Find out what is happening in your community.

Slaley
Stella Douglas
On Friday this week, November 2, at 7.30pm, Bobby Johnson will present a selection of evocative and fascinating images from his lifetime of photography: ‘A Countryman’s View’. It’s in the Commemoration Hall and is in aid of the hall centenary refurbishment fund. It costs a mere £2. There’s a raffle and refreshments.
Then on Saturday from 10.30am to noon there’s a coffee morning in St Mary’s, with the usual unimaginably delicious selection of scones.
Why not come and give pilates a try? Classes are on Wednesdays in the Commemoration Hall at 6pm. New members are always welcome. Please ring Jacqui 07960 484198 for more information.
There’ll be a bonfire and fireworks at Whitley Chapel on Sunday, November 4. The fire will be lit at 5.30pm and the fireworks start just after 6pm. There’s a bar, and soup and sandwiches are also available.
The following Sunday afternoon, November 11, Ladycross Nature Reserve will hold a guided Trygill Art Walk. Please meet at the quarry gates at 1pm wearing stout footwear. Dogs on leads and children in pushchairs (of the rugged variety) go free. It’s £2 for everyone else.
Slaley Show presents ‘A Christmas Carol (gone wrong)’ in Whitley Chapel Village Hall on Friday, December 7 at 7.30pm. It features some slightly older young famers in a twist on Charles Dickens’ classic - the cast battles through mishaps to provide a highly entertaining evening of laughter. Tickets are £10 from Catherine Myers, please call 07530 439978 to book.
Humshaugh
Herbie Newell
In addition to the health and social impact of Covid, and associated restrictions, many are feeling the financial effects. Humshaugh Community Ventures Ltd can provide small grants for those in need. Please call 07469 796103 if you need any assistance, all calls are strictly confidential.
A reminder that tree work is scheduled for the children’s playing field over half term when the play area will not be accessible.
Humshaugh First School breaks up tomorrow after a very challenging first half term. The community is extremely grateful to staff, children, parents and volunteers for their hard work and support in these difficult times. Although harvest gift boxes could not be distributed around the village this year, the children made lovely Harvest-themed cards for delivery by post to regular Friends of the School.
Instead of door-to-door visits on Halloween night this year there will be the Great Humshaugh Pumpkin Hunt from October 25 to November 1. Residents are asked to display a pumpkin – real or an image – in a window or outside their home.  During this time children will “hunt” round the village with adults in their Covid group, who will give them a treat for every pumpkin spotted.
A reminder that two Humshaugh-related publications are available for sale in the village shop, produced by Humshaugh Publications; the 2021 Humshaugh Calendar and Humshaugh a History, both excellent value at £5 and perfect presents. 
Virtual St Peter’s services are continuing; details at www.achurchnearyou.com/16162 and on the St. Peter’s Facebook page @HumshaughChurch.
Prudhoe
Ian Warburton
Prudhoe Town Council will be hosting its next ordinary meeting online on Zoom on Wednesday, October 28, commencing at 7pm. More information will appear on the town council’s website and Facebook page nearer the time.
As part of its annual investment into roads and transport, Northumberland County Council will carry out carriageway repairs on the C255, Station Bank, Prudhoe, between Thursday, October 29 and Friday, November 6 inclusive. The work will be carried out between 7am and 5pm on weekdays only. Signs will be erected in advance of the works, stating days and restriction times and access for residents will be maintained as far as reasonably practicable. Please refrain from parking vehicles on the carriageway whilst the resurfacing operations are carried out.
It gives me much pleasure to report that Eastwood Park is one of 11 in Northumberland to have been awarded a Green Flag by the environmental group Keep Britain Tidy. This is the first time that a Green Flag has been awarded to a Prudhoe park. Councillor Jeff Watson, Northumberland County Council Cabinet member for Healthy Lives said of the 11 awards, “it is a testament to the dedication and hard work of residents, volunteers and our own staff. Everyone involved should be very proud”.
Newbrough
Rob Tindall
In the light of current regulations and precautionary actions by Northumberland County Council, innovative arrangements are having to be made for the Remembrance Day service in Newbrough. The plan is for those wishing to attend to gather at St Peter’s Lych Gate – which is a war memorial in its own right - at 10.30am on Sunday, November 8. There, in a Covid and physically safe environment, there will be a short act of Remembrance, the roll of honour of those from the parish who fell will be read and a two-minute silence observed. As people disperse they may wish to walk to the memorial by the town hall to lay a wreath or cross.
One of the great sounds of autumn is the clatter of wild geese as they pass from night time roosting places to daytime grazing. There is something un-worldly about the noise and it was intensified last week as two large skeins merged as they flew over Newbrough.
A new delight to fill my increasingly idle hours is to log onto Newbrough and Fourstones Buy, Sell, Swap and Share on Facebook. The volume of trade is amazing with items from leather gloves for sale to used cars wanted and even free items ‘seeking good homes’. Well done to Laura Waugh for setting up the site.
141 years ago last Sunday Mr Brown reported to Hexham Rural Sanitary Authority that Hardhaugh School was too small for the number of pupils attending and there were plans to extend it.
Horsley
Maurice Holliday
The death of village resident Terry Mulligan from Cherrytree Gardens marks the passing of a highly regarded community member. Terry was founder of the village gardening club. He provided seeds and plants for many local projects as well as developing an allotment behind the Crown and Anchor to which all came for gardening advice or simply a chat. As a master baker he made bread sheaths of corn and hedgehogs for harvest festival in the village church. Terry also supported many initiatives in the village hall.
The Hearth cafe are promoting a pumpkin trail for families around the village and Horsley wood cottages. Kevin at the cafe will provide plastic trays for those taking part in order for you to safely put your Halloween treats and pumpkins. These will be placed at your doorstep to ensure social distancing. A map showing the location of the baskets will be provided for anyone taking part. The map can be sent by e mail or collected with your basket from the cafe. Please contact the Hearth cafe by October 30 if you wish to join in the fun. The Lion and Lamb and the Hearth cafe are still able to trade under the recent Covid-19 restrictions. The cafe is open every weekday from 9.30am and weekends from 10am. The Lion and Lamb is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Although it was not possible to hold an indoor service for Harvest Festival this year, Horsley village church is still making a donation of canned foods to the local Food Bank. Items can be placed in the blue container next to the church noticeboard. Thank you for any donation. Tinned food only please. The antiques centre in the village which has featured on television antiques roadshows is open every day except Sunday from 10am until 5pm.
Matfen
Jean Conteh
There’s not much to report this week from Matfen. In the village hall, plans for starting the Matfen Makers group have been shelved for now because of the uncertainties of the situation, but look out for it when conditions make it easier to get together and mix socially. But there’s a second course of yoga about to get under way with Clare Burns on Monday evenings – contact Clare on if you’d like to join in on wwe.hope-yoga.com or 07956407905.
If you’re struggling financially because of the Covid restrictions, don’t forget about the support that’s still being offered through the churches in Matfen and Stamfordham. The Upper Pont Pantry is operating as a food bank from cupboards in both churches, which are stocked with household essentials and basic food items. It’s there for anyone who needs it, no questions asked. And if you need help such as a delivery of food or just to hear a friendly voice, call Rev. Rachel on 01661 886853 or email r.scheffer@newcastle.anglican.org
Meanwhile, both the Black Bull and the village store are providing a service to the village through their interesting menus and special offers, served in Covid-secure settings – try to support them if you can; bookings for the Bull can be made on 01661 855395 and for the store on 01661 886202.