Haydon News

January 2001

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EDITORIAL

SORRY NOTHING FROM THE EDITOR THIS MONTH

EDITORIAL POLICY OF THE HAYDON NEWS

HISTORICAL NOTES OF HAYDON BRIDGE

Dennis Telford

ON THE MARTIN TRAIL - part 3.

John Martin (1789 - 1854) Early years at Haydon Bridge (1789 - 1803) The entry in the baptism register of St. Cuthbert's Chapel, Haydon, in the parish of Warden and County of Northumberland, provides the starting point for my story about the youngest child of the Martin family.

John was baptised on the day he was born. An urgency that maybe isn't surprising bearing in mind that eight of Fenwick and Isabella's thirteen children failed to survive. As it happened there was no real need to rush through John's baptism as he lived a very full sixty-four years, seven months, during which his artistic talents brought him fame and celebrity status throughout the world.

In 1789 Fenwick, Isabella, Richard, Jonathan, Ann and baby John all lived together in one room at the south end of the stone building which still stands at East Land Ends. William, the eldest son, was a rope maker's apprentice and had probably left home by this time. Fenwick had been discharged from the army following his wounding during the American War. He had little employment other than his occasional fencing lessons and the family were forced to eke out a living on his meagre pension. As a consequence, John was to say in later life that, “By birth, my station could scarcely have been humbler than it was”. Isabella wasn't able to feed John as a baby and he had a wet nurse called Mary French who lived in the Tan Yard. Mary and her husband Mathew's own son was baptised with a Christian name of Hetherington on 30th August 1789.

It is generally assumed that when John lived in the one-roomed cottage at East Land Ends, the remainder of the building was open cart sheds, as described by Martin's biographer Thomas Balston in 1947. Close examination of two photographs which form part of Harry Watson's fine collection suggests that the Martin family probably shared the building with the farm animals. It was then converted to a simple dwelling sometime during the 1800's, then to the arched cart sheds and finally it was returned again to living accommodation as it is now.

On an interesting historical note, among John Martin's own papers is a reference to his birthplace as 'Lowlands End'. There is also mention made of Isabella Thompson, John's mother having been the daughter of a 'small landed proprietor at the Lowlands End'. Even today the Laing Art Gallery's commentary on John Martin refers to 'Lands End'. I am unable to trace the definitive source of the name 'Lowlands End' but I am prepared to make an informed guess.

Prior to 1780, 'Land Ends' was one farm having been part of the Langley Castle Estates. Part of the Land Ends Farm comprised the 'Low Close' and the 'Low Haughs', fields on the banks of the River Tyne which are now partly occupied by the Poplars Caravan site. The fields further upstream were called the 'High Haughs'. Can we assume then that the locals in the 1700's may have referred to the farm land which we know today as East Land Ends by reference to the Low Lands??

A more scholarly explanation was provided for me recently by Mr. Coombes, a diligent recorder of our heritage and our only true local historian. After 1256 A.D., Sir Nicholas de Bolteby (who had married into the Tindale family) inherited land (from amongst others Thomas de Ley and Eva de Playnmeleor) in Leislowe for the extension of Langley Park. Is this the origin of Lowlands End?? Some time after John was born the family moved to a small cottage at Low Hall and then eventually to a thatched cottage on the north side of the river.

Records show that in 1876 Mr. Hugh Barr lived in a house which had replaced the Martin family's thatched cottage on the north side of the river and earlier, in 1873, Mr. Barr had sold part of his land to the village Wesleyans for their new chapel. This chain of events indicates that the Martin's cottage on the north side was just to the west of our new Community Centre.

It was in this cottage that William Lee, our village's historian in the 1800's, tells us that John “painted several pictures on coarse calico” and “on one occasion there was great rejoicing in the village, the place being illuminated. Young Martin had some pictures fastened to the end of some short poles, the other end of which were stuck in the thatch roof and these were greatly admired”.

When John went to school it was to the John Shaftoe Free School in the village. Mr. Coombes, in his most interesting and informative account of the Charity, gives some indication of the instruction which was given to the pupils in the single large room of the old school. This included English Grammar, Holy Scripture, Geography, Classical Learning and possibly Arithmetic.

The holidays were: one month to begin when the corn harvest was general in the neighbourhood and one month from December 15th.

Mr. Coombes also informs us that, 'The Trustees of the school threatened expulsion on those pupils who didn't attend Sunday School as well as morning and evening Church services'. The pupils had to attend school on a Sunday at 9.30am and half an hour before the evening service so that they could go together to the village church. Our church was built on Bridge Loaning in 1795 during John Martin's boyhood days in the village. It opened for service in 1796.

Before this date, if the walk from school was to the 'Old' church at Haydon it must have been a much more strenuous affair. Through the steep green meadows to the Tofts Farm and then the gentle walk towards Haydon and the church with the beauty of the Tyne vale laid out before them to the south. An inspiration for the young Martin perhaps?

Haydon Bridge has long been renowned for walks of a circuitous nature and the return from the old church would not need to follow the same route but through the wall stile at the north east corner of the graveyard, following the Cruel Syke to the foot of the Haydon Bank and home. A journey to and from worship which may seem an arduous task in the year of Our Lord 2001, but even in my younger days an equally long walk before and after Sunday School was deemed to benefit both body and mind. And who is to argue that this isn't the case?

Considering John Martin's grandmother's and mother Isabella's commitment to his religious education it's unlikely that he had to be spoken to by the school Trustees for failing to attend church. It is recorded however, that he did play truant from school and, 'made little progress'.

If John took anything at all from the basics of a classical education received at the Shaftoe Free School, it must have been especially beneficial for him in his later years with the circle of friends he acquired after he moved to London in 1806.

According to John's own account, he was of timid and nervous temperament as a youngster and frightened of the dark. Haunted by the fear of sin and the Devil. His mother's obsessive religious teachings had their effect!

John was clear in his writing that he believed the early years of a person's life were influential in developing the adult. It's a pity then, that John hasn't left more personal recollections about his early life in Haydon Bridge. His son, Leopold Charles Martin does provide some reminiscences however, as described to him by his father.

'In his early years at Haydon Bridge he was remarkable for his devotion to and love of the wonders of Nature. In solitary rambles seeking all that was grand, romantic and beautiful in the lovely valley of the Tyne'.

We are given to understand that John's rambles were 'solitary' because he had no companions in the village who possessed the 'refined feelings necessary to fully appreciate the wonders of nature that were apparent to John himself'. In 1840 John Hodgson, our County Historian, gave some substance to John's claims when he said the school hadn't elicited, 'talent much beyond mediocrity' and, 'the population for whose benefit it was founded … are still content with a low modicum of learning!' How times change! Don't they? If this is true and has any relevance at all for us today, it must be that we shouldn't take for granted the wonderful natural heritage that surrounds us in the Tyne and Allen fells and valleys.

It may be of course that the young Martin soon realised that if you are in the countryside, seeking to be at one with nature, chattering companions are the last thing that you need!

John's three brothers all had artistic talent. William was a skilful engraver. Richard was said to have 'produced pieces that would not have disgraced a professional artist' and Jonathan was a draughtsman all his life. It isn't surprising then that John was fond of drawing and painting from a very early age and it appears that he was given particular encouragement by Richard, who had his own paint box, when it became clear to him that his younger brother possessed a skill much superior to his own efforts.

John's genius for drawing became increasingly evident as he grew up at Haydon Bridge. On his solitary visits to Langley Castle he used to, 'feast his eyes on pictures, placed out of the way in the ruined tower as worthless'. On one of these he painted a portrait of his grandmother Ann Thompson's cat.

On another occasion John climbed to the top of the ruined tower and so dreaded coming down that he got stuck in a chimney and was nearly killed. He had to be pulled down by force, so tightly was he stuck.

Until John eventually received a box of watercolours as a reward for his successful portrait painting, he used colour from a house painter and any coloured earth he could find for his first attempts as a young artist.

William Lee also informs us that a school friend of John's remembers him going down the riverside and sketching with a stick on the wet sand, sketching on a slate while remaining indoors during school playtime and sketching on the schoolroom wall with a burnt stick. The results of this was, 'a picture of two boys fighting and one receiving chastisement over the master's knee. So life-like that all the faces and figures could be recognised'.

When the Martin family left their home on the north side at Haydon Bridge and moved to Newcastle it is probably safe to assume that his father Fenwick recognised the earning potential of his young son. John was to describe the move in later years, 'having from my earliest years attempted to draw and expressed a determination to be a painter, the question was how to turn my desire to profitable account and it was ultimately decided to make me a herald painter in consequence of which, upon the removal of my family to Newcastle, I was apprenticed to Wilson the Coachbuilder of that town!'

The year the family moved to Newcastle was 1803 and John was fourteen years old.

( Final part: 1803 - 1854 to come ) 1789 July 19th John (son) Fenwick and Bella Martin of East Land Ends. 

LANGLEY WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Langley W.I. Welcomed Mrs Amanda Odd, Chairman of 'Geordie Jaunts' and Dr. Alan Donaldson to their January meeting.

'Geordie Jaunts' was formed in 1995 to provide two annual summer holidays in the Northumbrian countryside for 24 under-privileged, inner city children from Tyneside aged between 7 and 11, children who would not otherwise have a holiday or experience country life.

Mrs Odd explained that the aim is Tynedale Holidays for Tyneside Children and is run by a group of experienced adult volunteers with a wide variety of skills ably assisted by 6th Formers aged 17 and 18 from Queen Elizabeth High School and Haydon Bridge High School who act as youth leaders. Activities are varied and include a day on the beach, pony trekking, swimming, canoeing, visits to castles and farms, pursuing nature trails and adventure walks. The evenings are spent in their cottage at Chesters with games, barbecues, stories, songs and camp fires. 'Geordie Jaunts' is a charity and is totally dependent on generous donations from Charitable Trusts, businesses, private individuals and on fund raising activities. The children pay nothing.

The talk was followed by a short business meeting when the Darts Team was congratulated on its progress.

The competition for an Animal Ornament was won by, first, Kate Rutherford and second, Mrs P Stewart. The raffle was won by Doreen Davison.

Myra Bowen

ALISTAIR BURROWES GETS TRAPPED IN 1901

I'd actually gone into the library at Hexham with the intention of hunting out and reading the “Archaeological Aeliana Series 4 vol xiv” but was so uninspired by the book's title that I was almost asleep by the time I found it. So instead of learning about the Roman Excavations at Carrowburgh car park in 1964, I opted for the collection of old Hexham Courants instead, and spent the next 90 minutes or so contentedly flicking through the pages of February 1901.

In the 2nd February paper, in bold letters spread right across the page appeared 'Doctor Williams Pink Pills for Pale People!' I didn't have time to read the small print before another one whisked me across the page and away from it. 'A pleasant Remedy for Delicate Children!' it said. Ah, now that one I had to stop and look at. Whatever could it be? A gloved clip around the lug perhaps? No. It was just some 'Angiers Petroleum Emulsion.' And I never did read it through. Consequently, I'm still not sure what you would do with the stuff. Eat it, rub it in, throw it at them, or coat the little blighters with such a huge quantity of it that they couldn't move?

There was another. 'Clarke's Blood Mixture!' 'For Purifying and Restoring the Blood,' it said. 'Yuk!' I said, and decided I'd rather meet Count Dracula some dark night up at the old church than screw the top off a bottle of that.

What a strange place 1901 must have been.

Then I noticed, 'Sensational new Author and Story'. 'J. Mclaren-Cobbans's latest book, “The Green Turbans” was up for grabs. The “Archaeological Aeliana” suddenly sprang back to mind as I dampened a fingertip and turned the page.

The adverts continued varying and boastful, even if not always in the best possible taste. Then right there, slap in the middle of the front page was 'A cure for Scabs on Sheep'. Just lovely that with your morning bacon and eggs.

Inside there was 'Dulcemona Tea.' Said to be young, fresh, invigorating. I re-read that one to make sure it was only tea on offer, and unfortunately it was. But at only 2/- per lb at least it seemed not bad value.

ROBB's were here as well. 'Fancy Striped Robes in Green and Drab Shades!' they offered proudly. “Gosh! I say. Let's all rush to Hexham and buy a drab robe!“ Mind you, they were reduced from 39/6 to 16/11. Hah! I wonder why.

The Haydon Bridge village notes stated that a Service in the Parish Church, conducted by the Reverend Mandell, had the 'F' Company of the V.B.N.F. in attendance. I wonder if these are the same soldiers I have seen pictures of marching so confidently over the Old Bridge and then up Church Street. Anyway, they all had a disagreement, and only half turned up at the next session.

I thought 'Phosferine' which was mentioned close to the bit about the soldiers, sounded like something they might have used while in a battle, but it was only a cure 'For a Worn Out Nervous System.' Oh, I see! These days I think we call that Sherry.

At the 'Scotch Arms' a property auction took place with the 'Dwelling House and Garden of the Tofts Bank Cottage' on offer along with its 8 acres, 2 roods, and 14 perches. The highest bid was £600 for the whole lot by Mr. T. Willan of the Grags. But he was unsuccessful, and the sale was withdrawn. The bidding was so poor, apparently no one was quite sure what a rood was, and as for buying perches, well anyone can break a few branches off a tree can't they.

While back at the Council Meeting, a request for a footpath to cross the railway line at 'Pasture Well' was made, also a renewed attempt for a similar structure within the station. But this had already been discussed and rejected several times. Which is fair enough, but where is 'Pasture Well?'

Snow in the middle of February had been falling steadily, which is not unusual, although according to Haydon correspondent, Dilston Ratcliffe, there was just enough on the streets of the village to make them 'exceedingly slippery for both man and beast'. Mr. R. also pointed out that children were becoming a bit of a pest with their persistent sliding and sledging up and down the main roads. Threaten them with some 'Angiers Petroleum Emulsion Mr. R. that'll scare them off.

In the edition of Feb 16th 'Beecham's Pills' declared that they were a must 'for all Bilbous and Nervous Disorders, Sick Headaches, Constipation, Wind, Pain in the Stomach, Impaired Digestion, Disordered Liver, and all female ailments!' Then just to make you feel even better, they proudly include that 'directions' are in each box. 'Directions?' Directions to where exactly? The hospital? The mortuary?

'Fits Cured', which I thought at first was a German, but was only some more dodgy looking lotion. Then there was 'Coaguline' and 'Dodd's Kidney Pills' and 'Congreve's Balsamic Elixir' and even 'Old False Teeth Bought,' by an enterprising firm in Ipswich. 'Post them to us.' They say, 'We'll pay their utmost value.' Yeah right!

'The Green Turbans' mustn't have topped the bill too well though, as it's now appearing in serial form in the Courant. Which must have made the advertisements even more attractive.

Then I spotted a huge ad for Bile Beans, entitled, 'An Anaemic Young Lady's Trials'. This hapless creature apparently, 'Always Felt Tired and had No Energy.' Until, that was, she discovered BBs. It continues, 'But Bile Beans Changed all that!' Now she looks stuffed full of 1901 life complete with frilled collar, wide hat and blurry smile. 'Simply marvellous!' She says, as she stands there clutching onto her flimsy parasol for support. The list of things these Beans can sort you out with looks impressive. Everything from hiccups to hernias, although there's nothing there about hangovers.

Best of all, I think you can still buy them today, in the supermarkets priced at around 4p a tin.

Mr. Ratcliffe had the last word in February a hundred years ago this month, when he announced that a lecture at the Church would be held by George Millar and he would be talking about 'Modern Miracles'.

I don't suppose 'Doctor Williams Pink Pills' or 'Bile Beans' would have warranted a mention though.

Alistair Burrowes

OVER 60'S CLUB

The Over 60's met in the Community Centre for the first time since their Christmas Party early in December.

The party was a huge success with music, story-telling, fantastic food and gifts and Christmas Cards for everyone. It was a most enjoyable occasion and well-attended despite the weather.

At the January meeting members wished Molly Johnston and Myra Bowen 'Very Happy Birthdays'.

Because of the length of time since the last meeting much of the time was spent socialising and catching up with business when Mrs Spark gave the Financial Report. The meeting ended with Card Bingo.

The Over 60's meet on the second Wednesday of every month in the Community Centre from 2pm until 4pm. New members are always welcomed.

At the February meeting there will be a demonstration of how to make small boxes out of used Christmas Cards. Myra Bowen 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor,

I wonder if any of your readers have memories of my father - George Holland - who was a huntsman with the Haydon Hunt and retired from the post on 30th April 1910.

Hunting must be good for you because he went on in 1930 to open a shop with his second wife in Harrogate and fathered me in 1939. He himself was born in 1872 and named me after the Haydon Hunt of which he had such fond memories.

My permanent e-mail address is: Haydon@willows92.freeserve.co.uk

I would love to hear of any history of the Haydon Hunt.

Yours faithfully

Haydon Holland.

 Dear Sir,

My '5 times' great grandfather, John Telford, was married in St. Cuthbert's Church, Haydon Bridge in 1698. Since then there have always been Telford's in the village. My great, great grandfather, George Telford, was born at Standalone and his five sons were born at Chesterwood. He and his wife Mary died at Cubstocks. Edward, my grandfather was orphaned at an early age and became an apprentice joiner to his brother William who was his guardian. He moved to Consett in the early 1870's to find work at Consett Iron Company.

It was just over two years ago that I decided to trace my ancestors and eventually I came to Chesterwood. When I read that BBC 'Look North' were looking for interesting family history stories I sent mine in. That's why, on a bitterly cold day in December, I was at Chesterwood with Ann Leuchars and the crew, filming just a tiny part of my story.

An old family photo shows an elderly bearded man sitting on a flight of stone steps. It has hung in my dining room for some time and I took it with me when I went to see Chesterwood at the kind invitation of Margaret Parker. She showed the very steps in the photo which are part of an old bastle house. These steps were the scene of the introduction by Ann Leuchars and also the scene of many bemused bystanders such as the farmer and the postman.

The next scene to be filmed showed myself and Ann talking about how long the Telfords lived there and all the children who were born there. The cat outside the cottage proved very photogenic as she posed in front of the camera!

Finally we moved down into the village to re-enact the time when I found the headstone of my great great grandparents and their eldest son George which occupies a lovely spot in St. Cuthbert's Churchyard. It was at least slightly warmer down there.

The short film went out twice on Wednesday 3rd January on BBC 'Look North' and the phone never stopped ringing. A lot of people wanted to know where Chesterwood was and thought I was extremely fortunate to find my ancestors lived in such a lovely place. I quite agree!

Yours faithfully

Margaret Nesbitt

11, West Acre, Shotley Bridge County Durham, DH8 0AY

P.S. William, my great grandfather's brother, is Dennis Telford's great grandfather.

Editor's note: Dennis has been appraised of this letter 

OWLD TAWNY REMEMBERED

Grindon Lough looked peaceful that Autumn day as it lay lost amongst the folds of the hills.

Its waters were unruffled and calm as I looked down from the old Roman road of Stanegate at Mallard Duck dabbling around the margins. Widgeon whistled from the reed beds, having arrived back to winter on the lough only a day or two earlier than the previous year.

A wet hill fog rolled in across the brown rushes and bent grass of the open moor toward that which was once the glory of Rome, Hadrian's Wall and the fort of Borcivicios.

Two thousand years have long gone, I thought, since the Roman occupation, as I gazed out toward that Roman camp; the Legions are long gone; the men who guarded this far Roman outpost of the Great Roman Empire are long dead; only moss covered stones remain of the wall and fort, where, in winter, a thin ,evil wind whistles among its ruins as it did 2,000 years ago, biting into the bones of the soldiers whose only thoughts would be of home and the warmth and sunshine of Italy.

'Owld Tawny'

(from notes he left behind) 

CORRESPONDENCE 12th December 1999

Over the last year a collection was undertaken by Shaftoe Trust First School, The Playgroup, The Health Centre and the Post Office, all in Haydon Bridge.

It was begun in memory of Sarah Henderson (Doctor Mary's daughter) who was so tragically drowned in the Thames in a most bizarre accident.

On the anniversary of her death the collection was closed and, in accordance with her parents' wishes, a cheque for £266.50 from the residents of Haydon Bridge was presented to Henshaw First School.

Camilla Drax 

Life is strewn with coincidences!

A London statue plagued by pigeons and besieged by tourists may get a new resting place - in Brentwood.

Mr Ken Livingstone - the Capital's mayor - provoked outrage by calling for the removal of statues of two military heroes, Sir Charles Napier and Sir Henry Havelock. He had questioned their appeal and said he had “never heard of them”.

However, Brentwood Council think Sir Charles could provide a fitting tribute to Brentwood's heritage. ---- This was brought to the 'Haydon News' attention by Mr R Veitch who lives about 5 minutes walk from the public house which bears this hero's name.

He used to live a similar distance from the family home to the 'General Havelock' as he remembered it in the 1920's'1930's.

5 Bardeswell Close, Brentwood Essex, CM14 4TJ

Notes from the Parish Council Meeting

 Held at the Community Centre (Haydon Bridge) Thursday 21st December 2000 at 7.30pm. 

Present were: 8 Councillors (apologies from 1), the Parish Clerk and 1 member of the public.

Public Participation: A letter was read out by Cllrs. concerning trees being felled in front of Belmont Gardens even though the area concerned was in a conservation area and there had been no consultation in advance. A Cllr. had been approached and he had obtained a copy of the paper and discussed it with the Forestry Commission, TDC, NCC and the logger. Nothing could be done as the preservation order had been placed 30 years ago and the rules were different now! An explanation from TDC as to how this could be allowed to happen will be requested and it will be asked to change its system to prevent a re-occurrence of this situation.

Heslop's Yard: The situation has not changed as far as TDC & Housing is concerned. The offer to sell the land to TDC has been withdrawn although it has been suggested that two/three houses could be built instead. Housing are looking at other ways to spend this money.

Innerhaugh: The Chief Planning Officer had withdrawn the planning application because alternative suggestions had been tabled. Number of houses to be reduced to 47 (from 54); there will be a significant improvement in the play area; houses next to Ratcliffe Road to be turned around to face the road; disposal of sewerage to be looked at; access on to the A69; proposal that some houses have chimneys (false)!; a check to be made on riverside levels re: flooding. Indications are that Bellway wish to go ahead.

Cllr. Fletcher has had two meetings with Julie Gibbon (Haltwhistle) and has suggested that it would be helpful to have any concerns in writing for presenting at meetings. Please let Cllr. Fletcher know of any concerns.

H.E.R.S: The Church Street project has been looked at and is to go ahead as soon as possible. Good News!

Highways & Bypass: A letter had been received from ONE North East but it had not really said anything. There was sympathy but no decision. Communication from the Transport Office is awaited. A report in the Hexham Courant indicates that Haydon Bridge was not on the list of agreed bypasses!

Lighting: New leaflets have been issued giving the faults Freephone number as: 08000-850-029 which also states that faults will be repaired within 4 working days where possible. The Clerk to request a map showing where all lights are placed for ease of identifying and reporting faulty lights.

Planning Applications: Only one received from Altonside Barn. The Parish Council supports this application.

Correspondence:

1. Letter from the High School's Community Education Department outlining progress on 'Drop In Centre' for 13-18 year olds. Looking for some financial support from PC to pay premises costs of £648 as the School and the Church are prepared to fund the staffing. It was agreed to fund this project and Anne Lambert (School) would be informed of this decision.

2. NCC says that funding may be available for dropped kerbing at various locations - Langley/Greenwich Gardens back of the Methodist Church, Hordley Acres, back of 'pensioners cottages. Cllr. Charlton to keep the Clerk informed.

3. Letter from Chief Planning Officer (TDC) saying that no-one will be allowed to make representations during site visits. Cllrs indicated their disapproval of this.

4. Newsletter from the Tyne Valley Rail Users Group. PC agreed to join this at subscription of £5. Cllrs thought that is was ridiculous not to have Haydon Bridge as a request stop.

5. Copy of Local Agenda 21 Strategy for Northumberland has been received.

6. Government White Paper: “Our Countryside: the Future, a Fair Deal for England” has been received. A copy will be kept in the Co-op so that Cllrs might borrow it.

7. Lots of telephone calls about the condition of the footpath at Spa Well following the recent landslide. TDC is reviewing the situation but it may be too big a job! PC should have a site visit. Chair will talk to the anglers to sound out their feelings.

Village Projects: Cllrs discussed the sale of the Post Office. It should be kept at all costs. The Co-op were looking into taking it over. Tony Petts intends selling it as a whole (house etc). It has lots of potential.

A.O.B

1. Cllr Fletcher expressed her concerns about the security at the pensioners' flats. Cllr Mitchell to take this up.

2. The pavement to the north of the High School has been badly repaired. This issue will be raised by the Clerk with NCC.

3. There was an accident during a session of the Ladies Defence Class held at the Community Centre. Whose insurance will cover this? There are implications.

RADS 

Notes from the Parish Council Meeting

  Thursday 25th January 2001 at 7.30pm. 

Present were: 8 Councillors (apologies form 1), the Parish Clerk and 8 members of the public.

Public Participation: New concerns were raised on three issues following receipt of the revised plans for Innerhaugh. 

1. How has access been approved when previous attempts at Hordley Acres/Langley Gardens have been rejected?

2. It is said that the sewage treatment is adequate. The system was flushed out only last week! 

3. The public footpath shown IS NOT public! Parish Council has told TDC that the path shown is PRIVATE. An error has been made.

Mention was also made of the fact that houses were to be built on what is classified as a flood plain.

Belmont Gardens tree felling: The Clerk had written to TDC regarding the issue as reported in December's meeting. An acknowledgement of the letter had been received but no answer to the questions raised. Another letter has been written and a cllr. has reminded them but, to date, nothing has come of it!

Premises costs for the Drop In Centre: these have been agreed.

Altonside: Planning application has been approved.

Cllr. Faulks has looked at the Spa Well landslide problem. NCC has affixed a notice at the footpath, but this is only for Safety. Questions asked as to 'do they not have a responsibility for its maintenance? After all it is a bone fide footpath. Suggest that the Clerk write to both NCC and to the landowner (Straker).

Security at the pensioners' flats: Tynedale is presently looking at its security responsibilities as a whole. Some residents have personal alarms.

Ladies Defence Class: At present undergoing the legal processes.

Tourism and Leisure facilities: TDC seems to ignore Haydon Bridge even though there are admirable grounds for attracting funding. There is seen to be a need to put together a plan or organisation to formulate ideas. After all, John Martin - our world-renowned artist - gets little publicity locally. Perhaps we need to use him to give the village a boost. How?

Innerhaugh: Little to add other than previously discussed although TDC are seen as being helpful and want to 'get it right'.

Highways & Bypass: Recently there have been two newspaper articles relating to the matter. One, in 'The Journal' indicated via a list that Haydon Bridge was in line for £15M to provide such a bypass but also to dual all the way to Hexham. Having targeted John Prescott it seems to have worked. Thrilled to bits! However, a report in the 'Hexham Courant' seemed to say that Haydon Bridge is not on the list. The Clerk has been asked to write 'slamming' TDC.

Planning Applications: Innerhaugh. Biggest problem is the sewerage. TDC are to be asked to comment on the problem which indicates that the 'treatment' is deemed to be satisfactory, but not the systems. Witness recent need to flush these. Also the access to the A69 is deemed satisfactory. In light of this PC to ask why the planned access to the same road from Langley/Greenwich Gardens is still blocked off.

Mobile Phone Masts: Plans submitted for two masts by One 2 One. 15M mast at Woodshield Farm, Wharmley and 20M at Chimney Woods, Nilston Rigg, Langley. The latter is just outside of the boundary to the 'Area of Outstanding Beauty' The company seems to have done its homework, but the mood of the meeting was that they should be discouraged. The full Council is to look at the placing of masts in general. Cllr. Mitchell has been asked to prepare a discussion document for eight weeks time.

'The Timbers', North Bank: application to construct an integral garage and single-storey bathroom extension with some re-cladding of existing house. PC thinks this is fine.

Correspondence:

 1. National Spring Clean. There will be the usual supply of bags, gloves etc. Planned for Sunday 1st April.

2. Northumberland National Park: Re-launching their Environment Association. AGM Wednesday 31st January in Rothbury.

3. Association of Local Councils. Looking to websites for Parish Councils.

4. Julie Gibbons: update sent to Cllr. Fletcher (also see December's comments)

H.E.R.S: Leaflets have been made available for people describing the process going through. Waiting for a start to be made as everything has been approved.

A.O.B.

 1. Concern expressed by Cllrs. over the amount of parking in appropriate places and on double yellow lines. The entrance to Church Street is particularly susceptible to blocking.

2. The 'Langley Cross' Enquiries have been made by members of the public as to whether it can be cleaned and indeed moved to a more appropriate place.

3. The road sign at Springwood is missing.

AND FINALLY: Two issues causing nuisance/aggravation

1. The top pitch at Shaftoe Trust First School is in an appalling state due to DOG FOULING. Please remember that a fine of £1000 can be imposed. Scoop up your dog's poop or keep it off the field. Thanks.

2. Christmas has come and gone - but the BIKES haven't. Can parents remind their children about having regard for others using the public highway, both pedestrian and in vehicles. There'll be a nasty accident one of these days!

RADS

COPY DEADLINE:

 All contributions to the Haydon News to reach the Editor no later than Monday 19th February. 

EDITORIAL POLICY OF THE HAYDON NEWS

The editorial policy of the Haydon News is ultimately the responsibility of the Committee of the 'Friends of Haydon Bridge' , although day-to-day responsibility is delegated to the Editorial Committee of the Haydon News. Our intention is always to ensure that the content of the Haydon News is as fair and factually correct as possible. Any complaints concerning editorial policy should be addressed in writing to the Chairman of the 'Friends of Haydon Bridge', and will be considered by and receive a formal response from the Committee of the 'Friends of Haydon Bridge'. Complaints other than those made above will not be entertained.

The Editorial Committee reserves the right to decide which letters are to be published, and to alter or shorten letters when necessary. Anonymous letters will NOT be published. A nom-de-plume may be used provided that the Editorial Committee has been advised of the writer's name and address. Charles Thomas, (Chairman)
 South View, 
Heugh House Lane, 
Haydon Bridge
 NE47 6ND 

Medical - Sorry no page this month