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June 1998
Editorial
FIRE IN MY BELLY
Hi Folks - It’s that man again or to parody what they used to say on Rowan and Martin’s ‘Laugh In’ so many years ago. “Here’s the man the news wouldn’t be the news without - here’s Mitchy!”
Some of you thought I’d gone a bit soft of late and were looking for more ‘fire in the belly’ stuff again. Well you’ve certainly provided me with quite a bit of ammunition over the past couple of months or so. Together with the happy bits, infuriating bits and sad bits; flak jacket on; sidewinder missiles armed; off we jolly well go:
“Tally Ho Chaps! Fight the Good Fight - We shall overcome - and all that stuff.”
One Tuesday evening, early in May, I popped into the Railway at 6:30 and said to landlady Jackie
“Hinnie, can ya gissa reet hot pizza ‘n a kowld weet rum wirra bitta coke innit.”
She replied “Haddaway wi ya - impittent fyul - thiv aal selt oot.”
We didn’t actually talk like that but by now them posh bu**ers in another part of the parish who are always complaining about the Haydon News will have given up and be back to their G&T’s with words like
“Darling - don’t bother reading the Editorial it is totally unreadable again - I think he’s speaking Macagassy again.”
The old buffer steps on the cord of his dressing gown and he trips over spilling his pink gin all over wifey in her white silk night-gown - screaming loudly she runs upstairs to the safety of her own bedroom (they have separate bedrooms there you know). From the bottom drawer of her dressing table she takes out some dog-eared copies of last year’s Haydon News’ and is soon roaring with laughter at some of the jokes - from under her pillow she takes out a photo of a former Election Candidate - kisses it and is soon fast asleep, contented in her dream-world.
Meanwhile back in the real world of the Railway I slowly sip the B&C and, putting on my doleful look, make to leave by saying: “Well I’ll be off then and do myself some sausage & beans on toast as Sylvia is out tonight.”
“I’ve got a better idea” said Jackie as pub goes silent in anticipation, “Why don’t you pop into the Co-op, buy yourself a Pizza and I’ll cook it for you?” In about two minutes flat I was back - spicy frozen Pizza in hand.
A short while later I moved to the other part of the room, which was empty, and Jackie brought me over my piping hot food - neatly cut into man-sized segments - I ordered another B&C. Just munching my way through the first piece when I became aware of someone standing beside the table, looking up I saw this pretty young thing, smiling down at me she said
“Mitch you shouldn’t be eating on your own.”
I responded, “Do you fancy a bit then ?”
Declining my offer of a Pizza segment she skipped off through the door into lounge bar.
During the next quarter of an hour a number of people of both sexes in their 20’s and 30’s made their way through the bar into the lounge - picking up a drink from the bar on the way. I was joined by a friend and we chatted on as I finished my meal.
After a while one of the young attractive women from the lounge came out - directly to OUR table.
“Mitch” she said, “If I buy you a Bacardi and Coke will you come into the back room ?” My colleague looked at me
with that jealous look and said “You lucky bu**er ” - he was left talking to fresh air as like the ‘Road Runner’ bird it was “beep beep” and into the lounge by yours truly followed by a lady carrying a B&C with plenty of ice.
In the lounge a meeting was going on between parents of teen and sub-teenaged children organising themselves into a group to raise funds to equip the youngsters with all the correct gear to play football as representatives and ambassadors of our village. What pleased me most was the enthusiasm with which these parents face the task. It certainly was a pleasant change from the meetings I normally attend where dour faces are the order of the day.
Paul Pender has written an article: “FOOTBALL FOR THE UNDER 14’s” This article is in the letters pages .
I do hope that if you haven’t yet read Paul’s excellent summary of under 14’s football you will go now have a good read.
Paul Penders letter
Welcome back, now you will be asking what can YOU do to help? The simple answer is - supply the funds.Why not make a cheque out now to Haydon Bridge Under 14’s Football Club and pop it into the Railway where Jackie Bell is the Treasurer. Alternatively slip your donation into an envelope marked as above and give it to Jackie Bell, Paul Pender or Jackie Kirsopp. If you don’t know any of the above or are too shy to go into a pub send it to me and I will pass it on. In the meantime I’m just going into another room to make out my cheque and I’ll give it to Jackie later on today when I am passing the Railway.
Righty ho folks I’m back - cheque made out and tucked into an envelope - I hope you’ve just done the same because if you haven’t all you’ll do is forget it about it. I’ll tell you what - I’ll just hang on for a few minutes more - no excuses.[Ed has a cuppa]
NB - Overseas readers, especially those with a Haydon Bridge connection can send an International Money Order, payable to "Haydon Bridge Under 14's Football Club", to: Haydon News, High Brindles, Heugh House Lane, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland NE47 HJ . Please e-mail the Editor and let me know in advance that your are sending a donation, and how much - receipts will be provided. Thank You
Talking about pubs - we were in the Haydon last Friday and noticed owner Betty Cousin wasn’t about.
“Where’s Betty tonight then ?” was the question we posed to husband Maurice.
“Ower in Allendale gettin hor cup - she’ll be back soon.” he replied
A few minutes later a bubbly Betty arrived back with some other ladies clutching their trophies. Shortly afterwards the trophy was filled with ice cold lovely bubbly and we all helped celebrate the event by taking a drink from the elaborate bowl. As I was the nominated passenger that night I had more than one swig hic hic.
Betty runs the Haydon Ladies Darts Team who are one of five ladies teams in the Allendale Darts League - the Haydon Team ended up top of the ladies group in the mixed league.
The Team:
Betty Cousin, Jeanette Burrows, Geraldine Newton, Lynne Robbie, Pam Robbie, Maureen Steel, Audrey Stephenson.
Well done ladies !
I was pleased to get a note from Mr. Coombes saying that Beryl Smith of The Anchor will be taking over the task of organising “Meals on Wheels” after the former teacher’s 30 year stint. I’m sure all readers will appreciate Mr Coombes’ efforts over the last three decades in ensuring that the service continued. We should also thank Beryl for taking over these duties from Mr Coombes.
Whilst on the subject of the Anchor - now in the management hands of Beryl and husband Paul - you will see from their larger advert that Wednesday night is ‘Thai Night’ when barman Mick becomes chef for the night. I’ve already been to one and really enjoyed the spicy food - why don’t you consider trying it - you can eat in either the bar or dining room - although if you decide on the latter Beryl suggests you book a table.
Last month I popped up to see Mark Chaplin, of Hadrian Lodge who wanted us to know about his latest plans - they have taken out of full page advert on page 13 letting us know of their current service. Whilst speaking to Mark he told me that following the publicity in July’s Haydon News last year he had difficulties in providing the service he wished - this was due to unexpected staff illnesses. He has now brought in an experienced couple to run the place and has also carried out building improvements, including extension of the bar. I’ll be popping up sometime in the next few weeks to try out the new bar and pool table and maybe try one of those bar meals on offer - how about you ?
Whilst on the subject of food - I was speaking to Thomas Stephenson the other day and he was telling me that things are not moving as quick as he would like them to. Because of this the new butcher’s shop will not be opening until the end of June. They will be trading under the name of W.M.H. FARM FRESH MEATS (West Mill Hills) and will be using their own home produced stock or other locally produced stock.(All under the Farm Assured scheme.)
Although we buy our meat in Hexham at the moment we will obviously shop locally providing the product sold is as good as that sold by our present supplier - I’m sure the new buthcher’s shop will be able to achieve this and I wish them well in this venture. Knowing that many of you were not happy at losing the butcher’s shop last year please do all you can to support this local entrepreneur in his bid to provide a sorely needed service in the village.
In the April Haydon News I discussed a possible option for public debate regarding the proposed new Community Centre, which it is estimated will cost in the region of £560,000 compared to the modest £320,000 spent on the new Methodist Centre. The proposal was that the land adjacent to the new Methodist Centre be purchased at market value and a
brand new Community Centre with realistic costs be built there.
Many villagers support the view that consideration should be given to this suggestion. There is the alternative view - expressed by some existing users of the present Community Centre that no other site other than the present location should be considered and some have even said that they will stop going to the Community Centre if it was at the new suggested location, about 100 yds away. I can relate to this latter viewpoint as, because of my own chronic medical condition, I often have extreme difficulty myself in managing to walk 100 yds or so - in fact it is only because I can park immediately outside the centre that I go there at all.
In discussing such a massive expenditure on a building that will probably be here for 100 years one must take a longer term view and consider what is good for the village as a whole, many of whom happen to believe that we can learn from past mistakes and start giving Haydon Bridge a heart - I can only but remind you all that odd decisions made by Councillors over 20 years ago is the reason we have factories in the middle of our village today - perhaps we should reconsider as while it may be 100 yds farther for some it is 100 yds closer for others? Or do we want another factory on the centre of village ? For after all it is an industrial site at the moment!
I understand that the subject of considering the old foundry site as suitable for a new Community Centre was raised at the May meeting of the Community Association. Those assembled were told that plans were too advanced to change them. Club representatives present also said they would prefer to stick with present plans.
The Haydon Bridge Community Association is a Registered Charity and as such have obligations under the Charity Commission's Regulations. The Object of the Charity is:
“To promote the benefit of the inhabitants of Haydon Bridge and the neighbourhood (hereinafter called the area of benefit) without distinction of sex or of political, religious or other opinions by associating the local authorities, voluntary organizations and inhabitants in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure-time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants”.
Registration Date 12/05/1966
Governing Document
CONSTITUTION ADOPTED 17/10/1968
It is understood the current situation is that only the members of the Community Association Executive Committee (4 people) and a small number of club representatives are involved in the decision making process. Any decision on a new Community Centre should take into account the views of the Community as a whole particularly when such vast sums of money are involved. Likewise there is an obligation on those who are making the decisions today to ensure that alternative, and possibly less costly solutions are investigated.
Invariably some readers will sulk after reading this editorial and try to ignore me the next time I see them - please remember that I am only expressing other peoples’ viewpoints which may be contrary to your own. Also bear in mind that I’ve probably expressed YOUR views on other matters in previous issues of the Haydon News.
A TRIBUTE TO RAYMOND
Since his sudden death on the morning of 18th May many words have been written and spoken in tribute to Raymond McVay’s role as a Parish Councillor, active supporter and worker on many village projects.
He was also an active member of the Friends of Haydon Bridge for a number of years where he worked closely with the former Editor Gina Richardson (1991 -1994).
It was Raymond who persuaded your present Editor, in the summer of 1994, to become Gina’s successor - even though I did not want to do the job he cajoled and harangued me in his own persuasive style - he was steadfastly determined that the Haydon News would continue after Gina’s departure.
Raymond was a regular contributor to the Haydon News over the years - in recent years he wrote under the pseudonym of MAGNA and his SPANS & ARCHES conversations between the new and old bridges proved to be very popular with readers. Over the past 5 years I got to know him very well meeting him at least three times a week where the talk was invariably about what to do for the village. When it looked like there would be no volunteers to form an outdoor bowls club it was Raymond who persuaded a number of people to ‘offer’ their services to form a committee.
Recently he proposed that a stone seat be provided at the Spa Well to replace the last seat which was either vandalised or washed away. The Friends of Haydon Bridge have a agreed to fund the building of this seat and with the agreement of the Parish Council it will be built as a lasting reminder and memorial to this big man.
|
RAYMOND MCVAY 1932 - 1998 A Friend of Haydon Bridge We shall miss him |
Mitch
THANKS
Mary McVay and all her family would like to convey their sincere thanks for individual cards, flowers and help received after the sudden death of Raymond who died on the 18th May 1998
Monies collected at the Church, half of which was sent to Hexham General Hospital and half to the Church itself, were much appreciated by all.
Once again thanks from all the family
6 Councillors, 5 members of the public and the Hexham Courant reporter were present.
Tribute was paid to the late Raymond McVay for all did for the village and his years as a parish councillor.
Public Participation
Speeding cars on match days continue to be a problem on Martins Close.and residents again voiced their concerns. The Council propose writing to the football club asking for their help with their problem. Cllr. Bill Howard suggested signs asking traffic to slow down could be erected on match days or Marshals provided.
The missing dog litter bin has been found safe and well in a resident’s garden.
Matters arising
The operators of Allenheads Quarry are permitted 20 loaded lorries per day under their present terms. They have requested an increase to 35 per day, averaging out at 25 wagons per day per calendar month.
A lay-by at the 1st school nursery entrance was never agreed to by Northumberland County Council. A barrier is to be erected, the 30 mph signed is to be moved and street lighting extended.The County Council will be approached once more regarding the provision of a lay-by.
No response from Regional Railways N.E. regarding the access gate at the factory site.
A hand rail has been erected on the slide at Langley Gardens play area and a type of rubber matting is to be put down at the end of the slide and at the bottom of the steps. The site is to be cleaned and bark put down.
Britain in Bloom carried out one inspection of the village and were impressed with what they saw. The next visit is on 9th July - keep up the good work.
A suggestion has been made to one of the councillors that some small trees could be planted in the rose
garden.
Drainage is to be installed at the new flood barrier.
The bus company wants to do all it can to ensure that buses do not leave early. It would help them if people who know of such instances to let them know specific dates and times.
Apparently the road profile is incorrect at the Pelican crossing in Ratcliffe Road for water to drain off correctly . It is proposed to carry out work sometime in the future to alter profile which will improve drainage.
Planning Applications
The Council objected to a proposal from Hadrian Lodge to provide a site for tents and caravans.
Outline planning for 3 terraced houses at Hordley Acre House - the parish council are concerned at the number of houses and the access being so close to public footpath.
The North Bank application - it is recommended to be kept single storey.
A 1st floor extension to Rose Cottage in Heugh House Lane - no objection.
Correspondence
The old bridge has a regular safety inspection - superficial cracks are to be pointed.
A proposed leaflet into walks around Haydon Bridge is to be looked into.
Other Business
The Temple Houses sign has collapsed and will be re-erected.
Waste bins in the village are not big enough and more are needed.
The cost of weed killer, plastic cover and large gravel/stones for the west end shrubbery - to be looked into.
1st School small mural is ready to be resited - the library to be approached as a temporary home. Eventual destination is the new Community Centre.
PAT
Rudolf Hess was born in Egypt in 1894, of German parentage he returned to Germany when he was 14. During World War I he was wounded twice, one of the wounds from a close range rifle shot which tore a hole through his chest and the bullet penetrated his lung. He rose in power to become Hitler’s deputy Fuehrer during the Nazi regime.
Mildred Jane Philipson was born at Deanraw Cottages in 1902 her parents were Harry ( Henry Livingstone Philipson) and Polly (Mary Ann - nee Currey), the Philipson family moved to Chesterwood not long after Millie’s birth. During the 1914 - 18 war Millie worked on the washing floor of Settlingstones mine. She married Edwin Mitchell, a sea-going Radio Officer from Newcastle and in 1923 the couple were living at 24, Shaftoe Street where the couple’s second child David was born in the November. The year previous Millie had her first son, Harry. Both of the sons joined the Royal Air Force in the late 1930’s.
Following an Instrument-maker apprenticeship at RAF Cranwell David’s first posting was to an RAF Maintenance Unit at a place called Carluke, near Glasgow in Scotland. Nicknamed ‘Mitch’ by his RAF colleagues his job was to visit aircraft crash sites and remove any aircraft instruments for re-use. In the case of enemy aircraft the instruments would be removed and sent away to the Aircraft Research Establishment at Farnborough for the boffins to inspect to see if the Luftwaffe’s instruments could reveal any secrets which would be of use to Britain.
In May 12th 1941 British newspapers carried the amazing story of a flight to Britain by Rudolf Hess who, it was claimed, had flown to Scotland on a secret peace mission. Furthermore it was claimed that on the night of May 10/11 when 12 miles from the Duke of Hamilton’s estate his Messerchmitt 110 ran out of fuel causing Hess to bail out of his aircraft at 6000ft. he landed safely in a field whilst the aircraft plummeted to the ground disintegrating in a nearby field. Eyewitnesses of the time later recalled how Hess was given a cup of tea by local women and chatted amicably to them in good English claiming he had flown to England to discuss a peace treaty with with the Duke.
When the aircraft was brought into the maintenance unit 'Mitch' was allocated the task of removing the instruments from Hess’s plane. When he saw the aircraft on which the work was to be done he was astonished to find that the section of aircraft on which he had to work was completely intact with no sign of any damage as would have occurred had the aircraft crashed from an altitude of 6000ft - what on earth was going on he wondered?
It was later reported that Hess had been confined as a Prisoner of War. When the war finished the German hierarchy were tried at Nurenberg in 1946 and the guilty subsequently executed. The man claiming to be Hess who, it was claimed, was said to be insane and sentenced to spend the rest of his life as Prisoner No. 7 in Spandau prison, Berlin.
David Mitchell, sworn to secrecy by the Official Secrets Act, said nothing. He married in 1947 leaving the RAF the following year - he has lived in Burnley, Lancs. ever since.
In 1987 the world were told in an offficial announcement that Prisoner No.7, (Hess?) had, at the age of 92, committed suicide by hanging himself. Shortly following this death Spandau prison was raised to the ground - it was said at the time that this was to prevent the place becoming a Neo-Nazi shrine by Hess supporters. Many people did not believe the official version that Prisoner No.7 had committed suicide and claim that he was murdered.
The mystery deepened in 1996 when private papers became available which claimed that Winston Churchill knew of the planned flight of Hess 24 hours before the German landed in Scotland. It is also claimed that the papers prove that prisoner No. 7 was not in fact Hess. A consultant surgeon, formerly with the British Army, who looked after the Spandau prisoner has consistently claimed that the man was not Rudolf Hess. The prisoner in Spandau spoke no English and chose not to see Frau Hess or the Hess’s son Wolf during for a long part his long incarcaration in Spandau.
Evidence has also been put forward which shows that the detailed 1987 post mortem of Prisoner No. 7 found no evidence of scar tissue on the corpse as would have been expected had the prisoner been Hess who had been severely wounded in the 1914-18 war.
Recently I visited David, now approaching 75 and in poor health, at his Burnley home where he explained that even the officially identified location of the site where Hess’s aircraft landed in 1941 was false - the real location was some distance away from the ‘official site’. David is convinced that there is a big cover-up at the highest levels, to support this view he points out that the Government’s Hess papers were due to be released in 1991 under the 50 year secrecy rule but at the last minute the ban was extended for another 30 years - no explanation was given.
A 3 hour TV documentary has recently been made in which David along with others who support the theory that Hess was not prisoner No. 7 appear. The writer has been privileged to see the TV documentary in advance of its release and believes it will make for compulsive viewing.
David Mitchell believes that the time has come to put the record straight and tell the appalling truth about Hess’s 1941 landing and prisoner No.7’s identity, indeed was he another ‘Man who never was’ ? Many theories have been put forward on why an elaborate and secret conspiracy would have been necessary. If prisoner No.7 was murdered under who’s orders was it done and who did it, and what happened to the real Hess after his detention in Scotland ?
SBM (David is the writer’s brother)
Index
“Oh it was so long ago, but I can still remember ! - CAN YOU ? “
If I mention the names Jean Telford, Edna Makepeace, Ridley Coats and the year 1934 what picture begins to form in your mind? Well they were part of a very succesful anniversary service held at the Central Methodist Church, Haydon Bridge, over the Easter weekend that many would-be attenders at the service could not be accommodated. Services were held on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
On the first day scholars were given teain the school room and each received an orange, the gift of Mrs. Brogdon. A public tea followed and at a public meeting, presided over by Mr Tom Watson, a programme in which the following children took part was greatly enjoyed: A.. Kent, Sheila Birnie, Alma Todd, Amy Birnie, Esther Robinson, Nancy Curry, Marjory Veitch, Ridley Coats (‘TAPKIN’ - who did he play in goal for ?) , Mollie Gibson, Jean Cape, Lillian Veitch, Elsie Lee,
Marjory Douglas, Hilda Holliday, Hettie Bates, Emily Nattrass, Alan Lee, John T. Davidson.
A supper followed and the ladies presiding at the table were: Mrs, C, Armstrong, the misses, Jennie Anderson, Ella Gibson, N. Philipson, Winnie Gibson, Edna Telford and tea infused by Mrs. N. Adamson and Miss D. Bates. Misses J. Anderson and Ella Gibson were prompters and Misses Hetherington and Kirton accompanists.
A feature of the evening was the song service “Your School” in which 16 scholars took part. Services were continued on a Sunday when Mr. F.J. Taylor was the preacher. In the afternoon a children’s service was given the church, those taking part being: Hettie Bates, Nancy Curry, Hilda Holliday, Joyce Thirlwell, Jean Cape, Mollie Gibson, Amy Birnie, Emily Nattrass, Edna Makepeace, Sheila Birnie, Lexy Burns, Marjory Douglas, Estha Robinson,, Walter Nattrass, Alma Telford,
Jean Charlton, Lilian Veitch, John T. Davidson.
In the evening service scholars again took part when they rendered chorusus. Remember me mentioning Jean Telford? Well she was quite prominent at this 1934 Anniversary for she gave a recitation on “The Cavaliers Escape.” The senior scholars rendered a hymn “The Ivory Palaces”, and remember I mentioned Edna Makepeace ? Well she sang a solo.
The proceeds were sconsiderably in excess of the year before and a hearty thanks was extended to all those who contributed towards the success of the anniversary.
Owld Tawny
PS - I wonder if Jean Telford can still remember the “Cavaliers Escape” it would be nice to know if she can.
No input received
A Bankside Handicapper Confesses
As another ex-Haydonian who resides away and receives the monthly newsletter from friends may I say thanks for the memory. I refer to the cartoon of Sid & Jean - At the showfield (whoever they are - bless them)
I also enjoyed entering the Bankside Handicap, many, many, years ago along by the old pine tree, (is it still there?) with the then love of my life who eventually married another - but we still kept in touch, often in secret. Sadly she died a number of years ago, but WOW!! - thanks for the memory.
PS - For obvious reasons I can’t give my name. Newcastle upon Tyne
Ed’s note - Well dear reader we’ll just have to give you a pseudonym so let’s call you Randolph. When I first read your letter I thought that perhaps you should have sent your ‘confession’ off to Father Leo Pyle but as you show no sign of repentance it looks as if I am stuck with responding.
I think, Randolph, that first of all I should remind younger readers that the Bankside Handicap was a ‘Race for Fillies’ held annually on the Showfield. The cartoon last month depicted the characters Sid & Jean, who had come first, walking down the bank past Shaftoe Trust School - winner’s trophy in hand.
Randolph wonders who Sid & Jean are - to be honest they are actually a fictitious pair very very loosely based on real life characters making their way through life. It was originally intended to publish Rod’s set of 10 depictions of the duo which may or may not be based on real life situations. I’ve had to hold a couple back as they’re too risque. This month we see the couple setting off from Haydon Bridge, with Owld Tawny and Jerry Attric waving farewell, on what looks like being a disastrous boat journey of titanic proportions - perhaps this will be the last we see of them ? (Cartoon not displayed in Internet newsletter)
‘A Useful Ointment for Skin Complaints’
“Take 2 oz of Lard and 2oz of Mercury,
mix together till the metal globules become invisible
and the Lard turns dark.
Apply to the skin before retiring.”
To an early grave, perhaps ?
The book contained many such gems, besides advice on ‘How to look after your pet,’ and ‘How to amuse your Children,’ - but another time perhaps. By the way, I have decided to frame my LOTMA (2nd edition) and hang it in an appropriate place.
Very Best Wishes - Rag Tamer
Ed’s comment - I’ve never been out with a lady who wears a vest, never mind a Liberty Bodice. By the way - I have left out your PS as I have already been in enough bother already with other Langley readers - haven’t I ?
We both really enjoy reading the newsletter. That was a great idea to have it put on the Net. It’s almost as if we can see everything that is going on, and almost feel as if we are there.
We hope to be back soon for another visit.
Joe & Cele
Freeport, Texas
Dear Editor
As an ex-Haydonian I would like to pass on my congratulations to you on the Haydon News which my friends pass on to me.
The May news is very interesting to me as I am Jenny Anderson on the picture published in the news, but just to put the record straight the play was “Zurika” the “Gypsy Maid” (my part) and not Cinderella as stated.
Connie Raine and I are still very good friends. Connie lives at North Shields and we often see each other and talk over old times. The picture has brought back happy memories thanks to Eileen [Moffat].
Wishing you very happy editing for the future.
Jean Dinning
nee Jennie Anderson
East Denton Newcastle upon Tyne
Thanks for writing in Jean - I’m glad you enjoy reading the newsletter. Ed.
Sir,
June Henricksen’s letter in the April News is interesting in that it indicates the gradual movement of birds over the years.
Siskins have drifted South over the years and now come to bird tables here at the ‘back end’ of every winter.
Nuthatches have likewise moved North from Southern England; they have been seen at Whitfield and Threepwood but I have not seen one yet at Staward.
In the 1920’s oyster catchers were unknown in the North of England and it was a thrill to see them in Scotland, now they are common on the Tyne and Allen rivers.
The collard dove was not seen in Britain until about 25 years ago, now its call is almost a nuisance!
The movement of bird species adds great interest to bird watching, providing surprises all the time.
Michael Bell
Staward Manor
Five years ago my son Jason asked me if 1 would take the games lesson at Shaftoe Trust First School for an hour a week due to them not getting any football so I went to enquire, Mrs Laura Gilhesphy met the idea with open arms. Soon after getting off the ground and seeing the potential was there, I arranged to play other schools in the area where they went on to be unbeaten all bar one game.
When the team left to go to Allendale Middle School they wanted to be placed in the local youth league, so with a few of them deciding they would invade my rest time, of course led by Jason, joined by Marc Findlay, Carl Phillips, Jamie Taylor, Stephen and Mark Elliott and Mark Robson, they pleaded with me to put them in the league. Since then we have just gone from strength to strength and three season's later in the league, forth season coming up, we find ourselves introducing our third team to the club, our first crack in the coast league U12's successful at the Wentworth 5-a-side between the league teams beating the favourites in the final and also the team entered at Wark 7-a-side for U10's who came runners up after
winning every game up to the final. Also having another great weekend in Blackpool where the team got beat 1 - 0 in the semi-final of the competition. Hopefully all three teams will get away at the end of the 98-99 season.
It must be stressed that although I've run the teams we must thank Charlie Spar for financing it to get us off the ground and also Jackie Bell from the Railway Hotel for the use of the lounge for presentation nights and any meetings we hold and especially for the massive amounts of funds she has raised in the Railway over the past four years.
Due to the number of players we now have at the certain age groups, this year finds a big change in the way the club is run.
Chairman - Paul Pender
Secretary - Jackie Kirsopp
Treasurer - Jackie Bell
Trainer - Colin Banks
U14 Manager - Paul Pender
U13 Manager - Peter Donkin
U12 Manager - Wayne Flannigan
I would also like to thank the team now with the job of fund raising for the clubs: Paula Kirkup , Gillian Flannigan , Ruth Boyd , and Jeannete Burrows. Anybody with ideas for raising money should contact any member of the team .
I wish everyone good luck in their new roles and may I take this opportunity to thank each individual for the efforts to help run the club.
Finally - if you find yourself with nothing to do on a Sunday come and support the teams, after all they are representing the village.
Paul Pender
Howdy Everyone,
I was recently thrilled to find that the Haydon News had a website. I live in the village and have done most of my life only I've taken a year out to work in America not far from New York. Although I’m having an amazing experience, there are times I feel a little homesick, but reading the Haydon News seems to help me, seeing familiar names like my Aunty Sparke and Doreen Sparke and reading local issues.
I particularly liked Alan White's article "Haydon Bridge AFC-Dream team of the 70s". My new American and European friends found it amusing to see my dad, David Alder mentioned in last months issue for his football playing. I think my friends believe that Haydon Bridge AFC was an International football team - but I didn't tell them any different.
Well its too hot to sit inside so I’m off to sit by my pool. I will see everyone in the fall.
Have a nice day
Stephanie Alder
From Leeds Metropolitan University
Hello.
Let me introduce myself, I am the leader of a small walking club known as the Queens First Foot
and Mouth. Sixteen of us, plus two dogs and a budgie, are booked in at the Anchor Hotel on the first
weekend in October.
As none of us have ever walked in your part of the country before can anyone please recommend any particularly good walks? Just looking at the map the two that I thought of were something around the Allen Park area and something along Hadrian's Wall. The usual criteria is that the walks are around 7 miles and have a pub stop about two thirds of the way round. (If the pub is too near the start they might never finish the walk, and if it is too near the end it may be shut!)
I would appreciate any help that you can give me as there seems to be very few books down here in West Yorkshire that cover walks in your area.
Many thanks,
Eric Johnson
Chief Blister
27 May 1998 Brentwood, Essex
Dear Mr Mitchell
Call it fate if you will, but just recently, having seen a photograph of Mr & Mrs Bobby Todd in the Courant, I wrote to him recalling our early days in the village, by early days I mean the 1920’s.
He replied enclosing copies of the Haydon News the latest being the May issue, and because I found so much of interest I am applying to be included in your mailing list, cheque enclosed. I may add that the News brought back names and faces of people which my memory had obviously stored away, too many to be mentioned here. I thoroughly enjoyed the tall stories by Owld Tawny, especially the ‘bus trip’ involving Geordie Laverick.
As errand boy in the late 20’s at their greengrocers shop in Ratcliffe Road I knew Mr & Mrs Laverick well enough. The shop ran under the name of Richards as I recall. I’ll close now in case I ramble on.
Thank you for the phone chat on Tuesday evening. I look forward to my own copy of the Haydon News.
Yours sincerely
R. H. Veitch
Index
A LETTER FROM THE SHAFTOE CHARITIES
The Editor
‘Haydon News’
Dear Editor,
Apart from providing the necessary support for the Almshouse Charity, the Shaftoe Educational Foundation may use its available income for two purposes only.
(i) to provide ‘special benefits’ for the schools which the Parish children attend;
(ii) to promote the education of other residents of the Parish.
There is no mention of social welfare, the provision of civic amenity or the encouragement of community activity.
Each Governor of the Foundation, on appointment or reappointment, is required to sign a declaration of his/her willingness to act in accordance with the rules of the Trust. If the Governors use the Trust’s money for a purpose which is judged to be outside the scope of those rules, they are personally and collectively liable to repay that money out of their own pockets. These arrangements are, of course, specifically designed to discourage Trustees from enthusiastic interpretation of any presumed ‘spirit’ of the rules.
Yours sincerely,
J. P. Richardson
Clerk
Shaftoe Educational Foundation
EDITORS RESPONSE TO THE LETTER FROM THE SHAFTOE CHARITIES
I am sure, like me, readers will agree that the Governors of the Shaftoe Charities should not place themselves in a position where they are pecuniarily disadvantaged because of an over liberal interpretation of the rules.
The Shaftoe Charities’ letter of 20th May may have been more helpful had they quoted in full Object 3 of their October 1985 Scheme, as registered with the Charity Commission, rather than extract only paragraph 1 clause (ii) seemingly to suit the argument put forward in paragraph 2 of their letter. Object 3 of the Charity Commission’s entry on the Shaftoe Educational Foundation - Reg. No. 52801 actually states.
“In otherwise promoting the education, including social and physical training of persons
resident or who have a parent of [sic] parents resident in the said Parish.”
The Editorial in April’s Haydon News made a simple request using the following words:
“I well understand that the Shaftoe Trust must adhere to strict regulations as defined by the Charities Commission. Perhaps there may be room for some flexibility in the interpretation of the rules that allow the Governors of The Trust to consider applications using the spirit of the rules rather than the strict letter of them. I would welcome an open letter from the Trustees explaining their interpretation of grey area between education and recreation and give us some guidance as to which applications are likely to succeed and conversely those which won’t.”
To date a reply has not been received to the request although the vice Chairman of the Trust did say last month, “I am satisfied that the “Shaftoe” is generous in its interpretation of the founder’s intentions.”
The Editor of the Haydon News does not doubt that the Trustees of both Shaftoe Charities are acting in a responsible manner in their administration of the Charities of the Rev. John Shaftoe. However I do think that things have moved on a little since John Shaftoe signed the Foundation Deed on 17th June 1685. For example cricket, football and the Haydon News have been invented.
Perhaps I am naive in thinking that a request for an open letter from the Governors for guidance to all would-be applicants and other interested individuals living in the Parish would be a simple matter.
Hopefully they will consider this at their 9th July meeting.
The Haydon News will be happy to publish any information provided.
Mitch
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SHAFTOE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION |
Readers of the Haydon News living in the UK but outside the Parish delivery area can have the newsletter sent by post for
£5 per year (10 issues). The £5 cost includes the £1 membership fee of The Friends of Haydon Bridge. Just send your cheque, made payable to The Friends of Haydon Bridge, to Editor, High Brindles, Heugh House Lane, Haydon Bridge, NE47 6HJ. They are posted on day of publication..
Letters to the Haydon News are always welcome
A service on the Web for exiled Haydonians and other interested parties is provided jointly by:
BrianHarrison: http://www.badrise.u-net.com/haydon.htm
Mitch : http://www.haydonbridge.demon.co.uk
If you have links with Haydon Bridge please send us a note and let us know who and where you are. On a best efforts
basis we will also try and answer genealogical queries about the local area.
Haydon Bridge Nature Club
The summer walks for the month of June are as follows:
Thursday 11th June
Tour of the Langley Barony Lead Mines.
Meet at New Alston Crossroads at 6.45pm.
The walk is 2.5 miles long.
Thursday 25th June
Walk along Rowley Burn.
Meet at Crabtree Ford at 6.45pm.
The walk is 3 miles long.
Alternatively meet at 6.30pm in Church Street.
Travelling into Hexham the last few weeks I've appreciated the extravagant planting of hundreds of pink tulips on the new island leading to the mart. It's difficult to take in detail as I drive past but it looks like Angelique, a beautiful double flowered variety with pale appleblossom pink petals, lighter at the edges. A soft, subtle choice of spring bloom for a traffic island and I reflected that using a single soft colour in mass looked more stunning than the bright colour combinations usually displayed in municipal borders and I also mused with wonder that Hexham can afford hundreds of tulip bulbs which will probably be discarded after a few week's flowers.
Gardeners are often confused about whether or not to dig up tulips after the foliage has died. Tulip species, which are small, early floweringbulbs suitable for rockeries, are best left undisturbed to establish themselves and will flower every year. Books often recommend digging up all other tulips and replanting in Oct/Nov. My tulips are left in the ground and come up year after year. They are planted in very well drained soil (add grit if necessary) and are planted at least 10” deep.Decaying petals and foliage should be removed from the soil to prevent disease. I'm not keen on regimented rows of bedding tulips but I find them invaluable for adding colour to a border. Red Riding Hood is a vibrant scarlet greigii hybrid flowering in April. I use it in a bed of green foliage to dazzling effect. White Triumphantor, an elegant lily flowered tulip is the best choice for a white garden. A group of Queen of the Night, an almost black variety, will looks dramatic in any situation. There are several green and green edged forms like the cottage tulips Greenland and Spring Green to delight flower arrangers.
This month -deadhead rhododendrons as they finish flowering. Snap off buds that were frosted and didn't open. New growth starts as soon as dead flowers are removed. Feed generously with an acid fertiliser such as Miracid. Rhododendrons are shallow rooting and even large plants can be moved after flowering as long as they are not allowed to dry out.
Hanging baskets, flower pouches and bedding plants should be out now. I see some enterprising villagers have installed irrigation systems for their baskets.
Sprinkle fertiliser around roses. Spray to prevent mildew, rose rust and black spot. Spray for greenfly if necessary.
Prune spring flowering shrubs such as forsythia and ribes. Prune broom immediately after flowering, shortening new growth but not cutting back into old wood. Brooms eventually become lanky and untidy but they are easy to renew from cuttings.
Overgrown Clematis montana can be cut back after flowering. Tie in new growth as it develops over the summer.
Mow and edge the lawn regularly. Feed now with a high nitrogen fertiliser. Spike with a fork or mechanical aerator to help water penetration and drainage -if you have moss this is a more effective deterrent than buying mosskillers.
James Thin
James Thin
MEDICAL MISCELLANY
DR. MICHELLE GEORGE MB, ChB, MRCGP, DRCOG, DCCH, DFFI`.
Now I know I'm getting really old! Don't the young doctors today have a lot of qualifications.
Michelle started work here on 1 5 98. She and Dr Mary will be half time each for now and in due course we hope that Michelle will become three quarter time. I shall remain full time.
About those qualifications;
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Aberdeen 1990.
Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners.
Diploma of The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Diploma in Community Child Health.
Diploma of the Faculty of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care.
After qualifying and before entering our practice Michelle worked in the following fields of hospital and community medicine;
Medicine, Surgery, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Ophthalmology, Accident and Emergency, Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Ear, nose and throat, Community Paediatrics
She has also worked in a number of practices in the Dumfries area as a locum, as a school doctor in several primary schools and as a surgical houseman in Wanganui in New Zealand.
Welcome Michelle!
NEW BROCHURE
Now that we've got our new partner we can get on with our new brochure. Rather than a booklet we are proposing this time to do a folding card - 3 or 4 A4 sheets in unfolded size.
We have a text roughed out but if anyone wants to suggest things to include or exclude perhaps you would let us know.
NOT WHAT WE SEEM
Some time ago I wrote a piece about bacteria and viruses etc. in which 1 pointed out that we are, in effect, walking zoos of microbes. In the last few days I heard an interesting set of figures that puts the whole thing in an interesting perspective.
The average human is composed of 1,000,000,000,000,000 (in non-mathematical terms) cells, of which only 10% (ten per cent) are human.
Aliens R Us!.
FOOD HYGIENE
Now that summer's here it becomes even more important to pay attention the way we store, prepare and use food. The bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhoea and vomiting multiply very fast in food that is not kept chilled. Working surfaces, chopping boards and kitchen utensils that are not kept scrupulously clean will pass infection very easily.
Last year I visited a house in summer where one of the children had diarrhoea and vomiting. A party was planned for the next day at which many children and parents would be present. I was horrified to see that all the sandwiches, cakes, an nibbles had been made and left to stand together under a plastic sheet in one corner of the well heated living room.
Having diarrhoea and vomiting is unpleasant but, as we know from some high profile cases, it can also be fatal, especially for children and the elderly.
Always keep fresh food, especially dairy products, meat, poultry and fish, in the refrigerator. Keep cooked and uncooked foods apart. In the refligerator keep cooked or pre-packed items at the top and uncooked items at the bottom. Do not use the same chopping boards or utensils for cooked and uncooked items.
ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS, PREPARATION AREAS,
CHOPPING BOARDS AND UTENSILS VERY VERY CAREFULLY.
CONSTANT REVOLUTION
In case you've spent the last decade on Planet Sporting Life this may be the time to mention that medicine is going to undergo a revolution in the next few years.
This will be because of our increasing understanding of genetics. We will begin to understand not only the appearance and effects of diseases but also their causes at the molecular level. This will lead to all manner of new ways of predicting, preventing and treating many diseases.
The science involved is all but impenetrably complex even for those with a scientific background. Diseases that have hitherto been regarded as single conditions will come to be seen as groups of conditions that have broadly similar appearances but different causes. Indeed, it may be the case that in due course almost every episode of illness will be seen a unique interaction between the individual and numerous interacting factors in the environment.
The greater part of medicines effort will be directed to prediction, intervention and prevention and away from heroic, but too often futile, attempts at rescue and the treatment of end stage disease. The future's bright - the future's molecular (to paraphrase a popular epithet).
Steven Ford
The Roman Catholic Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, the Right Revd Ambrose Griffiths, visited Haydon Bridge last month.This was one of a series of regular pastoral visits by Bishop Ambrose to his parishes. He spent two days in the parish of HaydonBridge and Haltwhistle, accompanying parish priest, Father Leo Pyle in visiting parishioners. They also joined the vicar in St Cuthbert’s Church for Evening Prayer on the Friday. On another day, Bishop Ambrose visited St Joseph’s Middle School inHexham, which many local Catholic children attend.
Advance notice
SCRIPTURE UNION HOLIDAY CLUB
in Haydon Bridge July 27th - 31st
the first week of the school holidays
DETAILS LATER
NEIGHBOURS, EVERYBODY LOVES . .
Our neighbouring churches have been busy in recent months:
Trinity Methodist Church in Hexham have a major building plan, to change their halls into premises more suitable for present-day church and community use.
Langley Methodist Church had a photographic exhibition last month. The photos were based on well-known hymns, and featured scenes from all over the world.
Allendale and Whitfield Church of England parish are beginning a ‘Parish Assessment’ - like the one St Cuthbert’s had this year. Their vicar, Revd Judith Hampson, was one of the first women to be appointed vicar in the North East. (She plays the saxophone in the Haydon Bridge High School band.)
All Hallows, Henshaw will - if all goes to plan - have a new meeting-room, kitchen, toilet, etc., built on to the church later this year. Plans are with Tynedale Council and with the Church planning committee.
A celebration of Methodism is the theme of the Flower Festival being held in the Methodist Church this month. The week-end of June 18th - 21st, the church will be filled with flowers arranged by ladies from Haydon Bridge churches and from further afield. Details are printed over the page. The arrangements will have themes, such as Born in Song, Churches Together in the village, etc..
Was it Peter Davey, Methodist from Haydon Bridge, whose face smiled on the front page of the Church Times last month? Haydon News is glad to report that he was among the 50,000 demonstrators at Birmingham last month - the time of the G8 Summit of the world’s most powerful nations. The crowds, mainly from the churches, met because of their concern about world poverty and debt. A coach-load from the Hexham area went, wearing a large chain (made out of strips of pipe-lagging) to symbolise the chains of debt which help to keep the poor in their poverty. The Rev David Perkins and Peter Davey were in splendid technicolor in the main article in the Church of England’s main weekly newspaper. (The vicar was also there.)
Welcome: From a few weeks’ time, St Cuthbert’s Church will be left unlocked for several hours each day, so that local people can come in for peace and quiet and prayer, and visitors