Haydon News

July 2000

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EDITORIAL

* There’s nothing I like better on a cold winter’s evening than sitting by an open fire, whether at home or in a village pub. It’s certainly more appealing than drawing-up to a radiator or electric fire.

One of the first jobs we tackled when we bought our house in Haydon Bridge was to take out the electric fires, remove the brickwork blocking off the existing flues and insert fireplaces for open fires.

Tynedale Council have recently announced plans to make Haydon Bridge and two other villages, smokeless zones.

Moving into the village during the winter months we were soon made aware of the air quality problem. Walking along Ratcliffe Road or Church Street on a cold, damp, still evening it was difficult not to notice the absence of fresh air. The acrid smell of smoke from coal fires reminded me of my childhood in a Derbyshire mining town in the 40’s. Everyone had a coal fire with back boiler or cooking range. Miners had a free coal allowance which wasn’t to be wasted. With the introduction of smokeless zones in towns and cities in the 50’s and 60’s I had forgotten the smell of a coal fire, until we moved to Haydon Bridge.

In the first Haydon News I read, an article by Dr Ford on the poor air quality in Haydon Bridge and the resulting high incidence of respiratory problems among his patients, called for action to be taken. That was six years ago. Now this seems likely to happen with Tynedale Council having to meet Government Targets on air quality in their areas.

However, the proposals to make Haydon Bridge a smokeless zone would be more attractive to many, especially those on limited incomes, if grants were made available to convert to alternative sources of heating, and considerably more attractive to everyone if Natural Gas was a choice in the village. For those of us who want to retain an open fire, there’s always smokeless fuel. We use it already. It is more expensive than coal but as it gives out more heat you use less.

I was interested to note the Editorial Comment on the issue of creating a smokeless zone in Haydon Bridge in the week before last’s Courant. The writer saw no need to create a smokeless zone as the village is surrounded by fresh air. Well, that’s fine for the cattle and sheep and those people who live out-by, but for those of us in the village this fresh air just isn’t available on cold, still days or nights, unless, that is, you live far enough up the North Bank to be above it all.

In the same article there was also the comment that creating a smokeless zone is an urban answer to a rural issue. What is the rural answer? Extractor fans at each end of the village?

* The By-pass Committee has gained a new lease of life in time for the Government announcement on increased funding for transport including building a number of by-passes. Will their efforts be successful in gaining a by-pass for our village? I would like to think so but I have serious doubts. I feel that the decision makers consider the new bridge, by-passing the bottleneck of John Martin Street and the Old Bridge, solves the problem from the road users point if view. After all, other than when protesters create something of a hold-up by repeatedly crossing and re-crossing Ratcliffe Road (an excellent response by the way) what is there to hinder the smooth flow of traffic through the village? Even the lights on the pedestrian crossing work in favour of the traffic and don’t change until the road is clear of vehicles. A demand needs to be made for a change from traffic to pedestrian priorities on the A69 through the village.

While this Government has made murmurings about environmental factors being taken into account when places to be by-passed are chosen, I am sure that those towns and villages that cause regular daily hold-ups to the smooth flow of traffic are the ones that will get priority. Haydon Bridge isn’t such a place! I hope I’m wrong.

* Recently planning applications have been made for housing developments on the Innerhaugh, at the Old Foundry Yard on Church Street and possibly Tait’s Yard.

All of these schemes are for ‘affordable housing’, which I understand means low cost for people who are retired, on low incomes or unemployed, as evidently there is a demand for this type of housing in Haydon Bridge. But where does this demand come from? Haydonians? There may be a shortage of single bed-roomed flats (proposals for the Old Foundry Yard site) but three low cost housing schemes following so quickly on the heels of the Showfield development? I would seriously question the local demand. After all not all the houses for rent at the Showfield were let to locals as was the original intention. There just was not the demand!

Maybe the proposed schemes for Haydon Bridge are seen as satisfying a demand in the central Tynedale area, Hexham, Corbridge, Allendale where high cost housing developments have mushroomed in the past 20 years or so. Not that I want to see Haydon Bridge surrounded by executive housing but it is important for the future viability of the village that a reasonable mix of housing for all types of people is maintained. Recently new and far from low cost housing schemes seem to be sprouting up in and around Bardon Mill. Perhaps it is that Haydon Bridge is viewed by the developers and Tynedale Council as the poor relation.

What percentage of the total housing stock in the village is recognised as low cost housing? There are some houses for sale in the village at the present time for £50 – 60,000 and less. Perhaps our local Tynedale Councillors could let us know.

* In this month’s edition, we have a new and welcomed contribution from Shaftoe Trust First School, a delightful collection of poems written by the children.

* Delivered with this Haydon News you should also have received a questionnaire from the Friends of Haydon Bridge asking for views on the ‘Friends’ proposal for trying to develop an area in the village for recreation and leisure purposes. A full article on this appeared in the Haydon News earlier in the year. I hope you will find the time to complete the questionnaire as we would welcome your views.

MP

EDITORIAL POLICY OF THE HAYDON NEWS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

3^rd July 2000

Dear Mr Thomas ( Chairman – Friends of Haydon Bridge )

I refer to the June publication of the Haydon News and specifically page 13’s comments concerning the allocation of former Council Dwellings.

May I take the opportunity of confirming that since 20^th December 1999, all former Tynedale District Council properties were transferred to Tynedale Housing Limited, a non-profit making Housing Company. My company allocates dwellings in accordance with the policy agreed by our Board of Management but Tynedale Council do have nomination rights accordingly.

Tynedale Housing, like all registered Social Landlords, is regulated by the Housing Corporation and in addition my company whole-heartedly accepts the right of elected representatives to enquire on housing matters in respect of the constituents.

I trust this clarifies the position accordingly.

Your sincerely

C Scott ( Housing Services Manager ) Tynedale Housing,

Prospect House

Hexham

The day was lovely and sunny for the Fête in the garden of the Old Vicarage. Mrs Florence Turnbull kindly opened the Fête, and ended by saying, "Spend, Spend, Spend!" and the folk who came along did their best to do just that.

Many thanks to everyone who gave towards the stalls, the teas, the raffle and tombola prizes, everyone who sold raffle tickets, the young mums who helped with activities for the little ones, to Josie, Katie and Jack for providing pony rides, and all who helped to make the Fête such a good time.

Also many thanks to Nick and Janette for letting us use their lovely garden and for providing the group who played so well throughout the afternoon.

Very many thanks to all who donated in the Gift Day envelopes.

The proceeds: Summer Fete - £1,013

Gift Day - £593

Joyce Armstrong - Treasurer ( Parochial Church Council )

_______________________

St Cuthbert’s Church – Haydon Bridge
"The Friends of Haydon Bridge" - Bingo session Saturday 1^st July

Many thanks to all the "Friends" who organised the Bingo Night and for the donation of £110 towards the Church Funds.

We do appreciate the help given.

LANGLEY WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Langley W. I. had not met since the June outing to the Cheese Farm at Blagdon followed by supper at the Blackbird Inn in Ponteland.

At the farm a most interesting talk was given to the group by the owner, Mr Mark Robertson, who traced the history of his involvement with Northumberland cheeses from 1985 up to the present day. The talk was followed by sampling every one of their many cheeses, a delicious climax. Ending the evening at the Blackbird Inn, the outing was a great success.

At the July meeting the speaker was Mr M Costar on "Allergy Testing" a subject of much interest to everyone present. Mr Costar explained that he had ten years experience with his subject but he still never stopped learning. One in four people, he said, have an allergy or sensitivity to something of some sort. It is alarming, he continued, that more people than ever are now coming to him for treatment of allergies and sensitivities. It is not apparently necessarily a question of nutrition. It is the unknown and hidden factors about us that are worrying. He made a point of stating that one should seek advice from one’s own doctor first before considering alternative treatments.

There are a range of tests available. For example, patch, scratch, blood and muscle tests. Exclusion diets where certain foods are avoided can be helpful. The most common complaints are rashes, whether all over or only on hands. There can also be digestive problems, memory problems caused by the use of pesticides and environmental toxins and strongly advised us to read all the labels and study the ingredients of everything we buy especially on toiletries and avoid anything with E621 on the packaging. Mr Costar urged us to eat as much organic food as possible and to avoid household sprays which he described as an arsenal of chemicals which can be harmful when inhaled in a confined space.

It was a most informative and thought-provoking talk.

The competition – "A Jug" - was won by Frances Wise with Muriel Brown as runner-up.

Mary Nagel

Councillor Mitchell has withdrawn his resignation from the Parish Council.

The By-pass. Hundreds of people from the village have written to the Minister for Transport. This includes some transport companies who were leafleted during the recent demonstration. Haydon Bridge is mentioned in the draft plan which says that the village needs an appraisal. We still need to prove the case for the by-pass. It was suggested that a report be drawn up stating our case and giving evidence, as in the results of the recent traffic survey. We need to add evidence from the whole community.

Altonside. When the residents there began to convert their barn, it fell down. Now they cannot get planning permission to build on the site because it is now classed as building a new building. The site has been used as a settlement since the 16^th century and Councillor Mitchell is preparing a report demonstrating the historic use of the site.

New Housing. There are plans for 10 low cost FLATS at Johnny Heslop's Yard.  There will be off-street parking for 8 cars. The development must be in keeping with Church Street. Tynedale Housing will seek planning permission for this development.

Bellway and Home Housing plan to build 10 houses on the Inner Haugh site. 5 shared ownership bungalows for over 55 year olds. There will also be 5 low cost houses to rent. Both of these are intended for local people and are in line with village housing needs. These have gone through the committee stage at Tynedale Council and are going to Planning. The money must be spent within this financial year. It was commented that road access has always been a problem at the Inner Haugh site.

Car/Coach Parking. The Church Street car park will be located on the grassed area beside the railway line. We also need a designated Coach Park so that coaches can make a stopping point in the village for coffees, lunches etc. The possibility of the cemetery lay-by was discussed and also a section of Tait's Yard.

Auditing Arrangements. Price Waterhouse Cooper are withdrawing from their contract of auditing Parish Councils from next year. The government is reviewing auditing arrangements and will make changes for next year.

The refurbished Langley Village Hall will open on Friday 4^th August at 4.00pm.

Swimming Pool proposal. A resident wrote to the Parish Council with a suggestion to put a swimming pool on a part of Tait's Yard. This would benefit people of all ages in the village and save the expense of travelling to Hexham. The proposal was discussed with interest and will be followed up.

Old Bridge Renovations. These are finally due to begin in September. Some High School students have presented ideas for the design of railings to go along the A69 and a design was selected.

The Anchor Inn. The brewery have not kept to the planned colour scheme and not tidied up the outside of the building. It needs tidying up, especially in light of the bridge renovations.

The Riverside area is now finished and the Shaftoe Trust will provide money for a sign saying 'Picnic Area'. Brown signs are needed for the village and a sign pointing to, and labelling the public toilets. Many people passing through ask for toilet facilities.

Britain in Bloom. The judges were impressed with Shaftoe Terrace and the topiary. They were quite impressed with Ratcliffe Road and the gardens behind it. They commented that everyone should make an effort to pull out bits of grass that grow between the houses and the pavements. A letter of thanks will be sent to Robbs for the donation of two flower tubs to the village.

Rainbow Writers. A lottery grant for a Millennium Festival was announced. The Festival will be held in October and November and involve all sections of the community in its activities. These will include workshops and presentations of local art, writing and history.

The Parish Council will meet again in September 2000.

We moved back into the Community Centre on 12^th June 2000 after a year’s happy dancing in the Church Hall (St. Cuthbert’s). Thanks to the Church for the use of the hall over the past year.

Of course the rent has to increase at the Centre but with your excellent support at the moment the Club can hold the admission prices at £1.

Did you know that less than half of our members come from Haydon Bridge? So come on folks, you can’t do much better for a pound, two hours dancing, a cup of tea and biscuits and a raffle ticket.

Jean and Ron Clyde from Hexham celebrated their Golden Wedding on 12^th June. Winnie and Ken from Haydon Bridge celebrated 53 years of marriage on 5th July. Ken served with the Desert Rats during the last war.

On 16^th August the Dance Club are paying a return visit to Throckley Dance Club. They last paid us a visit four years ago. The bus will be funded by the Club. Jim Renwick, a member from Alston, will be taking us so we will be in good hands.

Jim Biggs

WANTED

Has anyone a discarded pram preferably with 6" wheels and a wire rack underneath?

I’d like to convert it to carry my cases of CDs

HISTORICAL NOTES OF HAYDON BRIDGE

SORRY NO ARTICLE THIS MONTH

YOUNG WRITERS

SILVER

A cobweb shimmering in the night.
Explosion of silver in the dark.
Stars like a glinting in the sky.
Shining like doves flying up high.
A silver firework in the early morning dawn.
A badgers coat shining from the ground.

Natalie Bowe – aged 8 years

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SILVER

A shimmering cobweb shining with silver.
The stars glinting off the moon.
A sparkling stream twisting and turning.
Scaly fish reflecting in the water.

Jessica Anne Easby – aged 8 years

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The Shimmering Moon

The moon is as
Clear as crystal,
As colourful as a rainbow,
Red as a rose,
As light as the sun,
As white as snow,
As soft as silk and
As cute as a puppy.
A shimmering silver stream
With spiralling fishes and
A silver bridge with
Silver explosions
With oil spills
Like exploding fireworks

Amy Flanagan – age 9 years.

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SILVER

Silver water falls showering over silver rocks like pots of silver.
Silver streamers like party poppers
A silver web glinting in the moonlight.
Silver snails with a twirling shell.
Silver slugs like blobs of paint.
Silver birch leaves that feel like silk.
Fireworks of silver awakes the night
and spiders twirling in their silver web.

Kayleigh Willis – age 9 years.

=

SILVER

A shimmering waterfall with silver
fish scales sparkling like a spiders web.
An explosion of silver awakes the night like silver fireworks.
A silver trail glinting in the moonlight
left from a silver-shelled snail.
Silver stars shining in the midnight sky
like disco lights.

Rebecca Liddle – aged 8 years

FROGS

Floating on a green lily pad
Swimming in circles
Looking for juicy flies
Sitting on a big stone

Kevin

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FROGS

Jumping in the pond
Catching big flies for his tea.
Splashing in the water
Hiding under lily pads.

J.R

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FROGS

Frogs sitting on a stone

Drinking from a beautiful pond

Listening for the sound of birds singing.

FROGS

Catching flies floating down the river
Jumping from green leaf to leaf
Sitting on a stone
Hiding under a lily pad

M.C.

=

FROGS

Catching flies
Sitting on a lily pad
Croaking and diving in the pond
Swimming smoothly.

THE RAINBOW WRITERS

Hello Everyone

Here we are at the beginning of August with still very little sunny weather to help inspire us to pick up a pen and ‘wax lyrical’. However, we did try in our June workshop to work up a bit of enthusiasm by letting our imagination have full sway. We began by reading out our homework, a monologue. The idea was to imagine oneself to be an inanimate object.

A BATH

I have always considered myself far too sophisticated to be hanging up by a nail on the back door. I’ve had them all inside me you know, the whole of Sele Street you might say. I’ve never leaked either although I was dragged to the barricades for the war front. Some don’t use me, mind you. They’d rather pay for the privilege down at the Public Baths, snotty upstarts. The locals call me ‘Buckstead Beauty’ and sometimes they grease my bottom and polish my handles.

From Monologue we moved on to Dialogue. We asked the class to write a conversation between ‘Two Flies on a Wall’

Finally we attempted a little bit of ‘Lateral Thinking’ This is one member’s interpretation of "Death Blow"

Well, that’s it for another month. Sylvia and I really enjoy "The Workshop" Do you?
Your comments please. Joyce

The Rainbow Writers were over the moon when they heard that the Lottery's "Millennium Awards for All" had funded them £3,900 to organise a Millennium Festival for Haydon Bridge and the surrounding area. It's aim is to involve the whole community in a celebration of creativity in writing about Haydon Bridge and its history. It will take place in October and throughout November 2000.

A poster competition will be held to advertise the Festival, which will also include an exhibition of local artists; a John Martin night; an Archive 2000 presentation; a session of local memories and story-writing; a poetry and writing workshop together with a Millennium Souvenir publication of work produced during the Festival.

The Rainbow Writers will be using both local and outside expertise to lead the activities which are intended to be stimulating and fun. The schools, youth groups and the Out and About Club have been invited to take part and the Festival will encourage local poets, writers and artists to bring along their work. The Festival will be based around freedom of expression, and the pleasure of writing and poetry. We want people from around the area to come along, have a go and enjoy themselves. Everything will be free to the participants.

The group have set up a Steering Committee to organise the events, made up of Sylvia Mitchell, Myra Bowen, Sue Harley, Jill Henderson.

For further information and enquiries contact Sylvia Mitchell 684 035 or Sue Harley 688 895.