Haydon News

May 2001

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EDITORIAL POLICY OF THE HAYDON NEWS

HISTORICAL NOTES OF HAYDON BRIDGE

Dennis Telford

I cannot remember whether it was Ozzie, Charlie or Mop, but as a small boy on an errand to our village Co-op one of them told me that my Dad and Grandad were the best “Boxers” in the North of England.

My questions at home about this apparent sporting prowess were met with wry smiles. “Tek nee heed of them three at the store. They’ll say owt but their prayers”.

My father’s and Grandfather’s musty ledgers, from their time as our village’s Undertakers, have been saved by me from the dust cart and from these records I have recalled three men who played their part in Haydon Bridge’s social history.

Perhaps the best known in his day was W. S. Walton who lived at “The Dene”. Mr Walton went to school at Shaftoe Trust before attending a private school in Edinburgh where he stayed for eleven years. He returned to Haydon Bridge to become the manager of the Cumberland Union Bank on Church Street. The opening hours of the Bank were: 10am to 3pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The Bank was later amalgamated with the York City and then the Joint Stock and Midland. Now of course it has the grand title of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. Opening hours 10am to 12.30pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Is this progress??

There were two Banks in Haydon Bridge at this time. The other one was Hodgkin, Barnett, Pease, Spence & Co. Mr Edward Davidson was the manager. This Bank was in the building which had previously been the village’s Independent Free Church and is now called “Garden House”, the home of Jackie and Margaret Robson and their family. The Independent’s had moved across the road to their new Congregational Church. The foundation stone had been laid on 29^th June 1863.

W. S. Walton retired from his position with the Bank in 1921 but had many other commitments. He was a Director of the Langley Barony Fireclay Works, Chairman of the Haydon Bridge Gas Company which closed down on 1st March 1940. A Director of the Lanchester and Iveson Coal Company and the Whitechapel Colliery. Vice Chairman of Haydon Bridge Parish Council and a Governor of Shaftoe Trust School. He was a member of the Tyne Conservation Board and had sixty years membership of the South Tyne Angling Association of which he was Chairman. This Association was established in January 1869.

Mr Walton also wrote occasional articles on local history for the Hexham Courant. In his spare time perhaps!!

W. S. Walton died at “The Dene” on Thursday 4^th July 1940 aged 79 years and his funeral was at St Cuthbert’s Church.

One of his two sons continued to work in the Bank on Church Street with subsequent managers. I remember him working with Joe Keen. We could probably fill an edition of the Haydon News with oft repeated stories about Haydon Walton!

Before leaving the Walton family it is worth mentioning that Mr Walton’s father, William, was Postmaster at Haydon Bridge and Greenhead for thirty-seven years before the villages were linked by the railway in June 1838.

Mr Walton’s Grandfather lived at East Land Ends farm and was contemporary with John Martin our famous painter and engraver. The earliest painting of Haydon Bridge of which I am aware (1805) and attributed to John Martin, was in the possession of the Walton family in 1923. It was later acquired by the Laing Art Gallery. (see Haydon News – February 2001 – page 5 for further reference).

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On 17^th May 1941 the funeral was held in the village of Leading Aircraftsman Joseph Hector Phillipson of No. 2 Whittis Hill.

By his death through enemy action Hector became Haydon Bridge’s first Second World War casualty. He had volunteered for the RAF in 1940.

Hector Phillipson was a keen sportsman, an enthusiastic village footballer and a regular walker. As an amateur gardener he was a valued member of the Haydon Bridge Floral and Horticultural Society. He worked at the Langley Barony Fireclay Company and was Union Secretary on behalf of the employees there.

Hector’s wife, Lizzie (nee Dixon) eventually re-married and her marriage to John Hardy in October 1944 was the last wedding ceremony held in the Old Central Methodist Church on Ratcliffe Road.

The accounts for Hector Phillipson’s funeral make interesting reading sixty years on.

To hire of Hearse £2 – 00 – 00

To hire of Coach 15 – 00

To burial fees £1 – 04 – 00

To notice in papers 05 – 08½

To Undertaker’s fees 10 – 00

Total £4 – 14 – 08½

The deceased was brought to Haydon Bridge station by train in a coffin provided by the Air Ministry.

What would you get for Four pound, fourteen shillings and eight pence ha’penny ( £4.73 ) in 2001?

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On 3^rd March 1943 Harrison (Harry) Harding died aged 57 years from a heart attack.

Harry Harding was a genial and respected resident of our village and had been in business on Church Street as a Newsagent and Stationer for twenty years. Harry’s son Robert was a Sergeant in the Military Police and was serving in the Middle East at the time of his father’s death.

The business had been owned in earlier years by Robert Brogdon and during his time was famed for ‘Black Bullets and Butter Scotch’. Brogdon published a small book on Haydon Bridge in 1900.

The Elmfield Methodist Church was too small to accommodate the large number of mourners. An indication of Harry Harding’s popularity in Haydon Bridge.

After her husband’s death, Mrs Harding continued the business which was eventually taken over by Robert, the unofficial “Mayor of Haydon Bridge” until his death in April 1974.

It is good that this established business continued to thrive in our village with John and Maureen Clarke, who have been owners since June 1974, while those around them are sadly closing down.

The account for Harry Harding’s funeral makes specific reference to a ‘motor hearse’ and that is interesting. In 1908 a horse drawn hearse had been obtained for Haydon Bridge by public subscription. For much of its life it was used an average 25 times each year but by 1944 it was only used twice. In 1945 a motor hearse was used for all the funerals in the village and the ‘horse drawn hearse committee of Ridley, Dryden, Melvin and Shaw decided that there was no point in retaining it.

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The next time I was sent to the Co-op for ‘me Mam’s messages’ a red-faced lady was just leaving the counter clearly ‘stone mad’ about a purchase which wasn’t to her satisfaction. As she bustled onto Shaftoe Street nearly taking the door off its hinges, Mop was busy charming another lady customer further along the counter, pretending not to have heard the earlier altercation.

Ozzie couldn’t contain himself. “Tee-hee-hee-hee!” he laughed.

Mr Ohlson, the store manager, shook his head with an air of resignation as if to say, “Oh dear! I give up”.

Charlie looked down at me with a smile, winked and said,  “ Well, your Dad might be in a dead-end job, but at least his customers don’t complain about the service!

Notes from the Parish Council Meeting

Present were: 8 Councillors (apologies from 3), the Parish Clerk and 14 members of the Public.

The evening began by electing the Chair and Vice Chair of the Council. The present incumbents Cllr. Faulkes and Cllr. Philp were duly elected.

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Susan Batey (Parish Clerk) introduced Ian Douglas (TDC) who was to give a presentation on the implementation of the “Wheelie Bin” scheme in Haydon Bridge.

Mr Douglas began by outlining the purpose of the scheme which is to standardise a safe and clean system for the handling of household waste. This has to be done in order that the Council’s re-cycling targets can be met. The scheme was introduced in Prudhoe and is gradually working its way along the Tyne Valley.

To introduce households to the scheme, leaflets will be arriving within the next week. This is to be backed up by an exhibition at the Riverside Picnic Area on Wednesday 30^th May from 9.30am to 7.00pm. There will be people ‘manning’ the stand and will be able to answer any queries people may have.

Time scale for its introduction: The wheelie bin for your house will be delivered between 28^th June and 3^rd July. Where it is left indicates where the Council believes it should be picked up from. (if by chance it is delivered, and left in the middle of your drive/pathway, don’t think that it has to stay there, you can move it!!).

The first wheelie bin collection will be either Friday 6^th July or Monday 9^th July. Please note the change of collection days. Thereafter, the same day will be used.

The wheelie bin comes in three (3) sizes. Small, Standard and Large. TDC have opted for the Standard model which has a capacity of 240 litres ( 2½ bins or 5 sacks ) and will suit most households. Should you require a LARGE one then, on payment of £25, you can have one! This model will be automatically given to households of more than 4 persons. Similarly if you feel a SMALL would be better this will be provided free of charge.

A HELP-LINE ( 01 434 652 418 ) is to be set up should anyone have any questions regarding the scheme. These might include; the siting of the bin; the handling of the bin (if you might have a problem in wheeling it to and from its designated pick-up point).

Mr Douglas was keen to point out that “side waste” (any bags/rubbish left next to the wheelie bin ) WILL NOT BE COLLECTED! Also, if the lid won’t close because of excess rubbish, the surplus will be taken out and left for a later collection! He did point out that bulky waste would be collected separately when requested.

Business users will not be entering into the scheme for the moment and the present service will continue. It is hoped to extend to everyone as soon as possible.

In conclusion, Mr Douglas gave assurances that, so far in the areas where they were already in use, very few problems had arisen. And he again referred to the HELP-LINE which people should use if there were any queries.

The Clerk thanked Mr Douglas and Cllr Philp (in the Chair) then asked if there were any matters which the Public wished to bring up.

(a) Mrs Armstrong (Church Street) indicates that the street light is still off.

(b) Dog Litter Bins.

The matter of the electric supplies to the street lights would be investigated and it transpired that the dog bins were not being fully emptied. It appeared that only the bags off the top were being taken away! Mr Douglas was still around when this was brought up and he suggested that the Clerk write to the Council expressing its unhappiness with the current arrangements and ‘could something be done please!’

At this point several members of the Public left and the formal part of the meeting continued.

Minutes of previous meeting: These were agreed as being a true record. Arising from them really only one item was acted upon. Cllr Smith outlined the current Foot & Mouth situation. The time scale for ’D’ notices would now be indefinite and Haydon Bridge is to be tested within the week. He was particularly keen to emphasise that F & M has not gone away, as would seem to the case being put over by Labour, but was still rife. MAFF are not telling the full story as regards Infected Premises and the knock-on effect on neighbouring farms. He suggested that one look at the “official” figures being quoted ( approx. 1600 cases ) and then multiply by four!!

The articles on pages 1 and 8 of the Hexham Courant (24/25^th May 2001) really give an indication of the spread of this contagion in this area.

Highways/Bypass: Nothing has changed this last month. It has been suggested that a meeting of interested parties should be convened to look at the effects on tourism that the Bypass would have – should it be built. Better to plan now than to leave it until it is in place.

Various parts of the parish have problems including the road to Grindon / Allerwash, the pot-holes in the Langley road, the sediment left by flooding at the junction of the Lowgate/Elrington roads. The top road that is and the footpath at the back of the station.

Planning applications: Langley Castle. Re-surfacing of car park, creation of a turning circle and an ornamental fountain. PC thought no problem with this.

Conversion at 3 Shaftoe Street. No comment.

Correspondence: TDC – there were plants/flowers available for anyone liking them from Hexham and Prudhoe. Only until 1st June and with prior arrangements. Telephone 01 434 65 2200 extension 2427.

Rail Users Group – the letter of complaint had been acknowledged. It was suggested that, should anyone have a query about the punctuality of a train, they could dial “Star, Star, 2” on the phone on the station platform and the Newcastle Control room will answer. Sadly there is no notice indicating such action!! Cllr Philp will see to one being provided.

“2 Castles Housing Association” - wishes to enter into a partnership with TDC to address the housing needs of the area. The PC is to arrange a meeting with them.

Northumberland National Park – Hadrian’s Wall Planning Group. All Parish Councils are invited to a presentation (and lunch) at National Park HQ (Hexham) at 10am on Friday 15^th June.

Spa Well – a letter had been received from the Land Agent acting for the Straker family. Draws attention to a rather large crack which has appeared close to the last landslide which might negate any thoughts of re-instating the footpath to the Spa. A site visit will be convened with all parties.

H.E.R.S PROJECT – Cllr Philp is to meet with the mangers of this scheme to highlight concerns over lighting, electricity supplies to homes, pavement repairs, ‘old’ Post Office corner and bridge work – to name but a few.

Cllr Philp was keen to point out that businesses should consider applying for grants. The next meeting of HERS is Wednesday 30^th May at 6.30pm.

Community Centre – Cllr Garrow indicated that computers and peripherals would be available soon and that a Computer Literacy Project would be started. An open meeting has been scheduled for the evening of Tuesday 12th June at 7.00pm. See notice on page 10.

Fencing by ‘Disabled’ bungalow – Cllr Charlton suggested that this should be removed all together and to remove the overgrown brambles at the same time.

Village Appraisal – the notice which appeared in the Haydon News last month was answered by one person! To get any sort of funding to improve the environs of the village an up-dated village appraisal needs to be carried out and as many people from different organisations need to be able to voice their concerns and aspirations. Please to give it some thought. 

RADS

LANGLEY WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Langley W. I.’s May meeting was the first to be held since February due to the Foot & Mouth crisis. Numbers were therefore lower than usual, but those who were able to attend found much to interest them.

In Dr. Jane Young’s talk and slide show entitled “Wildlife Conservation begins at Home” she pointed out that wildlife is adaptable and can cope with gradual change. However, since the War various factors have accelerated the rate of change resulting, for example, in the loss of 95% of our meadows – too rapid a development for wildlife to contend with. Intensive farming, over-grazing, use of pesticides, road building & planting of coniferous plantations have all had a deleterious effect on the environment.

However, in recent years there has been an upsurge of interest in a sustainable economy which does not compromise the environment. The reclamation of pits has resulted in wildlife havens, rivers are being cleaned up to an acceptable standard and even motorways are proving to be a haven for small mammals. Even the Army is in on the act – the largest “lek” for Black Grouse is situated at Otterburn Training Area and is one of the most important in Britain.

Witness also the phenomenal interest in organic farming and gardening – which means we as individuals can also make our own contribution to the cause – either as consumers by purchasing organically produced foods or by creating wildlife friendly gardens.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I was extremely satisfied to find my poems in the February issue of the Haydon News well received and the interesting comments from Dennis Telford in the March issue.

To respond to ‘whom was who’? or ‘who was whom’?

As far as I know we had only one Alex Robinson. Dave Routledge, he was a bit on the large size in those days, hence the large hole in the fence. Bert Brown, Dick Graham and Roy, needs no further explanation. Allan Bates, Cliff Corbert and last but not least, Michael Leppington.

Sorry guys, but it was a poem and one could only fit so much in. If everyone had as much fun reading them as I had writing them, it was more than worthwhile.

I hope the Haydon News will think some of my other poems are worth printing. I will try to send a ‘mixer’ bag to chose from.

To answer the final question – so where were Dave, Bert, Dick, Roy, Cliff, Michael and of course Harold? Where indeed. In the Gang Show of course at the Town Hall which is now the ‘Club’.

What everyone else was doing I can’t remember but Harold was on top of the “pyramid”. Unfortunately the stage was not high enough. Harold had done the old Indian Rope Trick into the rafters, only to re-appear to everyone’s delight seconds later in front of the stage as if by magic. He finished it off, and a wonderful night, by singing “Abide with Me” solo. Happy days indeed. The pantomime “Cinderella”. Was that the one Jimmy Pig’s sister sang “I’m a lonely little Petunia in an Onion patch”? She certainly was lovely. Then there were the little shows like the one at Dennis Telford’s fathers Joinery with “From Memory”. Maureen Brown and Gwen Ridley, Ann Leathard and ??? plus Dennis of course. And the one put on by Norma Brown. Can’t remember who was in it but I really enjoyed it. It was all a lot of fun.

The one thing I have always missed is ‘First Footing at New Year. I would tag on with my three sisters Olive, Viola and Theresa when I was about twelve years old. It was just great to walk into someone’s house, have a drink, then move on. It could not happen today. Of course I only had lemonade! That was of course after the Carol Singing, but that’s another story.

It seems that you are no longer on the internet? My nephew David would take the Haydon News off the internet and bring it up for me, but seems he can’t get it now?

Keep up the good work, say “G’day to all relations and friends.

Humble – 26 Wheatley St.

Kyneton, Victoria. 3444. Australia

We would like to thank the people of Haydon Bridge for their kind phone calls and cards.

 We are grateful for your support through this awful time

Shirley & Alistair Macdonald

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Could I say through the Haydon News how sorry I am that the Post Office has closed, but a big THANK YOU to Tony and his staff over the years for their smiling faces and helpfulness. It made it a pleasure to use the Post Office and I’m sure they will be a big miss to the village.

Enjoy your retirement Tony and good luck to the girls in whatever they do.

Best wishes to you all.

17 Church Street -Haydon Bridge

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