A TRADITIONAL Village Gala is being lined up for a return to Widdrington Station.
Plans are under way to organise the event for next summer following requests from members of the public. The gala would include a flower and vegetable show, as well as a family fun day.
An events committee has been formed to work on the arrangements and following a meeting between parish councillors and residents, a fund-raising junior disco and carol service have already been planned.
The proposals were discussed at a meeting of Widdrington Station and Stobswood Parish Council last week.
Coun Shelly Willoughby said: “An independent events committee can’t simply create itself and plan to hold a gala day on the field because we hold the liability.
“The whole idea behind this is that eventually we would like to think that the parish council could shadow the committee for the red tape side of things, but the committee would stand in its own right, with its own bank details and fund-raising. We could hand it all over and work alongside it when it comes to the red tape and the need to use the parish field or community centre. For the time being, it is a case of working together.”
Stobswood Allotment Association has already offered its help in organising the flower and vegetable show and a volunteer from the village who is involved in junior sport has agreed to sort out the games.
Talks are taking place with various clubs and agencies about other forms of entertainment and it is hoped the gala will include a jazz band display or competition, Morpeth Pipe Band, RAF Boulmer crews, police dogs, a fire engine, fun fair and possibly a vintage vehicle display.
It is likely to take place in August, but no firm date has been fixed.
Coun Willoughby said: “It is beginning to take shape, we are getting there. The ball is rolling and we are on our way.”
The council had hoped to provide a fireworks display for Guy Fawkes Night on November 5, but the costs were too high.
It may be considered in future years by the events committee.