Community news round-up

Acomb

Julie Foster

Acomb Volunteer Support Network is well in place. Volunteers have been designated specific areas of Acomb parish, covering the whole of the parish. Each household in the parish got a leaflet explaining about Acomb’s Volunteer Support Network with your volunteer’s name and contact number. If you meet the criteria, please feel able to contact your named volunteer. Referrals from GP surgeries via Living Well co-ordinators have started to come through to the volunteers too for those residents who have been identified with a letter from their GP as particularly vulnerable and needing to be shielded for 12 weeks. Should any of you have mislaid your leaflet with the number of your volunteer, then please contact Lorna Farr on 07711 334521 who can ensure you contact.

Slaley

Stella Douglas

Don’t forget the Slaley ‘Pyramid of Care’ if you need support. Slaley News was posted through your door with details of how to communicate your needs and access help. All details are on the ‘About Slaley’ page of the parish website (details below). The parish council and shop are working together to ensure that you are as safe as possible. Please don’t ignore the help; we are all going to need each other for the next few months. Call Olwen (676852).

Please, if you are online, look at the parish website. It will be updated more regularly than any other publication. On the first page you will see details of how to access help. Contact stellacdouglas@gmail.com if you want to put anything on the website www.slaley.org.uk

One update is a call to all nature lovers who want a challenge whilst we all stay home. Ladycross Nature Reserve has organised a wildlife garden record during these restrictions – go online to www.slaley.org.uk and click the link on the ‘About Slaley’ page.

If you need some inspiration to get started on some creative activity, visit www.hasac.org.uk

Humshaugh

Herbie Newell

Humshaugh was greatly saddened by the news that the Rev. Steve Wilkinson died peacefully at home last weekend. Steve was a wonderful friend who did so much for our church, School and community. Although Covid prevents us comforting Melanie and the family in the normal way, they are in our hearts.

Our surgery has requested that we all adhere strictly to NHS advice on social distancing. Only two customers are now allowed in the shop at any one time and a reminder of the Humshaugh Covid-19 Response helpline - 07469 796103.

For gardeners, some local suppliers are now taking orders for deliveries. Judith Metcalfe (judith.metcalfe@btinternet.com - 01434 681151) has very kindly co-ordinated bulk village orders and can provide further information.

Well done and many thanks to all Humshaugh School children, parents and staff for their hard work on the all-important home learning packs.

Thanks to all those who took part in the pilot of the Humshaugh Carbon Footprint Survey. To access the survey please visit the Humshaugh Parish Council website - https://www.humshaughparish.org.uk, Make Humshaugh Greener Facebook page, or type https://forms.ncl.ac.uk/view.php?id=7886266  directly into your search engine. If you have questions or need help, please contact David Bradley – david.bradley@newcastle.ac.uk or (01434) 681984.

Although St Peter’s is not open, virtual services are accessible on TV/Radio and online. For further details, including an Easter service to be streamed locally, go to www.achurchnearyou.com/16162 or St. Peter’s Facebook page @HumshaughChurch

Wark

Peter Samsom

It was with great sadness that we heard of the death of our vicar Steve Wilkinson last Saturday. Steve came to the area in September 2016 after having been a vicar in Cramlington and before that, serving many years in the police. Our thoughts are with his wife Melanie and their children at the very sad time.

On the day I write this column, the Health Secretary said that the government might stop us exercising outside. We’re not meant to be driving to places for our one period of exercise per day and Forestry England has asked people not to visit the forest.

Redesdale

Emma Anderson

The committee of the Redefest Community Music Festival has announced that this year’s festival at Rochester has been cancelled.

The award-winning First and Last Brewery in Elsdon, like many small businesses at this difficult time, is seeking new ways of managing the realities of the lockdown. Red and Sam Kellie are expanding production of their range of bottled beers. Sold by the case, they will be delivered free of charge locally. See www.firstandlastbrewery.co.uk or by telephoning Red and Sam on 07757 286357.

Public Health England offers guidance for extremely clinically vulnerable people. Visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable

Prudhoe

Ian Warburton

I can’t go out and collect information right now, so would greatly appreciate any items which readers can send. Please message me on 07796-820893 or ianwarburton25@gmail.com Don’t forget that, if you are sending something related to a specific date, I need to have it by the Friday preceding the Hexham Courant’s Thursday publication day.

I would like to thank everyone who has made sure that the recent ‘Hello’ leaflets have been delivered throughout the town. We would also like to thank Sarah Eden, clerk to Prudhoe Town Council for the massive task of setting up and co-ordinating the volunteers.

The revised opening hours for Prudhoe Co-op are 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday. Sunday’s hours are unchanged and remain at 10am to 4pm. The dedicated hours for the vulnerable and carers are 8-9am Monday to Saturday and 10-11am Sunday.

The Gate Church has announced that there will be a service each Wednesday at 7.30pm to complement the usual service at 10.30am on Sundays. You can log in for a chat a little before 7.30pm if you wish. This can be accessed via Zoom and the log in details can be found on the church’s Facebook page or on its website, www.thegate.org.uk

Horsley

Maurice Holliday

Many thanks to the volunteer WhatsApp group, village church leaders and the Hearth cafe for their continued community support during this difficult time.

The village church is promoting the idea of decorating house windows with an Easter theme.

The sign holding the dog waste bin at the east end of the village has collapsed. Dog owners are kindly asked to use a bag to pick up dog waste and place it in their household bin. Please do not allow dogs to foul pavements, public rights of way and farmers fields.

The antiques centre in the village remains open. Hearth artists can be contacted through their websites and internet shops. It is possible to have some items posted.

The bridge over the Bogle burn on the public right of way between Nafferton and Welton has collapsed. The matter has been reported to NCC which has acquired the necessary materials to rebuild the bridge.

Hexhamshire

Lynda White

Charities are being hit hard with a massive loss of income in these dark days however our Vicar, Rev. Andrew Patterson has made a wonderful contribution to Teenage Cancer Trust this week.(See page 12). Andrew would also like you to know that because of coronavirus each Sunday the church readings notices and his sermon are available on the Hexhamshire website at www.hexhamshire.org.uk/church/. If you would like them emailed to you or a paper copy then please contact Andrew on (01434) 673379.

Don’t forget if you or a neighbour is in need of assistance during these difficult times don’t hesitate to call the parish council for help. It can help with shopping, collecting prescriptions or posting mail and they can phone you just for a chat. The network of volunteers is growing so don’t be afraid to ask. Please call Alistair Stevens on 07847904139 or Gaynor Scandle on 07903773269 or email hexhamshirepc@gmail.com. Happy Easter.

Ovingham & Ovington

Malcolm Cairns

Many thanks to the those who have answered the call for further volunteers to the support groups. A back-up list is now in place in case anyone falls ill. If you need help in any way, do not hesitate to contact your assigned person for your area.

Ovi-Fun has organised an online decorated egg competition. Take a photo of your egg and send in with your details and age to loumoore74@g.mail.com before 6pm on Friday 10th. Judging will be on Easter Sunday. Prizes to be won for under 7, 8-13,14-18 and there is a category for over 18s.

Newbrough

Rob Tindall

The defunct speed sign at East Fourstones is being replaced by a state of the art, interactive model funded from Coun. Rupert Gibson’s councillor’s allowance with annual servicing costs being met by Warden Parish Council.

Following the enforced closure of the Haltwhistle Methodist printing unit it was an unexpected, but pleasant surprise to find copies of the Stanegate popping through our doors. This was possible through the assistance of the Hadrian’s Wall Rotary Club. Contributions for the May copy should be emailed to thestanegate@hotmail.com by Friday, April 17.

For coronavirus,  Fourstones Information Bulletin (fourstones.info@fourstonesandnewbrough.co.uk) has details of service providers, and tips including: Keep in touch with friends, neighbours and family; support networks exist, eg church, schools. If you have difficulty accessing basic services the town hall has a hotline (01434) 674315 where you can leave a message. Parish councillors are there to help – contact information is on the garage and town hall notice boards.

Riding Mill

Pam Pryor

Easter is supposed to be a joyous time of hope and renewal but this weekend could well see the worst holiday period any of us will have ever experienced, with the coronavirus expected to peak. Thank goodness, therefore, that there is so much kindness in the village to ensure that Easter will be happy and we can all feel a virtual group hug.

Although their buildings may be closed for some time, the churches of Riding Mill are pleased to offer opportunities for prayer and worship. If you would like to receive weekly resources, including virtual services, or if you would like us to offer a prayer for you or someone else, simply contact gwyneth.mckenzie@btinternet.com who can also provide you with helpful web links.

You should all have received information through the letterbox advising of the provisions available from the Station Coffee House. Ring Pam or Chris on 239274 for further information.

Jen and Bob from the village and from Corbridge Larder have also put together a basic weekly grocery pack for residents over 70 who are isolated. Ring 632948 for details.

Virginia Steer’s weekly prepared meals are also proving popular for the over 70s and in the ‘at risk’ category. For more information contact Suzanne on 07935 271 922 between 10am and 3pm weekdays.

Allen Valleys

Robert Philipson

This month the exhibition at the Forge was to have been the work of textile artist Kate Slaughter. This has been rescheduled for April 2021 as have her two workshops also planned for this month. Examples of works due to be displayed in the Forge gallery can be seen on the Forge’s facebook page @allendaleforgestudios or via the website www.allendaleforgestudios.co.uk

The Market Place/Post Office is now stocking a basic food range and will be open till 10pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There will be a controlled entrance with two people allowed in with social distance being applied.

At least one resident has asked me to put a special mention in thanking Bryan and Joyce Thompson for continuing their excellent milk delivery service.

Jill’s Catering, Folly Lane, Catton is offering a take away service on Friday and Saturday 10am-3pm and Sunday 11am-3pm. Telephone 07957 571885 or look on Jills Catering Facebook page for the menu.

In the meantime there are a number of community volunteers throughout the valleys willing to help collect food , goods or medication needed for everyday life to anyone who is either isolated or finds it difficult to access these in the present climate. Message Allendale Area Notices on Facebook or contact me and I will confidentially contact a volunteer with your details and requests. Please send any contributions for these notes to robert.philipson@btconnect.com or telephone (01434) 685266. The deadline is Sunday 6pm.

Upper North Tyne

Sarah Hallberg

A few useful numbers for our area are supplied below (thank you to Caroline Waitt, who has compiled the list): Gary Cant: Milkman (01434) 604674 or 07485 091877. Will deliver milk in glass bottles, juices, yoghurts and free-range eggs.

Bellingham Pharmacy: Caroline Waitt has arranged with Bellingham Pharmacy to collect and deliver prescriptions and toiletries within the Tarset and Greystead Parish. Phone Caroline on 240210. Boe Rigg: Takeaways, delivery only _ 12-8pm every day  (01434) 240663. Menus can be found at www.theboerigg.co.uk

Phillip Troop: Tarset Fresh Produce on Facebook or (01434) 240407 is doing home delivery of veg, fruit, bread and milk etc. Falstone Tearooms: on Facebook, (01434) 240459 setting up as a local shop and will deliver around Falstone. Jennings Fruit and Veg: on Facebook – 07497583309 will deliver across the area.

Matfen

Jean Conteh

The Community Projects Group is starting a new project during the lockdown. Residents in the parish can apply for a starter kit of compost and seeds, and get growing in their own homes and gardens. Perhaps sometime over the summer, the flowers and vegetables can be transplanted to the allotment or for display around the village. The kits will be available soon; email matfenvillage@gmail.com or phone Rev. Rachel on (01661) 886853 to register your interest. There are more details on the Matfen village Facebook page.

And soon to appear on the Facebook page are two intriguing photos, found during the recent spring clean of the village hall. They show groups of smiling children, one with a redoubtable lady who can only be their teacher. From the fashions, they probably date from the 1960s. If you can identify anyone in the photos, please let me know by emailing jeanconteh@waitrose.com

Wylam

Robin Piette

The decision has been made to cancel Jump for Joy, the village fête when teddy bears hurtle from the top of the church tower on their teeny parachutes – see you next year!

The Methodist Church has issued an information sheet detailing online resources for worship, and including a meditation. The vicar had a live video on Palm Sunday which featured the Birch family processing round their garden singing and playing instruments before the communion service accompanied by birdsong.

Simon Fidler’s choir is now meeting in force three times a week on line, and finishes each session with time for small groups to gather for chat.

The drama society is meeting Monday nights to play read. They are working on the creation of a Parade of Easter Bonnets concocted by members, and a show where members and others will perform their party pieces.

The support from our shops and inns is amazing – orders can be phoned in and the results left on your doorstep. Our thanks to all those who deliver, whether it be food or post or ordered items. An especial mention for the binmen, who have been receiving thank you cards and little presents from children.

Please let me have your stories, send to pietterobin@gmail.com. As I’m isolated, I am missing out on a lot that is going on in our village

Corbridge

David Walton

History was made last weekend where Corbridge Vicar David Kennedy reached his congregation via YouTube and a streaming of a Palm Sunday Reflection. The process will continue this Easter weekend with another broadcast by Rev. Kennedy the same way commencing at 10am on Easter Sunday morning.

Messy Church which was to have taken place at St Andrew’s Church tomorrow morning Good Friday has been cancelled along with all other Easter events.

There was another good turn out all over Corbridge last Thursday evening in support of all our key workers across the country with the National Health Service at the top of the list. I understand the event will take place again this evening at 8pm.

Sad to report the passing of well-known sports coach Peter Walsh who died suddenly on Friday. He was connected to Corbridge Cricket Club and had previously been involved with football at Wylam Celtic we send our sympathy to his wife and family at this sad time. Also to the family of Ryan Webb, a popular figure at Bishops Garage and Spar Shop, who died suddenly at the age of 28. Mr Webb was known to have suffered with heart problems.

Heddon

John Stewart

Firstly, I would like to thank you all for your continued support shown towards Heddon Juniors Football Club over recent years. The juniors were first set up in 2017 with a single squad of Under 11s and have now flourished to a point of having a proposed 23 squads for the 2020-21 season, ranging upwards from under 5s development to under 14s. Earlier in the year, it was proposed a senior male squad for the 2020-21 season to further the development prospects of the club. I am delighted to announce that the club have been inundated with expressions of interest for the squad, meaning they have been able to further propose a reserves squad as well as the first team squad. The executive committee have unanimously voted to rename the club Heddon United Football Club, allowing a direct link up between the juniors with many from the village and the seniors under their management. Following communication with the Northumberland FA the club can bring the new name into immediate effect. In addition to the above success I can confirm that Heddon United Football Club are overwhelmed to announce they have been granted £3,960.00 by the Football Foundation towards the cost of new goalposts for Victrix Park.

A massive well done to everyone who was able to come to their front doors and windows last Thursday evening for the national clap for the NHS, Carers and key workers who are maintaining to deliver exceptional services during these difficult times. I would also like to give a special mention to resident Pete Tanton who during the applause played a special rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow on his trumpet which could be heard across many streets in the village which truly was an emotional moment for us all. Again, I would encourage everyone to stay positive, stay connected, stay together and stay safe because will all come out of this pandemic stronger than ever before. Take care!

Bellingham

Birtley Nail

THE impact of coronavirus is continuing to reverberate through the village, with the cancellation of one of the North Tyne’s most popular activities. The annual Good Friday Easter Egg Hunt at Hareshaw Linn has been called off this year by organisers the North Tyne and Redewater Twisty Roads Preservation Society because of the virus. Also axed is the Maundy Thursday pre-hunt quiz. It’s the first time the decades-old event has been called off completely, although it has occasionally been held over until Easter Sunday because of bad weather. It even survived the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak.

Also suspended for the duration of the crisis is the Friends of Bellingham Town Hall monthly draw, with new subscriptions not being sought at this stage. The town hall is closed until it is safe to reopen, and that has meant the cancellation of all classes, as well as the town hall’s own money raising arts and crafts spring fair on April 13.

The village’s hotels and bed and breakfast establishments are also suffering from multiple cancellations, and it looks as though it could be a bleak spring and possibly summer. St Cuthbert’s Church is closed but donations to the West Northumberland food bank can still be left at the Rectory. All the shops continue to rise to the occasion superbly and it is worth going in them all to see what unlikely and unexpected things they may have on the shelves!

BELLINGHAM Parish Council closed the village cemetery last Thursday to everyone other than than the handful allowed to attend funerals. But by Sunday, it was open again as a definitive answer was sought to ambiguous central government legislation on the question of burial grounds. Central government had issued an edict insisting that all cemeteries must close their gates throughout the coronavirus pandemic, meaning people wishing to visit the graves of their loved ones to pay their respects or lay flowers, would regrettably have to wait until the emergency was over. Meanwhile, the parish council is considering taking action to deal with a number of gravestones which are leaning, or have become otherwise unstable, and is also making sure the excessive moss growth which has made the cemetery paths slippery in places is dealt with.

ALTHOUGH the premises is closed at the moment, Bellingham vets Orchard House are still running an emergency and urgent case service from Hexham. They are also running  a prescription / meds & pres diet delivery every Friday for vulnerable persons in the North Tyne area through registered veterinary nurse Nalda Ferguson, Check out the Orchard House Facebook page for for more details.

LOTS of complaints have been about the amount of dog muck lying around on the footpaths leading to Hareshaw Linn.