Slaley, Northumberland

District Councillor's report

Report from the District Councillor for Slaley and Hexhamshire to the Slaley Annual Parish Meeting on 10th May 2004

I was elected to represent the Parishioners of Slaley in May 2003 at a time when Tynedale Council was engaged in a Corporate Performance Assessment. This is effectively a Government Ofsted which is carried out on all Local Councils in turn, the results of which have a significant bearing on the Council’s freedom in the future to make local decisions over a spectrum of issues and Tynedale’s eligibility for certain central Government Grants. The submission of reports for and subsequent inspection by a small panel of experts has been very time consuming but unfortunately could not be avoided ! A decision on the outcome of the inspection is currently awaited and should be with us in June.
To some extent, our vision for the future of Tynedale is blighted by the possibility that as a Council we may not exist in a very few years time. A decision as to the future form of Council Governance within Northumberland will depend on the outcome of the North Eastern Referendum for a Regional Assembly to be held, I think, in October of this year. Clearly it is difficult for Tynedale Councillors to plan ahead with regard to capital projects when the future of the Council is in doubt, if there were to be a ‘yes’ vote in the Referendum.
Whilst, as you know, the council tax is actually collected by the District Council it is made up of precepts levied by the Parish Council, District Council, Police Authority and County Council. Tynedale Council is levying a 2.5% increase in its precept. However more than 90% of the council tax goes to the County Council and Police Authority as a result of which there will be an overall council tax rise for householders of 4.5 %.
I am anxious to make myself available to local constituents for advise on District Council matters. However, I do welcome the very active input by Parish councillors into matters of planning concerns that we share - please do continue to express your worries in this area. I also support and appreciate the pro-active stance being taken by Slaley Councillors with regard to B.O.A.T.S and the imposition as necessary, in due course, of Traffic Restriction Orders.

Brian Massey (District Councillor)

County Councillor’s Report

County Councillor’s Report to Slaley Parish Council

I would first of all like to congratulate Slaley on the enthusiasm and initiative the village has displayed in coming up with a carefully worked out and ambitious village plan. I will do what I can as County Councillor to assist with this project.
The subject that is most commonly raised by my constituents in the Slaley area, when they write to me or ring me up, is the state of our roads. Our Highways Department has for year’s now had a totally inadequate budget with which to maintain our many miles of rural roads. I wish I could say that the situation is improving but, although the government claims that it gave Northumberland County Council an increase above inflation in its annual allocation of money, that increase had almost entirely to be “passported” to Education and Social Services and be used to pay for new duties the government had ordered the County Council to take on. I do find our local Highways staff most helpful when I ring them up or go to see them about particular road deficiencies in the South Tynedale Division. They do, in my opinion, the best they can within the previously mentioned budget constraints but I can understand and share the frustration of constituents that the roads are not better.
In the last year the County Council has proposed fundamental changes to the educational system in Northumberland involving proposals to move from our three tier to a two tier system. This may seem a bit odd when, only a few years ago, an independent report recommended that the present three tier system was working well enough. I have mixed views on the proposals. On the one hand, there are nationally fewer and fewer three tier systems with implications for the recruitment of staff in the future and some evidence of a faltering in achievement at the stage at which pupils move from Middle to High schools. On the other hand, one can argue that Middle Schools are well suited to rural areas and have served Northumberland well. We need an open debate about this question and we can’t have a proper debate if the “status quo”, if by that is meant the retention of Middle Schools, is “not an option”. A danger is that the interests of the present generation of pupils may be endangered in the interests of a hypothetically better future.
As regards those very local issues which are often the most important issues as regards quality of life: speeding through Slaley, the requests for new speed limits on Slaley’s environs, noise from the organised target or clay pigeon shooting at Slaley Hall, dog-fouling and, very importantly, the question of the need for areas in which the young people of Slaley can play sports and get together, I generally follow the views expressed at your active Parish Council and attempt to further their aims.
In particular, it seems obvious to me that the County Council should, while protecting the interests of the school and its pupils, strive to make the school fields available to all the children and young people of the village, so far as this is possible. There are problems here but surely a solution can be found and I think because there is now good will, it will be found.
I was able with the support of the Parish and the school to direct money in order to tarmac the grass area in front of the school, which appeared to very attractive to village dogs, and this has been done.
Perhaps the greatest threat to a rural area like Slaley and indeed the entire South Tynedale Division is the danger from that Byways Open to All Traffic will be proved to exist across vast tracts of the countryside. The reaction of the Parish Council has been resolute and I applaud the setting of the Four Parishes Committee to co-ordinate opposition to the prospect of Four Wheel Drive vehicles and motor-bikes roaring across the moors and tearing them up. What we need is the repeal of the anachronistic statutes which lay down that if once packhorses made their way across a certain path then motor-bikes can do so today.
Of course many of us, including me, have FWD vehicles, even though we don’t want to drive them across open countryside and what should be footpaths and bridleways. There is, therefore, widespread resentment at the County Council’s new restrictions on waste disposal at amenity sites which prevent those with Landrovers and similar vehicles taking their rubbish to the sites without a special permit. I have been prominent in opposition to the new regulations which seem to me bureaucratic nonsense.
The whole future of local government in Northumberland is now uncertain. We are to have a referendum on a regional assembly and, if this passes, our ancillary votes as to single tier local government will be important. I sincerely hope that a regional assembly will not come about for it seems to me that it would be an unnecessary and expensive layer of government and that the present system of the County Council and Tynedale District Council, though its working could be improved, is basically satisfactory.

Bill Purdue (County Councillor)

Report from the BOATs Sub-Committee

Another of the annual reports to the Parish Council comes from the Sub-Committee set up by the four parishes of Blanchland, Healey, Hexhamshire & Slaley.

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The 4 Parishes BOATs Sub-Committee
Report to the Annual Parish Meetings of Blanchland, Healey, Hexhamshire & Slaley

The discussion of Byways Open to All Traffic at Slaley Parish Council meetings was becoming longer and more complicated. A new application in 2003 affected two of the Councilors rendering them unable to take part in any discussion. It was decided to ask for interest in forming a separate group from the neighboring Parish Councils to provide support for the lawful use of BOATs and to restrict their use to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders only

The first meeting of the new group was held on February 23rd 2004 when Maggie Keyte was invited to address the meeting. Maggie is the well-known voice at Allen Valleys Action Group and an authority on all things connected with BOATs. It was agreed to forge ahead with a new group represented by people from Blanchland, Healey, Hexhamshire and Slaley. Not necessarily Councilors but include parishioners with specialist knowledge to assist the cause.
The second meeting was Monday March 22nd and the third was Monday April 19th when the guest was Sergeant Keith Leach from Corbridge. A fifth meeting is planned for June 21st and a member of the Ramblers Association has been asked to attend.
As a group we are continually producing a case history of illegal use and damage to our green lanes – a photographic record has begun. Two of our members are fully paid up members of GLEAM and the group is hoping to become affiliated to The Yorkshire Dales Green Lanes Alliance. Correspondence has been entered into with the Lake District Management Group and we keep Dukesfield Woodland & Forest Enterprise abreast of our research.
Our expanding archives include media coverage, both for and against motorised vehicles, this has produced some informative printed articles and a video of TV documentaries.
We have replied to NCC regarding Byway 44 through Slaley Hall (March 10th); as a group made representation to DEFRA on its consultation document ‘Use of Mechanically Propelled Vehicles on Public Rights of Way’ (March 10th); responded to The Planning Inspectorate, John Greenslade, for the 16th September 2003, Public Inquiry (April 16th); been a consultee to the NCC consultation paper ‘A Framework for the Management of Byways Open to all Traffic’ (April 30th 2004); written numerous letters with questions and concerns to MP’s, NCC, English Nature, CPRE, DEFRA, DeVere Slaley Hall etc.

Public Awareness is the most difficult to address, we have a page on the Slaley Community Website and are in the process of producing a ‘statement of support’ leaflet with space to record damage to our green lanes. These forms will be made available in each parish with a confidential venue for completed forms. A return slip through the Slaley Website is also under investigation. Hexhamshire Parish Magazine carried an article in its March issue with a follow up under Parish Council in April.
Initial funding is promised from the four Parish Councils’, however we now wonder if external funding will need to be sought. To follow this avenue we would need a separate bank account and a constitution. Separate Audit arrangements would automatically follow, as would insurance cover.
We are witnessing a huge increase in activity by motorized vehicles throughout Slaley Forest and the adjacent byways and paths of the neighboring parishes. This is not an acceptable situation. It causes great discomfort and inconvenience, not only for those who live and work in the area, but also, for those who visit our wonderful countryside with the objective of enjoying the peace and tranquility.
I would ask all parishioners to support our cause.

Richard Ferguson. Chairman (May 2004)

The Chairman's Annual Report

Slaley Parish Council holds an annual meeting, at which the Chairman, District & County Councillors, and others present reports. Here is the first of these, from the outgoing Chairman, Mrs Linda Norris.

Chairman’s Report May 2004

This year has seen a major landmark in village affairs, the completion of the parish plan and its subsequent adoption by the parish council. An enormous amount of work went into the parish plan and the parish council would like to put on record its heartfelt thanks to all those who worked so hard to produce such a worthwhile plan. The parish council is committed to ensuring that the recommendations contained within the plan are carried out. Already we are seeing benefits such as the establishment of the youth club and the shopping trips for senior citizens.

It is with great regret that I have to report that 2 of the major concerns of previous years remain concerns. The first is the continued development at Slaley Hall. While there have been some successes such as restrictions on the clay pigeon shooting there remain serious concerns over the way planning applications are dealt with. Your council have spent a good deal of time on this subject and will, no doubt, continue to do so in the forthcoming months since there is little confidence in TDC’s ability to exercise the proper planning controls over this development.
The second major concern is again Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATS). It was with great regret and alarm that we heard that the second Slaley public enquiry had found in favour of declaring all the byways to be BOATS. Since then the subject has come much closer to home with an application for a BOAT having been made along the U8081 and the U8080 (Coal Road) from its junction with the U8081 southwards. If granted the BOAT would be 60 feet wide and would be likely to have a detrimental effect on properties along its route not to mention the impact on farmland and Slaley Hall golf course. The parish council has joined with neighbouring parishes in an attempt to limit the detrimental effect of BOATS on our landscape and the damage to the ecology of the area.
The parish council has had some success in improving amenities in the parish. The first was the provision of a new parish seat to the east of the post office and the second the replacement of the parish notice board in the churchyard. On a more controversial topic a doggy bin has been installed in an attempt to overcome the problems of dog fouling in the village. The bin is in place for a 6 month trial at the end of which its success will be evaluated.
The parish council is active outside the immediate confines of the parish. We are represented on a joint TDC/parish council forum which was set up earlier this year in an attempt to get a better understanding between the 2 groups. The inaugural meeting was promising. We also attend a parish council forum comprising parishes in eastern Tynedale and western Castle Morpeth.
Finally we have welcomed Ann Robson to the parish council following the local elections last year. Ann replaces Clive Weatherley who decided not to stand for a second term. Our thanks go to Clive for his hard work and support over the previous 4 years.

Linda Norris

School reports to Parish Council

The two reports here are from the Headteacher (Mrs Demelza Ross), and a school governor (Mrs R Doonan, representing the Parish Council).

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Slaley First School Headteacher's Report, March 2004

Numbers on roll:
Reception 12
Year 1 11
Year 2 9
Year 3 5
Year 4 7
Total 44
Nursery part-time 11

Draft proposals for Northumberland’s Education Service
Project team members have begun to visit schools to discuss the proposed options for re-organisation and to explore issues with staff. These are half-day discussions and our school has been allocated Mrs Linda Wilkin. The recent pack of information and outline proposals received in February, is the most up to date communication received into school and contains some of the most frequently asked questions about the process. Some parents have had informal discussions and expressed a range of reactions to the proposals.

Rewiring and kitchen improvements
The school has been rewired and the electricians were extremely helpful as they progressed throughout the teaching and administrative areas. However, this has entailed considerable time and upheaval for the entire staff and extra cleaning and caretaking work from Mrs Vera Jewitt. Whilst provision has been made from the project costs to pay Mrs Jewitt overtime, without her dedication the school environment would not have been as pleasant throughout the past weeks.

The lighting and access to power points is vastly improved and safety enhancements include the modern fire alarm system, heat sensors and removal of asbestos from the kitchen and cupboard areas. The school has been notified that another asbestos survey is likely but no dates have been set. The kitchen has had a new floor laid, thus improving both warmth and insulation and removing the problem of safety issues when the floor is wet.

Literacy evening
Mrs Jill Ogg (Literacy Consultant) has been working with staff. As part of ongoing opportunities to learn more about Literacy and Numeracy in school, we have offered an interesting evening on literacy for parents. There were opportunities to participate in practical activities based around reading development and to look at reading as part of the Literacy Strategy.

Arts Developments
A further opportunity for after school arts work is being offered during this half-term. Pupils have had the opportunity to work on singing, simple accompaniments using instruments, and games relating to melody, using xylophones and glockenspiels. The sessions will conclude with a drumming workshop.
An artist, Ruth Thompson has worked with the whole school on ‘Willow Sculpture’, planting living willow and using ideas and responses from both pupils and parents.
Pupils will enter Tyndale Music Festival again this year, however there is a slightly different emphasis for participants. In previous years, every school was valued for participating and then scored for a place according to musical criteria. This time the main purpose is to celebrate young people participating in music.
Mr Tony Webster, Head of Queen Elizabeth High School passed on the exciting news that Arts College Status was likely for the High School as a result of their bid. Together with similar First schools, we were part of the audit, preparations, planning and feedback before the bid was submitted and look forward to being participants in future developments in the partnership. As a school, we are still awaiting news on our Arts Mark submission.

Thinking Skills
I have had further discussions with Mr Robert Peers, LEA Advisor for Thinking Skills, and asked for ways of supporting our whole school development for staff and pupils and where possible, including Whitley Chapel and Whittonstall. It has also been agreed at Partnership level to look into the costs of a teacher-researcher to identify good practice as part of the Networked Learning Community action plan.

Courses
As part of the Leading Small Schools pilot, Mrs Ross has visited Hugh Joice C of E First School in Ford, and hosted a visit by heads to Slaley, where the focus was on different styles of teaching and learning.

Training has also been undertaken, as follows:
Mrs Ross: training for educational visit co-ordinators.
Mrs Ross and Mrs O’Neill: data analysis for managers.
Mrs O’Neill: School Sports Co-ordinator training, looking at
teaching and learning; behaviour support.
Mrs Hay: child protection.
Mrs Brailsford: thinking skills in early years.

Mrs D Ross (Headteacher)

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Rosaleen Doonan: Governors report on ‘writing’

I visited the school on 17 March 2004 to observe two classes.
Mrs O’Neil’s class has 20 year 1 and 9 year 2 children. They were well behaved and had good listening skills. Mrs O’Neil read with the class a book about animals from different parts of the world. This was a hand made book prepared by the teacher using pupils work. It consisted of pictures of animals drawn by the children. As different parts of the world were mentioned in the text one child pointed to a map of the world indicating where they originated. Key questions were asked to prompt the children to think about why they had chosen their animal, and imagine the adventure they would have to bring the animal back to England. After a very interesting session the children were reminded of some of the rules for writing, including capital letters, full stops and the use of dictionaries. Following this group work they wrote their own stories. I was very impressed by the way the children applied themselves to the task in hand. They worked quietly and remained focussed. They used dictionaries and also asked help from others in their friendship groups. I asked the children to read to me what they had written. They did this with enthusiasm.

The second class I visited was Mrs Ross’s. This was a science lesson and the children’s writing recorded experiments. The group had planted seeds under different growing conditions and were writing up:
a. What they had done
b. What they thought would happen.

The children worked in groups and produced work of a high standard. I was very impressed with their precise recording and predictions of what they thought might happen. The presentation of the work was generally of a high standard with neat letter formation. When they completed this work, they returned to some earlier unfinished work on the ‘Lambton Worm’.
I conclude my report by sharing with you a piece of written work by a pupil aged 8. This work was written after listening to the tale of the Lambton Worm and concentrating on developing the fight scene.
"Brave Sir John wrenched, lashed and hacked down the Lambton worm. He stabbed him in the side whereupon the lambton worm snarled and howled. Sir John did not have his victory yet, the lambton worm was up and fighting again! Sir John lept across, to the Lambton worm and yanked out his eye balls with his (now Blood stained) sword. The lambton worm was blind Sir John stabbed the worm in the other side. The worm shrieked with pain it shrieked so loudly the town shook. Next the county shook then the continent! Then the worldshook!!! Sir John lunged and stabbed the Lambton worm in the heart the worm staggered he screamed so loudly the universe shook!!!! The lambton worm took a last fighting blow missed and fell to the ground dead, Sir John finally had his victory." (This work is in draft form)

Commemoration Hall Report

Report for the Annual Parish Meeting 2004 on Slaley Commemoration Hall.

My report for the 2003 AGM mentioned that the Hall Committee was awaiting decisions on grant applications, from the National Lottery ‘Community Fund’ and Tynedale Council. Subsequently, Tynedale Council offered a grant of £3,000, but we heard in July 2003 from the Community Fund that they had declined to make a grant. That decision meant that we couldn’t use the Tynedale grant because of their rules on percentage of total applied for. So it was ‘back to the drawing board’. However, subsequent family matters redirected my attention from then right through to January of this year and I did not have time to follow the matter up. Come the start of 2004 though, I was able to turn my mind back to it, and, following revised (updated) quotations from those obtained last year, grant applications were made to: The National Lottery ‘Awards for All’, NCC Small Grants Scheme’, Tynedale Council (again), GOLD and the Community Foundation. I am delighted to report that Awards for All and the NCC Small Grants, quickly confirmed their offer of a grant (and at the time of writing the NCC grant has been received and the Awards for All is due this week). Also I have been informed, verbally that we have secured a grant from Tynedale and GOLD, subject to evidence of matched funding, which has already been produced to them. So, already we have enough grants to cover the cost of the planned project and instructions have already been given to the chosen window installer. It is planned that these should be fitted during the week commencing 24th May.
The work on the floor will be held back until the windows are done.
Because our insurers do not require one, plans for a burglar-alarm have been abandoned because of perceived operational complications.
While on the subject of grants, this is an appropriate point at which to say thank you to the Parish Council for the grant to the Hall. It is, as always, very much appreciated. Many thanks also to Michael Elphick for his work in establishing a Slaley Website on the Hall’s computers. Also to his and Pat Wilson’s voluntary work running the Computer Group.
Notable bookings during the year included, the Parish Plan two day Issues Report experience in September 2003 and a one day event in February 2004 to present the completed Parish Plan to everyone, a further BOATs Public Inquiry in September 2003, the Youth Club starting up towards the end of 2003.
In March this year, an inspection of the Hall to assess its suitability as a venue for ‘After-School Childcare’ was undertaken by Janet Orrocks. No further word on that yet.
The Youth Club requested permission to erect a garden type storage shed around the back, adjacent to the Gents Toilet emergency exit. This was granted but not yet installed.
Problems with the heating in the Committee Room and the extractor fan in the Disabled Toilet were rectified in March 2004 with a new thermostat and minor wiring correction respectively.
The level of bookings varies, but there have been busy times when the Caretaker has had problems fitting her duties in between events. Special thanks to her for coping, and to Raymond Craig for continuing to look after the flower-bed and grass cutting, completely unsolicited.

Keith Robson (Council Representative on the Commemoration Hall Management Committee)

March Minutes

The Parish Council has now approved the Minutes of the March 2004 meeting, which are presented below.
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Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday 8th March 2004, at 7.45 p.m. in Slaley Commemoration Hall.
1. Apologies. District Councillor B.W. Massey, County Councillor Wm Purdue. D.G. Baynes
Present: Councillor Mrs L. Norris in the chair. Councillors: Mrs A.S. Robson, C.J.R. Ferguson, J.K. Robson, A.J. Weir and Clerk Mrs P. Wilson.
Public: Allan & Brenda Hutchinson, John Dodds, Michael Elphick Slaley Notes: Jean Elphick.

Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday 8th March 2004, at 7.45 p.m. in Slaley Commemoration Hall.
1. Apologies. District Councillor B.W. Massey, County Councillor Wm Purdue. D.G. Baynes
Present: Councillor Mrs L. Norris in the chair. Councillors: Mrs A.S. Robson, C.J.R. Ferguson, J.K. Robson, A.J. Weir and Clerk Mrs P. Wilson.
Public: Allan & Brenda Hutchinson, John Dodds, Michael Elphick Slaley Notes: Jean Elphick.

2. Declaration of Interests. No 11 Byway 44 - Mrs L. Norris

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 A.J. Weir.
Adopt the Minutes of the Interactive Speed Unit as pages 83/84 Appendix 1-8/03/04
Adopt the Minutes of the Joint Councils’ BOATs as pages 85/86 Appendix 2-8/03/04* the spelling of Hilary Kristensen was recorded as being incorrect in the minutes. Then approved by JK Robson and seconded by AJ Weir.

4. Matters Arising:
a) 4a 9/2/04; 4b 12/1/04; 4d 8/12/03 & 6e 10/11/03 replies dated 20/2/04, 24/2/04, 25/2/03 & 1/3/04 conditional conditions on Premier Leisure Planning Application No 20030243 circulated.
b) 4b 9/2/04; 13a 12/1/04 TC reply Planning Permission on 990258 – new application for planning permission has been requested. Circulated.
c) 6f 9/2/04 - Reply Martin Eggenton re Holiday Villa for rent at £1,125 circulated. Councillor Weir produced a second property for sale with Parker Stag Clerk to write with these details + to TC finance dept re 50% reduction in Community charge for second homes.
d) 10 9/2/04 Reply from Forest Enterprise re Action Plan section of the Parish Plan they have agreed to erect signs “Please take your litter home” and would join in a parish litter pick. Already placed Forest Enterprise telephone numbers at threshold signs. Councillors to check that these signs have been placed for April meeting.
e) 14 9/2/04 TC letter on the subject of Parish Council Members Expenses - circulated

5. Public Participation:
a) The removal of the protective bollards at the east grass verge on the B6306 outside Townhead dwellings was requested. According to the memory of the public these were temporary for a period of 6 – 9 months until the shrubs were established. The Clerk checked the minutes for 12th July 1999, and under agenda item 8 it read, “it was finally resolved that the NCC would supply the Townhead residents with temporary marker posts until the shrubs could be established on the east grass verge”.
The Clerk to request their removal from NCC Highways and as a mater of courtesy inform the residents.
b) Michael Elphick questioned the cost of advertising on the website. The Councillors agreed that a charge should be made and suggested £25 per full page. This charge to be paid to the Parish Council which will be offset against the yearly charge for the web space.
c) Residents would like a Public meeting to hear what the Council is doing to protect the environment against the BOATs. It was agreed that no Public Meeting would take place until replies had been received from the initial letters and the outcome of March 22nd joint Councils’ meeting.

6. Correspondence:
a) Thank You card from Slaley First School Nursery Class using their computer.
b) Whitley Chapel YFC request for financial help. Circulated Clerk to request a copy of last year’s accounts.
c) TC Confirmation of Precept of £5,420.76
d) TC Bi-Annual Joint Tynedale Council/Parish Discussion Forum – meeting 14th July 2004. circulated Councillors Weir & Norris to attend.
e) Thank you letter from Mike Darrington - circulated
f) NCC - Northumberland Flag & flag pole questionnaire. Circulated. Flag poles at Slaley hall entrance, one at Church and replacement at Commemoration Hall pending. None fly the county flag.
g) Minutes of Parish Councils’ Forum 19/1/04 looks like they have Linda & Pat confused.
h) Parish Councils’ Forum Constitution/Sub group for GOLD/Rural Transport. circulated
i) Great North Air Ambulance Service grant to support the service. Circulated. Will support next year, need to get letter out by November 04 when Councils are allocating their funding – Clerk to write and inform.
j) Letter from Office of Deputy Prime Minister circulated
k) Draft Guidance to Monitoring Officers etc circulated
l) Local Investigation of Allegations of Misconduct. circulated
m) Notes: Purchase of house at Slaley Park + BBC programme ‘Inside Out Extra’ circulated. Clerk to relay this information to Martin Eggenton at TC. Also to request a face to face meeting with Planning about these continued properties on the market for rent or sale. First thing on a Monday morning was suggested beginning Monday March 22nd.
n) North Pennines Leader Plus Feb 04; Clerks & Councils Direct March 04; NCC Area Committee for Tynedale meeting 11/3/04 (given to Chairman); TDC minutes of meetings – January; Winged Fellowship Trust; TCA Vital Villages Update; Northumberland Community News Vol 24 No 1.

7. Current Planning Applications:
20040147 Dormer windows & gable window Middle Grange – plans difficult to understand, extension not alter footprint! Affected by 940561/940881/20030437?
20021344 Re-consultation Swimming Pool etc Rowantree Grange circulating
20040208 Two storey side extension Laburnum Lodge circulating
20040229 Two storey side extension Woodside circulating
Decisions from Planning Authority
20031543 Conservatory The Paddock - granted
20031519 FF side & rear ground extension Grange Cottage – granted
20031255 Demolition & construct Ashleigh pending?
20031453 Conservatory Old Farmhouse WW/f – pending?
20031311 13 time share Slaley Hall pending ? Houses being built yet no conditional notification received. Clerk to write to Planning and inform them that no conditional permission has been received.

8. Financial report. Cheques to be signed and confirmation of interim payments.
No 93 – Commemoration Hall PC 12/2/04; 23/2/04 & 8/3/04 = 3 x £10 £30.00
No 94 – Patricia Wilson 6 months salary £350 + PC yearly expenditure £168.13 = £518.13
Proposed by Councillor Ann Robson, seconded by Councillor A Weir.
b) Welfare of the Elderly Account. The fund is now £493.43 plus Interest of £1.75 for 2003 gives a new total of £495.18.
c). Parish Plan Financial Report: Cash income £6.02 - £6.02 = Clear
Interim payment No 86 - Robson Print for Slaley Parish Plan £377.00.
No 87 – Avis Duncan – professional help £150.00
Signed by Councillors L. Norris and JK Robson.
Cheque No 88 – Pat Wilson final claim for PP secretarial expenses £112.21
No 89 – Lesley Woodhouse meeting + badges etc £ 25.00
No 90 – Marge Rastall – Print & Lam A3 & A4 Poster £10.00
No 91 - Michael Elphick – Meeting & digital photographs £20.00
No 92 – Moyra Riseborough expenses for final phase £96.58
Refreshments during the setting up of 21/2/04 cash payment £6.02
Proposed by Mrs A. Robson, seconded by C.J.R. Ferguson.

9. Parish Plan Completion.
A copy of the final Grant claim (£1,317.50) was presented to the meeting, this included the Vat of £83 to be reclaimed. The actual expenditure was £5,743 (grant £5,000; PC grant £650; Vat £83; Overspend £10) The In-kind expenditure was £8,086 making a total of £13,829 to research and produce the Parish Plan. Copy as appendix 1-08/03/04. It was agreed that all future Agenda’s should include Progress of the Parish Plan Actions.

10. Housing Needs Survey by Monica Burns update.
The survey presently with Slaley School to be photocopied at a cost of £38.70 for 258 copies. The address labels will need printing and postage stamps purchased. Then the survey will need placing in an envelope then the address label and the stamp fixing before being taken to a Post Office. At Lawn House Monday March 15th at 7.30 p.m. Alter return date to Wednesday 31st March.

11. BOATs Update – a) Inspectors Proposals.
Councillor Norris provided the meeting with full colour copies of relevant sections from the 1771 Enclosure Award map and some photographs of the U8081 & U8080 to help with clarification. Councillor Ferguson reported on an unofficial meeting with Mark Herbertson, Forest Enterprise who claimed that FE had no resources to clear a BOAT 60 feet wide through a plantation. Mark was also looking to impose restricts on forest usage at certain times i.e. bird nesting etc.
Reply from Peter Atkinson MP – no decision delay no legislation, circulated
BOATs The Planning Inspectorate circulated. Response by 16th April 2004.
DEFRA consultation document responses by 19th March 2004 (page 31) – A draft letter was presented, amended and agreed. The attached case history of recorded illegal use was enlarged by an incident (told by Mr & Mrs Hutchinson) on the green lane between Blue Gables and West Burnside.
b) Cllr Ferguson Chaired the meeting here. Byway 44 & 15. (Cllr Norris left the room)
BOATs – reply NALC no funds circulated
BOATs – reply Slaley Hall circulated
BOATs – reply Michael Davey (1st March 2004) circulated
BOATs – 2nd reply Michael Davey (3rd March 2004)
BOATs – reply HJJ Williams - Lord Crewe’s Charity attend meeting March 22nd
BOATs – e-mails from Linda Norris to David Brookes NCC 28/2 & 7/3.
BOATs – e-mails from D. Brookes to L. Norris 3/3/04
Reply to A. Bell Definitive Map Officer NCC by 16th March. A draft letter was presented, amended and agreed.
It was agreed to form a separate committee of joint Councils’, meetings will take place on the 4th Monday of Month at a frequency to be determined. The first BOATs meeting to be held on Monday March 22nd, where finance to support meeting venue/postage/copies etc will need to be discussed.

12. Parish Councils Forum – Agenda items to discuss – as circulated.
Councillor Norris attending the meeting. Rural Transport issues and identified needs. Clerk to produce a copy of the web page on Interactive Speed Signs available through RT grant. An individual to sit on the Tynedale Community Partnership Councillor Ann Robson may be interested requested more information. Byways open to all Traffic Councillor Norris well informed on this subject.

13. Visit of Richard Robson, Chief Executive, Tynedale Council. Friday 2nd April, 2 p.m. Two e-mails circulated from Brian Massey. Visit is a flying visit between Hexhamshire at 1 p.m. and Ross Adamson, Hexham Parish at 2.30 p.m. No time for discussion – concern for Councillors taking afternoon off work for a maximum 15 minutes. Councillors were angry at this lack of time. Councillor Weir to contact District Councillor Brian Massey direct.

14. A.O.B.
a) Community Website up and running. Publication of the Council Minutes was agreed after they have been formally accepted.
b) The Clerk has volunteered to head up the ‘Local Heritage Initiative’ identified through the Parish Plan. The Councillors agreed that this is done through the umbrella of the Parish Council. Funds will come into the PC account and be accounted for and signed by Councillors exactly as the Parish Plan grant was executed?
c) Date of Annual General Meeting and Annual Parish Meeting on May 10th was agreed and entered into Councillors’ diaries. Agenda item for April.
d) Councillor Ferguson has been asked to attend the TC Environmental Committee meeting on Tuesday 23rd March at 6 p.m.
e) Holidays: Ann 2nd April – 10th April. Linda 10th April – 17th April.

Date of next meeting: Monday 5th April. Meeting closed at 10.40 p.m.

More Slaley Notes

Here is the full entry for the Slaley Notes column that failed to appear on Friday May 7th.

Once again, Albert Weir's and Vicky Pepys' artistic talents turned the Commemoration Hall into a dance hall for the Slaley Show May Dance. The boogie-ing began with local duo, Signature, who made a change from performing their own songs to doing their own versions of pop hits. Guest correspondent, Vicky Pepys (who describes herself in this instance as 'Alarmed Onlooker' ) reports that "Lesley and Jed Woodhouse started the evening's proceeding's brilliantly, warming up the audience with Pet Shop Boys, Kylie and Madonna hits to name but a few; a great set of songs recognisable to everyone whether 16 or 60. With all the electronic gizmos on stage, it was interesting to realise that this full orchestra sound was actually the effort of just two people! Lesley, in fondant pink sporting a trendy matching trilby is a pretty good mover on stage and soon got everyone dancing; and we've got pictures to prove it! (I don't know if that is a good thing or a threat!)"

After a lovely buffet supper, provided by Vicky Coates, and the results of the silent auction, the crowd were brought back to their feet by the silver soul voice of T J King, who sang songs ranging from Elvis to Enrique Iglesias.T J also showed us that he wasn't a bad mover either!
"I have not had time to count up all the money raised," says Albert, "but I would like to thank Vicky Pepys and Vicky Hutchinson for their help in the organisation, Vicky Coates for the catering, Henry and Alistair Cane for manning the bar, everyone who gave donations to the Silent Auction and everybody who came!" In particular thanks go to auction donators Ian and Jacquie Clarke, Slaley Hall, Roddy Stobo (Corbridge greengrocer), Errington Reay Pottery of Bardon Mill, Mark of Lincoln Flowers, Paula Darrington, and Living North. All in all it was a wonderful evening for all, enjoyed by both the audience and performers alike. Ian and Jacquie Clarke donated two weeks in October in their Minorca apartment to the Silent Auction at the Show Dance. The good news for all those who could not go to the dance is that only one week was bid for, leaving one week still available. Albert will take bids for the second week up until the end of May. You can contact Albert, to bid or for more information, on 673534.
The Show committee met last week, and more exciting events are being planned. More helpers will be welcomed, or you could subscribe as a member (only £5 for adults, £2.50 for concessions). Not only will you be supporting your local village show but you also get reductions on events like the dance throughout the year. Ring Albert (673534) or Vicki Hutchinson (673782) for further details.
Last Friday Pat Wilson did her litter pick on the B6306 from Townhead to the U8078 junction. Pat says "Thank you to everyone who waved encouragement to me, and to those who did not, I am not an eccentric old tramp scavenging the roadsides. It was a very satisfying experience to know that my stretch of the parish was litter free. Apart from innumerable drink containers, crisp and sweet wrappers, fast food containers, bits of packaging and cigarette packets I was surprised by the following:
A carton for 6 eggs (without the eggs), a wage packet, a tube of cream, a broken off part from a blue car, some wallpaper, assembly instructions on A1 paper (that's four times the size of the average piece of paper) and a Volvo wheel trim. (The latter is left by my entrance gate if you find you are one missing)."
Weather permitting, and with kind permission of the Slaley First School Governors, the Parish Youth Club will take place on Wednesday 19 May from 7pm on the School Grounds. There will be activities such as rounders, football, netball and of course the beloved 'Parachute' to name but a few. Youth Club members are reminded that they must have given in their consent forms to a volunteer to be able to participate in the sessions on the School Grounds, otherwise your child will not be covered, and the volunteer in charge will have to refuse them entry.

Ladycross Nature Reserve

Spring is at full pitch in the nature reserve now. All the usual summer visiting birds have arrived. Chiffchaffs and willow warblers arrived several weeks ago, and the first crossbills were sighted earlier this week. A cuckoo has been calling in the plantation nearby. Exciting visitors just passing through have been a great grey shrike (a regular drop-in for many years) and a marsh harrier. Ladycross seems to be on an important local migratory route for birds of prey - this prompted the construction of the raptor watch-point at the quarry.

One of the most obvious results of recent climate warming has been the arrival of comma butterflies in our part of the country. These are now seen regularly at Ladycross and in at least two other sites in Slaley at this time of year. This month's picture shows one photographed locally. We are very interested in the distribution of these beautiful insects. If they visit your garden please let us know - you can reply as a "comment" on this web site. Click on the thumbnail below to see the full photograph of the butterfly.

EVENT
Colin Jewitt is involved in a long-term study of owl breeding in nesting boxes in the area. There is an opportunity to join him in a walk to visit the nest boxes to see how hatching is progressing. Obviously, the size of the party is limited, so please phone him on 01434 673302 (daytime) or 01434 602916 (evenings) if you are interested. The walk is at 6.30 pm on Wednesday 12th May, meeting in the Travellers Rest car park.