OS grid reference NZ131146 Region North East Sovereign state United Kingdom Ceremonial county County Durham | Unitary authority Country England Local time Tuesday 7:08 PM Post town Richmond | |
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Population 217 (2011 including Barforth) Weather 9°C, Wind SW at 10 km/h, 87% Humidity | ||
Ovington is a hamlet on the south bank of the River Tees in County Durham in the North East of England, situated close to Barnard Castle. It was historically located in the North Riding of Yorkshire but along with the rest of the former Startforth Rural District it was transferred to County Durham for administrative and ceremonial purposes on 1 April 1974, under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972.
Map of Ovington, UK
Home to the famous Ovington maypole, the tree for the maypole was fell and then erected by George Kidson MM, a former resident of the village who lived there for 83 years. All the daffodils that spring every year are also thanks to George Kidson who planted all them around the small village. The maypole was recently replaced with a new maypole donated by Wycliffe Hall. The new maypole stands tall in the centre of the green and two large chunks of the former maypole have been made into benches on either side of the green.
The Maypole was snapped off at ground level by storm force winds on Monday 9th November 2015. It is hoped to replace it with a similar sized pole as soon as one can be sourced and the relevant legalities and paperwork completed.