With just two months to go till the end of 2021, it’s a time of year typically filled with tradition, events, and celebration. This year, we’re delighted to see so many exciting happenings back in Oakley Vale following the Covid-19 pandemic and thought this month’s blog would be the perfect time to announce our top two picks. Plus, we declare the long-awaited new winner of our photo competition… As always, we’ve got lots to get through so let’s get right down to it!
Things to look forward to in November
Bonfire night and fireworks display
A couple of weeks ago, we announced on our social media channels that Corby’s ever-popular bonfire night and fireworks display is returning this year after a Covid-19 hiatus!
If you missed our update, we can reveal that the FREE event is taking place on Friday, November 5 at the Corby Boating Lake. The bonfire will be lit at 19:00, with the main fireworks display starting shortly after at 19:30 – so be sure to arrive in plenty of time to get a slice of the action!
Cllr Helen Howell, North Northamptonshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that we are able to hold our fireworks spectacular and bonfire in Corby this year after not being able to do so in 2020.
“Bonfire Night is such a tradition in most people’s calendars – and it’s wonderful that we can provide this entertainment for families.”
You can read more about the event here.
Remembrance Day
As well as lots of Remembrance Day services in the area, our very own Willow Place in Corby is inviting entries for a poetry and art competition to mark this year’s 100th anniversary of The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. The competition is open to all secondary school age children who are being challenged to submit a poem or picture on the theme of ‘Remembrance’.
They’ll even be a first, second and third prize of £75, £50 and £25 in each category to spend at Willow Place! Plus, there is also ten runners-up prizes of The Lost Generation: The Young Person’s Guide to World War I. What’s more, a selection of the best entries will be displayed in the town centre in November – we can’t wait to see them!
To find out more and information on how to submit your entry, click the link here.
Have fun while staying safe
Across the country it’s becoming clear that Covid-19 cases are rising again, meaning some of the celebrations may look slightly different. At Corby’s fireworks night, people are being encouraged to wear a face-covering where possible and take a lateral flow test before attending.
But that’s not all you can do to protect yourself from Covid-19. There’s lots of advice and guidance out there to help you stay safe while still having fun! The NHS has put together a handy guide which you can find here. In it, it suggests:
- Get vaccinated!
- Stay at home if you feel unwell and get tested
- Meet people outside if possible
- Open doors and windows to let in fresh air if meeting people inside
- Limit the number of people you meet and avoid crowded places
- Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day
By following this guidance, and taking extra-precautions, we can all enjoy doing the things we love while still keeping our community safe.
Oakley Vale Future Phases
In our recent blog we gave an update on the future phases of Oakley Vale’s development. We understand Great Oakley are currently awaiting proposals from developers for the redevelopment of phase 8. Proposals including layout and potential housing designs will be submitted by prospective purchasers in the middle of November, and it is hoped the successful developer partner will be chosen prior to Christmas.
Discussions with North Northamptonshire Council highways and planning teams is set to recommence next month to agree the design codes for phases 8 and 9 which will set a very high bar in terms of quality of appearance and the public realm within these final phases. It is expected that the chosen developer will submit their detailed plans to the council in mid-2022 to enable a start on site the following year.
The History of Oakley Vale
Have you ever wondered about the history of the area where your home is now built? Well in our recent community survey, it seems a lot of you have! We’re pleased to say we’ll soon be adding a History of Oakley Vale page to our website! So keep your eyes peeled!
The winner of our photo competition
Finally, we leave you with good news – we can announce the winner of our photo competition… So, without further ado, our winner is Catherine for this lovely picture of Oakley Vale in the midst of summer!
£50 is on its way to you, Catherine and we’re also going to match that £50 prize with a similar donation to the Oakley Vale Community Association.
Now the winner has been declared, we can also announce our theme for our next photo competition – ‘Winter Woodland’. We want to see your prettiest, most innovative snaps of life in and around the beautiful green spaces and woodland in Oakley Vale. We’ll be taking entries until January 31st so get submitting!
To view the winning shot and to find out more about our photo competition, click here.
All that’s left to say is we hope you have a great November and enjoy taking part in all the wonderful events – see you in December!
