Greenhead
Wendy Bond
WHAT glorious colouring on the trees planted along the A69 as we turn towards Haltwhistle! We’ve had the regular mid-October frost that puts paid to the runner beans every year - but this year’s warmth and sunshine means for once I have not only had a harvest of them, but managed to pick the last of them the day before the temperature dropped. Success! and proof of climate change.
THE Harvest Supper was a great success, raising £270 for the church, but even more important, bringing people out for a happy evening together, enjoying some exceptional pies & peas, and the delightful singing of the Breakaway Group who were in excellent voice and had feet tapping and most people joining in their lively programme. After so long confined to our homes - now simply by force of habit - this was a great relief, and felt like a breakthrough. The churchwardens are very grateful for the support and for the performance of the singers. And we are grateful for our evening out!
ST Cuthbert’s gateway is to have a facelift - thanks to the generous donation from Haltwhistle Gardening and Landscape of the paint for the job - which will be carried out by Mick Yates.
REGULAR activities in the village hall are beginning to resume - the Monday Painters are back in action every week, as are the craft group and the W.I. every month. The Remembrance Service at the War Memorial will take place as usual, on Sunday, November 14, and, as usual, will be joined by customers and stall holders from the Farmers’ Market which continues to grow with a wide range of new craft stalls as well as the welcome addition of specialist gins and Muckle Breweries beers. Solve your Christmas present problems and meet friends over a coffee and homemade cake!
Allen Valleys
Robert Philipson
THE next Film Night at Allendale Village Hall is this coming Monday (October 25). The film is Dreamhorse (PG) and is the true story of racehorse Dream Alliance which was bred and owned by the people of a small Welsh village. It stars Toni Colette and is a real feel-good film. Doors open at 7.15pm, admission is £5 which includes a glass of wine with the film starting at 7.45pm.
ON Saturday, November 6 there will be a mini mart in Allendale Village Hall between 10am and 2pm. Tables usually sell a variety of Christmas Gifts, plants, woodwork, bric-a-bacs , jewellery and preserves. Homemade refreshments will be served. All proceeds go towards the maintenance and running of Allendale Village Hall. Information on table availability (@£12.50) available from Pauline on 01434 683484.
THE next coffee morning in Allendale Church Hall is on October 30. Any donations of raffle prizes or cakes would be gratefully received, as well as any help on the day. Please contact Helen Forbe (helenmforbes@outlook.com) if you are able to help out.
GOOD news that the Allen Valleys Acts of Remembrance will take place once more on Sunday, November 14 with the time schedule to follow nearer the time.
FOR any items to be included in these notes please email me at robert.philipson@btconnect.com or telephone 01434 685266 by 6pm Sunday.
Bardon Mill
Bob and Mike Ducker
THE monthly lunches in the Bowes Hotel are restarting on the first Friday in the month, from 12pm onwards. Pensioner portions and prices available, and the tables will be well spread. So come along on November 5 for good food and chat, no booking required.
AN appeal has been made this fireworks night to consider the panic that they trigger in many pet dogs - so please share the time and date of any firework party on Bardon Mill Matters so that dog owners can take precautions.
THERE is music at the Bowes from 8pm on Saturday October 30 for a Halloween themed night (fancy dress optional!) and Henshaw Spar has pumpkins and Halloween sweet bags for £5.
ON the first days of this year we saw a young otter on the river (from the footbridge of course - everyone’s favourite gazing place). Have you seen one, or was it a mink? On October 20 the Village Hall hosted a talk about these - and we now have a ‘mink raft’ to see which footprints (mink or otter) turn up. The Village Hall Committee does still need help, so consider whether you could be the one to help. Email Bookings@bardonmill-villagehall.co.uk
THANK you all who write in with info to share - we started writing this column by ourselves, but nowadays it always includes community news that you’ve sent in to be shared. Keep it coming to Oldglen@gmail.com
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