Newsletter 14

The Burradon & Camperdown Forum

Newsletter No 14

Appeal on behalf of the Church of the Good Shepherd

The Vicar and Parish Church Council ("PCC") are increasingly concerned with the escalating costs to heat and maintain the Church. The PCC and the congregation organise various fundraising events during the year, however, it has become extremely difficult to raise sufficient funds to fulfil its financial commitments. We would like help to keep a Church presence in the village and believe it would be very sad if it was not possible and we believe it would have a devastating affect on the life of the village.

In the circumstances, the Vicar and PCC invite the local community to support the Church and become a "Friend of the Church of the Good Shepherd". Envelopes are available from the Vicar or the Church and can be gift aided. Similarly, residents wishing to make a single contribution may forward donations to the Vicar or the Church.

The Vicar and PCC are appalled at the recent vandalism to the Church which involved graffiti on the windows, children defecating and urinating on the entrance and more disturbing verbally abusing Rev Angela Maughn. In the event local residents witness any further incidents, please inform PC Ramsay immediately on telephone number 214655 and reports may be provided anonymously.

North Tyneside Council Safer Estate Team

North Tyneside Council's Safer Estates Team continues to work in partnership with Northumbria Police and the local community to address and resolve the issue of anti-social behaviour in Burradon and Camperdown.

Recently, 8 youths have signed Acceptable Behaviour Agreements and any breach of the terms of the agreement may result in the local authority imposing an Anti-Social Behaviour Order("ASBO").

North Tyneside Council have applied to Court for the eviction of two local tenants for anti-social behaviour and being convicted of using a property for drug related activity. Furthermore, an application has been submitted to Court for an ASBO to prevent local youth acting in an anti-social manner.

The Safer Estates Team and Police are delighted that local residents have been prepared to attend Court as witnesses for proceeding against people involved in anti-social activities. A local youth was recently convicted for 2 separate offences at North Shields Magistrates Court on 4 counts of criminal damage (graffiti) and a Section 5 Public Order Offence. Following conviction, the Court imposed a community sentence.

It is essential that residents continue to support the police and local authority and report any incidents of anti-social or criminal activities all information will be dealt with strict confidence and any intelligence will be utilised at the monthly meeting which are held to formulate plans to target offenders. Mr Colin Boxshall Safer Estates Manager stated, "We are making full use of the new powers contained within the Anti-Social Behaviour Act. Injunctions and other Court Orders are extremely effective and demonstrates that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated."

Burradon Primary School -Going From Strength to Strength

As previously reported, Burradon Primary School was officially recognised by the Government as one of the most improved schools nationally during the period 2001-2004.

We are delighted to announce that the school has consolidated its previous success and the children in years 2 and 6 achieved remarkable results in the May 2005 tests. Over 80% of our year 2 pupils achieved the Government's targets in English, Maths and Science and over 90% of the year 6 pupils achieved the target in the aforementioned subjects.

The consistent improvements are attributable to the staff at the school and the parents of the pupils who have played a vital role with their willingness to support the work of the school. The excellent results consolidate our status as a successful school and in conjunction with our academic achievements we continue to emphasise the importance for the care and welfare of the children to ensure the pupils are happy, secure and enthusiastic about their education.

The new primary school is nearing completion and should be occupied during the 2006 summer term and as a consequence the school has a wonderfully exciting future which will enable the pupils to achieve greater success in future years.

Sports Development Officer

North Tyneside Council has appointed Mr Colin Mcelligott as the new sports development officer for the new community sports facilities which are being constructed at the recreation ground. Colin has recently been involved with a series of meetings with the local user groups and agencies to discuss the new facilities and to develop strategic partnerships.

A sports development programme specifically for the local users has been developed to ensure the Government's "Game Plan" initiative to ensure 70% of the population are participating in sport and physical activity by the year 2020. The objective of the initiative is to improve the health of the nation and reverse the increasing levels of obesity and reduce the crime by improving social inclusion.

The establishment of an after school group has commenced which is focusing on the formation general multi-skill activities and develops skills which may be transferred to various sports later in a child's development.

Anyone wishing to contact Colin to discuss the availability of the new facilities is advised to telephone 2001558.

Shoe Box Appeal

An amazing 200 shoe boxes were donated by the communities of Burradon, Camperdown, Dudley, Fordley and Annitsford. The shoe boxes collected are for distribution to less fortunate children in the poorer counties in Eastern Europe. The collection of the boxes was co-ordinated by the Parish of Weetslade and the local schools and everyone concerned deserves special praise for their wonderful efforts which will benefit many children.

Burradon on Line: www.burradon-camperdown.co.uk

Visit the website and read Honour Weightman and Irene Coates stories of old Burradon and Camperdown and the view the picture gallery of the village.