Haydon News - February 1999

Hi Folks - ‘tis me back again in 1999 batteries charged, with no new editor in sight I start my fifth year as your scribe – when will at ever end I ask myself – there must be someone out there who would like the job? What with the Tynedale District Council elections coming up, the Archive 2000 Project underway – just when will I have time to do other things - methinks April perhaps?

I thought that you’d like to see the first Haydon News published two decades ago by the “Friends of Haydon Bridge”. As I read the words of the 1979 Chairman I found myself agreeing with everything he had written, as I also did with Mr. Pumphrey’s article “Why The Friends?“ From the files I note that eighty or so people were recorded on the membership list in 1980 – good support but really not so many out of a populace of over 2000. This rapidly dwindled to a handful after a few years. Last year a vigorous recruiting campaign was held and “The Friends of Haydon Bridge’ now have a membership list of 122 (although 20 of these have forgotten to pay their subs for this year – Hint ! Hint !).

This folks is simply not good enough so here I make a personal appeal that if you’re not a member or your subs are overdue go to page 5 and fill out the form now. I would like to see a membership of 200 before the end of March and double that by September. You’re not a cissy supporting The Friends of Haydon Bridge nor are you indicating that you support the various viewpoints expressed in The Haydon News.

I speak to hundreds of people each month most think the Haydon News does a good job yet these same folk will not fork out a measly 10p a month to support the “Friends of Haydon Bridge” and thereby the newsletter and the other activities they are involved in. For the past four years I have spent many hours developing the “Haydon News” so that it is now generally well accepted, and perhaps more importantly, read not only locally, but nationally and internationally by those with an interest in the Parish. It’s now YOUR turn to show support so “pip pip” off to page 5 and help swell the numbers of Friends of Haydon Bridge to ensure that they are truly representative of the Parish as a whole. – If the response is not forthcoming I’m afraid I may have to review my own position as Editor and could well leave in April.

On 20th January I moseyed off to the planning meeting at Tynedale District Council where I entered the Chamber just before 2 p.m. The meeting, Chaired by Councillor Barker from Allendale started promptly on time. Councillor Bill Howard declared an interest in Planning Application Reference No. 980894 and sat down on the bank bench giving his full attention to applications being discussed. It wasn’t long before application 980894 was reached and Councillor Bill immediately left The Chamber The application, submitted by Haydon Bridge Parish Council, was to construct a new Community Centre on the site of existing one which is to be demolished (Application Ref: 980895).

Mr. Chown briefly outlined the proposals and recommended approval of the application as submitted. Only one question was raised by a Councillor on the opposition benches who asked if building would be any higher than existing one – the planners replied that it wouldn’t. The plan was agreed unanimously and Councillor Bill re-entered the Chamber. As he took his back-bench seat the Chairman, wry smile on his face, said “Councillor Howard you can now go back and face your constituents! ”

The planning application had contained two objections, from the residents of the properties lying each side of, and adjacent to, the Community Centre. These are dismissed in the Committee report by 4.5 which states:

‘ Apart from traffic, the other issues raised by the objectors are private legal matters and outside of planning control.’

I drove home wondering what the Community Centre’s neighbours would now feel and I also reflected on the words written by the same Bill Howard in that first issue of the Haydon News 20 years ago – and I quote.

“Finally I might say that we do not require a lot of your time but more of your support through interest and participation. What has gone before is past if not forgotten but if one lesson can be learned from recent events, it is that if you wish to decisions affecting you and the future, you must speak now as to leave it until later will in most cases be too late. We intend to give that opportunity to anyone who comes to take it“.

With these words the Haydon News was launched however recent events have yet again shown that once in ‘power’ scant notice is taken of peoples views. Indeed, on the particular issue in question I consider that devious means have been used by some parties. As Editor of The Haydon News I have been asked by a number of residents, to publicise their views about an alternative site for The Community Centre. I have done so during the past year with absolutely no effect – indeed the silence has been deafening it would appear that those concerned are scared of public debate. Following the planning decision on 20th January I was asked to table a question at the Parish Council meeting on Thursday 28th January to the effect:

“The Village Appraisal only spoke of refurbishing the Community Centre. When it was discovered that the place would need to be rebuilt why weren’t the views of the Parish as a whole sought concerning design and location.”

During the Parish Council meeting I scribbled a note to that effect and handed it to a Councillor in front of me who placed it on the table in front of him – he was sat next to Councillor Mrs. Howard who is also Secretary of the Community Association. I thought that as Mrs. Howard also organised the Village Appraisal we would at last “Get something from the horses mouth” to coin a phrase! I noticed that the Councillor read the note on the table. Councillor Bill was sat next to his wife.

At the end of normal business Councillor Mrs. Howard packed up and left the room – shortly afterwards Councillor Jackson started to read my note as Councillor Bill quickly excused himself and left the meeting. Now I wouldn’t dare suggest that either of these two Councillors deliberately left the meeting at this point – but it does seem a bit of a coincidence. The remaining members of the Parish Council weren’t really able to offer a satisfactory explanation.

Sorry folks I did try my best to get you an answer but I’m not going to grab Marion and throw her to the floor in a half-Nelson screaming threateningly : “Damn you – speak woman speak!!” I save that sort of activity for the privacy of my own home – and anyway Bill was there.

One interesting debate took place at the Parish Council meeting which I thought might interest some of you. This concerns the siting of a children’s new play area. The Village Appraisal showed a requirement for more play areas for children – one of the areas where it was planned to place one was on the riverbank picnic area. Recently it had come to the notice of the Parish Council that their insurance company would not provide the necessary cover as the site lay so close to the river. Similarly it appears that there are other problems with funding a play area at such a location. However it appears that the land there could be purchased quite cheaply and perhaps used as a ‘village green’.

Apparently generous funding is available which could be used to improve access road, provide a car park for disabled drivers and general smarten up the area. The funding rules, it would seem, would necessitate the forming of a Trust to manage the scheme as the rules do not permit the Parish Council to do the job as they are only temporary and subject to change at each election. It was suggested by the Chairman that maybe the Friends of Haydon Bridge should be approached with a view to forming a Trust as required by the rules. A lengthy discussion followed before a vote was taken on “Should the idea of a children’s play area at the riverside be abandoned and ‘Village Green’ funding be applied for ?” A majority voted in favour of this resolution – seven of the nine Councillors present voted with Councillors Mr. and Mrs. Howard abstaining.

After the voting it was made clear that this did not mean abandoning the new play area – just that another site would need to be considered. The two major proponents of the riverside play area were quite naturally not too happy with the situation. As more facts were needed and time was getting on the Chairman suggested that another meeting be held to discuss this subject in more detail – it was agreed to hold another meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday 4th February and discuss the matter further.

Many of you will not have received your Haydon News by then so you’ve missed it, however some of you should get the newsletter on that day – why don’t you get on down there and see what the outcome is and at the same time see how your Councillors perform. I’ll be there – perhaps I could take my tiger skinned leotard just in case I have to do my Big Daddy stuff – better still I could wait until we have a downpour and do a bit of Clart Wrestling in the Back Lane – now THAT could be fun and exciting to boot. Slipping and sliding, squirming in the clarts – spectators taking side bets – combatants grunting and groaning. Mick’s Burger van doing a roaring trade flogging greet big hot-dogs – Councillors leaning out of the Community Centre windows to get a better view eventually succumbing, leaping out and joining the throng sleeves rolled up stabbing fingers pointing down to the wrestlers chanting in unison “Who ate all the pies – who ate all the pies”. James and Josie Broon come rushing doon the lane, greet big hoses in hands, Sid Thompson following behind with his little stirrup pump dangling in his hand meanwhile Mick’s van has been bornt te the groond. In all the confusion the two wrestlers slide off to share a warm shower and who knows . . . . . . . . . . ?

The cost of being buried in Haydon Bridge Burial Ground is going up from the rates set in January 1983 – the new rates will be as follows – old rates shown in brackets:

9 Councillors, County Councillor Purdue, Hexham Courant Reporter and two members of the public were present.

Matters Arising
- The new flag pole is to be erected when the weather is better.
- The village Millennium Group held their first function on 22nd January and made over £127 for the village Millennium Fund.
- Seat at the entrance of Strother Close. B.T. Have asked for an estimate and will consider their position.
- Many leaning lamp-posts in Langley have been reported to Northern Electric along with ones in Haydon Bridge.

Highway Matters
- The drains near the entrance to Hordley acres are blocked and the road floods in wet weather
- The fences on the south side of the river at the east and west approaches to the village are in disrepair. The N.C.C. Are to be informed.

Planning
Conversion at Hadrian Lodge to provide warden accommodation discussed.

Tynedale District Council
At the last meeting of the Planning Committee permission was granted to demolish the present Community Centre and rebuild.

Correspondence
Spring Clean will be from 8th April. A skip will be provided.

Haydon Bridge is to enter the Village in Bloom competition once again. This year we‘re going all out to impress the judges.

Village Projects
Finance is available to refurbish the old bridge. Finance is available and the work should be completed by the millennium. Another lamp is to be installed, the bollards, railings, and litter bins to be Victorian green. A buff coloured, tarmac type surface, is to replace the existing surface.

Picnic Area
Difficulty has arisen in both obtaining funding and insurance cover for a children’s play area planned for the riverside picnic site.

An Extraordinary Meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 4th February 1999 at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Centre to discuss this matter further. Members of the public welcome as usual.
PAT

Subscriptions are now due for the period 1st January 1999 – 31st December 1999. Membership is 10p per month so a subscription for the period is £1.20. Please complete the form below and enclose with your membership subscription. New members from 1st January please pay £1.20 (current members £1.50 includes Oct. Nov. Dec. 1998)) You can give it to any member of the Committee or leave it in an envelope at the Post Office addressed to The Friends of Haydon Bridge. If you are a non-resident of the Parish of Haydon the subscription is 60p per month which includes a postal delivery of the Haydon News – please send cheque for £6–00 to the Editor – address page 2.I wish to become an active / non-active member (delete as appropriate) of The Friends of Haydon Bridge for the period 1st January 1999 – 31st December 1999. Please find enclosed a cheque/cash to the value of . . . . . . .

Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Please note that donations greater than minimum amount are welcome – all monies received will be used for the benefit of Parish inhabitants. Cheques payable to The Friends of Haydon Bridge

Readers outside U.K If you wish to support the Friends of Haydon Bridge e-mail us now at FOHB

Haydon Bridge W.I. Began their Christmas celebrations with a dinner at the Crown Inn, Catton. A very festive occasion with Christmas crackers, paper hats and much merriment at the jokes. As it also happened to be one of the member’s birthday it was a double celebration.

A week later we attended ‘A Country Christmas’, a Festival of Carols and Readings. This was organised by the Northumberland Federation of Women’s Institutes and held at Trinity Methodist Church, Hexham. After the service we were served coffee, mince pies and shortbread and had the opportunity to admire the church’s newly restored hall.

Finally, our Christmas Party was held at the Haydon Bridge community Centre. Food was provided by the members themselves and every member was given a wrapped gift. The evening was filled with music, games and quizzes and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. A beautifully decorated Christmas cake was cut by Miss Nancy Marshall. A vote of thanks was given to our hard working president, Mrs. Brenda Clarke, who did much to make the evening a success.

The competition: ‘A Christmas Table Decoration’ was won 1st - Mrs. Iris Waugh, 2nd – Mrs. A. Spark, 3rd – Mrs. M. Bowen.

The evening ended with ‘Auld Lang Syne’. We wished all our members a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Members of Langley W.I. visited Dobbie’s Garden Centre in Ponteland in December to attend a demonstration of Christmas Floral Art. A glass of wine and mince pies were enjoyed whilst the demonstration was in progress and many of the creations were raffled at the end of the evening. The store stayed open until 9pm so that guests could make their purchases in relative peace and quiet – afterwards members went to the adjacent Badger Restaurant for a meal.

More floral work was on the agenda at the December meeting when Jane Burn and her assistant from Routledges of Haltwhistle gave a superb demonstration of flower arranging, much appreciated by members. This was followed by a delicious Christmas Dinner, provided by the Committee.

The dismal month of January was brightened by an excellent talk by Charles Bowden, an independent film producer who makes mainly wildlife films for television. The audience was fascinated to hear that as well as producing programmes locally, he spends a great deal of time in Devon producing a programme on wildlife in the West Country.

Melbourne 20th December 1998
My Dad was born in Haydon Bridge in 1897 and told me many stories about the place. His father was George Young and his mother Annie Maria Reay. Her sister was Mary Hannah Reay, district nurse and her father Joseph Reay was a Railway employee and lived in the Railway Cottages. I'd love some photos or postcards to be scanned in so that I can see what the village looked like in the early days of the 20th C. My Uncle Charles lived in Church St. in 1910, pictured here. Happy Christmas Haydon Bridge
Elizabeth Reay Le Page

Ed’s note – I sent Elizabeth a 1896 photo of railway staff – since then I have added a couple of dozen 1920’s and 1930’s photographs to the internet site.
-
Melbourne 31st December 1998

Hullo again from Melbourne, Australia,

I did put in a note last week about my grandparents, George Young and Annie Maria Reay also mentioning my great grandfather Joseph Reay who worked for the Railway. (Many thanks for the scanned photo of Railway workers).

Annie Maria Reay was the daughter of Joseph Reay and Hannah Charlton married in 1862.Hannah Charlton was the daughter of John Charlton, stationmaster in Haydon Bridge, also manufacturer and merchant for soda water and ginger beer. The following is an excerpt from Portrait of Northumberland by Nancy Ridley "In 1857, Edward, Prince of Wales, passed through Haydon Bridge. He alighted and partook of wine and biscuits. He also purchased some books from the stall of Mr. John Charlton, stationmaster." John Charlton's father Matthew Charlton, came from Simonburn.

I would love to know whether there are still any descendants of these families living in the area.
My Dad, Percy Reay Young told me many tales of his life in the village particularly about joining the various denominational Sunday Schools in time for the successive Sunday School
Picnics. He taught me to understand Geordie to the extent that I can pick the accent fairly easily and I do like reading those bits in your paper which are written in dialect. Two of his favourites were The Battle of the Raa and The Muckin' of Geordie's Cowshed.

His parents lived in Belton [Belmont] Lodge and his Aunt Mary Reay lived in Shaftoe Terrace. I know one of his Reay aunts married John Laidler, and two Charlton great aunts married Matthew Stobbart and Thomas Kirk Appleby. I'm sure there were Heslop relations too.

I feel I am getting to know a little about the place he lived in till he was 21 and I thank you for that
Elizabeth Reay Le Page

My husband and I will be traveling in Scotland by train during the first part of July; then, we will join up with a hiking group to hike around Loch Lomond, Isle Mull and Ben Nevis areas. I would appreciate an address to contact about information on your area, Hadrian Wall, and accomodations. We would like to hike along the wall.

My husband loves to read about ocean liners. I know from reading that the Crown Paints in Haltwhistle has artifacts and wood paneling from the ship Olympic. I have been unable to find an address for them and would like to write them and arrange to stop by so my husband can see the offices of this company that has the interior fittings from the Olympic. Can you help?

I do not write and say thank you enough for the work that you do and continue to do for us ex pat Haydonians. I watch at the beginning of each month for the Newsletter that you provide us all. This is then copied and forwarded to an Uncle that I have in Australia, I can honestly say we both enjoy reading progress and life in the Village.

Thank you again for your time and efforts and allowing us to share your Newsletter, it is appreciated from this end.

Ed’s note
Readers may recall that it was David’s request in September 1997 which resulted in the Internet Edition of the Haydon News being produced.

I am writing in response to your editorial in the recent edition of Haydon News which commented about policing in the village.

Let me say I welcome constructive feedback, including criticism if it is warranted, about the delivery of Police services in local communities because this is an important indicator as to how we are doing.

It is important however that such comment is balanced presenting the full picture, rather than a one sided and selective portrayal which is sometimes a justifiable criticism of the media.

With regard to your editorial, I found it particularly disappointing, lacking in fact and regurgitating tired and outdated statements about the Police not taking crime and criminals seriously. Let me take this opportunity to set out some facts about crime.

* Northumbria Police has the best record nationally for achieving successive reductions in crime over the last five years.
* In Tynedale, recorded of crime has dropped by a significant 46% since 1994.
* Arrests and detection rates are up significantly.

With regard to more local trends within Haydon Bridge itself, I am pleased to inform you and your readers that, the generally low levels of crime are continuing as evidenced by the below comparisons. Damage is not included because recording criteria has changed making meaningful comparisons difficult.

	Burglary Dwelling	Burglary Other	Theft of M/V	Theft frm M/V	Theft Other	Assaults
Jan-Oct 97	2	6	1	1	10	3
Jan-Oct 98	2	9	1	3	11	2

In the context of your editorial therefore it is hard to justify the comment that "crime is going on all around us", there have been no reports received that people have been "robbed" (an offence of theft associated with violence) and the extent to which people have been "hit in their homes" (which I presume to mean burgled) is thankfully very low.

In terms of my policing priorities for South West Northumberland, these are listed in my Local Policing Plan (copy enclosed) which is widely distributed and publicised at the beginning of each fiscal year.

You will note that, whilst crime remains at the forefront of my priorities, policing by its very nature covers a broad range of issues including responding to emergencies, public order and road safety.

Included within these broader policing issues is my approach to licensing laws. Whilst the lack of detail prevents me from responding to your personal experiences, I am happy to inform you that I adopt a proactive approach to licensing matters. Experience shows that a lax approach contributes towards.-

* systematic abuse of licensing laws
* the growth of under-age drinking and, in certain public houses, drug misuse
* the potential for increased public disorder at the expiry of licensing hours and;
* an increase in drink/driving with the consequent risk to road safety this brings.

I would like to add that having a proactive policy with regard to licensing is one thing, it does not however equate to an intolerant approach to enforcing the law. 'Discretion' is the hall mark of good policing, and this can only be achieved with the support of the wider community. In the context of licensing, this is illustrated by the successful Pub Watch Schemes which operate throughout Tynedale and the recent launch of the Underage Drinking Scheme.

I hope my response to your editorial provides a more informed viewpoint regarding the extent of crime in Haydon Bridge and sets a broader perspective of policing in Tynedale against which your concerns can be contrasted. Perhaps you could publish my letter in the next edition of Haydon News.

So as there is no confusion in anyone’s mind I repeat here the relevant section of my November ‘98 Editorial

“Have you noticed but there has been a high police presence in the village lately around about pub closing time? I understand that the men in blue are concerned about after-hours drinking in rural pubs. Recently I was in one pub on a Sunday evening when a couple of policemen wandered in and had a look around. Isn’t it amazing how they can find the resources to do this and often don’t seem to be able to find time to clear up the real crime which is going on all around us. I am told that in this area we have had people robbed and hit in their homes, thefts from houses and garages, cars vandalised etc., to my knowledge these crimes frequently go unsolved.

Methinks that priorities may have been wrongly set or maybe a new guy has stepped in and wants to impress. I do find it an intrusion to be eyed over when slowly sipping my non-alcoholic beer at closing time. It does little to impress me and seems to be a good way to turn people off co-operating and helping our Police. Our highly paid senior policemen will argue that they are only here to enforce the law – I will argue back and say to these decision makers that you are also paid to prioritise using a bit of gumption making the most efficient use of your limited resources.

Catching crooks and villains is your business and if occasionally some rural publican doesn’t stop serving promptly on time – forget it. A few middle aged and elderly folk slavering over a final pint is not what I would call criminal activity. Pubs are having a hard enough time without being hounded like this. The sooner new legislation is brought in to allow hostelries to close when they want, to the merrier we will be.”

I have printed the Superintendent’s letter in full and I am sure that Haydon News readers will be pleased to read his full response – I recommend that you all have a look at the ‘South West Northumberland Policing Plan’, this is produced by Northumbria Police. The document is in the library. Like me, I’m sure that most of you will be impressed by the achievements of Northumbria Police since 1994 and in particular South West Northumberland Area Command’s proposed means of tackling crime and disorder in our area.

* Robbery – I have underlined the sentence I used – not being an expert on police terminology I was ignorant of the precise definition of what ‘robbed’ meant so therefore the words “and hit” were superfluous. Villagers are aware of a reported robbery by a burglar in recent years.

* Reported Crime in Haydon Bridge – The figures in the Superintendent’s table actually show an increase in crime of 21 % (1997 = 23, 1998 =28 increase =5). There were 2 burglaries from dwellings in the first 9 months of 1998. Already this year I understand that there has been two ‘break-ins’ at village homes (night of Monday 11th January) - This does not auger well for this year’s figures

In the four years that I have been Editor the November Editorial produced by far the highest positive response from villagers – people who usually don’t pass the time of day with me actually came up to me and said that the comments reflected their own views. It is not my desire to malign the Police, I do believe that they do a good job using their limited resources – whether they always make efficient use of these resources is to me questionable.

Policing Northumbria is not cheap and costs the average household some £6.72 per week (£350 p.a.). It is the view of a lot of folk in Haydon Bridge that the man-hours allocated to visiting village pubs may well be have been better spent trying to catch the criminal who reportedly robbed an elderly lady sleeping alone in her Strother Close home!

NB – Whilst I am supportive of Northumbria Police’s proactive approach to fighting crime many folk have reminded me of PC Harry Mitchell and his big Alsatian dog patrolling the village streets in earlier years – now that’s what they call proactive! Nowadays they have their little warm and cosy Pandas as companions. Other people are now asking the question “Is proactive policing an infringement into my civil liberties and an intrusion into my privacy?” - Perhaps if I’d been stopped and questioned 3 times in the past year whilst driving home in the early hours I too might be asking the same question – but I haven’t so I won’t !

Hi, I am Ian Legate, one of six boys born to Don and Christine (Tina) Legate. My mothers maiden name was Christine Moffat Brown and was born in the village and was one of six children. My parents died 12 years ago aged 56 & 57 .I have an uncle and aunt, Peter & Joyce Brown who live at 17 Church Street. I expect you know them. I think one of their sons Joseph is landlord at The Railway Arms.

Although I have not seen them for many years, I hope to pay a visit with my own family in the not too distant future. It was of great surprise to find your web-site as Haydon Bridge will always remain special to me with many fond holiday memories as a child. If you have any up-to-date news or anything you feel would be of interest to me, then I would be pleased to hear from you.

Ed’s Note – I have sent Ian a 1920’s photograph of his great grandparents together with a 1901 copy of Jane Moffat – 44, Ratcliffe Road, taken in front of McKay’s shop (now Marsh’s). Also sent was a photo of Ian’s mam Tina Brown taken in costume in the 1936 production of Zurika.
I think Jackie, the landlady of ‘The Railway‘, may have something to say about Josie Brown being the landlord !!

I’m George L. Haydon from Springfield Kentucky where there are many family members

Love to know more about Haydon Bridge and by the way my father THOMAS SIMMS HAYDON JR, owns a bridge company named HAYDON BRIDGE

Ed’s Note – Thanks for your note George. The village does not have an information booklet, however the Haydon Bridge pages on the internet do contain quite a bit of information which you can access via haydonbridge.demon.co.uk.

During the coming year the new World Wide Web domain of: haydonbridge.org will be built and I shall see to it that we have a comprehensive booklet included.

LOST YEARS
Twenty five years ago I bought, amongst other things, the Minutes of Haydon Bridge Co-operative Society. The books are a unique record of the development of the Society in the village from 1875 to 1948.

They are full of interesting glimpses of a village life long gone. Deliveries were by horse and cart. Items like linoleum were ordered from Newcastle and sent by rail. The Boy was sent with the cart to meet the train at Haydon Bridge station. The Boy also had to whitewash the outside privy as part of his duties! When the first van was purchased it was too high to go through the archway into the yard so the entrance from the street had to be altered. The Co-op movement was committed to social reform and several houses were built in the village to be let at affordable rents.

When Mitch, in the Haydon News, requested the loan of material for his archives I rang and asked him if he'd like to look at the Minutes. I told him that unfortunately two of the books had been lost for about fifteen years. Imagine my amazement and delight when 1 delivered the volumes to him and he told me that one of the missing books had turned up.

The books are part of our local history and should be kept together for reference by future Haydonians so it is my intention to give the books to the N.E. Co-op Museum in Gateshead (which houses Minutes from other Societies) for safe-keeping.

This is an appeal for the return of the book still missing. It covers the years from 1897 to 1903 and it would be great if the set could be made complete again.

Recently Mary Nagel confirmed to me an interesting tale of stamina and strength that I’d heard but found hard to believe.

Grandfather Marsh worked at Langley Barony. One year when he was on his holidays he decided to take his wife to Hexham for a day out, unfortunately she was confined to a wheelchair, this prevented them catching a bus. Undaunted they set out in the morning and he pushed her all the way along the high road from Langley into Hexham.

After spending some time in the town he then pushed her to Warden where they called into friends and had tea. They continued along the south side of the river westwards to Haydon Bridge and all the way up to Page Croft to visit his son, daughter in law, and grandchild Mary. When they’d finished supper he made to leave intending to push his wife home to Langley that late evening but his son insisted that they stay overnight.

Next morning the grandparent’s had breakfast and returned home. Apparently Mr. Marsh senior pushed his wife, in her wheel chair, all around the area.

To get some idea of the effort required just look out of your windows northwards and see just how steep the bank is from the Newbrough Road up past West Mill Hills to Page Croft. And I wonder – how did he get the wheelchair down the very steep bank – the mind boggles ?

The Editor of the Haydon News has received a letter which the writer wished to be published in this edition of the Haydon News – this concerned a recent case held in Newcastle Crown Court. This letter has been withheld by the Editor as it is felt that the subject discussed -if published, could possibly result in the Court taken action against The Friends of Haydon Bridge and/or the Editor.
SBM

Last year, looking ahead to the Millennium I had such a good idea! - I would canvas the people of Haydon Bridge to work to have our village collaged on fabric and made into a cope. (A cope is a cloak, worn by priests of any denomination.) if the collage was made into a wall hanging, where would it hang and for how long? A cope will be safely kept in a church – ours preferably, but should it be closed or fall into disrepair, it would still be safe, somewhere.

However, I had some friends in to lunch last week and was set back on my heels because I had presumed many people would be indifferent but had not on some being hostile, as two of my friends were. In fact, they do not live here and do not go to church but made it quite plain that if they lived in our village they would not participate in this particular effort.

Now, this work should not be onerous as I envisage people making a small contribution, in worked fabric, of the house in which they live. These could then be arranged on a backing fabric to form a pictorial representation of out village in the approach to the year 2000.

Will our people give me some idea of their opinion – face to face, by telephone (684324) or “letter to the Editor”. I won’t be upset , I’ll cry in private, my shoulders are broad.
E. Garrow

Dear Mitch
Av nivvor ritten the papers afor but aam still stottin aboot that stupid fool wat had the audacity to pen aal that slanderous blithor aboot the wunnerful new contributor be’ the name of Hunter McDonald.

Beuth me an wor Geordie reely enjoyed his second tale and aal his resorch aboot Jane Todd being left on the doorstep of The Toft’s Farmhoose. Aav tekken real excepshon te Pat Culrohan Can theor be any feul as daft as him as he’s bound te recognise that The Haydon News has fund a porl iv great price? – Aah just wunda how thi can afford to pay this literary genius. Maybe yill have te up the anty a bit to privent him sellin his talents ti the Noos itha Whorld.

Anywho I think he must have gone to the Newbruf acadamy as being one of the Newbruf Attricks and maybe slightly ralated ti Jerry of Haydon Bridge aa thowt aa cud detect a touch a’ Jimmy Gloag in his style

Sykee Attrick

Ed’s note – I had a word with Hunter McDonald who is still smarting from the revelations of Pat Culrohan – he tells me that he’s consulting his solicitors Haddaway and Chyte to try and prevent Pat Culrohan giving away any more secrets of his wartime exploits.

I have the happiest of memories of Haydon Bridge in the thirties and forties. It is now fifty years since I effectively left the village. Saddest of all was the death of Bill Tait who I must have known for well over sixty years. Thereafter I joined the army, went to University and although far removed, I can still remember Maurice Armstrong and Geoff Duffy and David Corbett who are happily still with us.

After leaving school and awaiting call up one of my happiest of memories was working the postal route with Bill . . . . . .slogging it out to Housteads every day. I still have picture Bill Tait painted of .....Mill Hills which I still remember with affection of John Wallis Herdman and Willie Thompson .............. Willie ......... of the Chapel at Haydon Bridge and Bardon Mill and Fourstones, - characters of old long since departed.

I could go on forever but I will say a very Happy New year to you all and continued success in your admirable venture ...................... Identify the of yesteryear which I can still recognise with pleasure.

Sorry Ridley but a few of your of your words are difficult to make out . . . Thanks

Dear Mr. Mitchell
Herewith the promised photographs for Project Archive 2000. I don’t know if they will be of any interest. I also enclose a copy of a letter from my Great grandfather to my father. Perhaps some of the names mentioned may have some significance for some of the present day residents of the village, I hope so.

I am still enjoying going slowly through the old copies of Haydon News and many surnames have a ring of familiarity, Robson, Ridley, Heslop, Dodds, and of course Charltons, who were our ancestors, as were Hendersons and Philipsons. I also remember my father telling me about a Dr. Wilfred Parker, who taught him at some stage. I have a photo of that gentleman.

Your paper is excellent and has something interesting for everyone, straight facts, delightful anecdotes, historical treasures, all injected with a quick wit and puckish sense of humour. May I join the many others who thank you for the very real pleasure provided by your enthusiastic efforts.

Ed’s note – I have replied directly to Elizabeth via e-mail and thank her for the photo graphs and comments.

The editorial policy of ‘The Haydon News’ is ultimately the responsibility of the Committee of the Friends of Haydon Bridge , although day-to-day responsibility is delegated to the Editor of ‘The Haydon News’. Our intention is always to ensure that the content of ‘The Haydon News’ is as fair and factually correct as possible. Any complaints concerning editorial policy should be addressed in writing to the Chairman of the Friends of Haydon Bridge, and will be considered by and receive a formal response from the Committee of the Friends of Haydon Bridge. Complaints other than those made above will not be entertained.

Charles Thomas, Chairman
The Friends of Haydon Bridge
South View
Heugh House Lane
Haydon Bridge
NE47 6ND

Somewhere a band will strike up on the downbeat,
Your senses are stirred by the pulsating blues,
Your foot taps the floor and you try to ignore it,
But instinct is stronger and won’t let you choose.

Let the dancing induce you with vibrant elation,
Indulge the abandon the dance-floor incites.
Forget who you were when you woke up this morning -
The singer demands you surrender tonight.

Movement and madness take charge of the senses,
Minds are imbibed with a rhythmical potion;
Limbs become lissom in tune to the music,
Writhing and twirling with serpentine motion.

Pulses go racing as heartbeat is hastened
And primitive urges are primed to the beat;
Energy surges like waves in the oceans
You fling off decorum and sweat with the heat.

The tempo translates all your pent up emotion,
Your feet find their forte with agile display,
Arms of pure sinew entwining your partner,
Hips are gyrating in sensual foreplay.

Body language becomes the essential communion,
Decibels duly commanding the scene;
Body-heat merges and movement is slowing,
The number is ending, so breaking the dream.

Wherever musicians rejoice in their rhythm
The need to interpret their talent you’ll crave.
Your body must move with melodic expression;
The Lord of the Dance has recaptured his slave.

‘As part of my contribution to the Millennium I intend to embark on a two-year project to archive a large amount data from locally held documents that record the history of Haydon Bridge in the 20th Century. This will include extracts from newspaper cuttings, periodicals, family papers, photographs, audio-tape, etc. Residents and others hold much of this material in personal scrapbooks ‘

I am pleased to say that support for the project continues unabated and photographs continue to pour in. We now have a team of ten people helping. The group had its first meeting in January and some individuals have now started work on their individual sub-project. One person has started recording the history of the Town Hall building; another the Football Club; someone else wants to cover the Fire Brigade; others the roads, buildings and estates.

A valuable input to the archive has been the set of Co-op minute books which record the weekly meetings of the Haydon Bridge Co-op from the first on 20th March 1875. At this meeting Mr. W.H. Batey of Catton was appointed as Manager of the store. The minute books were complete from 1875 to 1948 with the exception of two volumes, one of which has since been traced , the missing one covers the period 1897 – 1903). If you know of its whereabouts please contact the owner of the set (see page 11). When extracts have been recorded from the books they will be returned to the owner who intends to archive them in a proper place.

I am still awaiting the result of my Lottery bid - they have requested further information, I am pleased to say that my application to the Parish Council has been approved

If you as an individual feel that you can offer financial or other support to the project I would be pleased to hear from you.

If you would like to contact me at High Brindles 684980 just come and knock on my front door, send me a letter or e-mail mitch@haydonbridge.demon.co.uk

I will be happy to give anyone a computer demonstration of the end product of the project here at High Brindles and answer any questions you may have. Please remember that I intend for this to be a Community Project.

Since my last column a couple of months ago, plenty of things have happened at the bowls club.

Even though the two matches in December against Wylam and Whitfield brought no success, a home match of a slightly different kind took place on the 5th January at the Community Centre – Yes! - It was our Christmas Dinner, a match that we did win. Members brought many guests along and everyone enjoyed a lovely meal. Jean Oliver, the club’s Secretary and Treasurer made sure that we all got our money’s worth., by picking our brains with a very difficult quiz that made you feel foolish when told the answers.

Anyway, I’d better get back to the bowls side of things, as I don’t want to waste Mitch’s paper. Two matches have taken place since the festivities. The Shire (away), followed by a trip to Allendale.

Unfortunately, no success was gained, naturally because every player was full of turkey and wine. The teams and report below are about the Allendale match.

A	B	C	D
Joseph Tulip	Jean Oliver	Peter Tweddle	Jamie Eales
Audrey Phillips	Edna Rumney	Winnie Golightly	Ike Tallantyre
Doreen Taylor	Susan Taylor	George Hutton	Edith Benson
			Lily Pickering

The A team reacted brilliantly from a close 5–4 defeat in their opening game to win their second 7–0. Unfortunately, the lovely supper was too good to be true, causing them to lose their final two games.

Team B – tried hard, but luck deserted them. They had one heavy defeat, but the Haydon Bridge motto of never giving up meant that their other three games were close.

But the Team of the Night has to go to Team C. With a 3–1 win in their first game followed by a staggering 10-3 victory in their third.

George Hutton, the new members who I mention in my last report has continued progress, and was a member of the night’s most successful team. George was soon followed into the club by Jamie Eales, an ex member who decided that SCUBA diving was no substitute for the half-time cup of tea at the Bowls Club. We have had another couple of youngsters who we hope will remain to help bring silverware to our new Community Centre, if not the current one.

Tuesday 2nd Feb. CLUB NIGHT
Tuesday 9th Feb. CLUB NIGHT
Thursday 11th Feb. WHITFIELD – away
Tuesday 16th Feb. SIMONBURN – away
Thursday 25th Feb. CLUB NIGHT

UPPERS

With a bit of luck the BMA should have wrung some sense out the Department of Health by the end of January on the subject of Viagra. It was originally thought that an announcement would be made on Christmas Eve - so as to avoid a prurient fermentation in the tabloid press, prone as they are to boil-in-the-bag morality and gimcrack opinions.

We have had a number of requests for Viagra already and I am sure that it will prove very helpful for some men and women but it is not to be regarded as either a miracle or an aphrodisiac or a lifebelt for relationships in difficulty.

Soon there will be a second product - Vasomax - that is said to work more quickly.

DOWNERS

There was some quite devastating statistical information in the British Medical Journal in mid December; one American in five, over the age of twelve, has genital herpes (one in four females), by the age of twenty four one in three Americans has had a sexually transmitted disease, sixty eight million Americans have an incurable sexually transmitted disease (herpes, HPV, hepatitis B or MV).

Europe usually trails America by a few years at most. Moral - beware of Americans bearing cigars...

PARACETAMOL - THE LAST WORD

Its not called paracetamol anymore! We all have to get used to calling it acetaminophen now, if we want to be truly cosmopolitan in our speech and good Europeans to boot.

GRASSING UP THE NEIGHBOURS

I am pleased to report that the local split harvest is progressing nicely. Parishioners of a Samaritan disposition will find the News Editor's visiting hours at Durham are quite flexible.

THE MILLENNIAL MIDWIFE

Our midwife, Helen Shield, has bade me publicise her general proclamation about procreation. There's to be none of it - during the months of February, March and April - unless you really want to deliver your baby by candle light.

A PLEA FROM PETER ROBERTSON

It is now a legal requirement for the reverse of every prescription form to be filled in fully by the person collecting the medication. Could you please assist your pharmacist by completing the form - carefully.

Thank you.

NORPLANT

The implantable five year contraceptive was introduced about four and a half years ago. We now need to begin removing them and, if desired, replacing them.

Would all those women who had a Norplant fitted cheek the date of their fitting please and remember that the devices MUST be removed after five years.

Nurse Mary will be sending reminders.

WHIPLASH

Car accidents are a frequent cause of neck injury and some of the problems are avoidable. Anyone who does not wear a seatbelt at all times in a moving vehicle deserves to be used as food or landfill - there are almost no exceptions to this observation.

Airbags are - on balance - a good thing, though there are remaining controversies about them. If a passenger airbag is an option go for it. Follow the manufacturer's instructions about putting babyseats in cars with airbags.

The item of equipment that is least regarded but most often contributes to neck problems is the head restraint - not rest - restraint.

A head restraint should be adjusted so that it and the seat occupant's head are at the same level - if the occupant leans back, the back of his/her head should contact the centre of the restraint.

Leaving the restraint in its lowest position may enable the rear scat passenger (or driver) to have a better view. Or conduct a conversation more easily or may make reversing easier but it also ensures that in a crash the seat occupants head will be snapped over backwards, to a potentially fatal degree.

Whiplash injury is common, painful and longlasting. Prevention is better than cure.

BANDAGING SPRAINS

Its official - bandaging sprained ankles makes no difference to the outcome. An article in the Christmas British Medical Journal gave the results of a detailed survey on the subject. The number of cherished beliefs that are being demolished is quite stunning.

FRAMINGHAM

A small town somewhere in the USA made famous by being the most intensively studied community in the world. Health data on the inhabitants have been collected for some decades now. One of the results has been the creation of a scoring system - The Framingham Score - that gives a numerical value to a person's risk of having a heart attack. We are staring to calculate the Framingham scores for our patients now - we'll let you know...

Rev Vincent Ashwin, with St Cuthbert's C of E
The Vicarage, Station Yard 684.307

Rev David Perkins, with the Methodist congregation
39 Elvaston Road, Hexham 603.139

Father Leo Pyle, with St John's Catholic Church
St John's Presbytery, North Bank 684.265

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