The Burradon & Camperdown Forum

2007 Annual Report

Charity Registration Number: 1074537

Tony Blair’s visit to open Burradon Primary School on 17 November 2006 was the defining event of the past 12 months and was a hugely significant moment in the village’s history. 10 years ago it would have been inconceivable that the Prime Minister would have visited our village and demonstrates the progress during the period and is a vindication of the effort and hard work of the members of the Forum and our partners. Steve Byers and Jim Allan deserve recognition for persuading the Prime Minister to open the school.

We should also remember other progress in the village during the past 12 months which are summarised below:

1. The Home Office Respect Award
2. The opening of the Wellbeing Centre at Kirkdale Court
3. The New Chemist
4. The Community Agreement
5. Northumbria Police, North Tyneside Council and Places for Peoples continued commitment to the village with high profile evictions and operations
6. The Awards for All grant of £3,350 to create a mosaic on the skate park
7. Wildlife Garden at Burradon Primary School
8. Donations to Burradon Playgroup, Luncheon Club and Burradon FC to purchase new equipment
9. The Website
10. The sale of The Police House
11. Colin McElligott’s excellent work to expand the provision of sport and recreational facilities in the village
12. North Tyneside Council installed new bathrooms and kitchens
13. North Tyneside Council held 2 clean up days and removed tons of household rubbish
14. Improved grass cutting in the village which has been appreciated by local residents
15. The excellent attendances at the public meetings despite there being any significant problems in the village which demonstrates the strong community spirit in the village
16. Places for People nominated the village for a Gold Award for its efforts which was recognition of the transformation of the village during the past 10 years
17. The introduction of the AFZ

Burradon Primary School completed its first full academic year and the number of children registering to join has exceeded expectations. Mr Gilfillan sincerely appreciated the support of the Forum and the community and hopefully the academic achievement of the school will attract new people to the village.



We have many challenges for the forthcoming year which are detailed below:

1. The development of the school site
2. Ensuring that North Tyneside Council resolves the problems at the recreation ground
3. The issues affecting the Grey Horse Pub are resolved to protect the welfare of residents in the village
4. 10th Anniversary of the Forum
5. Restoring the Miner’s Banner
6. Persuading North Tyneside Council to fund a sports development officers post
7. Continue to work and support other groups in the village
8. Raise money for the retired members Christmas Party
9. A Christmas Party for the Children-funded by the Respect Award Grant
10. Urban Street Games at half-term-funded by the Respect Award Grant

As mentioned, 10 years ago at a public meeting Steve Byers challenged the local community to work in partnership with North Tyneside Council and the Ward Councillors to address the issues raised by local residents. The community gave the volunteers and unequivocal mandate to work on its behalf and introduce the necessary changes to reverse villages decline and restore civic pride.

Occasionally, it was necessary for the Forum and its partners to make some difficult and controversial decisions, however, with the passage of time we have been vindicated and the transformation of the village has exceeded our expectations. We have our critics within our own community, however, we must ignore their comments as their motives are to undermine all of our efforts. We retain the support of the wider community and our partners who understand that the Forum is committed to improving the quality of life of the people in the village.

Finally, I wish to thank everyone for their support during the last 10 years and for their dedication especially during the early years, it would have been easy to have become disillusioned and walk away. However, you demonstrated a unique commitment in the face of great adversity which has enabled the Forum to achieve unprecedented success which will be a beacon for other communities confronting similar problems.