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Haydon News
September 2001
“NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS“
In the late 60’s the Head teacher I worked for used this phrase a lot. And I suppose in those days it held true. The emphasis being on the words “NO” and “GOOD”. How things have changed in the thirty-odd years since! Put the emphasis on the first word only “NO” and a completely different slant is put on things.
These days one can hardly pick up a newspaper or a listen/watch a broadcast without being bombarded with BAD news be it local, regional, national or international.
Of course we are all shocked by recent events – including the attacks on America – but around here most of us are wondering just when the Foot & Mouth crisis will end, to take one issue which impinges on the whole area. What with some farms being culled because of infection, others because they are contiguous and others not at all but not able to move their stock because they are inside the Blue Box! There are other issues of course which engage our minds. Church Street, the Post Office, Innerhaugh, the A69, Tourism and the provision of Play areas. Have I missed anything? And what about an issue which only this week has cropped up. The possible re-siting of the Library from its present position to the High School! It is said that no decision will be taken until an extensive public consultation process has been undertaken. If something’s not broken, why fix it? Are we once again to be told by the ‘people that know’ what is best for this village. Or should we not make a stand and let these same people know that we still have pride in our village and that surely WE know best! Or is that being too parochial?
This issue has a fair bit of correspondence generated mainly by July’s editorial. Good to see and worth a read. Also I took the liberty of writing to the regional office of Post Office Counters Ltd to see what they had to say on the relocation of the PO to the Co-op. Their statement can be found on page 9. Does it satisfy?
Although at the end of Dennis Telford’s notes this month mention is made of an error regarding Raymond McVay’s death it was I who got it wrong. Apologies to all concerned.
Our next issue of the Haydon News is at the end of October.
Richard A D Snowdon (Editor)
Dennis Telford
In this month’s notes I am still reflecting on Mr Veitch’s letter published in the June edition of the Haydon News.
Mr Veitch’s contact with me brought back to my mind an incident which occurred some thirty years ago. The Veitch family had left number 29 John Martin Street in 1935 but an interesting encounter in the 1970’s, 1972 perhaps, makes an appropriate post script to Harry’s letter.
My story starts at the ‘Club’ on a Saturday morning.
In its early years the CIU Golf competition was held at Westerhope Golf Club and given the chance of a free trip away there was never any shortage of names on the list pinned up on our Haydonian Club noticeboard..
The party which left Haydon Bridge included golfers and ‘caddies’. David Brown remembers the trip well and between us we have come up with the names of a few of the people on the bus to Westerhope that day.
Firstly, the golfers included David, Maurice Armstrong, Dent Oliver and myself. Denis Bell, Barry Brown and Keith Brown (T.K that is!). Jackie Johnson and David Tulip. The all important ‘caddies’ included Jake Forster, Sid Thompson, Tot Pickering, Jim Porteous, Alfie Kent and Jackie Wardle.
Neither David nor I can recall any sporting success that day worth recording for posterity although I’m almost certain that Barry’s fine stylish swing, coupled with his unusual method of calculating a par, got him somewhere near the leaders.
There was of course the usual element of ‘coarse’ golf which was (and perhaps still is) generally associated with ‘Club Trips’
For example, the day got off to a bad start when a wayward practice swing on the first tee gave David ‘T’ a hefty whack with a three wood and almost reduced the Haydonian team by one before a ball was played.
I also recall David ‘B’s three iron lying in two pieces on the fairway. His ‘now you see it, now you don’t’ swing proved much too swift for any golf club yet manufactured. Dent’s putter was in a similar predicament, having been laid carefully on the ground (believe that if you will!) after another twelve inch putt got away ….or was this another occasion or indeed occasions?
Jake was Maurice’s ‘caddy’ and his idea of encouragement was to wait until Maurice was at the top of his back swing and then tell him that his golf ball would probably end up in a bunker or behind a tree. (very perceptive as it happens!!)
And of course most. No! I mean ALL of the ‘caddies’ developed injuries of one sort or another and had to leave the course. Significantly, all together and just about on opening time!
You can probably guess that the golfers and their (part-time) ‘caddies’ were in high spirits as we repaired to the 19th hole, which, on this occasion was the Lemington Social Club at Newburn. We were there as the doors opened and when the regulars arrived they were none too happy that the, ‘Farmers’ had commandeered their usual seats.
Isn’t it amazing how many of our friends ‘Doon Bye’ think that anyone from west of Hexham must have arrived by horse and cart, but not until the pigs have been put to bed! Many eventually join us of course as visitors or residents, to share our beautiful countryside and way of life. We should take this as a compliment and welcome their contribution to our community.
Tot and Sid were the first to the Bar, apparently determined to break all records for pints of ‘Fed Special’ consumed in a single session. Maurice ‘A’ was casting an inquisitive eye around the room and David ‘B’ was listening with an intuitive ear to the musicians tuning up ready for the dancing. I thought they were out of tune but ‘Cap’ retorted, “No, no, no. This is modern Jazz, man!”
So where is all this leading?
Well, as the dancing got underway and I waited patiently for the Bradford Barn, Armstrong startled the rest of us at the table.
“Wey, ye beggar o’Hexham! Aa Knaa yon lass o’er there”
We all turned to where he was pointing and, as their eyes met, the ‘lass’ in question came over to join us.
Maurice had lived with his parents, Joe and Elsie and his sister June at 25 John Martin Street, when the lady he recognised had lived next door but one.
The two of them were born on the same night in the same year. Maurice before midnight on the 6th of November (he says it was the fireworks that set Elsie off!) and neighbour after midnight, on the 7th.
The lady that Maurice introduced us to that Saturday night was Harry Veitch’s sister, Marjorie. They hadn’t met since they were both school children over thirty-five years earlier and yet they recognised each other instantly across the dance floor.
Just as Harry Veitch had thought when Dan Liddle recognised him in Italy after all those years. “Truly amazing”
Harry’s two sisters, Marjorie who still lives at Lemington and Lillian from Cornwall, take a close interest in the village that was their home sixty-six years ago and they visited Haydon Bridge last month to spend some time with their school friends from those early days, Lily and Sadie Pickering.
I enjoyed a very pleasant couple of hours in the company of these four ladies. While Lily kept us amply supplied with tea and cakes, just as she did when as a youngster I would go to ‘Knights’ the bakers on Church Street. I was entertained by their fascinating stories of Haydon Bridge characters and events of the past.
Wonderful memories.
(Just ask Sadie about the inkwell story sometime!)
Incidentally, I noticed when driving past the Newburn Club recently that it is an Old People’s Home now. So those of us who are left from the ‘Club’ trip that day are, I’m afraid, still eligible for membership!
RAYMOND McVAY
In my notes for the July issue of the Haydon News, the date Raymond died was given as 1988. It should have read, 1998 of course. Please accept my apologies for this error.
Dennis Telford
Present throughout were: 10 Councillors (apologies from 1), County Councillor, the Parish Clerk and 6 members of the Public.
Public Participation:
(1) Cllr. Garrow began proceedings by highlighting the growing problem created by traffic using Martin’s Close. This is growing steadily now that the new football facilities are being used and measures need to be taken to lessen the risks to those living in the area.
(2) David McVay who, with his family , lives next door to the Co-op spoke on the increasing problems created by delivery trucks to both the front and side of the premises. Not only do these trucks arrive at all times of the day but now they are taking to parking on the pavement outside the Co-op within 4 feet of his front door. As a result, the pavement is now cracked – pools of water gather proving a hazard to pedestrians – and one has to be careful how one gets past these vehicles. Trolleys are wheeled over the ‘new’ flagstones so chipping them but why cannot these trolleys be wheeled round to the back entrance?
The hazards created by these trucks (and others who seem to think that the wide pavement is a good place to park ) affects traffic movement on the A69 which is right outside the shop.
A massive problem is being created and a solution will have to be found before there is a serious accident. Should bollards be erected? If so, where, and also on Church Street? Cllr. Mitchell wondered whether a fence separating the road from the pavement might work?
David has contacted various agencies (Highways, Road Link etc) with little success.
It was eventually considered that there should be an urgent meeting with all parties concerned to find a remedy to this problem created partly by changes in circumstances over recent times.
(3)
The fate of Haydon Spa was raised by the Editor who felt that it was being neglected. He had met with some visitors recently wondering what the large white sign on the side of the A69 stood for. Obviously the subsidence has created a mess which is getting worse by the day.Also should the seat dedicated to Raymond McVay be moved before it disappears into the river?
It was suggested that Haydon Spa be placed on the agenda for next month’s Parish Council meeting.
Minutes of Previous Council meeting were agreed.
Matters Arising: Playground suggestions. The Trustees of the Shaftoe Foundation have yet to meet to discuss the ideas put forward by an excellent project
First School pupils and presented to the Parish Council in July 2001.
Old Bridge Lighting:
Is much admired though the same cannot be said for the surface of the bridge. Also with the road being raised there would appear to be less parapet offering protection. The First School has noticed this in particular. Cllr Smith added, with some humour, that as the bridge is a listed building the road could be raised almost to the top of the parapet and little could be done. Cllr Charlton added that the parapet appeared to be loose in one or two places.H.E.R.S.
Cllr Philp informed the meeting that
there would appear to be £20,000 to finish the scheme although this would
seem to be insufficient
However,
the street lighting on Church Street would be completed. Their style would
be like those on Beaumont Street/Abbey area in Hexham and as they would
appear to be a ‘stock’ item there should be no problem in getting an
early start. The lighting plans can be seen at J&M Clarke’s
(Newsagent) on Church Street.
The seat in the Churchyard would also be done although
the floodlighting has been taken off the plans. No money.
Litter bins and bollards are being considered for
Church Street. Map also with J&M Clarke.
Cllr Philp is not at all happy with the way the scheme
has been run. Cllr Mitchell has met with the Head of Economic Development
and has indicated that the Parish Council is not at fault as it was ready
to move in the early days of this scheme but Tynedale Council were not.
Funds should be made available to complete the scheme as was planned even
if only to restore the village’s pride in itself. Peter Kemp (TDC)
supports our claims.
Cllr Faulks (Chair) was flabbergasted at the apparent
cost of providing and laying the flagstones. He felt that £200 per square
metre was a bit steep!!!! and that we would appear to have been
overcharged. Ian Douglas (TDC) would provide a breaksown of all costs.
Did the focus group have a contract? Cllr Philp said
“No” because they were in the hands of the ‘professionals’ and we
trusted them. Does English Heritage know what is going on? As regards
planning arrangements, residents had to ’jump through hoops’ to secure
grants, but it would appear that TDC are able to do what they want
wherever!
Cllr Horncastle, drawing on his work at Allendale,
suggested that local people with their skills would be better placed to do
work, and perhaps do a better job.
On a brighter note, Cllr Garrow said that a lot of bulbs have been acquired for planting around the ’new’ tree and with Shaftoe’s help would provide a riot of colour. Excellent news.
Village Appraisal: Two meetings have been held and preliminary work has been done. The way forward is firstly to register our interest to the group which provides the grants as suggested by Kirsten Francis.
Brown Tourist Signs on the A69. In reply to Cllr Parkin’s inquiry at the last meeting a letter had been received from Highways/Road Link saying that the type of signs required are only provided for bypassed villages. We are not bypassed so no chance. A further letter will be forwarded to these agencies!
Parish Clerk’s Resignation: Advertisements were placed and four have applied. Nothing further to report.
TDC Minutes: Cllr Mitchell had nothing much to report although he had attended a meeting when the re-location of the village’s Library was being discussed. He made it very clear, and I think the whole Parish Council support him, that he would never accept this suggestion.
Highways/Bypass: Nothing to report.
Foot & Mouth: Cllr Smith gave a very emotive presentation on the current status. Farmers are bleeding to death for a number of reasons too many to mention here but local press have it covered well. The Blue Box zone is diabolical and the way that DEFRA is handling the crisis is a joke. Who is better off, farms which have been culled or those who have not?
N.C.C School Support Officer has informed the meeting that Geoff Jackson (Governor at Shaftoe First) has come to the end of his term and a replacement will be needed. Any offers? Cllr Mitchell was asked and said, “OK”.
RADS
PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS
Held on the fourth Thursday of each month. Please see the notice board, next to the Butcher’s shop for the venue. The General Public is welcome as the first part of every meeting invites Public Participation. Have your say – Brickbats and Bouquets!!
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HAYDON BRIDGE PARISH COUNCILLORS Chairman Mr E J Faulks Mr D Charlton 684 505 Mrs E Charlton 684 505 Mrs V A Fletcher Mrs E Garrow 684 324 Mrs L Gilhespy 684 632 Mr S B Mitchell 684 980 * Mr M R Parkin 684 340 Mrs L A Philp
Parish Clerk
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4th August 2001
Dear Mr. Thomas
I am writing about the proposal by Bellway for 48 more housing units at Innerhaugh, Haydon Bridge.
What is the matter with the people in this village who are objecting to this proposal? Surely this is what we need. New housing to provide local residents the chance to either own or rent a new home? New people to move into the village and to join in the community, with possibly new ideas and different services to offer all of us? This would provide more custom for the shops, more youngsters to attend the superb schools in our village, more help with our fight for a bypass - and yes, more business for the Post Office Counters in the Co-op, if it is still in use by then.
So come on, fellow villagers, look beyond the initial reactions of a few, as I have spoken to several people who have lived here much longer than I have - 20 years – and who cannot recall when this land ever flooded - and surely if we need a new sewage system this could well be the way we will get one - by building more affordable, but desirable properties for our village.
Yours sincerely
Disappointed Newcomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
Mr. Charles Thomas
Chairman of ‘The Friends of Haydon Bridge'
Dear Mr. Thomas
With regard to your request for comments regarding the new Post Office arrangements within the local Co-op.
I am very sorry to have to report that I have found the new arrangements appalling on more than one occasion. We can all understand that there will be teething problems when any business moves to a completely different working environment, or should I say alien environment, but this situation should have been corrected by now. I really do not know where the Hexham Courant got their recently published story from, but whoever they were have been very fortunate in their service at the Post Office Counters area in the Haydon Bridge Co-op!
I will endeavour to recall two particular occasions to you. I called early one morning, 8.00am, great I thought, I will get this document posted to London, with a certificate of posting, before I go to work. I approached the front of the shop and noticed about 4 other customers waiting outside. My watch must be fast, so I thought, however, after waiting a further 8 minutes a member of staff arrived, walking up the street, and opened the door, without any explanation or apology for the lateness of the opening. Our small group trooped into the shop and duly queued up in front of the Post Office Counter. An assistant appeared and started to 'fiddle' with the computer screen, again no explanation, and the situation remained like this for a further 4 minutes.
Unfortunately, by this time it was too late for me to wait any longer, so I had to leave to get to my place of employment on time.
On another occasion, I went with several extremely important parcels to post – First Class and again to have a Certificate of Posting. This is a regular part of my job, and as I approached with them the assistant looked up, saw me with the parcels and groaned, "Oh no!", to which I immediately replied, “If you would prefer, I can take these to the Post Office at Hexham or Haltwhistle“. This appeared to calm the assistant who then proceeded to process my business - albeit grudgingly?
Surely the customer is always right, or is this from days gone by and not the modern approach of staff? Have we been thoroughly spoiled by Tony and his marvellous staff? It was always such a pleasure to go into the village Post Office, pass the time of day with Tony and his ‘girls‘.
Maybe the new Post Office arrangements would work better if there was designated staff who worked almost exclusively on the Post Office, as I am sure that some of the staff did not join the Co-op to deal with the complex and sometimes quite personal and private business of people that they know and live near to, but to help them with their shopping, advise them of the special offers available, and to give them a smile as they handed them their change. I feel that the lack of privacy in some instances is very obvious and that this must be extremely embarrassing for all concerned.
I do hope that this situation can be solved before very much longer, or else I fear that there will be a lot more custom winging its way to Hexham, and we will lose this vital service in our village.
Yours sincerely
Disappointed Villager
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Editor
Haydon News
Dear Sir
I would like to reply to the editorial in July’s Haydon News regarding the new Post Office arrangements at the Haydon Co-op.
Post Office Counters are cheek by jowl with retail customers. There is no privacy for private transactions and all business can be clearly observed and overheard.
I do appreciate the fact that Haydon Bridge still has Post Office facilities but considering the amount of floor space in the Co-op the Post Office ought to have been situated entirely separate from the retail counters.
I am also concerned for the safety of the Staff. There appear to be no alarms or panic buttons and it may only be a matter of time before a serious robbery is attempted.
I voiced my concerns to Senior Training Staff when the Post Office facilities were first set up but was told, “You don’t like things to be changed! Minor teething troubles will soon be sorted out”
Other people have voiced their concern and I have not heard any positive opinions regarding the new system apart from the self congratulatory one issued by Co-op management in the Hexham Courant.
Yours faithfully
J. H.-----------------------------------------------------------
The Editor
Dear Sir
I have visited the Co-op several times lately for a few groceries only to turn around and go elsewhere as the Staff are so busy dealing with Post Office business.
I certainly would not like to work on the counters that are open to the public, so near to a road, and not much security at present.
My congratulation to the excellent Staff at Haydon Bridge Co-op
Happy Shopper
- By E-mailBecause of the Foot and Mouth Outbreak, all meetings have been suspended for the time being.
OVER 60’S CLUB
In September the Over 60’s met for the first time since their annual outing. This was to Morecambe and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone despite a somewhat overcast but warm day. Joined by many friends the coffee stop at Penrith Methodist Church where we were warmly welcomed.
A vote of thanks was given to Mrs Avice Sparke for all her hard work in organising the event.
Happy Birthday Greetings were extended to Mrs V. Reed and Mrs E. Ohlsen. Everyone wished Mrs Taylor a hasty recovery after her recent fall in Ratcliffe Road.
A most enjoyable social evening followed.
Myra Bowen
the
shaftoe charities
Shaftoe Educational Foundation Reg. No. 528101
Almshouse Charity of John Shaftoe Reg. No. 506598
SHAFTOE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION ( Educational Grants )
Applications from residents of Haydon Parish will be considered by the Governors at their meeting on 8 November 2001.
If you wish to make an application to that meeting, please write to:
The Clerk
Shaftoe Educational Foundation
Shaftoe Terrace
Haydon Bridge
NE47 6BW
Applications received after that date may have to wait until the next meeting in March 2002 before they can be dealt with.
ALMS HOUSES ON SHAFTOE TERRACE
The Trustees invite applications for residence in an Almshouse on Shaftoe Terrace.
These one-bedroomed cottages are available for occupation by people who are: Aged at least 60, Resident in Haydon Parish and able to show a genuine need for more suitable accommodation.
Applicants are required to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview before a small panel of Trustees.
Application forms are available from J & M Clarke (Newsagents) on Church Street or from the Clerk on request by telephone on: 01 434 684 298
Clerk to the Governors/Trustees:
J P Richardson, MA LlB FCIS.THE ANCIENT LAND OF NORTHUMBRIA
Winding roads hills and vales, paradise seeped in fame,
This land of famous artists and many famous names,
Majestic Stags lofty crags and green fields here abound,
Mighty walls and castles in this wonderland are found.
History in this land abounds, it's secrets it unfolds,
of mighty Roman armies as they built great walls and roads,
Danes of old have past this way and ships of the Viking Norse,
Englishmen and Scotsmen great battles here have fought.
To feel this part of history flowing through one's veins.
Just close your eyes with feet spread wide upon these ancient plains,
You can see the cavalry wheeling far off to the right,
Their banners flowing in the breeze, as they race in for the fight.
The thunder of the chariots as they hurl them into war,
A clash of steel one still can feel as the enemy they saw,
A victory call as the enemy fall ‘neath the blade of a flashing sword,
Great cheers went up as they enter the rough to lay bare the heathen horde.
You can feel the clash of armour hear the whistle of the blade,
The thunder of the hoof beats as history here was made.
Hear the death roar of the cannon, and the, ghosts of a million dead,
It's the heart of English history, the blood of man this land hath fed.
The Roman Legions sailed away, Viking ships have gone,
Scots have stopped their raiding but their history still goes on,
They left to us their heritage that makes this land so fine,
A land of stark wild beauty, this land of yours; and mine.
Harold Humble 12 – 5 – 2001
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
DOCTOR STEVE FORD