Community news round-up from Tynedale

Whittonstall

Christine Jewitt

The Halloween party at The Anchor Inn held on All Hallow’s Eve was a terrific success with over 80 attending mostly in scary, ghoulish fancy dress. It was a family event which was well supported by village residents, parents and children of Whittonstall First School. Prizes were awarded to the best dressed spooks and we danced enthusiastically long into the night.

In October, sadly we lost one of our dearest residents, Walter Carr. Walter was a larger than life character; full of chat and good humour, and he always had time to pass the time of day or share a joke. Hundreds gathered to say goodbye to Walter on November 8 at St Philip and St James’s Church and, afterwards, at The Anchor Inn where we celebrated his life and regaled ourselves with stories about his various escapades. He will be a great miss to everyone who knew and loved him, most especially Walter’s wife Iris, their three sons, their grandchildren all their families and many friends.

On Saturday, November 16, we undertook our autumn litter pick, which, despite the fog and the rain, produced several bags of litter. Thanks to all who volunteered and to Shotley Low Quarter Parish Council for the loan of the equipment. There are plans in place to repeat this exercise in the spring.

Wark

Peter Samsom

The St Michael’s Christmas Bazaar came up trumps this year with a present for my secret Santa at work next week. I bought one of Loreen’s wonderful hand-made bags which was not just within the set budget but beautiful as well. When I dropped in there was a nice buzz in the hall, the table of cakes was nearly full, the numbers card for the hamper was just about full and there were plenty of potential gifts still to choose from.

Judith told me that the town hall Christmas bingo earlier last week brought in over £400 which is an excellent result. All manner of people contributed to this success and not just those who turned up on the night, but also all of you who donated prizes etc. Thank you very much for all your contributions.

The town hall Christmas quiz on Tuesday, December 10 is now only a few days away. If you haven’t yet joined a team, you can still get a few mates together and join the fun! If you want a curry on the night, please place your order with Indus Valley in Hexham by December 8. Menus are available at several places in the village. There’s no minimum or maximum size of teams, and entry is £3pp. Please let Judith know if you’re bringing a team, but if you haven’t got a team and want to join in, you can always find a seat at a table on the night. Wear a Christmas jumper if you have one!

Corbridge

David Walton

It was great to see St Andrew’s Church packed for the annual Christmas tree festival last weekend with a record 110 trees being exhibited over the five days. Trees of all sizes from the business community and community groups were on display. Crowds were high on all days with over 1,100 on the first day with double that on following days. Well done to all those who organised the festival who were once again a credit to Corbridge. This year, they even managed a five-minute slot on North East Tonight on ITV Tyne Tees.

A burst water pipe on the junction of Woodbine Terrace and St Helen’s Street brought a bit of chaos to the street for a while last Saturday, however, thanks to the prompt actions of Northumbrian Water, the problem was sorted within a couple of hours.

Corbridge Cricket Club hold their AGM at the Stanners clubhouse on Monday evening at 8pm. All members and associated members are invited to attend. The invitation is also extended to those who wish to join the club as players or as volunteers.

Northern Gas Networks plans major works in the centre of Corbridge, starting in Front Street on January 6 and is expected to last around 20 weeks. The road will be closed as far as the Market Place during that time. If you wish to know more about these works, there is a community drop-in event at Corbridge Middle School on Monday, December 9 between 3.30pm and 6.30pm, where all residents concerns will be answered, or call 0800 0407 766.

Don’t forget Corbridge Parish Hall will be closed for normal business on Thursday, December 12 because the building is required as a polling station for the general election.

Wylam

Robin Piette

Advent film in St Oswin’s on Friday, December 6 will be History Boys, a comedy/drama by Alan Bennet, adapted from his play.

On Wednesday, December 11, Men at Home meets from 10.30am in the foyer of the Methodist church to hear Professor Mark Pearce talk about the Newcastle Thousand Families Study.

Sad news to report: Patrick Eavis died earlier this week. Patrick was an inspirational teacher and headteacher. His memorial service will be held in Hexham Abbey on Wednesday, December 11 at 2.30pm.

The gardeners’ society meets on Thursday, December 12 at 8m in the institute when Marion Stobo will be giving them a Christmassy demonstration.

Ovingham and District Choir will be giving its Christmas concert in Wylam Methodist Church on Thursday, December 12 at 7.30pm. The programme includes excerpts from Handel’s Messiah and Sir Karl Jenkins’ Gloria, plus pieces by Faure, Goodall and Rutter, along with carols with audience participation.

On Saturday, December 14 at 7.30pm in the institute, the film club is showing Nativity (2009), a seasonal family film full of festive nonsense and nostalgia! And Mr Poppy! And, it will be serving mulled wine on the night – ho ho ho!

Newbrough

Rob Tindall

A REMINDER to everyone, the town hall will be hosting the Christmas fayre tomorrow from 1pm. There will be lots of stalls and, of course, Santa’s grotto.

There will be an informal, social music evening on Friday, December 13 at 7.30pm. Lindsay Hannon, supported by guitarist Mark Williams, will be performing music to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. Tickets can be purchased from the garage or on the door. There are still tickets available for the children’s storytelling session on Sunday, December 15 at 2pm.

The bowls club visited Lambley on a wet, miserable evening. The night started badly for the visitors with heavy defeats in the first couple of games but Newbrough were determined that they would claw their way back to a reasonable score. Following supper, Newbrough’s luck changed and they eventually ended up being beaten by just two bowls.

Chris Simmons will be leading this year’s Christmas carol service at St Peter’s, Newbrough, at 5pm on Christmas Eve. He is hoping to assemble a group of people to lead the singing – nothing complicated – just some very well-known, traditional carols. The service will be simple, suitable for all ages, and not too long. Contact Chris on (01434) 600 993.

Bellingham

Birtley Nail

It’s late night shopping in Bellingham on Wednesday with Christmas bargains to be had at the shops and at the craft fair in the town hall. Santa will be in attendance and there will also be the popular Christmas tree festival in St Cuthbert’s Church.

There will be carol singing with brass accompaniment at the Methodist United Reformed Church from 6pm, followed by tea and mince pies in the church hall.

It’s eyes down at the golf club the following night with the prize bingo starting at 7.30pm.

Heddon

John Stewart

The Heddon Residents’ Association continues to be active with its next meeting due to take place on Monday, January 20.

Jean and friends would like to say thank you to everyone who baked, donated raffle and tombola prizes, and attended the Macmillan coffee morning raising a magnificent sum of £1,030.

Everything is now in place for the Ad Murum Singers’ Christmas concert “Christmas Joy” which will be held in the Knott Memorial Hall on Friday, December 13 at 7pm and Saturday, December 14 at 1.30pm. All proceeds from the sale of tickets will be used to support their chosen charities Smile for Life and Dementia Matters.

Heddon Branches group, which was behind the idea of the Roman legionnaire tree sculpture, will once again be putting up a tree in Taberna Close next to Victrix for people to decorate with personally designed wooden baubles. The baubles are available from The Swan and Blythman vets. All money raised will go to both Newcastle West End Food Bank and to produce a story board for Victrix.

Acomb

Julie Foster

Acomb Methodist Church Christmas fair is on Saturday from 10am until 1.30pm with various stalls including home produce, Christmas gifts and fair trade.

On Monday at 7.30pm, Acomb History Society meets at the Methodist chapel to hear John Carslake present ‘The Story of Fentimans’.

Tynedale Lions’ Santa’s sleigh comes to Acomb on Saturday, December 14, visiting Bishop’s Hill, Main Street, Millersfield, Chapel Close, The Orchard, Morrison Terrace, Orchard Avenue, Redburn Crescent and Garden House Drive. The route will be on their Facebook page the day before and all routes are on the website www.tynedalelionsclub.org.

Come and join the carols around the tree event supported by Acomb First School children on Thursday, December 12 starting at the Pant at 7 pm

Let’s Sing Again Group is on this Tuesday with refreshments at 10.15am at Acomb Village Hall followed by singing favourite songs at 10.45am with Julie round the piano.

Matfen

Jean Conteh

I’m sure you’ve noticed the lovely Christmas tree on the village green in Matfen, for the first time, in my recollection. The new Community Projects Group is inviting everyone to hang decorations, which can withstand winter conditions. And please come along to the carol singing on Tuesday, December 10, from 6pm to 7pm.

After the carols, the village hall committee will be holding its AGM, beginning at 7.15pm.

As usual, the Christmas fayre in Great Whittington was a great success, though possibly not as busy as previous years. It was a credit to the hard working committee, which is organising two further Christmassy events on Saturday, December 14. Especially for children aged two to six years, Starlight begins at 1.30pm with renowned storyteller Chris Bostock. It will also include meeting Father Christmas! Call 07809 278 544 for tickets. Then at 7.30pm, there’s Mrs Beaton – My Sister, in partnership with Highlights Rural Touring. Ring Sue Robson on 07534 278 399.

Redesdale

Emma Anderson

A Christmas whist drive in aid of Otterburn Memorial Hall is being held at the hall tomorrow, starting at 7.30pm. Donated prizes for the whist drive and raffle will be gratefully received by Yasmine Oliver, Sue Varley or Val Corbett.

Holy Trinity, Horsley, will hold a family-friendly carol service this Sunday, December 8, starting at 3pm.

The Redesdale Society meets at Otterburn Memorial Hall on Friday, December 13, at 7.30pm. The guest speaker is Bill Burlton, who will present an illustrated talk entitled West of Everest - a trek in Nepal. Supper.

The Reverse Advent Calendar 2019 supports the work of The People’s Kitchen in Newcastle by offering food and friendship to homeless people in the city. You can make donations at St Cuthbert’s, Elsdon ,until Sunday, December 22 (a suitably decorated festive box is provided where items can be deposited). Alternatively, you can make an online donation at www.peopleskitchen.co.uk (£5 provides a Christmas dinner for a person in need).

North Tyne

Sarah Halberg

Thank you to everyone who in any way supported the annual Christmas bingo organised by Kielder Community Association. A very healthy amount was raised.

A Christmas memorial concert for Ruth Everatt will be held tomorrow evening at 7.30pm in the United Reformed Church in Bellingham. Proceeds will be split between the North Tyne & Redesdale Partnership and the town hall Christmas party.

A QUICK reminder that on Tuesday, December 10, The Northumberland Theatre Company will be performing The Snow Queen at 7pm in Falstone Village Hall.

December’s first Thursday Film, Sunshine on Leith will be shown on Wednesday, December 11 at Tarset Village Hall, having been rescheduled as a result of BADDS’ play and the General Election on December 12. Showing starts at 7.30pm, with doors and bar open from 7pm.

Tarset Christmas Party will be on Saturday, December 14, starting at 7.30pm in Tarset Village Hall. Profits from the evening will go to Tarset Village Hall, Great North Air Ambulance and Tarset News. Tickets include dancing to Takahaad, a raffle, bar and there will be a pooled supper. For tickets and further information call (01434) 240337.

Greenfingers’ Christmas Making Day will take place at Tarset Village Hall on Sunday, December 15 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, with a range of crafts to suit everyone.

Ovingham and Ovington

Malcolm Cairns

There will be an independent screening of the Ken Loach film Sorry we missed you in the Reading Room on Saturday, December 7. Doors open 6.45pm and the film starts at 7.30pm. Entry is by donation of tinned or dried foods which will go to West Northumberland Food Bank.

The Mothers’ Union Advent service will take place on Saturday, December 7 at 2pm in St Mary’s Church.

The Chat Club is meeting today for exercise, tea and coffee in the Reading Room at 10.15am.

Ovingham and District Choir will perform on December 10 in the Reading Room at 7.30pm. They will be singing a wide selection of classical pieces plus of course seasonal carols.

The Film Club will be showing The man who invented Christmas in the Reading Room on December 20 at 7pm. This is a biographical drama set in 1843 London, following Charles Dickens and his works.

A REMINDER that on Sunday, December 8 in the Reading Room from 10.30am to 1pm its “Christmas Cheer”. Free entry mulled wine and mince pies.

Ovington Club will host an OAP dinner on Monday, December 9. Call in to the club for more details and tickets.

Haltwhistle

Hilary Nichol

Thank you to all of Haltwhistle’s tradespeople, staff and supporters who brought us another fantastic late night shopping event last week.

St. Wilfred’s Church hosts a soup and sweet lunch tomorrow between 11.30am and 1.30pm. Proceeds from the event will go to Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre and the Christmas Tree Lights fund.

Saturday’s coffee morning in the Methodist Church Hall includes the St Wilfrid’s Christmas Fair.

Tynedale Hospice at Home has arranged a Light up a Life memorial service in Haltwhistle Methodist Church on Saturday at 3pm. To dedicate a light in memory of a loved one, please call (01434) 606444.

South Tyne Wildlife Group invites you to join its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 10 in the Comrades’ Club. Ian Ryding will discuss Black Grouse and the farmland update at Geltsdale.

Dementia Support at Haltwhistle is hosting the Memory Café on Thursday, December 12 from 10am to 2pm in the Community Room in Haltwhistle Hospital. The Breakaways Choir will perform.

Stocksfield

Clare Daltry

The “Friendly Friday Drop-In” is on this Friday at the Quaker Meeting House, 10am to midday.

“The Big Sing” is at Stocksfield Community Centre on Sunday, December 8 at 3pm. Community carol singing with musical items from Prudhoe Community Choir is guaranteed to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Stocksfield Plants and Gardens Society meets at the community centre on Tuesday, December 10 at 7.30pm for its AGM and Members’ Evening.

Don’t forget the Christmas Dinner with quiz at the community centre on Friday, December 13 at 6.30pm. Details and tickets from Karen (01661) 844119, Christine (01661) 844863 or Beth (01661) 842346.

Mickley Village Carol Service, with mulled wine and mince pies, is at Cherryburn, Mickley on Saturday, December 14 at 11am.

Riding Mill

Pam Pryor

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and the WI ladies are getting Riding Mill off to a good start when they have the Doo Wap Dollies entertaining them in the parish hall at 7.30pm tonight. There will be a bring and buy stall and donations are requested for the West Northumberland Food Bank.

Christmas wreaths and holly will be on sale in the parish hall between 10am and 1pm on Friday, December 6 when the Café @ The Foyer is open.

Also on December 6 at 6pm, there will be an all-age workshop in the Millennium Hall followed by a short Christingle service in St James’ Church.

Sunday December 8, will be an exciting family day as the film Nativity will be shown in the parish hall at 2pm followed by carol singing at 4pm and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 4.30 pm. Tynedale Lions’ sleigh will also be travelling through Riding Mill during the day. Details online at www.tynedalelionsclub.org.

The Station Coffee House invites residents to enjoy a fish and chip supper from the mobile van between 4.30pm and 7pm on Wednesday, December 11.

Also on Wednesday, December 11, Riding Mill Tennis Club Committee will be holding a meeting in the parish hall at 7.30pm to discuss its proposed development of the double courts on Millfield Road.

Haydon Bridge

Haydon Bridge

David Hughes is the speaker at tonight’s Nature Club meeting. David will be giving an informative talk on the North West Highlands of Scotland Geo Park in the Methodist Church from 7.15pm.

Friends of Haydon News will be hosting a coffee morning at the community centre on Saturday from 10am.

Family prize bingo will be held at the Haydonian Social Club on Saturday, December 7. Eyes down for 7.30pm.

Santa will be taking time out of his busy day on Saturday to visit children at the Methodist Church’s Christmas Fair. Plenty of stalls and activities to keep the family occupied from 2pm.

Just in case any children miss him at the Methodist Church, Santa will be back in the village from 6pm on Saturday. He will be visiting in his sleigh, accompanied by the Tynedale Lions. His route will take him through the village from the Showfield along Shaftoe Street, then John Martin Street, Martin’s Close, Church Street, Hordley Acres and Langley Gardens, finishing at Innerhaugh.

John Harrison will be quizmaster at the General Havelock quiz on Tuesday, December 10 from 8.15pm. Maggie’s Centre for Cancer Care Support at the Freeman Hospital will be this month’s charity.

Children from Shaftoe Trust school invite you along to the community centre on Friday, December 13 to view their film Bridge, Pigs and Kids. The show starts at 11.30am.

Greenhead

Wendy Bond

On Sunday, December 8, the Christmas Farmers’ Market opens the festive season for us at Greenhead Village Hall. All direct from the producer so the quality is assured, and every purchase contributes to the local economy. The big function room of the Greenhead Hotel will host craft stalls organised by South Tyne Sustainability. Outside the hall, Ian’s Christmas trees and logs complete the picture!

On December 10, the Greenhead school Christmas plays take place. Key Stage One pupils will perform at 1pm and the big ones will take to the boards at 6pm. Both plays take place in the Greenhead Hotel – stars will be born!

Also on December 10, there’s the Gilsland dominoes drive in aid of St Mary Magdalen Church in the village hall at 7.30pm.

The Gilsland school play takes place in the Gilsland Hall Hotel at 6pm on December 11.

The polling stations on December 12 are Greenhead Village Hall and Gilsland Village Hall for the Hexham constituency, and Gilsland Methodist Chapel for Penrith and the Borders constituency.

Chollerton

Kelly Adshead

Birtley Coffee Morning will be hosted on Thursday, December 5 at 10.30am in Birtley Village Hall. Come along and enjoy tea, coffee, home baking and a good catch-up.

The Barrasford Village Hall Christmas quiz night is on Friday, December 6 with an 8pm start and a pooled supper.

Chollerton Benefice Services will be held at Thockrington HC at 9am and Chollerton HC at 10.30am on Sunday, December 8, and at Chollerton First School for Christingle at 5.30pm on Monday, December 9.

Birtley and District Garden Group’s Christmas special with festive nibbles and wine is on Tuesday, December 10 at 7pm. Guests welcome. Enjoy gardeners’ Question Time.

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 to avoid disappointment.

Allen Valleys

Glynn Galley

Allendale Methodist Church’s coffee morning is on December 7 from 10am until 11.30am with cake and produce stalls.

The Dales Singers’ winter concert is in St Cuthbert’s Church on December 10 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on the door.

Christmas bingo at the High Forest Community Centre in Sinderhope is on December 13 at 7.30pm and it follows the usual routine of bingo then quiz. As it’s Friday the 13th, the theme is “unlucky for some”. You’ll notice that the entrance ramp has now been finished by the handy person service from Natural Ability so the steps can be avoided.

Keenley Methodist Chapel Carol Service is on December 15 at 2.30pm. It will be conducted by Sandra Martin from Fourstones. There’s tea afterwards and everyone’s welcome.

Catton Village Hall would like to remind you of its Christmas fair on December 7 from 1pm. There’s all sorts of stalls and coffee and mince pies! Proceeds are for the refurbishment of the village hall toilets.

Film Night at Allendale Village Hall has been brought forward because of all the Christmas activities, so it’s now on December 9. It’s “Ruthless People “ starring Danny DeVito and Bette Midler and shows what happens when the wife is kidnapped and the husband doesn’t want her back! Refreshments at 7.15pm and curtains up at 7.45pm.

Humshaugh

Herbie Newell

Tynedale Lion’s Santa’s sleigh will be visiting the village early tomorrow evening. Santa will start at the Crown Inn and visit East Lea, Valley Court, Chesters Meadow, Beechcroft, Hadrian Court and Simmonds Court. Exact timing is dependent on reindeer stamina!

After many years of committed service to Humshaugh First School, Janice Rowcroft has decided to retire. The school and community wishes to thank Janice for the hard work, loyalty and commitment she has shown the school over the last 33 years, and wishes her a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Tickets for the Gillespie Brothers performance “Hirondelle Voices” on Wednesday, December 18 at 7.30pm in the village hall, are now available from the village shop.

A REMINDER that the Humshaugh First School Christmas show “It’s Chriiiiistmas!” is next Wednesday, December 11 at 9.15am and 5.30pm, to which the whole community are warmly invited. The following week, the North Tyne Voices afternoon tea and Christmas concert in the village hall is on Thursday, December 19 between 2pm and 3pm, when again all are very welcome.

The service at St Peter’s this Sunday, December 8 is Holy Communion at 9.30am. This year’s carol singing around the village will take place next Wednesday, December 11, starting at the Crown Inn at 6.30pm, when a collection will be taken for The Children’s Society.

Your correspondent would like to thank all those who kindly asked after his most enjoyable trip last week to Buckingham Palace to receive his CBE from Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.

Slaley

Stella Douglas

The general election means that whist night cannot be held on that day. The Commemoration Hall is available December 5, so the enjoyable, informal meeting has been brought forward. With Christmas-themed prizes, it should be an antidote to the strains of the month ahead.

On the same night, all are welcome to the Slaley Show AGM at the Commemoration Hall starting at 7pm. Members are entitled to vote.

Messy Church is on Saturday, December 7 between 9.30am and 11am in the Commemoration Hall. This year, Messy Church combines with Christingle for fun, faith and food, games, songs and stories.

Ladycross Nature Reserve holds its first of its winter guided walks on Sunday, December 8. This is to feed the birds at Ladycross so no dogs please. Maybe take a camera as photographs taken on this day will qualify for the Slaley Show 2020 countryside classes. As usual, the walk starts at the quarry gates at 1pm. Warm clothing and sturdy footwear are advised.

There are no craft group meetings in December but Exercise to Music continues on Monday mornings up to, and including, December 16.

Services and Christmas activities at both St Mary’s and St. Elizabeth’s are detailed in Slaley News and, if you lose your copy, which covers both December and January, all the details are on the Slaley parish website.

St. Mary’s grand Christmas coffee morning is on December 14 and Christmas wreath night is on December 16. More details next week but definitely a date for the diary.

Hexhamshire

Lynda White

It’s your last chance to get tickets for ‘Dave and Andy’s World Tour’. Hexhamshire Leek Club are presenting this event which includes a musical circumnavigation of the world with song’s stories and audience participation for one night only on Friday, December 6 at Whitley Chapel. Supper is included with the tickets which can be booked with Clive Nixon on (01434) 673530 or Jackie Rees on 07745 712 328.

The last Shire Walk of 2019 begins tomorrow at 9.30am at the parish hall. Soup, cakes and refreshments will be served in the hall from 11.30am until 1pm by the ladies of Hexhamshire WI.

Whitley Chapel First School is holding its Christmas fair in the school hall this Friday at 4.30pm.

This Sunday, December 8, the nativity service preparations continue with the selection of the cast, singers and musicians and the first rehearsal. If you are interested in taking part, please come to the school at 9.30am.

Northumberland Young Farmers 27 Up is presenting its pantomime Alice in Wonderland on January 9, 10 and 11 at the Queen’s Hall in Hexham. Three Shire members are taking part: Daniel Nixon, David Burn and JoJo Chomse.

Thanks to everyone who supported Whitley Chapel’s Christmas fair last Sunday. The Christmas tree competition was won by John Haigh and measured 8ft 6.5ins. There was a special presentation to Austin Illiffe for his services to the parish council and other Shire committees to which Austin has been a great asset.

Horsley

Ethel Coulthard

This Saturday, December 7, join the Hearth’s pop-in crafts morning where children will be guided to make festive crafts by The Christmas Crafty Angels and its helpers, while adults will be treated to free refreshments. Children must be accompanied. Booking is not essential but would be helpful. Please email office@thehearth.co.uk or book online.

Horsley Village Church is challenging villagers and Hearth visitors to make up ‘reverse advent boxes’. How does it work? Each day in December you are asked to put a thoughtful, useful contribution into your food box. You may like to decorate a medium-sized carton or shoebox to add a personal touch. These will then be passed to local food banks and then on to those less fortunate folk to receive. This is a way of offering comfort and thoughtfulness to people who have fallen on hard times, often due to circumstances beyond their control. If you prefer not to make up an entire box then please drop an item or two off at the Hearth cafe. Please encourage your family and friends to join in as well. Thank you!

Also, you are reminded that Horsley village has a tradition of creating advent windows. This year, you can let your imagination run wild and create whatever scene you like, provided that the materials are from the recycling box.

On that theme, the knitted nativity is making a journey around the village during December before arriving in the church at 4pm on Christmas Eve for the family service “From God with Love”. Please can anyone offer them accommodation for a night or two? With thanks from Hazel Holliday.

Horsley Village Church service on Sunday, December 8 will be led by Sue Rendall, Church of England.

Prudhoe

Ian Warburton

There will be a Happy Faces group Christmas Fair at St Matthew’s Social Club on Saturday, December 7 from 10am to 12.30pm.

Prudhoe Over-50s Group will meet in the Parish Hall, Front Street, on Monday, December 9, commencing at 9:30am. Geoff Hughes will lead a programme of Christmas songs and stories.

A COMBINED planning, contract and works and ordinary meeting of Prudhoe Town Council will be held in the Spetchells Centre, Prudhoe, on Wednesday, December 11, from 7pm.

Prudhoe Community Choir will present its Christmas concert at St Mary Magdalene Parish Church on Wednesday, December 11, commencing at 7:30pm. Tickets are available from choir members or payable at the door.

Prudhoe WI will not be meeting in the Parish Hall in December, as members are enjoying a Christmas meal in lieu of having a meeting. Their parish hall meetings will resume on Wednesday, January 15, commencing at 7pm, when Ken Stow will present his very popular annual quiz night.