Christmas and New Year Message from the Chair of Ashington Town Council, Councillor Mark Purvis
Dear Residents of Ashington
As we gather with family and friends this Christmas and look ahead to 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has truly been an extraordinary year for our town. 2025 has been a year of celebration, community spirit, and remarkable progress – and it is you, the people of Ashington, who have made it so special.
Remembering Those We Have Lost
Before celebrating our achievements, I want to pause and remember those who are no longer with us. This year we lost our dear colleague and friend, Councillor Victor Bridges, who served Hirst Ward with dedication and compassion. Victor's commitment to our community and his tireless work on behalf of residents will not be forgotten. At this time of year especially, our thoughts are with his family and all those in our community who have lost loved ones. May their memories be a blessing.
A Year of Celebration and Community Pride
What a year of events and celebrations we have enjoyed! The Animating Ashington programme brought over 20,000 residents and visitors together throughout the year, proving that our town truly knows how to celebrate.
The year began with the spectacular Light Nights in January, where over 3,000 of you braved the winter weather to watch the dazzling Spark! LED drummers illuminate our streets – even climbing aboard a train at our wonderful Ashington Railway Station! In March, the Pride of Ashington Torchlit Procession saw 200 torchbearers honouring our local heroes, with 38 community groups nominated. Watching hundreds of residents carry flaming torches through Hirst Park, followed by the Feast of Fire which brought nearly 6,000 people together over two magical nights, filled me with immense pride.
In April, we were proud to host Ashington's first-ever ECO Fair at Hirst Welfare Centre. This landmark event brought together local organisations, community groups, and residents to explore sustainable living and environmental initiatives, featuring workshops with renowned land artist James Brunt and talks from experts including Dr Wendy Fail from Northumberland County Council.
May saw a particularly poignant occasion as Ashington Cricket Club, with support from the Town Council, the Royal British Legion Ashington Branch, and Reiverdale Scout Group, unveiled their commemorative tree project marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. This living memorial now honours the 175 service members from Ashington who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War Two, with personalised plaques alongside each tree – a fitting tribute researched with the help of local historians Margaret Allinson and David Wise, and young people from the Scouts. As I said at the time, we owe an incredible debt of gratitude to Ashington's fallen that can never be repaid.
Our Community Fair in July was a highlight of the summer, featuring the spectacular Powering the Future Parade – a celebration of the Northumberland Line with a full-size pedal-powered replica of Stephenson's Rocket making its way through our streets, alongside dancing butterflies and over 60 young performers from local dance schools. The event welcomed families to People's Park for a day of entertainment, activities, and community togetherness.
Our Great British Spring Clean continued its proud 15-year tradition, with volunteers working alongside our dedicated officers to keep Ashington beautiful. The Community Centenary Orchard opening at Wansbeck Road Allotments in September brought over 40 people together despite the heavy rain – a true testament to Ashington spirit!
Democracy in Action: Farewells and Welcomes
May 2025 brought local elections which saw changes to our council. We said farewell to several councillors who had served our community with distinction over the years, and I want to express our sincere gratitude for their dedication and service. At the same time, we welcomed new faces to the council chamber – bringing fresh perspectives and energy to our work.
Supporting Our Community Through Grants
Ashington Town Council has continued its long tradition of supporting local organisations through our grants programme. Throughout 2025, we have been proud to fund sports clubs, community groups, youth organisations, and charities that provide vital services and activities for our residents. From small grants supporting grassroots initiatives to annual subsidies for established organisations, this funding helps maintain the rich fabric of community life in Ashington. If your organisation would benefit from support, I encourage you to explore our grants programme for 2026.
I was also delighted to see local organisation ESCAPE Family Support shortlisted for the prestigious UK Employer of the Year Platinum Award in the Investors in People Awards 2025 – a wonderful recognition of the excellent work happening right here in Ashington.
Likewise, Mortal Fools, a leading creative learning charity based here in Ashington, won a prestigious Children & Young People Now Award for the impact of its innovative primary school mental health programme, MELVA. The charity took home The PSHE Education Award for its digital children’s wellbeing platform and was also named a finalist in The Mental Health and Wellbeing Award category.
Progress and Regeneration
Our town centre is being transformed before our eyes. The Memorial Garden improvements, delivered in partnership with Northumberland County Council, now provide an enhanced space for Remembrance activities – a fitting tribute visible during our moving Remembrance Sunday service in November, where our community came together in the newly improved surroundings.
Perhaps one of the most exciting developments is watching the new Northumberland College campus rise at Wansbeck Business Park. This pioneering £52 million 'Gen Zero' development is progressing at pace, with the steel frames now assembled and construction continuing rapidly. Set to open in 2026, this state-of-the-art campus will revolutionise education and skills training in our region, providing pathways for thousands of learners into meaningful employment. Seeing the buildings take shape is a powerful symbol of Ashington's bright future and our commitment to the next generation.
Portland Park is also taking shape, with the new cinema development progressing and public realm improvements creating a more welcoming environment. The Northumberland Line continues to thrive, connecting our community to opportunities across the region.
I am particularly proud that the Council has unanimously adopted the NALC Civility and Respect Pledge, committing to creating an environment free from bullying, harassment, and intimidation. This reflects the values that make Ashington the welcoming community it is.
Festive Celebrations
This year we continued to fund free swimming sessions during school holidays, helping families stay active and healthy. Our Easter Bunny Hop Trail brought joy to children across the town, and our Christmas celebrations have brought sparkle to our streets despite the December weather.
The magical Fairies & Elves Lantern Parade and festive Light Switch-On lit up our town centre, while our partnership with Blachere Illuminations brought stunning light projections to landmarks across Ashington – first honouring the fallen with poppy displays for Remembrance, then transforming into magical Christmas scenes. For the first time, our festive lights extended down Lintonville Terrace and throughout the bus station, creating a continuous trail of sparkle.
Our Christmas Market at Hirst Park, partnering with Heart of the Hirst and Moneytree Crafters, welcomed 650 visitors, with community spirit shining through despite challenging conditions. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and to all the stallholders and volunteers who made it possible.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The year ahead promises even more exciting developments. The Portland Park cinema and restaurants project will transform our town centre, while the Wansbeck Square gateway will create a welcoming link between our railway station and high street. The new Northumberland College campus will open its doors, bringing world-class educational facilities to our community.
Our Kerb Appeal Trial partnership with Northumberland County Council, running until March 2026, represents a fresh approach to maintaining our town's appearance. We will continue to fund free swimming sessions, deliver community events, and work tirelessly to improve our local environment through our ongoing programmes – from allotment improvements to play area maintenance, from CCTV monitoring to environmental enhancements.
Thank You
Ashington's greatest asset has always been its people. The volunteers who keep our streets clean, the community groups who support those in need, the local heroes who go above and beyond every single day – you are what makes this town special. Thank you to my fellow councillors for their dedication and service, to our hardworking council staff who keep everything running smoothly, and to every resident who has contributed to making 2025 such a success.
As we enter 2026, I encourage everyone to stay involved in our community. Whether it's attending council meetings, volunteering for local groups, or simply being a good neighbour – every contribution matters. Together, we can continue to build on the progress we have made and create an even brighter future for Ashington.
On behalf of Ashington Town Council, I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas filled with warmth, joy, and togetherness, and a Happy New Year. May 2026 bring you health, happiness, and prosperity.
Here's to another great year for Ashington!
Councillor Mark Purvis
Chair of Ashington Town Council
