What's Happening / Events
Nature Trail at Woolsington Parish Ponds opens in memory of beloved seven‑year‑old Archie York, victim of the explosion in Benwell, October 2024
A new Nature Trail created in memory of seven-year-old Archie York was officially opened on Friday 29 May, on what would have been Archie’s 9th birthday. The area around the Ponds in Woolsington Parish has been a place of comfort for the Yorks. It is where Archie enjoyed countless family walks with his parents, brother and their dogs.
Woolsington Parish Council, Newcastle City Council and landowners (Taylor Wimpey & Persimmon Homes) joined together to work with the family to explore how his memory might be honoured in a way that reflects his joyful spirit and love of the outdoors. Together, they developed the idea for Archie’s Nature Trail, a walking route that weaves through the Parish Ponds area.
The Trail – named Forever 7 - has been designed by local artist Steve Pardue, inspired by the family’s ideas of what Archie would have liked. The family hope the Trail will become a special place for others to explore and enjoy together, just as they did with Archie. Every element of the route has been created to reflect the things Archie loved, offering a gentle and lasting tribute to a much‑loved little boy.
Archie`s mam Katherine said: “Archie loved walking around this area with our two dogs. Being outdoors, noticing everything around him – that was when he was happiest. We sadly lost one of our dogs, Chase, alongside Archie in the explosion, and creating this Nature Trail has helped us feel closer to them both.
“This is a place where we can come as a family and remember him. We have such precious memories of him running around, laughing, exploring and just being the beautiful little boy that he was.
It means so much to be able to share this space with others who loved Archie and want to remember him. He had so many friends, and it has been difficult for them to understand how he was taken from us so suddenly. Seeing their ideas included in the Trail has been incredibly touching.
We’re so grateful to everyone who has supported this project. People have been unbelievably kind, and thanks to them, Archie’s Nature Trail is now a place that will bring comfort and joy for many years to come. Our boy will be Forever 7, but his memory will live on here forever.”
Archie's classmates have also played a part in shaping the Trail, with Steve drawing inspiration from their stories and memories. Friends from his class were amongst the first to walk the trail with Katherine, Robbie and Finley.
The Trail features seven separate posts, each showing different nature representations, including nature superheroes, and Archie loved superheroes. Getting the artwork just right was very important to Steve Pardue who describes the area as a ‘little pocket of wildness between busy roads, incoming flights and a growing population.’ Steve was also particularly struck by the way the children at Bridgewater Primary School spoke about Archie as if he was still with us. Steve said: “The sessions I spent with the children looking at nature and drawing the beautiful things we found in their school grounds have fed into the designs for the Forever 7 Nature Trail.”
The opportunity to work on the Trail has been an honour for Steve, he continued: “It has been lovely working on something close to me and with such a fantastic engagement from the local community. I hope that Archie’s Trail will be a place of nurture and nature for the wildlife and local community for years to come.”
The Parish Ponds Project, created by the Parish Council, aims to unite the community in protecting, restoring and celebrating the natural beauty and biodiversity of open blue and green spaces. Deploying rewilding techniques, former industrial land is being renewed, creating a shared space for wellbeing, learning and connection with nature.
George Pattison, Chair of the Parish Council said: “This is a deeply important and cherished space for Archie’s family and the wider community. We were truly pleased to support Katherine and Robbie in creating the Trail and helping to shape a place that offers reflection, remembrance and quiet enjoyment for generations to come.
We kindly ask that everyone respects this special area, allowing people the space to remember Archie, come together as families, or simply appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings.”
Below: Archie`s Seat offers a beautiful view of the Main Pond
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Chair of Woolsington Parish Council, Cllr George Pattison visits the site of Archie`s Nature Trail to make final preparations for the Inaugural event on May 29.
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SAVE THE DATE
| FOREVER 7: Archie’s Nature Trail INAUGURAL WALK & EVENT 29 May 2026 12.30 pm at the Parish Ponds – Press Release to follow |  |
Archie York (7) was tragically killed in the Benwell explosion, October 2024, caused by illegal activity in the property below the family home.
The family are keen to create a Nature Trail at the Parish Ponds in Archie’s memory, in recognition of his love of the outdoors, nature and spending happy times there. They envisage that this Trail, including bespoke artwork on 7 posts along the way, will be engaging for children, like Archie, but also that it will be something for all ages to enjoy. His family and former classmates are involved in the Project, with local artist Steve Pardue depicting on the posts what Archie might have chosen himself from his observations of the natural world. It is hoped that Forever 7: Archie’s Nature Trail will encourage more families to enjoy the area, in the same way that Archie York used to, and his family still do.
The Event will include the opening of the Nature Trail and the opportunity to enjoy it. There will also be some additional attractions for everyone, such as pond dipping, face painting, an ice-cream van and refreshments from the Cafe Cup.
Parish Council Chair Cllr George Pattison (left) on site at the Ponds with Nick Howell, City Council Rights of Way Officer, planning ‘Archie’s Nature Trail’
There is so much to see & learn about at the Parish Ponds – it’s a must-see destination for all ages. For more information about how to access the Ponds, learn about the wildlife on site, and upcoming events, please follow the Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/410512668233891/
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The Woolsington Millennium Seat
The Millennium Seat was one of many public seats and benches introduced in Newcastle as part of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI) millennium celebrations and developments in 2000. These improvements, which included the incredible the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, were part of a large effort to revamp Newcastle/Gateshead and put on an international stage.
However, over the last 25 years constant use and general wear and tear has taken its toll, and some have become in need of repair.
The Parish Council recently issued a questionnaire to learn how residents would like to see recently acquired Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to be invested. Recreation and Leisure scored very highly in the responses for Woolsington & Bank Foot.
Therefore, the Parish Council decided to purchase several new seats, benches, picnic tables and a waste bin for the Parish Ponds & Abbotswood. This also included the repair of our very popular Millennium Seat in Woolsington.
After a lot of research PC Members decided to use the highly durable MARMAX material. The products are made locally in Stanley by MARMAX, an award-winning company that makes 100% recycled plastic furniture. Marmax is made from re-cycled milk containers; they are maintenance free, do not rot, corrode, nor splinter and are promoted as being resistant to graffiti and more resilient to other types of vandalism. Ideal to stand the test of time.
WPC Chair George Pattison undertaking the acid test
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Message From Newcastle International Airport: Drones
If you were lucky enough to get a drone this Christmas, please remember to use them safely. Flying a drone near an airport can pose serious risks to aircraft and passengers. Newcastle Airport, like all airports in the UK, has a Flight Restricted Zone. You must gain permission from Air Traffic Control to fly in this zone. To request permission, please visit our website: www.newcastleairport.com/about-your-airport/aerodrome-and-airport-operations/drone-operations For the laws and safety information on flying drones, visit the Civil Aviation Authority's website: www.caa.co.uk/drones
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Woolsington Parish Ponds - Quad Biking
We have had a return of problems with QUAD BIKING this week at the Parish Ponds and Upper Ouse Burn. With damage to wildflower beds and the riverbanks, causing potential pollution problems and a big threat to wildlife (see photos)
This is criminal damage and we are working with Northumbria Police to resolve it
If you witness any activity please inform the Police This can be done via the 101 system, and also online, using the following link https://www.northumbria.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/
It only takes a few minutes and it makes a difference
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Simonside Primary School Clothes Recycling Project
Please be advised that the bin is at the far end of the school car park and accessible to all.
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Cheviot Primary School: The Edible Playground
A post submitted by Cheviot Primary School
Cheviot Edible Playground and Woolsington Parish Council
Cheviot’s Edible Playground is able to flourish thanks to the donations and continued support of the Woolsington Parish Council, and friends of our school Joanne Couchman and John Littleton.
Last year we worked hard to get the Edible Playground up and running and used regularly. This year, Mrs Waite and Mrs Keers are taking charge, and clearly Mrs Waite already has her class on the case!
So far this term, Joanne and John brought us some Japanese onions to plant so that they can grow over the winter months.
Cheviot would like to say a massive thank you to Woolsington Parish Council for their support and friendship.
The Edible Playground: an article by school pupils Ellie-Mae, Scarlett, Emilie and Amelia in Year Five
Year Five are in control of the Edible Playground. We have been picking the raspberries, carrots and potatoes and we are starting to plant some onions. In the Edible Playground, there are lots of fruit and vegetables that we pick every Wednesday. We also make sure that weeds don’t get in the way of the plants that need to grow.
Plants need water, sunlight and space to grow. Some of the weeds try to grow over our plants which is bad so we have to watch them closely!
Taking care of plants is a big responsibility to take on. We need to be careful about what happens to them.
You can visit the Cheviot School website via www.cheviot.smartacademies.net – it is full of information and great articles.
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Breeding Mallard and Canada Geese taken at the Parish Ponds, Its representative and Illustrates a successful breeding season for waterfowl, due wholly to the Parish Council and its investments in Biodiversity
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Bee friendly City
Grass verges in Woolsington maintained by the City Council Grounds Maintenance Team
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BINGO
Galafield Community Centre,
Every Tuesday and Saturday 6pm - 9pm
All Welcome
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Developers work with community to clean up open space near proposed new development site at Upper Callerton
A consortium of developers have banded together with community groups to clean up the local area. Staff from Taylor Wimpey North East, Northumberland Estates and their consultants joined forces with members of local youth group Projects4Change and Woolsington Parish Council to clean up footpaths and open spaces surrounding the proposed development at Upper Callerton.
The litter picking team
The litter pick was arranged following the consortium’s request for initial feedback on its proposals, with the young people at the youth club commenting that they were keen to be involved in environmental projects.
Litter pick sticks, gloves, high vis jackets, bags and boxes were provided by the consortium, and a significant amount and range of litter was collected and disposed of on the day. As a thank you to the young people at Projects4Change who attended the litter pick, Northumberland Estates and Taylor Wimpey North East have also arranged a free visit to Alnwick Castle and Gardens later in the year.
The proposed development by the consortium comprising Northumberland Estates, Persimmon Homes, Taylor Wimpey and the Quadrini family could see up to 1,600 two, three, four and five bedroom homes built at Upper Callerton.
Affordable homes would also be created as part of the scheme, boosting the affordability of home ownership for local people and relieving the pressure on the social housing rented sector.
David Abercrombie, Technical Director at Taylor Wimpey North East said: “As soon as we start planning new developments, we’re keen to get involved with and support the local community as much as possible.
“After receiving valuable feedback on the current state of the area around the proposed development, we knew we could help in providing a genuine solution, which also gives back to the community.”
Barry Spall, Development Planner at Northumberland Estates said: “We’re grateful that so many people showed up on the day as it meant we were able to collect a significant amount of rubbish. The surrounding footpaths and open spaces look much tidier and more welcoming as a result.”
Upper Callerton is part of the Callerton Neighbourhood Growth Area, which has been allocated for the development of approximately 3,000 new homes within the Newcastle Gateshead Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan (CSUCP).
The public consultation, which is live at www.uppercallertonconsultation.com, will be around a master plan that takes into account initial comments from Newcastle City Council, Woolsington Parish Council and the Woolsington Residents’ Association, together with local youth groups.
An estimated 600 new construction and supply chain jobs could be created if plans get the green light, with work on this latest phase of the overall housing allocation for Callerton potentially starting as early as autumn 2023.
Local youth group Projects4Change show Members of Woolsington Parish Council how it`s done
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It was great to see children at Simonside Primary School enjoying the Christmas Tree donated by the Parish Council, it looks fantastic
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A great day was had at the Galafest, Galafield Centre, Newbiggin Lane.