Northumberland News issue 18 Summer 2011
Phone 0845 600 6400 | www.northumberland.gov.uk
Olympic update Queen’s visit to county Alnwick voted best in Britain Win Theatre Royal tickets
Plus Time Team visit Beadnell | Photography competition | What’s on near you
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Northumberland News In this issue: Now available online, by email or in print. Northumberland News is a quarterly magazine packed with features and news articles written specifically for county residents. Published in July, September, December and March it is distributed free of charge by Northumberland County Council. Every effort is made to ensure that all information is accurate at the time of publication.
If you would like to receive Northumberland News in large print, Braille, audio, or in another format or language please contact us. Telephone: 0845 600 6400 Fax: 01670 511413 Text: phone 01670 542521 Text Relay: 18001 0845 600 6400 Email: ask@northumberland.gov.uk 2
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Queen’s visit to Alnwick
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New fire stations scoop awards
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Olympic torch route
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Time Team visits Northumberland
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Win Theatre Royal tickets
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Videogame Nation at Woodhorn
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Walk4Life
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Know your councillors
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What’s on
Front cover: Dunstanburgh Castle. Photograph by Michael Brewis, from Ashington. To see more photos submitted to the competition see pages 14 and 15.
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Leader's welcome For those of you who have opted for a digital magazine, all the latest news from the county, as well as important information about council services, will now be delivered direct to your email inbox at the touch of a button. For those people who don't have email or access to the internet, we're also producing a traditional paper magazine, which you can pick-up at your local library, leisure centre or Council Information Centre.
Whether you're reading this issue on screen or on paper, welcome to the first issue of our new, quarterly Northumberland News digital edition.
Whether you're interested in schools, the environment, local events, culture, leisure, transport or the decisions that directly impact on your local area – the new quarterly magazine will carry a full selection for readers in July, September, December and March each year.
The magazine, for everyone living in the county, has changed. We've been looking at how we can improve and we're moving with the times and going electronic.
We've been listening to your views on how we can get information to you in new ways and will be focusing on the things you told us you wanted to hear more about.
I'd like to thank all those people who took part in our photography competition, which ran earlier this year. Congratulations to Michael Brewis, our worthy winner, whose photograph of Dunstanburgh Castle is pictured on the front cover. We received more than 1000 entries for consideration. A selection of some of them appears on pages 14 and 15. To sign up for the electronic version of Northumberland News, if you haven't already, please visit: www.northumberlandnews/extra. We hope the magazine will be a fantastic resource for local people, so please enjoy this first quarterly edition. Jeff Reid Leader of Northumberland County Council
Find us on: Facebook at: www.northumberland.gov.uk/facebook Twitter at: www.northumberland.gov.uk/twitter YouTube at: www.northumberland.gov.uk/youtube 3
The Queen’s visit to Alnwick During the visit, on 22 June, Her Majesty and His Royal Highness were expected to open the new youth hostel in Green Batt, and walk down Bondgate to meet local people. Invitations from The Duchess of Northumberland were extended to thousands of volunteers and carers around the county inviting them to attend a party in Alnwick to celebrate and recognise their important work. The special event, in the grounds of Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden, was organised by Northumberland County Council and the Duchess of Northumberland, in her capacity as Lord Lieutenant. It is thought to be the biggest of its kind ever to be held in the region.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh were planning to visit Alnwick to attend a special garden party at the time this issue went to print.
Councillor George Todd, Chairman of Northumberland County Council, said: “There are many extremely generous and extraordinary individuals in the county who give up their time to help those in need. They come from all walks of life and backgrounds, but what they all have in common is their incredible hard work and dedication to help others. The party promises to be a special and memorable day for them.”
For a report about the visit and pictures taken on the day, visit: www.northumberland.gov.uk/gardenparty
“There are so many people in Northumberland who give their time to help others. This is our way of saying “thank you” for that commitment and contribution” said the Duchess. An estimated three in five people in the UK will become carers at some time in their lives. Those people who look after a loved one who is ill, frail or disabled save the UK an estimated £85 billion annually by relieving pressure on health and social services.
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Pictured: The Queen celebrating her 80th birthday in 2006. © Press Association.
Pictured: The Alnwick Garden
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Northumberland town streets ahead in national vote A picturesque street in Northumberland has been voted Britain's best for shopping in a national competition. Alnwick's Bondgate Within won Google Street View Awards – Best Shopping Street for its cobbled road, traditional buildings and selection of shops. Bondgate Within was nominated as 'Britain's Best Shopping Street' by David Else, lead author of the Lonely Planet Guide to Great Britain. He said: “Part of a triangle of streets around the old market building in this historic Northumberland town, it offers a great mix of high street stores and supermarkets, with a wide choice of independent stores.” Shopkeepers, councillors and local people gathered for the presentation of the award on 6 June. Alnwick Mayor, Alan Symmonds, said: “I'm delighted that Bondgate Within has won this prestigious Google Street View award. It more than holds its own in the formidable list of nominees. The street is characterised by a large number of individual shops, many of which are well-established family businesses and all of which pride themselves on offering a personal service to their customers. This award follows others for Alnwick and confirms that it is a wonderful place in which to live, and a fantastic centre for tourists.”
Pictured: Local business owners, councillors and workers on Bondgate Within celebrate being crowned 'Britain's Best Shopping Street' in the Google Street View Awards. Local county councillor Gordon Castle said: “This is great news for our town and follows on from the Country Life magazine accolade of best place to live in Great Britain a few years ago.”
More than 20,000 people voted within a two week period in May and competition was fierce. The three winning streets faced tough opposition from 57 other streets across 10 regions in the UK.
The 2011 awards, which were specially devised by Google to find and celebrate Britain's best streets, focused on three specific categories: Best Shopping Street, Most Romantic Street and Britain's Hippest Street. A shortlist of 20 nominations was compiled by the Google panel of experts from the world of travel, shopping and lifestyle including Visit Britain, Lonely Planet, Mr & Mrs Smith Guides and a host of celebrities and leading journalists, before being put to the national vote.
The North East proved popular with Google's panel of experts who nominated a total of six streets across the three categories. Bondgate Within in Alnwick, Northumberland, was nominated by lead author of The Lonely Planet Guide to Great Britain, for its mixture of high street shops with independent stores, and its historical ambience. Britain's Hippest Street went to South Shore Road in Gateshead and Copse Hill Road, in Lower Slaughter, took the crown for Britain's Most Romantic Street.
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New fire stations scoop two national awards
Pictured (from left): Susan Johnson, chief executive County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Iain Bathgate, chief fire officer Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Alex Bennett, chief fire officer Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service.
An ambitious building programme involving two Northumberland community fire stations has won two prestigious national awards. Representatives from Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and Durham and Darlington fire and rescue services, making up the North East Fire and Rescue Authority (NEFRA), were the biggest winners at the Partnerships Bulletin Awards in London on 11 May.
part of a NEFRA Private Finance Initiative (PFI). John Laing Investments provided project management of the construction and operational phases and Shepherd Construction built the new stations.
NEFRA was placed ahead of some of the top public building projects in the country to secure the 'Best Accommodation' award and in a unanimous decision by the judges, NEFRA topped a strong shortlist of international projects to win the 'Grand Prix' award, for delivering outstanding improvement in public service for the benefit of communities.
Pegswood, near Morpeth, became operational, in June 2010 and West Hartford Northumberland headquarters in August last year. As well as providing emergency fire and rescue cover, each community station provides state-of-the-art facilities, as well as free internet access and meeting rooms, which are available for local organisations and members of the public to book.
Five new community fire stations and a headquarters for Northumberland were built as
Building began in 2009 and each station took about a year to complete. As construction
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progressed each fire service sought to involve local communities in time capsule events and open days. HRH The Prince of Wales opened Northumberland's headquarters at West Hartford in November last year. Chief fire officer for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, Alex Bennett, said: “All of those who were involved in the building projects from conception to completion are to be congratulated for their hard work in making these fantastic projects a success. These awards recognise the quality of the work that was carried out by all of the partners involved. All five fire stations are now integral parts of the communities they serve.�
Phone 0845 600 6400 | www.northumberland.gov.uk
Young firefighters compete to be best in Northumberland Scores of spectators turned out to watch young firefighters from across Northumberland compete in this year's drill competition. Teams from West Hartford, Berwick, Belford, Pegswood, Alnwick and Hexham took part in the Young Firefighters’ Association competition at Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service headquarters in Morpeth on Sunday 22 May. The event is held to showcase the training and skills that YFA cadets practice throughout the year. This year, the third annual event took place at the new community fire station and headquarters in West Hartford. The results were as follows:
young firefighters competing for the first year at our new headquarters. The event is a great way for YFA members to practice the skills that they have mastered.” Councillor Anita Romer, Northumberland County Council's member with responsibility for public protection, said: “I really enjoyed watching the competition. The Young Firefighters’ Association teaches its members valuable skills in a fun, enjoyable way.”
Weekly YFA meetings are held at fire stations across Northumberland throughout the year. Led by officers from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, 13 to 17-yearolds learn about all aspects of the fire service and community fire safety. Practical skills such as running out hoses, pumping water and climbing ladders are taught, members may also work towards a Level 2 BTEC qualification in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community.
l Ladder drill winners – Pegswood l Hose drill winners – Pegswood l Knots and Lines winners – Hexham l Quiz winners – Pegswood l Main combination drill winners – West Hartford l Young Firefighters Association drill competition winners 2011 – Pegswood Acting chief fire officer for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, Alex Bennett, said: “It was fantastic to see the
Pictured Hexham Young Firefighters (from left): Back row, Joseph Rogers, Matthew Rogers, Marc Pattinson, Harry Stewart, Adam Newton, Joshua Kelly Newsome and John Watson. Front row, Rachael Hall, Ruth Moore, Beth Tiffin, David Pattinson, Heather Sweetman.
For more information about YFA groups in Northumberland contact Laura Langdown on 01670 591155 or email laura.langdown@northumberland.gov.uk 7
Riders on track for new opportunities Disabled riders will soon be able to enjoy carriage driving at a Northumberland centre after securing funding to build a new track. The Morpeth Riding for the Disabled Group plans to begin carriage driving this summer on a new track across farm land at the Pegasus Centre at Tranwell, Morpeth. The specialist track will allow carriage riding to take place in a controlled environment that is safer than driving on the roads. The track will also benefit riders who can be escorted around the farm in safety as well as adding another dimension to their riding. The charity was awarded £54,000 to build the track and develop carriage driving by Aiming High, which supports services for disabled children and is administered through Northumberland County Council. Wilma Lister, Pegasus Centre Manager, said: “Carriage driving offers enormous benefits to those who suffer from restricted mobility and allows them a real independence while driving. It is particularly useful for people who can no longer ride due to disability or prefer a different kind of challenge. “Carriage driving was originally planned to start in 2012 but having the track installed will speed up the process of starting this activity at the centre.” Some of the benefits include improved co-ordination, muscle power and balance as well as
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Pictured: Pegasus Centre riders and volunteers on the new track in Morpeth. relaxation and being out in the open air. It also can help the drivers to make friends and boost their self confidence while having fun. Drivers progress the same way as riders and can take proficiency tests to increase and demonstrate their knowledge and ability. They can compete in RDA and British Driving Society shows that have suitable classes. Some drivers progress outside of RDA and attend training days and compete internationally. The Pegasus Centre, which opened in September 2009, operates from a purpose built riding and livery yard.
The centre aims to provide riding for 200 disabled children and adults all year round. Morpeth RDA group, in conjunction with the council raised the funds needed to buy the centre. Blyth Valley Arts and Leisure provides financial management and leisure expertise. If you are interested in carriage driving, disabled or able bodied riding lessons or the livery opportunities available at the Pegasus Centre? Please call 01670 518219.
Phone 0845 600 6400 | www.northumberland.gov.uk
World class riders set to compete at Burgham this month and next year World class riders from across Europe could be heading to Northumberland early next year after the organisers of Burgham Horse Trials scored a major coup for the region. British Eventing has just awarded Burgham the last Advanced Event offering qualifying points for Badminton Horse Trials 2012 – the year Olympic Eventing comes to the UK. The two-day event, which will be held at Burgham Park near Morpeth on March 24 and 25 2012, with both Intermediate and Advanced British Eventing classes, is also likely to attract riders from the UK and overseas taking part in the London Olympics. The directors of the Burgham Horse Trials, Semore Kurdi and Sunil Mehra, welcomed the decision. Sunil Mehra, said: “We are delighted to have secured not only an Advanced event for the region but also the last event before the Badminton Horse Trials, which is sure to draw some of the top names in the sport to the North-East in an Olympic year. This decision demonstrates great faith in our team.”
The news comes as a huge boost to the Burgham team, just weeks before the inaugural British Eventing fixture taking place at Burgham Park from Friday July 22 to Sunday July 24. This will feature top class Showjumping including the £12,000 prize fund Burgham Classic Grand Prix, alongside British Eventing, Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse, Burghley Event Pony, Pony Club classes, Sporthorse GB and British Show Pony Society showing and Para Dressage.
Other attractions include a huge retail village, bar-restaurant and children's play area. The new event next March, will be in addition to the July 2012 Burgham Horse Trials, which will include the same wide range of competitions and attractions as next month's event. Advanced spectator tickets, accommodation booking, competitor schedules and entry forms are available at www.burghamhorsetrials.co.uk Pictured: Mark Todd at this year's Badminton Horse Trials. Courtesy of Kit Houghton Photography.
Councillor Tom Brechany, Northumberland County Council's executive member for regeneration, said: "We're looking forward to both of these fantastic events. Both promise to benefit businesses and residents in Northumberland.”
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Olympic torch will light Northumberland The Olympic Torch will stop overnight in Alnwick as it travels through Northumberland on its nationwide journey to London's 2012 Olympics. The exciting news was made public by The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) when it unveiled the key route the Olympic flame will make when it arrives in the UK on May 18, 2012. Alnwick has also been named as one of four sites in the region that will host an evening celebration for the public on Thursday 14 June, 2012. The event will offer thousands of people the opportunity to come together and get involved in celebrations and share the Olympic spirit. As part of the events LOCOG and the presenting partners, Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung, will stage a show where a cauldron will be lit from the Olympic Flame, marking the end of the day's proceedings. Venues for this event are currently being explored.
Pictured: Chief executive of Northumberland County Council Steve Stewart (third left) with councillors and staff preparing for Olympic events in Alnwick. news for the county and a once in a lifetime opportunity for everyone involved. This is a chance for Northumberland residents to show their support for the Olympics and to be a part of the excitement it brings to the world. The event will be an immense attraction and I am sure a really moving and memorable occasion.”
At the time this publication went to press a taster of what is to come was expected in Alnwick on 29 June; organisers and sponsors will arrive in the town to mark the deadline of The Olympic torchbearer nomination programme (the search for 8,000 torch bearers to carry the flame along its route to the games).
In total, the torch will spend 70 days travelling around the UK. Four and a half of these will be spent in the North East as the famous flame travels south, from Edinburgh via Selkirk and back into England through Northumberland before heading southwards to Tyneside and beyond. Its exact route through the county has yet to be decided.
Northumberland County Council chief executive, Steve Stewart, said: “This really is fantastic
It is planned that the Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK from Greece on Friday 18 May 2012
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and the torch relay will start at Land's End, Cornwall on the morning of 19 May 2012. It will arrive at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: “We are thrilled that Northumberland County Council has agreed to host the Olympic Flame on its journey right across the UK. The Olympic Flame will shine a light right across Northumberland, celebrating the culture and heritage of the area, showcasing the very best of the county. We have no doubt that the welcome Northumberland will provide, will demonstrate how the spirit of the Olympic Games is reaching out across the UK.”
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Time Team visits Northumberland The mysterious site of St Ebba's Chapel in Beadnell was one of the latest locations to be chosen for investigation by popular archaeological TV show Time Team. The site, traditionally associated with the Saxon princess Ebba, who died in 683AD and was sister of the Northumbrian King Oswald, is owned and managed by Northumberland County Council. During the visit, earlier this month, the county archaeologist and English Heritage worked closely with Time Team. The information gathered not only increased their understanding of the area, but also provided details that will be useful to the county council in helping to manage the site and prevent erosion into the future. The visible remains on the site relate to a later chapel, probably built in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, but other mysterious 'lumps and bumps' have been interpreted as the possible remains of an earlier Saxon chapel. As fans of the Channel 4 show know, the team has only three days in which to investigate each location – a tough target when dealing with a complex site which has a history spanning at least 1000 years. Despite this, the team uncovered some fascinating new information, which will be revealed when the programme is aired later in the year.
Pictured: Time Team's presenter Tony Robinson (right) in Beadnell with county councillors Pat Scott and Tom Brechany. The excavations also allowed for the re-burial of a number of human bones that had been uncovered due to erosion over the years. These had been diligently collected by members of the local community and the Reverend Jane Wood led a touching ceremony as the bones were placed back in the ground where they had originally been buried. Following the Time Team visit, the county council has continued its work with partners, such as English Heritage, to identify solutions to some of the threats to the site and help to protect these important historical remains for future generations.
Pictured: Time Team digging St Ebba’s Chapel in Beadnell.
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Win an award to show how much you LOVE Northumberland Nominations are in for the first LOVE Northumberland awards and the county's environmental champions will soon be revealed at an event in The Alnwick Garden. The competition, the first of its kind in Northumberland, aims to recognise and reward projects that improve and enhance the county's environment. The LOVE Northumberland awards are part of a county-wide campaign, which aims to promote the work of the
council and all its partners in keeping the county beautiful for the benefit of residents and visitors. Schools, community and voluntary groups have submitted their projects, which each enhance the environment or tackle green issues.
Prizes will be awarded for best new project, best ongoing project, best young people's project and best children's project. The judging panel will also be looking for projects that improve urban areas – as well as coast or countryside projects. The awards will be presented by the Duchess of Northumberland at The Alnwick Garden on Wednesday July 13. Councillor Alan Thompson, executive member for neighbourhood services, said: “There is a wealth of community and voluntary effort that goes on day in day out right across Northumberland. We want to go some way to rewarding all of this exceptional work by highlighting just some of the projects and initiatives that make our communities great.” Winning entries will receive a £250 prize and runner-up projects a £100 prize, to be spent on something that will benefit the project or work in the community.
Pictured: Councillor Alan Thompson with Nicola Wardle business coordination officer.
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Find out more at: www.northumberland.gov.uk/ love.
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Win Theatre Royal tickets Connie Fisher returns as Maria in the world's bestloved musical, The Sound of Music, at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, from Tuesday 20 September to Saturday 8 October.* ‘Definitely one of my favourite things' Southern Daily Echo This lavish and critically acclaimed production tells the uplifting true story of the von Trapp family's flight across the mountains and works its magic once again, for young and old alike.
'A fabulous night at the theatre' Western Mail With its unforgettable score The Sound of Music touches the hearts of all ages and brims over with some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage including: My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev'ry Mountain, The Lonely Goatherd, Sixteen Going on Seventeen, and of course the glorious title song The Sound of Music. It's the perfect family treat!
We have two tickets for the opening night to give away in this month's Northumberland News competition. Just answer the following question: In which BBC show did Connie Fisher find fame? To enter, send your answer, along with a daytime contact telephone number, by email or post to arrive before 25 July 2011. Email: communications@northumberland.gov.uk Post to: Communications, Northumberland County Council, County Hall, Morpeth NE61 2EF. Winners will be drawn at random from the successful answers. The tickets will be valid for the performance on Tuesday 20 September at 7.30pm.
The Theatre Royal is one of only nine Grade 1 Listed theatres in England and is regarded by many as the UK's finest theatre building. In March this year work began on a ÂŁ4.75m, six month project to restore the auditorium and recreate threatre architect Frank Matcham's classic 1901 Edwardian design. Group bookings: 08448 11 2122; Box office: 08448 11 2121 or visit www.theatreroyal.co.uk *Connie Fisher is not scheduled to appear at all performances; patrons should check with the box-office before purchasing their tickets.
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Congratulations to Michael Brewis, from Ashington, the winner of the Northumberland News 2011 photography competition. Michael’s winning photo, which is featured on the front cover of this issue, was chosen by leader of the council Jeff Reid. Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo as part of the competition, we had a fantastic response, with more than 1000 photographs to consider. Here is just a selection of those received. More photos are available to view via www.northumberland.gov. uk/photogallery
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Phone 0845 600 6400 | www.northumberland.gov.uk
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Videogame Nation at Woodhorn “It is the best exhibition ever!” according to once recent visitor to the hands-on Videogame Nation exhibition at Woodhorn, so for anyone who hasn't yet found time to get to Woodhorn, it's probably just as well that the show still has a few weeks left to run. It's not essential to be a computer game player to enjoy the exhibition but if you've ever been Megadrive mad or Playstation potty, then this show is a must. And even if you don't know your ZX Spectrum from your Nintendo Wii, the whole family can have great fun. The exhibition is a celebration of British videogaming, providing a fun, interactive approach to learning about the development of the games and the industry itself. With 40 games to play including Jet Set Willy, Ferrari Challenge and Lego Star Wars, there's a lot to keep people engaged as well as learning about the history, the design and the individuals involved. Visitors can find out how computer gaming all started and see and experience for themselves how the crude graphics of the early games have given way to the close-tocinematic quality images of today. They can hear some of the game designers, including some from the North East, talk about their experiences, read about how they got into game design, listen to interviews and watch them on screen as they explain their groundbreaking games.
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The atmosphere of the bedroom, an office, a gaming arcade and even a sports stadium are captured in a series of colourful sets where visitors can reminisce over the games, magazines and long-gone machines of their youth; wonder over the intricate drawings and sketches of the designers; learn about the great team of people needed to put a new game on the store shelf and even hone their sporting skills with Virtual Tennis or Sensible Soccer while sitting in the stadium or standing on the grass.
Videogame Nation runs at Woodhorn until 5 September Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm (plus Monday and Tuesday in school holidays). Admission: £3.95* adult, £3.50* concs, £2.95* child, £12.50 family (2+2) (*includes giftaid donation). All day parking £3.00. Admission to the rest of Woodhorn's displays, exhibitions and buildings is free. See the website for details: www.experiencewoodhorn.com
Phone 0845 600 6400 | www.northumberland.gov.uk
Heritage Open Days 2011 Final preparations are being made for the country's biggest and most popular cultural event, Heritage Open Days, which will be taking place in Northumberland once again. This year, Heritage Open Days, which are being coordinated by Northumberland County Council and the Woodhorn Trust, will be held between Thursday 8 and Sunday 11 September. The open days are an excellent opportunity for members of the public to explore England's fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to buildings that are usually closed to them, have restricted access, or charge for admission. People can also enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities, which bring to life local history and culture. Councillor Neil Bradbury, executive member for customer relations and culture at Northumberland County Council, said: “Last year more than 130 sites and events were open to the public in Northumberland making it one of the most accessible counties in England. Heritage Open Days is a great way to attract visitors to our county and for local people to share their history.� As the number of venues and attractions taking part in the event has grown year-on-year, 2011 is set to be bigger and better than ever.
A leaflet listing all the venues, activities, walks and talks taking place during the four-day event will be available soon to collect from tourist information centres, council contact centres and libraries. All of the information will also be available on the county council website: www.northumberland.gov.uk/hods
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Find out more about fostering and adopting Are you considering adoption or providing foster care? Would you like to find out more about the qualities needed and how the process works? A series of information events has been planned for people who are interested in adopting or providing foster care in Northumberland. The informal sessions, run by the county council, are designed provide information about adoption and the different types of foster care that can be offered to children and young people in the local community. During each session those attending will be given the opportunity to speak to Northumberland adoptive parents or foster carers to find out about the process and its rewards. Caroline Matthews, from Northumberland County Council, said: “Two sessions were held in Berwick earlier this year and one in Ashington, these resulted in very positive feedback from the public. We're hoping that this new programme of sessions will be equally successful. We decided to run two separate programmes for fostering and adoption as they are very different ways of providing help to local children and young people.�
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Adoption information events: 6 July in Tynedale 3 November in Morpeth Fostering information events: 13 July - Alnwick 29 September - Blyth 10 November - Hexham 24 Jan 2012 - Cramlington To book a place at one of the sessions call Caroline Matthews on 01670 534 450 or email familyplacement@northumberland.gov.uk For further information go to www.northumberland.gov.uk/adoption or www.northumberland.gov.uk/fostering
Phone 0845 600 6400 | www.northumberland.gov.uk
Scores on the doors is a big hit A star rating system informing people about the hygiene standards of local caterers has been welcomed by both businesses and customers. Launched by Northumberland County Council in April, the 'Scores on the Doors' scheme rates a business on its level of hygiene from zero to five stars, with zero stars being very poor and five stars being excellent. The star rating is allocated after a food safety officer from the county council has inspected the business and scored its hygiene standards. The officer checks how hygienically food is handled, for instance how it is prepared and cooked; the cleanliness and structure of the premises and how the business manages and records what it does to make sure food is safe. Certificates are issued for those businesses achieving three stars or more, which should be displayed for the public to see. For those businesses achieving two stars or less, further advice, guidance and training will be given. Enforcement action could also be taken where appropriate. Ratings for businesses are available to view at www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk and although the scheme only applies to caterers currently, it is intended that retailers will be added in due course. The scheme aims to give customers the ability to check which caterers have good hygiene standards and this may help them to choose where they
Pictured: Northumberland County Council's head of public protection, Victoria Barrington, with David Scott (centre) and Dominic Kirkbride both from The Treehouse Restaurant in Alnwick Garden, which is one of the five star establishments. eat. A snapshot survey recently carried out by the Food Standards Agency, indicated that 86 per cent of the public consider hygiene standards to be extremely important when eating out, significantly outweighing other considerations such as price and location. Many people said that they had sent food back for hygiene reasons such as undercooked meat and dirty plates. The survey also found that people primarily judge the hygiene standards of where they eat or buy food on the appearance of an establishment and its staff, on the cleanliness of toilets, and word of mouth or reputation. Victoria Barrington, head of pubic protection at Northumberland County Council,
said: “The star rating gives customers a glimpse into the areas they don't normally see to get an idea of what's going on behind the scenes and make an informed decision about where is a good place to eat or get a take away in terms of hygiene. “It is also an opportunity for businesses to get credit when they can prove they are working to the highest standards possible. Where we do award a low star level, we will work with that business and issue advice and guidance on how they could improve.� The star rating for each business lasts until the next planned inspection, usually between six months and two years, unless there is a change in ownership or a complaint that results in a new inspection in the meantime.
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Who's taking your waste away? We all produce waste and at some point most of us will need to hire someone to take our rubbish away for us.
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Disposing of waste is a part of modern life, whether it's getting a skip for a home renovation or hiring a man with a van. But did you know that you have a 'duty of care' to ensure that the person taking your rubbish away is allowed to carry waste and will dispose of it correctly? If the person you give your rubbish to does not have a waste carrier’s licence from the Environment Agency, or fly-tips your rubbish to save paying the waste disposal fees, then you could have broken the law. Illegal operators don’t pay to dispose of waste and can put legitimate waste carriers out of business by charging cheaper rates. Such illegal carriers often cause pollution by fly-tipping hazardous waste or dumping it in illegal landfills, which can harm wildlife, rivers and spoil our countryside.
Householders and businesses have a 'duty of care' to take reasonable steps to check that people removing waste are legally allowed to do so. Reasonable steps include: l Asking to see an Environment Agency waste carrier licence; l Checking with the Environment Agency for a free instant waste carrier validation on 08708 506 506 or online at www.environmentagency.gov.uk; l Asking the waste carrier to provide you with their full address and telephone number; and l Getting the registration number of the vehicle taking the waste away. If convicted, a breach of 'duty of care' can attract penalties up to £5,000. But, by checking who we pay to take our waste in the first place, we can stop illegal operators and protect our environment at the same time.
Phone 0845 600 6400 | www.northumberland.gov.uk
Festival full of energy The Port of Blyth, home to a growing cluster of organisations developing environmentally friendly technology, was chosen once again to host the second, annual county festival celebrating renewable energy. At the time this issue went to press The Port of Blyth, in partnership with Northumberland County Council and Blyth Valley Arts and Leisure, was set to host the Blyth Renewables Festival 2011 with a packed programme of activities focusing on the importance of renewable energy. The Stavros S Niarchos (pictured right), one of the world's most magnificent tall ships, was expected to berth along the quayside in Blyth as the centre piece to the festival throughout the weekend.
FESTIVAL 2011 A celebration of renewable energy from sun, wind and water
A programme of street entertainment, a green fairground, river trips and live music as well as a renewables 'village' housing a range of displays and demonstrations showing the impact that green energy sources can have on our lives was also planned. Martin Lawlor, chief executive of the Port Of Blyth said: “Last year's inaugural event was a tremendous success attracting up to 10,000 visitors over the weekend. We intend to make this year's festival even bigger and better.” Councillor Jeff Reid, leader of Northumberland County Council said: “Blyth Renewables Festival aims to highlight the importance of renewable energy to the wider community. The event combines education and entertainment and there is nothing else like it in the region.”
An update and pictures from the event can be viewed at: www.blythrenewablesfestival.org
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New bin routes – the final phase Many households across Northumberland will find the day and/or times of their bin collections will change as the council introduces new routes to improve efficiency and customer service. Changes are being introduced in three phases: l The first phase began with garden waste
collections earlier this year; l In May new routes for recycling and general
waste came into effect in South East Northumberland; and l The final phase is due in all other areas of the
county – the North and the West of Northumberland - from the week beginning September 12, 2011.
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During August all homes will receive a leaflet confirming their bin day, asking them to have their bin out by 7am on every collection day, and providing a timetable to keep for the coming 12 months. Once all new routes are introduced, the council expects its total vehicle mileage to be reduced by up to 1,380 miles per week. This will cut fuel consumption by 1,400 litres each week and reduce CO2 emissions by 198 tonnes every year. Customer service will also be improved.
For further information visit www.northumberland.gov.uk/waste or tel: 0845 600 6400.
Phone 0845 600 6400 | www.northumberland.gov.uk
Composting made easy There are three easy ways for Northumberland residents to compost their waste. Composting is a cost effective and natural process that transforms garden and kitchen waste into a nutrient-rich product for reuse – while also reducing waste sent to landfill. More than a third of household waste is made-up of organic material that can be composted – grass cuttings, leaves and unwanted plants from the garden and fruit and veg peelings and even tea bags from the home. Choose one of these three options and make the most of your organic waste:
1
Garden waste collected from your kerbside
Each year you can subscribe to a collection service with the council. At only £21 for the 2011 growing season you have use of a 240 litre garden wheeled bin which is emptied every fortnight. You can order more than one bin if you wish and it can be used for hedge clippings, grass cuttings, weeds, leaves and small branches. Sorry no kitchen waste, soil, rubble, fence fittings or furniture. Find out more at www.northumberland.gov.uk/garden by phone on 0845 600 6400 or email ask@northumberland.gov.uk
2
Take it to your local household waste recovery centre
Each of Northumberland's 12 household waste recovery centres (HWRCs) has facilities to recycle garden waste. Find locations at www.northumberland.gov.uk/waste Centres are open seven days a week and all year round, except Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Businesses and trade waste are not allowed and commercial-type vehicles and large trailers need a permit. Garden waste from kerbside and collected at HWRCs is processed locally and you can buy bags of compost or soil conditioner – ask at your local centre for details.
3 Home compost bins Have you tried composting at home? You can compost teabags, fruit and veg peelings, along with grass cuttings and other kitchen waste and watch it transform into a rich nutritious soil conditioner within months. The county council is working with evergreener.com to offer residents a range of home compost bins, wormeries and accessories at special offer prices. You can either order a prepaid voucher with which to collect your composter from a HWRC near you, or arrange for home delivery for a oneoff charge for each order. Find out more at www.getcomposting.com or phone 0845 130 6090.
Pick up a leaflet at council offices or visit www.northumberland.gov.uk/waste to find out more about all three options.
23
Dry stone wallers build on success Two men have reached a 'milestone' in their training as dry stone wallers as part of a project to keep traditional skills alive in the North Pennines – and bring vital jobs to the area. David Armstrong of Haydon Bridge, Northumberland and Jason Ker of Alston, Cumbria passed their Level 1 Certificate in Dry Stone Walling, a timed challenge where each candidate has to rebuild a gap in a wall using whatever stone is available in just seven hours. The pair are honing their skills for the future as part of a training programme set up by the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Both have been receiving training from professional wallers in the South Tyne Valley as part of a six month training programme. Most of their training has been on field walls using different types of stone and in a variety of conditions. The tests took place at Low Kays Lea Farm near Hamsterley in County Durham, which is run by trainer Peter Dent. Peter is gradually creating more difficult walling features such as retaining walls and walls on steep ground so that people can be tested for their Level 2 and Level 3 Certificates. On the day, assessor Steve Bostock said he was looking for good quality foundations, a tightly packed wall, with a solid
24
Pictured: Newly qualified dry stone wallers David Armstrong (left) and Jason Ker. build to the copestones and a finish with the minimum use of pins. Steve said: “Jason and David produced a very high standard of walling and scored joint top marks among the group of seven being tested on the day.” The AONB Partnership's Heritage Landscape training bursary programme addresses skills shortages in two areas: dry stone walling and environmental monitoring.
Lesley Silvera, of the AONB Partnership, said: “Both our trainees have a great attitude and their hard work has really paid off. Within just seven weeks of their six month course, they've got through their first real challenge and will hopefully keep on improving to gain their Level 2 Certificate. By ensuring that the traditional skills such as dry stone walling are maintained we are safeguarding the features that make the North Pennines such a special place.”
Phone 0845 600 6400 | www.northumberland.gov.uk
Would you like to walk more often but don't know where? Would you like a place where you can map and share your favourite walks? Ever wondered how far a mile is on the ground so that you know how far your regular walking trips are? There is a free website to help you, called Walk4Life www.walk4life.info. As part of this, Northumberland County Council's Countryside team has been busy mapping and waymarking some local walks for people to try. Mike Jeffrey, the countryside access manager, said: “The whole team worked together to transfer our walks from leaflets, some of which were going out of print, to this new website format, which people can print at home. We have set up a challenge to see if all together the miles we walk add up to the distance around the boundary of Northumberland before the end of September. In total it's about 330 miles, which sounds like a lot, but as a group we can do it.� The website is aimed at everybody; it is easy to use and there is lots of help to get started.
You can print out a walk to take with you and once you have walked it you can add photos and comments. It is easy to email your favourite walks to your friends and family, so you can plan to meet up and go together. For people who don't like walking alone, there are details of local guided walks happening across the county. There are thousands of walks to pick from all over the country, including walks in Northumberland's country parks, on public rights of way, and refreshing walks along the coast. There is also the opportunity to map your own favourite walks.
You could even set your own challenge if you wanted to, or have a competition between yourself and a friend. If you would like to know more, or need any technical tips or help, contact Abi Mansley via walk4life@walkengland.org.uk Walk4Life is part of the Change4Life movement that has been set up to encourage families and adults to eat well, move more and live longer, by making small lifestyle changes that add up to big health benefits.
25
Drivingdown emissions Electric cars are set to become a more viable option for drivers as charging points are established in locations across Northumberland.
The Plugged in Places project is currently installing more than 1,000 points across the North East on streets, in car parks, at residential and business locations as well as retail and leisure facilities. Linked to this, Northumberland County Council is trying out a Peugeot iOn electric car as part of the Switch EV electric vehicle demonstration project. Four different electric vehicles are being tried out by a wide range of public and private sector organisations across the North East. The county council's car is being used by officers and councillors as they go about their business in the area.
26
The Peugeot iOn is zero emission. It is automatic providing a silent driving experience with no gear changing. More information is available on the project website at www.switchev.co.uk Pictured: Phil Hornsey, energy and sustainability policy officer at Northumberland County Council, with the Peugeot iOn electric car.
Phone 0845 600 6400 | www.northumberland.gov.uk
Councilmeetings Tues 5 July l Planning and Environment Committee 6pm Council Chamber, County Hall, Morpeth. Wed 6 July l County Council 3pm Council Chamber, County Hall, Morpeth. Thurs 7 July l Area Planning Committee - North 6pm Alnwick Council Chamber, Clayport Street, Alnwick. Mon 11 July l Area Committee - North 6pm Venue to be confirmed l Executive 2pm Committee Room 1, County Hall, Morpeth. Tues 12 July l Area Committee - West 6pm Venue to be confirmed. Wed 13 July l Area Committee - South East 6pm Newbiggin Sports and Community Centre, Woodhorn Road, Newbiggin.
Tues 19 July l Area Planning Committee - South East 6pm Adamson Suite, Choppington Social Welfare Centre, Colliery Road, Scotland Gate, Choppington. Wed 20 July l Area Planning Committee - West 6pm Venue to be confirmed. Tues 2 August l Planning and Environment Committee 6pm Council Chamber, County Hall, Morpeth. Thurs 4 August l Area Planning Committee - North 6pm Alnwick Council Chamber, Clayport Street, Alnwick. Tues 16 August l Area Planning Committee - South East 6pm Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Renwick Road, Blyth. Wed 17 August l Executive/Area Chairs Working Group 10am Venue to be confirmed l Area Planning Committee - West 6pm. Venue to be confirmed.
Meeting dates and venues can change. Please check the website www.northumberland.gov.uk or contact committee services on 0845 600 6400 to confirm details.
Local democracy workshops An open workshop will be held on Thursday 28 July at 6pm in the Corn Exchange, Morpeth Town Hall, covering all aspects of local democracy. The session, led by the chairs of each of the three area committees across Northumberland, will provide information about the following topics: attending committee meetings, access to information, petitioning and freedom of information. Everyone is welcome but please let us know in advance if you wish to attend. To register email demserv.ar@northumberland.gov.uk or telephone 0845 600 6400.
27
28
CON (CIG) LAB LAB LAB CON (CIG) LAB
Bywell Paul Kelly (Cllr) Home Tel: 01661 835302 Email: Paul.Kelly@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
Bothal Simon Reed (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 810119 Email: Simon.Reed@northumberland.gov.uk
Cramlington Eastfield Barrie Crowther (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 738629 Email: Barrie.Crowther@northumberland.gov.uk
CON (CIG)
Berwick West with Ord Isabel Hunter (Cllr) Home Tel: 01289 306365 Email: Isabel.Hunter@northumberland.gov.uk
Cramlington East Ian Swithenbank (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 716762 Email: Ian.Swithenbank@northumberland.gov.uk
Cramlington North Wayne Daley (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 713286 Email: Wayne.Daley@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
Berwick North Brian Douglas (Cllr) Home Tel: 01289 302851 Email: Brian.Douglas@northumberland.gov.uk
Corbridge Jean Fearon (Cllr) Home Tel: 01434 632802 Email: Jean.Fearon@northumberland.gov.uk
Cramlington South East Tom Brechany (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 713031 Email: Thomas.Brechany@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
Berwick East Jim Smith (Cllr) Home Tel: 01289 306496 Email: James.Smith@northumberland.gov.uk
Cowpen Susan Davey (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 369725 Email: Susan.Davey@northumberland.gov.uk
Cramlington Village Alan Armstrong (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 712383 Email: Alan.Armstrong@northumberland.gov.uk
LAB
Bellingham John Riddle (Cllr) Home Tel: 01434 220250 Email: John.Riddle@northumberland.gov.uk
College Jimmy Sawyer (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 850942 Email: Jimmy.Sawyer@northumberland.gov.uk
Cramlington West Maureen Brown (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 733940 Email: Maureen.Brown@northumberland.gov.uk
LAB
Bedlington West George Todd (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 827369 Email: George.Todd@northumberland.gov.uk
Choppington Dave Ledger (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 851399 Email: David.Ledger@northumberland.gov.uk
Croft Vince Coils (Cllr) Mobile Tel: 07505 198418 Email: Vince.Coils@northumberland.gov.uk
CON (CIG)
Bedlington East Val Tyler (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 825252 Email: Valerie.Tyler@northumberland.gov.uk
Chevington with Longhorsley Glen Sanderson (Cllr) Mobile: 07730 979 737 Email: Glen.Sanderson@northumberland.gov.uk
Haltwhistle Ian Hutchinson (Cllr) Home Tel: 01434 618944 Email: Ian.Hutchinson@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
IND (CIG) LAB IND (CIG) LAB (LD) (LD) LAB
The chairman of the council is Cllr George Todd.
Bedlington Central Arthur Pegg (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 823963 Email: Arthur.Pegg@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
l Cllr Roger Styring (deputy leader) l Cllr Ian Lindley (adult care and wellbeing) l Cllr Lesley Rickerby (children and young people) l Cllr Anita Romer (health and public protection) l Cllr Andrew Tebbutt (corporate resources) l Cllr Neil Bradbury (customer relations and culture) l Cllr Alan Thompson (neighbourhood services/highways) l Cllr Isabel Hunter (infrastructure and environment) l Cllr Tom Brechany (planning, housing and regeneration).
Bamburgh Pat Scott (Cllr) Home Tel: 01665 720466 Email: Patricia.Scott@northumberland.gov.uk
CON (CIG)
The leader of the council is Jeff Reid and his executive is made up of a deputy and eight executive members who are responsible for specific working areas:
Ashington Central Tom Wilson (Cllr) Mobile: 07506 416505 Email: Thomas.Wilson@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
Local elections take place every four years; the next will be held in 2013.
Amble West with Warkworth Jeff Watson (Cllr) Mobile: 07554 114933 Email: Jeffrey.Watson@northumberland.gov.uk
IND
This council has 67 elected members who all have a vote on the important decisions that impact on local life.
Amble Robert Arckless (Cllr) BA (Hons), PGCE Home Tel: 01665 711938 Email:Robert.Arckless99@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
Northumberland County Council has a leader and executive system, which acts like a cabinet to shape local policy and make decisions about council services.
Alnwick Gordon Castle (Cllr) Home Tel: 01665 604664 Email: Gordon.Castle@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
Northumberland now has one council for the whole county with each electoral division represented by a unitary councillor.
IND
Know your councillors
Hartley Anita Romer (Cllr) Home Tel: 0191 2375163 Email: Anita.Romer@northumberland.gov.uk
LAB LAB CON (CIG) LAB
Rothbury Steven Bridgett (Cllr) Home Tel: 01669 622999 Email: Steven.Bridgett@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
Prudhoe West Neil Bradbury (Cllr) Home Tel: 01661 832933 Email: Neil.Bradbury@northumberland.gov.uk
South Blyth Lesley Rickerby (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 540335 Email: Lesley.Rickerby@northumberland.gov.uk
CON (CIG)
Prudhoe East William Garrett (Cllr) Home Tel: 01661 834291 Email: William.Garrett@northumberland.gov.uk
Sleekburn Jeff Gobin Home Tel: 01670 822539
South Tynedale Colin Horncastle (Cllr) Home Tel: 01434 618259 Email: Colin.Horncastle@northumberland.gov.uk
LAB
Ponteland West Veronica Jones (Cllr) Home Tel: 01830 530337 Email: Veronica.Jones@northumberland.gov.uk
Shilbottle Trevor Thorne (Cllr) Home Tel: 01665 570249 Email: embleton@btinternet.com
Stakeford Julie Foster Home Tel: 01670 825146 Email: Julie.Foster@northumberland.gov.uk
CON (CIG)
Ponteland South with Heddon Peter Jackson (Cllr) Home Tel: 01830 530218 Email: Peter.Jackson@northumberland.gov.uk
Email:Margaret.Richards01@northumberland.gov.uk
Stocksfield and Broomhaugh Anne Dale (Cllr) Home Tel: 01434 673326 Email: Anne.Dale@northumberland.gov.uk
CON (CIG)
Ponteland North Richard Dodd (Cllr) Home Tel: 01661 881192 Email: Richard.Dodd@northumberland.gov.uk
Seghill with Seaton Delaval Margaret Richards (Cllr) Home Tel: 0191 2370596
Ulgham David Towns (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 775413 Email: David.Towns@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
Ponteland East Eileen Armstrong (Cllr) Home Tel: 01661 824167 Email: Eileen.Armstrong@northumberland.gov.uk
Seaton with Newbiggin West Jim Lang (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 856911 Email: Jim.Lang@northumberland.gov.uk
Wensleydale Ian Tompkins (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 355318 Email: Ian.Tompkins@northumberland.gov.uk
CON (CIG)
(LD) (LD) LAB (LD)
Morpeth Kirkhill Andrew Tebbutt (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 511631 Email: Andrew.Tebbutt@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
Lynemouth Milburn Douglas (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 860783 Email: Milburn.Douglas@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
Longhoughton John Taylor (Cllr) Home Tel: 01665 603825 Email: John.Taylor@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
(LD)
Lesbury Roger Styring (Cllr) Home Tel: 01665 830531 Email: Roger.Styring@northumberland.gov.uk
Plessey Jeff Reid (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 544113 Email: Jeff.Reid@northumberland.gov.uk
CON (CIG)
LAB
Kitty Brewster Grant Davey (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 369725 Email: jgrantdavey@googlemail.com
Pegswood David Woodard (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 790751 Email: David.Woodard@northumberland.gov.uk
CON (CIG)
LAB
Isabella Gordon Webb (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 365118 Email: Gordon.Webb@northumberland.gov.uk
Norham and Islandshires Dougie Watkin (Cllr) Home Tel: 01289 382324 Email: DouWatkin@aol.com
CON (CIG)
CON (CIG)
Humshaugh Edward Heslop (Cllr) Home Tel: 01434 681424 Email: Edward.Heslop@northumberland.gov.uk
Newbiggin Central and East Alan Thompson (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 818358 Email: Alan.Thompson@northumberland.gov.uk
CON (CIG)
(LD)
Holywell Bobby Nixon (Cllr) Home Tel: 0191 2370976 Email: Bobby.Nixon@northumberland.gov.uk
Newsham Deirdre Campbell (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 355242
IND
LAB
Hirst Ken Parry (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 855085 Email: Ken.Parry@northumberland.gov.uk
Morpeth Stobhill Ian Lindley (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 515217 Email: Ian.Lindley@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
(LD)
Hexham West Derek Kennedy (Cllr) Home Tel: 01434 607669 Email: Derek.Kennedy@northumberland.gov.uk
Morpeth North David Moore (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 504683 Email: David.Moore@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
CON (CIG)
Hexham East Ingrid Whale (Cllr) Home Tel: 01434 605282 Email: Ingrid.Whale@northumberland.gov.uk
IND
(LD) CON (CIG)
Hexham Central with Acomb Terry Robson (Cllr) Home Tel: 01434 607770 Email: Terry.Robson@northumberland.gov.uk
IND
Haydon and Hadrian Alan Sharp (Cllr) Home Tel: 01434 320167 Email: Alan.Sharp@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
Haydon Marcia Bircham (Cllr) Home Tel: 01670 819287 Email: Marcia.Bircham@northumberland.gov.uk
(LD)
Phone 0845 600 6400 | www.northumberland.gov.uk
Wooler Anthony Murray Home Tel: 01668 281062 Email: Anthony.Murray99@northumberland.gov.uk
For more details of how the council works, when key meetings take place and how to get in touch with your councillor, visit the council website at www.northumberland. gov.uk/76 29
Whats on? July The Chevy Chase Sat 2nd Wooler www.woolerrunningclub.co.uk Cars in the Courtyard - Jaguars Sun 3rd Wallington, Morpeth T: 01670 773600 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington Hexham Carnival Sun 3rd Hexham www.visithexham.net East Coast Sailing Week Thurs 7th - Sun 10th South Harbour, Blyth T: 07714 341664 www.rnyc.org.uk Brinkburn Music Festival Fri 8th - Sun 10th Brinkburn Priory T: 01665 833751 www.brinkburnmusic.org Prudhoe Community Band Sat 9th Wallington, Morpeth T: 01670 773600 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington Sense & Sensibility Sun 10th Belsay Hall T: 0870 3331183 www.englishheritage.org.uk/events Vintage Car Ralley Sun 10th Woodhorn, Ashington T: 01670 528080 www.experiencewoodhorn.com Guided Walk around Newbiggin Art Trail Sun 10th Newbiggin by the Sea T: 01670 817029 www.keapcreative.org.uk National Garden Scheme - Open Day Sun 10th Wallington, Morpeth T: 01670 773600 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington Bede – More than a Footnote in History Tues 12th Wallington, Morpeth T: 01670 773600 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington
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BBC Antiques Roadshow at Seaton Delaval Hall Thurs 14th Seaton Sluice T: 0191 2379100 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Rothbury Traditional Music Festival Fri 15th - Sun 17th Rothbury T: 01669 621000 www.rothbury-traditional-music.co.uk Selefest Youth Festival Sat 16th Hexham www.visithexham.net The Bike Place - The Hot Trod Sat 16th Kielder Water and Forest Park T: 0845 6341895 www.thebikeplace.co.uk Otterburn Festival Sat 16th - Sun 17th Otterburn T: 01830 521014 www.otterburnfestival.com Digging Up the Past (Guided Walk) Sun 17th Wallington, Morpeth T: 01670 773600 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington Discover the Uplands (Guided Walk) Wed 20th Wallington, Morpeth T: 01670 773600 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington Tweedmouth Salmon Queen Thur 21 & Tweedmouth Feast Festival Sat 23 Tweedmouth E: a.reid69@btinternet.com Burgham Horse Trials Fri 22nd - Sun 24th Burgham T: 0191 4328870 www.burghamhorsetrials.co.uk Mad About Monks (Family Fun Day) Sat 23rd - Sun 24th Wallington, Morpeth T: 01670 773600 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington
Bushcraft - Sleep out in a Shelter Sat 23rd - Sun 24th Allenbanks T: 01434 344314 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Medieval Crime & Punishment Sat 23rd - Sun 24th Warkworth Castle T: 0870 3331183 www.english-heritage.org.uk/events Glendale Festival Sun 24th Wooler T: 01668 282406 www.wooler.org.uk Medieval Clash of Knights Tues 26th - Wed 27th Warkworth Castle T: 0870 3331183 www.english-heritage.org.uk/events Summer Holiday Fun 26th July - 31st August Wallington, Morpeth T: 01670 773600 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington Family Activity Days 28th July - 3rd September Cragside, Rothbury T: 01669 620333 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside Go Wild at Wallington 28th July - 1st September Wallington, Morpeth T: 01670 773600 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington Alnwick International Music Festival 30th July - 6th August Alnwick T: 01665 511333 www.alnwickmusicfestival.com Tour of Rothley Crags (Guided Walk) Sat 30th Wallington, Morpeth T: 01670 773600 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington Carlisle Park - Picnic in the Park Sun 31st Morpeth T: 01670 503866 www.gmdt.net Guided Cycle Ride Sun 31st Haltwhistle T: 01434 344314 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Wallington Pipers Sun 31st Wallington, Morpeth T: 01670 773600 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington
Phone 0845 600 6400 | www.northumberland.gov.uk
Whats on? August Medieval Courtly Combat Tues 2nd and Thu 4th Warkworth Castle T: 0870 3331183 www.english-heritage.org.uk/events National Play Day - Ridley Park Wed 3rd Blyth T: 01670 542589 www.bval.co.uk Busking Bonanza Thu 4th Hexham www.visithexham.net Corbridge Chamber Music Festival Fri 5th - Sun 7th Corbridge T: 01434 652477 www.gouldpianotrio.com/corbridge.asp Children's Roman Army Sat 6th - Sun 7th Housesteads Roman Fort T: 0870 3331183 www.englishheritage.org.uk/events Great Flood of Bellingham Exhibition Sat 6th - Mon 15th Bellingham T: 01434 220616 www.bellingham-heritage.org.uk Fashion from the Past Weekend Sat 6th - Sun 7th Belsay Hall T: 0870 3331183 www.english-heritage.org.uk/events Meet the Saxons Sat 6th - Sun 7th Lindisfarne Priory T: 0870 3331183 www.english-heritage.org.uk/events Medieval Family Fun Weekend Sat 6th - Sun 7th Wallington, Morpeth T: 01670 773600 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington Powburn Show Sat 6th Powburn T: 01665 578576 Smooth Sundays at Blyth Bandstand Sundays throughout August Sun 7th - Sun 28th Blyth T: 01670 542267 www.bval.co.uk
Medieval Worst Jobs Tues 9th - Wed 10th Warkworth Castle T: 0870 3331183 www.english-heritage.org.uk/events
King Henry's Horrid History Tues 16th - Wed 17th Warkworth Castle T: 0870 3331183 www.english-heritage.org.uk/events
A Midsummer Night's Dream Fri 12th Warkworth Castle T: 0870 3331183 www.english-heritage.org.uk/events
Whittingham Show Sat 20th Whittingham T: 01665 574384
Spittal Seaside Festival Sat 13th - Sun 14th Berwick-upon-Tweed T: 01289 306387 www.spittalisgreat.co.uk
Viking Raiders Sat 20th - Sun 21st Lindisfarne Priory T: 0870 3331183 www.english-heritage.org.uk/events
Glanton Show Sat 13th Glanton T: 01665 574992 www.glantononline.net
Woodland Heritage Day Sun 21st Wallington, Morpeth T: 01670 773600 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington
Cranford (Play) Sat 13th Belsay Hall T: 0870 3331183 www.english-heritage.org.uk/events
Rennington Scarecrow Event Sat 27th - Mon 29th Rennington T: 01665 577535
Slaley Show Sat 13th Slaley T: 01434 673782
Bellingham Show Sat 27th Bellingham T: 01434 240008
Roman Falconry Sat 13th - Sun 14th Chesters Roman Fort T: 0870 3331183 www.englishheritage.org.uk/events
Heroes & Heroines Weekend Sat 27th - Sun 28th Wallington, Morpeth T: 01670 773600 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington
Northern Saints Pilgrimage Sun 14th - Fri 19th Riding Mill T: 01434 682212 E: julie@shepherdsdene.co.uk
Great North Bike Ride 2011 Sun 28th Starts Seahouses T: 0191 2632884 www.greatnorthbikeride.com
Guided Walk around Newbiggin Art Trail Sun 14th Newbiggin by the Sea T: 01670 817029 www.keapcreative.org.uk
Alnwick International Market Sun 28th - Tues 30th Alnwick T: 01665 606093 www.alnwickdevelopmenttrust.org
Simonside Country Fair Sun 14th Simonside, Rothbury T: 01669 621954
Glendale Show Mon 29th Wooler T: 01668 283868 www.glendaleshow.com
Open Air Theatre - The Pirates of Penzance Sun 14th Wallington, Morpeth T: 01670 773600 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington
Teddy Bear's Picnic Mon 29th Wallington, Morpeth T: 01670 773600 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington
Viking Boat Mon 15th - Fri 19th Lindisfarne Priory T: 0870 3331183 www.english-heritage.org.uk/events
Romans & Gladiators Sun 28th - Mon 29th Corbridge T: 0870 3331183 www.english-heritage.org.uk/events
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