News and events

Chair announced for game-changing £20m neighbourhood fund

A local faith leader has been appointed the chair of a neighbourhood board that will decide how £20 million of vital funding will be spent to help regenerate one of Gateshead's most disadvantaged communities.


Reverend Canon Danie Lindley has been confirmed as Chair of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board for Wrekenton and Beacon Lough. The funding, part of the government's Pride in Place programme, will be invested over the next decade to transform the area and improve opportunities for local people.

Reverend Danie has served the community for more than seven years as priest of St Albans Windy Nook and St John's, Gateshead Fell, as well as chair of governors at Larkspur School.


She has worked closely with residents, councillors, and community groups to deliver holiday clubs, feeding programmes, and new services such as a toddler group where there was a gap in provision. Her work spans all ages, from supporting older residents in sheltered housing to creating opportunities for children and young people.

Speaking about her appointment, Reverend Danie said:



"I have spoken publicly about the need for investment in this area of Gateshead and as chair of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board I will continue to seek partnerships to ensure that the best possible use of the funding, knowing that all who contribute will be valued and heard."


Member of Parliament for Gateshead Central and Whickham Mark Ferguson, who represents the Wrekenton area, added: "The £20 million Pride in Place programme fund offers us the chance to make a huge, visible difference to Beacon Lough and Wrekenton. As a local church minister and chair of governors, and as someone deeply rooted here, Reverend Danie will bring a wealth of local knowledge and experience to the role of Chair. 


"Local residents are eager to start the work of deciding how the funding is spent and its right that the work is led by an independent chair who is trusted and well known. With £2million to spend each year over the next decade I can't wait to see what is delivered."

Board member vacancy

We are seeking Expressions of Interest for local people to join the Beacon Lough & Wrekenton Neighbourhood Board.


The Neighbourhood Board was set up in April 2026 and we are seeking more Board members to drive forward Pride in Place in Beacon Lough & Wrekenton. Board Members should work, live or volunteer in Beacon Lough or Wrekenton. Or have a deep connection to the area. 


The Pride in Place funding will put decision-making power in the hands of local people, offers the flexibility to respond to local needs and opportunities, and provides long-term funding so communities can put plans together to help rebuild and transform their neighbourhoods. 


Role of Board Members 

  • To support the Chair in shaping the regeneration plan for Beacon Lough and Wrekenton, develop a consensus on priorities for the areas and support partnership delivery. Board members will be required to: 
  • Be an advocate for Beacon Lough and Wrekenton on behalf of the Board and wider community 
  • Attend and contribute effectively to Board meetings 
  • At all times, reflect the consensus view in external discussions with other partners and stakeholders. 
  • Take account of views of other stakeholders and be mindful of different opinions and perspectives. 
  • Support other Board members in seeking a consensus decision on local priorities. 
  • Advocate for inclusive participation, ensuring that voices from all parts of Beacon Lough and Wrekenton, including those who are often unheard-are represented.


Partnership Working

  • Work alongside local schools, faith groups, community centres, housing providers, and voluntary groups active in the area.
  • Collaborate with Gateshead Council services where needed.
  • Qualifications
  • Passion for community improvement and pride in Beacon Lough & Wrekenton.
  • Good communication and listening skills.
  • Willingness to collaborate with people of varied backgrounds and viewpoints.
  • Dependability in attending meetings and participating in projects.
  • No formal qualifications required—just commitment and local insight.
  • Training will be provided.


Time Commitment

  • This will vary, in the initial set-up phase this could be up to 10 hours per month, but we would expect this to reduce to 5 hours per month as an average (meetings, occasional events, and project support).


Term Length

  • First term will be 4 years.


Application Process

  • Submit your Expression of Interest outlining your suitability for this role to enquiries@BLWprideinplace.com
    by 15th October 2026
  • We will contact you to let you know if you have been selected for interview 
  • Appointment will be subject to satisfactory due diligence checks.


Please note this is a voluntary role. Reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed. Support will be available to aid accessibility and attendance including funding for childcare, caring responsibilities, and transport costs. 


If you feel there are any barriers to you joining the board, please tell us about them in your email.


Expressions of interest should include:

Name

Address

Contact telephone number

Email address

Statement detailing why you would like to join the Neighbourhood Board.