Friends of Jesmond Dene Newsletter Autumn 2016 Number 78 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 Autumn leaves are falling most places in the Dene, but it still looks beautiful. A refuge of peace and tranquillity in the heart of the city. As always we hope that you enjoy reading this latest edition of the Friends of Jesmond Dene Newsletter. FOJD meetings are open to all members, come along and you will be made very welcome. We also want to draw your attention to the Extraordinary Meeting too, please see page 5. In addition we have a special fund raising raffle for this Christmas please see page 6 and, we would also welcome your views on whether the FOJD should seek a Patron, see page 3.
Contents Inside: Page number AGM and Open Days 2 Adopt a Plot Scheme 3 A Patron for FOJD 4 Defibrillator at Millfield House 4 FOJD Committee open meeting and Extraordinary Meeting 5 Friends of Jesmond Dene Christmas Raffle 6 Friends of Jesmond Dene: - Knowledge and Skills 6 Heritage Open Days 7 St. Mary’s Chapel 8 Chillingham Road School 9 Membership Information 10 People Counting at Heaton and Armstrong Park 10 Jesmond Dene Archives 10 Plant Stall 11 Volunteer Rangers Winter Tasks 12 Forthcoming Events 14 Newsletter Editorial Team Words from the Chairman The committee members of the Friends of Jesmond Dene and the Volunteer Rangers thank all of you who have made donations via annual subscriptions, gifts and bequests to the FOJD for the conservation and upkeep of the Dene. Vacancies – currently there are two vacancies open: - for Vice Chairman and for an ordinary committee member. If any of the FOJD feel that they can give up some spare time and volunteer to join us, please get in touch, we would be delighted to hear from you. clive@kelso.demon.co.uk. Clive Gerrard Chair FOJD and Volunteer Ranger 1
Annual General Meeting This was held on Sunday 8th May at 14:00hrs, in the Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene, and thank you to everyone who came along. We started off as last year with the winners of the photo competition. There were a lot more entries for this year, thanks to all competitors for taking part. These were announced and prizes presented by the judge Neil Atkinson; Neil offered a street photography workshop as the first prize in each category, which was very well received. Warm thanks to Neil for this and his participation in the event.
At the AGM:Officers were confirmed (please see last page). Financial accounts were made available. Projects update. Date and time of next AGM were arranged.
The minutes have already been sent out to members of FOJD by post or email. The Open Day held by FOJD for members of the General Public on the 7th May, 10.00am – 15.00 and on the morning of 8th May was most successful. Lots of people came in to see our exhibition. This was followed up on Tuesday 10th with a volunteer open day and several people joined the volunteer rangers as well as families taking over an Adopt-a-plot.
Photographs show some items in the FOJD display
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Why not Adopt - A - Plot... ... Or in our case, a path? We have been Volunteer Rangers in Jesmond Dene for a number of years now, but other commitments mean that we cannot always make the weekly sessions. As we only live a couple of hundred yards from the Dene the obvious answer was to offer to take on the regular maintenance of our own plot, which we can do in our own time on a day when the sun shines. Rather than take on a piece of land which needs cultivation we chose to look after one of the paths which we often walk down when we visit the Dene. We take our tools down about once a month to clear the weeds and nettles which grow prolifically at the edges of the path down from the Banqueting Hall and on to the old bridge, the newer wooden bridge, and the stone steps down to the Ouseburn. The sum total of our commitment has been to work together for about an hour and a half once a month since the spring and this has been enough to keep the area in good condition. If you would like to make a practical contribution to the maintenance of this beautiful Newcastle asset, but don’t have the time to join the Volunteer Rangers, why not talk to the City Rangers about adopting your own little piece of the Dene? It could be anything from a path to an area of shrubbery or a small flower bed. . Anyone wanting to find out more please contact Sarah on 0191 2650564 or email sarah.capes@newcastle.gov.uk Diane and Geoffrey Carter, FOJD and Volunteer Rangers
Tending an adopted plot 3
A Patron For Friends Of Jesmond Dene It has recently been suggested that our group could benefit by appointing a patron. When the FOJD was set up the patron was Lord Armstrong of Bamburgh who was the last living descendent of Lord William Armstrong who gave Jesmond Dene to the people of Newcastle, but since his death the role has been open. The FOJD is a registered charity thus the role of patron usually means an honorary position. The holder is someone who identifies with the aims of the organisation and lends their name to promotional events. They do not gain financially, nor do they contribute money. They may attend meetings if asked, but have no say in the running of the organisation. Ideally the patron would live locally and be prepared to attend public functions from time to time, thus lending their support in this way. We would like to hear the opinion from members of the FoJD on the benefits or otherwise in seeking a patron. We would like to know if (a) you do like the idea, and (b) any suggestions of a suitable person who might be willing to take on the role. We would like to hear your opinion/suggestion by January 31st 2017. Please phone Clive, number 07817 489861 or http://www.jesmonddene.org.uk/?page_id=2 Maggie Dowman FOJD and Volunteer Ranger
Defibrillator at Millfield House Great news for visitors to Jesmond Dene with the addition of a new defibrillator. Frank Jankowski of Millfield House completed a tandem free fall parachute jump to raise money for the new defibrillator which is located in Millfield Cafe at the visitor centre. Well done Frank and, thank you to all who supported the event.
Joe Risi and Frank Jankowski with new defibrillator at Millfield house cafe. Mark Risi, Millfield House Cafe 4
Friends Of Jesmond Dene Committee Open Meeting The FOJD exists to help to preserve the Dene and enhance its amenities wherever possible. Many people use and value the area, walking, jogging, relaxing and appreciating such a rural and tranquil place in the middle of a city. As friends, you know that funds are obtained from an annual subscription of ÂŁ5 per person (or family) augmented by donations and bequests. This money is used in a variety of ways, such as new tree planting, working on the archive collection, tools, publicity and much more. The committee members are anxious to have the views of all Park users on projects that they would like to see undertaken and their comments on how they think the area can be maintained and improved. At present ideas range from more tree planting to renovating one of the ponds that is in disrepair. To facilitate this, the next committee meeting will be held on November 14th at 14.00hrs in the Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene. Meetings are open where everyone is welcome and, we hope, will put forward their own ideas. It is also a chance to see the committee in action and we welcome people interested in taking part. At present there are two vacancies (See words from Chairman). Anyone interested is welcome to attend meetings before deciding if supporting Jesmond Dene in this way is for them. Maggie Dowman FOJD and Volunteer Ranger
Extraordinary General Meeting Notice Notice is hereby given that an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Friends of Jesmond Dene will be held at 2.00pm on Saturday 26 November 2016 at the Visitors Centre, Jesmond Dene in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne, for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, adopting an updated constitution. On Thursday 6th October 2016 the draft of a new constitution was submitted to the Trustees and Committee of the Friends of Jesmond Dene. The draft of the new proposed constitution was agreed and accepted by the Trustees and Committee of the Friends of Jesmond Dene. The Trustees and Committee of the Friends of Jesmond Dene recommend acceptance to the members of the Friends of Jesmond Dene and seek approval of the acceptance of the new proposed constitution from the membership of the Friends of Jesmond Dene. A copy of the new proposed constitution can be found on the website of the Friends of Jesmond Dene www.jesmonddene.org.uk , a paper copy is also available at the visitors centre.
By order of the Trustees of the Friends of Jesmond Dene Susan Stokel-Walker Secretary Dated: 6 October 2016
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FOJD Christmas Raffle This year the FOJD and Volunteer Rangers are holding a raffle to raise funds. There are lots of lovely prizes including donations from: - Jesmond Dene House Hotel, Joe Risi from Millfield House Cafe, Dene’s Delli, and National Trust. Tickets will cost £1 each and will be on sale at the Visitor Centre, and we will offer them to visitors and at the events in the weeks up to Christmas. The draw will be held on Saturday December 17th at 16.00hrs.
FOJD: WE NEED YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS You can help the Friends of Jesmond Dene by becoming a member and contributing financially but you can also contribute in other ways. Some Friends contribute by joining the Volunteer Rangers and providing active support to the Council Rangers who work in the Dene. Volunteer Rangers work under their guidance to look after the Dene by tidying up areas which have become overgrown or where trees or shrubs have been damaged or litter has been left. We clear paths and deal with obstructions and we deal with invasive plants like Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed. We also undertake Projects like the Nature Area or the Old Mill Project, and we make a variety of things to sell. Most of these activities are arranged to a schedule set by the Council Rangers but if you prefer to work when it suits you, you may prefer another scheme managed by the Council Rangers, the 'Adopt-a-Plot' scheme. We need a wide range of different interests, knowledge and skills and there are lots of ways you can help. Would you be able to help the volunteers who:
help with Events in the Dene such as Nature Area Open Days and Wreath Making; look after the large Archive of materials we have; lead Guided Walks; look after the Bees; prepare regular Newsletter; manage our website and other social media;
Talk to us about how you think you might be able to help. We are particularly looking for people who know about: publicity; electronics and electrics; project management; plants and wildlife; working on committees. To join the FOJD contact Keith Pringle, at the address on the last page of this newsletter. To join the Jesmond Dene Volunteer Rangers or if you are interested in the Adopt-a-Plot scheme please contact Sarah on 0191 2650564 or email sarah.capes@newcastle.gov.uk Lynda Fean, Treasurer FOJD, and Volunteer Ranger
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Heritage Open Day As in previous years the Ouseburn Parks participated in the above annual event by offering two free guided walks, these events have always been well attended by members of the public and the volunteers really enjoy the opportunity to share the amazing history of these green spaces. On Thursday 8th of September, 11 participants and 3 volunteers met at the Pavilion in Heaton Park. Everyone came with waterproof clothing handy as the weather was very changeable and varied between scorching sun and heavy black rainclouds. This walk concentrates on the 22 acres of parkland bought by Newcastle Corporation (council) from Addison Potter, then owner of Heaton Hall in 1879.. We try to encompass, history – from pre medieval to present, changes and new developments all in the space of about 2 hours. The terrible mining tragedy at Heaton Main Colliery in 1815 reminds us of the very hard and dangerous work people did in the past to earn a living. We include some information about flora and fauna too and pointed out the unusual Tulip Trees and the gnarled old pear tree believed to have been planted in the time of Addison Potter who owned the Hall from 1841.
Heritage Open day – Jesmond Dene Our next walk on Sunday 17th (same day as the Great North Run) was held in Jesmond Dene and the 22 visitors and 2 volunteers met just outside the Information Centre. This is a circular route taking in the improvements enabled by the HLF grant in 2008 and pointing out some of the more famous architectural landmarks such as Armstrong Bridge, the Old Mill, Banqueting Hall and Chapel. This time we managed to include the Holy Well – still a place of contemplation for local people. Lord and Lady Armstrong who lived at Jesmond Dene House from 1834 made the Dene into their garden and when they moved up to Cragside they gave Jesmond Dene, Paddy Freeman’s Park and Armstrong Park as well as the famous Armstrong Bridge to the people of Newcastle in perpetuity. We explain that the Dene wasn’t always as tranquil bearing in mind that there were quarries, coal pits, an iron foundry and water mills all working hard about 200 years ago. Both groups gave us positive feedback and we had a really good time. Clive Gerrard, Maggie Dowman, Yvonne Shannon, FOJD, Volunteer Rangers 7
St. Mary’s Chapel Many of the FOJD will be very familiar with the walk from the Banqueting Hall past the Turkey Oak and Jesmond Terrace to St. Mary’s Chapel, now a scheduled monument. These medieval remains are all that is left after years of neglect and decay which started in the reign of Henry VIII and the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Visitors will see that the chapel is still a place of religious homage and regularly used by people. More recently a ‘Dalle de verre’ (slab glass) panel has been put in place which looks beautiful and suggests a place of worship. The volunteers who lead the guided walks in the Dene and adjacent parks were recently lucky enough to come across the maker of the window, who is also an architect (Ralph P). He recounted that the window was commissioned on the 2nd September 2003 and is a memorial to a lady (Kathleen O’Rawe) who went to pray in the Chapel every day. She was perturbed by the state of the ruins and asked what might be done to improve the situation. First, it was arranged to cover the floor of the Chapel with river gravel to replace the slag ash thus making a hard, mud free floor for visitors and those who go to pray. It took 3 bags of gravel and this would have been laid in approximately 2000. When this was complete Kathleen wanted to do something else for the Chapel and asked for the window to be made. The architect (Ralph) warned her about seeking planning permission but she insisted it go ahead with the result that the window was removed by the council on the advice of English Heritage. She had asked would permission be granted and Ralph said almost certainly not. He admits it was a bit cheeky to fit the panel without asking the owner’s permission (Newcastle City Council) but this seemed the only way forward. Scheduled monuments are rightly very strictly governed by planning laws and the public are not allowed to add or remove artefacts. Later, after the window had been removed, Ralph arranged a meeting on site with representatives of English Heritage and the City Conservation and Planning Department, as well as a lady trustee representing the Kathleen O’Rawe estate. He remembers that it was a day in February and blowing a blizzard but all turned up. Kathleen’s Trustee spoke up and said ‘This ruin is a lot different from Hadrian’s Wall or other listed monuments, it is used for worship and I think the panel would enhance the Chapel’. English Heritage agreed and, the window was finally fitted on 8th October 2013. The window had been held in safe keeping by the solicitors acting for Kathleen’s estate while the case was discussed and was kept in perfect condition making the restoral a simpler process than might have been. The panel took 10 years to make and sadly Kathleen died before it was in place. A further example of Ralph P’s work in slab glass can be seen at the R.C. Sacred Heart Church in South Gosforth.
Photograph of Dalle de verre glass pieces Yvonne Shannon FOJD and Volunteer Ranger 8
Chillingham Road School Several of the FOJD and their children and perhaps grandchildren might have attended Chillingham Road School. The school has a long history and the current children are still brought to Jesmond Dene by their teachers for educational activities. If you want to learn more about the history of Chillingham Road School then you may be interested in this new book called:- From Logbooks to Blogs : A History of Chillingham Road School written by Ann Denton & Heather Holmes.
Ann and Heather have carried out extensive research into the school’s archives which has resulted in a fascinating history: you can read about the Head Teachers, what life was like in Victorian times, the teaching methods used including “Object lessons” and Montessori, Changes to the buildings over the years. Diseases and deaths...... Punishment and Rewards............ and some surprising famous ex-pupils...... The book which is a paperback and illustrated with lots of photographs costs £6 – 50 can be bought from Chillingham Road Primary School Office (Term time only) or via Ann, by e-mail: anndenton@hotmail.com Ann Denton FoHAP and Volunteer Ranger 9
Membership FOJD
The Newsletter is available online and the Friends' website is the primary news source for both members and the general public. We will also be sending the newsletter to all FOJD who have given us their email address. Printed copies of newsletters are still available for collection at the Ouseburn Parks' Visitor Centre.
FOJD has a presence on Facebook. Please join the group to share thoughts and/or photographs of the Dene. Please like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofJesmondDene and/or join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/757773184342507/, to find out about future events in the Dene.
If you have concerns or suggestions, 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.
Membership subscriptions are set at a flat rate of £5 p.a. for households. This is paid by standing order. Our Membership Secretary is available if you need help or advice on how to join - contact Keith Pringle, FOJD at the address on the last page of this newsletter. Details you will need to set up the standing order are the bank details for the Friends bank - The Sort Code / Account Number you will need are 30 93 55 / 01464356. Would you also please ask them to assign a payment reference of your own full name (forename and surname) so that we can correctly identify your payment.
JESMOND DENE ARCHIVES 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. You can contact us and/or send your memories for possible inclusion in the Newsletter: - c/o FOJD Archives Project, Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Millfield House, Jesmond Dene
People Counting in Heaton and Armstrong Park This was a collaborative effort including FOJD, FoHAP, Volunteer Rangers and the Parks Rangers. Knowing how many visitors come into our parks is very important when applying for funding for projects or for demonstrating to the council how well used a resource they are. Usually we (FOJD, FoHAP, Volunteer Rangers and Parks Rangers) take part in this exercise every four years. Four hour slots are allocated to the volunteers by the Park Rangers over the duration of a week and we literally try to count each person coming in through the various entrances, the Rangers give us a plan to ensure we don’t count the same people twice. This time our allocated week was particularly good as far as weather was concerned and we could see how popular this venue is. Lots of people are interested and ask what we are doing and what the numbers are for. The numbers will be collated soon and we can give an update. Yvonne Shannon FOJD and Volunteer Ranger 10
Plant Stall at the monthly Food Market on Armstrong Bridge The Friends of Jesmond Dene have been running a Plant Stall at the Food Market on Armstrong Bridge since May. It takes place on the third Saturday of each Month and lasts from 10am till 3pm. We have been selling plants at the Visitors Centre for a few months but at the Food Market, the Friends run all aspects of the stall. Volunteers make all the arrangements for the stall, including providing good quality plants and various other items for sale, setting up and running the stall and responding to queries about the Friends and events happening in Jesmond Dene and other Newcastle Parks. Please come along and support our stall. The next Food Market is on the 15 th of October. If you would like to help with the stall or provide plants, please contact Lynda Fean (email: fean@blueyonder.co.uk)
FOJD Market/plant stall on Armstrong Bridge
Lynda Fean, Treasurer FOJD, and Volunteer Ranger
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Update on tasks performed by Jesmond Dene Volunteer Rangers Path clearing and cutting back This is a never-ending task. The volunteers spend a lot of time tidying up the paths in Jesmond Dene that are in most need of attention. This summer several sessions were spent on the long path running from Paddy Freemans down past Fisherman's Lodge to the Red Walk. This had become badly overgrown with weeds encroaching and hiding the edging stones. Several other paths were also cut back during the summer. The Old Mill We often tidy up the Old Mill when it needs clearing of litter and weeds. Cleaning up the river Debris is carried into the Dene from further up-river, as well as items thrown in the river by people using the Dene – usually bottles and cans. In dry weather, when the water is low, the debris gets caught upon rocks and builds up into quite a large pile. In these cases volunteers in waders go into the river to clear the blockages while other volunteers on the bank haul the debris ashore with ropes and dispose of it. It is surprising how much rubbish can be taken from one stretch of river. We recently had the additional problem of a tree that had been brought down by a minor landslide opposite Coleman's Field and was blocking the river, causing a build up of debris. It was necessary for the Ranger to chain-saw the larger branches so that these could be pulled out of the river by volunteers in wellington boots.. Eventually a channel was opened to allow the water to flow freely. Tree clearing In May we had a session in the Quarry clearing away some of the mess left by a beech tree that had fallen and blocked the path. The broken branches formed a dense mass that was very difficult to disentangle. The timber was dragged to the path and stacked ready to be chipped when convenient. Some of the timber was taken back to the Volunteers hut to be used for logs In August we spent some time in the closed-off area across the river from Fisherman's Lodge. This area once had a path through it leading from the Banqueting Hall to the Picnic Field, but has long been closed as the path is dangerous. The area has substantial growths of Rhododendron which are crowding out other trees and Mike, the Ranger, wanted to thin this out so as to give the native species more of a chance to thrive. The area had to be accessed from the top road down a steep bank. There was a considerable amount of litter from people who had been surreptitiously using the area and after collecting this, it had to be dragged by rope up the bank for removal by wagon. We spent some time cutting the Rhododendron down to knee height, producing quite a bit of timber which has been left for later disposal. When we had finished there was quite a clearing where previously it had been dark and gloomy. Tree Planting In April the Volunteers planted the latest batch of young trees in the Dene. The Friends of Jesmond Dene paid for six young trees (four oaks and two limes) and Ranger Mike Hancock selected suitable locations where the trees are likely to thrive. Surrounding vegetation was cleared and holes were dug to receive the trees. The trees were planted and watered. Double stakes were driven into the ground with a cross-piece to which the trees were attached by a flexible rubber strip. Finally the trees were given a good watering. Paddy Freeman's Boating Lake During mid-summer the edge of the boating lake at Paddy Freeman's had become very overgrown with weeds and was untidy. The Volunteers spent a few sessions on their knees digging out the weeds. The resultant appearance of the lake was a vast improvement.
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Millfield House Garden The garden next to Millfield House has a substantial amount of shrubs extending up the hillside where there are paths, steps and seating. The shrubs had started to take over and so time was spent by the Volunteers in cutting them back and weeding the paths and steps. The garden now looks much neater. Walker Riverside Park A few sessions have been spent at Walker Riverside Park with some of the Volunteers from that area. This has been spent on the usual cutting back of paths and litter picking. It makes a nice change to work in a different area. The Volunteers also spent some sessions at Havannah and Big Waters Nature Reserves tidying up paths and clearing water courses. We have also spent time at Havannah maintaining the heathland for the butterflies by removing any seedlings that would eventually develop into trees or bushes. Heaton Park Several weekend sessions were arranged in conjunction with FoHAP in which the Volunteers helped to tidy up Heaton Park by cutting back shrubs, path clearing, clearing blocked drains and litter-picking. A couple of trees came down in the windy weather during the spring and a lot of people power was needed to clear the timber after it had been sawn up by the Rangers. We now have a plentiful supply of wood for logs. There is now a dog-walking area in Heaton Park near the Temple Steps. This is surrounded by a metal-mesh fence. Unfortunately one of the fence panels was vandalized and needed replacing. The Volunteers removed the old panel and fitted a new one. We hope this one lasts longer. The former bowling green is now just a grassy area. It had to be re-seeded and Volunteers helped to mow the new grass when it came up. The Nature Area. The Nature Area, across the river from Pets Corner, often needs a tidy-up, especially when Sarah is about to hold an open day. This involves mowing the access areas around the wild-flower meadow and small pond as well as cutting back vegetation, weeding paths and so on. Cleaning out the pond near Fisherman’s Lodge. The outlet of the pond periodically gets blocked with leaves and debris. Now and then it is necessary to take some drainage rods up to the pond and clear the outlet until the water is running freely into the river. We usually do this while on the way to do a job further up the Dene so as to save ourselves a journey. Anyone wishing to become a Volunteer Ranger should contact Sarah or Mike on 0191 2812082 or email parks&countryside@newcastle.gov.uk
Dave Poste FOJD and Volunteer Ranger
Please see up to date activities on the FOJD Facebook page Please like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofJesmondDene and/or join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/757773184342507/, to find out about future events in the Dene.
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October – December 2016 Ouseburn Park Events Sunday 16 October 1.30 – 3.30pm Paddy Freeman’s and Wild Jesmond £3 per person Find out about the Freeman Family and see some less well known sites of Jesmond Dene on this guided walk, in the company of volunteers who are passionate about the parks. Booking essential. Please phone 0191 2812082 to book. Saturday 22 October 10 - 11.30 or 12 - 1.30 Bulb Planting and Autumn Activity Sessions Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Cafe) £5 per child Come and plant some bulbs to take home with you and nurture. There will be nature trail, scavenger hunt as well as arts and crafts. Please contact the Visitor Centre for more information and to book your place on 0191 2812082. Saturday 22 October 11 – 3pm Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens comes to Pets Corner, Jesmond Dene Come and meet the team and some of the animals from the zoo. Chat to the team to find out how you can sign up for an animal care or land based course here at Jesmond Dene and Kirkley Hall Campus. Friday 28 October 10.30 - 12pm or 1 - 2.30pm Pumpkin Carving and Camp Fire Jesmond Dene £7.50 per child (including pumpkin), Adults £2.50 Join the Rangers and Volunteers in the woods, carve a pumpkin and other spooky activities around a camp fire. There will be hot chocolate, marshmallows and toffee apples too! Booking essential and all children must accompanied. Maximum 2 adults per child. Suggested age 5+. Booking essential. Please call to book your place 0191 2812082. Friday 28 October 6.30 - 8.30pm Halloween Pumpkin Walk Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre - Jesmond Dene Children £5, Adults £2.50 Bring your own pumpkin lantern along with your spooky Halloween costumes and join us an evening walk through the woods - there may be eyes watching us from all sorts of places and you Fully booked never know who we might meet on the way! We'll return to the Visitor Centre for pumpkin soup and hot chocolate. Minimum age 6 years. Maximum 2 adults per child. Booking essential and all children must be accompanied. Please call to book your place and for more information on 0191 2812082.
Saturday 10 December 10am – 12pm Christmas Wreaths Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café) £10 per person (includes refreshments) booked Come along and make your own Fully Christmas Wreath. All materials will be provided but if you have a pair of secateurs please bring them with you. Places are limited; book early to ensure your place, call 2812082 and for more information. This is an event for adults, so sorry, no under 16s.
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Wednesday 14 December 10 – 12.30pm Christmas Wreaths Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre (next to Millfield House Café) £10 per person (includes refreshments) Come along and make 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, call 2812082 and for more information. This is an event for adults, so sorry, no under 16s. Thursday 15 December 6.30 – 9pm Christmas Wreaths Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café) £10 per person (includes refreshments) Come along and make your own Christmas Wreath. All materials will be provided but if you have a pair of secateurs please bring them with you. Places are limited; book early to ensure your place, call 2812082 and for more information. This is an event for adults, so sorry, no under 16s. Saturday 17 December 9.30 – 10.30am or 11.30 – 12.30pm Make your own Christmas Decorations Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café) Family Ticket £10 (1 x reindeer and 1 x table decoration) Add a bit of the Dene to your festive decorations! Make your very own wooden reindeer and table centre piece with the Rangers and Volunteer Rangers. Family tickets are £10 and will enable you to make one reindeer and one table decoration. Maximum 2 adults per child. Places are limited; book early to ensure your place, call 2812082 and for more information.
Please look out for our January to March events on the notice boards around the Visitor Centre in the Dene or follow the Friends of Jesmond Dene on Facebook. We will publish our summer events in the next Friends newsletter but they will also be found at the places mentioned above.
Committee list: Chairman Vice Chairman Treasurer Secretary Members Membership Sec. Newsletter Team
Clive Gerrard <post vacant> Lynda Fean Sue Stokel-Walker Maggie Dowman, Geoffrey Carter Keith Pringle Maggie Dowman, Yvonne Shannon
Sarah Capes (Ranger, 0191265 0564) sarah.capes@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
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