Friends of Jesmond Dene Autumn newsletter 2014

Friends of Jesmond Dene Newsletter Autumn 2014

Number 74

Reg Charity no: 702260 Web Site Address: http//www.jesmondDene.org.uk Postal address: ‘Friends of Jesmond Dene’, c/o Ouseburn Parks' Visitor Centre, Red Walk, Jesmond Dene, Newcastle, NE7 7BQ.

Editorial Good News! As was outlined in the previous newsletter, we are entering a time of change for the Friends of Jesmond Dene. We now have a new committee in place and look forward to a sustained future for the combined Friends of Jesmond Dene and Volunteer Ranger Group. The changeover from the existing to new committee was completed at the May Annual General Meeting.

The new committee, as elected on 11th May, 2014 are: Clive Gerrard

Chairperson

Mike Cook

Vice Chairperson

Lynda Fean

Treasurer

Sue Stokel-Walker Secretary Maggie Dowman

member

Christina Cook

member

Yvonne Shannon

member Newsletter Editorial Team

Chairperson’s thanks to past members of outgoing committee On behalf of all the members of the Friends of Jesmond Dene, and the Volunteer Rangers we thank the outgoing officers for their sterling work carried out over many years.

We are indebted to Donald McEwan, (Chairman) Kathleen Shillito (Membership Secretary) and Anna Newson (Newsletter Editor) and, the Volunteer Rangers are particularly grateful to Lillian Lovelock (Treasurer) and Robert Wooster (Past Chairman) for their invaluable help with the Heritage Lottery Projects.

Clive Gerrard Chair FOJD and Volunteer Ranger

Changes to the Friends' Organisation Membership Subscription After many years at the old rate, the committee have decided on a modest increase to subscriptions. The new subscriptions will be a flat-rate of £5 per member / family for all categories of member and will apply from the next renewal date of January 2015.

As previously indicated we are also moving towards having all subscription paid through standing order to save on administration and postage costs.

Some members have already completed a new standing order to this effect. If you have not yet done this, then a Standing Order form has been included with this newsletter and we would be grateful if you could complete this and send it to the Membership Secretary, c/o Ouseburn Visitor Centre (the full address is given on the last page of this Newsletter). Your details will then be checked against our membership information before we forward it to the bank.

Included on the SO form is space for your email address. This will help the Friends contact you more easily but will be used sparingly and will NOT be passed on to anyone else. It will be removed from the SO form before we forward it to the bank.

Keith Pringle FOJD Membership Secretary

Administering the FOJD The two big tasks in administering the FOJD – producing and distributing the newsletters and managing membership subscriptions – will be modernised. Printing and posting newsletters and handling subscription cheques is very inefficient compared with other options available nowadays.

They will be moved online and the Friends' website will be the primary news source for members and the public. We are in the process of amalgamating the Friends of Jesmond Dene and the Volunteer Ranger websites into one area. In addition the volunteer Rangers intend to include a blog to let everyone know what it is we do when working with the Park Rangers.

For any members without computer or internet access these are significant changes so we will introduce them over a period to allow time to adapt – one of the best resources for advice is your local library and most will also offer free access to computers and the internet, whilst relatives, friends or colleagues may also be able to help you. The Ouseburn Parks' Visitor Centre will keep a folder with reference material. This is the last newsletter to be produced and sent out in the traditional way, in spring 2015 it will move online. After that limited printed copies of newsletters will be available for collection at the Ouseburn Parks' Visitor Centre, but we hope all members will take advantage of our upgraded website for their Dene updates. Subscriptions will be moved to standing orders only in time for the January 2015 renewal.

These changes are necessary for the Friends to continue and even to expand its scope. If you still have concerns or suggestions, or could help with this changeover, please contact us using the form on the website at http://www.jesmonddene.org.uk/?page_id=2 or write to us at Friends of Jesmond Dene - Newsletter Feedback C/O Ouseburn Parks' Visitor Centre, Red Walk, Jesmond Dene, Newcastle NE7 7BQ.

JESMOND DENE ARCHIVES Over the years, the Friends of Jesmond Dene have collected quite a store of archive material which is stored in the Information Centre in the Dene. There is a wealth of written information, slides and photographs, both old and new.

We would very much like to make this more easily available to the public, maybe by putting on a show in the Centre, but also by eventually putting everything on-line where it would be accessible to all.

Whenever we talk to members of the public, people come up with memories of the Dene & surrounding Parks that add to the history of the area. If you have any visual records you could share with us, or stories from 10, 30 or even 50 years ago, we would love to hear from you.

• • •

Did you ever visit the Banqueting Hall when it was still roofed?

Do you remember the maypole by the pavilion near the waterfall?

Do you know of relatives getting tea or ice cream from Deep Dene House (now the Fisherman’s Lodge)?

You can contact us: - c/o FOJD Archives Project’, Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Millfield House, Jesmond Dene

For more information on Jesmond Dene you might like to look at the following (these sites will be amalgamated into one area during the coming months).

Friends of Jesmond Dene http//www.jesmondDene.org.uk Volunteer Rangers Old Mill Project http://www.jesmonddeneoldmill.org.uk/ Volunteer Rangers Nature Area Project http://www.jesmonddenenaturearea.org.uk/ ‘Autumn’ video by FOJD film Group on YouTube http://youtu.be/NDIGg4Bib_g

Lord Armstrong’s Legacy It is well known locally that Lord Armstrong and later Sir Andrew Noble and his family willed land in Jesmond Dene, and Heaton and Armstrong Parks to the people of Newcastle ‘in perpetuity’. There is no doubt that the people of Newcastle and beyond highly value this fantastic legacy that now encompasses the Ouseburn Parks. The evidence that groups of all ages and with different aims love coming here is demonstrated in the three following articles.

Alongside the annual range of events run by the Park Rangers and Education Officer some members of the Friends of Jesmond Dene (FOJD) and Volunteer Rangers were delighted to be involved in ‘special events’ described in the three articles below.

Chillingham Road Primary School’s “Grand Day Out” in Jesmond Dene You could hear them long before you could see them....... the long crocodiles of excited children, teachers, teaching assistants and parent helpers, wending their way through Armstrong Park and down the steep slope into the Dene.

It was an ambitious project to bring a whole primary school (220 children!)– from the tiny 34 year old Nursery children to the 10-11 year-olds from Year 6 – to visit the Dene to learn about their local heritage. There were some anxious glances at the sky to check what the weather was going to do, but in fact apart from some very light drizzle in part of the morning, it pretty much stayed dry.

So what did they do in the beautiful Dene, formerly Lord and Lady Armstrong’s garden?

Well, the youngest children visited Pets Corner, met a storyteller for a magical tale, had an activity in the Nature area, and played “pooh sticks” from the bridge. The older children followed a History Trail. They met characters from the past, in period costume, at different locations around the Dene. They thrilled to hear the stories of ‘Elvira’, the maid at Millfield House – does her ghost still haunt the upper rooms........?

‘Clara Colman’ of Colman’s Poultry Farm showed the children her basket of duck and hen eggs and told them of marching her geese up the hill all the way to the Grainger Market to be sold.

‘Anne Freeman’ and her maid explained about the amazing structure of Armstrong Bridge, why it was built and its special features. The older children also got to meet “Lord and Lady Armstrong” in person, up at the Banqueting Hall and were captivated by the tales of the wonderful parties Lord Armstrong held there for his important business clients and also for the workers from his Elswick factories and their families Lunch was a communal picnic on Colman’s Field. There was a ceilidh band (Kiddars Luck) playing for dancing and there were traditional games such as ‘tug-o-war’. The school also used the event to launch their “Proggy Mat Project”.

There were scavenger hunts, music workshops and singing of local songs. A central feature of the day was a “Big Art” Picture, constructed using both natural materials and resources they had brought. It was a tram, designed to be viewed from Armstrong Bridge to get the full effect. When it was nearly time for home, the whole school met there to look at their finished piece of art and to sing songs.

The fantastic ‘Big Art Picture’ by children from Chillingham Road Primary School

There were some very tired children (and adults!) on the return walk to Heaton but all agreed that they had indeed had a very GRAND DAY OUT! I’m sure Lord and Lady Armstrong would have approved.

The Day Out was part of the school’s 120-Year Celebration Project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. (for more information about the day out, including photographs, visit the school’s website www.chillingham.newcastle.sch.uk/site and follow the links to ‘120 year Celebrations’ and then ‘The Grand Day Out’) Thanks go to Rebecca Smith, Education Officer, for all her help with planning activities and helping to organize the day, and to the Volunteer History Trail Guides – Yvonne, Maggie, Ann and Jo, and to Clive of Jesmond Dene Volunteers for his photography and general support in helping the day run smoothly.

Ann Denton FOA HP (Friend of Heaton and Armstrong Parks) and Volunteer Ranger July 2014

Guided Walk Henrietta Heald’s biography of William Armstrong, Magician of the North, was the choice of Durham Book Club recently. They felt they would like to see more of the places Armstrong is associated with and made a trip to Cragside which they thoroughly enjoyed. This led them to feel they would have a more complete picture of the man by visiting Jesmond Dene as well so asked for a guided walk which took place on Friday 9 th May 2014 led by Yvonne Shannon & myself.

We met up at Jesmond Dene Hotel and walked through the park past features such as the stepping stones, the Grotto and the Old Mill. We climbed up to the Banqueting Hall, through the tunnel to the old Chapel and St. Mary’s well varying the route on the way back. While being a well informed group about Armstrong and his history they still enjoyed seeing the actual locations of his earlier life and seeing how the earlier development of the Dene led to the much grander creation at Cragside.

We illustrated the walk with photos and sketches of the period and inspired them to pose on the stepping stones re-creating a Victorian print we showed them.

Back at the hotel we all went in for refreshment and a longer look at some of the archive material from the Friend’s of Jesmond Dene’s collection. This was a nice finish to an enjoyable walk and talk.

Maggie Dowman, FOJD and Volunteer Ranger

Fun and Fitness for the Over 50s

This was an Elders Council event, and part of Jesmond Community Festival organised by Vera Bolter. The weather was damp, grey and a bit rainy but even so lots of people turned out and the event was well attended on the 22nd of May 2014. We met in the Education Room at the Visitor Centre in Jesmond Dene. Participants were able to take part in a wide range of different activities – so there was something on offer for everyone to do. The whole session was started by a trainer of Tai Chi and everyone enjoyed taking part in this. Then there were Health Trainers offering a mini-MOT test, as well as the opportunity to try Nordic Walking. One of the Volunteer Rangers Kath, and Becca the Education Officer advised the elders on how to make and put together a hanging herb basket using a variety of plants including strawberry, basil and tomato - this was a very popular activity. A further two Volunteer Rangers Clive and Yvonne led a group of eight on a short Heritage walk leading up to St. Mary’s Chapel via the Banqueting Hall, fortunately the rain held off whilst we were on our walk. By 16.30 everyone returned to the Visitor’s Centre for hot or cold drinks plus biscuits. Information on all the activities was available and set out around the room so people could have time to read and look through information on possible activities to possibly follow up at a later date.

Yvonne Shannon, FOJD and Volunteer Ranger

Friends of Heaton & Armstrong Parks Adopt-A-Plot Scheme

Last year the Friends became very concerned at the way the parks were beginning to deteriorate, now that there are no Park Keepers. We held a Public Meeting at the Visitor Centre in September 2013. Lots of people came which gave us heart that we were not the only people who value and care about our lovely parks. Ideas were pooled about what could be done.....

We had always held a few litter-picking mornings each year but one idea that emerged was to increase these volunteer sessions to once a month, alternating Saturday and Sunday mornings.

These have gone ahead with the help of the Rangers and have been well-attended (even on cold winter mornings!) We now have dedicated Friends of Heaton & Armstrong Park Notice board beside Heaton Park Lodge, the old Park Keeper’s house, where you can find the dates of the next volunteer sessions.

Another idea was to get volunteers to look after a small area of the park, an “Adopt-A-Plot” scheme. The area could be a flower- bed, a set of steps, or a path or grassy area to keep free of litter/leaves. We held a “Drop-In” event in January to see if there was sufficient interest to make this project work. Lots of people came, families, couples, individuals, - young and not so young.

Seamus Tollitt (Park Manager) and Sarah Capes (Ranger) brought large scale maps of the park and people signed up to look after an area of their choice. Formalities had to be gone through – the signing of a simple agreement acknowledging that it is still Council land and cannot be altered in any fundamental way. Advice on health & safety when volunteering was also given.

We now have 11 areas of the park adopted by 16 individuals and one group. The idea is that volunteers work on their area of the park at a time to suit themselves. We hold regular sessions to review how the scheme is going and iron out any problems. Also, the Rangers can always be contacted for advice. (The monthly Saturday/Sunday morning Group Volunteer sessions are always supervised by a Park Ranger.)

We applied for funding from Ward Committees of the four wards adjoining the parks, and were successful in our bid. (Many thanks to the Ward Committees of South Heaton, North Heaton, Ouseburn, and S. Jesmond.) This money has been used to purchase a lock-up Tool Store for Volunteers to use, and we are in the process of buying tools, protective clothing and equipment.

We would welcome more volunteers to sign up to the Adopt-A-Plot scheme. If you are interested or would like further information, please contact Friends of Heaton & Armstrong Parks by e-mail: mlinthepark@aol.com or Sarah Capes (Park Ranger) sarah.capes@newcastle.gov.uk

Ann Denton FOAHP, Volunteer Ranger 17/07/14

National Moth Night 2014 In about 2011, the Jesmond Dene Volunteer Rangers bought a moth trap using part of the New Nature Area Heritage Lottery grant. Since then it has been used a few times a year, usually as an add-on to a bat walk. This year, to celebrate National Moth Night, it was decided to run the trap all night for the first time.

On Friday 4th July, we set the trap up in the New Nature Area, across the Ouseburn from Pets’ Corner. The weather was as forecast, with very heavy showers separated by drier periods, but even during the showers, moths were flying. When we netted them, we found mainly Snouts, but there was one Phoenix, a lovely moth.

We left after midnight, and I returned about 5am to shut down the trap, to block its exits and to put the trap in the shade.

The trap was opened as part of a drop-in event at 11am on the Saturday, where the following species were identified: Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix

7

Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix

2

Dipleurina lacustrata

5

Mother of Pearl

1

Yarrow Plume

1

Small Fan-footed Wave

2

Garden Carpet

2

Phoenix

1

Brimstone Moth

1

Poplar Hawk-moth

4

Purple Clay

1

Marbled Beauty

1

Burnished Brass

1

Plain Golden Y

1

Straw Dot

4

Snout

9

Fan-foot

1

Small Fan-foot

1

The stars of the catch were undoubtedly the Poplar Hawk-moths, as they were kind enough to pose for photographs while posed on children’s’ fingers. In spite of the weather on the Friday night, we all thought the event was a success.

Poplar Hawk-moth photograph © John Hall and Phoenix photograph © Mike Cook Mike Cook, Vice Chair FOJD and Volunteer Ranger

Jesmond Dene Bees Our bees on the roof continue to fascinate and confuse us – in equal measure! Staff and volunteers look after two hives on the roof of the Visitor Centre, imaginatively called hive 1 and 2.

Both colonies survived the winter, although hive 1 was slightly weaker than hive 2 – with fewer bees and some signs of disease. One of the problems in hive 1 was large numbers of Varroa.

Varroa is a parasitic mite that attaches itself to honey bees; it can weaken and completely destroy whole colonies. However we used a new type of treatment on this hive and luckily, numbers of varroa declined and the strength of the colony increased.

The beehives are made up of two different boxes - the large brood box where the queen lays eggs and the smaller supers where the honey is stored. A queen excluder is placed between the two to prevent the queen from getting into the stores and laying eggs up there.

During the summer we have to keep an eye on the honey stores in the hive and make sure they have plenty of room to bring in more nectar. Due to the lovely weather, it should be a good year for honey. Our strongest hive got so full, that it was getting worryingly high as we added on more supers. So we decided to remove some now and store it until we are ready for bottling.

We cleared the bees out of the full supers using a special bit of kit called a porter bee escape; this lets the bees move down from the supers but not back into them. So we left these in place for a few days while it cleared out of bees. There tend to be a few stragglers so we had to be careful not to bring any inside with us! We removed 2 supers full of honey. I can never remember how many jars you get from a super, but I do know, I could barely lift one on my own!

We think both of our hives have had swarms leave this summer. It is apparently a very ‘swarmy’ year, with beekeepers being inundated with calls to collect swarms. Luckily both hives seem strong enough to recover from the loss and are both busy rearing a new queen. So we have our fingers crossed she will emerge healthy and strong. We will leave them alone for a couple of weeks and when we go back to check, we’ll be looking out for eggs – a sign she and the colony are doing well.

Becca Smith Education Officer

Inhabitants of the Nature Area Back in 2008, when the Nature Area Project was being planned, we all hoped that the local wildlife would appreciate the helping hand we were giving it. It’s hard to believe that the project was completed in 2012 however; the completion of the project did not mean that was the end. As any of you with a garden will know, they don’t look after themselves! Several volunteer sessions are still spent in the Nature Area, maintaining and enhancing it.

On the days we were creating the new pond – July 2011 – the existing pond had several Southern Hawker dragonflies emerging from it – a wonderful sight that is so often missed. I remember thinking “I hope the dragonflies will like their new pond too” Sadly, we have never seen dragonflies in that pond since and I was beginning to think maybe they had left the Nature Area for good.

Last year, however, we saw several adults flying around the ponds and we even saw a few females laying their eggs on the wooden logs we had attached to the dipping platform for them

This July, on the morning of one of our moth events (see article by Mike Cook) we were in the Nature Area identifying and recording the moths that had been caught the night before. As we were packing up, the sun began to shine over the new pond, we glanced across it and there it was – a southern hawker drying out after emerging from its exuvia (the larval case) - fantastic! It got better too, we then saw a sparrow hawk fly over, just above our heads with food for its young.

This year and last, we have had blue tits and wrens nesting around the shelter, several species of woodland birds feeding on the nuts and seeds put out for them, bats flying over head, frogs and newts around the pond and moths and butterflies in the meadow …. the list goes on. So, I think we can safely say, the wildlife have appreciated the helping hand we gave them.

If you would like to visit the Nature Area or help with its up keep, please do get in touch. 0191 2812082 or email me sarah.capes@newcastle.gov.uk Sarah Capes, Newcastle City Council Parks and Countryside Ranger

Prepare for Autumn/Winter :- Logs for Sale Since autumn 2012, the Volunteer Rangers have been raising funds for the Volunteer Ranger Fund from selling logs. The volunteers, cut, split and bag the logs. The bagged logs are then left to dry out/season in the wood store. All the wood has come from trees that have either needed to be felled for health and safety reasons or those that have come down of their own accord: like the horse chestnuts in the Dene and the beeches in Heaton Park. Some timber is left on site as it adds to the biodiversity of the woodland; it slowly rots down and provides home for many invertebrates, small mammals and fungi.

Firewood ready for burning should never contain more than 25% moisture and ideally below 20%.

The moisture content is checked by moisture meter and most of the logs sold in the Dene are below 20%. Bringing seasoned logs indoors a few days before burning will also help to reduce moisture content.

Bagged logs can be bought from the Visitor Centre for £3.50 per bag; please call beforehand if you are making a special journey on 0191 281 2082.

Further information about wood or other solid fuels can be found at www.solidfuel.co.uk Sarah Capes, Newcastle City Council Parks and Countryside Ranger.

Ouseburn Park Events April - September 2014 .

Saturday 18 October 1.30 – 4pm Bulb Planting and Autumn Nature Trail Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café) Come and plant some bulbs to take home with you and nurture. You can also take part in our Autumn Nature Trail and an Autumn Scavenger Hunt. There will be a £1.50 charge for the bulb planting, 50p charge for the trail and the scavenger is free. This is a drop in event, please contact the Visitor Centre for more information on 2812082.

Sunday 19 October 1.30 – 3.30pm Bulb Planting and Autumn Nature Trail Heaton Park – near the pavilion.

Come and plant some bulbs to take home with you and nurture. You can also take part in our Autumn Nature Trail and an Autumn Scavenger Hunt. There will be a £1.50 charge for the bulb planting, 50p charge for the trail and the scavenger is free. This is a drop in event, please contact the Visitor Centre for more information on 2812082.

Monday 27 October 1 – 3pm Animals are Afraid!

Pets’ Corner, Jesmond Dene Suggested donation £1 Pets’ Corner has been invaded by Halloween ghosts, bats and spiders. Come along to hunt for the unwanted guests and take part in a Halloween craft, but please don’t scare the animals! This is a drop in event.

Tuesday 28 and Friday 31 October 5.30 - 8pm Halloween Pumpkins and Walk Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café) £5 per child and £2.50 per adult.

Come along to one of Halloween events and carve a pumpkin lantern (pumpkins will be provided).

We will then go for an evening walk through the Dene to see what we can find, there may be eyes watching us from all sorts of places!! We’ll return to the Visitor Centre for a hot chocolate and pumpkin soup. Minimum age 6 years. Booking essential, please call the Rangers to book your place and for more information on 2812082.

Wednesday 29 October 2.30 - 5pm (Bon)Fire Bush Craft!

Heaton Park Come along to learn some bush craft skills, play some games and build a fire. We will then use the fire to make ourselves something to eat and drink as it gets dark (light refreshments) Activities are aimed at children aged 8 – 13 and they must be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential as places are limited; please wear appropriate clothes for being outdoors in the woods.

Please call the Visitor Centre to book your place and for more information on 2812082.

Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November 1.30 – 4pm Bird Feeders Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café) The colder weather is here and the birds need all the help they can get. Why not come and make a bird feeder, and get some tips on easy ways to feed the birds over the winter. There is a £2.50 charge per wooden feeder. Contact the Visitor Centre for more information on 2812082.

Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 November 10am – 3pm Santa’s Grotto Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene Visit Santa in his grotto - a magical experience that your child will never forget. Please ring for prices and to book. 0191 2812082

Thursday 11 December 10 – 12pm Christmas Wreaths Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café) £7.50 (includes refreshments) Come and have a go at making your own Christmas Wreath. All materials provided but if you have a pair of secateurs please bring them with you. Places are limited; book early to ensure your place, 2812082 and for more information. This is an event for adults, so sorry, no under 16s.

Saturday 13 December 10 – 12pm Christmas Wreaths Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café) £7.50 (includes refreshments) Come and have a go at making your own Christmas Wreath. All materials provided but if you have a pair of secateurs please bring them with you. Places are limited; book early to ensure your place, 2812082 and for more information. This is an event for adults, so sorry, no under 16s.

Sunday 14 December 1 – 4pm Family Festive Fun Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café) £1 - £3 A joint event with the Volunteers, Friends of Jesmond Dene and the Rangers. Come and try your hand at making some simple Christmas decorations from natural and recycled materials. There will also be Christmas Carols, light refreshments, tombola and raffles. This is a drop in event, for more information please contact the Visitor Centre on 2812082.

Monday 22 December 10.30am – 12.30pm Christmas Crafts £5 per child Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene Take part in a variety of Christmas themed craft activities including decorations, Victorian style Christmas cards and more. Booking essential, please call 0191 2812082 to book. Last minute gifts available to buy in the shop too!

Committee list: Chairman

Clive Gerrard

Vice Chairman

Mike Cook

Treasurer

Linda Fean

Secretary

Sue Stokel-Walker

Members

Christina Cook, Maggie Dowman, Yvonne Shannon

Membership Sec. Keith Pringle Newsletter Team

Maggie Dowman, Yvonne Shannon

Sarah Capes (Ranger, 0191 281 2082) ouseburnparks@newcastle.gov.uk mobile 07966 264391 Webmaster Carlton Reid http//www.jesmondDene.org.uk Next Newsletter contributions or any other queries to:Friends of Jesmond Dene, c/o Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Millfield House, Red Walk, Jesmond Dene, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7BQ or email as above