Haydon News

March 2001

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EDITORIAL POLICY OF THE HAYDON NEWS

HISTORICAL NOTES OF HAYDON BRIDGE

Dennis Telford

I very much enjoyed the two reflective poems by Harold Humble in February’s edition of the Haydon News. They brought back such happy memories for me as a young Scout on Summer, Easter and Whitsun camps at Seahouses, Rothbury, Dilston and of course Harold’s Ullswater and Plankey Mill.

By coincidence, the ‘Hexham Courant’ of March 2^nd looked back to Scout Master Bob Campbell’s and his wife Maud’s 71^st Wedding anniversary in 1991. They received a telegram from the Queen. A congratulation richly deserved.

Harold’s mention of Christian names only: Alex and Dave, Bert and Dick (or was it Bertie and Richard?), Roy, Cliff and Michael, encouraged further interesting bar-room discussion on the probable identities of those boys referred to.

Oh Happy days!

During my research into all things Haydonian I come across many lists of names. Lists which for youngsters or more recent inhabitants of our community may have little to commend them. (Although you might find your Granny there!). But for those who have shared our village’s recent history, go through each of these names from years past and they come alive with interest. For me so many memories happy and sad come flooding back.

If you lived in our village in the 1940’s try it for yourself.

I’ll start in 1941. A concert in December when carols and instrumental items were performed by: Marjorie Sutcliffe, Molly Gibson, Sheila Birnie, June Armstrong, Elizabeth Haines, John Gibson, John Milburn and Joyce Hooper.

On Christmas Day in the same year a Nativity Play, “The Stained Glass Window” was performed in the Elmfield Methodist Church. The children taking part included: Doris Noble, Evelyn Davidson, Pat Sloan, Brian Watson, Evelyn Veitch and William Veitch.

One year later, “Star of Wonder” was produced by Mrs J. Beavers and Miss Dorothy Todd and included the following Sunday School scholars performing to a large congregation: Pat Charlton, Aileen Hill, Rene Lax, Laurence Mitchell, Denis, Noel and John Oliver, Irene Osselton, Margaret Ransome, Jill Rogan, Amy and Mary Stokoe, Kenneth Storey, Evelyn Thompson, Eric and Marlene Turnbull, Margaret Watson and Norman Foster. (Was it Norman who played the Bagpipes at the tunnel top, well out of earshot of the village population?)

Some of the happiest times were those occasions when village people of all ages joined together to put on a show. One of my earliest memories was the pantomime “Cinderella” in March 1945, when as four year olds Lorna Dixon and I danced together on the Town Hall stage. Over fifty years on and I still have the little photograph that brings it all back so clearly.

Mrs Snowball was, as always, the producer and the generations joined together to follow her instructions to the letter, or else!! Harry Swallow, Stan Armstrong, Johnny Bates, Bob Campbell, Ernie Harrison, Jack Leathard, Joe Longstaffe, Jimmy Mewse, Joseph Morton, William Thornton and my dad, Cecil Telford. And there were the ladies: Mrs Armstrong,, Mrs Bates, Mrs Baker, Mrs Cooper, Mrs Spooner, Mrs Walton, Miss Ella Gibson and Miss Betty Shout. And, oh yes!! There were elves and fairies. There were always elves and fairies! Peter Billyard, David Routledge, Peter Snowball and Alan Telford. Maureen Armstrong, Heather Campbell, Joan Cooper, Eileen Graham, Jean Ridley, Maureen Ridley, Joy Sillitoe and Marlene Turnbull. How on earth did we all get into the Snowball’s front room for rehearsals?

In May 1945, twenty-five children dressed up in Eastern costume to entertain the villagers. Some of those taking part were: Bobby and Norah Beckwith, Denis Boyd, Norma Brown, Isabel Charlton, Kathleen Glenwright, John and Ann Leathard, Alma and Vera Philipson, John and Mary Ridley, Alex Sim, Betty and David Tulip, Margaret and Mickey Walker. Edmund Johnson played the violin.

Do you remember the original Haydon Bridge “Dixie Minstrels”? In March 1946 they entertained with their debut concert in the Old Church Hall with Jimmy Meuse on the ‘bones’. Stan Armstrong, Robert Harding and Cecil Telford on the tambourines, were joined by Eddie Dinning, Tom and Bill Stobbart, Jimmy Birnie, Thommy Thompson, Noel Shaw and most of the other men who one year earlier had been in the cast of “Cinderella”

The colourful costumes and blackened faces would be frowned upon now of course. What a shame! Well, I still have one of the tambourines used in that concert and the many others that followed! “Swanee River” and “Carolina” still ring out loud and clear on occasions in our living room. Our Grandbairns love it! The politically correct can’t ban tambourines can they?

Who were the boys of the “14 Plus” club who also entertained in March 1946?

The show was called “Krazy Knights” and contained sketches, humorous items and piano accordion selections. Maybe John Duffy, Ralph Curry, Eric Scudamore and Stephen Westall will remember. The cast included Jack (or was it Jimmy?) Harrison, Alfie Kent, Roly Lowes, Doug Tait, Colin Tait, Ken Temperley, Ken Osselton, Ralph Pickering and Maxi Beavers.

Those were the days of true community spirit. If this spirit still exists, long may it last. If it has waned just a little, then make a commitment to revive it and our village will be an even better place in which to live.

It mustn’t be forgotten that while these early social gatherings were taking place, Adolph was up to his tricks across the Channel and many young men from the village were facing the most gruelling conditions abroad. Those left at home gained strength and solace from praying together, for an end to the conflict and the safe return of their loved ones in those days. Our churches were full and a list of the children taking part in a Sunday School Anniversary read like a Shaftoe Trust Roll Call.

So finally, a return to our churches and a Methodist Sunday School Anniversary in May 1946. Ted Armstrong and Dan Liddle were in charge and Bobby and Sally Todd had worked wonders to make sure that we all knew our ‘pieces’. Fifty-five years ago and you probably still remember what you sang or recited that day.

The scholars taking part and dressed in their Sunday best were: Eileen Graham, Alan Bates, Ann Bates, Billy Simpson, David Brown, Dennis Telford, Betty Harrison, Muriel Summers, Joyce Burnwood, Denis Oliver, Jean Ridley, Pat Miller, Ann Leathard, Bobby Beckwith, Mary Marsh, Alma Philipson, Alan Telford, Robert Brown, Denis Boyd, John Milburn, Valerie Brown, Nora Beckwith, Ann Walker, Pat Ridley, Pat Sloan, Marjorie Heslop, Evelyn Veitch, Doreen Brown, Maureen Armstrong, Alan Thompson, Vernon Welch, Ian Sutherland, Avril Thompson, Peter Snowball, Dennis Ridley, Marlene Birnie, Pam Sloan, Irene Emerson, Elsie Philipson, Sheila Todd, Mary Ridley, Lorna Dixon, Mavis Heslop, Drew Brown, Joyce Adamson, Alice Jamieson, Kathleen Robinson, Mary Stokoe, Dorothy Ridley, Aileen Hill, Gladys Veitch, Joan Ridley and Enid Marsh.

There were also those who said their ‘pieces’ at the Congregational Church: Margaret Powell, Mary Duffy, Margaret Philipson, Norma Brown, Margaret Walker, Ann Brown, John Billyard, Joyce Weatherspoon, Muriel Walton, Daphne Moore, Amy Walker, Sylvia, Bill and Harry Humble.

So where were Alex, Dave, Bert, Dick, Roy, Cliff, Michael and of course Harold?

With Bob Campbell at Plankey Mill probably!!!!

Notes from the Parish Council Meeting

Present were: 8 Councillors (apologies from 2), the Parish Clerk and 4 members of the Public.

As a legal requirement the Chair was obliged to read out the Minutes of the last AGM (March 2000).

Public Participation: There were no matters arising.

Church Street: Cllr. Philp has spoken to those in control re: the plans and what was wanted and not wanted. The pavements would not have any ‘jutting out’ sections. The Water Board had work to do but everything seems to be on schedule and OK. The work already done – pavement, walls – looked very good.

General car movement at Shaftoe First: The Clerk had written to TDC but as yet no reply regarding the problem.

Spa Well footpath: Nothing further to report.

Village Appraisal: Needs to be brought up-to-date. Cllr Garrow indicated that new signatories would be required on the accounts in order for the appraisal to be done. Cllr. Charlton had copies of the criteria needing to be addressed and would pass on to Councillors for suggestions.

Access to the Community Centre: This needs some serious consideration. Parking is difficult and passage round the back is often blocked. The Chair will write to the residents.

Planning: It was reported that following the testing for pollutants over the last three months the limits were not exceeded so no further action will be taken on the banning of coal fires.

20m mast at Nilston Rigg Farms: This plan has been accepted as long as the trees around the site are protected.

Heslop’s Yard: Planning refused primarily on access.

Innerhaugh: Plans have been turned down by TDC Planning because of the number of concerns not readily addressed (sewage, access etc.) It was noted that housing is still needed in the village.

Bypass: Still on the list, but nothing further to report.

Newbrough Road: In a very bad condition particularly at Allerwash. Land is falling away. Not helped by frequent Police diversions when there is an accident on the A69. The overall system of diversions on to minor roads needs addressing.

Lighting: Despite ringing the Helpline number there are still lights not working, particularly in Langley Gardens.

Planning applications: Detached house at ‘The Crags’, North Bank.

Railway Hotel: Illuminated sign.

Post Office: From Monday 14^th May operations will be passed over to the Co-op. Concerns were expressed as to another ‘business’ closing down. However, there were those critical of the complainers. If more people used the village’s facilities instead of those in Hexham etc. then perhaps the businesses would remain viable!

Village Projects: Nothing could be done on the Old Bridge until all Cable & Wireless work was complete.

A.O.B. Cllr. Charlton raised concerns about the train service (09.30am in particular). Sometimes did not arrive. The signalman obviously knows but does not inform waiting passengers!

Hordley Acres seat: Broken once again!

Dog Owners: Councillors made a plea to all dog owners to be particularly careful to not let their pet foul public rights of way. Please clean up after your dog particularly as the number of ‘walks’ have been drastically reduced because of the current Foot & Mouth crisis.

It is OUT OF CONTROL, contrary to what is in the Press, and he feels that very soon the land north of a Mersey-Humber line will be devoid of animals!!

David wished it to be known that the Haydon Bridge folk were to be thanked for the efforts being made to steer clear of animals and farms. Long may this attitude continue. But he stressed that everyone had to continue to be vigilant and should make every effort to clean and disinfect vehicles and footwear when going out and on return and to do it regularly.

He drew attention to recently confirmed cases at Cawfields Farm (Military Road), Wark and Widdrington giving further rise of concern. Despite the various precautions in place, the virus seems to have jumped across the countryside. It can be passed via breath if a person has been in contact with an infected animal! WHERE NEXT?

KEEP OFF FARM LAND.

PS. If you have to drive across a disinfected area make sure that footwear is disinfected on both leaving the vehicle and on re-entry!

One member of the Haydon Bridge Methodist Church is a Trustee of this small charity.

Below is her account of a visit made with two colleagues to Palestine – Israel.

On Tuesday 14^th November 2000 at lunchtime we set off from Newcastle Airport, delayed slightly by fog at Heathrow. This was an unexpected treat, a gift from a friend. Usually we travel by hire car, but with the floods and rail chaos it was better to know that we would arrive in good time to catch the evening flight to Tel Aviv.

The Israeli security at Heathrow were very polite and friendly, but took our suitcases away to be checked. The girl who questioned me couldn’t believe we were going to Beit Jala. She asked me why? I told her the children were very frightened and needed a cuddle. She replied, “I understand”.

On the aeroplane it was very noticeable that we were three of the very few foreigners on the flight. As we were leaving the plane one man, who said he worked in the tourist industry, even thanked us for coming.

Arriving at Tel Aviv at dawn we waited until about 7am. Then went to look for a taxi. We managed to find a nice Israeli, who said he had many friends in Beit Jala, but obviously could not take us this time. He took us through to Jerusalem then dropped us at a bus stop where Roxanne, the American secretary from Hope School picked us up.

On arrival at the school we met some of the children, then had a little sleep. At lunchtime, Solomon, the Headmaster, had arranged for Linda Lidawi and her two boys to join us. These two lovely children were some of our first sponsorships. Their father died of a heart attack about four years ago. Linda has tried very heard to help herself by training in secretarial work and now has a part-time job. It is always good to meet with her. Like so many people at this time she is not sleeping very well. You can see the fear on the faces of the people.

Malcolm and Lewis slept in rooms at the school. I was given the choice of either sleeping at the school or with Roxanne in the guest house, which is a couple of minutes walk across the school yard. Roxanne said she would be glad of my company at such a time. The decision was made for me at about 4.30pm while I was visiting her. There was a sound like someone shooting rabbits. Roxanne said, “Oh dear, it has started already. It would be better if you didn’t leave now”. She began to make some of her delicious pancakes. Then she discovered she had no eggs! Ten yards away was the school chicken farm with 8000 hens and we daren’t go for an egg. About half an hour later the Israelis began to reply with tank fire. Helicopter gunships were flying overhead and firing on the town. This was to last for ten hours. As I sat up in bed watching out of the window I felt a strange peace. I knew we were being held in prayer by the folk back home, but I ached for the people of the town.

The next morning we discovered Solomon’s house, which he thought was fairly safe, had been hit by three bullets. But many people had suffered far worse. The lady who does the school laundry had lost her water tank, some houses had been badly damaged, and a much respected doctor, Harry Fischer had been killed by fire from a helicopter gunship, whilst out helping his neighbour. The schools were closed out of respect. During the morning we visited some of their homes and tried to offer some comfort to the people. One family, who were having to leave their home, belonged to one of our sponsored children, Shawkat Matter. He was pulled from the rubble. The school cook invited us to Dr. Fischer’s funeral that afternoon at the German Lutheran Church. Malcolm and felt we should go. We were out on the streets with what seemed to be hundreds of other people. A big banner in German read, “Christ will not be crucified twice in the land of His Birth”. I found it very moving. There were Christians, Moslems, Hamas and Islamic Jihad, all there together. Malcolm told me afterwards he had been talking to one of the leaders of Islamic Jihad, a doctor. On Thursday evening, as with most other evenings, we played games with the boarding students at Hope School. It was really special to be with them at such a time.

On Friday morning we had been invited to the home of Franco Siwady. Franco, who has Sickle Cell Anaemia, lives with his ageing grandparents in Bethlehem. There are many problems in his family. Although at times he is very poorly and in a lot of pain, he is a very happy child. PCDC pays for the blood transfusions that he needs regularly. They all insisted we returned for lunch on Sunday. In the afternoon we had been invited to Linda Lidawi’s again, in Bethlehem, for lunch. At about 4.00pm we heard a few gunshots, so Linda insisted we took a taxi back to school. We always did as we were advised by the Palestinians.

On Saturday morning Solomon took us to Talitha Kumi School. Herr Goller, the Headmaster, couldn’t believe we had come as promised at such a time. As Solomon said, “PCDC aren’t just sunshine visitors!” We met the girls and boys that we support there and had a chat over a cup of tea with Herr Goller, sorting out one or two sponsorship problems. In the afternoon we had promised to visit the home of Bishara and his twin brothers Eduardo and Georgio. The Palestine people are so hospitable. At around 4.00pm their father brought us back up the hill in his car, which seemed to be held together with string! It was not wise to be out after dark this trip. He stopped on the journey so that we could see some more damaged homes and meet some more of these poor people. We bumped into Mohammed, a boy from Hope School, who had been hit outside of his home by a stray bullet. He proudly showed us the huge scar on his chest. Then we met a man whose home had been replaced by tents. It is so very sad for these innocent people caught up in the middle of this. Many have no work at this time. Unemployment in Bethlehem is 58%. After tea we again played games and watched TV with the children. Poor Lewis was attacked with pillows at bedtime on more than one occasion!

On Sunday morning we had not decided where to worship. Transport was difficult this time as there were a lot of road blocks. We walked down the hill into Beit Jala where we met one of Hope School’s teachers, Rita. She was about to go to the Lutheran Church, so we joined her. It was a memorial service for the doctor. I turned around at the end to speak to the father of one of our sponsored children, saying how sorry I was for them at this time. He was a Tour Guide and had had no work for two months. His reply brought me close to tears. He said that Christ had given everything for us and this was a cross they had to bear for their freedom. Afterwards we had the chance to meet the widow of Dr. Fischer and share a little of her grief. Later we continued walking into Bethlehem to Franco’s for lunch and I was able to buy a new Table Tennis set for the boarding students to replace their very tatty bats. The money had been given by a friend. Needless to say they were absolutely delighted.

We had promised to visit Hebron Evangelical School on Monday morning. We weren’t quite sure how this was going to happen, but the Americans in charge, Greg and Rouda, somehow managed to come for us via a back road. Normally we are just able to spend a short time at Hebron, but we were invited to stay for the night, so without even having a toothbrush, we decided we couldn’t turn them down. It was a lovely time spent with the young children and staff. We kitted the boarding children, who are very poor, with new white shirts, trainers and jeans. They were so proud and wore them next day (still with the labels on), to Assembly beaming at us. When we tried to get out of Hebron the next morning, however, the road had been blocked. Greg took us up to the checkpoint and we walked through with our empty suitcases, nodding at the soldiers! We had just got into the taxi, however, when they came after us in their armoured car, guns pointing. The Palestinians were very frightened. Malcolm got out to speak to them. One of them recognised the white rose of Yorkshire on his sweatshirt. The soldier said his mother had been born in Yorkshire, so he said for that reason we could go! I’m afraid I was finished for the day after that and felt unable to travel to Rawdat School in Jerusalem, so I stayed with Malcolm and met the new sponsorships at Hope School. Later we visited the home of young Elias and bought wooden ornaments, which had been made by his father, who is deaf and dumb. On the way home we went to Salim’s home. He is the Chaplain at Hope School. He told me he prays three times a day for peace.

On Wednesday morning we had to make our twice-yearly trip to Tel Aviv with Mohammed al Quasseem to visit Professor Laron. We couldn’t go our normal route as the tunnels were closed, but the soldiers showed Malcolm how their “stinger” worked! This trip passed without a hitch and we got there and back safely, thanks, once again, to the prayers of our friends and family.

On Thursday our plane was delayed so we had some unexpected spare time in which to visit the House of Hope in Bethlehem. Unfortunately, we did not see any children, and were sad to find out that part of the girl’s section had been closed due to the staff being called home by their Embassies. However, Rhoda and her staff were really pleased to have us visit them, even though it was a bit rushed.

This visit was totally different to others because of the situation. We were not able to travel as freely as we would have liked, or to visit as many places, but I am sure it was God’s will that we were there. We felt constantly protected, and were able to witness to Jew, Moslem and Christian alike, and show them that we care for them.

Please continue to pray for the people of the Middle East, and especially the children, many of whom are severely traumatised.

If you wish to know more about the work of PCDC please contact a member of the Methodist Church in Haydon Bridge.

The March meeting was opened by wishing the Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs Avice Sparks, a very Happy Birthday.

This was followed by a discussion on what to do with the money very kindly donated by the ‘Friends of Haydon Bridge’ from their February Bingo Evening. Members were invited to bring their suggestions to the next meeting.

The speakers at the meeting were Mrs Pauline Tulip and Mrs Joyce Sim who delighted members with an exciting demonstration of Greetings Cards and how to make them. After the demonstration everyone was invited to ’have a go’. There was great enthusiasm and some lovely results which were proudly taken home.

It was decided that now that the Winter is over, future meetings will be in the evening from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.

The next meeting will be on 11^th April and everyone is welcomed.

Myra Bowen

LANGLEY WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I know this request will meet with sarcastic comments the way our village has been attacked by shovels and picks, but when the workmen have finished we will have new pavements, be wired up ready for modern technology and have a water main that will last for many years!

We also have a mess to sort out and April being ‘Spring-clean-up-time’ why not adopt an area that you find an eyesore.

Bully some friends to help, bring children along – it’s a great way to show them how to look after their local environment and give them some pride in their village.

A skip will be at the entrance to the Elland (river-side on the North side of the river) for one week.

Come along, the more people the better.

Gloves and Bags will be available on ‘Clean Up Day’ beside the skip. Alternatively ring: 01 434 684 505.

A CLEAN PLACE DOES NOT

Five A-Side Pitch - Is available for hire. Charges are around £10 per hour. Very reasonable considering that includes the floodlights. Tennis, basketball, netball and more are all playable on the all-weather pitch. Contact Avril at Rock Springs for more details.

Facilities - The new changing rooms are coming on a treat, and were discussed at the March monthly meeting, along with their rising costs. This next piece from a almost half a century’s ago meeting reveals plans of a similar development at the Club, only on a much smaller scale…

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