ONE of Bellingham’s best-known characters, retired shopkeeper Ronnie Bickerton, has died at the age of 86.

Ronnie made his mark in several fields, most notably as the creator of Bellingham’s answer to Arkwright’s store, the hardware shop in Parkside Place.

He turned it from a temperance hotel into a dazzling emporium of delight for do-it-yourselfers, selling just about everything under the sun, which brought in shoppers from a wide area.

Although Ronnie retired many years ago, he continued working with wood, metal and other materials in his Aladdin’s Cave of a workshop on the Burnside.

He also built many sets for the Bellingham and District Amateur Dramatic Society over the years.

Ronnie was also well-known for his involvement with the Bellingham fire service, serving as leading fireman for many years.

His rich Northumbrian accent occasionally caused problems though, as a young girl on control was once unable to understand his pronunciation of the word “creosote” after one blaze, and he had to resort to “timba presorvative, man!”

His funeral has taken place privately, and he will be much missed.

HAVE you ever wondered whether that dusty old vase you inherited from your great aunt Gertie is worth anything?

You have the chance to find out on May 17, when an antiques valuation day will be held at the fire station, featuring the star of the BBC’s popular Bargain Hunt programme, Paul Laidlaw.

The Carlisle-based expert will doubtless be kept very busy between 11am and 2pm, valuing items at £2 per pop. The event is being held to raise money for the maintenance of the Jubilee Field play area.

AS part of the vintage and classic vehicle show at Kielder Castle tomorrow, the elderly modes of transport will be taking part in a road run which starts from the car park at Bellingham Heritage Centre at 11am.

This has proved a very popular part of the weekend, and will cover around 50 miles, with a stop for lunch, and along the route there is a stop for a talk.

The route and the topic of the talk will only be revealed at the start of the event, which has been running for 10 years.

SPEAKING of modes of transport, my research into a book on the Second World War in Tynedale has revealed that curiosity has always got the better of caution in Bellingham.

On October 29, 1939, passengers on the 8.15am bus to Hexham were stunned when the vehicle was “buzzed” by a low-flying Nazi aircraft.

The roar of the aircraft’s diesel engines brought people out of their homes, and workers in the fields stopped what they were doing in amazement as the aircraft swooped by just 30 feet off the ground.

One worker was so convinced the plane was going to crash, he flung himself into a ditch, while the driver of the bus feared for his life as the aircraft circled his vehicle twice, before roaring across the road just 10 yards in front of the bus.

The German insignia on the wings and tail were clearly discernable. One witness said: “I suppose we should have taken cover, but instead, everyone rushed out of doors to see the plane.”

THERE’S still a chance to get your name down for the Friends of the Town Hall weekly draw, when an investment of just £12 will put you in line for a monthly prize of £50, with £25 for runners up.

THERE will be a meeting for anyone who is interested in hearing about a local link into the Tynedale Community Bank.

Come to the Cheviot Hotel at 7pm, on Monday, May 16, to find out about savings and loans for local people. Refreshments will be available. All welcome.