Council-funded initiative returns for school holidays to promote health and activity

Ashington Town Council is delighted to announce the return of its popular free swim sessions for children and young people during the Christmas school holidays.

The initiative, which has proven hugely popular with local families, will offer two free swimming sessions at Ashington Leisure Centre this festive season:

Wednesday 27th May 2026, 1pm-2pm
Saturday 30th May 2026, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Each session offers 80 free places on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants simply need to turn up at Ashington Leisure Centre to secure their spot.

The free swim programme is part of Ashington Town Council’s ongoing commitment to promoting healthy, active lifestyles among young people in the community. The sessions are designed to be inclusive and accessible, providing opportunities for children to learn to swim or improve their existing skills – all without cost barriers for families.

Councillor Mark Purvis commented: “We’re thrilled to continue supporting this fantastic initiative that gets children active during the school holidays. Swimming is such an important life skill, and we want to remove any barriers that might prevent young people from accessing the pool. Whether children are taking their first strokes or training to become the next generation of Olympians, these free sessions give everyone a chance to enjoy the water in a safe, supervised environment.”

The scheme aligns with public health priorities to tackle childhood inactivity and promote wellbeing. Research shows that swimming provides excellent cardiovascular exercise while being gentle on joints, making it an ideal activity for children of all abilities.

Parents and guardians are reminded that places are limited to 80 per session and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival is recommended.

Event Details:

What: Free Swimming Sessions for Children and Young People
When: Wednesday 27th May 2026, 1pm-2pm and Saturday 30th May 2026, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Time: 1pm-2pm
Where: Ashington Leisure Centre, Lintonville Terrace, Ashington, NE63 9JY
Capacity: 80 places per session (first-come, first-served)
Cost: FREE
Booking: No booking required – just turn up

The initiative is delivered in partnership with Places Leisure, and Ashington Town Council.

For more information about Ashington Town Council’s events, visit www.ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk or follow the Council on social media

Celebrate community climate action in Ashington!

Join us at Ashington local market as part of the national Great Big Green Week — a celebration of community action to tackle climate change!

Tuesday, 9th June 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm | Ashington Market

What’s on:

ATC Climate Change Committee showcase & free eco-friendly raffle

Full Circle Food Project — plant sale & family-friendly gardening activities

Climate Action Wansbeck — swap pledges for plants

Citizens Advice Northumberland Energy Team — find out how to save money on your bills

Northumberland County Council Warmer Homes team — free grants & home energy efficiency advice

Groundwork NE & Cumbria — recycling advice & volunteering opportunities

It’s free, it’s friendly, and there’s something for everyone — from families to gardening enthusiasts to anyone who cares about Ashington’s future.

admin@ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Together, we can make Ashington greener!

The annual Northumberland Miners’ Picnic will host a solemn Miners’ Memorial Service on Saturday, 13th June 2026, at 10:30am at Woodhorn Museum. The service will pay tribute to the miners who dedicated their lives to Northumberland’s coal mines and remember those who lost their lives in the industry.

The memorial service, led by Ministers of Ashington Churches Together, forms a central part of the Northumberland Miners’ Picnic, a tradition that has celebrated the region’s mining heritage for generations. The service provides an opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance of the sacrifices made by miners and their families.

This years’ service will feature a particularly moving musical tribute, as the Ashington & District Male Voice Choir performs ‘Woodhorn Disaster’ — a powerful piece that names all 13 miners who lost their lives in the Woodhorn Colliery disaster of 1916. Written by Derek Hobbs and Mike Kirkup, the song forms part of their celebrated work ‘Fell ’em Doon’ and stands as a lasting testament to those who perished. The choir’s performance promises to be a deeply poignant moment in the service, ensuring that the names and memories of those 13 men are never forgotten.

“This memorial service stands as a poignant reminder of our mining heritage and honours all those who worked in the Northumberland Coal Mines,” said Business Chair Cllr Mark Purvis. “It’s a time for reflection and remembrance as we pay our respects to the miners who shaped our community.”

The service will take place at Woodhorn Museum, located in QEII County Park, Ashington (NE63 9YF), which serves as a fitting venue given its role in preserving and celebrating the area’s industrial heritage.

The Northumberland Miners’ Picnic has a rich history dating back generations, bringing together communities to celebrate mining culture and remember the industry’s impact on the region. The memorial service represents the more reflective aspect of this annual gathering, ensuring that the memory of Northumberland’s miners continues to be honoured.

All members of the public are welcome to attend the memorial service, which offers an important opportunity for both former mining families and the wider community to pay their respects.

For more information about the Northumberland Miners’ Picnic and the Memorial Service, please contact Sharon Parmley on 01670 624520 or email admin@ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk