Ashington Town Council

31/05/2026

🌿 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. 💚
📧 [email protected]

Together, we can make Ashington greener!

29/05/2026

Residents, businesses and visitors across Ashington are being encouraged to have their say on the future of the town centre as a new survey launches this month 🏙️📋

The survey, led by Northumberland County Council in partnership with the North East Combined Authority (NECA), aims to gather views on what’s working well in the town centre, what improvements have already been noticed, and what changes people would like to see in the future.

Feedback gathered will help shape the ongoing £36 million Regenerating Ashington Programme and track how local perceptions evolve as projects continue to move forward.

The online survey launches on Monday 18 May and runs until Friday 12 June 2026.

People taking part will be asked about:
✅ The town centre today
✅ Improvements already made
✅ Ideas and priorities for the future

The survey will be promoted online, across social media, and through posters displayed around the town with QR codes for easy access.

Have your say here 👇
https://tinyurl.com/Ashington-Town-Centre-Survey

28/05/2026

Ashington Leisure Centre

🏊‍♂️💦 Dive In This May Half Term – Free Swim! 💦🏊‍♀️

Ashington Town Council, in partnership with Ashington Leisure Centre (Places Leisure), is thrilled to bring back the FREE swim sessions this Easter! Perfect for all ages and abilities, it’s your chance to make a splash without spending a penny.

📅 Session Dates & Times:
Wednesday 27th May – 1pm to 2pm
Saturday 30th May – 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Each session has 80 slots — first come, first served. No booking needed, just turn up and take the plunge! 🌊

Whether you’re learning your first strokes or fine-tuning your technique, this is a fantastic way to get active, have fun, and enjoy the water.

📍 Location: Ashington Leisure Centre, Lintonville Terrace, Ashington, NE63 9JY

Funded by Ashington Town Council and operated by Places Leisure, these sessions are part of a commitment to healthy, active lifestyles and inspiring the next generation of swimmers.

🎥 Don’t miss our free swim film — check it out here!
https://youtu.be/PEL0a_JtlWU

27/05/2026

🏊‍♂️💦 Dive In This May Half Term – Free Swim! 💦🏊‍♀️

Ashington Town Council, in partnership with Ashington Leisure Centre (Places Leisure), is thrilled to bring back the FREE swim sessions this Easter! Perfect for all ages and abilities, it’s your chance to make a splash without spending a penny.

📅 Session Dates & Times:
Wednesday 27th May – 1pm to 2pm
Saturday 30th May – 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Each session has 80 slots — first come, first served. No booking needed, just turn up and take the plunge! 🌊

Whether you’re learning your first strokes or fine-tuning your technique, this is a fantastic way to get active, have fun, and enjoy the water.

📍 Location: Ashington Leisure Centre, Lintonville Terrace, Ashington, NE63 9JY

Funded by Ashington Town Council and operated by Places Leisure, these sessions are part of a commitment to healthy, active lifestyles and inspiring the next generation of swimmers.

🎥 Don’t miss our free swim film — check it out here!
https://youtu.be/PEL0a_JtlWU

27/05/2026

Ashington Town Council has confirmed a number of key appointments for the forthcoming year following its Annual Meeting of the Council held last night.

Councillor Mark Purvis was elected to return as Chair of the Council and will continue to lead Full Council meetings over the coming year.

Speaking following his election, Cllr Purvis said he was proud to be elected once again and thanked fellow councillors for their support.

He said:

“I’m proud to be elected again and I hope the Council continues to work well together as we did over the previous year. We won’t always agree, but we can disagree constructively, and I’m grateful to start the year on a high and accept the position.”

Councillor Melanie Fox was elected as Vice-Chair of the Council.

The meeting also saw Councillor Caroline Ball appointed as Civic Head for the year ahead. Unlike some councils, Ashington Town Council operates a separate Civic Head role rather than a Town Mayor model. The Civic Head represents the Council at civic and ceremonial events across the town and wider area.

Cllr Ball said she was delighted to return to the role, adding:

“I really enjoyed my previous time as Civic Head in 2024 and I’m looking forward to taking on the role again.”

Councillor Lynne Grimshaw was elected Chair of the Finance and General Services Committee.

The Council also received and approved updated committee Terms of Reference and a range of revised Council policies as part of its annual governance review.

Chairs and Vice-Chairs for the Council’s remaining standing committees will be elected at their first meetings of the new council year.

For a full list of committee memberships, please see here.

https://www.ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk/news/news.php?s=2026-05-27-ashington-town-council-appoints-chair-vice-chair-and-civic-head-for-the-year-ahead

Photographs were also taken following the meeting, including images of the newly appointed Civic Head and Deputy Civic Head wearing the Council’s chain and medal of office, alongside councillors in attendance who gathered for a group photograph to mark the beginning of the new council year.

26/05/2026

⛏️🕊️ The annual Northumberland Miners’ Picnic will begin with a special Miners’ Memorial Service on Saturday 13th June 2026 at 10:30am at Woodhorn Museum.

The service will honour the miners who worked in Northumberland’s coal mines and remember those who sadly lost their lives in the industry. Led by Ministers of Ashington Churches Together, the memorial remains one of the most important and reflective parts of the long-standing Miners’ Picnic tradition.

A particularly moving moment this year will come from the Ashington & District Male Voice Choir, who will perform ‘Woodhorn Disaster’ — a powerful tribute naming the 13 miners who lost their lives in the 1916 Woodhorn Colliery disaster. Written by Derek Hobbs and Mike Kirkup as part of ‘Fell ’em Doon’, the piece ensures the memories of those men live on through song.

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

📍 Woodhorn Museum, QEII Country Park, Ashington, NE63 9YF
🕥 Saturday 13th June 2026 | 10:30am

All members of the public are welcome to attend.

📞 For more information, contact Sharon Parmley on 01670 624520 or email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

⛏️