This article was taken from Slaley Parish Magazine, a monthly magazine produced by St. Mary's Parish Church, Slaley. I have posted it on this site, not just to reach some who might not read the magazine, but also because I think it discusses many questions about life in a rural parish like Slaley. My own view is that there is not a great problem about "incomers" in Slaley, but that what is important is to deal with others with respect for their experience and their way of doing things (even if you think you have better ideas!).
We would welcome comments on this: just look for the word "Comments" at the foot of this section, and follow the link to read others' views or add your own.
If you haven't yet seen the Parish Magazine, do look at it sometime. The magazine tries to include all events and activities, matters of concern etc. relating to the parish and the editor is always happy to include other events and activities being staged in neighbouring parishes. Subscriptions are £5.50 and if you would like to receive a copy please contact The Vicarage, Slaley, Hexham, NE47 OAA (telephone 01434 673 609).
"I recently attended a public meeting called by Slaley Parish Council to update the community on the progress of the parish plan. One of the key words bandied about for part of this meeting was the word "incomers" and it started a train of thought. The word generally had a negative tone - some used it in a slightly defensive or threatened context, some used it in an apologetic way. It made me wonder why people felt they had to apologise and what did we mean by the word anyway.
I am a Scot born to Scottish parents. My parents emigrated to Tasmania in 1951 on the £10 Government-assisted emigration scheme. Australia is a new country in the sense that it has comparatively recently been settled by white man. It was first a penal colony in the early nineteenth century; soon others arrived, free pioneering people from Britain and Ireland; later others settled from old Europe and Scandinavia. By the 1950's the country had a white history of only 150 years or so and yet at school I was known as the Scots girl by 'true' Aussies. In that 150 years there had been time for people to settle in this new country and have families who in turn had families and so on. In the 1950's the post-War emigration scheme brought a fresh influx of people from the old country who would now be a minority within the Australian population. I had classmates and neighbours who were English, German, Lithuanian, Polish, Hungarian, Italian - we were all part of the minority, we were 'incomers'. We would never be true Australians; this term was confined to those born in Australia or even second-generation Australians.
But Australia is vast and in order to advance, the country needed a greater work force and skills to develop its infrastructure and so she encouraged thousands of immigrants, but these people could quite easily be labelled with derogatory terms such as "jocks", "poms", etc. by 'Australians'. Odd really, isn't it, when you think they were from the same stock of people as those who had settled over the previous 150 years?
And then I came back to Britain in the late '60's and was known as "that Aussie girl"; once again to some I was an outsider. I lived and worked for a time on the island of Mull and was party to a movement I would later see replicated in other parts of Scotland. For those who don't know it, Mull has all the advantages of life on a Scottish island but with fewer of the disadvantages. It is cut off from the hustle of town or city life but is a comparatively short journey from the mainland, it is beautiful, it is quiet and its weather is influenced by the Gulf Stream. It was also often the retirement home of choice for many leaving the armed services. These people had served their country and wished to retire to a more peaceful environment for their latter years. Because of this, Mull was known as "The Officers' Mess". These 'incomers' could afford to buy the properties which came up for sale and eventually they would be accused of taking houses from local people who couldn't afford to buy at the now escalating asking prices. And while this may have been true for some locals who might have wished to stay, it was also true most young people would leave the island anyway. Secondary school would see them staying in hostels on the mainland during term time which gave them an early taste of independent living. From there it was an easy step for them to go on to college or to find work on the mainland. The truth was that jobs were limited and few on the island. And what I experienced of life on Mull in the '60's would be replicated throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and continues today in rural areas all over Britain. The jobs aren't there for young people - in the main jobs are found in the larger towns and cities. It all started with the industrial revolution which took people away from the countryside and into cities and has been greatly exacerbated in recent decades by the rapid change in farming. Numbers of farms and farmers have declined greatly. Mechanisation means fewer farm hands are needed whilst the agricultural policies and economics of late have seen farmers leave the industry in droves. A year or two ago the average age of farmers was 58.
It is this change which has resulted in many country properties becoming available for sale and naturally those selling wish to get the highest price possible, putting country properties out of range for those young people who do wish to stay in rural areas. And those people from elsewhere who buy country properties become 'incomers' and somehow then carry the stigma for the changes in agriculture and the loss of a way of life. But is this stigma justified? In the Highlands and Islands it is the 'incomers' who are often keeping rural communities alive. Population numbers are dropping rapidly in Highland rural areas whilst the capital, Inverness, is one of the fastest growing cities in Britain. Rural Highland living can be tough unless you have an adequate income which will pay for the extra costs of rural transport, heating for the long Winter, or perhaps your own generator, etc. etc. People who move in do so because they choose to adopt a non-mainstream, or 'alternative', way of life and/or because they can afford to do so.
A similar pattern is surely now true for much of rural Britain. Slaley is not unlike most other rural villages with a farming background. Quite naturally, its social life revolved around its working life. Agricultural shows were a way for farmers of finding out what breeds were available, what qualities they had and whether they were adapted to local conditions. Competition helped foster a pride in one's farming skills and added a bit of interest in what could be an isolated and harsh full-time life's work. The social side of shows was vitally important, as much for farming wives and families as for farmers themselves. But now there are far fewer farmers coupled with ease of travel plus computer technology which have together changed the farmer's reliance on the local scene. Local agricultural shows are struggling because there are fewer farming people around to stage them even if they have the spare time to do so. Like Slaley's, Blanchland & Hunstanworth's Show is now also struggling. Is there a case here for amalgamation?
What is true is that a certain number of people is required to run any interest group, whatever it is. This is true of churches, sports clubs, agricultural shows or whatever. The bigger the operation, the bigger that certain number must be i.e. critical mass. Perhaps a village of Slaley's size can only support one or two larger operations. It has a school to support, itself a key element in keeping a rural village alive. It has two churches, both of which are struggling. It has a village hall, a parish council and stages an agricultural show. It has a number of small clubs and provisions. Smaller rural interest groups usually only survive because of the input and dedication of one or two of their members. When these people go, the group may often disband. With these smaller interest groups it is perhaps worth noting that members should not count on a large amount of following - the limited number of people in the parish is unlikely to realise large numbers. There is simply too much on offer and easily attainable outside the parish. The only times I have seen Slaley come together as a whole parish was at the occasion of the Millennium and for the Queen's Jubilee. These two factors touched everyone, whoever they were, whatever age they were and whatever interests they pursued. Away from these, the Medicine Run is possibly the only voluntary community provision which works well and which involves a good number of the population irrespective of personal interest.
Slaley has a parish plan and its outcome has given a quantity of factual criteria. One pertinent fact is that within a total parish population of 600 the majority of people lie in the more mature age bracket. Is this perhaps the starting point for looking at provision within the parish? Of that mature number there is a considerable number of elderly people who have little in the way of provision, such as opportunities for social interaction, exercise classes etc. They have served society and now need someone else to be their voice. Perhaps in view of the parish's limited numbers and availability of people's time, there needs to be a shift of emphasis from "what do I want out of this community" to "what wilt best benefit this community as a whole"? Where there are smaller population numbers, it is perhaps important that whatever is undertaken is achievable and done well. (Seeing something done well often encourages others to offer help which in turn helps strengthen the community). Whatever is undertaken also needs to be something that can be relatively easily maintained and sustained. (This is why the Medicine Run works so well). What is also true is that of the numbers running many of the interest groups within the parish you will find a good proportion of 'incomers' doing their bit for the community and that without their numbers some groups would be difficult to sustain and some would probably have to fold. It poses the question, when is an 'incomer' not an 'incomer'?
As a child in Australia, I used to love January. The joy and expectation of Christmas was followed by a month-long school Summer holiday. At the end of January there was Rabbie Burns Day on 25th which allowed us to celebrate part of our Scots heritage. The 26th brought Australia Day and we could then take part in the celebrations of our adopted country. The 27th was my birthday so personal celebrations and excitement ruled again. However, a few years ago the 27th January was designated World Holocaust Day. Knowing you share your birthday with this Remembrance Day adds a sobering dimension. My background of being born in Scotland, living in Australia, living in lowland, island and highland Scotland, and living in England whilst never living in any house in any of these areas for more than 8 years has given me an insight into suspicion of the outsider and of labels, albeit in a very minor way. But however minor, it is nonetheless the same type of suspicion that was instrumental in causing and nurturing the Holocaust.
We now live in a global environment, a global village, and in Britain we live in a time of rapid work-related and social re-location. For daily life we perhaps no longer need to employ suspicion and the 'fight or flight' skills needed by our ancestors to repel the-Vikings or other conquering races. Britain is in fact a melting pot of different peoples, and always has been, just as Australia and the United States have been in the last two or three centuries. Perhaps it is now time to drop words like 'incomers' and just accept people, and be accepted, as folk who are new to the area who have come to join our community, whether from the next parish, town, city or country. Surely what really matters is how we can best help one another to live as members of our communities in rapidly changing times, and what we can do together as caretakers of our natural environment. This latter point is surely a cause really worth getting het up about. "
Janis Irvine
Join in with a Community Litter Pick
Slaley Parish Councillors have received many complaints of litter in the parish and they have decided to hold a parish litter pick during the Easter holidays. This will be on Sunday 3rd April 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. (Weather permitting). Please meet at Slaley Commemoration Hall to collect your rubber gloves and collecting bag. There will be tea/coffee & biscuits at the Hall when you return. A special prize will be given for the most unusual item collected – the decision of the Parish Council Clerk will be final. Should this time/date not be convenient please feel free to litter pick in your area on an alternative day.
The minutes of Slaley Parish Council January 2005
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday 10th January 2005, at 7.30 p.m. in Slaley Commemoration Hall.
1. Discussion with Tynedale Council Officers
Report as Appendix 1/100105
2. Apologies. County Councillor Wm Purdue & Councillor Mrs A.S. Robson.
Present: Councillor C.J.R. Ferguson in the chair. Councillors, J.K. Robson, A.J. Weir, D.G. Baynes & Mrs L. Norris. Clerk Mrs P. Wilson. District Councillor B.W. Massey
Public: None. Slaley Notes: Michael & Jean Elphick. Courant Reporter: None.
3. Declaration of Interests.
Councillors D.G. Baynes & Mrs Linda Norris for agenda item 15
4. Minutes of December Council Meeting circulated:
The minutes (pages 124-126) and Appendix 1 page 127 and Appendix 2 page were approved and signed as a true record. Proposed by Cllr Mrs L. Norris seconded by Cllr A. J. Weir.
5. Matters Arising:
6a 8/11/04 Reply from Phillip Hindmarsh TC Litter Bin clarification. It was agreed to place the order for the new litter-bin at the millennium feature. Glasdon (Page 13) Hooded Trimline 25 in deep green with a black lid, plus a Ground lock system suitable for un-surfaced ground.
6d 6/12/04 E-mail thanks from war Memorials Project.
6. Public Participation: None
7. Correspondence:
a) E-mail from Brian Massey re car theft in Slaley Parish over Holiday period.
b) TC Scrutinising NCC’s Maintenance Policy in relation to Road safety in Rural Areas – Questionnaire by 1st March defer to February meeting.
c) TC Joint Tynedale Council/Parish/Town Council discussion forum 19/1/05 Cllr Weir attending.
d) NCC Walkers Ready Salted French Fries Food Hazard Warning notice - Hall
e) Tynedale Area Committee 13the January at Allendale. Everyone at work.
f) TDC minutes of meetings November 2004: North Pennines Leader Plus December 2004; Northumberland Minerals & Waste Development Framework – Draft Statement of Community Involvement and Local Development Scheme; Clerks & Councils Direct January 2005; The Local Channel Freedom of Information Act; Adaptability December 2004; Northumberland Community News Vol 24 No 6; Rock report winter 2004.
8. Current Planning Applications:
20041564 Change of Use & conversion of existing agricultural
building & construction of porch rear of Orchard House circulating
20051520 Demolition of existing outbuildings & construction
of a replacement garage. The Strothers Comments
20041508 Two storey front extension Lawn Cottage Support
20041476 First floor bedroom extension & conversion
of garage to form bedroom Middle Grange Pending
20041467 Conversion of barn & change of use Trygill Farm Pending
** see page 72 minutes of 10/11/03 re Water supply at Trygill as a Parish Council we can recommended refusal because of the comments from the Forestry Commission regarding a private water supply for 8 houses only.
20041418 New vehicular access Linnel Hill pending
20041425 First floor ext, flat roof to pitched The Cottage (Village) pending
Decisions from Planning Authority
20041161 Detached garage +attached glasshouse The Glass House granted
20041086 Listed building consent Church View granted
20041076 Refurbishment of attached garage Church View granted
20041374 Substitution of Lodge type C1 with C2 on plot 44 at Slaley Hall granted
2004441278 Agricultural Building Moor Gair granted
* Church View 20041084 20041076 amended plans sent to Clerk- Councillors invited to look during Saturday morning 20/11/04. Comments e-mailed back 22/11/04. Further amendments resulted in telephone calls to Councillors and eventual agreement 27/11/04 Slaley is not in a National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty there planning guidelines are not quite as strict on a Listed Building as in these the area above, therefore stone slates on roof can only be recommended not enforced.
No planning permission request for a static caravan at Pine Hill. Update - Martin Eggenton reply worded as previous. Helen Winter reply Martin E dealing with enquiry.
20030313 Planning Application Old School. No Reply from David Campbell
It was decided to send a further letter re Pine Hill and also sale of Holiday Villas at Slaley Hall to Planning Department & Cllr Horncastle asking for an update.
9. Financial report. Cheques to be signed and confirmation of interim payments.
a) No 221 Commemoration Hall PC £20.00
No 222 Mrs P Wilson BOATs expenditure 19/10/04 – 31/1204 £33.81
No 223 NCC Second Parish Grass Cut £229.13
Proposed by Cllr DG Baynes and seconded by Cllr Mrs L Norris.
b) Welfare of the Elderly Account. The fund is £496.12.
10. Precept for 2005-2006 (Please bring page 78 January 04 meeting agreed Precept)
Letter from Slaley Parish Youth Club circulated. + Great North Air Ambulance Service see page 88 6i of minutes. + Letter re Whitley Chapel YFC grant for 2005.
Precept agreed at £6,271.00.
11. One-Year-On Event, launch of Community Trust, Friday February 4th.
The Councillors present had all confirmed their attendance to P. McKendrick. Concern was still reported especially on the roles of the two organisations. One Councillor’s views were endorsed by everyone in his statement that ‘A Community Trust should support the aims of the Parish Council and be an avenue of funding for some of these aims. A Community Trust should also be looking at ways to run the school playing field’. Cllr Ferguson to arrange a meeting between interested Councillors and members of the Community Trust before February 4th. Cllr Weir had agreed to give a short talk on ‘Why he likes Slaley’.
12. New text for Information Display Board.
Nothing to report.
13. January Parish Plan: Action Plan Update.
Deferred to February meeting.
14. A.O.B.
a) Water shortage: Cllr Robson voiced his concern over the arrangements for the present water shortage. The circular letter indicating village bowers at Townfoot & Slaley Commemoration Hall came after the water supply had ran dry. The bowers actually arrived during the meeting on a lorry the driver of which had taken a wrong tuning somewhere in Hexhamshire. Cllr Robson suggested to the driver that the bowers would be better placed outside Parks Side Elderly Bungalows and South Park near Townhead. This alternative arrangement was still underway at 10 30 p.m.
b) Pot Holes between Slaley Hall and The Glen Crossroads in a dangerous state and also the Lead Road repairs of Autumn 2004 mostly washed away.
15. BOATs Update.
Monday January 31st next BOATs meeting with Allendale Group
Rights of Way Improvement Plan – Request for Information from Parish Councils will be agreed on January 31st.
Request for a TRO on The Broadway will also be discussed.
Kevin Walker of NCC contacted the Clerk for the owner of the woodland bollards preventing access into the newly confirmed BOATs following a complain from Nigel Price of Newbrough garage. Jonathan Farries address and telephone number was given.
Date of next meeting: Monday 14th February 2005. Meeting closed at 10.30 p.m.