Forty-five members of the Ogle/Ogles Family Association of America (OOFA) travelled from the USA to Northumberland College’s Kirkley Hall Campus, near Ponteland, as part of a trip to visit sites linked to their family’s past.
The family were prominent in Northumberland and British history, owning castles at Kirkley Hall, Ogle and Cockle Park, and OOFA were embarking on a two-week long visit to rural Northumberland to see some of these sites.
On September 7, representatives from Northumberland College, including principal and chief executive Marcus Clinton and chairman of the Kirkley Hall Gardens and Woodland Committee Malcolm Watson welcomed the group to Kirkley Hall.
Vice president of OOFA Charles Owens officially unveiled a hand-made wooden plaque that honours the Ogle family, who together have raised $2,500 towards a renovation project at Ogle Pond at the campus.
Wild flowers and trees have also been planted and a boardwalk has been constructed.
This means that students studying conservation can better utilise the pond, as well as it being an attraction to be enjoyed by visitors.
Malcolm Watson said: “The pond was a part of the estate which was originally owned by their ancestors.
“As a result of financial support generously provided by the Ogles and Northumberland College, it has been possible to begin restoring the pond. The idea is that it will become an additional feature for visitors to Kirkley Hall, including a photo opportunity for wedding couples. The estate is now managed by Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall and provides a major educational resource.”
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