Find out what is going on in your Tynedale community.

Bellingham

Birtley Nail

Fly tippers who have been having a field day on the old railway line behind Reenes Way in Bellingham could soon be brought to book. In recent months, the wooded area has become something of an unofficial village tip, with all manner of materials being dumped there. Although a pick-up load of material was removed as recently as May, more rubbish, including old bits of beds, a dog bed, plastic piping and other materials have been illegally tipped since. Bellingham Parish Council has been approached to erect “no tipping” signs and the problem has also been raised with Northumberland County Council, which has the power to levy on the spot fines of £400 for illegal dumping, along with £50,000 fines or 12 months imprisonment for serious cases.

The pantomime, Christmas fair, and the Kielder Winter Wonderland may all have been cancelled this year, but it may not be such a blue Christmas in the North Tyne after all. Although discussions are at an early stage, there is a possibility that there may be a parade of festively illuminated timber wagons and farm vehicles through Bellingham at some point during the festive season. The proposal has been approved in principle by Bellingham Parish Council, on the understanding that appropriate social distancing measures are in place.

Is nothing safe? A person or persons unknown has stolen one of the public litter bins from the centre of the village, which has had to be replaced by the parish council; at a cost to local council tax payers of almost £140.

Humshaugh

Herbie Newell

Unfortunately, it was not possible to start the tree work for the children’s playing field over half term as scheduled. Residents will be notified as soon as a revised date is identified.

It is not too late to take part in the Great Humshaugh Pumpkin Hunt, which is instead of door-to-door Halloween Night visits this year. Displays of a pumpkin – real or an image – in a window or outside houses until November 1 would be much appreciated and bring some half term Halloween cheer to village children.

For those who have not seen it already, The Crown Inn has an interesting addition to its unique collection of small scale modes of transport. Not satisfied with cars, David has extended his interests to rockets! Many thanks to everyone at the Crown for giving us something to smile about in these challenging times.

Signs are up to notify residents that work is planned to start on November 2 on the roadside adjacent to the children’s playing field. A footpath with kerb stones will be introduced where there is currently rough gravel.

Virtual St Peter’s services are continuing; details at www.achurchnearyou.com/16162 and on the St. Peter’s Facebook page @HumshaughChurch.

Acomb

Julie Foster

The play area equipment has now been repaired. Zip wire to be back in action soon.

Volunteer flood wardens are needed. Could that be you? Acomb has an active flood group since its inception in 2014 with an annually reviewed flood plan supported by the Environment Agency. Until recently, 14 flood wardens have been responsible for one of the four Acomb flood zones. Want to know more? Then contact either colin.hall@ environment-agency.gov.org or Jim Wright, lead flood warden on 07702 539736.

Coronavirus has moved us into Tier 2. Life may not be very easy for some. Just to let you know that Acomb’s Volunteer Support Network remains in place. Leaflets were delivered to all households in early September to keep you informed. Your volunteer’s name and contact was on the leaflet should you need them as a point of contact or for practical help, shopping, picking up prescriptions etc. Lost your volunteer’s details? Then contact Lorna on 07711 334521 who will link you up.

Slaley

Stella Douglas

For the beady-eyed who noticed that last week’s notes were the wrong year (2019), it was a reminder of things past. Then, the Commemoration Hall (SCH) was booked to capacity but was not renovated. In 2019 folk had to lug tables and chairs up the stairs and the toilets were showing their age. In the intervening months, despite the pandemic, there has been a transformation. If you want to see what has been achieved with your generous donations, watch Rosaleen walk through the SCH by going to slaley.org.uk where you will find a super video.

On the same page is a video clip showing the October draw for the SCH200Club. This is a cheerful way to help raise money for Phase 2 of the renovation. Everything you need to know about joining SCH200Club is there or call Pat on 673388.

You will find the answers to the fabulous Car Rally quiz there too.

Badminton, WI, Exercise to Music, the Film Club, bowls and the parish council will not meet in the SCH in November. If you are not sure about what is happening, please call (01434) 673001 where the bookings clerk should be able to help.

Some activities are still going on at the village hall. Helen celebrated Communion there this week. First Aid training will go ahead on November 9 and, providing the situation doesn’t change, there will be a celebration of Christmas Cribs on November 27-29. Look out for the lovely posters which will be displayed around the village soon.

Prudhoe

Ian Warburton

Regular church services will resume (restrictions permitting) at Prudhoe Methodist Church on Sunday, November 1 at 10am and these services will last for about 30 minutes. Everyone must wear a face covering (please bring your own) from entering to leaving the building and hand sanitiser will be dispensed on entry and leaving. Worshippers will be seated two metres apart, although people living in the same household will be able to sit together. Names and contact details will be recorded (retained for 21 days) in case any “test and trace” requirement arises. A steward will escort those attending to a seat and they should remain seated until directed by the steward. There will be no singing, nor can they serve refreshments after the service and at present they are unable to offer any Sunday School for the children. To ensure that they can accommodate you and to reserve a seat, please contact the church via Facebook Messenger. A service is also relayed by Zoom each Sunday morning, currently from Trinity Methodist Church, Hexham. To obtain the code to access this service, please contact Rev Jenny Porterpryde at prydejennym@gmail.com

Congratulations to Stomping Ground Forest School, which has been recognised by the Forest School Association for its good practice. This will help the school as it drives forward its commitment to providing good quality forest school to children, families and young people in the North-East. The school has put more information on its Facebook page.

Newbrough

Rob Tindall

Some clarification may be in order about the Remembrance service at St Peter’s on Sunday, November 1. The service will start at 10.45am but since it will be conducted from the lych gate facing the church congregants are advised to assemble in the churchyard from 10.30am. I don’t want to be seen as a nanny but wrap up for the weather and wear sensible shoes as you could be standing on wet grass.

The Communion service on Sunday, November 1) will be at St Michael’s, Warden at 9.30am.

Crow Wood looks different! The trees on the east side of the burn have been felled and, naturally with the ground churned up by heavy machinery and trimmings lying around, it does look a little desolate. The trees taken were softwoods and about 60 years old. What people who bemoan their removal forget is that in all but ancient woodlands trees are a crop as much as barley in a cornfield. By this time next year the bare ground will be covered in vegetation.

The Town Hall 200+ Club winners for October are:- J. Liddle £25, D. Sowerby £15 and M Hull £10.

At my primary school, we learned how to multiply by reciting times tables (including 14x and 16x to cope with pounds, ounces and stones), chanting them regularly until 6x7 evoked a Pavlovian response of 42. I was therefore intrigued to find that pupils at Newbrough are using computer sites called Rockstars and Numbots. Do these sites engender similar built-in responses?

Horsley

Maurice Holliday

The annual general meeting of the Hearth will take place on Monday, November 2 using the Zoom software on the internet. The Hearth is a registered charity and a company by guarantee.

Owing to the current Covid-19 government restrictions there will be no service of remembrance at the village war memorial and church. However on Sunday, November 8 at 11am, representatives of organisations in the village will lay poppies at the memorial. There will be a lament played on the Northumberland pipes and the playing of the last post. Names of those who gave their lives will be read out. Poppies will be placed on the church railings and each household is kindly ask to place a poppy in their window. You can collect a poppy sheet to colour and display from the Hearth cafe.

Thank you to all who made contributions to the local food bank by placing tins of food outside the church.

If you are taking part in the family Halloween event this Saturday in the early evening please remember to collect your plastic tray and map at the Hearth cafe before they close. The cafe who are also taking part will place their tray in their car park and garden at the rear of the property.

The reopening of the road between Wylam and Ovingham has resulted in a reduction of traffic that was being diverted through the village. The ongoing Covid-19 crisis may bring about a curtailing of some bus services in the area according to information received. Many buses travelling through Horsley are devoid of passengers.

Horsley Gardening Club is reminding members to measure the circumference of their pumpkins and submit results to the secretary by October 31.

Hexhamshire

Lynda White

Hexhamshire Parish Council would like to send its sincere thanks to Bob Bennett who since 2013 has administered the 100 Club. His efforts are really appreciated and a substantial amount of money has been raised over the past seven years. Marge Rastall has now taken over the administering job and can announce that the winners of the latest draw which took place at the recent committee meeting are Dave Hitchin and Susan Cooper. Congratulations to you both.

To help the parish hall in these troubled times it would be great if more people would join the 100 Club especially as the outlook for holding fund raising events in the hall is extremely uncertain. Everyone can help however by becoming a member and contributing to the hall which is an essential asset to the Shire.

The parish council recently spent a great deal of money to upgrade the tennis court walls and boards but unfortunately damage has been found. If you are using the court please do not use hard balls such as cricket balls – they are not allowed.

This Sunday is All Saints and Reverend Andrew Patterson invites you to remember those who have died recently in your prayers in church also to light candles for those you wish to pray for. If there is someone whom you would like to be remembered but you cannot attend the service please send the names to the vicar.

There are currently two houses available at St Helens Gate, Whitley Chapel. For further details please telephone Castles and Coasts on 0800 0851171 or contact a parish councillor.

Matfen

Jean Conteh

The clocks have gone back, the dark evenings are with us again, and the scene is set for Hallowe’en. But, as I’m sure you know, there won’t be any trick and treating in the village this year. The village hall committee has come with a plan to mark the day on Saturday, October 31 – a pumpkin lantern trail on the village green. Anyone of any age can take part by bringing their lanterns to the village hall on Saturday afternoon, between 3.30pm and 4pm. There’ll be treats for the children and prizes for the best lanterns, which will be lined up along the path and lit up until 6pm. Afterwards, you’ll be able to vote for your favourite on the village facebook. Everyone entering the hall will need to leave their contact details to make sure we stay Covid-secure.

Ian and Tracey in the village store are joining in the fun with a scary menu, including blood and snot burgers (beefburgers with green mayo and tomato sauce in a black bun) or dead man’s fingers (fish fingers with green mayo). The store will be open until 6.30pm on Saturday and if you want to pre order you can, by phoning 01661 886202.

Remembrance Sunday is on November 8 this year, and will be celebrated in both Matfen and Stamfordham. At 9am in Matfen, there’ll be a wreath laying and act of Remembrance in the church, and at 10.45am in Stamfordham, there’ll be a Remembrance service in the churchyard. If you wish to attend either service, you need to contact Rev Rachel on 01661 886853 or r.scheffer@newcastle.anglican.org to book a place – you can’t just turn up on the day.

Whittonstall

Christine Jewitt

November is now upon us and brings with it the most fabulous Autumn colours. On our hillsides there is the most glorious patchwork of browns, oranges and greens punctuated strangely by the holly in full berry. Most of the harvest is now gathered and drilling of fresh crops complete. The weather was challenging to our local farmers to say the least.

This Autumn we published our second local newsletter which has updated our community with news of the various projects ongoing in the village. The central garden area is complete with the newly sown grass coming through and the troughs looking colourful. We plan to plant a fir tree in this space which we will decorate at Christmas time. Anyone who wishes to lend, make or donate an ornament to adorn the tree is welcome to do so. Work continues in the churchyard which is now looking larger and lighter and we have also begun planting spring bulbs in various locations around the village and expect a bumper crop of daffodils etc in the Spring.

Our recent appeal to enable us to fund these regeneration and enhancement projects proved to be very successful and we are grateful to everyone who has donated funds, time and effort.

At long last, we can advise some progress regarding the implementation of the long-awaited traffic calming scheme in Whittonstall. We have been advised by Shotley Low Quarter Parish Council that the scheme is “more or less ready to be issued to the Area Officer NCC”. Once the scheme is issued, we are informed that “at this stage we will be informed of the dates that the work will commence”. We have also been told that there is a commitment to “contact the area planning officer and ensure the urgency of this scheme is understood”. We are grateful to everyone who has supported our efforts to date.

We continue to offer support and assistance to our community as, regrettably, the resurgence in Covid-19 cases in Northumberland has brought back further restrictions. Residents in our area are welcome to contact any member of our group if they require assistance or just for a chat. Contact names and other details can be found on our Facebook page and on our newsletter.

For more information about our community group and to see photos please log on to our Facebook page.

Heddon

John Stewart

Firstly I would like to once again pay tribute to the fantastic staff, children governors of Heddon Primary School and Northumberland County Council who have worked extremely hard over the last few months ensuring that the school is Covid-19 safe which has led them to continue the high standards of delivering the education to the youngsters of the village. I am hoping that they are all enjoying their well earned October half term as many would remember also known as blackberry week. I'm showing my age now....!

Heddon United Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Bradley Waldock as club secretary. Following application, Bradley was voted unanimously by the executive Commitee to take on the role. Bradley is already an integral part of Heddon United FC as manager of the Under 23s and a player for the first team. I wish him all the best in his new role.

It is fantastic to see the much awaited road and footpaths in Calvas Drive has undergone repairing which is part of Northumberland County Council continued improvement plans which is being carried across the county.

As expected due to the coronavirus restrictions Remembrance Sunday service held at the Knott Memorial Park will not be going ahead due to social distancing regulations. It is disappointing news that this cannot happen, however the safety and welfare of residents and visitors has to be the priority during this crucial time. It is being encouraged that residents are to take to their doorsteps on November 8 at 11am to observe the two minute silence.

I would like to thank everyone who has continued to support the Newcastle West End Food Bank and Peoples Kitchen prior and during this pandemic. As we lead our way into the winter months and as Christmas soon approaches, we cannot forgot about the difficulty that our friends using the food bank face. Heddon United Juniors Football Club would like you to take part in the Newcastle West End Food Bank Reverse Advent Calendar Christmas Scheme from 1st November to 24th November where they would like you to donate one food item daily into a shoebox. Once your shoebox is completed, these can be dropped in the black box outside of Heddon Methodist Chapel where a village volunteers will transfer these to the office in Benwell. This will be a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference this Christmas and I would like to take this opportunity in thanking you all in advance. For more information or if you would like me to pick up your completed boxes, please contact me directly on 07713 646623.

Good luck to Heddon United Seniors player Adam Henderson who will soon begin his training to combat the challenge of completing five marathons in five days in 2021 raising money for Mental Health UK.

As we continue to do, it is imperative that we keep communicating with one another through these difficult times ensuring that we all say connected ensuring that no residents are not left alone and have the support from one another. Take care and Keep staying safe.....Oh and i hope you have a spooktacular safe distance respectful Halloween!