There’s more to Marwood than you might think.
Ask most people from Teesdale to point at Marwood on a map and chances are they’ll indicate an area of land located somewhere between Barnard Castle Golf Club and Eggleston.
And, as far as the ancient settlement of Marwood is concerned, they would be right to do so. The long-abandoned village – which pre-dated Barnard Castle – was roughly one mile north of the town halfway between the River Tees and the B6278.
But the boundaries of the parish council stretch far and wide, encompassing parts of Barnard Castle, including Castle Vale and High Riggs, as well as Teesdale Leisure Centre, GSK and Harmire Industrial Estate.
Marwood Parish also includes a small part of Stainton Grove, and farming communities stretching from Mount Eff near Westwick, to Folly Top; and from Low Shipley in the west to Dent Gate Lane, Langleydale, in the east.
All in all, it’s a huge area to administer. However, that doesn’t stop the parish council from making a positive impact on the community in whatever way it can.
Outlining some of Marwood’s projects, council chairman Cllr Adrian Mairs said: “We funded High Riggs rose garden, including the stone birdbath, which was installed to commemorate the King’s Coronation.
“The parish council also funded the installation of bench seats on Darlington Road, on the A688 outside Lidl bus stop and at High Riggs rose garden to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
“Residents may have noticed the floral planters positioned around Marwood parish which are maintained all-year-round by Lowfield Gardens Nursery.
“And there’s the picnic tables added to the bandstand area next to the River Tees and the installation and maintenance of a defibrillator at Marwood Social Centre.
“We’ve also given numerous donations to support the local and wider community including Green Lane C of E Primary School, Barnard Castle Meet, Eggleston Agricultural Show, Bowes Show, TCR Hub, Barnard Castle Youth FC and the Royal British Legion, including attending and laying a wreath at the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at The Bowes Museum.”
Other duties that ensure the parish looks its best include the seasonal upkeep of grass verges along A688 between Lidl and Stainton, and the management of Castle Vale Community Allotments.
Due to the retirement of three councillors, Marwood currently has three vacancies to fill on the parish council.
For more information or to express an interest contact [email protected]
