circulated
20031255 Demolition & construct Ashleigh pending
20031344 2 storey rear & side extension Rowantree Grange –pending
20031453 Conservatory Old Farmhouse WW/f – pending
20031450 SS extension & balcony The Peth – pending
20031519 FF side & rear ground extension Grange Cottage – pending
20031543 Conservatory The Paddock - pending
20031311 13 time share Slaley Hall pending Press reported January 30th that permission had been granted. Parish Council not had any correspondence. + Copy of map forward to Brian Massey as used by Planning Authority copied £4.44 & circulated.
Note Clerk to the Steering group has enclosed a highlighted copy of Courant report “Locals say lodges will scar the land” to the invitation for the Hexham Courant to attend February 21st and highlighted Message 6 of the Action Plan, which asks for an Impact Assessment.
8. Financial report. Cheques to be signed and confirmation of interim payments.
No 82 – Host Europe community website (6h - 12//01/04) £100.20
No 83 – Commemoration Hall PC 2x £10; PP 3x£10 + 1x£50 £100.00
No 84 – Slaley WI – PP catering £100.00
No 85 – NCC second parish grass cut £437.91
Proposed by Councillor DG Baynes seconded by Councillor Mrs A. Robson.
b) Welfare of the Elderly Account. The fund is now £434.37 + 59.06 = £493.43
Winding up of Dame Elizabeth Radcliffe’s Charity & Matthew Carr Endowment Charity cheque from Slaley Church for £59.06 for the Welfare of the Elderly.
c). Parish Plan Financial Report: Cash income £15 - £8.98 = £6.02
Interim payment Robson Print for Action Plan + postage £723.32. Signed by Councillors L. Norris and JK Robson. Michael Elphick – CD’s for launch event cash payment £8.98
Proposed by Mrs A. Robson, seconded by J.K. Robson.
9. Interactive Flashing Speed Unit display with other Parish Councils Thursday 12th February.
4a 12/1/04; 4a 8/12/03 & 6j 13/10/03 Reply from Corbridge – Ian Barnes attending, from Allendale – not interested. Broomley & Shotley Low Quarter PC’s all interested in speed flashing unit. PC Stobbs. CC Wm Purdue unable to attend launch of his book. Refreshments to be served?
10. Parish Plan launch event Saturday February 21st. Unfortunately Councillors Norris, DG Baynes & JK Robson unable to attend. Vice Chairman R Ferguson has agreed to open to launch and be the first speaker confirming the Parish Council adoption of the plan. - Briefing Notes for Councillor Ferguson copy for information only given to Councillors Ann Robson & A.J. Weir.
11. Decision of Housing Needs Survey by Monica Burns.
It was decided to go ahead with the Housing Needs Survey to be implemented after February 21st and completed forms to be returned to any Councillor. Names and address’s provided.
12. Recommendations for Unitary Local Government in Northumberland – circulated Councillors unhappy that Option 3 is not going to be included in the vote. David Francis replied on behalf of all Northumberland Parish Councils 6J (2) above to circulate.
13. NCC Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. Review of the Definitive Map Byway No 44 (circulated)
6b(b) 12/1/04 Reply from Alex Bell NCC . 6b (a) 12/1/04 Reply from Peter Atkinson circulated + e-mail from Brian Massey asking for copy to Richard Robson, Chief Executive & reply from RR – putting BOATS on agenda circulated. Also letter from A. Bell requesting addition information, this was provided by e-mail and thanked by e-mail. After discussion it was decided a) to write to Alun Michael & Peter Atkinson with a copy of reply from Alex Bell NCC. Voicing our concern that for one year after the enactment of any legislation BOATS could continue to be declared. b) to hold a special meeting for the sole purpose of discussing BOATS in Slaley parish. To cover Environmental Issues as well as Private Issues. Councillor Ferguson to enlist the expert knowledge of Maggie Kyte of Allendale. Invitations to go to Healey & Hexhamshire Parish Council’s. Monday February 23rd or 30th was suggested as possible dates. c) a possible agenda to include Response for September Public Inquiry. Consultation document from DEFRA “Use of mechanically propelled vehicles on Public Rights of Way”. Response to Byway 44. Help and Advice sources.
14. Inaugural meeting of the bi-annual joint Tynedale Parish Council discussion forum 13/1/04 Councillors Weir & Norris to report. Interesting meeting, Boundary Committee spent 20 minutes visiting Tynedale. Tynedale second lowest grant per head in County with £73.33. BOATS to be on agenda for next meeting. Travel Expenses for Parish Councillors was mentioned – Clerk to have this statement clarified.
15. Local Government Review by the Boundary Committee meeting 29/1/04 Councillor Ferguson & Weir to report.
Berwick to Alston (north west) large area plenty of land population few. Industrial south east lots of people but little land. Block vote and no-one to vote on our behalf was a concern. Councillor Weir expressed his opinion that it was worth reading and understanding the various documents the Councillors were given. Although time consuming the exercise paid off when officials quoted these documents as a reason ‘for or against’ various decisions they made. There could be a big impact on administration that affect Parish Councils.
16. Parish Council Forum meeting at Wylam 19/1/04 Councillor Norris to report.
Slaley will be represented by Councillor Norris on the GOLD application committee. Minutes will be circulated. BOATS on agenda for next meeting.
17. A.O.B.
Townfoot/Riding Mill road corner drainage must be blocked, water causing flooding C275.
Holly Hill to Dukesfield road broken up with frost C279. c) Large Pot Hole at Palm Strothers Gate U8078. d) April meeting date 12th April is Easter Monday changed to April 5th.
Date of next meeting: Monday 8th March. Meeting closed at 10.10 p.m.
The appearance of this site's pages may soon change as we develop the organisation and layout of the site; however all the contributed material will be retained, and the system will automatically keep past contributions in a set of 'archives'.
One idea is to use a different picture on the home page each month: this "Picture of the Month" will be selected by the Editor, and you are invited to send in photographs, drawings or paintings for next month's entry! Just ring the Editor (673443) or send an email to: editor@slaley.org.uk
The system used to manage this website (called "Movable Type") will allow anyone to contribute items of interest; all you will need is access to a computer with an Internet connection (such as the machines in the Commemoration Hall), and a "Username" and password which you can request from the Editor (Michael Elphick, 'phone 673443).
Full details of how to contribute articles and pictures will be available soon, and will be sent to anyone taking up this offer.
As well as providing longer articles, anyone can add their comments to entries (such as this one) which have a box labelled 'Comments' at the foot. Why not try it out?
We really do need your input to make this a useful facility for Slaley!
Welcome to the new Slaley website! Thanks to the Parish Council, who have provided the funds to start up and maintain this site, we now have another way of reading and exchanging news and views about Slaley.
These web pages will not replace the Parish Magazine, or the "Slaley Notes" column in the Hexam Courant, but will (we hope) add to them.