We have great news on the annual Ponteland Wheelbarrow Race: it is to go ahead. Increased costs for staging the next race led to doubts about its affordability. However, several local businesses including The Blackbird, the 7 Stars, The Station House, and Ellis Signs, along with Ponteland Town Council, have donated funds to help cover higher charges necessitated by a change in the law.
The change, which requires a certified traffic management company to be brought in due to road closures, left a question mark over whether this year’s event would go ahead.
Now, to minimise the cost of the road closure, the customary New Year’s Day race which previously ran along North Road will take a new route up Thornhill Road. It starts with the Noon Parade, followed by the Junior Race at 12.05pm, Ladies’ Race at 12.20pm and the Open Race at 12.40pm.
All the money raised through sponsorship and entry fees will be shared between two charities, St Oswald’s Hospice and Tynedale Hospice at Home.
The organisers
The race is organised by Ponteland 41 Club with the support of Ponteland Rugby Club. Andy Anderson of 41 Club said:
“The entire village is relieved and pleased that the race is going ahead. People look forward to it every year, and the thought that it might not go ahead was really upsetting.”
And Stuart Young, of The Blackbird in Ponteland said:
“The event brings together all the businesses in Ponteland at the start of the year and the possible loss would have been devastating.
“Thankfully, everyone has rallied round and I’m delighted that this ancient tradition will once again take place.”
Ponteland 41 Club is made up of former members of Round Table, allowing them to continue to maintain friendships and support good causes after the organisation’s compulsory retirement age of 45.
The origins of the race
Dating back to the 14th century, the Wheelbarrow Race has taken place every New Year’s Day, with crowds turning out to support the fun event.
According to legend, and tracing back seven hundred years, Ponteland residents were suffering from a harsh winter, leaving food and fuel in very short supply. Local leader, St John De Hornby, gathered the villagers and took them hunting, using wheelbarrows to bring their spoils back home.
Since that time the wheelbarrow race has become an annual tradition, sponsored by the Ponteland Wheelers – the name given to anyone who helps the event in any way.
For more information about the race contact Andy Lawson on 07989 355557 or at Andrew@andrew-lawson.co.uk
This article is based on a media release from Sorted PR Ltd
