Haydon News

April 2001

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EDITORIAL

Hello everyone

Can I begin by letting everybody know that, due to the current climate of Foot and Mouth disease, we have curtailed all our deliveries of the Haydon News to farms. With his kind permission, we will be making extra copies available at John Clarke’s shop on Church Street, and we would ask people if they could pick up their copies there while this situation lasts. 

We have all watched in horror and great sympathy the effect of the outbreak on our friends and neighbours in livestock farming and associated industries. Our fervent hope must be that the drastic measures followed bring things to a quick and lasting solution.

The whole village was saddened by the recent death of Bobby Todd. I had a bright and cheerful chat with him just a couple of days before, and the news came as a great shock. As an incomer to the village, I had not known Bobby for long, but I always found him friendly, warm, welcoming and courteous. Someone recently referred to him as “Mr Haydon Bridge”. We will miss him, and our thoughts are with Sally, Colin, Kathleen and family.

On page 7, you will find an article by Tony Petts to mark the impending closure of the village Post Office and its “re-birth” in the Co-op store. I’m sure that, while we all regret the closure of yet another local business outlet, we all want to thank Tony and his staff for years of great service, friendliness, cheerfulness and humour. We wish him very well in his retirement.

Charles Thomas, Chairman

EDITORIAL POLICY OF THE HAYDON NEWS

(1) Public Participation:  
Those present expressed great concerns relating to the work being undertaken by the Electricity Board on Church Street. It is understood that whilst the overhead wires have, in the main, been removed, the standards remain and the replacements have yet to be ordered. Lots of mess has been created by the Board in drilling holes in walls to re-route cables to houses. Some have seen their supply cables running up the outside wall and covered by a piece of plastic! Having objected to these plans, most residents have had their supplies chanelled underground. Also as regards the new paving, settlement of the subsoil in places has caused unevenness in some areas, notably outside the Butcher’s shop. The new paving is not wheel-chair friendly at all but it appears that, as the line of the pavement is straight, there is no obligation to provide dropped kerbs!

Councillor Philp responded to these concerns and indicated that she would be taking up all of the points raised with the “people in charge” when next she is able to see them.

(2) Cemetery. 
Has anything happened as regards the tidying of the cemetery? There was some disagreement on what state it was in. However, there is a problem relating to stones being dumped, the brambles etc. As only part of the land is currently being used could not a separate extra entrance be created into this other bit and, with a JCB move the offending material?

(3) Dog Bins.
 How often are these emptied prompted some discussion as to both the present placing and the apparent need to have more particularly as in the current climate more people are using the Riverside for exercise as other walks are curtailed due to the Foot and Mouth crisis. It was proposed that another “poop” bin be sited near to the Anchor Hotel and that the Council be approached to discover how often and by whom, the bins are emptied.
Nothing further was raised.

Minutes of previous meeting: 
Query raised as to why the Heslop Yard plan was rejected. Notably access. One cllr. thought this mad as in previous use large wagons used the site – surely cars wouldn’t have any problems! However, the issue is out of the Parish Council’s hands.

Village Appraisal: 
Nothing further to report except that there will be a need to undertake a fresh “look “ at the village and it would be beneficial if village people / groups had a direct input by being part of the working party. Cllr. Charlton wondered how this could be brought to the attention of people. How about putting a piece in the Haydon News? ( see page 9 for further details on this )

Back Lane Access to the Community Centre: The Chairman had written to the resident concerned and it appears that the problem has been resolved. Cllr. Mitchell indicated that, actually, there is a public right of way as shown in recent conveyance documents. The lane’s poor state was also raised but it was thought unlikely that anything would be done to correct the problems. Too expensive.

Foot & Mouth: Causing great concern in the village. Stock movements have been halted, some have been culled and both Cllr. Smith and Stephenson are very worried. They re-iterated that MAFF is useless and whilst there is a Regional Centre – at Kenton Bar – it may as well be in London as permissions etc have to have MAFF’s agreement. All farmers are at the ‘end of their tethers’. As a post script Cllr Smith informed those present that he had just heard that a site for a very large pyre had been chosen close to Woodburn. Why here for goodness sake??? It is in a CLEAN area, which means that if it goes ahead carcasses will be transported in from all over the county perhaps even bringing the virus! What a shambles!

Innerhaugh: There will be an appeal against the decision by TDC planners to reject the developer’s plans.

Middle Lipwood: There have been objections to this development and it is recommended that planning will be refused.

Council Homes: New rules have been issued which indicated that ‘local people’ will have priority over others.

Highways / Bypass. A good meeting was had by the group when Mike Thorpe (prospective TDC Councillor) and Paul Brannen (prospective Labour MP) were present. They were very supportive of the group. In the meantime, perhaps it might be a good idea if all groups in the village got together to publish a sort of “What’s On” guide for the tourists who will arrive. A co-ordinated plan is needed.

Lighting: No concerns were raised.

Stublick Cottage. To extend the existing dwelling and to provide services. No objections.

Moralee Fell: Additions to the present Mobile Phone Mast. A further dish and cabinet. No objections raised.

Correspondence: The Clerk had written to Northern Spirit about the train service. She has received a letter from them which is essentially a standard, waffley reply.

Highways: About past concerns but these are being passed on to other parties.

Flooding: Only seems to the one main concern which is at Temple Houses. TDC are aware and looking to what sort of flood defences are needed. However, these might create further problems elsewhere.

Audit: As Price Waterhouse Coopers no longer carry out the audits on Parish Councils’ ‘books’ it is still not known who will carry out this function in future.

Village Projects (other than that underway in Church Street). An opening seems to have been created in the wall to the Church Yard. Two stone pillars have been erected but would appear to be hazardous as they each have two prongs sticking out of them. To hang gates?

‘The Way Forward’ Councillor Mitchell suggested that a group should be set up to consider this as if one had been in existence maybe all the fuss over the Innerhaugh might not have arisen.

HISTORICAL NOTES OF HAYDON BRIDGE

Dennis Telford

CLICK MUSIC TO DOWNLOAD MIDI FILE

Wonderfully expressive but simple words and a tune that trips off the tongue. So, because I can’t beat it, I’ll join it for this month’s “Notes”}

We are told that Blind Willie Purvis from Newcastle, who wrote the original song in the 1700’s, was in the habit of adding new verses, either written by himself or written for him by others in the Inns and Public Houses of the “Toon”.

LANGLEY WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Myra Bowen

HORSE RACING NIGHT.

On behalf of all the Haydon Bridge Football teams, I would like to thank everyone who helped to make the recent “Family” Horse Racing Night such a success. A total of £993.00 was raised, which included a £500.00 funds matching donation from the Halifax Bank. A good night was had by all, especially the ‘kids’, who apparently came away a lot better off than the adults!

Haydon Bridge Club Bottle of Vodka Michael Hayter

Alan Borthwick £25 M&S voucher + bottle of wine S Borthwick

Brian Welch Ticket to a NUFC match Wendy McHugh

Langley Castle Meal for two Paul Scandle

Haydon Hotel Meal for two Chris Brown

CNR (Neil Roberts) Mini car valet David McVay

Martin Scudamore £25 voucher Linda Pender

Once again, thanks to everyone involved with selling the horses prior to the night and to everyone who participated. 
If you didn’t make this one, look out for the next.

DANCE CLUB NEWS

The Dance Club held an Easter Bonnet Competition at the last Dance on Easter Monday. There were fourteen entrants (3 gents).

Winners were:

Sheila Rutherford (1^st)

Alison Adams (2^nd)

Margaret Curry (3^rd)

Len Arthur

Prizes were given by Sheila, and Evelyn form Alston. Judges were: Val Bell and her daughter Heather. No easy task for them!

As you know, we dance every Monday night 7.30pm to 10.00pm (not monthly as Alistair reports in the ‘Hexham Courant‘)

At our dance on 30^th March we raised £187 (£158 clear) for our Music Fund. Thanks to you all.

Our next Friday Night Dance is on 11^th May from 7.45pm to 11.15pm. “Bring and Eat” supper, Raffles.

Just come and pay £3 at the door.

OVER 60'S CLUB

At their April meeting, the Over 60’s wished their chairman, Mrs Florence Turnbull, a very Happy Birthday.

It was the Annual General Meeting. The existing committee was re-elected and the Treasurer’s report presented and discussed.

It was decided to use the money very kindly donated by the “Friends of Haydon Bridge” from their Bingo, on an outing. A drive to the coast around Whitley Bay was suggested followed by lunch at Harry Ramsden’s and a short visit to the Metro Centre. It was left to the Secretary to make enquiries about the cost of a coach.

There followed a talk on Japanese Kimonos and a collection of different ones were shown and examined with much admiration expressed for the beautiful colours and materials.

Tea and biscuits was followed by a short game of Card Bingo. A very pleasant evening was enjoyed by everyone.

This is a happy group who would benefit from an increase in membership. It has therefore been decided to lower the age of entry to 50. The next meeting will be at the Community Centre on Wednesday evening the 9^th May from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Everyone welcomed.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

HAYDON BRIDGE POST OFFICE

In the recent past I have been advised against commenting upon imminent plans to relocate the Haydon Bridge Post Office in the Co-op store – next door. However, as the process has progressed to near completion I feel both obliged and able to comment upon this proposed move.

I need advise that this choice of relocation was made by my employers, Post Office Counters Ltd. (POCL) - not myself.

Several months past I notified POCL of my intention to retire/resign: routinely, this prompted POCL to advertise a vacancy here and invite formal applications from interested parties: I gather there were few, from which POCL selected the Co-op as its considered choice.

For a variety of reasons I wholly support this decision. I feel that it should be seen as an assurance that the village will have both a Co-op and a Post Office for some years to come: facilities other rural communities may not have the opportunity to enjoy.

14^th May 2001 is scheduled as the day of relocation: all involved parties are confident that this target will be met. My present staff have been offered continuity of employment by the Co-op, so hopefully the change of faces behind the counter will not be too radical.

As mentioned, I plan to take early-retirement. So, at leisure, I may be able to contemplate my future plans.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank both my staff and customers over the past sixteen years for their support.

Thank you

TONY PETTS

A Message from Australia

Edna. Rumney of Ratcliffe Road has asked if these two poems, written by former resident of Haydon Bridge, be included in this month‘s issue.

THE VALLEY

The mighty TYNE is a wonderful sight, as it flows through this valley so fine,

The hills roll down where the river is found, with a village so quaint and divine,

There’s a beautiful bridge, old and unused, as it spans this great river through time,

Its archways with grace unite this fair place, through its centre the flowing Tyne.

On a warm summer’s night it’s a great place to be, as the river flows on far below,

With my mind far away I slip back to the day, where the dreams of my childhood did grow,

With all my friends, in “Kate’s hole” we would swim, why it’s named so, I never could tell,

No doubt there’s a tale through the years has prevailed, then lost in a bottomless well.

As a boy I did roam, up those hills far and wide, to the castle and then far beyond,

The hills and the vales and the woods all around, the first thoughts of my young years are found,

As I walked through the woods, so peaceful, serene with its wildlife and beautiful trees,

I still think to this day now I live far away, of those mysterious smells on the breeze.

The old church on the hill, so empty and still, it’s been there since time well begun,

As a Sentry of Old it stands there so bold, like an eagle protecting its young,

And far down below where the river flows on, and the village from which I did roam,

Are my friends and thoughts, it was all not for nought, for I still feel it’s part of my home.

--------------------------------------------------

EVENTIDE AT HARLOW HILL

As my eyes swept o’er the countryside,

The day had come to rest,

The sun blazed red across the sky,

In all its glory dressed.

Green fields lay before me,

Amid golden heads of grain.

The cows were in the dairy,

As the dying sun did wane.

The hens had all now gone to roost,

To wait the rising sun.

Fox was prowling in the dusk,

And Brer rabbits on the run.

The farmer’s in his rocker,

His pipe lay in his hand.

The fire was dancing warm and bright,

His heart lay in this land.

The sun hung low up in the sky,

As he rose up from his rest.

And filled his lungs with clean fresh air,

It was morning at its best.

And though I’m very far away,

It lives within me still,

It’s just so close to paradise,

That farm on “Harlow Hill”.

SPRING CLEANING DAY

The rain poured down and the clean-up of the Riverside was due to start at 10.30am. on Staurday 7^th April. We thought no-one would turn up so decided to postpone the clean-up ‘til the Sunday. We made up a notice to inform anyone who did come to get gloves and bags as to what was happening.

At 10.20am. we made our way to the Riverside to put up the notice and decided to wait around for a little while – just in case! To our surprise within ten minutes we were surrounded by a group of eager Cubs, their Leaders and some parents all togged out in waterproofs and very keen to get on with the job. So despite the rain they got really involved with the task in hand.

They made a clean sweep of the river bank collecting rubbish of all descriptions; paper, cans, oil drum, old metal springs – we were really impressed.

In just over an hour the job was done although I must admit that it would probably have taken their mothers three or more hours to clean their children! Their efforts were really appreciated.

Over the course of the following week, the skip was topped up by rubbish of all descriptions and was brimming over by the time it was picked up.

Thanks to all who got involved.

The last Village Appraisal was started in 1995 and although it took two years to complete it was a worthwhile exercise as it highlighted the needs of the village.

Reading that document now shows how much has changed over the last five years and we do need to up-date the statistics in it and to re-assess the future of our village.

To apply for funding for any future project for our village and the surrounding area we have to have up to the minute information.

CAN YOU HELP US?

DO YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR VILLAGE’S

FUTURE ENOUGH TO HELP?

We need a group of people to give their views and opinions in order to get a true cross-sectional picture of Haydon Bridge.
A new questionnaire will have to be compiled and the resulting statistics gathered and formed into a new Appraisal Document.

Are YOU prepared to attend meetings, voice concerns and look to the future?

If you would be prepared to assist us, contact the persons below and we will then let you know when meetings will take place:

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