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Issue 25, March 2000
Editor: Michael A. Trend
We are now into the New Millenium, the Celebrations went well. The Bugs Ball was great fun for the Children. The great gathering for the Fireworks at the Ancient Unicorn was voted a success. So what is on offer for the coming months? The Guide and History of the Village has now been published. The Secret Garden at the school is well under way, the football club have a fund raising night. There is an exciting new venture of an Artist Blacksmith in Teesdale. Five villages will be chosen and the successful ones will have a lasting reminder in a Village Sign. The council have submitted our village's entry.
Maybe there are events that I do not know of, please if you have anything planned let Cliff Brown know [628373] for the next Bulletin.
The "Bowes Village Guide" is now available from the Post Office at £1.40. It is an excellent booklet, written by our local Historian Gordon Rowe and illustrated by John Degnan. Chock full of information and illustrated street plan. Useful gift for visiting friends. As indeed are "Circular Walks Around Bowes" also available.
Information on other (non-Parish) books on the Bowes Village web-site!
Some improvement works are to be carried out. The Capitals to the gates have been rearranged and securely fixed. The entrance is to be paved and the gates repainted. Proposals are in hand for a ramp to the lower part and hand rails for the steps. Thirty one (31) Yew saplings have been planted, to re-establish the Avenue, which was part of the original plan.
Toilet Block: Work on the building of these is well under way a much needed improvement, part of the ongoing updating of the Hall. We now have a computer at the hall [courtesy West Durham Public Access Points]. This will be connected to the Internet and will be for the proper use of any one in the two Parishes. It is hoped some training will be available. This will commence when the toilet block is finished and the area can be heated.
The planning of the Secret Garden is well under way, it will be situated on the East side of the School Field. [That's giving it away.]
If anyone knows of any Household in the village which has not received their John Degnan print of Bowes and Gilmonby, could you please let any member of the Parish Hall Committee know.
There may be a small number of additional prints left over. People with strong connections to the Parish and who no longer live here, may be interested in purchasing their own copy at £10.00. If there are more applications than we have prints for, there may have to be a draw. Anyone interested please contact Joyce Close on Teesdale 627333.
You may recall that last Autumn an application was made for a grant from the Heritage Lottery to research and restore the Well, unfortunately not successful. A fresh application has now been made to the Rural Community Council, which may be more appropriate to the nature of the project. The well has been included on the Durham County Site and Monument Record, where it is described as a medieval rededication of a well possible dating back to Roman times.
With good reason the council is still receiving complaints about this very nasty nuisance. It is particularly bad at the bottom end of the village. Owners are reminded that it is an offence as well as offensive to allow their dogs to foul the footpaths.
Bowes School: 4th April at 6pm. Hanging basket demonstration by Ravensworth Nurseries. All welcome.
Bowes Club: 11th March. Pie & Pea Supper followed by Cine Horse Racing, in aid of Club Funds. Entry free.
Parish Hall: First Friday of March & April. Line Dancing.
Bowes Club: Tony "Wild Thing" Hill. Date to be announced.
Last week at the Village Hall, Jack Drum Arts presented "Set in Stone". Splendid acting, greatly enjoyed by those who attended. There was only a moderate attentance, which was a pity. We need to offer more support if we are to continue to have such opportunities, and encourage those who work so hard to arrange them.
Our local beat Officer, PC Hendy held a Surgery at the Unicorn supported by Sergeant Gattis and Inspector Robson. These villagers who attended thought it well worth while. A police presence in the village is to be welcomed and Michael Hendy is becoming well known.
This is an imaginative and exciting project sponsored by Teesdale District Council. The intention is that hte Blacksmith Mr. Graeme Hopper from Hunwick, will be contracted over a 12 month period, to work in 5 villages and to produce a village sign for each.
The sign will be sculpted in metal and will include images as well as the village name. This will be decided in consultation with residents.
The Artist will hold workshops in technique and skills of sculpting metal, some of which will be held at tje artist's Forge in Hunwick.
This is of particular interest to this village, as some of you will remember that this was one of the proposals for the Millenium Year.
The Council have submitted our application to Teesdale Council for consideration as one of the villages.
If we are successful a lead contact or team will be needed to host the artist. Will anyone interested contact any of the councillors or the clerk.
The clerk has a copy of the current roll for inspection by anyone interested.