FOLLOWING my whinge last week about the condition of the local footpaths, I was approached by a local resident who has suggested setting up a group of volunteers to aid the improvement of the look of the village.

There are numerous areas that, with a bit of tender loving care, could be made to look much better.

Sophie Straker is involved with Britain in Bloom and is willing to support volunteers who would like to offer their services to help keep our villages looking inviting and welcoming.

If anyone is interested, please contact me at b.t.hall@btopenworld.com or Sophie on (01434) 674258.

BEARING in mind the above piece, I would like to mention someone who has made a great job of planting flowers and cutting the grass at the Newbrough sign to the east of the village.

John can be quietly seen getting on strimming and weeding to keep the area nice. Colin and Beryl have been seen in the past doing the same job, and it is appreciated. Thank you.

CONGRATULATIONS to Jane Penn on her ordination at Warden church recently.

THANKS have been expressed to everyone who was involved with the sports day and garden party held at the school.

Despite it being the hottest day of the year, there was a lot of support for all of the children who participated with great sportsmanship.

Well done to the winning team of Cuthbert. The fund-raising part raised just over £1,000.

THE leavers’ service at St Peter’s for the children moving to other schools was a lovely celebration.

As well as being presented with awards from the school, the children received bibles as a gift from Newbrough and Warden PCC.

The end of term was a busy time for everyone, as the Year 1 and 2 children visited Aydon Castle and Years 3 and 4, plus one Year 2, participated in a cricket afternoon at Tynedale Cricket Club.

The Newbrough teams came back with four medals and a version of the Ashes trophy.

The Year 4s went on a residential to Wooler during the last week of term and visited St Abb’s Head, Holy Island and Alnwick Castle.

A MEETING in the town hall last week about Joe the Quilter saw quite a bit of interest and enthusiasm.

Beamish Museum archivists have found some interesting and fascinating information about Joe, who was murdered in his home at Warden.

Local people have been invited to become involved with the excavation of Joe’s cottage as well as helping with bits and pieces at Beamish.

There will be opportunities to get involved as more information is given out. Watch this space.

I VISITED the Warden farm shop at the weekend for the first time.

Tucked away off the road, to the back of the Boatside Inn car park, the shop sells local and regional produce.

There is fruit, veg, ice cream, bread and numerous other good quality bits and pieces. Pop in and have a look.

If you need more information on what the farm shop provides, go to their website, find them on twitter or telephone (01434) 394120.

I APOLOGISE if anyone tried to contact me after Saturday evening to put anything into the notes. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to receive emails or phone calls after that time.