Haydon News

April 1999

email the editor

THE SOUND OF POSSING

Hi Folks -’tis me again with my 43rd issue of the newsletter – still waiting for someone to take over the reins. I am happier than usual tonight (8:15pm on Thursday 8th April) as I’ve made up some lost time and it now looks as if the June issue will be out on the scheduled date. But that’s not the main reason why I’m chuffed – normally as I am writing the editorial, the scanning copier we use to print the 890 copies is rhythmically thumping noisily at about 90dbA working its way through thousands of sheets of paper. Occasionally the noise level screams up to about 100dbA as the paper jams causing the mindless monster to screech to a stop. Sylvia remarking “Darling this lovely printing machine has momentarily stopped – will you be an angel and come and fix it please.” - or words to that effect !!!!

Actually you do get used to the regular thumping which sounds like a hundred poss tubs with all the possas in perfect synchronisation., Acting as to a metronome - my figures rhythmically strike the keyboard in time with the poss rate. .

Sometimes my spouse would turn the reproduction-speed up to maximum, a poss rate much too swift for my formerly dextrous fingers – you may ask “What has happened then ?” Well folks at the last Committee meeting of the Friends a member volunteered to take over the printing from me and arrangements were made for the Tuesday after Easter Monday.

At first light, in a move akin to the Kenny Everitt sketch when he moved from the BBC to ITV, or was it the other way round? - in three cars we shipped the beast , 15 reams of paper, (7,500 sheets) ink and master material to its new abode – silently the village slept. The silence tonight is bloomin’ lovely, Millie is lying on her back, feet in the air, sleeping, Sylvia has gone down to see Rhoda – it’s absolutely FAB!

Another thing pleased me recently _ I’d just collected my drink in the bar at the Haydon (I don’t always use the lounge you know) - I was beckoned over by a chap ten years my senior

I sat down next to him
He said “Yi knaa son yi dee a reely gud job wi’ that Haydin News and that pitcher yi painted this month aboot landing in Gibraltar wos reely gud.”

I really appreciate comments like that – which is, perhaps, why I’m still doing this job two years over the time I agreed.

See you later . . . . . . . . . . . . Mitch

Index

The Friends of Haydon Bridge
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Granny Irwins Lounge - The Railway Hotel
7:30 pm on Tuesday 4th May 1999

Members active/inactive are cordially invited to attend
Non–members residing in Haydon Parish are also welcome
Main Points of the Agenda

ANNUAL STATEMENT OF THE CHAIRMAN
ANNUAL STATEMENT OF THE TREASURER
QUESTIONS FROM THOSE ATTENDING
PLANS FOR THE COMING YEAR
ELECTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS

PARISH COUNCIL PICKINGS
Thursday 25th March1999

8 Councillors and 2 members of the public were present.

Matters arising

• A Union flag is still required for the recently installed flag pole.
• The County Council is to erect a barrier at the Shaftoe Trust School.
• It has been converted that the ‘blue poles’ on the A69 house equipment for traffic monitoring.
• The Parish Council have received a letter from a resident of Temple Houses complaining about the P.C. decision not to make some contribution towards re-surfacing of the lane. It was pointed out that in addition to setting a precedent the request had arrived after the Council had set the 1999/2000 annual budget.

Lighting

• The two lights on the A69 have still not been repaired.

Planning

• No objection given to the conversion of an agricultural building to a dwelling at Altonside.
• A detached bungalow at Moss House, Langley is in an outstanding area of outstanding beauty. The proposed building is intended to house the Langley Post Office. The application is supported by the Parish Council.

Correspondence

• The fences erected when the new bridge was built are no longer required. Safety fences will be put in their place. The PC have requested plans showing what the new fences will look like
• The Community Council of Northumberland have funding for picnic tables on the river side.
• N.C.C. Are reviewing the public transport services.

Village Projects

• Maps of village walks are to be produced and priced at 20p.
• Surfacing contracts are out for the old bridge and the County Council are to update the lighting, fencing, bollards etc. Work should be starting shortly.
• Haydon Bridge is to receive money for environmental purposes as it is in a conservation area.
• Langley Village Hall Appeal is in full swing along with plans for the Britain in Bloom competition.
• The initial visit of the Britain in Bloom judges is May 6th – time to start baskets again.

Any Other Business

• The contractor is to be asked to remove the large boxes left in Langley Gardens.
• Langley Village Hall will house some Parish Council Meetings when the Community Centre is closed.

PAT

Index

The Friends of Haydon Bridge

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

Index

HAYDON BRIDGE W.I

At the time of publication there was no input from Haydon Bridge Women's Institute.

Index

LANGLEY WI

Langley W.I. Members were given a talk on the ancient Chinese art of FENG SHUI by Mr. Keith Belmont at their March W.I. Meeting.

FENG SHUI means the study of nature and the environment and how it affects health and wealth. It has recently become popular in the U.K. Because of the influx of people from Hong Kong.

Mr. Belmont gives consultations to people in their homes, advising them on the positioning of furniture, plants etc. As to quote another FENG SHUI expert

“Your home should give you the impetus and energy to give you the will to fight when you leave. When you put the key in the lock to return home you should feel this is your sanctuary and it can relax you, renew and replenish.”

Members were fascinated by this subject and sought Mr. Belmont’s advice on Many problems – including a sleepless baby! He advised on the positioning of the offensive infant’s cot and the long suffering mother has promised to report back..

Mary Nagel

Index

Letters to the Editor & Readers Viewpoints

A LETTER FROM TEMPLE HOUSES

To the Editor

Recently Haydon Parish Council refused to give a small donation towards the cost of making up Temple Houses Lane. They also compared Temple Lane with Alexandra Terrace and Brigwood as a cover up with this refusal. If this is the attitude of the Parish Council then they are not doing their duty, and whether the land in Temple Lane is private or public is no excuse. However I would inform them that residents in Temple Houses Lane have received a substantial donation from another ‘public’ body towards the making up of the lane.

I would remind the Parish Council they were responsible for bringing about the public enquiry at Hexham concerning Temple Houses Lane. That enquiry cost the tax-payers thousands of pounds of public money, and the very fact there was not a need is appalling. The inspector was handsomely paid from the public purse, but failed to solve the problems he created. His decision to enter Temple Lane on the definitive map will not take place until the next review in fifteen years time.

Mrs. D. Thompson
Temple House Lane

Ed’s Comment:

The above is , according to the writer, a copy of the letter that she sent to the Parish Council and which was read out at the meeting on 25th March 1999.

I would like to remind readers that the Public Inquiry was set up to consider objections from those against a previously made decision to include Temple Lane on the next issue of the definitive map. This Inquiry dealt with not only Path 46 in Haydon Bridge but also with three other footpaths in the Tynedale area as well as the Sandhoe Byway No, 7 and Newbrough Byway No. 16.

The question of whether Inspector R.G. Brown was paid handsomely is a matter of conjecture, I previously worked for the Department of Environment and Transport with an office in Tollgate House in Bristol, where the Planning Inspectorate is located. I understand that Mr. Brown, a Chartered Engineer, has a Bachelor of Arts Degree, is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a member of the Institute of Town Planners. I am confident that his salary will be commensurate with his qualifications and the job he is doing in the public service.
SBM

A CHALLENGE FROM AUSTRALIA

Dear Editor,

In the very early '40s I boarded as a young man (a child, really) with a childless couple by the name of Brayson. He was the local postman and, though small, he was of that tough country stock who could walk all day and be up the next morning at the break of day.

Haydon Bridge then had a sub-branch of the Midland Bank in the High Street under the direction of Haltwhistle. There was a manager and the sorcerer's apprentice (me). What was his name?

BTW what's the housing like in Haydon Bridge? What's the going price?

An ageing exile...Brian Rowell

Ed’s reply

Thanks for your note

Billy Brayson used to do the postal round with Bill Foster who is still healthy and active. Bill would have been away during the war years when you were here. Someone told me they thought the Graysons had a daughter called Phyliss. The Managers name you want is Joe Keane who had an assistant Haydon Walton.

Houses are in the general range £40 - £200.000

The Midland Bank still have a sub-branch in Church Street.

If you want any further information please let me know. I will be pleased to help

Regards

SBM

A NOTE FROM RATTENRAW

Dear Mitch,

The editor of the Haydon News was pickled with rum (editorial March 1999) but Admiral Lord Nelsons body was immersed in brandy, mixed with camphor and myrrh.

Yours sincerely
John Irving

Ed’s note – I suppose that’s the difference between the Officer Class and other ranks – hic ..

“What shall we do with the drunken Editor?"
"What shall we do with the drunken Editor?"
"What shall we do with the drunken Editor?"

"Earlye in the morning. “

“Pinch his bleeding pen, censor the lugger"
"Pinch his bleeding pen censor the lugger"
"Pinch his bleeding pen censor the lugger"

"Earlye in the morning.”

"Hooraye and up she rises"
"Hooraye and up she rises"
"Hooraye and up she rises"

Hic ... Hic ... What shall we do with the drunken sailor?”

Mitch

West House
Scotch Arms

February 1999

THE HASH HOUSE HARRIERS ARE COMING TO HAYDON BRIDGE

HHH or H3 for short but who are they?

In 1938 colonial Kuala Lumpur, a few bored and overweight alcohol ridden bachelor Government servants attempted to repair their decrepit minds and bodies from the excesses of the weekend by having, what today might be called a jog on Monday nights. It started as a few circuits of the Padang" and then progressed to the 'Ulu' as more joined in. However to prevent the undesirable and competitive (athletic) element taking over it was developed into a devious form of paper chase which continues to this day. The War, then the 'Emergency', did not deter the determined and the 'Hash` survived these difficult times, flourished even. The inevitable spread to other Colonial parts came in 1962 when the Singapore Hash was founded. The growth of the Hash House Harriers after that can only be described as explosive, first in the Orient, then to Australasia, later to the Middle East, Africa then finally to the West.

This author joined the Hash in Singapore more than 25 years ago, did 10 years, then returned to UK and found the Essex Hash in 1984. There are now over a hundred 'Hashes' within these fair shores so be warned: often it is said that the Hash is for "Drinkers with a Running problem". there could be one nearer to you than you think!?

Expats on tours of duty in far off places sometimes become inexplicably attached to them; uncivilised adversity or sheer pleasure can have the same effect and the commaderie amongst them can be very intense. Such a hardcore have formed a 'Hash' in the U.K. which meets twice a year and go under the pseudonym of IHIEH3  Indonesian Hashers In Exile Hash House Harriers and yours truly is one of them.

SO why are they coming to Haydon Bridge?

Well 1 moved into the village just over a year ago and it is my turn to host this pack of unlikelies for a weekend of 'Hash' activities and the 12 May (this year!) is the chosen time. So from the Friday to Monday you may see a strange lot by virtue of their 'dress' and other social habits. You will be pleased to know that some speak a kind of English and most are house trained. There will be about thirty of us all staying in the village somewhere so check the garden shed and outhouses regularly; even under your bed!

But where does the "Hash" come from in the name, that will be another story another time. 'Commonly' the lndoNostalgia will welcome any ex or would be Hashers this weekend; just bell me on 684968 or 07071222674 for more details.

On On! "Diplomat"
-
Ed’s note
If you can understand that you are a better man than I, Gunga Din. Here’s this guy in the Scotch Arms, signs himself “Diplomat” and sends in to the Haydon News such apparent blither – indeed I wonder if he is trailing ME around the world. The Singapore Hash was formed just two years after my 1960 departure. “Diplomat” arrives in Singapore two years after my later 1970 departure – I return to my Chelmsford home which I leave in 1978. Where does “Diplomat” turn up – after his ten year stint in the Far East? Right folks – Chelmsford. Eventually I return to Haydon Bridge for a peaceful retirement and who turns up a few years later? – No other than “Diplomat”. Just after he arrives in the village he tracks me down to the aptly named Oddfellows – his comment on the Haydon News “Too many grammatical errors ”

One eating habit I developed near the Padang in late 1950’s Singapore was the ability to eat a six egg curry which many a time was the cause me doing some quick trotting in the Ulu. I wonder if that qualifies me to join the HHH? I could also supply old copies of the Haydon News to help them in their racing – now with all those grammatical errors that would be confusing wouldn’t it! I have included “Diplomat’s” missive as he included a generous cheque with his covering letter. You can find out more about the HHH on http://www.harrier.org/

Pêrgi Orang Pêrgi

An e-mail received 7th April

I just wanted to send a quick email to say that I think your website is excellent.

My name is Lesley-Ann Mitchell. My husband and I own [a property in Haydon Bridge] which we are aiming to convert into our family home (we have two children - Callum (3) and Nina (1)).

At the moment we are at the planning application stage etc but hope to get started with the real blood, sweat and tears of the conversion work at the start of the better weather. Our aim is to try and move into part of the property by September/October this year.

I would be grateful if you could give us a mention in Haydon News as I would be especially interested to hear from any local trades-people who would like to send me details of their services or products. If anyone wants to ask any questions about our project, please call me on 01434 674 087 or mail me at Lane Cottage, Newbrough, Hexham, NE47 5AS.

Thank you.

Lesley-Ann Mitchell

Ed’s note
Thank you for the web-site remark. At the moment I do not place the Haydon News advertisements on the Internet edition. I have sent you a copy of the unexpurgated March edition of the newsletter.

Mitch

Like many locals reading this newsletter I am descended from lead mining stock and have traced my mother’s line (Philipson) back to the 1600’s when the family lived at Tedham. A young lad my grandfather Harry came to Haydon Bridge in the 1880’s – brought by his widowed mother from West End (Allenheads) as the lead mines there were all closing. As a teenager my mother worked on the washing and dressing floor of Settlingstones mine. Following a different career to my ancestors I wouldn’t have known a bing from a bouse or a stemple from a stope.

All that has now changed with the publication of an ‘easy to read’ 64 page paperback book by Sue Harley who lives at Joicey’s Shaft cottage – a former building of the Langley Barony mine straddling the Honeycrook Burn.

In her research Sue could find no Greenwich Hospital papers relating to the mine and relied mainly on the Blackett papers deposited at Northumberland Records Office.

Although the former mine seems to be small it actually employed many local people at its peak – and for nearly two decades played a significant part as an employer in the local area. I can recommend the book as worth owning if you have any interest whatsoever in local history

Oh and by the way I now know that:

• A Bing of lead concentrate is equivalent to 8 cwt.

• Bouse is ore-bearing rock which comes straight from the mine.

• Stemples are wooden platforms erected to provide access to a higher level of lead vein.

• Stopes are step-like excavations in a leadmine across which stemples are laid to provide access to a higher level of lead vein.

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

Index

Haydon Bridge Community Association

The Community Association now has information relating to the Demolition and New Build of the Community Centre.

The Tender Document is now being finalised and the Job Tender will be advertised by the 4th May 1999. All responses of interest must be returned to Northumberland Technical Services by 26th May 1999.

These responses will be scrutinised, and the contract will be awarded to the tender which provides the best value within the Contract price parameters.

We now anticipate that the successful contractor will be on site in the middle of June 1999, and they will be working to a 26 week contract period.

If all goes well we anticipate that a completion date for the new building will be Mid December 1999.

Mrs. Mary Douthwaite
Chairman
Haydon Bridge Community Association
19 Temple Houses
Haydon Bridge
Northumberland
NE47 6AG

TENDER FEELINGS

I understand the Community Association’s urge to have the new Community Centre erected as quickly as possible. It does seem that the tendering procedure is being a bit rushed. In my view a three week period from the date of first advertising to return of completed tenders is insufficient time for most prospective contractors. With a contract worth perhaps a half a million pounds it is essential that ALL prospective bidders be given sufficient time to carry out any necessary site surveys; resolve questionable tender document issues; resolve cash flow and staged payment issues: carry out accurate quantity surveying; identify sub-contractors; draw up schedule of work and project control plan; complete and return comprehensive contract documents etc. etc.

The last thing we want is a rushed tendering period where most prospective contractors do not have the resources to respond in such a short time and do not bother to respond. The end result may well be “back of fag packet tenders” and few responses. I note that Northumberland Technical Services are being paid to provide consultancy services for the tendering phase. My own professional experience elsewhere shows that a short tender period inevitably results in consultants, or an associated company, achieving unfair advantages from short tendering periods as they already know details of the prospective tender.

To ensure a ‘fair to all’ tendering period and unhurried evaluation I suggest to the Community Association Committee the following:

• Placing an advertisement NOW in local newspapers, and other places, asking for prospective bidders to write in and ask to be included in Tender List – a suggested wording is shown in the adjacent column.
• A six week tendering period.
• A three week evaluation period
• A presentation be made by the Community Association Executive Committee to ALL Community Association members in the last week of the evaluation period. This presentation to include a summary of all tenders received together with Committee’s evaluation report and recommendation. Bidders or financial associates of the bidders be excluded from the meeting.
• At the end of the presentation a question and answer session be held after which a free vote be taken with regard to recommendation and modifications
  (if any).

S.B. Mitchell
A paid up member of the Community Association

THIS IS NOT A REAL ADVERT
HAYDON BRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTRE

The Haydon Bridge Community Association will shortly be inviting TENDERS to demolish and rebuild the HB Community Centre
Should you wish to be included on the list of prospective bidders please send details of your Company to the address below.
Preference will be given to local Companies and/or those who employ local tradesmen/sub-contractors.

The Northumberland Flag can be purchased via this site. When you order please mention The Haydon News MORE INFORMATION ON BUYING A FLAG

One of the most authoritative voices on this matter is “Boutrell’s Heraldry” which records the Flag of “Bernicia” as 8 stripes alternating Red and Gold. Bernicia was the ancient Angle Kingdom which stretched from the Tees to the Forth and which merged with Deira (from the Humber to the Tees) to form the Kingdom of Northumbria in the early 7th Century. It was the Bernician Flag which then became the Flag of Northumbria and the Venerable Bede, England’s first historian, records a “banner of gold and purple” which hung over the tomb of St. Oswald, one of Northumbria’s greatest kings. Later, in medieval times the colours of Red and Gold were adopted by the first Earl of Northumberland and these have remained the County colours ever since. The UK Flag Institute has confirmed that with this simple striped flag, Northumberland remains one of only a handful of traditional counties with its own flag. However, because of its long and complicated history, the flying of the traditional flag is not restricted to the present administrative boundary of the County. Many towns outside present day Northumberland (Newcastle, for example) could lay claim to being part of the historic County; and many more (as far away as Edinburgh) could claim to be part of Bernicia.

For this reason the County Council turned to its own Flag, based entirely on the traditional flag of the County, to provide the model for a new flag which could only be flown in the present modern County of Northumberland. This Flag was granted to the Council as part of its arms in December 1951 and on 15 November 1995 the County Council made the historic decision to permit the flying of this flag anywhere within the present County and to register this “new” flag with the UK Flag Institute. It fulfils a 1,200 year tradition in which the Count has been associated with the colours Red and Gold.

APRIL IS NATIONAL SPRING CLEANING MONTH

Can everyone please make a special effort to clear any unsightly areas.

This will be good preparation for the first judging of Northumbria in Bloom competition on 6th May

EC

THE MILLENNIUM QUIZ

The Millennium Quiz has proved to be popular but I don’t know if I’ll be popular after the results are published. Ninety-one sheets were sold and only 12 returned – they were marked on a points system, 2 points per question and although I’m sure some of the answers were partly right they did not always give what was asked for which meant lost points. The maximum points were 60.

1st Maureen Robson 54 points
2nd Rene Irwin 51 points
3rd David Corbett 50 points
3rd Sid Thompson 50 points

The quiz was originally intended for the ‘Memories Night’ we hoped to hold but did not sell any tickets for, I’m sure it would have been an enlightening night if it had gone ahead– judging by the interest and debating that it has instigated. So later in the year we will try again with a coffee evening-local quizes night. May I thank John Clark and Werner Nagel for selling the quiz sheets.

No-one remembered that the night the train was derailed and everyone on the north side of the river were evacuated to the Town Hall (now Haydonian Working Men’s Club). A quarantine area had to be set up in the hall because of Measles!

The next Millennium fund raising event will be a Disco Night at the Club on 1st May – Junior Disco first followed by an adult Disco.

Eileen Charlton

On Tuesday 16th March Haydon Bridge welcomed Bellingham to the Community Centre for what was to be a very exciting match. Haydon Bridge had only won one match recently and after a good run of form were hoping to turn over a Bellingham Team who usually beat the hosts at their place.

Haydon Bridge did very well to come back after an appalling start, with the A team crashing to a 10-1 defeat, the B team a 4-2 reverse, the D team went down 5-3 but the C team managed to get a 6-6 draw. These all after their first games.

Haydon Bridge were in no hurry to get started. The A and D teams going down again, but the B and D teams both had impressive 5-1 wins in their second.. The A team bounced back by winning their third before losing their final game. The B and C teams lead the Haydon Bridge comeback by winning their third games.

At this stage the home team were within reaching distance of Bellingham, but it all went pair-shaped and the A, C and D teams lost at the final hurdle. The final score being:

HAYDON BRIDGE 66 – 75 BELLINGHAM

The Teams were

Matches are getting more exciting when Haydon Bridge are involved at the moment and you could become involved. Come along to the Club Nights at 7:30 pm 50p for adults and 25p for children

Recent matches at home to Allendale and Throckley have ended in defeat, but after Easter ( Hopefully with another couple of members), we will plod on for the tail end of the season and will try to pick up at least one more win, starting with Lambley at home on the 8th April.

FIXTURES FOR APRIL

Thursday 8th Lambley Home
Tuesday 13th Club Night
Thursday 15th Shire Home
Tuesday 20th Club Night
Wednesday 21st Newbrough Away
Tuesday 27th Club Night

WHITE JACK

Index

MEDICAL MISCELLANY

MRS NANCY WATSON

The Haydon Bridge Health Centre and other caring institutions in Tynedale owe a considerable debt of gratitude to Mr and Mrs Watson. Over the years they have arranged numerous fund raising dances, the proceeds of which have been donated to support health care locally.

The Health Centre, officially opened by the Watsons, has benefited to the tune of many thousands of pounds. This money has been used for the purchase of equipment for the treatment of patients.

We are most grateful for the help and support that they have provided. The benefits that they have brought to the community will continue to be felt for many years into the future.

A very considerable sum has also been donated in lieu of flowers by well wishers, friends and relatives.

Thankyou.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Its sad but true that violence in the home is not rare. Often it is hidden because of fear, embarrassment or not knowing how to get help. Women and children seem to be the more frequent victims but this is not always so. There are support services available and here are the details of one such organisation:

NORTHUMERLAND WOMEN'S AID

01670 521775 (OFFICE HOURS)
0378 455894 (URGENT OUT-OF-HOURS)

This organisation provides support, advice and temporary accommodation for women and children at risk of mental, physical or sexual abuse.

OUT & ABOUT GROUP

Starting soon in Haydon Bridge, courtesy of the Tynedale Care Centre, is an arts activities group for those whose lives are restricted by ill health or disability. The intended age range is from 30 to 85.

The features of the group include:

• a friendly atmosphere

• an opportunity for a chat

• musical entertainments

• wheel chair accessibility
• a chance to learn skills

• talks and discussions

• home baked snacks

• transport if required

The proposed activities include:

• Painting
• creative writing
• pastels sculpture
• story telling
• weaving
• wood whittling
• clay modelling
• silk painting
• music making
• stencilling

A small charge of £1.50 is made. Anyone wishing to know more should telephone 01434 602418.

This sounds like an excellent innovation and I hope it will be supported.

HEADLICE

We now have a new system for dealing with head lice, courtesy of our Health Visitor. If you have seen a louse in the hair of a member of your household, contact a receptionist and they will supply the current recommended insecticide to you.

SPELUNKERS

Persons who study or explore dark confined places usually caves. I have had the privilege of meeting a large number of young persons who show every indication of taking up this fascinating hobby. They start very close to home by exploring noses and ears etc. with an insatiably curious finger and, as often as not, get buttons, beads, beans and Lego bricks lodged just out of reach.

The inspiration for this item came to me one night when 1 was sitting innocently at the kitchen table grazing quietly on some breakfast cereal whilst reading a monstrously funny novel. One minute there was just the soothing chomp of teeth on milk soaked victuals and the next 1 found myself at the centre of a rapidly expanding nebula of snot and cornflakes. It is truly amazing the size and variety of objects that can be persuaded to pass through the nasal passages if there is a sufficient blast of air behind them.

The first step then, in removing an object from the nose of child, is to encourage record breaking sneezes and/or nose blowing. Objects lodged elsewhere are best dealt with by one of us. If there is the least suspicion that a small object has been inhaled then it must be found and removed quickly, in hospital.

THE THURSDAY CHILDRENS CLINIC

We are trying to encourage Mum's and babies to come to the clinic a little earlier on Thursdays. If there is an immunisation or check-up due then you will usually be specially invited but for general chats and weigh-ins it would be a help if folks could arrive between 9 and 10 - please.

CONGRATULATIONS TO NURSE MARY

Nurse Mary has achieved the highest marks in Northumberland in an advanced course on Health & Safety at Work, knocking even the Health Authority into second place. We all now thrill to the smack of firm discipline on matters of Health & Safety .....

THE AMAZING SHRINKING HOSPITAL

Every single GP in Tynedale, with no exceptions, has given their full support to the re provision of the Hexham Hospital. As 1 have said before - when the bricks and mortar are in place you can start to relax but until then help us to keep up the pressure!

SF

SAWBONES'S OPUS MONTHLY

WARNING SIGNS OF MENTAL ILLNESS

Mental health problems are universal. At one time or another everyone experiences symptoms or shows signs of mental illness. For some people this is a brief problem that is overcome readily and often without help. For a large number of people the problems are rather more severe and they can benefit from professional help, which need not necessarily mean tablets. For a small number of people the problems are severe and recurrent.

Huge strides have been made in the treatment of mental illness and, fortunately, we have reached a point in the development of our society when mental illness no longer stigmatises the people who experience it.

Attention is now being given to the early detection of people at risk of developing problems with a view to intervening more quickly so as to limit the illness and prevent harm and suffering. Our practice is part of this initiative in Northumberland - one of eight practices involved.

How can you tell if important mental health problems are developing in yourself or in someone known to you?

The following can sometimes indicate problems ahead:

• The idea that people are talking about you or that the media contain messages for or about you.
• The idea that you are being got at, persecuted, harassed or conspired against.
• Feelings of great power, importance, knowledge or superiority.
• Feeling that parts of the body have changed or stopped working.
• Believing that you are being controlled or influenced by someone or something, perhaps being given instructions or thoughts that are not your own.
• Feeling that other people can hear your thoughts.
• Hearing voices or seeing things that aren't really there . Smelling, tasting or feeling things that are not present.
• Speaking in ways that do not make sense. Changing manner of speaking, flitting from subject to subject or using strange words.
• Changing ideas in mid sentence without realising the inconsistency.
• Overwhelming intensity of mood - either high or low. Rapid and inexplicable changes from one mood to another. Anger, tension, irritability, hostility, fear, suspiciousness without obvious cause.
• The feeling that strange things are going on around you - but you can't say what they are.
• Withdrawal from friends and family - spending a lot of time alone.
• Preoccupation with unusual ideas or beliefs that had not previously been present.
• Persistently talking to yourself out loud.
• Thoughts too fast or too slow or muddled - can't think clearly anymore. Loss of decisiveness.
• Lying in bed ALL day. No interest in anything.
• Deterioration in mental performance - truly struggling with tasks that had previously been managed.
• Getting day and night mixed up.
• Adopting bizarre dietary habits.
• Chanares in a person's thinking or behaviour are particularly important..

Now let's be clear - I think yoghurt is an invention of the devil but I enjoy fromage frais - irrational or what? I have moments of elation and moments of gloom - who doesn't? Obscurantist lexicographical curlicues, even at risk of terminological inexactitude, please me inordinately - love long words! (Col. S Attrick of the Newbruf Iueen's Own Mounted Scots Terriers (Mrs. Ret'd') please note) Viewed in the round, however, I don't think I am substantially more abnormal than the next person - its a pattern of change that needs to be spotted, not simply unusual personal characteristics. Eccentricity or idiosyncrasy is not the same as mental illness.

If you or someone you know is changing, lets have a quiet word about things. Things can seem terrifying to those suffering the onset of mental illness and great gentleness is needed in helping them. All of the partners, nurses and staff at the practice are sympathetic to those experiencing difficulties -help and advice is only a phone call away.

The project is particularly, but not exclusively, aimed at 16 - 30 year olds. Early help can be very beneficial.

SPLIT ENZ

1 am indebted to a local farmer for advice on the management of those dreadful, painful, non-healing splits that develop in fingers, especially during the winter.

Having washed and dried the hands carefully to remove any dirt or grease, apply a small spot of Super-Glue to the split and the 2 or 3 millimetres either side. Allow to dry thoroughly!!!!! - before scratching anything, otherwise you will find yourself stuck in that posture for a week or more.

Steven Ford

Index

CHURCH NEWSLETTER
An Independent Supplement to the Haydon News

CLERGY MESSAGE

WHO AND WHERE

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

Index

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SORRY - NO POEM THIS MONTH