A FREE Easter extravaganza will see fun and prizes exchanged for views to help shape a village for generations to come.
Startforth residents are forming their own neighbourhood plan to keep tabs on developments and have their say when it comes to the future of the village.
The neighbourhood plan group has arranged an Easter Fayre on Sunday, March 25, from 2pm at the former Startforth School building to give villagers a chance to both air their thoughts and enjoy themselves.
Games, sideshows and competitions will all be part of the afternoon – which will go ahead regardless of the weather.
Jim Boaden, from the neighbourhood plan group, said: “It’s free and it will be a fun day for all. We’re trying to get hold of all of Startforth’s communities.
“There’ll be free soft drinks and a photography competition for the best picture of Startforth – so people should remember to bring along their prints.
“There is a £30 voucher prize for adults and a £20 prize for under 18s.”
An allowance of £800 from central government has helped fund the day and Mr Boaden said it was a case of “use it or lose it”.
Other competitions will include a best decorated egg contest, an easter egg hunt and prizes for the best Easter-themed hat, all judged by Kirklands Nursery owner Janice Duffy-McGhie.
There will also be a football themed event plus workshops for youngsters and a camp fire by the Bright Woods Forest School.
Mr Boaden added: “There will be sideshows and these are being kindly lent to us by the Teesdale and District Lions Club.
“We have got some Easter eggs to give away as well as some other prizes.
“We will be asking people on the day what they like about living in Startforth, what they would change and what they would like to see in future,” he added.
The plan group has already took part in one event this year – a “town meeting” workshop with the North Heartlands Partnership Project to help shape views in a fictional setting.
A questionnaire sent around the village last year has already gathered some data on what villagers want.
Mr Boaden hoped this Easter fayre could build on progress made so far.
He added: “The idea of this is to consult with all age groups – that’s our problem at the moment.
“We’ve got quite a few over 50s but not a lot else.”
Leaflets are due to be dropped in all Startforth households by March 11 advertising the event.
