The Village of Wark

Archive for October, 2010

In all the years I’ve been writing these notes, I don’t think I’ve ever forgotten to send the text to the Courant on time, but that’s what happened last week, hence the fact that you didn’t get your weekly update.  Fortunately much of it is usable again this week, so here goes.

Wark First School had its Sias inspection a few weeks ago.  As a Church of England Aided School its teaching of religious education is inspected by the church.  The inspection lasted a day and involved staff, pupils and parents. It included worship at the end of the day led by the Year 4 children. The inspector was very impressed by the standard of RE teaching and by the children’s knowledge of what takes place in school and their caring attitudes towards each other. We look forward to receiving a very positive report in the near future.

A couple of weeks ago I reported on the fact that the Parish Council was awaiting a report on the state of the chestnut tree on the Green.  Having spoken to one of them I understand that report has now been received and that the tree will indeed need some attention.  However, the Parish Council has not yet had time to discuss the issue, so we don’t know yet what is likely to happen.  I’ll report further news as soon as I get it.

 About a dozen members of the Wark Leek Club gathered in the Grey Bull for the Annual General Meeting last Sunday. I’m pleased to be able to report that all office bearers on the Committee agreed to stay on for the coming year.  The meeting also agreed to keep the subscription at the same level of £15 and the date of the show on the third Saturday in September.  All in all the Leek Club is doing quite well and if you’re not a member, now is an ideal time to come on board.  I’ve been asked to remind existing members that their subs are now due.  Please see Mike Gibson with your payment.

Wark First School had its Sias inspection a couple of weeks ago.  As a Church of England Aided school its teaching of religious education is inspected by the church.  The inspection lasted a day and involved staff, pupils and parents. It included worship at the end of the day led by the Year 4 children. The inspector was very impressed by the standard of RE teaching and by the children’s knowledge of what takes place in school and their caring attitudes towards each other. We look forward to receiving a very positive report in the near future.

From the school newsletter I’ve gleaned that the children will have a longer half-term break this year, which will start on Thursday the 21^st of October. There will be two teacher training days on Thursday and Friday of that week, followed by half term proper the week after.

Last week I reported on the fact that the Parish Council was awaiting a report on the state of the chestnut tree on the Green.  Having spoken to one of them I understand that report has now been received and that the tree will indeed need some attention.  However, the Parish Council has not yet had time to discuss the issue, so we don’t know yet what is likely to happen.  I’ll report further news as soon as I get it.

 Wark Leek Club will be having Annual General Meeting in the Grey Bull this Sunday, 17 October 2010 starting at 1 p.m.  Existing and prospective new members are very welcome to attend and are indeed encouraged to do so.

Wark Parish Council discussed concerns about the chestnut tree on the Village Green at a recent meeting.  The more eagle eyed of you may have noticed that there were almost no flowers on the tree this spring and as a consequence there are no conkers to be had this autumn.  I understand the Parish Council has sought advice from the tree officer at Northumberland County Council and are awaiting his report.  It is too soon to say what will happen to the tree, but I suppose trees have a lifespan too, so at some point we’ll have a Green without the tree.  Difficult to contemplate.

‘Doon the Waggon Way’, the Highlights show in the Town Hall last week, reminded the audience of the time when coal was king the in North east, not that many years ago, and well within the memory if many of the people there.  Ken Patterson, Richard Scott and Chris Bostock provided a powerful blend of songs and stories, funny, thought provoking and interesting.  Just about 40 people helped fill the hall and I heard one person say that ‘this was one of the best Highlights events yet’.  In the process the Town Hall raised a bit of money as well, so that’s all good, as they say.

If you didn’t manage to get to the meeting about solar energy in the Hall last week, you can still sign up for a free survey with the company that did the presentation.  You can contact the speaker, Anthony Middleton on by email on anthony.middleton@myenergystation.com or by phone on 0845 6003329.

If you fancy a dance, Simonburn is the place to be this weekend: the Garioch Blend Scottish Dance Band will be playing in the Village Hall and proceeds will go to support Tynedale Hospice Home Care.  Tickets are just £6 and are available from Eleanor Mole in Wark, or on the door.  There’s a pooled supper and the dance starts at 8 p.m.

Existing and prospective members of the Wark Leek Club are invited to come to the Annual General Meeting in the Grey Bull on Sunday 17 October 2010.  The AGM will start at 1 p.m.  The club has a successful year to look back on and can look forward to the coming year with some confidence.

A little bit further away in time is the Quiz Night at Birtley Village Hall on Friday October 22^nd at 7.30 for and 8p.m. start. Quiz compere will be our very own Judith Weir.  Birtley quiz nights are always very good fun so that’s definitely one for the diary. Admission is £5 per person with £3 for under 16s.  The entry price includes soup and a roll and there will also be a bar and a raffle.

On the same weekend, on Sunday 24^th October, there will be a jumble sale in the community hall in Stonehaugh. This jumble sale is in aid of Hall funds and entry is 50p.  Tea, coffees and cakes will be available.  For more information and to arrange drop off of stuff to sell, you can contact Brenda on (01434) 230447.