In the 1950s winters could be relied upon.   They came with decent periods of frost and snow making a journey out to the lake a magical event for the whole family.

We chugged out in my mother’s first car, a square Austin 7 with wire wheels and parked by the steps leading up to the pump – roads in the country were much quieter then!  We climbed the steps and prepared to enjoy some proper winter activities.

The lake would freeze up for weeks and the ice would be really thick.   On went the skates and off we went over the ice.   I can remember watching a lady doing proper figure skating one crisp and sunny winter morning.   It was always exciting, skating on the lake in the open air with natural sounds instead of the canned music at the ice rink.   The fact that the ice was not as smooth in the country just added to the adventure.

Before I started skating or when the ice was too thin, it was sledging.   There are one or two decent runs when there is enough snow.

I have many happy memories of sledging 30 years ago with my own children too.   I towed them over the ice to explore the islands in the lake, as well as sliding down on the sledge with a small boy sitting on my back as we were pulled off the track by an excited dog dragging on my arm. 

Climate change has made these winter activities impossible in more recent timed.  The ice has never been thick enough for skating and the snow appears briefly for a snowmen and a quick run on the sledge.

I am glad I was able to add to the excitement of my use of the lake in my childhood with time in a winter wonderland. 

The lake is still a lovely place to visit at this time of year.   We have some winter bird visitors and the deer often come into the park to shelter in the thicker woodlands.  Photographers can get some dramatic pictures of the winter landscape, and it is always a healthy place for a good walk and a play amongst the trees. 

Maureen – Chairman of Friends.

 V, A, T.

V is for Vandals. Only one incident at present, a break in at the office just before bonfire night.   Nothing much was taken, but they made rather a mess.   We thank the police for increased vigilance at the Park and are pleased to have so little to report this time.

A is for Activities.   The programme starts at Easter and runs through the Summer Holidays.  The best supported events were the walks to Harnham to visit the Ratanghiri Buddhist Monastery and the Bat Hunt at the lake in August.   It is hoped to have more than one bat night as so many people wanted to take part in 2007.

Two joint events were well attended:  one with the Hancock Museum in Newcastle and the other an RSPB Family Day.    The Friends organised a Trail and Treasure Hunt.   54 people took part and everyone reported back to us that they had really enjoyed the event.

T is for Ticket.   This is the annual reminder that you can purchase a parking permit in March for a whole years parking at any of Northumberland County Council’s Country Parks.  This is great value for money, removes the need to have the right cash in your pocket and helps to insure the income for the parks.

FRIEND’S AT WORK

This year we have had talks with the County Council about the plan to lease out the running of the Café to a private concern.   We opposed this as the café makes a lot of money and helps fund the Country Park.

We asked questions at forums and generally involved ourselves in the plans. 

We have been acknowledged as an ‘Interested Community Group’. There was only one offer for the concession and as it did not offer improved income streams to the County Council it was not accepted.

The downside was the difficulties the plan caused, especially delays in appointing new staff to work in the Café. This meant that, sadly, reduced hours were worked on several occasions, and at other times a restricted service was put on. We can only apologise for this and hope that as the council will be busy re-organising themselves this year, they will leave things alone. 

We will be watching their activities, especially in December when the budgets are up for discussion. 

PLEASE take the time to add your name to the Friends list.  There is no joining fee, and no one will twist your arm to come to a meeting, but you are always welcome. Meetings advertised on the notice board at the café.  All we ask you to do is give us your address – either postal or E mail.   Give this in at the office and we will know you care about the lake, and we to that we represent 20, 30, 40 or more people.  Increase our voice and help us protect, preserve and promote the Country Park.