We started the year as we usually do, with a trip to the Gala Theatre in Durham accompanying residents and members of ACORN Community Association to see this year’s superb Pantomime Sleeping Beauty and what a great night it was, enjoyed by young and old alike.
In my role, as Mayor, I have had a fantastic and magical Christmas Season attending Church Services, Nativities and Carol Services across not only Newton Aycliffe but farther afield too. Elaine and I have been welcomed at numerous coffee mornings and community group meetings and hope to continue to be invited along.
New Year 2023 brought some disappointing news as the Woodham Golf Club Caterers ceased trading just a week or two after discussions were held with Great Aycliffe Town Council to host the Mayor’s Civic Ball at the venue. We had booked the venue for 24th February and were looking to invite up to 140 people along, to raise funding for our chosen charities Together 21 and Wishing Well Club.
In other news, I have been invited along to a football match on 11th February at 3pm to watch the Newton Aycliffe v Heaton Stannington game so why not come along and cheer on the home team. It would be good to see you there.
Of course, New Year is traditionally a time of renewal, and we make ourselves promises to lose weight and get fitter for the year to come and our OakLeaf staff have been busy preparing for a surge in fitness activities as we cater for golf, driving range, indoor bowling, squash, five-a-side, table tennis and a multitude of other activities. If the very thought of these activities makes you feel tired, why not take advantage of our bar and dining facilities, which is always warm and cosy, sample some of our fine beers, lagers, ciders or even a cocktail or two.
On my latest visit to the council offices staff were frenziedly preparing for the events being planned for 2023 which is, of course, the 75th birthday of our town. Just a few of the events being planned are of course: Fun in the Parks, Fireworks Display, Santa Tours, Senior Citizens Summer outings and of course the new Ayclive Music Festival.
Why not take a tour of our beautiful parks or stroll along our woodland paths to view local wildlife?
This year has all the signs of being a super year of fun and entertainment with lots of things going on to suit all ages, no wonder we are named Great Aycliffe.
Happy New Year
Ken & Elaine