ABC Magazine: Wansbeck Edition Sep/Oct 2022

Newbiggin Sports and Community Hub Opens to the Public

Following a major refurbishment project, the new look hub has opened to the public.

Situated on Woodhorn Road, the £1.9m county council funded scheme has seen the centre refurbished and remodelled to provide a new and improved sporting offer and a community hub.

A new, modern and welcoming reception area, a library area with public access, PCs, and the creation of a community café and hub has provided a welcoming social space for local people. Here they can access a range of services, support and events, with opportunities to learn new skills, seek help finding employment and receive health checks and advice.

There is also a large function room for events, and plans are being finalised to introduce a teaching and learning café and bar.

On the sporting side, the ground floor gym area has been reconfigured to provide a dedicated cycling/spinning studio while the first floor has been converted into a new gym area with weights and state-of-the-art cardio equipment. In addition, the three squash courts and viewing gallery have been refurbished and the six-court sports hall upgraded.

There are new and improved changing facilities for sport and community use, including changing places that are designed to be fully accessible for those with additional needs. Outside the centre there will be a community garden and a new football pitch is being laid to the rear.

Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member for healthy lives said: “I am so pleased the day has come where we can open to the local community. I really do think this will be a tremendous asset for Newbiggin – somewhere for people to meet, socialise, receive support or

keep active. “

Local ward member Councillor Liz Simpson added:

” It feels like a completely new centre. It’s fresh, modern and much improved. I couldn’t be more thrilled. I have spoken to residents who have seen the centre and there is a real buzz of excitement. I think it will become the heart of our community and I am very proud of what we have achieved.”

Councillor Wendy Pattison, cabinet member with responsibility for Northumberland Communities Together said:

“There is a real sense of community spirit in the centre. The new community hub will offer something for everyone, with a real focus on support and developing skills, friendships, health and well-being. It’s going to be a great community venue for the town and the surrounding area.

Mark Warnes, chief executive of Active Northumberland which manages the centre added:

“The centre is looking fantastic. It’s got a state-of-the art gym and cycling studio, squash courts, new changing facilities and a large sports hall that can be used for a whole range of sporting activities. Whatever your age or your fitness level, our friendly team will be able to help and support customers and new members to achieve their own personal fitness and wellness goals.”

Architect Howarth Litchfield was responsible for architecture and interior design while Brims Construction (Brims) was the appointed building contractor. Advance Northumberland were the project managers.

Membership Information

Active Northumberland has a new member deal specific to the Newbiggin centre. The offer is £24/ month for gym and fitness classes based on a 12 month booking. What’s more, after 12 monthly direct debits, month 13 will be free. For more details go to www. activenorthumberland.org

Alternately the option for you to pay as you go is also available.

Festival of Rugby Hits the North East

The Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle event in international Rugby League. Unlike other sports, where we see frequent international competition, Rugby League is more domestic based, with international competitions few and far between.

Last hosted solely on these shores in 1995, this autumn England will once again play host to the best players in the world. The World Cup was due to be held last autumn however, due to covid restrictions in Australia and New Zealand (the two biggest forces in the sport), it was decided to move the event back 12 months, but still market it as the 2021 World Cup.

This year's World Cup will see more teams than ever compete for the trophy, with four groups of four nations competing in stadiums across England.

Amongst the stadiums chosen are St. James’ Park and Kingston Park, with four fixtures coming to the region, including the prestigious opening ceremony and the first game of the tournament. Along with Old Trafford, St. James’ Park is now seen as a flagship stadium for Rugby League, as shown by the success of the Magic Weekend, which has found its home right here in Newcastle.

Due to this success, St. James’ Park has been chosen to play host to the first fixture of the World Cup, England v Samoa, on Saturday October 15th. The following day Kingston Park will be home to Scotland's opening fixture, when they match up against an up and coming Italian side. The event returns to Kingston Park the following Saturday, when Italy once again feature, this time against the tough Fijian outfit.

Finally, on Saturday 29th October, it will be Scotland's turn to tackle the formidable and tough to beat Fiji in their final group game.

The tournament then continues at stadiums and venues around the country, culminating in the showpiece

final at Old Trafford on Saturday 19th November at 4pm.

The way the World Cup works is that all quarterfinalists from the preceding World Cup (RLWC2017) have automatically qualified to compete. The remaining eight nations were decided by a qualification process based on global regions determined by International Rugby League.

The Rugby League World Cup was first held in France in 1954, and was the first world cup for any form of Rugby football, more than 30 years before the first Rugby Union World Cup.

The first tournament featured only four teams, with Great Britain winning the event, beating hosts France in the final. The event was very sporadic over the next few years, with tournaments being anywhere from 2 to 8 years apart, and regularly featuring only 4 or 5 teams. This changed in 1995 when, with the help of various investments and a new interest in the sport, England hosted a 10 team tournament, filling Wembley stadium for the final. Even though the final didn't go the way of the hosts, they were beaten 16-8 by old rivals Australia, a new era of Rugby League was born and the sport has gone from strength to strength ever since.

This year's event is the sixteenth Rugby League World Cup, and the tournament has only ever been won by three countries. Australia have collected the trophy 11 times, Great Britain 3 times and New Zealand have won it once.

Our nations competed as Great Britain until 1995 and, since then, none of the individual nations have quite managed to lift the trophy. With home advantage, one of the strongest squads ever put together, and a new found confidence, let's hope this year England can finally get their hands on the World Cup trophy - and you cheer them on right here in the North East!

For information on tickets and fixtures, visit www.rlwc2021.com

The Rugby League World Cup is being held in England this autumn, with Newcastle playing host to some vital fixtures.

Five Reasons to Visit The Biscuit Factory this Autumn

Newcastle-based art, craft and design gallery, The Biscuit Factory, is celebrating it’s 20th Birthday this November!

If you haven’t visited before, or haven’t been for a while, then this autumn might be the perfect opportunity to make time for your next visit. Here’s five reasons why:

1. Their varied collections of stunning original art

The Biscuit Factory works with hundreds of independent artists, showcasing thousands of pieces of art, each created by hand using a vast array of techniques. Visitors can view everything from original paintings to handcrafted jewellery, sculpture, textiles and furniture.

This autumn, expect to find a new exhibition by Graham Rider whose work focuses on the hinterland between land and sea. Graham’s studies of the sand dunes and marshes often found in coastal locations aim to capture the feeling of standing within the scene itself. Always popular among those who recognise the sandy beaches of the Northumberland coast and hold memories of summer holidays spent there.

2. Affordable gift ideas from jewellery to homewares

If you’re looking for an original gift, The Biscuit Factory should definitely be on your radar. Their craft gallery stocks hundreds of smaller pieces, ideal for Birthday or Christmas gifts to family or friends. Pick up original, handmade pieces from under £25, including handcrafted candle holders, unique mugs and vases, or limited edition art prints.

Looking for something a little more personal? Their jewellery collection hosts over a dozen artists at any time, working in all sorts of materials from recycled plastics to precious stones. All budgets are catered for too, from silver ear studs at £20 to gold diamond rings.

If you don’t want the responsibility of choosing, you can opt for a gift voucher instead from £10, and pop it in one of the quirky greetings cards that they source from independent printers, designers and artists.

3. A roof-top terrace to enjoy the autumn sunshine

Located on the first floor of The Biscuit Factory, The Factory Kitchen’s rooftop garden terrace is a perfect oasis between the City and the Ouseburn Valley.

Even as the weather cools, their partially covered terrace is a popular spot when the sun is shining! Visitors can enjoy their delicious menu of brunch dishes, fresh salads and bakery. Finish up with homemade cakes or ice-cream (or both!) from their deli counter and wash it all down with tea, coffee, cocktails or wine. You’ll even

find local beers in their fridges from nearby Tyne Bank Brewery!Kids aren’t forgotten either, with their own minimenu and colouring activities.

4. Creative workshops to awaken your inner-artist Get in touch with your inner-artist, learn a new skill, or just enjoy a different type of day out with friends. The Biscuit Factory’s range of workshops are a wonderful way to unwind and get your creativity flowing.

Led by professional artists or crafts practitioners, workshops include: embroidery, rug tufting, ceramic mug-making, printing, painting and drawing, and wire sculpture to name a few! All workshops are suitable for beginners, and you’ll always leave with your very own personal creation.

Keep a look out for their children’s Little Biscuits workshops too in the school half term holidays where kids can also learn how to create with clay, basic printing techniques, make masks, and more! Parents, carers or guardians also enjoy 10% discount in the cafe so they can relax while the kids get creative!

5. The Book Hus from Forum Books North East Indie Bookstore legends Forum Books have had their own pop up in The Biscuit Factory for nearly 5 years! Situated on the ground floor of the gallery you’ll find The Book Hus, where you can discover a rotating range of unusual, exciting, and interesting titles alongside well-known publications. It’s an ideal place to pick up your next read, or choose a title to gift to a loved one instead. When you buy a book in The Book Hus you’ll also get a stamp on your Factory Kitchen loyalty card, so you can enjoy your purchase over a cuppa! What’s more, you’ll also find regular book events hosted at the gallery from Forum’s rosta of literary talent.

With free entry seven days a week, and so much to see and do, The Biscuit Factory is an ideal day out for the culture-seeker.

The Biscuit Factory, 16 Stoddart Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AN. Tel: 0191 261 1103 www.thebiscuitfactory.com

Film Releases

DON’T WORRY DARLING

Genres: Thriller

Age Rating: 15

Release date: 23rd September

The American dream of the 1950s blackens into a nightmare in Don’t Worry Darling, a psychological thriller that takes up residence under your skin. Alice is a young, happy wife whose marriage to company man Jack comes with just one caveat: never, ever ask him about his work on the secret Victory Project.

While her fellow wives cook and clean, Alice becomes consumed by Jack’s secrets and haunted by hallucinations, the tension builds to a gut-punch climax. Creepy, clever and with standout performances from Flor ence Pugh and Harry Styles.

experience; an audio-visual space odyssey that not only illuminates the enigmatic legacy of David Bowie but also serves as a guide to living a fulfilling and meaningful life in the 21st Century. Moonage Daydream is not a documentary. It is a gen re-defying cinematic experience based on one of the most iconic and global rock stars of all time, destined to be one of the defining cultural moments of the year The film has the full support of Bowie’s estate and features many of his greatest tracks, as well as previously unseen concert footage.

Starring Isabelle Huppert, Jason Isaacs and Lesley Manville and in partnership with the House of Dior, ‘Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris’ tells the story of a widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London who falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress and decides that she must have one of her own. After she works, starves and gambles to raise the funds to pursue her dream, she embarks on an adventure to Paris which will change not only her own outlook, but the very future of the House of Dior.

SMILE

Genres: Horror Age Rating: 18

Release date: 30th September

After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can’t explain. As an overwhelming terror begins taking over her life, Rose must confront her troubling past in order to survive and escape her horrifying new reality.

MOONAGE DAYDREAM

Genres: Documentray, Musical

Age Rating: 15

Release date: 23rd September

From Oscar-nominated film maker Brett Morgen, director of Cobain: Montage of Heck, and featuring never-before-seen concert footage, Moonage Day dream is an immersive cinematic

MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS

Genres: Comedy, Drama

Age Rating: PG

Release date: 30th September

AMSTERDAM

Genres: Drama, History Age Rating: TBC Release date: 7th October

A fascinating and richly intricate tale that brilliantly weaves histor ical fact with fiction for a timely, cinematic experience.

Set in the 1930s, ‘Amsterdam’ follows the story of three friends who get entangled in one of the most famous murder cases in American history. Initially witness es of the incident, they somehow become the primary suspects. Now, the three friends — a nurse, a doctor, and an attorney — must follow the case closely and deal with all the proceedings in an uphill struggle to clear themselves from all charges.

Starring Margot Robbie,Chris tian Bale and John David Wash ington, 20th Century Studios’ and New Regency’s original crime epic is about three close friends who find themselves at the center of one of the most shocking se cret plots in American history.

Ratatouille

A TASTY AUTUMN SUPPER

Serves:

Cooking time: 30 - 60 mins

Preparation time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 aubergines

• 4 small courgettes

• 2 red peppers

• 4 large tomatoes

• 4 tbsp olive oil

• 2 onions, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• ½ tsp sugar

• salt and freshly ground black pepper

• small bunch basil, torn

METHOD

1. Chop the aubergines into chunks about 2.5cm square. Cut the courgettes into 2.5cm thick slices. De-seed the peppers and cut these into bite-sized chunks.

2. Peel the tomatoes - score a cross in the base of each tomato and place them in a heatproof bowl. Pour over enough boiling water to cover and set aside for one minute. Drain and, when cool enough to handle, peel away the skins. Roughly chop the flesh.

3. Heat the oil in a flameproof casserole dish and add the chopped onions. Cook gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown and tender. Add the aubergines and courgettes and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the peppers, garlic, sugar, some salt and pepper and half the basil and mix well. Cover and cook over a very gentle heat for 20 minutes. Add the tomatoes to the pan and cook for a further 10 minutes.

5. Scatter the ratatouille with the remaining basil and serve with crusty garlic bread or Focaccia.

Hirst Park in Ashington has had a security device installed so people can enjoy the park without fear of crime or intimidation.

The help button, when pressed, links to Asset Watch, a security company based in Ashington, who can monitor CCTV footage and summon immediate assistance if it is required.

A special event was held in Hirst Park in August to raise awareness of the new safety measure. Local residents came along to the pavilion and were able to talk to community safety officers, voice their concerns over safety in the area, and go through the features and benefits of the new security device.

Hirst Park is just one of six north east parks that is being made safer in a bid to protect women and children’s safety. The park already provides excellent facilities and is a great local community resource, especially for young families and children, with a wide range of accessible play equipment and an exciting splash play area available to use.

Last year, Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuiness unveiled plans to create a safer environment for women in the region, following a Safer Streets Survey that she initiated to establish the sectors that need improving the most to make women feel safer. The survey identified that 62% felt unsafe in parks at night and a further 89% felt unsafe due to men/boys and groups of people.

Each local authority in the crime commissioner’s area was asked to bid for funding for one park of its choosing for funding from the government’s Safer Streets Fund.

Northumberland County Council was successful in its bid for almost £9,400 which has been used to install a help button which has CCTV cameras attached to it. The funding also went towards some grounds maintenance work which has given people more confidence when walking around the park.

Northumberland County Councillor Colin Horncastle, Cabinet Member with responsibility for public protection said:

“Last year the council became White Ribbon Accredited which means as an authority we took the pledge to support an end to violence against women

and girls. We very much welcome the funding for this initiative which will give local residents, but particularly women, additional confidence when enjoying the park, knowing they can get almost immediate help if they need it. It will also encourage the reporting of crime and anti-social behaviour which will be a big deterrent to the perpetrators.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Hirst Park is a popular park in the heart of Ashington. It’s one of several parks across the region benefiting from my Safer Parks funding – a campaign of work about reclaiming our parks. This investment is about taking steps so people, particularly women, feel safer and more encouraged to enjoy their local park.”

“These help points are designed to help with this and are just one example of a range of solutions being rolled out by the council to reassure people of the help that’s available to them.”

“It’s hoped that, together with other practical solutions and events, not only will people feel safer, but we’ll help prevent and drive down other crime such as anti-social behaviour, which I know is a priority for both local people and neighbourhood policing teams.”

Image: Northumberland County Council

Now Is The Time To Think About Singing

As the evenings start to draw in, and it’s no longer the time to be in the garden, then gentlemen, it’s the perfect time to start, or renew, an interest or hobby.

Why not decide to try community singing in the company of other men who have enjoyed it for years? Ashington & District Male Voice Choir offers you the perfect way to give it a go.

This community choir, for gents of all ages, meets every Thursday evening at 7.00 pm in Stakeford & Bomarsund Welfare. A rehearsal with a good social atmosphere gives the 30 plus members who come from a wide area a good social evening whilst also preparing to bring entertainment into the community.

Prospective members are not asked to do an audition, be able to read music or have previous experience and, for six weeks, there are no fees. They just come along to see if singing is for them… and it’s very rare that any decide that this is not for them. A music folder is provided from the first night and, after the initial period, membership is granted and a uniform is issued for the duration of your membership.

The choir has an extensive music library and is able to include a wide variety of songs in whatever is the

current repertoire. The Musical Director likes a good performance, but recognises the mix of experience among the members, and ensures that there is a balance of pieces suitable for the choir. Two major concerts, one at Christmas and the other in early Summer, are the Show Times, when we have a guest artist and hopefully boost our funds.

Other concerts during the year are for pure entertainment, for voluntary and charitable organisations who are raising their own funds or as part of a bigger event such as the Morpeth Northumberland Gathering.

Ashington & District Male Voice Choir has been singing for 106 years, and has always been highly respected in the North East. Where some male voice choirs have fallen by the wayside, ADMVC has continued and is gradually building its strength and is back up to its pre-Covid strength, with all our latest members enjoying the singing and the social life of the choir.

Gentlemen, if your interest has been stirred, then come along on a Thursday evening, visit www. ashingtonmalevoicechoir.org, look us up on Facebook or call the number shown in our advert.

Ashington & District Male Voice Choir

Free Taster Session

Give Someone Power Of Attorney… Before It's Too Late

Lasting Powers of Attorney are invaluable documents as part of the overall planning of your estate as managing your financial affairs can become more difficult as you get older.

If a person is unable to manage their affairs due to mental incapacity and they have not made a valid Enduring or Lasting Power of Attorney, their assets will be frozen as no one (including their spouse and children) has the authority to deal with them.

At this point someone will need to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as the person’s Deputy. The Court will then authorize the Deputy to deal with the person’s affairs in a certain manner. This is a very time consuming (around 6 months) and expensive (in the region of £1,750) process. This situation can be simply avoided through the making of a Lasting Power of Attorney.

By making a Lasting Power of Attorney you can decide whom you would like to manage your affairs in the event that you are unable to do so either due to physical or mental incapacity.

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney that can be made, one dealing with your property and financial affairs and the other dealing with your personal welfare.

Personal Welfare: This power gives your attorney the authority to make decisions regarding your healthcare and medical treatment.

Property and Affairs: This power enables your attorney to deal with your bank accounts and your property. This includes decisions in relation to selling or renting your property, paying your bills, applying for benefits you are entitled to and all aspects of dealing with your bank accounts, savings and investments.

All work we undertake is at fixed fees:

Single Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney: £300 inclusive of VAT

Double Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney (suitable for couples): £420 inclusive of VAT

It is imperative that specialist advice is taken in order to ensure that the power given accurately reflects your wishes.

Call Crichton Wills Trusts & Probate on 01670 514772 and speak to a specialist adviser today who will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have and offers a free no obligation appointment in the comfort of your own home.

Making Magic Happen with Enchanted Cramlington Trails

Hundreds of children and their families have enjoyed exploring the Enchanted Cramlington trails at Northumberlandia this year. Thanks to the goodwill of the Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT), and in response to public demand, the trail remained open throughout the summer holidays.

How the trails came about is quite a story. The idea came from several Cramlington residents who wanted to support the Arts with the encouragement of Cramlington Town Council. By using Northumbrian folk tales with their fairies and monsters they wished to create a trail which linked the town’s wild spaces. So, Enchanted Cramlington, a community group was formed.

Lorna Windham, a professional writer, was invited to join the group, and create original characters and stories for a Woodland Audio Trail. Lorna said, ‘I just couldn’t resist such a magical offer.’

Characters were created and their stories written. Volunteers from The Hive Radio Storytellers, with members from all over the North East, took on the roles of numerous characters. Students from Cramlington’s Hareside School and local children also provided many of the voices and drawings for the trails. Northern musicians Iain Gelston and Ben Hudson provided introductory and concluding traditional Northumbrian tune ‘Bywell Bridge’.

Local artists Lesley Scott, Stuart Laverick and Delphine Blenkinsop volunteered their services. Their

artwork can be seen on Enchanted Cramlington’s trails, Facebook Page and at The Hub in Cramlington.

The Hub invited Enchanted Cramlington to decorate a window over the Christmas period in 2021. Cramlington Craft Club did this so well that the window, became two, then three for an extended period. Two windows are being dressed for autumn 2022.

To encourage further community involvement, Enchanted Cramlington has introduced a free competition for amateur artists which ends in February 2023. Winning entrants will have the opportunity to exhibit their work in Cramlington.

In early 2022, Enchanted Cramlington pitched their trail idea to the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, who manage Northumberlandia. ‘Blown away’ by Enchanted Cramlington’s vision they offered to host trails in: Jubilee Week, the first week of August and November the 12th,13th,19th and 20th. Their only stipulation was that they wanted some wildlife characters too. So, Mr. Prickles, a grumpy hedgehog, The Honourable Mr. Fox and Squiff the red squirrel, amongst others, came into being. Fiona Mitford and Northern Butterflies constructed and decorated the characters’ doors and houses.

If you would like to experience future trails, and kept updated about further developments, you can follow Enchanted Cramlington on Facebook or Twitter. Their next trail is in November at Northumberlandia. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite where a map with a QR code can be downloaded. This gives access to twelve or more characters’ pictures, stories, a quiz and a word puzzle. On the trail, children can hunt for the creature’s doors and houses as well as pebbles created by Pretty Pebbles N.E.

Students from Cramlington’s Hareside School and local children also provided many of the voices and drawings for the trails.

“

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines: 33 Good; 40 Very Good; 46 Excellent.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Autumn Gardening

By Rachael Leverton

There is something rather lovely about autumn. The days are cooler but often sunny, yet the ground is more moist and so easier to dig. It’s the perfect time of year for gardening.

It’s tempting to tidy up all the browning plant stems but try not to get carried away. Leave some standing because they provide important habitats for wildlife. I do harvest a few seedheads each year: poppies, nigella, and alliums are my favourites. I cut them, leaving their long stems intact and put the heads inside a paper bag, then hang the bunches inside to dry. The ripe seeds fall into the bag and can be labelled and kept for sowing next year’s free plants! The decorative heads look nice in a vase too.

My neighbour (who is retired) makes fabulous leaf mould in meshed cages he’s constructed himself. I take a ‘busy mum’ approach to fallen leaves. I run them over with a mower then rake the resulting confetti off my lawn into the flower beds and borders and let them rot naturally. They soon break down and are incorporated into the soil by worms. I still hanker after my own leaf mould crates though.

Now is the time to remove moss and dead grass from your lawn with a wire rake or electric scarifier and use an aerator to take out old soil and allow better movement of air and water. Apply an autumn lawn feed to strengthen grass and roots for winter. Autumn sown grass seed will germinate ahead of winter and help fill in any sparse areas ahead of the first frost. Use a peat-free lawn dressing too to refresh the soil.

When leaves begin to fall, make sure you remove them from your lawn as soon as possible, as they will block air and sunlight; two essential things that grass needs to survive.

If you planted any perennials a few years ago they might need to be divided. Take a look at your plants. If they are dying off in the middle but have good growth around the edges, it’s time to lift and divide. Dig up the root ball of the plant, brush and pull off excess soil and set on to a plastic ground sheet. Pull (or use a garden fork to prise) apart the root ball into three or four clumps, each with a section of healthy shoots and roots. Replant the ’new’ plants elsewhere in the garden or try swapping plants with friends. Don’t forget to keep them well-watered until they have become established.

If you feel that your garden needs a little more colour heading into winter add a couple of dogwood shrubs into your borders. There are striking red and yellow varieties available. You can also plant sedum, Japanese anemones (Liriope) and Michaelmas daises (Aster). These flower well into

AUTUMN GARDENING ESSENTIALS

1. Stainless Steel Rake, £29.99, Dobbies

2. Soft Touch Winter Gardening Gloves, £29.99

3. Secateurs, £9.00, Wilko

4. Peat Free Compost, £5.99, Dobbies

5. Ferrex 2-In-1 Electric Scarifier, £79.99, aldi.co.uk

late autumn and early winter.

Finally, a little planning for next year goes a long way. October is the perfect time to plant daffodil, crocus, hyacinth and allium bulbs for next spring.

Happy gardening.

Once Upon A Time in Northumberland

Ashington Author, Lorna Windham Publishes Magical Book of Children’s Short Stories

A new children’s book set in Northumberland with illustrated stories of fairies, monsters and magical beasts is available to buy now.

Once Upon A Time in Northumberland is a collection of humorous short stories inspired by traditional, Northumberland folk tales such as Queen Mab’s Rothley Mill and Dancing Round the Hurl Stone as well as classic fairy tales such as The Little Match Girl, The Tin Soldier and The Princess and the Pea. Award winning writer Lorna Windham said, “I wanted to create contemporary stories which would stand the test of time and featured Northumberlandia, the River Blyth and the Simonside Hills, landmarks that many children in the North East will recognise. I loved creating the quirky characters and giving each a predicament to solve, particularly when this touched on modern concerns about the environment and wildlife.”

In Once Upon A Time in Northumberland, Queen Mab, struggles to maintain harmony between the magical creatures who live in Enchanted Wood. Lorna said: “This is a kingdom where fairies fly, monsters stalk and wordragons roar. We discover unsettled honeybees, how, Groach, the queen’s half-sister, thinks her beauty is more important than kindness and how two red squirrels, Fluffcoat, and Brighteyes, are concerned about the dangers some humans cause.”

The book starts with the Lady of the North’s Tale where we learn about her childhood, the princes who wished to marry her and why her outline, the world’s biggest Earth art, can be seen at Northumberlandia’s country park. Other magical stories tell of Queen Mab’s thousandth birthday party and the arrival of an unexpected guest, one of King Roarie the Reiver’s crimes and his comeuppance, Cutty Soames, who regrets hiring troublesome troll, Honeydew Krump; Strawberry Parkin, a hapless apprentice tooth fairy in need of the queen’s help, Danny the Deurgar, and his answer to bullies and, Reggie Rabbit, who discovers playing games on his iPad will not teach him everything he needs to know.

As well as Once Upon A Time in Northumberland, Lorna has written three local history books, and three historical romances: The Jacobites’s Daughter, The Rebel and the Redcoat and The Jacobite Affair. Her poetry has been published in several anthologies. She

is also a playwright and has co-written two audio plays with, Lily Moon, Rule 55 and 100 Not Out broadcast on Hive Radio. Lorna’s, commemorative play, The Tenth Bord was performed at St. Hilda’s Pithead, South Shields. In 2008, she won the North Tyneside Short Story Competition with Spirit of the Age and her novel, Toby’s Secret was longlisted in the Times/ Chicken House Children’s Competition.

AUTHOR: Lorna Windham

Lorna’s friend and multi-talented amateur artist, Delphine Blenkinsop, who lives in Northumberland, volunteered to create over 16 brilliant illustrations based on the book’s characters. Lorna and Delphine are members of The Hive Radio Storytellers who recorded several of the characters’ voices. These could be accessed by using QR codes on Enchanted Cramlington’s successful Woodland Audio Trail at Northumberlandia during Jubilee Week. The trail was described by one member of the public as: “an amazing, magical adventure!” New trails will open in early summer and late autumn.

Once upon A Time in Northumberland is on sale for £7.99 at www.summerhillbooks.co.uk and local shops.

Fancy a Festive Getaway?

Local coach tourism expert Graham Wright of United Group Travel has worked in the industry as a driver for many years, the last few spent as a tour driver for a local North East coach holiday company, until the pandemic had a catastrophic effect on the industry, with many companies going out of business.

Over the years, on his numerous tours both abroad and in the UK, Graham built up a fantastic relationship with many of his passengers, and he is lucky to call many of them friends. They really appreciated Graham’s vast experience and knowledge of the places he visited, to the extent that a lot of passengers started asking who the driver would be before they actually booked a tour with the company. It was during a conversation with one of his friends that the question was asked about starting his own company and running his own holidays.

Graham has put all his years’ experience and knowledge to good use while planning his exclusive tours. All the tours are exceptional value for money, and he only selects the best-established quality hotels, that are generally either known to him, or he has previously used them before. The specific day trips on each tour are also carefully created, all based on Graham’s knowledge, as well as any relevant previous customer feedback and suggestions to ensure they are always

enjoyed. The trips do not leave the hotel too early, or return too late, so as to allow everyone to make full use of the facilities. Guaranteed free time, as well as entertainment, are also key factors that he takes into account to try and make a tour as pleasurable an experience as possible.

It’s nice to have something to look forward to, so why not book a Christmas shopping trip, some Turkey and Tinsel or go the whole hog and book a trip away for New Year’s Eve? The advert on the opposite page shows you what’s on offer, with more to follow!

Rest assured that you can book with confidence with United Travel. They have been granted a COVID-19 Industry Standard Certificate, which shows that government and industry COVID-19 guidelines are followed. Plus, if your tour is cancelled due to the COVID restrictions, you will receive a full refund.

Graham would like to thank all of his wonderful customers that continued to support him throughout 2021 and 2022 and he’s looking forward to welcoming you onboard! 01670 632460 07957 are taking bookings for their popular coach tours.

Thoresby Hall Hotel

Queen Hotel, Chester

What’s for Dinner Tonight?

It’s the dreaded question, but a HelloFresh recipe box delivered to your door can answer it in a fresh and delicious way.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook, or looking to add some basics to your repertoire, HelloFresh is on hand to help. They deliver fresh, seasonal ingredients and recipe cards to your door, which means you can make tasty meals without meal planning or visiting the supermarket.

With more and more of us pushed for time, trying to make space in our week for regular trips to the supermarket to search for a host of individual ingredients could be difficult. Even if we do have time, putting a menu together can prove time consuming and, as we have all experienced, the supermarket may not have everything we need.

With 37 weekly recipes, there’s something for all taste buds and the opportunity to cook gourmet meals at home. You could go for a Rapid dinner ready in under 20 minutes, a Family Favourite, Veggie, or pick a Calorie Smart dish under 600 calories. Meals start from just £3.25 per person.

The ingredients you receive are pre-portioned, so there’s minimal food waste and a flexible subscription that you can control, which can be paused or cancelled at any time.

Your delivery will arrive in eco-friendly packaging, and you don’t have to worry if you’re not home as the team will leave your box in a specified safe place, and everything is packed with several ice

packs, which keeps the ingredients chilled. HelloFresh was founded in 2011 and are proud to be an eco-friendly, carbon-neutral company. They’re also the first global recipe box company to be Red Tractor Assured, meaning their beef, chicken, turkey, duck and park meat are all sourced from farms that meet rigorous standards.

Reasons to try HelloFresh

• Time Saver: They deliver everything you need to create delicious dinners from scratch so you spend less time shopping!

• Value for Money: They work closely with trusted suppliers to source fresh, high-quality ingredients for your recipe box.

• Cutting Food Waste: By giving you the exact amount of ingredients you need, you cut food waste.

So if you fancy a delicious recipe box delivered to your door, getting set up is easy:

1. Visit www.bit.ly/hellofreshabc or scan the QR code with your smartphone camera.

2. Fill out a simple questionnaire about which of its dozens of recipes you’d like.

3. Use the exclusive code HFABC50 at the checkout for 50% off your first box and 35% off your next three boxes.

SCAN

A great place for 4 to 6 year olds to learn basic football skills & drills amongst a friendly group of kids & qualified Trainers. They can advance into playing competitively in one of the junior teams.

Part of the centre for over 30 years. A very friendly group of people, some of whom have played Bowls at the highest level for County & league competitions. They have also raised thousands of pounds over the years to donate to various charities. Come along and learn the skill attached to Carpet Bowling from some of the best Bowlers of their time. Contact the centre.

Wednesdays

With Gill Glass. Enjoy this popular way of exercising and help losing those few extra pounds put on during the Pandemic Lockdown with the aim of getting fit. Call 07742 885165 to book your place.

Help Reduce Energy Costs with Thermos Roof

With most of us facing rising energy bills, why not reduce these costs and save money instantly with a Thermos Roof insulation system in your conservatory. Here they explain more.

Conservatories are a great space to enjoy whilst looking out onto your garden. They are bright, spacious and give you a great sense of closeness to the outdoors. However, as most conservatory owners will know, whilst they bring all of those benefits, it is usually shortlived and can only be enjoyed for two or three months of the year, the rest of those months being either freezing cold or blisteringly hot.

At Thermos Roof, we have been insulating conservatory roofs since 2005 for two main reasons: to increase its insulating performance and enhance its internal aesthetic appearance.

Experience will have shown you that in winter, heat is sucked out of your room and into the conservatory as soon as you open the door. During the summer, it becomes a dazzling sauna that’s so hot you need a fan to cool you down. At Thermos Roof, we can transform your conservatory from a room you barely use, into a space you can enjoy all year round as the temperature is comfortable and constant. You will even be able to watch TV or use a computer without sunglasses.

What is most impressive is that we can do this all in one day! With no mess!

We retain your existing polycarbonate or glass roof and insulate it from the inside, finishing it in an attractive gloss white tongue and groove PVC cladding that matches the rest of your conservatory construction. The materials we use are lightweight;

therefore, no roof strengthening is required, no planning application is necessary and no long periods of mess and upheaval in your home. In addition to this, the look and finish of your Thermos Roof will be as fresh in 10 years as it is today.

The performance of the lightweight insulation system will equal that of vastly more expensive options, with less mess and waste and less time to install, saving you thousands of pounds and allowing you to enjoy your conservatory immediately.

We can install a Thermos Roof to conservatories of any size or shape, transforming them into a flowing extension of your living space wherein the external weather conditions do not dictate its use; it will become warm in winter and cool in summer.

In addition to the above benefits, our team will eliminate mould and condensation, reduce rain, noise and serve to cover up an unsightly dirty roof. The gloss white finish will make it brighter

in the evenings by reflecting light and will give your conservatory that WOW factor, making it a great place to relax or work.

All installations come with a five-year warranty. We guarantee that you will be amazed by both the improved appearance and the insulating performance of your new roof.

We offer a free quotation service for the installation of your Thermos Roof and, should you require it, we can also undertake maintenance works to repair or replace gutters, fascias, soffits, window sills, roof panels and leaking roofs.

■ Please give us a call today on 01670 828 695 to start the ball rolling to making full use of your Conservatory!

New LeisureMorpeth Centre on Track for an EnergyEfficient Future

Contractors Willmott Dixon are in week 72 of a 94-week programme of work on the centre which will incorporate a number of energy saving and energy generating technologies to drive down running costs and the environmental impact.

The new leisure centre is expected to run with a 69.7% carbon emission reduction per year, compared to the current Riverside Leisure Centre.

High efficiency building materials include high density insulated cladding, high energy-efficient glazing with thermal screening, air source heat pumps which use outside heat to help power the buildings, LED lighting throughout, and photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. These will all help to reduce the carbon footprint of the new centre and contribute to the council’s vision of a net zero-carbon economy.

The ventilation systems at the leisure centre will also use the latest ‘smart’ technology to increase control and efficiency through the building management system.

The roof of the centre will be fitted with PV solar panels to capture energy from the sun. The clean electricity generated will be used to help run the leisure centre’s

Delightful Devon

fans, pumps, lighting and new heat pumps and will dramatically reduce the amount of electricity being drawn from the grid.

Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member for healthy lives said:

“Sports centres incorporate an extensive array of energy intensive facilities including electrical fitness equipment and swimming pools. In addition, there are the day-to-day lighting, heating and ventilation demands of the property, combined with long opening hours. Consequently, the energy consumption and costs of sports and leisure centres can be considerable.

“Now more than ever we need to increase energy efficiency and the measures we are putting in place during the construction of this new centre will help to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions and are another step towards the council’s ambitious plans to be carbon net zero by 2030.”

Once complete, the new county council funded leisure centre will be home to a six-lane swimming pool with spectator gallery, a learner pool, spa facilities, a four-court sports hall, a new 100 station gym, a dedicated spinning studio, two fitness studios, a cafe area and soft play.

It will also incorporate a new community services hub which will see the town’s library move back to its former home on Gas House Lane, a customer service centre and a new adult learning facility with classrooms for STEM learning and catering.

Mark Warnes, chief executive of Active Northumberland said:

“It’s fantastic to see the great progress that has been made over recent months. It really is going to be a fabulous centre, offering a wide range of first-class sport, recreation and wellbeing opportunities for Morpeth and the surrounding communities.”

Local ward councillor David Bawn said: “The new, modern centre will boast a range of energy efficient technologies which will reduce energy bills and keep costs down, putting the centre on a strong financial footing for the future.”

Work to build a new £21m state-of-theart leisure centre and community hub in Morpeth is still on track for a public opening in early 2023.

Image: Northumberland County Council

Quality, Affordable, Garage Doors

Looking for a new garage door? AI Garage Doors have got just the right solution for you.

Whether you’re looking to enhance the look of your property, replace a worn out garage door or prevent draughts, AI Garage Doors have a door to suit your needs.

Give them a call and they will guide you through the process, ensuring you select the right garage door to meet your requirements.

From Side Hinged to Roller, Sectional to Up and Over, there are many to choose from.

Side Hinged (also known as side opening or ‘swing’ garage doors) are a traditional style of garage door that are exactly what they say they are: garage doors hinged at the sides, nearly always opening outwards. A simple and very effective type of door with the potential to offer great performance in security and insulation and ease of daily use.

Up and Over garage doors consist of a single panel of material. The door has to be pulled out and then pivoted up so it can slide along the roof of the garage. Roller garage doors, on the other hand, are made of a number of horizontal sections which are hinged together for flexibility. Because it rests on rollers, it can be lifted, and rolled into place along the roof of the garage.

Sectional doors are a great option if space on your drive is tight. They also take up less room in the garage since they can be placed higher than a up and over door.

Things to consider…

Insulation - Insulated doors can reduce heat loss due to foam-filled aluminium slats, which can help reduce your energy bills and is particularly good for houses with an integral garage. Their sound-proofing properties also offer acoustic insulation.

Remote control - For ease, convenience and even safety you can’t beat a remote-controlled door. Override - Make sure the remote can be manually overridden in case of power failure.

Security - Automatic door locking mechanisms are useful.

Safety – This one is a top priority. To ensure that an electric garage door is deemed safe for use, it will have to incorporate at least one sufficient safety feature into its mechanism which will prevent personal injury.

AI Garage Doors have been supplying, installing and maintaining garage doors in the Northumberland

and North Tyneside areas for over 15 years. They are Approved by the Guild of Master Craftsmen and have built a reputation as reputable and trusted specialists.

They offer a wide range of garage doors in a variety of colours, materials and features whilst offering excellent service and price without compromising on safety or security.

The doors they fit are all manufactured on a professional production line in the UK by a reputable garage door manufacturer and they conform with the standards expected throughout the industry.

With over 80 positive reviews on Checkatrade.com, they are highly recommended tradesmen who can install your new garage door in no time, transforming the appearance of your home.

The garage door is typically the largest moving part in your home and is probably used every day. With normal use, parts can eventually wear out and break, creating potential safety problems. Therefore AI Garage Doors also offer a full repair and maintenance service to keep your garage door running smoothly, so, whether you have something minor from a broken spring or snapped cable, or require a fully fitted automatic double door, they can help!

AI Garage Doors, Tel: 07931 304057 www.aigaragedoors.co.uk

A GOOD READ

NEVER by Ken Follett

Never is more than just a thriller, it touches on a scenario that is close to the bone and one that we all hope never comes true.

A complex web ensues as a US army drone is stolen and what starts as a terrible mistake, snowballs into a cataclysmic event. Meanwhile, the country of Chad is at the heart of a political situation involving two intelligence agents who are seeking to rid the region of a ruthless terrorist group and China is keeping its eye on what has been going on, including a senior government official who hopes to climb the ranks of the Communist Party.

As China is left feeling vulnerable by the situation in Chad retaliation talks against America begins with North Korea which is more than happy to be part of the action.

All eyes are on the American president as the two superpowers jostle and use their proxies to lay the groundwork for what could be a third and cataclysmic world war. Events domino, leaving both sides unwilling to back down.

This book will have you up till 2am wondering where the hours went! A gasp-out-loud kind of read, not to be missed!

ORPHANS OF THE STORM

by Celia Imrie

Investigator Lacy Stoltz is tired of her work and ready for a change.

Then she meets a mysterious woman who is so frightened she uses a number of aliases. Jeri Crosby’s father was murdered twenty years earlier in a case that remains unsolved and that has grown stone cold. But Jeri has a suspect whom she has become obsessed with and has stalked for two decades. Along the way, she has discovered other victims.

Suspicions are easy enough, but proof seems impossible. The man is brilliant, patient, and always one step ahead of law enforcement. He is the most cunning of all serial killers. He knows forensics, police procedure, and most important: he knows the law. He is a judge, in Florida - under Lacy’s jurisdiction. He has a list, with the names of his victims and targets, all unsuspecting people unlucky enough to have crossed his path and wronged him in some way. How can Lacy pursue him, without becoming the next name on his list?

A SLOW BURNING FIRE by Paula Hawkins

Laura has spent most of her life being judged. She’s seen as hot-tempered, troubled, a loner. Some even call her dangerous.

Miriam knows that just because Laura is witnessed leaving the scene of a horrific murder with blood on her clothes, that doesn’t mean she’s a killer. Bitter experience has taught her how easy it is to get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Carla is reeling from the brutal murder of her nephew. She trusts no one: good people are capable of terrible deeds. But how far will she go to find peace?

Innocent or guilty, everyone is damaged. Some are damaged enough to kill.

ONE OF THE GIRLS by Lucy Clarke

It’s Lexi Lowe’s long-awaited hen do and she is jetting off with her five friends to the Greek Island Aegos for four nights of sun, sand, sea, food and wine before she says I do to the love of her life Ed. She is under strict instructions not to contact him throughout the trip but with lots of differing personalities at play, she feels a sense of unease from the very off - not the ideal start!

The group consists of 6 women all with a secret they have kept locked away. The scene is set for four days of fun in the sun but each of the women has their own agenda and reason for being there. They are all harbouring dark secrets and as the booze-fuelled nights begin, they begin to rise to the surface.

Someone doesn’t want this wedding to go ahead and someone won’t leave this island alive but who? Lucy Clarke’s, One of the Girls will keep you guessing until the very end.

Picturesque scenery and azure blue water so stunning that you’ll feel as if you were on an exotic vacation while reading this.

To buy these books online while supporting your local independent bookshop, visit: uk.bookshop.org/shop/abcmagazines