Dear Resident

You may have noticed the new bench installed at the end of The Parade next to the car entrance to the church grounds. The seat was installed by Pelton Parish Council with permission from Urpeth Parish Council in dedication of Mr Derek Bates who was a Parish Councillor for many years and served his community through various organisations. Today, six local school children from Roseberry Primary School attended an ‘Official Opening Ceremony’ of the Memorial Seat. Mr Bates daughter was in attendance along with Pelton Parish Councillors- Stephen Hann, Miriam Lonsdale-Cope, Clare Todd & Danny Wood along with Urpeth Parish Councillors- Alison Batey, Bill Barrett and Bill Scott. Ms Bates brought a family friend, Lena, who worked with her mam in the old Cooperative Department Store and Mrs Heather Hann who is a close family friend. Cllr Hann and Cllr Barrett spoke fondly of Mr Bates at the beginning of the ceremony and flowers were placed on the seat.

Devon, 10 from Roseberry Primary School helped Ms Bates to cut the ribbon to officially open the seat.

Thank you Devon for your help.

Above – Devon, Ms Bates and Cllr Stephen Hann