Index

Haydon News

July 1998

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THE EDITOR WRITES

If Haydon Bridge in general has a besetting sin, it is that of enjoying an infinite capacity for not caring overly much about the future.While we are aware (and who isn’t?) that the Community Centre is a controversial issue, it is not our desire to be either controversial or provocative. Rather we would be evocative. In rather simpler language, we are not looking for a fight - but rather we are asking for a little rethinking of the whole matter.

To lay his own cards face up on the table, the Editor himself is one of the many who have always had reservations about the proposed Community Centre - reservations which fall under two broad heads: the first of which is whether we need such a centre and the second is whether we can afford it.So long as there are people - and there are literally dozens and dozens of them - who complain that there is little or nothing to do in Haydon Bridge in the way of outside interests, then again we cannot dismiss the Community Centre as being without value. We believe that people ought to think twice before saying that there is not any need for a Community Centre. Certainly there is need for something to provide for and to meet those needs not provided for and unmet by existing organisations - church and secular alike.We have a feeling that a great deal of the opposition to the Community Centre might undergo some modification (at least) if more were known by more people on the subject. The Community Association Committee may object that people have already been told - but let us pass on to them the advice on sermon-composition once given by a highly succesful negro preacher.
“First, I tells ‘em what I’se gwine tell ‘em; second, I jes’ plain tell ‘em; third, I tells ‘em what I’se just done told them.”

If the Committee would care to use the columns of this Magazine for the purpose of either “jes’ plain telling ‘em” or “telling ‘em what they’s jes’ done told ‘em” - then this is an open invitation

Index

If the people or the places, in this tale am ganna tell,
should resemble anybody or anywhere that ye knaa well.
If me story should stir the memory, of any yen at aal,
it’s only fair te say that the coincidence is purely - intentional.

“Will ye walk a little slower”, said the young un tiv his dad.
“I want te see the village where great power ye once had!”

The power that the auld man had wes in the days of yore,
when he served the village community as a Parish Cooncillor.
We were waalkin west from Hexham and the village wes se quiet
and then I seen this greet big sign that says, ‘THIS ROAD IS PRIVATE!’

“Tell us faather, for goodness sake, who put up that greet big sign,
who stopped up the road we used te tek te gan doon te the Tyne?”

‘I divvent knaa I cannot tell who would be se cruel,
te mek us gan by Martin’s Close te get te Pandon Pool’

A few yards more, that’s aal we went and this greet bridge spoilt wor view
“Who gave permission for this concrete bridge that’s split the village in two?”

Me faather torned, he looked porplexed, aa could see his face wes glum,
but he summoned up an ounce of strength and said,
‘Noo listen son, I divvent knaa, I cannot tell who would be sec an ass,
te build this awful concrete thing, instead of a By-pass.’

Just ower the bridge, I seen a church wi a clock te tell the time,
it wes built of stone and stannin there, well it made the street look fine.
And then I seen these factories, I’ve never seen the like,
greet big steel monstrosities that stood above the dyke.

‘I divvent knaa I cannot tell.’ me faather said te me,
‘Who’d pick a place as daft as that te build a factory.’

We hadn’t gettin much further on when these houses I could see,
their roofs were sloping aal one way, wey they looked a bit queer te me.
I looked into me faather’s eyes, I’m sure I seen a tear,
“Tell me faather, who allowed these men te build these houses here?”

‘I divvent knaa, I cannot tell who it wes te blame,
for building these houses wi funny roofs that put us aal te shame.’

“Ye divvent mind me asking, who had aal these bright ideas?”
I torned and asked me faather as he wiped away his tears.
'Of course I divvent mind son! I’ll give ye sec a clout.
If ye divvent ask any questions - you’ll nivvor get te knaa out!!’

'D'
Index

Hi Folks - If you think I’ve gone crackers in writing a second editorial in this, the July 1998 issue of the Haydon News, then you may be mistaken.

‘The Editor Writes’ was extracted from a much longer editorial in the May 1965 Parish Magazine. The rhyming story ‘Geordie in Blunderland’ was written in 1974. I have included them in this month’s newsletter to show how things are little changed in the 33 and 24 years since the articles were penned. I hasten to add that the 1998 rhyming story ‘Blunderers in Geordie Land’ was definitely not written by the 1974 bard.

I popped down to Haydon View this afternoon (Thursday 25th June) to see how Mrs. Audrey Kay and son Chris were doing after a 15 months running the rest home just across the field from me. Things have moved on a bit since my May 1997 report. Regular days out are now the order of the day and so far residents have been taken on trips to Wallington Hall, Seaburn, Kielder, Prudhoe leisure pool, Metro Centre, Harry Ramsden’s, Allendale, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Wentworth Grange. I understand that the visit to Harry Ramsden’s fish & chips restaurant at the Metro Centre went down well and another trip is planned soon. They’ve had variety shows and on 8th July they have an Al Jolsen impersonator. On 7th August they have a wartime show with a big sing-song of our old favourites - this event is coupled with afternoon teas which friends and relatives are invited to attend. Some of the residents would like to have weekly Whist Drives, Audrey invites any villager interested in forming a group to contact her. The Home has been given an internal facelift with new carpets, wallpaper and furniture. Planning permission has been requested for another three bedrooms and if granted will also include rooms for a Doctor/Nurse and an internal office. A lift will soon be installed.

Despite atrocious weather the recent Haydon View fete was a success and raised £572.31, which is £40 more than last year. All monies will be used directly on the residents outings etc. Audrey wishes to thank all those who helped with a special mention of the staff, Pauline Smith and Andy Irving and ISA the fortune teller. Particular thanks also to the Haydon Bridge Fire Service. If anyone wishes to volunteer their help Audrey and Chris would like to hear from you.

How many of you managed to get along to the Methodist Chapel and see the Flower Festival between June 19th and 22nd? We managed to get down and spent some time admiring the excellent, creative and imaginative displays prepared by the ladies of the village. They were all beautiful (and the flowers were quite pretty as well!). Sylvia escorted me on the visit and she was, as usual, accompanied by two of her close friends. Leaving the main room displays we entered the foyer and in the communications area was a lovely garlanded computer, monitor and printer. The printer was spewing out a newsletter - this obviously caught my eye. This was display number 12 and the biblical quotation above the display was:

In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs
Mark 15 v 41

See you later...... Mitch

Index

1998

The moral of the story and tale are still the same,
of people past and present - who really is to blame?
The years go by, time is quick, like the blinking of an eye,
“They nivvor dee get things just reet!” is still the ‘moanful’ sigh.

‘THIS ROAD IS PRIVATE’ is still a greet big sign,
on the lane we still aal use, te gan doon te the Tyne.
The Inspector listened for a day, and then agreed with us,
“Tek it doon, let them pass - and divvent mek a fuss.”

They tried to build a bowling green - just doon the Pandon Lane,
but what the Cooncil did forget - was aal the blasted rain.
A river barrier was then built, to protect just Martins Close,
but aal it does as we aal can tell, is just make matters worse.

Gannin up from Shaftoe Street, just past the bairns at school,
we see the aal brick estate - which made us aal hool.
We’d had a public meeting - the message very clear,
“We divvent want them hooses built - at least not just roond here!”

“They didn’t listen, mind yee they never dee,
they just dee what they want and never think of we.”
We’ve still got the auld Parish Church, standing in aal its glory,
but the factories stood nearby - noo that’s a different story.

They promised work for local lads, if we didn’t kick them oot,
“Give us jobs in Haydon Bridge” is still the local shoot.
“They’ve even blocked our transport route - access to the station,
I thought we all did live - in a democratic nation?”

The auld Methodist Church, it’s aal been knocked doon,
rebuilt in a modern style just like them in toon
Aave changed me mind aboot the place, inside is well thowt oot,
wise and thrifty are these folk - when there’s little to hoy aboot.

The auld foundry site next to it - tis anybody’s guess,
if they’ll ever dee out to clear up that blasted mess.
The derelict auld building - an eyesore to see,
give us a sledgehammer - and we’ll knock it doon free.

What would we build - a new factory site?
That’d give some a very big fright
Its already listed for industrial uses,
the rape of our village and yet more abuses.

“No! What we would build, if we may bend your ear,
with a message so loud and succinctly so clear.”

A Community Centre which we all could afford,
in a central location with public accord.
No heavy lorries or bloomin big vans,
would create a disturbance in wor simple plans.

Ootside we could have more than one seat,
for the people to sit and passers-by greet.
Plenty of grass and reasonable view,
supported by many - objected by few.

Ye knaa we’re not daft and probably reet,
they cum and they gan like moths to a leet.
To think of the place, in a dorty back lane
nee metalled road - it’s aal so inane.

They nivvor dee lorn, a thing from the past,
mistakes they aal make but wor memories last.
Financial support ? - Ye can forget aboot that,
its wor money your spending so tit is for tat.

The present location was not picked at aal,
they only converted a Chorch tee a haal.
Let’s start the Millennium with something brand new,
supported by many and not just a few.

Suggestions, ideas, opinions infused,
success envisaged and a place to be used.
So be democratic and lets aal agree,
on a Centre for US and not ownly thee.

ON BEHALF OF THE APATHETIC ONES
Index

Public Participation
A resident was concerned that the proposed planting of trees in the rose garden in front of Tynedale Cottages, Ratcliffe Road, would restrict the light to her property. The Chairman said that a firm decision had not yet been taken on the location of the trees.

A letter has been received from the County Council regarding the extra provision of funds for rural bus services. The Parish Council are to write back suggesting bus shelters be provided in Haydon Bridge. A late Hexham bus leaving there at about 10:30 would be useful for cinema and theatre goers will also be suggested together with a mini-bus to help older people get to special events. It was also suggested that the Allendale bus could be diverted to take in more dwellings.

Matters arising
A letter from the football club has been received and pointed out that a sign has been erected urging people to drive slowly down Martin’s Close. The Parish Council suggest that slowing down measures be incorporated when the riverside is developed.

Plans to be submitted for a barrier at the 1st school nursery entrance.

The gate at the station yard continues to annoy people by restricting access to the recycling bins.

Holes have been drilled in the slide at Langley Gardens, to allow water to drain away quickly. Bare areas have been re-seeded.

The next Britain in Bloom inspection will take place on 9th July.

A dead tree is to be removed from near the library and the area tidied up.

The light on Land Ends Road should be erected by the end of July.

An additional large freestanding litter bin is to be provided for Church St.

Highway Matters
The chaos caused by buses at the High School seems uncontrollable.

Planning
An extension to the rear of East Mill Hills Cottages is proposed.

It was reported that the remainder of the Showfield land is now unlikely to be made available for development

Correspondence
A survey and report to be carried out at the Pelican crossing and appropriate action taken.

Village Appraisal
Discussions with a land owner continue.

AOB
The subway is to be painted as part of the High School work project.

PAT

Index

BLACK-OUT FINE

For a black-out offence at the Haydon Park Holiday Home on August 2nd the matron, Mrs Lily Hetherington Hall, was fined £4.0.0 at Hexham petty sessions on Tuesday.

Police Constable R.S. Scott said that while on duty at 12:20am on Sunday August 2nd he saw a bright light coming from the Haydon Park Holiday Home, and on going there found there was no screening on the windows and an electric light burning. Two other windows were not properly blacked out and generally speaking the black-out was poor.

The police constable said that repeated warnings had been given about the blackout.

IS HE STILL AROUND? - 1943

Fines of 7s 6d on each charge of riding a cycle without lights, and retaining hold of a motor wagon were imposed on a 16 year old Haydon Bridge youth

Police Constable Scott of Haydon Bridge said that when on duty in Church Street he saw defendant riding a pedal cycle without lights. He was holding on to the back of a milk wagon in order to be drawn up the hill.

SEPTEMBER 1942

It had been a beautiful September’s day with the sun coming from a cloudless sky. The war was in it’s third year in the second week of September 1942 - Storm clouds were gathering in the west towards Haltwhistle when a terrible thunder storm and heavy rain in the hills caused the South Tyne to flood.

Meanwhile, unaware of the situation, nine miles up the river a party of young soldiers were attempting to to cross the river at a spot just below the picnic area. and where the old gasworks stood - down the Ealand in Haydon Bridge - but let me refer you to the newspaper report at the time.

It was revealed at an inquest at Hexham on Monday on a 19 year old Sergeant Hugh Weir, stated to be a native of Londenderry who drowned in the river Tyne at Haydon Bridge on Saturday that the order to cross the river had been countermanded by an officer, but the message did not reach Weir.

Weir, it was stated, was a member of a party of six volunteers to cross the river, and a witness said that the idea was to get across the river so that a rope could be got across to guide the other men over.

Weir, who was wearing slacks and a gym vest, had a wire attached to his belt, the other end being fastened to a drum.

A Battery Sergeant-Major, giving evidence of identification said that when he was on the opposite bank of the river he saw someone he could not identify, but subsequently learned was Weir, wade into the water and as he was three or four yards from the bank the current seemed to take hold of him and carry him downstream.

Witness said that while he cycled round by Haydon Bridge to the opposite bank of the river four or five soldiers kept pace with Weir as he was being carried downstream.

Efforts were made to intercept Weir in his progress downstream, but these were unsuccessful and a few yards down the river Weir disappeared from view.

His body was recovered about 50 yards from where he had entered the river.

Answering the Coroner (Mr. P.M. Dodds) witness said that Weir did not know that the attempt to cross the river had been cancelled.

A despatch rider said that when Weir entered the river the wire attached to his belt unrolled from the drum and men on the bank tried to get hold of it but failed.The Coroner: “Was any comment made by those on the river bank about the swollen state of the river?”

Witness: “I did not hear any.”
Coroner: “Did you know that the attempted crossing of the river had been cancelled?” - “No Sir.”

“It is very unfortunate that Weir was not informed that the order to cross the river had been countermanded.” said the Coroner.

Answering the coroner, an officer of Weir’s regiment said that the order was countermanded on account of the small number of volunteers to undertake the river crossing “At the time it was decided to undertake the crossing,” said the officer, “conditions were favourable, and the river rose very rapidly.”

A verdict of ‘Accidental death while engaged on Military Duties’ was recorded.

That all happened 56 years ago. If Sergeant Hugh Weir had lived on to survive the war, who knows - he may have married and had a family and perhaps by now grandchildren - he would have been 75 years old. But it was never to be for he drowned in the River Tyne at Haydon Bridge, a young man in his prime, from Londonderry and only 19 years of age.

Owld Tawny

Index

In June members enjoyed a most entertaining evening with a talk by Norman Dunn entitled ‘Lets all go to the Music Hall’. The talk and the recordings of past performing artistes were full of reminiscences and brought back happy memories to many of our members.

Music Hall in its day was a combination of singing, dancing and novelty acts. It relied heavily on audience participation. Mr. Dunn urged us all to participate which we did with gusto.

Everyone joined in the songs of Harry Lauder, George Formby, Gracie Fields and many others - ending with a hearty rendition of Joseph Lock’s ‘Goodbye Goodbyee’.

Mr. Dunn traced the history of some of the better known theatres, the Palace of Varieties in leads and Thornton’s Variety in South Shields. At one time Newcastle boasted seventeen theatres!

A delightful speaker and a very happy evening.

The competition entitled ‘Music Hall Memorabilia was won by: Mrs. Bowen, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Clark.

The two raffle prizes were won by Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Stewart.

Mrs. V. Reed has resigned from the committee due to ill health. The President, Mrs. B. Clark, thanked her for all of her hard work over many, many years.

The next meeting will be on the 13th July when Mr. K. Tytler will give a talk entitled ‘South African Travels.’ everyone is most warmly welcomed.

Myra Bowen

Index

In their June meeting the ladies of Langley WI were treated to an interesting talk on photography called 30 years behind the lens and given by Mr Tony Wiseman of Central Studio Carlisle.

Photography has come a long way since cameras were invented and Tony Wiseman gave a graphic account of how to get the best results when taking pictures.

Some of his tales were very amusing about happenings when clients came to have pictures taken.

One especially funny tale involved two collie dogs. The owner insisted that one of the dogs have its photo taken with a dead pheasant held in its mouth. Apparently this was to create the working aspect of the dogs life. And as if by magic the owner quickly produced a dead bird from a bag at his feet. The man assured everyone that the dogs would be perfectly behaved throughout the photo session. All was well until the collie was presented with the dead pheasant. Then pandamonium broke out. The dog tossed the bird into the air then went about shaking it furiously. The studio ended up looking like a war zone with blood and feathers everywhere.

Tony showed us some lovely pictures one especially of a bridal couple taken on Silloth sands in February. Even though it had been a very cold day he had produced a picture of soft colours with a warm glow about it.

Tony related a tale concerning being asked to photograph a dead person. He’d been a bit apprehensive but had complied with the gentleman’s wishes. Imagine his surprise years later when the same said customer called at the studio and asked for some passport photographs to be taken. The man could have so easily for less expense popped into the nearest kiosk and had a few snaps taken for half the cost.The man said:

“You did such a good job for me years ago on my dear wife that I vowed if I ever needed any photographs again I would come to you.”

The ladies all enjoyed listening to Tony relate his fascinating life behind the lense.

S.E. Mitchell

Index

9 June 1998

Dear Mr Hope,

I am writing to thank you for your donation of £200.00 to our Special Care Baby Unit charity, The Tiny Lives Fund, after a sponsored slim.

I know that I speak for all who work on the Special Care Baby Unit when I say this donation is greatly appreciated to continue our work.

The Tiny Lives Fund continues to be a vital part of our work, not only do we buy extra equipment, but the Fund helps us to support the families of babies who are under our care, particularly those families who may live a great distance from Newcastle.

Please pass on our grateful thanks to all who contributed to this donation and congratulations on your success of losing 2½ stone in weight. Well Done!

With best wishes

Yours sincerely

Dr D.W.A. MILLIGAN
Consultant Paediatrician and
Chairman of The Tiny Lives Fund
-
A note from Barry

I would like to thank everyone who gave money after I reached my target weight on my recent sponsored slim.

See letter of receipt attached.

Many thanks once again to all who sponsored me.

Barry Hope

May I thank everyone for their kind messages of sympathy to myself and my family after our sad loss, the comments made about Raymond and the work he did fill us with pride and give us some comfort.

Special thanks to Mitch for his friendship and support to Raymond’s causes and also to the Haydon News committee. I’m sure he would have been delighted to know his seat at the Spa Well will be completed in his honour.

Mary McVay
-
Thanks Mary for your letter - we will have the seat built just as soon as we can get a contractor to do the job. Hopefully this should be done during the next few weeks.

The Friends of Haydon Bridge

Dear Mitch

I was interested to read in the June Haydon newsletter the article about your mother, the late Millie Philipson of Chesterwood. It prompted me to write this letter as a tribute to her - I was her bridesmaid when she married Edwin Mitchell of Scotswood, Newcastle.

She was a sincere friend, always kind and helpful to anyone in need.

I worked with her during the first World War at Settlingstones mines, Newbrough when we walked six miles a day over the fells to get to work. I left the village at six o’clock in the morning meeting Millie en-route.

Our work consisted of separating iron ore from witherite barytes, we worked on the picking belt in the washings. The various minerals were used for making war weapons and many other uses such as medicines
.
We each earned thirty shillings a week which was considered a lot of money in those days. Millie was good to work with and was always singing. She had great courage and went down in the shaft cage to the bottom of the mine to explore the workings. I recall she was a heavy smoker.

When I think of all the women I worked with at Settlingstones it appears that I am the only woman worker living today

Mrs Daisy Thompson

Thanks for your reminiscences Daisy.

My mother, Mildred Jane Philipson, was born at Deanraw on 1st October 1902 and died at the early age of 42 at her sister’s home in Martin’s Close on 23rd December 1943. She’d had nine children the youngest of which was my late brother Roderick who was only 18 months old when she died. Her last surviving brother, Norman Philipson died a few weeks ago in North Yorkshire.

Mitch

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.

In Elizabethan times lovers would exchange ‘love apples’ when plighting their troth. Peeled apples were kept under their armpits until they were saturated with sweat, they were then inhaled by their prospective partner as a reminder of their love.

The Friends of Haydon Bridge

The Friends of Haydon Bridge were formed over 20 years ago with the following objectives:
o To support the work of the Parish and District Council’s in the interests of the community and individual members.
o Publicise work of the Councils.
o Debate and if necessary take action arising from above.
o To strengthen sense of community within Parish
o To publish a regular News Sheet.
o To raise adequate funds for achievement of foregoing.

In the 1979 Council elections the Friends of Haydon Bridge fielded candidates. In 1978/79 the number of FOHB members stood at 80 of which 13 were Committee members. Over the years membership dwindled and a stalwart group of half a dozen or so Committee members ensured continuation of the group and the continuous production of the Haydon News which first appeared in Jan/Feb 1979.

In April 1997 the FOHB was reduced to less than 5 members and was in danger of folding up. A vigorous campaign through personal contact and the Haydon News has resulted in membership increasing to 84 with an active Committee of 12. These are:

Chairman: Charles Thomas 684022
Vice-Chairman: Mike Parkin 684340
Treasurer: Peter Davey 684786
Secretary: Elena Parkin 684030
Editor: Stan Mitchell 684980

Active Committee Members:
Judith Brown 688967 - Alistair Bowen 684653 - Sylvia Mitchell 684980
Mary Nagel 684419 - Chris & Joyce Sim 684704 - Pauleen Tulip 684742

The FOHB now has members in: Alexandra Terrace, Belmont, Belmont Gardens, Brigwood, Church Street, Douglas Gardens, Greenwich Gardens, Hordley Acres, John Martin Street, Langley Gardens, North Bank, Ratcliffe Road, Shaftoe Street, Strother Close, Whittis Crescent, Chesterwood, Elrington, Haydon, Heugh House Lane, Lipwood, Tofts Bank, Ratten Raw, Bardon Mill, Carlisle, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Land Ends Road, North Road, Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Essex, Australia.

The Constitution of the FOHB was changed in 1998 and the Objective of the Association is now described as:

To promote for the benefit of the inhabitants of Haydon Bridge and the neighbourhood, by associating together with the inhabitants, the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations, in a common effort to advance education and welfare and to provide a forum for communication within the area.

The Friends of Haydon Bridge is not a club and exists to help the local community as described. Present members should note that renewed annual subscriptions for the year 1978/79 are due in September and should cover the period October ‘98 - December 1999 as the accounting year is being changed to the calendar year. A minimum of £1-50 is suggested although you may pay more if you can afford it. Please place your subscription/donation in an envelope simply marked Friends of Haydon Bridge including your name and address, cheques should be made payable to The Friends of Haydon Bridge. The envelope can then be left at the Haydon Bridge Post Office - no stamp required. The FOHB welcome both active and non-active members - please help by joining today. Members who live outside the Parish and require the Haydon News be delivered should send a cheque for £6:50 to the Editor - address on page 2. This covers period October ‘98 - December ‘99.

HELP US HELP THE COMMUNITY - JOIN THE FOHB TODAY

Index

Some people believe that the world will end in the year 2000 - this article is not addressed to them but to the rest of us who do not believe that Armageddon is nigh, at least not in the year 2000.

The question being asked is “What shall we do in the year 2000 ?”

WE being the Parish of Haydon

The Haydon News has been asked to solicit ideas from you all to see if anyone out there has any ideas on how they think we should be celebrating this event. Here we are thinking of more than just a tremendous New Year’s Eve Party - although that in itself is important enough. We are, however, thinking also of what can be done during the whole year.

Some ideas which have already been aired are:

¨ Grand Party on a canopied old bridge

¨ Historical exhibition of artefacts and photographs

¨ Street Parties

¨ Huge mass walks of 5 and 10 miles

¨ Make a large Tapestry

There must be many of you with ideas of your own. The various clubs and organisations may already be thinking of what they will be doing however there are far more people who have no affiliation with any club or association.

If you have any thoughts on what we should be doing for the millennium please send them to The Haydon News, anonymously if you wish, all ideas will be published in the next issue of the newsletter (September). From there it may be possible for someone to consider forming an active committee to co-ordinate all the various proposals.

Please let me have your ideas before the 27th August

Thanks
See you all in September

Mitch

Index

River Derwent Walk. Meet at Derwent Walk Inn, Ebchesterat 6.45pm. The walk is three miles long.

Allenheads Moorland. Meet 1 mile before Allenheads (on Allendale/Allenheads road) at 6.34pm. The walk is three miles long.

This is an important month for hedge trimming. Many species will keep their shape for the rest of the season if trimmed now. Leylandi hedges need clipping and all conifers can be trimmed if they look shaggy. Dwarf conifers which are threatening to outgrow their situation are much improved with a regular trim, keeping them small and shapely.

Many evergreen shrubs and trees such as laurel and holly are improved with an annual clip. Use secateurs and cut stems so that leaves are not damaged. Clip informal berberis and rose hedges with shears when flowering is finished.

Hedges of hazel, hawthorn and beech can be shaped or even hard pruned without ill effect. Hawthorn has been regularly clipped to make the splendid topiary at the bridge end. Topiary is currently enjoying a revival. Any evergreen plant with small leaves, dense growth and an ability to recover quickly from clipping can be used but yew and box are the plants traditionally chosen for topiary in British Gardens. Yew is very hardy and responds well to intricate training and hard pruning. There is a magnificent specimen of yew topiary on the lawn at Ridley Hall. Dwarf box is the best to use for small gardens and containers. Small plants of 'Suffruticosa' to grow on and trim to shape can be purchased for about £2.90 but patience is required because it grows so slowly and I suggest you aim initially for a simple shape like a ball. Use scissors or sheep shears for clipping. I like to trim box several times a year - little and often - but not before June or the new growth can be frosted. Follow with a feed of blood, fish & bone fertilisers.

Our village trees are examples of another kind of shaping. They are limes, widely used in the past for roadside planting because of their tolerance to hard pruning. These trees are pollarded i.e. all the branches are pruned back to the main trunk, producing mop-headed growth of year old branches. This usefully restricts the size of the lime but gives an artificial stunted appearance which has been accentuated in Church Street by planting trees of natural form next to them.

This month - Take softwood cuttings of shrubs such as weigela. forsythia, potentilla, philadelphus, heathers etc. Take young, non-flowering shoots 3-4" long. Trim stem below a leaf node, remove lower leaves and insert in gritty compost in a pot on the window-sill or in a greenhouse.

Take 3-4" cuttings of pinks from non-flowering side shoots.

Lift and divide iris after flowering. Discard older pieces of rhizome and plant selected pieces with the rhizome just below soil level in a sunny position. Shorten the leaves to prevent wind rock.

Wisteria will have produced long vigorous new stems. For profuse flowers next spring, shorten all new stems to about five leaves long.

Deadhead roses and all perennial flowers to encourage further blooms.

Lawns - record breaking rainfall in June has mad grass grow rapidly. Mow twice a week and trim lawn edges.

Some confusion appears to have arisen about who will be doing what when Mary gets back after having her baby.

1 shall be full time, Mary will be half time and Michelle will be half time - that makes two doctors overall. We hope that we shall be allowed to become two and a quarter doctors before long and when that happens Michelle will become three quarter time and Mary will remain half time.

1 was intrigued to receive a call via NHS Direct the other day. This is a telephone advice service that is available all day every day. The project has been piloted in Northumberland and will shortly be extended to the whole UK. Apparently it is somewhat under used at present.

So, for anyone who would like to have an alternative source of advice;

Calls are charged at local rates and, like 999 calls, they are all recorded.

A fully trained nurse with a computerised cheek list in front of her will take down details of the problem and ask any other questions that she needs to provide advice. If there is any doubt about what to do the nurse can arrange for a message to be sent to the GP or for a 999 ambulance to be sent to you.

Simple and effective - but we're still here too.

We're quite used to young women in paroxysms of embarrassment starting a consultation with the words 'My friend wants to know if...... The answer is usually along the lines of "Yes of course you - can go on the pill / can have some condoms / can't get pregnant by kissing."

Now we're going to have to get used to men in the prime of their lives (my wife insists that 1 qualify that sentiment with 'Who are you trying to kid?) asking for advice about their friend's impotence. Many men have the courage to come right out and say they have a problem but not all. Now that Viagra is with us this will probably change and with the promise of a major advance in the treatment of impotence more men will be seeking help.

Viagra is almost certain to become available on the NHS in due course but it does cause some important questions for individuals and society.

A small number of men have died whilst using it but it is arguable that the number is so small that this may actually be evidence for the drug preventing death. Men who have been physically and sexually inactive for years should no more expect to attempt to run round the block without trouble than attempt to have intercourse with the vigour of a teenager.

What about the effect on women? The drug has been given to women experimentally and, anecdotally, gave gratifying, presumably seismic, results. What about those women who have grown used to a respite from the sexual role of earlier married times?

Difficult questions and each couple is going to have to work out their own answers. We are happy to discuss any aspect of sexual function and this is best accomplished by speaking with both partners in the relationship.

Our society is grossly over sexualised. Sex pervades almost everything in a way that differs from that for which our evolutionary heritage has prepared us. Reproduction - the transmission of DNA to subsequent generations - is the prime mission of all life, though the contributions to our lives that others make by other means should not be discounted. How many pence in the pound of additional tax is sex-asrecreation worth?

A recent article in The British Medical Journal gave a list of the desirable features in the relationship between patient and doctor.

Firstly, the doctor should have concern for the whole of the patient's concerns regarding their health and should be prepared to address them either directly or in collaboration with the patient.

Secondly, the doctor should have a knowledge of the patient's wider circumstances and beliefs. This includes family and work situation, past history, cultural background, values and preferences. The patient's views, preferences and beliefs as they relate to health care have special significance,

Thirdly, the doctor should show interest, concern, compassion, sympathy, empathy, attentiveness, sensitivity and consideration.

Fourthly, the patient needs to be able to view the clinician's words as being credible and reliable. To have belief in the clinicians commitment to do the best for the patient.

Fifthly, care should be adapted to suit the patient's gaols, expectations, beliefs, values and circumstances.

Sixthly, the patient should participate and share in all the decision making regarding their own treatment. The doctor should encourage this participation. Actions taken should be with the agreement of the patient. To the extent that the patient wishes it the doctor should inform them about diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and options and seek their views.

July 5th 10.00 Mr S Todd 6.00pm. Mrs B Rowarth
July 12th 9.00 Rev A Gafford (S) 10.00 Mr T North (Family S) 6.00pm Mrs D Mallet
July 15th 2.30pm Women’s Own Father Leo Pyle.
July 19th 10.00 Mr J Green 6.00pm Service at Corbridge
July 26th 10.00 Rev B Cooke 6.00pm Mr T North
Aug.2nd 10.00 Mr P Eavis 6.00pm Mr B Elstob
Aug.9th 10.00 Mr T North 6.00pm Rev D Perkins (S)
Aug 16th 10.00 Reader 6.00pm Prayer Service
Aug 23rd 10.00 Rev D Perkins 6.00pm Mr K Lowdon
Aug 30th 10.00 Mr G Wilson 6.00pm Rev E Reddington

The Methodist Church Conference, had its annual meeting in Scarborough last month. They voted overwhelmingly to go forward in the search for unity with the Church of England. These processes take many years, and we wait to see how our church relationships in Haydon Bridge will be affected.

The Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops from all over the world will meet at Kent University for three weeks this month; they meet every 10 years. One of the bishops will preach at Hexham Abbey for World Church Weekend on July 12th. He is Bishop Michael Hough, an Australian bishop who is serving in Papua New Guinea, and will preach at a special 3-Deaneries Evensong at 6.30pm that evening. He should have some interesting stories to tell.

July 5th 5th Sunday after Pentecost 8.00 Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30 All-Age Worship: Dr Lindsay Gray
6.00 Evensong, Haydon Old Church.
8th (Wed) 2.30 Women’s Fellowship 7.30pm Church Council
11th (Sat) 2.00pm CHURCH SUMMER FETE.
July 12th World Church Week-end 10.30 Parish Communion & Sermon 6.30 Deanery Evensong, Hexham Abbey
July 19th 7th Sunday after Pentecost 8.00 Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30 Morning Prayer, Mrs J Kendall
22nd St Mary Magdalene 10.00 Holy Communion 7.30pm Mothers’ Union at Henshaw
July 26th 8th Sunday after Pentecost 10.30 Parish Communion & Sermon.
27-31st Scripture Union Holiday Mission
August 2nd 9th Sunday after Pentecost 8.00 Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30 Parish Communion & Sermon.
6.00 Evensong, Haydon Old Church
August 9th 10th Sunday after Pentecost 10.30 Parish Communion (Revd Claire L)
August 16th 11th Sunday after Pentecost 8.00 Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30 Morning Prayer & Sermon, L Gray
6.30 Deanery Evensong, Alston
August 23rd 12th Sunday after Pentecost 10.30 Parish Communion & Sermon
August 30th 13th Sunday after Pentecost 10.15 Benefice Communion, at Henshaw 6.00 Evensong, Haydon Old Church

On Sunday July 19th, Morning Prayer & Sermon will be taken by Mrs Jennifer Kendall, a Reader at present living in Hexham; she preached earlier in the year.
The Revd Claire Lofgren, an American priest, will be staying at the vicarage over August 8th, and is being
invited to preside at the Parish Communion that day. (At a PCC meeting before the present vicar arrived, a majority of members voted that they would accept a woman priest taking Communions in this parish.)
Canon Stanley Prins will be here on two later Sundays in August; he was vicar of Humshaugh, Simonburn and Wark,
and also Rural Dean of Bellingham, for many years, and is now retired and lives in Bardon Mill.

Mass each Sunday at 9.30am
Mass most weekdays at 10.00am
Also, Mass each Sunday at Haltwhistle at 11.00am in The Two Churches, the former URC church which is now shared by the two denominations equally.

Our neighbours in Bardon Mill are mourning the death of Mrs Beryl Ambler who was well-known in church circles in Haydon Bridge. Trained as a teacher and as a Methodist local preacher, she was very active in retirement, and spent some time as president of the Bardon Mill WI. She was in demand as a speaker at all kinds of functions. She and her husband George spent many years at missionaries in the Carribean islands. George is a Methodist minister. We wish them well.

The Methodist Church look forward very soon to singing with their refurbished organ. Work is nearly complete.

Gracious Father, maker of all the world, bless our friends as they prepare for their journeys.
Be with them on every road, on every hill, meadow and stream, under cloud, under stars, through storm and in sunshine.
Guard them, O Father; protect them, O Christ; guide them, O holy Spirit, now, and in weariness, now, and in delight,
now, and in danger, now, and in journey’s ending.
Enfold them in your love,and surround them with your care, that they may sing your song every step of the way.

From Book of 1000 Prayers, ed Angela Ashwin

Nothing makes us more emotional than money. You would have heard great Hrrrrmphs in the vicarage when I read about a contemporary of mine at university getting over £300,000 (net) in legal aid fees in one year for his work as a QC! (much more than most QCs) Can his work really be ten times as important as the head-teacher, for instance, who earns around
£30,000? I asked. Value for money is a slogan which is treated as more important than any other.

But surely as humans (and as Christians) it is people who count more than money. Think of the dozens of hours that men and women put in every week, where no money changes hands: those who care for elderly relatives or neighbours; mothers who give up paid work to concentrate on family life; volunteers in charities and lunch clubs and churches; councillors who sit
through endless meetings; school governors who support education; trustees of charities and Trusts; Friends of Haydon Bridge; JPs; the list could go on.

We hear dire warnings about the cost of people living so long, and what a burden they are on those of us who earn money! That is nonsense, because it is often elderly people who provide a framework of good neighbourliness within which communities thrive - and who help to keep small shops afloat. Only 5% of people spend a significant length of time in residential care at the end of their lives; the vast majority are active to a good age, and then fade away quite quickly. To talk of them as a burden is an insult!

It is as persons that we are valued. This is part of the Christ ian ethos. Many of the people Jesus related to were what we would call “non-achievers”; he was more in tune with them than he was with those who felt they had no need of God or of other people. He related to them all as persons, for what they were. Their income and status didn’t matter to him.

What has stirred me to reflect on this was a two-day conference last month for head- teachers and governors which I attended. There was no virtue in me being there, because part of my paid job as vicar is to be chairman of governors at Henshaw School. But many governors had given two days of their own time. Teachers were being asked by a new government policy to spend even more of their own time, in evenings, week-ends and holidays in preparing and marking the
children’s work.

Schools would cease to function, and communities like Haydon Bridge. would cease being good places to live, if everybody only did for others what they were paid to do. We need money, of course. But it is our relationships with other people that make the world go round, and give real value to individuals and communities.

Please remember the Children's Holiday Club, being run by the Churches together in Haydon Bridge, from July 27th - 31st, the first week of the holidays. The team of Scripture Union volunteers comes from local churches and from other parts of the country. Children and young people from 4 to14 years old invited.

“Bandstand” outside St Cuthbert’s at 10.00 each morning; workshops,10.30-12.30; games 2.00-3.30;
Night-shift for older children in evenings.

to Haydon Bridge Methodist Church for their succesful Flower Festival last month;
and to St John’s Roman Catholic Church for a succesful summer fete at the end of June