Tynedale community round-up: Latest updates from Redesdale, Ovingham, Slaley and Wylam

Here are the updates from Horsley, Newbrough, Redesdale, Ovingham, Slaley and Wylam, Hexhamshire and Heddon - provided to us on Thursday, December 3, 2020.

Horsley

By Maurice Holliday

The next Horsley Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 18 at 7pm. You are invited to join the meeting using the internet.

Hearth artists and the cafe would like to thank all their customers for purchasing art work, cards and take out food and drink during the current restrictions.

The cafe is open daily until Christmas and all artists can be contacted using their websites. Click and collect service is available and in some cases artwork can be posted. Supporting local businesses at this time is greatly appreciated.

The wires which monitor traffic speed have been removed from the main road in the village. Many residents thought they were in the wrong place and should have been positioned towards the west end of the village where speeding is more noticeable.

Horsley Parish Council sends a representative to the burial committee which oversees Ovingham cemetery.

As there is no cemetery in Horsley many former residents are buried here. The committee has placed a new notice at the cemetery entrance to inform people that the cemetery contains war commission graves.

A new maintenance fee will be applied to any future burials in order to provide funds to keep the cemetery in good condition. A charity calendar for 2021 has been produced by the Hearth artists. The calendar depicts the seasons. Copies can be purchased online through the Hearth website on www.thehearth.co.uk and there is no charge for postage.

Access to the site of Long Lonkin’s hall in Horsley parish is not permitted as it is situated in a conservation area. There is almost nothing left of the tower with most of the last of the stones being used to build the A69 bridge over Whittle Dene.

Newbrough

By Rob Tindall

Is there a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel? If we follow the Government’s rules there will be church services in St Michael’s on the first Sunday of each month, at St Peter’s on the third Sunday and, if there is a fifth Sunday, in St Aidan’s. All at 9.30am. AND there is to be an extra 8am Holy Communion at St Peter’s on every second Sunday in the month. We are to get five days’ ‘holiday’ at Christmas.

Nothing could have been more different in 1866 when not only were the pupils of Newbrough Girls’ School required to attend on Christmas Day but the examiners were present.

The girls were examined in geography, the Pentateuch, the four gospels, reading, spelling and arithmetic. All apparently passed off successfully but there was close competition for a prize for arithmetic.

Mary Ann Charlton prevailed and was rewarded with ‘a beautiful and portable writing desk with every requisite’.

It seems likely that another casualty of our current pestilence will be the Senior Citizens’ Lunch. Christine hasn’t made a final decision yet, but it seems brussell sprouts, bingo, bonhomie, bopping, black forest gateau and badinage will be off the menu until better times return.

There are none for days or they’re brim full, then two come along at once. Like London buses that is the situation with the bottle banks at the cricket field.

Residents have complained that the existing bank was full, now there are two plus a paper skip. Well done NCC.

Redesdale

By Emma Anderson

Helen Mark presents BBC Radio 4’s Open Country this week during a half-hour programme featuring Redesdale.

The programme will be broadcast on Radio 4 at 3pm today (repeated on Radio 4 on Saturday at 6.07am and in a BBC Sounds podcast). The programme explores how the Revitalising Redesdale Landscape Partnership is helping restore and celebrate the landscape of the historic borderlands.

Once a lawless frontier where families on both sides of the border raided each other’s lands, Redesdale, and the surrounding area, is now one of the most peaceful parts of England.

Helen Mark speaks to Geoffrey Carter of the Battlefield Trust, one of Revitalising Redesdale’s partner projects, who is seeking new evidence about the location of the medieval Battle of Otterburn.

The battle inspired several ballads which have been passed down the generations and the renowned Northumbrian piper, Kathryn Tickell, who lives on the banks of the Rede, describes how the area’s distinct musical traditions are linked to its landscape.

Maria Hardy, the project’s programme manager, describes the catchment-wide effort to improve the Rede for wildlife and people and introduces some historical and archaeological elements.

The programme also features Malcolm Corbett, who farms in the valley, and a military veteran talking about an archaeological dig led by Karen Collins, heritage & engagement officer, and MoD colleagues on the Otterburn Ranges.

Ovingham & Ovington

By Malcolm Cairns

St Mary’s Church will be open each day, 9am-3pm, for private prayer. Please observe social distancing and follow the guidelines posted inside.

During live streaming services, Sunday 10am and Thursday 9.30am, there will be no public access.

On the subject of prayer, during a period of drought the people of the village decided to pray for rain.

On the appointed day only one young lad turned up with an umbrella. That is Faith. Ovingham Community Orchard has had a willow structure,in the form of a hide, built on its field.

It is hoped to add seating in the new year, making it a peaceful spot to sit and admire the views and wildlife. Ruth Thompson of Sylvan Skills was the constructor aided by Wendy, many thanks for their efforts.

It is looking unlikely that the much loved and popular St Mary’s Christmas Eve Carol service will go ahead this year. However there are plans for residents to sing from their doorsteps.

Details of this will be given nearer the time by the church and the parish council. At last we can see a light at the end of this dreadful tunnel we have been in. The announcements of encouraging results from vaccine trials have provided hope for the future.

Thinking about hope, every night we go to bed without the assurance of surviving to the morning, yet, we still set the alarm to wake up. That is Hope.

Slaley

By Helen Savage

As I write it’s 2pm, but so gloomy outside it’s more like tea time. If the clouds ever lift from Slaley (surely they will) you might like to look to the heavens and try to photograph the clouds – either, sunrise or sunset, or just about anything, except thick mist, though if you really think you can show it in a new light, go right ahead.

Anyhow, please send your results to Joan Jewitt (jjewitt245@btinternet.com ) who’ll be delighted to post the best of them on the Ladycross Nature Reserve website.

We’re so sad that the new Tier 3 rules means that Slaley Christmas Crib exhibition can’t go ahead, but on Saturday, December 12, A Christmas Journey - for families with young children - will take place.

This is a Messy Church venture which we hope will be fun and meaningful. Families can book a time slot via Eventbrite - details on the Slaley Messy Church Facebook page (or just give me a ring: 01434 676852).

Families will meet characters from the Christmas story as they walk up the village street from the Commemoration Hall to the church and carry messages to them as they go. They’ll receive a bag of craft and story goodies at the end. And it’s all ever-so Covid secure.

We’re busy planning Christmas at Church. On Wednesday, December 23 at 2.30pm in the churchyard extension we’ll have our service readings and carols. Kevin and Rosaleen Doonan will provide the music – and you’re allowed to sing along!

Hexhamshire

By Lynda White

Now that we are out of lockdown but have entered Tier 3 restrictions, normal services will resume at St Helen’s Church at 9.30am on Sunday morning.

Just a reminder to complete the Parish Neighbourhood Plan Survey as soon as you can. The closing date is Sunday, December 15.

Heddon

By John Stewart

I wonder if the culprit had a bad night sleep or a nightmare following dumping a mattress in the village last weekend......It is of great disappointment to begin my notes this week of some reporting of fly tipping which appeared at the tourists bus layby on Towne Gate next to Hadrian's Wall.

Please note that this has been reported to Northumberland County Council and I would like to thank the local authority in advance for its quick response in removing the illegal dumping of waste! Lets remain vigilant and catch those responsible.

There have been so many heroes throughout this pandemic in the community in the way of how residents have delivered exceptional care and support to their neighbours creating new relationships with one another.

The youngsters of this village now have a chance to add to their collection of being heroes by becoming a reading hero during the winter by being encouraged to join the winter mini reading challenge.

This years theme of the reading challenge led by Northumberland Libraries is 'Everyone is a hero'.

The youngsters are encouraged to join the reading challenge by signing up online at www.wintermini.org.uk and read a recommended number of three books during the period until January 15 and by posting a review of the book they read on the website to share with other youngsters and their families.

This year the reading agency has teamed up with children’s publisher “Knights Of” to bring you the 'Everyone Is A Hero' reading challenge, where you’ll meet characters from Knights and Bikes, High-Rise Mystery, and the Run series.

The previous challenges have already been enjoyed by many children of Heddon Primary School over the past few years which has created reading to become more fun and enjoyable.

As we lead the way into advent the very talented Year 3 musicians at Heddon Primary school have been learning something special for Christmas on the ukulele which they cannot wait to share with the community. I look forward to hearing and seeing their creation.

I would like to say a huge thank you to all the residents who supported and donated to the Newcastle West End Food Bank reverse advent calendar Christmas campaign whereby I have now dropped them off at the Benwell Lane site to which was greatly appreciated by the volunteers who continue to support and share our friendship with those in need in the community.

If you still wish to donate items to the West End Food Bank, these donations can been dropped into the box which is located at the entrance outside of the Methodist Chapel. We have a very special treat and guest coming to our village on Friday, December 18….Have you guessed who it is yet?? Yes…Santa Claus will be touring Heddon with his little helpers and they are eagerly looking forward to seeing all of your houses decorated and the children, families and residents waving from your drives and windows as Santa tours the streets of Heddon.

It is requested that to ensure Santa is able to travel safely through your street that no obstructions are in place and that we all adhere by the social distancing regulations.

Due to the timing of his busy schedule, he may not be able to visit all the streets in Heddon, however will do his very best, so please keep a look out on the evening of December 18 to get a glimpse of him.

And finally, take care, stay safe and stay connected with one another and ensure that nobody is left alone! Keep in contact and check in with your family, friends and neighbours during this time and beyond! Let's talk and keep the faith.

Wylam

By Robin Piette

Those two delightful musicians, Annie and Katie of Semibreve have a 12 Days of Christmas series of live streamed events right through to December 20 – have a look at their Facebook page, or in What’s On In Wylam.

Jacqueline Henderson is proposing that Charlie’s Corner be made into a “sensory garden” to be enjoyed by everyone with and without disabilities – lovely idea?

St Oswin’s Christingle this year is on Sunday, December 13 at 3 pm will take place online. You can find out more about how to attend this year’s Christingle at https://thyg.uk/CUS048145 and make a donation to support the work of The Children’s Society on that site. If you would like to find out more please contact David Atkinson on 01661 852836.

The Light up Wylam campaign is giving a lot of employment to fit, young persons who can climb up ladders!

Humshaugh

By Herbie Newell

Humshaugh Herbie Newell This week recorded YET ANOTHER excellent 100 per cent attendance at our first school – well done everyone.

Although Covid restrictions will prevent the children going to see a pantomime this year, the virtual Northern Stage Christmas Show will be shown at school on December 15, and there will be a visiting pantomime on December 16.

Many thanks to the parish council for organising the construction of the new footpath along the roadside by the playing field, and to Northumberland County Council for doing an excellent job.

A new fence and gates will be installed as part of planned improvements to the playing field, and in the meantime whilst temporary fencing is in place parents are asked to be particularly vigilant.

Removal of the large willow tree by the children’s play area is also part of the playing field improvements and tree surgeons will be working in the field from the December 4 to 6, possibly beyond if the work takes longer than anticipated. During this time the play area will be out of bounds and apologies for the inconvenience caused.

Due to Tier 3 Covid restrictions, the Crown Inn has had to remain closed for normal service. However, takeaway food is still available on Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday lunchtime. Please call 01434 681231 to order a tasty, excellent value meal.

St Peter’s remains open for private prayer, and all are welcome to regular Zoom services at 10am each Sunday - please contact rogerlangford37@outlook.com for the link.