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Welcome to the Village Park Residents Association. Thornaby on Tees
Your residents group for the Village Area.
Membership is free to every household in the Village Area.
(Supported by Stockton Residents & Community Groups Association)
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If you see any Anti Social Behaviour no matter how small call Neighbourhood policing on 302930
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The VPRA News Blog (click here for past months)
Your VPRA at work reports for July 2009
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Click here for CFYA Bin and Recycle Collection Days
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28.07.2009 Park Fences.
Teesside Youth Offenders group have just about finished the first half of the Thorntree Road railings. look good in black.
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28.07.2009 Yorkshire Day
VPRA are putting on their new display tent at this Saturdays Yorkshire Day event. Held at Linnear Park on Mandale Estate from 11 am till 3 pm. Come along and see the latest about the Village Park, Green Thumbs, In Bloom and many other topics that concern the Village.
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26.07.2009 Play Trail
The damaged Twister equipment is now back in situ at the far end of trail in the park.
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25.07.2009 VPRA Green Thumbs 2009
The first set of nominated gardens were visited today and pictures taken. They will all be online on the in bloom site over the weekend but just as a taster the pictures below are in the Mayors Special Class for houses outside the VPRA area.
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24.07.2009 Fun Day Pictures
A couple of pictures received today courtesy of Geoff Green our Town Mayor.
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23.07.2009 Fun Day
An eventful day in the park today with the VPRA/Tristar joint free fun day. After a few setbacks everything turned out ok. VPRA had their new Gazebo in use as the pictures below show. More pictures will be posted when received from Tristar as the normal VPRA photographer was unable to attend due to work commitments.
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22.07.2009 Thornaby Fun Day
Don’t forget Thursdays Fun Day in the Village Park. Joint effort by VPRA and Tristar will see the opening of the new Play Trail and Muga plus 5 a side, information stalls, bouncy castles and lots more.
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21.07.2009 Yorkshire Day
Reply from Thornaby TC about cancellation of the 5 a side at Yorkshire Day. Lack of interest from other football teams has caused the cancellation.
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20.07.2009 Sundial Cottage.
Following on from reports on this site on 06/07/2009 and the Gazette Article on 17/07/2009 we can confirm that work has now started on repairing the old sundial.
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19.07.2009 5 a side updates.
One or two residents have approached the VPRA concerning the Football Competition which had been organised to take place at the Yorkshire Day event, on August 1st, expressing annoyance at what they think is the VPRA cancelling the competition, despite the police organising the competition. This is the result of some confusion.
The VPRA/Tristar football tournament, organised by the police will still take place on Thursday 23rd of July, in the Village Park. However, the football tournament set to take place as part of the Yorkshire Day Event, which was NOT organised by the VPRA but by the Thornaby Town Council Yorkshire Day Committee, had to be cancelled based on a decision made by members of that committee. We were not involved in the organisation of this competition in any way apart from arranging to have the grass cut and pitch marked out by our good friends at CFYA Horticultural Services. An Army Assault Course is apparently being brought in to replace the football.
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18.07.2009 Park Floods
Most of the areas that were underwater on Friday afternoon during the deluge have drained off and are clear again apart from an area that has never flooded before near the Muga running parallel to Thorntree Road.
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18.07.2009 Yorkshire Day
VPRA informed on Friday night that the organisers have cancelled the children’s 5 a side tournament at Yorkshire Day on the Linear Park. Will update if we get an official message from TTC.
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17.07.2009 Richardson Road Pavements
Reply from Head of Technical Services of SBC re report of damaged pavements, a site visit will be made during next week.
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17.07.2009 Heavy Rains
24 hours of heavy rain have caused a few floods around the area, parts of the Village Park were suffering from the downpour this afternoon.(But not as bad as our Treasurer makes out)
The beck has overflowed in Thornaby Woods due to the excess water flowing fast through the culverts.
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16.07.2009 Black Bobbies Field.
CFYA clearing footpaths in the VPRA area, excellent job made of Black Bobby's and Horseshoe Bend and the lads are now working on the footpath along the south bank of the Tees along to Cornfield Road area. Much of the way has been blocked by heavy Bramble, breaking the strimmers and even resisting the pole cutters. However, the lads have said they will not give up.
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16.07.2009 Green Thumbs Nominations
Update of nominations so far, more always welcome. Green Thumbs
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15.07.2009 Halcyon Centre
VPRA rep called into Halcyon Centre at teatime before it closed. They had a good attendance during the open day and the centre was officially opened by Thornaby Mayor ,Cllr Geoff Green and his wife Celia.
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14.07.2009 Northumbria In Bloom
VPRA reps met up with Northumbria in Bloom judges as they toured Thornaby and the rest
of the borough. Judges chatted about the competition and the work of the VPRA in the area. The VPRA will be judged individually later in the summer, as a Neighbourhood in its own right but we are proud to represent our area of the borough/town.
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13.07.2009 Halcyon Centre
Dont forget the Halcyon Centre’s open day on Wednesday 15th July. On from 2-30 till 5. Behind the Mandale Mill School in the old Harewood School buildings.
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13.07.2009 Black Bobbies
CFYA workmen on Black Bobbies and river banks today as part of the summer tidy up programme.
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12.07.2009 Tristar House Repairs
VPRA rep asked to help a resident in Sherwood Road with reporting a problem with their home. Tristar Customer Services emailed with the problem. Tristar site has now been updated
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12.07.2009 Sunday Litter Picks
Bottles and cans picked up around the Airman’s Statue again this morning, assisted by dog walkers who have just moved into the new Wimpey Houses. Impressed that a residents group cares so much about the general appearance of the larger area.
Village Park cans picked up and disposed off, park wasn’t as bad as expected for a weekend. Cricket square all cut and ready for use this afternoon.
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12.07.2009 In Bloom Reports
VPRA Flower Beds re planted with more Marigolds to replace the dried up plants following last weeks intense sun.
Airman’s Statue rose beds dead headed this morning prior to this weeks visit by Northumbria In Bloom Judges.
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11.07.2009 Stockton Bus Users Forum.
VPRA rep attended this mornings session at the Arc in Stockton. Reps in attendance from SBC Transport and Highways, Leven Valley, Stagecoach and Arriva.
The usual report from SBC and plans for the future were followed by questions and answers. VPRA and 2 other Village residents asked the age old question about the 17a service on Thornaby Road but Arriva are adamant it is not worth their while putting it back on. SBC do not have the funds to put anything on at the moment.
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10.07.2009 Green Thumbs
The first 10 nominations received today for entry into the 2009 Green Thumb Awards. A spread sheet will be put on the In Bloom site over the next week to show who is being entered for what. House address only, we do not publish names even on the award certificates.
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10.07.2009 Richardson Road Pavement’s.
VPRA contacted by residents of Richardson Road for help with replacing pavements. A lot of the pavements are uneven and crumbling. VPRA reps to take pictures and send a report to SBC Highways.
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09.07.2009 In Bloom
Northumbria in Bloom visits Thornaby next week, touring the town on selected routes.
The route through our area is Lanehouse road (coming from the Littleboy) left at the baths ,up Thornaby Road to the Jolly Farmers layby, then down Green Lane(Lower),Richardson Road, St Peters Church, Basselton Lane, back to Upper Green Lane, right at the Oddfellows and up to Airman and Spitfire, on to Teesside Industrial Estate, around Ingleby Barwick then back down Thornaby Road ,right at Spitfire down Trenchard Ave. to town centre, right at roundabout and back to the Littleboy.y
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09.07.2009 Bus Users Forum
Reminder for anyone concerned about buses or the lack of them in some parts of town. The Bus Users Forum is this Saturday 11th July. SBC Bus Users Forum.
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08.07.2009 VPRA Funday
VPRA reps attended today’s meeting with Tristar about our Joint Fun Day and official opening of Muga on 23rd July. Details to follow later.
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08.07.2009 Park Paths Update
Two large cracks have appeared on the new play trail and more small areas around the Muga have bubbled away then crumbled. CFYA are still investigating the possibility of the contractor coming back to relay the entire park.
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07.07.2009 Meeting Report
A good attendance and a lot to get through meant a very good meeting tonight. Although there were no residents from the Tristar properties around The Crescent area Grahame French gave an update about window and door checks prior to painting works being carried out.
Reports about the Village Park, Fordy Grove, Black Path, Allotments, Green Waste, Dog Fouling,Yorkshire Day, Halcyon Centre, Thornaby Show and Stockton Bus Forum were given. Other matters involving planning applications, courses and proposed alterations to Thorntree Road Traffic Calming were also discussed.
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06.07.2009 VPRA Meeting
Reminder for meeting on Tuesday, 7 pm Robert Atkinson Centre.
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06.07.2009 Nature Reserves
Message from SBC received today.
Just to confirm that two summer grounds maintenance operatives have started work today to cut the paths around the Holmes, Black Bobbies, Basselton Wood, Thornaby Wood etc. and should be on site all week. Any problems that need addressing in these areas please contact VPRA secretary and he will pass them on to SBC.
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06.07.2009 VPRA Comment.
For some time VPRA reps have been approached by residents regarding the potential loss of the sundial on the aptly named "Sundial Cottage" on Thornaby Green.
Having spoken to the owners representatives we can confirm that this listed building is to receive privately financed. These are best explained from the notices posted by the owner.
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05.07.2009 Litter Picks
VPRA reps out doing the customary litter picks during the day. A lot of paper and bottles collected from Basselton Woods, mostly left by anglers. Large bin bag of cans collected from Village Park left by yesterdays adult footballers. Small amount of paper collected around St. Peters Church including a number of popped balloons which could cause problems for wildlife.
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04.07.2009 St Peters Church
A nice hot sunny afternoon for the visitors to the church fete this afternoon. There is ongoing work in the church at the moment replacing the old chairs with pews and a general spruce up.
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04.07.2009 Village Park Update
Park very busy this morning, football games in Muga, as well as small pitch and main field. Lots of people using the play trail and play area and very little litter in sight.
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03.07.2009 VPRA Green Thumbs
The Annual VPRA Green Thumbs competition is launched officially on Saturday 4th July. Details will be on here and the in bloom website along with the rules and regulations. Same format as previous years, all nominated gardens will be photographed during July and judged online by Rosarians Corner judges from around the world.
Details now on VPRA In Bloom Site
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03.07.2009 VPRA Meeting
Next VPRA meeting is Tuesday 7th July at 7 pm at Robert Atkinson Centre.
Agenda items to include:-
Tristar Homes -Update on Windows and Doors Concerns
Village Park Play Trail and Park Update
Andrews Allotments- news and update
Fordy Grove Update
Thorntree/Thornaby Road Blackpath Problems
Harold Wilson Playing Fields _- new building.
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02.07.2009 St. Peters Church
Message today from St Peters, to remind residents that the Summer Fayre is this Saturday 4th July at 2 pm. on the Village Green around the church.
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02.07.2009 Bus Users Forum
Message from SBC to inform residents that the next Bus Users Forum is at the Arc in Stockton on 11th July from 10 am till 12 noon. All welcome.
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02.07.2009 Greenwood Estate
VPRA reps toured Greenwood Estate on the way to another meeting this afternoon. Able to help a resident with an ongoing problem and also took notes from another for a continuing problem near the Pensioners Bungalows. Findings will be passed on to Tristar for comment.
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02.07.2009 Village Park Fences.
VPRA committee met with SBC officers this afternoon to discuss ideas for the new gates and fences which are needed for the Village Park. Plans will be made available to residents surrounding the park by 23rd July ready for them to comment on them at the Fun day in the park that afternoon.
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01.07.2009 Victoria Bridge
In reply to a mail sent to SBC asking for details about the restoration work on the bridge,the e mail below spells everything out and also artists impression is attached.
- The original cast pedestals for the street lighting columns were in need of repair.
- A specialist contractor was appointed.
- Existing lighting levels were to be maintained during refurbishment of pedestals hence temporary lighting presently in place.
- Original pedestals have now been removed off site for specialist remedial works.
- On return ( anticipate 5 to 6 weeks ), temporary supporting steelwork will be removed, pedestals repositioned and new lanterns installed.
- Presently each column supports 1 no. lantern, however, current lighting criteria demand 2 no. lanterns.
- New lanterns will be more in keeping with original style based on old photographic evidence.
- Completion scheduled for mid-late August.
A press release was prepared and issued to the local media. Unfortunately they appear not to have published the information and we have no powers over that decision. The article was however available on the SBC website ( which you obviously caught sight of ).
One further point of note, an application has been submitted ( by persons unknown ) to have the bridge listed and this is presently being considered by English Heritage. EH have been notified of our works and seem most satisfied with our proposals.
Further works will be carried out at the entrance to the new student accommodation building. This is scheduled for August when most of the resident students will decamp for summer break. Some stonework is to be rearranged in an effort to tidy up the entrance and also refurbished columns with single lanterns will be installed on either side of the entrance.
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01.07.2009 In Bloom Planting Update.
The main flower bed opposite the Jolly Farmers looks in better shape than last week after re planting following the rabbit party.
The planting around the old stone opposite St Peters Church seems to have taken following the wet days after planting. VPRA rep has been taking a 10 litre tub of water there as well early mornings this week just to supplement nature.
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01.07.2009 Shopping Trolleys
A number of Asda trolleys reported around the village area. CFYA and Asda informed of details. There is also a couple of Wilkinsons trolleys starting to appear.
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01.07.2009 Village Park
Meetings in the park with senior CFYA officials today to discuss the way forward with problems with the newly laid paths.
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