Community news round-up from Tynedale

Humshaugh

By Herbie Newell

Humshaugh was saddened by the death of Jean Frost, late of Chesters Meadows. A private cremation will take place on Monday, and her daughter Sara will arrange a celebration of her life at a later date. Family flowers only, and donations, if wished, to be split between the Salvation Army and Save the Children, c/o Dodds of Hexham NE46 2EW. Our thoughts are with Sara and the family at this difficult time.

Volunteers and directors celebrated the 10th birthday of our wonderful village shop last weekend. In addition to saving the shop and helping to save the pub, grants of over £60,000 have been made to local groups and individuals. Humshaugh is very greatly indebted to all involved.

The parish council meeting is next Thursday, November 14 at 7pm in the village hall, and the agenda will be published on the village website.

The pub quiz on Tuesday, November 19 is for the Royal British Legion. Quiz and raffle prizes would be much appreciated and can be left at the village shop.

The service this Sunday for Remembrance Sunday is at 12.15pm at the Humshaugh War Memorial with a full Remembrance Day service at 10.45am at Simonburn.

Slaley

By Stella Douglas

I am sure that most people have heard that the necessary money has been raised for the Slaley Community Shop to continue. During the period of uncertainty, the shop’s managers have worked hard to improve the product range.

With Christmas on the horizon, there are lots of opportunities to join in the groups which aim to create crafty Christmas gifts. Basket weaving with the WI is on November 13 at the commemoration hall (see the parish website for details). The craft group meets on November 14. Call Brenda on (01434) 673269 for details. A date for the diary is December 12 at 7pm in the commemoration hall for Christmas wreath night.

The Trygill Sculptures and Touch Wood Millennium Walk starts at Ladycross Quarry gates at 1pm on Sunday, November 10. The walk is 2.5 miles long – just the thing for a November afternoon. Well-behaved dogs on leads and their responsible owners are welcome. It’s bumpy for pushchairs and not wheelchair friendly.

To while away the dark November evenings, the tenth whist night is on Thursday, November 14. The reports of the ninth night were very cheerful and appealing. Anyone interested in attending should call Pat (01434) 673388. Also call Pat or Ros (01434) 673173 for tickets for The Snow Queen on January 3. The sooner the better as they go like hot cakes.

On November 15, Slaley Film Club is showing the dark comic drama, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing (15).

Riding Mill

By Pam Pryor

Congratulations to Linda Shepherd and members of the village hall trust for raising a whopping £1,546 at the craft fair last Saturday. With the additional £750 from Barclays Bank, I am sure that nearly £2,300 will help tremendously with the maintenance of the village’s community buildings.

The ever popular Pot Luck lunch takes place in the parish hall at midday on Tuesday, November 12. Please contact Anne Lawrence on (01434) 682351 before Sunday, November 10 if you wish to attend.

The parish councillors have arranged for the director of the Tyne Rivers Trust, Ceri Gibson, to be present at a drop-in session in the Millennium Hall from 3pm until 8 pm on Wednesday, November 13. Ceri has been undertaking a survey of the old mill pond and surrounding land in Marchburn Lane to establish if it could be developed into an amenity area for villagers. Various options will be presented and residents’ views are sought.

Newbrough

By Rob Tindall

There is never any prior hype but every year the Remembrance Day Service attracts a big congregation. This year it is the Methodist Chapel’s turn to organise this very poignant service, this time Deacon Anne Taylor will preside. The service starts at 10.40am in the Town Hall followed by the wreath laying at the War Memorial. Tea and coffee will be available after the service.

Following debate in Newbrough Parish Council a meeting is to be held in the town hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday, November 13, on Climate Action Newbrough. This will be an informal, exploratory chat to find out what support there is for such a group in Newbrough. Bring your friends, your enthusiasm and your ideas.

Even from my distant viewpoint, the Red Lion fireworks display was magnificent. A lot of effort and cash goes into organising it. Andy and Sue deserve all the credit going, for mounting this superb community event.

A community event with a difference is the community tidy up of St Peter’s churchyard at 1pm on Saturday, November 9. Forgo your home-cooked lunch and enjoy soup and sausages before tackling the rampant vegetation and fallen leaves. Bring your own tools.

On Friday, November 15, there will be a coffee morning in the Methodist Chapel from 10am to 1pm in aid of Children in Need. Also on the Friday, November 15 at 7pm there is a race night in aid of If U Care Share at the Boatside Inn.

Redesdale

By Emma Anderson

The Phoenix Sixty-plus Social Club raised £534 at its fund-raising prize bingo at Otterburn Memorial Hall on Wednesday, October 23. The club wishes to thank all who attended and donated prizes. Special thanks are due to Billy Lewins, the caller on the night.

This Sunday’s service of Remembrance in Upper Redesdale takes place at St John’s, Otterburn, at 10.30am, followed by the wreath laying and refreshments at Otterburn Memorial Hall. Wreaths will also be laid at Corsenside War Memorial at 10.50am, followed by refreshments at Corsenside Parish Hall, at St Francis’s, Byrness, at 12.30pm, at Rochester War Memorial at 1pm and St Cuthbert’s, Elsdon, at 1.45pm. The service of Remembrance at St Bartholomew’s, Kirkwhelpington, starts at 10.45am.

A coffee morning in aid of Otterburn Children’s Party Fund will be held at Otterburn Memorial Hall on Saturday, November 16 between 10am and midday. The coffee morning will include a cake stall, tombola, raffle, bottle pull and stalls selling Christmas items.

Chollerton

By Kelly Adshead

Birtley & District Gardening Group meets on Tuesday at 7.45pm with Karen Phillips from Linnels Farm.

Sing for your supper community evening is on November 16 at Birtley Village Hall at 7pm. Please save the date if you would to come along.

Tea at Two Thirty meets at Gunnerton Church on Tuesday, November 19 at 2.30pm. All welcome to come and have a cup of tea and a chat.

Friends of Chollerton Churches is once again holding Yuletide at Chipchase Castle on Friday, December 13 at 7pm. Tickets from Ken Carlilse on (01434) 689996 and Bob Fletcher on 07783 529228. Book now.

Ovingham & Ovington

By Malcolm Cairns

The annual village quiz will be held in the reading room on Friday, November 15. Teams will consist of a maximum of four people. The entrance fee is £4.50 per person to include a pie and pea supper with a start at 7.30pm prompt, so come early and get a table. There will be a raffle and a licensed bar with proceeds going towards the upkeep of the venue, all welcome.

St Mary’s Church will hold the Remembrance Service on Sunday, November 10 at 9.45am. The congregation will move outside for the Act of Remembrance and two minutes silence at 11am.

The chat club is meeting today in the reading room at 10.15am for exercise, tea and coffee. Next week’s get together at the same time has the intriguing theme of ‘What happened next?’ The club is planning an outing on November 21 to Dobbies.

Earlier this week an incident of fly-tipping occurred on Horsley Road. Not only is this a very anti-social act but it can be dangerous to wildlife and farm stock and is costly to remove. If you see anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to contact the council on their website or phone the police on 101.

The Film Club’s screening this month is the spy drama, Red Joan, starring Judi Dench. Doors open at the reading room 7pm on Friday, November 29.

Finally on a rather sad note, for the first time in nearly 300 years Ovingham is without a public house.We hope the work progresses smoothly in the repairs to the White Swan after the recent fire and give thanks that no one was injured.

Wark

By Peter Samsom

There appears to be a lot going on in our patch over the next few days.

Sunday is Remembrance Sunday and St Mungo’s in Simonburn will host the Benefice service, starting at 10.45am. As usual, there will be short ceremonies and wreath laying in Humshaugh at 12.15pm and at the war memorial in Wark at 12.45pm. If you’re around on Monday, you’ll also be welcome to join the children and staff of Wark Primary School for their service at the war memorial at 11am.

Those of you interested in scent in the garden might want to join the Birtley and District Gardening Group at its meeting on Tuesday when its speaker will talk on that subject. The meeting starts at 7.20pm for 7.45pm and non-members of the group are welcome at £4 each.

I’m sure the global discussions about climate change and the loss of wildlife haven’t escaped your notice and I’ve heard about a few places where people are getting together to work out what action they can take in their own communities. I’d be interested to hear if anyone is interested in setting up such a group in Wark. You can contact me by email on peter@samsom.co.uk.

Bellingham

By Birtley Nail

Sad to record the death of one of Bellingham’s best-known personalities, retired businessmen, Robin Nixon, who died last week at the age of 84. As boss of J.E. Nixon and Son the plumbers, he was one of the North Tyne’s biggest employers for many years, winning contracts all over the North-East and beyond, including work on Kielder Dam, and on the extension of Newcastle United’s St James’s Park. Away from work, he was an accomplished musician, playing in the Ovington Silver Band amongst others. He leaves daughters Gillian and Sandra.

Despite an exceptionally wet weekend leading up to the event, Bonfire Night went with a bang at Riverdale on Sunday night. The fireworks were magnificent, and thanks are due to organiser Kate Jameson and her team.

But there was a spark of nostalgia on the night, for adding fuel to the flames were the mortal remains of the iconic group of sheep which have been grazing Westlands green for the best part of a decade. The wooden sculptures have grown increasingly dilapidated in recent years, with limbs and lugs dropping off, and one lost its head completely last week. Sterling efforts were made to save them, but they were some way beyond repair!

The jumble sale at Bellingham Town Hall last week in aid of St Cuthbert’s Church raised a record £1,071, and the organisers are grateful for everyone’s support.

It is Remembrance Sunday this weekend and the ecumenical Service of Remembrance will take place in the cemetery chapel at 10.50am, followed by the laying of wreaths at the lych gate war memorial. Everyone is welcome.

Corbridge

By David Walton

On Sunday, Corbridge, like every community in the country, will mark Remembrance Sunday and will remember all who gave their lives in two world wars and all conflicts since. A civic service will take place at St Andrew’s Church commencing at 10.50am. The annual march moves off from the Corstopitum car park at 10.15am. Those who intend to take part are requested to be there by 10.05am.

Messy Church takes place on Sunday afternoon at St Andrew’s Church between 3pm and 5pm. This month’s event is entitled ‘Feast of Faith’.

Carpet bowls continues every Tuesday in the parish hall between 2pm and 4pm and again from 7am until 9pm.

The Wednesday Forum takes place at Corbridge Methdist Church on Wednesday at 2.30pm. Guest speaker is Gabriel Keenaghan, who in 1939 was a Austrian refugee and since then has done so much work towards Holocaust education and awareness.

When the General Election takes place next month it will see Corbridge parish councillor Will Clouston, fighting the seat of Leeds Central for the SDP.

Next Saturday, November 16 sees the Corbridge Youth Initative Christmas Fair which takes place in the parish hall between 10am and 1pm, there is a chance to meet Santa and buy from the many stalls, the fair also includes stalls from the Charlotte Straker Project.

It’s getting near to the annual Christmas Tree Festival in St Andrew’s Church. It takes place from Friday, November 29 until Tuesday, December 3. Packs for the event are available from the rear of the church for community groups who wish to enter the festival.

Haltwhistle

By Hilary Nichol

Well done to all of the youngsters who celebrated Halloween last week. Much thought had gone into the costumes and all of the little visitors were very polite, considerate and friendly when calling.

The Haltwhistle Garden Club is holding its annual meeting, supper and quiz on Monday, November 11, at 7.30p.m. at the Comrades’ Club. The programmes for next year will be available then, so everyone can begin planning their new gardening year.

The South Tynedale Wildlife Group invites you to join its regular meeting on Tuesday, November 12, from 7.30pm in the Comrades’ Club. This month, Genevieve Dalley will discuss, ‘Invertebrates on the map; the legacy of the cold blooded and spineless project.’

The talented members of Haltwhistle Art Club will hold a Christmas Fair on Thursday, November 14. There will be a range of arts and crafts on display and to buy. Everyone is welcome.

Staying with Thursday, November 14, Dementia Support at Haltwhistle invites you to attend the Haltwhistle Memory Cafe in Haltwhistle Hospital Community Room from 10am to 12pm noon. Come along for coffee and craic followed by chair yoga with Amanda.

Greenhead & Gilsland

By Wendy Bond

November is always the birthday month for the Farmers’ Market at Greenhead – the 14th this year. It’s also the market when the Christmas shopping can begin in earnest. Sue’s free range Hadrian’s Wall turkeys can be ordered – or you may prefer a joint of the beef of Olde England, matured and well-hung Longhorn beef for full flavour and texture. Order now for peace of mind. The Market now has local honeys as well as a fine range of chutneys and special marmalades which make excellent small gifts – and a delightful range of beautifully crafted objects in wood, from an elegant clock to a hearty doorstop. You can pause to rest with a friendly cup of fair trade tea or coffee, too, and home baked cake, between stalls. And the new community transport vehicle, the Gilsland GGaxy is ready to give lifts to the market for the people of Gilsland and Long Byre, so long cut off from Sunday transport, leaving Gilsland at 10.30am.

The other regular feature of our November markets is the pause at 11.50am for everyone to go across the road join in the service of Remembrance held at the war memorial, once again decorated with knitted poppies by the members of the Greenhead WI who last year taught their skills to the children in the school as part of the centenary commemorations. The outdoor service is followed by a service of Holy Communion in St Cuthbert’s Church.

A BUSY week ahead, with the WI meeting on Monday, November 11, at 7pm when Yvonne will be talking about millinery – a lovely old-fashioned word for a perennial fascination!

On Tuesday the youth club meets at 6.30pm. Both these take place in the Greenhead village hall.

The Gardening Club holds its last meeting of the year in Gilsland village hall on Thursday, November 14 at 7.30pm for a talk on ‘Wildlife in the Garden’ by Kate Jackson from Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

St Cuthbert’s final Dominos Drive of the year takes place for all ages on Friday, November 15, at 7.30pm in the Greenhead Village Hall.

Haydon Bridge

By Karen Lumsden

John Harrison will be quiz master at the General Havelock on Tuesday, November 12. Brains need to be in gear by 8.15pm. This month’s charity is Lifespan.

Messy Church meets again on Wednesday, November 13, at the Methodist Church between 3.30pm and 5.45pm. Children under eight years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Books are on the menu at the General Havelock book club meeting on Thursday, November 14, from 8pm.

The 2020 Haydon Bridge calendars are now on sale around the village, Claire’s newsagents, the General Havelock and the Bridge Library. All monies raised goes to Shaftoe Trust Academy PTA.

Volunteers are needed to act as marshals on the Old Bridge from 3.15pm on New Year’s Eve. This is to allow the setting up of the fireworks. If you think you may have 90 minutes to spare then please contact Pauline on (01434) 684061, or drop a note with contact number into Claire’s newsagents.

Prudhoe

By Ian Warburton

The Spetchells Centre is hosting an older persons’ information day on Monday, November 11, from 10am to 2pm. Prudhoe People’s Treat tickets can be collected here and information regarding many Prudhoe organisations will be available. Come and enjoy light refreshments in the company of old and new friends.

The next meeting of Prudhoe Town Council’s planning, contract and works committee will be held in the Spetchells Centre on Wednesday, November 13, commencing at 6.30pm. Please note the earlier than usual start time. Members of the public are welcome to attend, subject to any exclusions relating to the conduct of confidential business.

St Mary Magdalene Parish Church will be holding its Christmas Fair in the parish hall on Saturday, November 16 from 10am to midday. Come and enjoy fun with a festive flavour.

If you want your event to be publicised here, please email me on ianwarburton25@gmail.com or phone me on 07796 820893. If you want an item to appear on a specific Thursday, please may I have it by the preceding Friday, so that I have enough time to pass it on for publication on the desired date.

Allen Valleys

By Glynn Galley

The Allen Valleys Wildlife Group is meeting at the High Forest Community Centre in Sinderhope on the Tuesday, November 12, at 7pm for a talk by Kelly Hollings, project officer for Northumberland Wildlife Trust. It’s called ‘Restoring Ratty’ and is about bringing the water vole back to Kielder. It’s free and there’s a raffle too!

The people behind the agricultural show are putting on a bingo night at the King’s Head, Allendale on Friday, November 8, at 7pm. Everyone is welcome.

The Allen Valleys Oil Buying Cooperative order deadline for a November delivery is noon on the Tuesday, November 12. If you’d like to become a member, ring (01434) 683334 or email oilorderfawside@gmail.com

For inclusion here, please email glynngalley@gmail.com or drop a note into Crosskeys on Shield Street by Sunday teatime.

Stocksfield

By Clare Daltry

Visit St George’s Church, Eastgate Bank, Mickley for Travelling Treasure, a free, family-friendly exhibition in this beautiful church. There’s lots to see and do, including finding the hidden dragons! Refreshments available. The event started on Tuesday, November 5 and runs until Friday, November 15. Opening times are 10am to 3pm at the weekends and 11am to 3pm on weekdays.

It’s Remembrance Sunday on November 10, and there will be a service at the Stocksfield War Memorial at 10.45am. The Mickley Village Remembrance Service will be at Mickley Club at 3pm.

The Stocksfield Local History Society meets on Wednesday, November 13 at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church in Mount View Terrace. It will be the AGM, and Laraine Judd will be providing an update on the War Memorial Project with a focus on WW2 casualties. New members are always welcome.

Matfen

By Jean Conteh

Our local churches will celebrate Remembrance Day this year on Sunday, Holy Trinity Church in Matfen will have its service at 9am, followed by St Mary’s Church in Stamfordham at 10.30am. Then on the following day, Armistice Day, there will be a service of Remembrance at the war memorial in Matfen beginning at 10.55am, leading up to a short time of silent Remembrance at 11am.

The Upper Pont Dining Club will meet once again on Wednesday, November 27 for its ever-popular evening of dinner and a speaker with local relevance and interest. This time the speaker will be John Paterson, director of Egger (UK). In John’s talk, entitled ‘Egger (UK) Limited – the Operation from Start to Finish’, he will explain the workings of the Hexham-based business, which is the largest chipboard factory in Europe. And it’s not just about chipboard. Egger’s closed loop operation includes sustainable forestry, timber products, recycling and power generation. As usual, the £20 ticket covers the two-course meal with plenty of choices. For further details and tickets, contact Peter Lombard on (01661) 886331 or Struan Wilson on (01661) 886592.

Upper North Tyne

By Sarah Hallberg

Churches Together in Falstone will be marking Remembrance Sunday, starting at the Cenotaph in the cemetery at 10.50am for the laying of wreaths. This will be followed by the service of Remembrance at 11am in St Peter’s Church, and then by light refreshments and an exhibition. Everyone is welcome.

The next Messy Church session will take place at the URC in Falstone on Sunday, with the theme for this session being peace and remembrance. The session runs from 3pm until 5pm, with a wide range of activities available. Children are encouraged to bring their adult(s) with them.

Hexhamshire

By Lynda White

Hexhamshire Leek Club is holding its AGM on Wednesday, November 20 in the parish hall at 7.30pm.

If you haven’t time to make a Christmas cake or pudding this year, but would like one then come along to Whitley Chapel Christmas Fair on Sunday, December 1, where Hexhamshire WI will be selling Christmas items including cakes and puddings on their stall. It is one of 26 stalls selling all sorts of goodies for the festive season. In fact you can do all of your Christmas shopping in the parish hall from 10.30am.

Lady Cross Nature Reserve is having a Trygill Sculptures and Touch Wood Millennium Walk this Sunday at 1pm. Well behaved dogs on leads with their responsible owners are welcome on this circular walk which is approximately 2.5 miles. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing. It will be bumpy for pushchairs but not suitable for wheelchairs. All proceeds will go towards new facilities at the reserve. Please meet at the quarry gates where the walk will begin at 1pm.

Horsley

By Ethel Coulthard

This Sunday, November 10, there will be a service of remembrance at 10.45am at the village war memorial, led by Ray Anglesea, URC lay preacher, followed by vegetable soup and cheese scones in the church hall.

The Hearth Centre in Horsley is currently seeking trustees to join the board of the Hearth Charity. The role of trustee is a voluntary position, and they are seeking applicants with a range of skills and interests. If you would like to find out more about how to become involved in supporting the Hearth Charity in this way, please see its website www.thehearth.co.uk/new-trustees

During November 16 and 17, visitors are invited to visit open church. Each day is framed day with creative prayer time from 9am to 9.45am and 3pm to 3.45pm, sitting round the traditional hooky mat which is at last completed! There will be a display about Horsley’s heritage, including a selection of photographs from the Philip Brooks collection, kindly donated by Helena Bates and Barbara Brooks. During each morning there will be live music. Grateful thanks go to Robson’s Choice (Saturday) and students of Hilary Gordon (Sunday). The musicians ask that collections be made to Newcastle Hospice and the People’s Kitchen. During the afternoons there is an opportunity to help make a vegan Christmas cake, buy fairly traded gifts and to enjoy the atmosphere of the historic building as well as its living heritage as a Christian community today.

The village and the garden club would like to thank the generous folk who have looked after village planters again this year.