Blakelaw & North Fenham Community Council

Making A Difference In Your Community Today

PictureBlakelaw and North Fenham Community Council is based within Newcastle City Council's Blakelaw Ward. The Community Council is split in to 3 Wards within the Parish boundary, Blakelaw, Cragston and North Fenham.

Parish Boundary Map 
BLAKELAW ward map.pdf

Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council is a local community council serving the people of Blakelaw and North Fenham.

Community Councils (also known as Parish Councils) are the first tier of local government and are statutory bodies. They serve electorates and are independently elected and raise their own precept (a form of council tax). Residents will know they live within the Community Council area as they will pay this additional precept charge. Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council are 1 of 10,000 local councils in England with over 30% of the country parished with 100,000 councillors serving in these local councils. Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have 12 seats on the Council with 5 of those seats currently being filled leaving 7 vacancies spread across all 3 Wards. The role of Community Councillor is not a paid role and those elected put themselves forward as volunteers.

Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council works hard to improve community well-being and providing better services. Our activities fall into three main categories: representing the local community; delivering services to meet local needs; striving to improve quality of life and community well-being.

Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council support community groups, campaign for community safety and crime reduction measures, hold their own community events, litter bins, street cleaning and youth projects amongst a number of other support community initiatives.

John Wears

Chair

Blakelaw Ward Contact no. 07708634777 Email. johnwears.bnfcc@gmail.com

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James Gill (Jimmy)

Vice Chair

Blakelaw Ward Contact No. 07986 131 306 Email. jimmygill.bnfcc@gmail.com

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Ann Keenan

Community Councillor

Blakelaw Ward Contact No. 07817 272 982 Email. annkeenan1952@gmail.com

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Violet Rooke

Community Councillor

Blakelaw Ward Email. v.rookbnfcc@gmail.com

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Debbie Playford

Community Councillor

Blakelaw Ward Email. dplayfordbnfcc60@gmail.com

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Deborah Wears

Community Councillor

Blakelaw Ward Email. debbiewears.bnfcc@gmail.com

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Vacancy

Community Councillor

Cragston Ward

Vacancy

Community Councillor

Cragston Ward

Vacancy

Community Councillor

Cragston Ward

Vacancy

Community Councillor

North Fenham Ward

Vacancy

Community Councillor

North Fenham Ward

Helen Richardson

Clerk to the Community Council


FOR ALL MEETINGS OF THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL INCLUDING DROP INS AND SUB GROUPS, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHAIR OR CLERK TO THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FOR FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THE VENUE


Community Council Meetings

Meetings are  held on the second Thursday of each month, (except August and December), in the Community Room, Moorland House, Moulton Place, Blakelaw, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 3RY - please check the website for times as they do vary.  You are advised to check the location on each agenda.  Please see the below for the agendas and minutes of each meeting.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and raise any issues before the commencement of the formal business.  If you wish to speak during the formal business session, please indicate this to the Chair by raising your hand.  The Chair will conduct the order of speakers and will indicate who will speak next. 

Standards and Codes

The Standards (Parish/Community Councils) Sub Committee, oversees the operation of the codes of conduct by providing guidance assistance and training. See the Code of Conduct 

Code of conduct 2019.pdf

BNFCC Standing Orders 2018 (revised 2020)[2600].docx

BNFCC Financial Regulations July-2019[2598].docx


2023/2024 - Agenda's and Minutes 

Date
Agenda
Minutes
13 April 2023Agenda 13.04.2023.doc
Rearranged to 20 April 2023 
20 April 2023 Agenda 20.04.2023.doc
Minutes 20.04.2023.doc
11 May 2023 - AGMAGM Agenda 11.05.2023.doc
Minutes 12.05.2022.doc
08 June 2023No meeting 
Special Meeting 20 June 2023Extra-ordinary Meeting 20.06.2023.doc
Minutes 20.06.2023 (extra-ordinary meeting).doc
13 July 2023
Agenda 13.07.2023.doc

10 August 2023
No meeting

14 September 2023
Agenda 14.09.2023.doc
Cancelled to be rearranged
10 October 2023


09 November 2023


14 December 2023
No meeting

11 January 2024


08 February 2024


14 March 2024



Sub Groups 2023/2024

Date
Sub Group
Agenda
Chair (for further information please contact the Chair)
25 May 2023 Community Engagement/Evo GroupAgenda 25.05.2023 (Joint Meeting).doc
John Wears (meeting not quorate) 
25 May 2023 Employment Group (Closed Group)

06 July 2023 Community Engagement/Evo Group


July 2023Employment Group (Closed Group)


28 September 2023Community Engagement/Evo Group


October 2023Employment Group (Closed Group)


23 November 2023Community Engagement/Evo Group


26 January 2024Community Engagement/Evo Group


January 2024Employment Group (Closed Group)


22 March 2024Community Engagement/Evo Group



2022/2023 - Agenda's and Minutes 

Date 
Agenda
Minutes 
14 April 2022 (Cancelled)Agenda 14.04.2022.doc
Meeting cancelled and rearranged to 28/04/2022
28 April 2022 (rearranged)Agenda 28.04.2022(rearranged).doc
Minutes 28.04.2022.doc
12 May 2022 (AGM)AGM Agenda 12.05.2022.doc
Minutes 12.05.2022.doc
09 June 2022Agenda 09.06.2022.doc
Minutes 09.06.2022.doc
14 July 2022Agenda 14.07.2022.doc
Minutes 14.07.2022.doc
August 2022No Meeting 
08 September 2022 (postponed due to the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II)Agenda 08.09.2022.doc
Minutes 08.09.2022.doc
13 October 2022Agenda 13.10.2022.doc
Minutes 13.10.2022.doc 
17 November 2022Agenda 17.11.2022.doc
Minutes 17.11.2022.doc
December 2022 No Meeting 
12 January 2023Agenda 12.01.2023.doc
Minutes 12.01.2023.doc
09 February 2023Agenda 09.02.2023.doc
Minutes 09.02.2023.doc
09 March 2023Agenda 09.03.2023.doc
Meeting cancelled and rearranged to 16/03/2023
16 March 2023Agenda 16.03.2023.doc
Meeting Cancelled 


Sub Groups 

Date
Sub GroupAgenda Chair (for further information please contact the Chair)
08 June 2022Community Engagement Agenda 08.06.2022.doc
Juna Sathian
07 July 2022Environment Evo Gp 07.07.2022.doc
Violet Rook
04 August 2022Staffing (Closed Group)
John Wears 
08 September 2022Community Engagement Agenda 08.09.2022.doc
Juna Sathian
06 October 2022EnvironmentPostponedViolet Rook
03 November 2022Community Engagement 
Juna Sathian 
01 December 2022Staffing (Closed Group)
John Wears
05 January 2023Budget Meeting 
John Wears 
02 February 2023Community Engagement 
Juna Sathian
02 March 2023 Environment
Violet Rook
March 2023Staffing (Closed Group)
John Wears 


2021/2022 - Agenda's and Minutes 

Date 
Agenda
Minutes 
08 April 2021Agenda 08.04.2021.doc
Minutes 08.04.2021.doc
POSTPONED
13 May 2021 - AGM 
AGM Agenda 13.05.2021.doc
POSTPONED due to the continuation of holding digital meetings lapsing 
 20 May 2021 - AGM - to be held at English Martyr's Church Agenda 20.05.2021 (Rescheduled from 13.05.2021).doc
Minutes(AGM) 20.05.2021.doc
BNFCC Annual Report 2020-21[3390].pdf
10 June 2021
Agenda 10.06.2021.doc
Minutes 10.06.2021.doc
 08 July 2021 Agenda 08.07.2021.doc
Minutes 08.07.2021.doc
 August 2021 - No Meeting

 16 September 2021Agenda 16.09.2021.doc
Minutes 16.09.201.doc
 14 October 2021Agenda 14.10.2021.doc
Minutes 14.10.2021.doc
 11 November 2021Agenda 11.11.2021.doc
Minutes 11.11.2021.doc
 02 December 2021 - Special Meeting Agenda 02.12.2021.doc
Minutes 02.12.2021.doc
13 January 2022
Agenda 13.01.2022.doc
Minutes 13.01.2022.doc
10 February 2022
Agenda 10.02.2022.doc
Minutes 10.02.2022.doc
10 March 2022
Agenda 10.03.2022.doc
Minutes 10.03.2022.doc


Sub Groups 

Date
Sub GroupAgenda
Chair (for further information please contact the Chair)
04/02/2021Community Engagement GroupBNFCC Comms Meeting 04.02.2021.doc
Jimmy Gill 
03/06/2021Community Engagement Group Agenda 03.06.2021.doc
Juna Sathian 
01/07/2021Environmental Group Agenda 01.07.2021.docx
Violet Rooke 
21/09/2021Community Engagement Group
Agenda 21.09.2021.doc
Juna Sathian 









2020/2021 - Agendas and Minutes 

Date 
Agenda
Minutes 
09 April 2020 No Meeting (COVID - 19)
14 May 2020 - No AGM till 2021Agenda 14.05.2020.doc
Minutes 14.05.2020.doc
11 June 2020Agenda 11.06.2020.doc
Minutes 11.06.2020.doc
09 July 2020Agenda 09.07.2020.doc
Minutes 09.07.2020.doc
 13 August 2020  Agenda 13.08.2020.doc
Minutes 13.08.2020.doc
10 September 2020Agenda 10.09.2020.doc
Minutes 10.09.2020.doc
08 October 2020Agenda 08.10.2020.doc
Minutes 08.10.2020.doc
12 November 2020Agenda 12.11.2020.doc
Minutes 12.11.2020.doc
10 December 2020 - No Meeting 

14 January 2021 Agenda 14.01.2021.doc
Minutes 14.01.2021.doc
11 February 2021 (meeting postponed to 18 February 2021)Meeting postponed to 18/02/2021Meeting postponed to 18/02/2021
 18 February 2021Agenda 18.02.2021(rescheduled from 11.02.2021).doc
Minutes 18.02.2021.doc
11 March 2021
Agenda 11.03.2021.doc
Minutes 11.03.2021.doc


2019/2020 - Agendas and Minutes 




Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) 

Each year Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council are required to complete and submit to its External Auditor, an Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR). Once the return has been approved by the External Auditor, it is published on the Council’s website.

2022 - 2023

Certified AGAR including Audit Certificate 2022 - 2023 

Notice of Conclusion of Audit

Internal Auditor Report 2022 - 2023

Final Internal Audit Report (G Fletcher).pdf

Public Right of Inspection Notice 

Notice (unaudited) AGAR.docx

Unaudited AGAR 2022 - 2023 

Signed Unaudited AGAR 2022-23.pdf

Bank Reconciliation 2022-23 (1).xlsx

Explanation-of-Variances-2022 - 23.xls

Asset Register & Risk Assessment

Asset Register 2022 - 2023.xlsx

Risk assessment 2022 - 2023.docx

2021 - 2022

Certified AGAR including Audit Certificate 2021 - 2022

NL0020 AGAR(agreed).pdf

NL0020 S3(PKF Littlejohn).pdf

Notice of Conclusion of Audit

Notice of conclusion of audit.docx

Public Right of Inspection Notice

Public-rights notice 2021-22.docx

Unaudited AGAR 2021 - 2022

Signed AGAR (10.06.2022).pdf

Asset Register & Risk Assessment 

Asset Register 2021 - 2022.xlsx

Risk assessment 2021 - 2022.docx

2020 - 2021

Certified AGAR including Audit Certificate 2020 - 2021 

PKF Littlejohn (signed).pdf

Notice of Conclusion of Audit

Notice of conclusion of audit_2021[1786].docx

Public Right of Inspection Notice

Public Right of Inspection (14.06.2021 - 23.07.2021).docx

AGAR 2020 - 2021(amended)

Amended Part 3 AGAR 30.08.21(Initialled)[5771].pdf

Annual-Return-Part3-2020-21-3-e-enabled.pdf

Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2020 - 2021

Asset Register 2020 - 2021.xlsx

Risk assessment 2020-2021.docx

2019 - 2020

Certified AGAR including Audit Certificate 2019 - 2020 

Section 1&2 AGAR (Signed Off).pdf

Section 3 AGAR (Signed Off).pdf

Notice of Conclusion of Audit 

Notice of conclusion of audit_2020[1786].docx

Public Right of Inspection Notice 

Public Right of Inspection (01.09.2020-12.10.2020).docx

AGAR 2019 - 2020

AGAR 2019 - 2020.pdf

Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2019 - 2020

Asset Register.xlsx

Risk assessment 2019-20.docx

2018 - 2019 

AGAR 2018 - 2019  - if you require a copy, please contact the Clerk to the Community Council

Accounts 2018 - 2019

Copy of B&NFCC 18-19 accounts.xlsx

Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2018 - 2019 

Asset Register.xlsx

Risk assessment 2018-19.docx

2017 - 2018

AGAR 2017 - 2018  - if you require a copy, please contact the Clerk to the Community  Council 

Accounts Certificate March 2018.pdf

Accounts 2017 - 2018

Copy of B&NFCC 17-18 accounts.xlsx

Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2017 - 2018

Asset Register.xlsx

Risk assessment 2017-18.docx

2016 - 2017

AGAR 2016 - 2017  - if you require a copy, please contact the Clerk to the Community  Council

Accounts 2016 - 2017

Copy of B&NFCC 16-17 accounts.xlsx

Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2016 - 2017

Asset Register.xlsx

Risk assessment 2016-17.docx

2015 - 2016

AGAR 2015 - 2016  - if you require a copy, please contact the Clerk to the Community  Council

Copy of B&NFCC 15-16 accounts (1385).xlsx

Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2015 - 2016

Asset Register.xlsx

Risk assessment 2015-16.docx


Blakelaw & North Fenham Community Council aims to improve the social and economic welfare of the residents of the Parish. It is essential that any organisation requesting financial assistance will be expected to support the aims of the Council and that its activities address at least one of the following objectives:-

  1. To enhance community cohesion
  2. To develop social inclusion
  3. To alleviate deprivation   

Applications must be from a community based organisation. The Council will not consider applications from individuals, projects that are political or religious projects that do not demonstrate social or economic benefits.

You can apply for a grant funding by completing the below grant funding application(click on the link), don't forget to read the guidance notes thoroughly and ensure you have ALL relevant documents requested before you submit your application.

Grant Application June 2020.docx

Grant application guidance notes June 2020.doc

Grant Monitoring Form June 2020.doc


In 2022 - 2023 Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have provided financial support to:

Blakelaw Club Juniors Football Club 

SEARCH

Blakelaw Flats TARA 

Blakelaw & North Fenham Community Council have also donated garden seating to an area within North Fenham  

Red Sky Foundation (Defibrillator)

Blakelaw & North Fenham Community Council donated Christmas Trees to Hilton Primary Academy and Thomas Walling Primary Academy 


In 2021 - 2022 Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have provided financial support to:

Holly Court

Blakelaw Flats TARA

Blakelaw Club Juniors Football Club

Hilton Primary School

Thomas Walling Primary School

Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council also donated a laptop to an apprentice via Projects4Change 


In 2020 - 2021 Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have provided financial support to:

Projects4change - Youth Work

Blakelaw Club Juniors Football


In 2019/20 Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have provided financial support to:

Blakelaw Pensioners Association 

Newcastle West Kinship Carers 

Blakelaw Flats Tenants and Residents Association

Holly Court Club

165 Tenants and Residents Association

Fostering in Newcastle 

Jelly Tots Messy Play 

Little Learners Nursery - Blakelaw

Newcastle United Foundation 





Newcastle Jobs Fair @ the Civic Centre  Looking for a job, training, support or a step up the career ladder? Be part of one of the region’s largest jobs fairs hosted by Newcastle City Council, Your Homes Newcastle and Job Centre Plus on Wednesday 4th October at Newcastle Civic Centre, between 10am and 2pm.    To book your free ticket go to Newcastle Jobsfair Tickets, Wed, Oct 4, 2023 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite or for help to book contact the Skills Hub on 0191 277 4125, skillshub@newcastle.gov.uk or text 07977 730 739




Newcastle City Council Housing Review 

As you know the Housing Review consultation is underway and to help boost responses to the drop-ins can you please share the attached information with your networks.

For more information and links to the survey, please click on this link: Housing Review | Newcastle City Council

We have community information drop-in sessions planned for tenants, leaseholders and residents.

Friday 22 September 2023

West End Customer Service Centre, NE4 9JH

11.00am – 1.00pm

----------------x----------------

Monday 25 September 2023

St Martins Centre, Roman Avenue, NE6 2RJ

11.00am – 1.00pm

----------------x----------------

Tuesday 26 September 2023

City Library, 33 Newbridge Street, NE1 8AX

10.00am – 12.00noon

----------------x----------------

Thursday 28 September 2023

Kenton Customer Service Centre, NE3 3QJ

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Newcastle Jobs Fair 

Newcastle Jobs Fair @ the Civic Centre 

Looking for a job, training, support or a step up the career ladder? Be part of one of the region’s largest jobs fairs hosted by Newcastle City Council, Your Homes Newcastle and Job Centre Plus on Wednesday 4th October at Newcastle Civic Centre, between 10am and 2pm. 

 To book your free ticket go to Newcastle Jobsfair Tickets, Wed, Oct 4, 2023 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite or for help to book contact the Skills Hub on 0191 277 4125, skillshub@newcastle.gov.uk or text 07977 730 739

Tuesday Trailblazers (Tuesday Group)

Christmas Market Day - 9th December 2023 

SEARCH Activity Bulletin - September 2023 


The Newcastle Pantry is coming soon! We are a small social supermarket set up to help people on a low income save money on food shopping bills. We are part of the Newcastle West End Foodbank charity, but we have a separate brand and identity. Unlike a foodbank our members pay a subscription of £5 when they visit one of our pop-up pantries. In return they can choose a minimum of 10 items from a choice of fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy items, tinned items plus other essential household items. Our pantry will accept Healthy Start vouchers allowing eligible households to pay for half of their membership (£2.50) this way. The remainder of their membership needs to be paid in the usual way.

Our first pop-up pantry will be launching at Blakelaw Community Centre in April. To help us celebrate and meet members of the community we’ve arranged a coffee morning on Tuesday 21 March between 10am and 21 noon. If you live in Blakelaw why not come and say hello, see how our pantry will look and find out how you can save money on your shopping.

If you support people living in Blakelaw who could benefit from the pantry please could you help us to promote this offer? I’ve attached a poster and some information on frequently asked questions about the pantry.

If you’re unable to make the coffee morning but would like to know more about the pantry and how it develops email: clare.fish@newcastle.gov.uk and we will add you to our pantry mailing list.

FAQ's - Newcastle Community Pantry

Newcastle Community Pantry FAQ's.docx

The return of the Community Defibrillator 

Following the sad news that our original defibrillator had been stolen in April 2022, Blakelaw and North Fenham Community have successfully obtained a replacement life saving Defibrillator to help support the community and all the residents in the area of Blakelaw and North Fenham.  With the support of the The Red Sky Foundation and the continued support from Your Homes Newcastle, the defibrillator has been placed on the outside of Moorland House. 

Cost Of Living Guide 

Please see the below statement from the Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Nick Kemp, on his commitment to support residents with the rise in the cost of living.  The guide is a live document and will regularly be updated by the City Council.

Please find a link to our Cost of Living Guide.

"The guide is a living document which will be updated regularly. I am keen to share this piece of work as widely as possible to make sure our residents all have access to up-to-date information and advice. Please make use of this guide in the work you do supporting residents and check back for updates.

The Cost of Living Crisis is one of my administration’s three overarching priorities. I hope we can work together across the city to support our communities through these toughest of times.

The work of people and organisations like yours across our city has been amazing for many years and highlighted even more so throughout Covid. It is even more essential now with so many more pressures, the cost of food, energy, fuel, these are unprecedented times. Everything you do to help our communities is hugely appreciated.

It is only by working together for each other that we will get the support and advice to everyone who needs it.

I would like as Leader of the City Council to personally thank you for all that you do and I know will continue to do.

If your organisation offers services or activities that will help residents impacted by the cost of living crisis and you would like them to be included in the guide please get in touch with Beverley Ogle on beverley.ogle@newcastle.gov.uk providing information on the service or activity offered and how residents can access them.

Thank you

Nick"

Cllr Nick Kemp

Leader of Newcastle City Council

Alcohol Awareness Leaflet 

Alcohol Causes Cancer 2022 PARTNER TOOLKIT FINAL LA7[4552].docx

RCH

Search leaflet HR[4411].pdf

Search poster HR[4410].pdf

Tik Tok Awareness Leaflet 

Tik Tok Flyer[2374].pdf

Thomas Walling Primary School - Queen's Green Canopy

Mr Serfontein, Deputy Lieutenant, attended Thomas Walling Primary Academy on Monday 11th October, 2021. He addressed an assembly of pupils, explaining the significance of the Queen's Green Canopy and included some very interesting facts about trees. The children thoroughly enjoyed joining in with his 'wow' moments and felt very excited and privileged to be the recipient of one of only 70 birch trees as part of this important initiative. Following the assembly, Mr Serfontein planted the birch tree (betula ermanii) with members of the School Council. It now has pride of place on 'the hill' outside of the school's dining hall, where it can be viewed every day.             

More information about the Queen’s Green Canopy, ‘Plant a tree for the Jubilee’, can be found at this website:

 https://queensgreencanopy.org       


Useful Links 

Newcastle City Council, Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8QH

Telephone No. 0191 278 7878

www.newcastle.gov.uk

www.projects4change.org    


Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council aim to provide a community newsletter 4 times per year.  If you would like to contribute to our newsletter.  Please email bnfcc@outlook.com with your request.  Our Newsletters are below:

March 2020

BNFCC Newsletter MARCH 2020[10699].pdf

June 2020 

BNFCC Newsletter JUNE 2020[11955].pdf

October 2020

BNFCC OCTOBER 2020[2071].pdf

Christmas Update December 2020 and 2021 Calendar 

BNFCC 2021 calendar[2072].pdf

January 2021 

BNFCC COVID final Flyer January 2021.pdf

Spring2022

BNFCC Spring Newsletter 2022[5460].pdf

Summer 2022

BNFCC Summer Newsletter 2022[5461].pdf

March 2023

BNFCC Spring Newsletter March 2023[5452].pdf

INTRODUCTION TO WELLBEING COACHING 

DELIVERED BY MARO PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT


We are now working with MARO Personal Development to offer residents of Blakelaw and North Fenham this free course.

Are you interested in a role as a wellbeing coach? If so enrol on our FREE online introductory course.

A wellbeing coach can help people achieve their goals in life by applying the principles and processes of life coaching to achieve lifestyle improvements. The wellbeing coach stands by the client as an advocate of their health and wellbeing whilst inspiring and supporting their growth and development.

Our FREE introductory course will give you an awareness of the role of the wellbeing coach.

Course Start date – Ongoing dates - please just ask

Course length - There is a 2-week window for you to complete the course and you can access the course any time to undertake your learning.

Course duration - The course should take you around 4 - 5 hours to complete.

Course Modules

Introduction to the course

The Role of a Wellbeing Coach

The Benefits of Wellbeing Coaching

Hot Topics in Wellbeing Coaching

Wellbeing Coaching in the Community and Workplace

Building a Wellbeing Coaching Business

Next Steps

Course assessment - There an external assessment at the end of the course in a format of a quiz.

Course access - You will access the course through our Moodle platform the URL is https://www.maropersonaldevelopment.online.

On completion - On completion you will be emailed a MARO Personal Development Certificate.


About us - if you would like any more information about MARO our information is on our website maropersonaldevelopment.com . If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us, via email or by phone on 0191 903 5629 or +447368306854.

 

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK ALOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

Christmas has started in the world of Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council.  On the 25 November, off we went on a special journey to Northern Christmas Trees based in Gosforth to select 2 very special Christmas trees.  These special trees were being donated by the Community Council and heading off to 2 special venues to brighten up the faces of the staff and children at Hilton Primary School and Thomas Walling Primary School.  The trees were picked and delivered to the schools at the beginning of December and I’m sure you’ll all agree they are beautiful.  It was a pleasure to be able to donate these gorgeous trees to our community.



BLAKELAW AND NORTH FENHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL 

CHRISTMAS UPDATE  

Despite the recent Coronavirus uncertainty Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have continued to work hard supporting various organisations within the community, below is an update of what has been happening including some photographs for everyone to see. 

Christmas Trees Christmas has started in the world of Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council.  On the 27 November, off we went on a special journey to Northern Christmas Trees based in Gosforth to select 2 very special Christmas trees.  These special trees were being donated by the Community Council and heading off to 2 special venues to brighten up the faces of the staff and children at Hilton Primary School and Thomas Walling Primary School.  The trees were picked and delivered to the schools last week and I’m sure you’ll all agree they are beautiful.  It was a pleasure to be able to donate these gorgeous trees to our community.


Anyone for a Christmas Selection Box  Did you know there are around 900 children attending the both Thomas Walling and Hilton Primary Schools and Little Learners Nursery in the Blakelaw and North Fenham Parish boundary area.  With a little help from the Community Council, Santa Claus managed deliver to the schools and the nursery a selection box for everyone – we hope that you all enjoy your sweet treats. 


Christmas Tree Hamper Appeal  It is with great pleasure that Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council were able to donate £500 worth of food to support the Christmas Tree Hamper appeal in aid of the community’s older residents who will be spending Christmas on their own this year.  We hope that those receiving a hamper this year enjoys all the surprises inside.



It is with great sadness that as Chair of Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council I am having to make this statement. The community council (council) have recently been made aware of a Facebook post made by an ex-community councillor that made a number of inaccurate statements.  Whilst it would not be usual practice for the council to comment on such nonsense, given this post created quite a significant amount of discussion with feedback being received from residents that the ex-councillor continues to speak ill of the council it was felt that we had no other option but to respond.  My apologies that this will be a longer statement than I would ever wish to make but feel it’s important to share the councils version of events. 

Firstly, I need to point out that Parish and Community Councillors are NOT volunteers, they are elected in to the position of councillor by the electorate ie the residents of Blakelaw and North Fenham. In July 2022 I was alerted to a serving councillor receiving £660 of grant funding from a grant recipient at Christmas 2021.  The original grant application had stated that the organisation would be spending the funding on a lunch out, if an applicant wishes to change the use of the funding then they must contact the council to ask permission.  On receiving the monitoring forms from the organisation, it appeared that a serving councillor had received the funds to provide a Christmas lunch, this was confirmed by the organisation.  As Chair, I am required to investigate the claim especially as this particular issue has been raised and discussed on a number of occasions with councillors agreeing that NO councillor should financially benefit from any grant funding being awarded by council – this councillor attended every meeting that this matter was discussed and knew this funding application had been granted.  Whilst this practice is not legally wrong it is viewed as being morally wrong within the remit of the council.  On meeting with the councillor, a number of statements they made concerned me and at the end of the meeting I informed them that due to comments made by them, the fact that I had spoken to this councillor before about their conduct and my concerns, I as Chair would be referring them to Newcastle City Council’s(NCC) Standards Board for “misappropriation of council funds” NOT for aggression although the councillor did become aggressive when challenged.  This type of referral is a confidential matter between the parties and the councillor will have been reminded of this when spoken to by NCC.  Whilst this councillor was spoken to NO investigation ever took place, this was NOT because there was NO case to answer but because the councillor resigned prior to any investigation taking place.  To be clear this is an unpleasant process for everyone but a one I felt needed to be undertaken on this occasion.

In relation to comments made with regards to the “toxicity” of the council and a subsequent 3 resignations for this same reason, the council did contact each person regarding their resignations.  One person confirmed that the reasoning for their resignation was due to other commitments that they had and NOT due to the reasons stated in the ex-councillors Facebook post, the other 2 people did not respond to my request for further discussion and evidence of this type of behaviour.  At no point during these councillor’s term of office have they ever raised concerns regarding toxicity and/or bullying and when at a recent staffing meeting were shocked and surprised when the clerk raised as a concern the conduct of some councillors.  The council takes these types of allegations very seriously and are currently awaiting advice from NCC on how to self-refer to their Standards Board which will hopefully review processes, practices and comments made although I am confident that the council have not conducted itself in a manner that would question its reputation or the work it does within the community.  

In relation to comments made about being jealous following the awarding of a BEM – why would those who serve on the council be jealous of another serving councillor, are we not meant to be working together?  The council shared congratulations along with many others. I do find this statement very odd as councillors undertake the work they do on behalf of residents to help, support and enhance residents lives and the area they live in not to receive awards!!!! 

We have also received feedback from a resident that this ex-councillor has also stated that we refused a funding application for the play group for the recent October half term.  I can confirm that the council did not receive an application for funding from the playgroup. The council will not tolerate this type of behaviour and will be monitoring the various feedback we do receive.  The people of Blakelaw and North Fenham deserve the best and the council want to continue working hard to support the community in achieving this.  We would welcome the opportunity to work alongside as many organisations as possible to enhance the lives of residents but this works both ways. 

Finally, the council is a tier of local government and are expected to follow very specific process, practice and regulation, just like any other government institution.  To ensure that the resident we serve are receiving the best possible support and value for their precept payment questions need to be asked and challenges to information are required.  We do not have an endless pot of money and any spend has to enhance those residents lives who pay the precept.

  • Blakelaw, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
  • Meeting are held at Moorland House, Moulton Place, Blakelaw, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 3RY