Here's the latest of what's going on in your community.

Riding Mill
Carole Craig-Gilby

WELCOME to the last full week of November and how fast this month seems to have gone. On Friday, November 26 there is The Big Village Quiz being held at 7.30pm in The Parish Hall and as ever our quiz master is Mike Smith –all funds raised are going to the pre-school and Village school. A bar and snacks will be available that evening too.

SUNDAY 28th is a busy day! At 11am in Millennium Hall there is a charity Cake Sale in aid of the people of Afghanistan all once again welcome. The Village wishes to extend an invitation to our Service of Light for Advent, this year’s Churches Together in Riding Mill Advent celebration, to be held this year at St James’s Sunday, November 28 at 3pm. Everyone is welcome to join us for this start to the season. And afterwards refreshments shall be served. We look forward very much to seeing you!

DID you know that every Wednesday at 7pm St James Church offers a very special time to you all for a Quiet Evening Prayer –what a lovely way to conclude the day.

ON December 13 at 7pm there will be FREE Carol Concert by Riding Mill Choral Society by the Christmas Tree in the Parish Hall garden- this is instead of the usual Hall Concert performed each year and knowing The Choral Society it’s bound to be as ever moving and fabulous.

A DATE for your diaries - Saturday, December 18 at 3pm communal Carols outside the Parish Hall followed by tea or coffee and mince pies and I think we can the say Christmas has arrived.

ALSO, on Sunday, December 19 at Broomhaugh church at 9.30am there will be a carol service.

THE Charity Riding Mill Calendars are going like hot cakes! Or should that be hot calendars? All profit is going fifty fifty split between St James Church and Village Hall Trust. Please see myself or Colin Craig-Gilby to purchase one as a gift or just for yourself, we shall be at Mondays and Friday coffee in the Village Hall and in the Tuesday Drop ins or call 07950974874.

COME along to St James’s Church for an evening of Christmas music performed by Lucy Bunce, harpist and vocalist on Friday, December 3 at 7.30pm. Admission £10 (including a glass of wine or a soft drink). Tickets can be purchased from Jenny (682486) and Penny (682578).

Allen Valleys
Robert Philipson

CHRISTMAS is coming and on Saturday, December 4 you are spoilt for choice with two Christmas Fairs in the valleys. Deneholme Care Centre (along with Thornley Leazes) have theirs from 10am to 6pm. There will be lots of stalls, tombola, raffle, silent auction and food available. Santa will be there in his festive log cabin but this will require advance booking with Kathryn on 07885 271735.

AT the top end of the valley The Hemmel Café Christmas Market will take place in The Heritage Centre at Allenheads on Saturday, December 4 between 11 and 4pm. Again craft stalls, cake and sweet stalls with Mulled wine and mince pies and Hattie’s homemade cards. There will be a children’s Christmas Treasure Hunt as well as Clogg Dancing and Christmas Carols. For more information Tel. 01434 685568.

NO information yet on whether this years Tar Bar’l event will take place but there will be a fascinating talk with visual coverage on Wednesday, December 1 by Malcolm Whitfield who has been involved in Allendale’s New Year Celebrations for 60 years carrying his first Tar Bar’l in 1962. Find out about their possible origins, their longevity over the centuries and many of the personalities involved. The talk starts at 7.30pm in Allendale Village Hall with a cost of £2.50 to AVHG members and £5 to non-members.

TEA and Talk will take place this Saturday in Catton Chapel at 2.30pm. Carol from Whitley Chapel will share how God made a difference in her life.

IF all this was not enough Bingo will be on again this Friday at Sinderhope at 7.30pm with this month’s prize theme being Memories of Summer. The following Friday, December 3 the Allen Valley and Kings Head Leek Club Prize Bingo and Raffle will take place in The Kings Head at 7.30pm.

IF you have any items for the notes please contact me at robert.philipson@btconnect.com or telephone 01434 685266 by 6pm Sunday.

Acomb
Julie Foster

ACOMB’s Feel Good Friday Film Club,  will be showing ‘Florence’, this Friday, November 26, at  the Village Hall.  Doors open from 6.30pm with the film showing at 7pm. Tea/coffee and soft drinks are included in the ticket price or you can bring your choice of refreshments. The film is based on the real life story of Florence Foster-Jenkins, a New York heiress whose dream was to become an opera singer despite having a terrible singing voice. 

NORTHUMBERLAND County Councillor Trevor Cessford and Acomb Parish Councillor Norman Robson will be holding a joint surgery between 9.30am and 10.30am, on Saturday, November 27 2021, at Acomb Village Hall. Residents are welcome to come and discuss any issues surrounding Acomb Parish which are of concern. No appointments necessary.

THE next meeting of Acomb Parish Council will be held at 7pm on Wednesday, December 1 2021. The meeting will be held in Acomb Village Hall, as dictated by the current legislation. Residents wishing to attend should note that the meeting will be socially distanced, with other Covid-19 recommendations in place. Any questions to the Parish Council, from residents, should be submitted to the Parish Clerk (parishclerk@acombpc.co.uk or 01434 634397) at least 48 hours before the meeting.

LET’s Sing Group on Tuesday mornings in the Village Hall is always happy to welcome new members. They start with tea/coffee at 10.15am. Want to know more, contact 01434 607490 or musicalmemories17@gmail.com

Bardon Mill
THE Village Hall is looking busy, with 3 private hires each weekend till Christmas. And Errington Reay have really been pulling out the stops, not only with their upcoming craft fair on the 12th but with their Christmas Pudding pots and other festive designs. They’re each one of a kind, we think they look great, and they’re selling as soon as they appear in the gallery. There is something special about living in a village with a real smoking pottery oven at its centre, and it looks its toasty best these winter evenings.

NEXT door the Bowes is recruiting for two chefs: CVs to terrilou600@yahoo.co.uk or contact 07894319373, and Haydon Bridge under 7s are looking to start a second team in the area. So if you know a youngun who might like a go call Mick Dodds on 07738427198.

ADVENT begins this Sunday, the 28th, and as we move into the season of home comforts and the counting of blessings, there are of course ways that we can make contributions to those in need. Michael’s shop always has a tray ready for foodstuffs you can donate to the West Northumberland Food Bank. Tynedale Hospice at Home meanwhile have a donation drive at tynedalehospice.com/lual-dedicate-a-star/ Plus anyone with suitable donations for a super prize hamper are encouraged to drop them in to Billy Bells’ for their raffle prize. If you have other suggestions for kindness and giving this Christmas season, tell us on oldglen@gmail.com or, indeed, post us an anonymous note.

Upper North Tyne
Sarah Hallberg

ST Peter’s Church would like to thank everyone who came to the Christmas Fair last Saturday. Vital funds were raised but most importantly, it was lovely for the community to get together and special thanks must go to the volunteers and stall holders, without whom none of this would have been possible.  In the evening, following on from the Fair, Festive Falstone was also a wonderful event and thanks must go to the organisers of the event, to all those in the community who contributed and/or supported it, to Santa Claus for visiting the children, and to his elves for giving out the Christmas gifts. The Christmas lights look wonderful in the Jubilee Park this year, too!

ST Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, will be running a number of services over the Advent and Christmas season, starting with Advent Parish Worship on Sunday, November 28 at 6pm (details in last week’s Courant), a Candlelit Carol Service December 23 at 7pm and Christmas Communion on Christmas Day at 11am.

TICKETS for BADDS’ Christmas production of Whisky Galore are on sale at the Country Store in Bellingham and are selling fast.  Performances are on Weds 1st, Thurs 2nd, Fri 3rd and Sat 4th December at Bellingham Town Hall, with doors and bar opening at 7pm for a 7.30pm start each evening.

FINALLY, a quick reminder that Kielder Community Association will be holding its Christmas Bingo Night in Falstone Village Hall on Thursday, December 2.  The event starts at 7pm and everyone is very welcome.

Whittonstall
Christine Jewitt

AUTUMN seems to have come and gone very swiftly in Whittonstall. Frost indicators are appearing on our dashboards and there has been a couple of early morning frosts. The landscape is quiet however, the ever grumpy- faced tups are out with their ladies and look not even remotely romantic.

DURING November we have held two Basic Life Support/First Aid sessions which have been very well attended. These sessions were funded by a grant from The County Durham Community Foundation Windfarm fund.

WE also remembered the fallen heroes of two world wars with a tribute in the Whittonstall Community Garden.

CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and the Christmas Fayre menu at the Anchor Inn is already published – and jolly good it looks too. Available from Monday, November 29 from £13.95.

ON January 21, 2022 we are holding a Beat the Winter Blues Party at the Anchor Inn. There will be a lively programme on the night and tickets are £10 per adult and £6 per child to include supper. To purchase tickets in advance contact Dan at the Anchor inn, or phone/text to 07810897468. More details of the programme can be seen on our Facebook page.

Bellingham
Birtley Nail

ONE of Bellingham’s best loved characters, builder, parish councillor and fireman Graham Batey, has died at the age of 92 He had been in poor health for some time. Graham lived in Bellingham all his life, and served the community in many different ways. He took over the family building business, J.G. Batey and Son, and worked all over the North East, being one of the North Tyne’s major employers for many years. He was also a long serving member of Bellingham Parish Council, spending many years as chairman, and he also did a lengthy stint as chairman of the town hall committee. It was he who persuaded fellow members of the town hall committee that the wooden clock tower of the hall should be painted royal purple to match the colour of the Queen’s Rolls Royce after she had swept through the village on her way to officially open Kielder Water in 1982. Graham was also a leading member of the Bellingham retained fire crew for many years. He and his wife Helen had been married for 64 years and he also leaves son John, daughter Susan, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. The funeral, one of the biggest the village had seen in many years.took place at the Methodist United Reformed Church in the village on Wednesday followed by burial at the cemetery at the Croft.

CHILDREN at Bellingham’s two schools got an unexpected two day holiday last week, when the boiler which serves both primary and middle schools broke down, forcing the schools to close on Wednesday and Thursday.

THE pressing need for additional parking in Bellingham was graphically highlighted on Saturday when virtually every street between Fairshaw Crescent and the fire station was thronged with parked cars, the drivers attracted by the indoor market in the town hall, the Covid-19 jab clinic at the masonic hall and the firemen’s charity car wash.

IT may still be November but the village’s Christmas lights will be in full swing when these notes appear. Saturday also sees the annual Christmas Fair at the Methodist United Reformed Church with a cake stall, raffle, brice a brac, books etc. Refreshments will be available including mince pies. The fun starts at 2pm.

Redesdale
Emma Anderson

A CHRISTMAS Coffee Morning in aid of St John’s, Otterburn will be held at Otterburn Memorial Hall on Saturday, December 4, starting at 10.30am. Attractions include the ever-popular cake stall, tombola and a raffle together with a bran tub-cum-bottle pull. The Parochial Church Council welcomes donations of bottled items (sauces, salad cream, small bottles of wine, coke, etc) but not jars. These can be left at back of church prior to the event or given to Margie Duffy or Liz Maughan. The Coffee Morning will also include several other stalls yet to be announced. The small entrance charge of £2 includes tea, coffee and biscuits. Everyone is welcome.

A VACANCY has occurred for a part-time Sunday person at Girsonfield Stud, Otterburn. The working hours are between 2pm and 4pm and tasks involve putting horses on and taking them off the walker, rugging up and feeding.  Full training will be provided and additional hours may be available. For further information, please contact Susan Corbett on 07713 651215. The closing date for applications is Tuesday, November 30.

THE Revitalising Redesdale Landscape Partnership is offering financial support of up to £2,000 for local projects. The grants are available until summer 2022 for projects which celebrate and connect Redesdale’s history, wildlife and people. For further information and contact details, please visit the Partnership at www.revitalisingredesdale.org.uk/communityheritagefund. The deadline is Tuesday, December 7. You can also telephone Katie Bridger, Revitalising Redesdale Programme Officer, on 07775 110827 or email her at info@revitalisingredesdale.org.co.uk.

Wylam
Robin Piette

WYLAM Co-op is supporting the Salvation Army Christmas appeal for new toys and other presents for needy children. They also have a box there for donations. Hurry, the closing date is soon.

QUIZ nights are back again at the Fox and Hounds on Wednesday nights.

WYLAM Community Orchard’s next volunteer session will be from 1-3pm on Sunday, November 28. Jobs at this time of year include completing the apple harvest, wildflower meadow maintenance, stacking hay and general site tidy-up with occasional bonfires. Plus tackling the compost areas which have become rather overgrown. Everyone is welcome to come along, enjoy the site and help out. Off-site, the team at the Ship Inn have been busy turning the crab apples into delicious jelly. It will be available from the Orchard’s stalls at the First School Christmas Fair on Friday, December 3, together with information about the orchard and wildflower meadow and a chance to renew or commence your membership. Subs are £5 individual, £10 family and entitle you to a share of the fruit crop.

THE Wylam Parish Council Climate Change event was very interesting.  The various speakers and stalls represented many aspects of possible activity to help in the present serious situation, and gave ideas for many ways of combatting it.

1st WYLAM Rainbows took inspiration from the amazing costume team at BBC Strictly Come Dancing and helped raise funds for Children In Need by upcycling some old clothes and creating their own sparkly, bejewelled masterpieces. Some of the Rainbows are taking on their own fundraising challenges and have raised nearly £500 so far!

FRIENDS Of Hadrian School coffee morning raised the fabulous total of £3,087 and 47p. Thank you to everyone who helped or donated cakes, gifts, raffle prizes. Also a big thank you to those who came and spent liberally, bought raffle tickets and entered competitions. It all made it a wonderful occasion with a tremendous outcome that will go towards the fund for a new hydrotherapy pool at the school. So many, many thanks to everyone.

Heddon-on-the-Wall
John Stewart

HOW fantastic were all those poppies and wreathes that we on placed and displayed on and around the Knott Memorial Cross leading up to and on remembrance Sunday. I would like to thank the volunteer who coordinated a collection and designing of reusable poppies from plastic bottle bottoms. These were spread by children with connections to Heddon village including those who attend Heddon Primary School, Heddon Brownies and Heddon United Juniors Football Club.

DID you see all the pudsey ears last week? Well done to the staff and children of Heddon First School who raised funds for Children in Need with their non-uniform day and odd sock day.

IS it too early to say Christmas? Well last week I got my first Christmas card through the door, so it means it’s certainly approaching at pace and someone is very organised...Don’t forget the Heddon Christmas Market will be held at the Sir James Knott Memorial Hall tomorrow evening (Friday, November 26) from 5.45pm until 9pm. You are all welcome and join for an evening of festive fun and treats. There will be a selection of traditional and modern festive music performed by St Andrews Primary School Choir and The Wall Jammers. Don’t worry if it’s a cold autumn evening, as you may wish to warm yourself up with a glass of Glühwein, Hot Chocolate or a Hog Roast. I look forward to seeing you all there. Thank you to all the organisers for putting on what is expected to be another fantastic event in Heddon.

AS we enter the winter months, we certainly expect a little flurry of the snow. I would like to say in advance thank you to the incredible work that Northumberland County Council staff all year round contribute to our services and more importantly this time of year to the winter services teams who aim to make our roads as safe as it is practically and ensure that minimum delay and distribution during severe winter weather. Once again if we all work together we can achieve a positive approach. By supporting the council during these winter months, check your grit bin at the end of the street and ensure that it has the appropriate amount and if it requires attending report this to the council who will replenish them accordingly.

AND finally a huge thank you to everyone who continue to donate items to the Newcastle West End Food Bank and CDW Foodbank. Heddon United Football Club were proud to support the CDW Foodbank with some sweet treats which will be donated to local care homes.

NOW that the village notes are done.....I had better start writing those Christmas cards!

Newbrough
Rob Tindall

DUE to unforeseen circumstances, the Town Hall AGM which was due to take place last Thursday was postponed. Keep your eyes peeled for the revised date. A major money-spinner for the Hall is the Christmas Raffle. Tickets are now on sale in the Garage. They can also be bought from any committee member or directly from Elaine by text (07935 138143). Suffice it to say that the £50 star prize is worth having. Interest has been expressed by a number of people in the setting up of another badminton group. If you are interested text Dave Spearman on 07935 138143. The Town Hall November 200+ Club riches have been bestowed upon T. Charlton (1st), A. G. Bradley (2nd) and L. Curtis (3rd).

THE AGM of Climate Action Newbrough and Fourstones will take place in the Town Hall on Tuesday, November 30 at 7.30pm. Go along and find out about local projects and how to get involved.

IT’s not on our patch but it is something many of us have to cope with regularly. In the past eight days I have seen stupid manoeuvres at the Two-mile junction of the A69 – vehicles (one a large lorry) using the multiple exits and entrances to perform 180° turns. When will the powers that be recognise how dangerous this junction is?

WHAT a superb turnout there was at the St Peter’s Churchyard tidy-up on Sunday. Never have so many leaves been raked up by so many. A true demonstration of Newbrough’s community spirit.

Prudhoe
Ian Warburton

FOLLOWING the notification of the Christmas Lights Switch-On tomorrow, please note that the closure of Front St to vehicles will run from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

A CHRISTMAS Tree Festival will give community groups and charities a chance to display their trees either in St Mary Magdalene Parish Church or in the Community Hub. The trees should be displayed from Saturday, December 4 and can stay in place until Thursday, December 23. The Festival will raise some money for Shelter NE and also collect grocery donations for the Miner’s Lamp. Applications to take part should be received by Monday, November 29. For full details, please email spetchells@prudhoe.org or prudhoech@gmail.com

I’M always looking for material to mention on here. If you have any items for inclusion, please could you send these to me by 12noon on the Sunday which falls at the start of the week in which you want these to appear. You can email me on ianwarburton25@gmail.com, text me on 07796-820893 or send a private message to my Facebook page.

Stocksfield
Ian Warburton

THE next meeting of Stocksfield Parish Council will be held in the Community Centre on Tuesday, December 7, commencing at 7.30pm.

STOCKSFIELD Community Association has announced that the Village Winter Quiz is now available from Boots the Chemist, Branch End Service Station, Stocksfield Central Store and Stocksfield Village Store. All completed answers must be received by Tuesday, January 18. All proceeds will go to Stocksfield Community Centre.

I’M always looking for material to mention on here. If you have any items for inclusion, please could you send these to me by 12noon on the Sunday which falls at the start of the week in which you want these to appear. You can email me on ianwarburton25@gmail.com, text me on 07796 820893 or send a private message to my Facebook page.

Horsley
Hazel Holliday

HORSLEY WI have planned a charity coffee morning in the village hall on December 4 between 10 am and 12 noon.

DURING World War Two a number of resistant units were established in Tynedale. One is believed to have been set up for a unit of six people in an underground space beneath an ancient hedgerow in Horsley. If anyone knows the exact location I will pass the information forward to a local resident who is exploring this particular history of the village.

SEVERAL residents have expressed concern about the amount of dog excrement on the pavements in the centre of the village.

THE parish council is asking residents and visitors to the village not to park their cars on pavements. It is difficult to access the path where there is limited space.

THIRTY native trees have been donated to the village by the Woodland Trust. These will be planted during the autumn of 2022. It is hoped to ask families in the village to adopt a tree and maintain the area where it has been planted.

A CUPBOARD for the free books currently placed in the eastbound bus shelter will be installed shortly. Many thanks to Jacqui for the donation. This will allow the books to stay dry during the winter.

MANDY Senior, parish clerk, has asked on several occasions for the bus stand to be reinstated at the Lion and Lamb. It is hoped that the markings on the road will also be repainted and well as white bars at the exits of roads leading into the Main Street.

DURING the winter months the parish council has arranged for the grass verges leading into the village to be cut back and tidied. The play park will also receive attention as well as the hedgerow to the west of the village.

IF anyone in the village is interested in becoming a trustee at the Hearth arts centre please come and have a chat with me. The Hearth is a great charity and would welcome local residents being involved.

Slaley
Stella Douglas

THE exhibition ‘Cribs from Around the World’ begins Friday, November 26 with wine and cheese from 7pm – 9pm, it continues Saturday 1pm – 7pm with the addition of interesting food vans outside the Commemoration Hall and concludes Sunday 2pm – 4pm. Bring the children and a friend as a good start to the Christmas season in Slaley.

WATCH out for the 100k4100 years banners coming down outside the Village Hall. Building should start in March. Donations are still welcome as every little bit goes towards making the Hall a lovely community venue. Bookings are increasing - check ‘What’s On’ on the Parish website to find out what’s happening.

SLALEY Show AGM is to be held at the Commemoration Hall at 7.30pm on November 2. All are welcome. There are lots of volunteering opportunities to hear about.

SLALEY Show presents a Christmas themed coffee morning on Friday, December 3 at the Commemoration Hall: coffee, cakes, stalls, and lots of friendly get-togethers between 10am and 1pm.

COULD you be a Stage Manager? Can you provide expert advice about stage lighting? Can you create a photographic exhibition? Dennis Lumley needs you! Call Pat for details.

THE Parish Council has two councillor vacancies. This is an exciting time to join as it embarks on writing a Parish Neighbourhood Plan which will give the people of Slaley a greater say in planning decisions. If you would like to be a Parish Councillor or would like to volunteer to be on the steering committee, please contact the Parish Clerk.

Hexhamshire
Ruth Marlee

YET another talented Hexhamshire resident will be selling his book at the Christmas Fair on December 5 between 10am and 2pm in the Parish Hall! Greg Finch has a huge depth of knowledge about local history and his book ‘The Blacketts. A Northern Dynasty’s Rise, Crisis and Redemption’ is an intriguing look at the family and their influence on this area. Greg will be attending the Fair to discuss, sell and sign his book.

ALSO at the Christmas Fair, the Basketry Group who maintain and use the ‘Shire willow field will also be selling some of their beautiful baskets, garden plant supports, and small items ideal for Christmas Gifts. The Women’s Institute will be selling cakes and jams. I’m sure everyone will have the December 5 in their diary, but I definitely recommend getting there early to avoid disappointment!

IF you have an interest in crafts, another date for your diary is December 9, 3pm -5pm, at the Traveller’s Rest, Slaley. This group meet on the second Thursday of every month to share ideas and skills. The chat is friendly and creative; the homemade biscuits and tea is good too! Everyone is made very welcome.

THE Parish Council have secured 90 mixed woodland trees, from Northumberland County Council to be planted on the edge of the playing field, at the far goal end. If you would like to come along with your spade and gloves to help plant, you will be welcomed with open arms. The Forest School pupils of Whitley Chapel will start the planting  in school time and the Young farmers have kindly agreed to come along and help finish the planting on Saturday, December 4 from 10.30am onwards. Please come and join them to plant a tree, or maybe two, or as many as you would like! For more information contact Anne Porter on 01434 673709.

Humshaugh
Herbie Newell

THE Village Hall Scottish-themed coffee morning last Saturday hosted by St Peter’s Church was another very successful event.  Many thanks again to the Village Hall Committee for instigating these enjoyable get-togethers.

HUMSHAUGH First School raised an excellent £84 for Children-in-Need. With the easing of Covid-19 restrictions the Friends of the School are visiting again for Bingo sessions, which are greatly enjoyed by both our children and the Friends.  The School is also putting on a Christmas Show this year on December 7, although due to Covid-19 restrictions tickets must be booked in advance through the School.

TICKETS for the Crown Players performances of “A Christmas Carol” on Wednesday, December 8 to Saturday, December 11 are selling very well, with places for Friday and Saturday already in short supply.  Tickets are available at the Village Shop and online from Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--northumberland/humshaugh/). Residents are encouraged to secure tickets as soon as possible to avoid missing out on an entertaining and festive evening.

A REMINDER that if you have any computer problems and could do with some advice over a cup of coffee and a chat, do come along to the Village Hall on the first and third Tuesday in the month between 10am and 12pm, when someone will do their best to help you. There are Windows laptops available in the Hall or bring your own equipment with you.

THE service at St Peter’s Church this Sunday is Holy Communion at 6pm.  As always, all are very welcome.

Matfen and Great Whittington
Jean Conteh

WEDNESDAY, December 1 is the day for Matfen village’s big Christmas Market, running from 5-7 pm in the village hall and the Black Bull pub. There’ll be a wide range of stalls run by local businesses, a pizza stall outside the hall and carol singing with children from Stamfordham Primary School. There’ll also refreshments in the hall organised by Great Whittington and Matfen WI – tea, coffee and mulled wine and Christmassy treats to go with them. So quite a night, all told. Come along and support a local initiative, and do your Christmas shopping in a more environmentally-friendly way than ordering online or trekking round the shops.

THREE regular activities have been taking place in Matfen village hall for quite a while: Karate runs on Fridays from 6-7pm (contact Harry Waters on 07775 726240); Zumba runs on Thursdays from 6.30-7.30pm (contact Clifton on thompson.clifton@aol.com or 07747 024844) and Hatha Yoga is on Mondays from 7-8 pm (contact Clare on 07956 407905 or email hopeyoga2018@outlook.com). All are keen to attract new members so that they can keep going and keep a bit of life in the village. So get in touch with the organisers if you are interested in joining any of the groups.

Ovingham and Ovington
Malcolm Cairns

THE tree planting event held recently in Ovington went extremely well.Helped by fine weather 90 trees including Silver Birch,Wild Cherry, Hawthorn and Rowan were planted. Northumberland County Council donated the plants as part of the Queens Green Canopy initiative and representatives from them were on hand to film the activities. Ovington Community Group provided a “tree themed” lunch in the social club afterwards, much appreciated by hard working volunteers of all ages. Huge thanks are expressed to all who took part.

A REMINDER about the Snow Warden scheme which will be run by the County Council.Volunteers are needed to form a group to help keep pathways, not main roads, clear of snow and ice this winter in Ovingham. Equipment and training will be provided by the council. For more info contact djnjordon@hotmail.co.uk

THE Corbridge deanery advent service, hosted by Ovingham Mothers Union, will be held in St.Mary’s Church on Saturday, December 4 at 1.30pm. All are invited to come along and join in,  refreshments will be served afterwards.

SOME other dates for December, on the 11th, Go-Local are hosting a wreath making session in the reading room, the 12th sees the return of the much loved “Christmas Cheer” at the same venue, Ovingham and District Choir will host their Christmas concert in Ovingham on the 14th and then Wylam on the 16th.