Haydon News

July 99

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EDITORIAL

Hi Folks – Here I am again, a bit late with the news-letter as it is now 5 a.m. Monday 5th July and we should have had the thing printed and distributed today – sorry about that.For the Internet readers I am even later as it was only uploaded on Tuesday 27th July as I've been just a tad too busy, the weather this morning is just as nice as described below - it is now 6 am on 27th.

The morning is gorgeous with the South Tyne valley, bathed in the early morning sunlight looking beautiful. House martins swooping swiftly to catch the midges and take them back to their nests in the eves to feed their young chicks and fledglings. Meanwhile in the valley below most of the villagers are still asleep totally unaware of the fate of thousands of midges who – out for an early morning fly around – suddenly find themselves in the beaks of the birds and two seconds later are unceremoniously spat down the throats of the infant house martins. Many of you will say “good riddance” to the insects that were such a nuisance to you yesterday biting you and draining your blood – it went to a good cause as I can confirm that the chicks are now thriving on your donation.

I look into the fields below, most of the lambs are still lying on the ground resting before they start their day of wandering around eating grass and supplements brought up by the farmer. Now I don’t know what fate has in store for these lambs but half a mile to the east at West Mill Hills farmer Tom may be out today selecting half a dozen of the best lambs. These will be sent away for ‘processing’ so that later in the week the shelves of the local WMH butchers shop in the village have a good selection of lamb for us to eat. I’ve tasted some of it and use the local beef regularly – both taste superb.

Visitors to High Brindles always comment me on the excellent tasting curries I make and I always use of meat supplied locally. Remembering how we all used to moan when the butchers shop closed please buy your meat locally to help ensure that we always have a local butcher’s shop. The same thing applies to all other shops and stores.

Sorry vegetarians and other non meat eaters but Mitch is a carnivore – no letters please !! I love fish as well.

I am sorry to say that last month the article concerning the view of the Showfield housing development from the North side upset quite a few people – this is covered on pages 5,6,7.

However this morning my gaze is directed from the estate to the west end of the Showfield and specifically to the cottage at East Land Ends – the place where painter and engraver John Martin was born. Apart from naming a couple of streets after him we seem to have done little in terms of a memorial to this famous son of Haydon Bridge. Perhaps a good idea for the Millennium could be a project by the Friends of Haydon Bridge to, in some permanent way, commemorate the life of this artistic genius. John Martin was educated at the Shaftoe trust grammar School. As a teenager and Coach-builder’s apprentice, John Martin trained under the watchful eye of Boniface Musso in Newcastle, when the Italian left for London Martin went with him. He died on the Isle of Man in 1854 and is buried there.

The Haydon Bridge based Rainbow Writers, have invited Keith Armstrong, a Newcastle born writer and publisher to give a slide presentation of some of John Martin’s works; read some poetry and tell us more about the Martin family. The date for your diary is Wednesday 21st July and it only costs £1 to get in – see page 9 for details. Coffee and biscuits will be served after the presentations.

At the end off last week I popped in to see ‘Lang Bob’ Charlton who at the age of 97 must be one of the oldest men in the village. I love seeing Bob, who used to live just along the road from me up here. Bob started his working life as a shepherd up in the wilder Cheviot climes and farmed at Shittlington before ‘retiring’ to Haydon Bridge about 30 years ago. He then had a small holding just along the road at Blackhill. Lang Bob’s clear recollections as a young shepherd in the Cheviots fascinate me – although a rural dweller I’m a Townie in every other sense and my childhood recollections of ‘deprived’ living falls far short of those suffered by those hardy hill farmers

Another Border Reiver descendant I pop in to see regularly is the other Bob (Robert) Charlton who is in his mid eighties and hails from Newbrough. Robert’s tales of his early life as a young chauffeur driving the local gentry around are fascinating as are his vivid recollection of steam driven motor vehicles and the hazards of long distance motoring. He can still be seen driving around the area in vintage vehicles - with brother Jack. Robert moved into Haydon Bridge nearly 50 years ago and until recently lived in Hordley Acre House – now sold. I note that there are now plans, by the new owner, to develop the site to provide, in addition to the house, a cottage and two stone built homes. I can sit with Robert and never get bored with his recollections of his time as a coach driver and the various outings made from the village over many years.

A third Charlton I regularly meet is also an octogenarian who goes by the name of Charles Edmund Charlton - I call him Edmund and he is a regular contributor to the Haydon News. Although nowadays Edmund resides in Hexham he is also from Newbrough. He lived in Haydon Bridge for many years and was one of the butchers here. He worked in the butchery department of the old Co-op in Shaftoe Street (now Jim Smith’s Antiques Shop). Eventually setting up a joint venture with Ridley Telford they opened up their own establishment which served the village well. He now lives in Hexham. I find Edmund to be very knowledgeable on local families who lived in the village during his time – his anecdotes are a joy to hear although because of his sense of humour it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between fact and fiction. I often relate that some of his tales as being equated with one of his butchery products ‘All tripe.’

Sadly 90 year old Joe Nevin died recently. Since I came back to the village in 1991 I’ve had many a chat with that lovely man who knew so much about the village. I recall the last time I saw him in the Haydon View Residential home at Peelwell – we were sitting on the edge of his bed looking at photographs of the 20’s and 30’s with Joe giving a running commentary on who was who.

Granny Irwin’s Lounge at the railway Hotel is the place a where about 20 Senior Citizens turn up for coffee on Saturdays between 10-11am Joyce, Pauleen and Sylvia or any combination of the three are usually there as is Mitch. The rest of the attendance is usually dependant upon who organises the coffee that week. On the second Saturday of each month the coffee morning is held in the Church Hall. Whenever there are five Saturdays in a month the coffee morning is held in the Methodist Church. The Methodist Church Meeting Place is also the venue for coffee mornings every Tuesday and Thursday 10 – 12 a.m. I can assure you that although you are in a Church building the atmosphere is not Churchy and whatever your religion, or not as the case may be, you’re always made welcome – I can recommend it. Careful though folks a reader from Alnwick may think you are in mortal danger by my presence. (see page 6).

Dead on time – on Monday 21st June the 13:06 sprinter from Carlisle pulled into Haydon Bridge station where the Editor was waiting. Adjacent to where I was standing Austrian Dr. Monika Strell alighted, we shook hands, introduced ourselves to each other and made our way to High Brindles where she would be staying overnight on her 27 hour visit to the village. This visit being a prelude to the two month stay she will be making in October/November when she will be carrying out in depth interviews for the Aberdeen University study of this rural community.

I had previously arranged with various members of the community – following a busy schedule she was able to visit and meet with:

* A number of families in the Parish who have agreed to take part in the Study
* Belmont Nursery
* Toddlers Play Group
* Representatives from all Churches
* Representatives from some Clubs and Organisations
* Dr. Ford – Health Centre
* Head of Haydon Bridge High School
* Head of Shaftoe First School
* Chairperson of Parish Council
* Others

Dr. Strell left Haydon Bridge at 4 pm. on Tuesday 22nd well pleased by her visit and the enthusiastic response from villagers. She was particularly impressed by the voluntary turn out at the coffee morning. Since arriving back in Aberdeen she has sent me a note of thanks to pass on to all concerned – THANK YOU

This will be the last Haydon News produced by your present editor who has now resigned after four and a half years doing the job – this amounts to some 46 issues. I wish to thank readers for their support over the period and hope that a fresh editor can be found in time to produce the next issue in September.

By Bye Folks I’m afraid that really is my lot.

Mitch

Index

PARISH COUNCIL PICKINGS
Thursday June 24 1999
Venue Langley Village Hall
All 11 Councillors were present plus five members of the public. Cllr. Garrow took the chair.

Cllr. Garrow welcomed the two co-opted members, Cllr. D.C. Smith and Cllr. E.J. Faulks to this, their first, meeting.

Public Participation
Former Chairman of the Parish Council, T.A. Bates explained how he had instigated ‘Public Participation’ and was pleased to see that it worked very well and had been adopted by a number of other Tynedale Parish Councils. He was concerned that Langley no longer had a representative on Haydon Bridge Parish Council and did not want to see the specific interests of Langley overlooked. Cllr. Gilhespy said that she would monitor the needs of Langley residents. Cllr. Garrow assured Mr. Bates that the Parish Council would not overlook the interests of Langley. The former Chairman asked Tynedale Cllr. Smith if he would take up with TDC planners the extra costs incurred by applicants when approval of applications are delayed within the planning applications procedures, he would like to see procedures speeded up Later Mr. Bates informed the meeting that he was considering moving the Derwentwater monument to a less dangerous spot on the Langley Road – his ancestors could not have foreseen that the road would have become so busy. One thought was to consider placing it in the triangle of land just before Langley Castle (where the Langley forks left from the Deanraw road. Alternatively a location close to the Village Hall may be suitable. Ideas welcomed for relocation of this Jacobite memorial.

Representations were made from the public on behalf of the residents of Langley Gardens bungalows adjacent to the West End shrubbery. These residents are united in their request to have these shrubs removed and replaced by spring bulbs and grass up to their boundary fences. [Ed’s note – This had previously been agreed in May ‘97 when it was decided that ‘Tynedale Leisure Department would be asked for costing to redistribute the plants at West end of the village, replenish the existing soil........ see Haydon News June 1997]

Matters arising
Cllr Garrow reported on a meeting she had with Mrs. Helen Winter, Chief Planning Officer of Tynedale District Council, following the letter send by the Parish Council to her. A formal response from Tynedale had also been received and this letter was read out. The planning permission for a bungalow at Moss House, Langley is likely to be approved as a ’one off’ - affordable housing scheme because of the special circumstances surrounding the application.

Cllr E. Charlton said that the Armaco barrier at the eastern approach of the A69 road bridge fell short of what she expected to replace the rotten wooden rails. Consideration is to be given to fill potentially dangerous gaps with two half barrels. PC will write to Highways Authority to clarify safety aspects.

ITEMS IN BRIEF
* It was reported that Riverside Park would not now be constructed until the year 2000.
* Cllr. Garrow reported on her meeting with Dr. Strell of Aberdeen University.
* No response yet on request for post box near retirement bungalows.
* An approach will be made to the Shaftoe Trust to fund the Millennium beakers for village children
* £1000 already raised by Millennium Committee
* Cllr Mitchell proposed that an approach should be made to have all overhead electricity supplies placed underground and at the same time replace all sodium lights
with more the natural Mercury Vapour lamps. Following discussion this was agreed.
* A letter had been received from the Outdoor Bowls Club Committee stating that due to lack of public support and other factors it had been decided not to proceed with proposals at the present time. The situation will be reviewed in June 2000. The Bowling Green file has been handed over to the Parish Council for safe keeping. The Club thanked the Parish Council for their support. Cllr. Mitchell (Treasurer for the Outdoor Bowl Club) said that the Club’s Account (Lloyds Hexham 0095227) held £111.14 which should be returned to the Parish Council. It was agreed that for the time being this should be transferred to a high interest account.
* Following a proposal from Cllr. Philp it was agreed to purchase (at a cost of £25) from former HB High School pupil Tracy Read, a sketch of the old bridge – from the west – which may be used as a watermark on Parish council notepaper. It was also agreed to approach Miss Read with a view to purchasing, with copyright, the whole set of sketches used about 4 years ago in the Haydon Bridge Village Trail booklet (Computer work by 6th formers Kerry Parker – graphics by Tracy Read). It was agreed to produce an example of watermarked paper using one or more of the sketches.

SEM

Index

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 £600 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

Jerusalem was not sung at the June meeting held in Granny Irwin’s Lounge. Business was quickly dealt with.– detailed report of IGM at Albert Hall was read to members.

Mrs. Elizabeth Bramwell was the speaker on “Out of the Attic”. Two old leather suitcases were opened to reveal a treasure-trove – cuttings from Hexham Courant introduced a lovely wedding dress and bridesmaid outfit – all hand made. Christening gowns all pin tucks and frills – then the flat iron! How did they do it? Lots of photographs and little souvenirs with family connections.

There were beaded purses that hade tiny dolls inside, some less than an inch high! The book of instructions to do housework brought lots of laughs – stripping the bed was great then turn the mattress – every day – they must have had maids!

Family heirloom competition – won by Mrs. M. Bowen, Mrs. P. Smith and Mrs. A. Sparke.

Next Meeting July 12th in Granny Irwin’s Lounge

ANNUAL MEETING

Mrs. Rourke was VCO for the Annual Meeting where she presented Mrs. A. Sparke with “Silver Vase” for winning the competitions over the year. Mrs. I. Waugh was second.

The reports were given by Treasurer, Secretary and President. Members were thanked for their loyal support during the past year – membership is dropping each year with no new blood coming in.

Mrs. Rourke explained the Resolutions very clearly and got full support for them all. She talked of going to the meeting in the Albert Hall this year – representing her own WI and ended her talk with a very cryptic poem which typified the life of a W.I. President, home truths– the lot.

Three members resigned from the committee, Mrs. Turnbull and Mrs. P. Stewart having served lots of years – too numerous to mention! Mrs. Bowen has family commitments. The Officers stay the same – doubling where needed.

Competition for favourite Souvenir won by: Mrs. Bowen, Mrs. Smith and
Mrs. Armstrong.
Raffle won by: Mrs. F. Turnbull and Mrs. Bowen.

B. Clarke

Index

LANGLEY WI

Guests joined members of Langley W.I on a pleasant summer’s evening to visit Long Framlington Gardens and Arboretum. This is a recently established nursery with many interesting features and plans for expansion. It is a specialist Nursery producing over 2000 types of trees, shrubs , perennials, ground cover, herbs, climbers and alpines – in fact something for everyone.

The nursery offers a garden design and advisory service and also has a Landscape & Garden Service – i.e. Construction, Planning and Maintenance.

After touring the nursery and making numerous purchases, members then repaired to the farmhouse coffee shop for a light supper and refreshments.

Mary Nagel

Index

Letters to the Chairman of The Friends of Haydon Bridge – Showfield

26, The Showfield - 16, June 1999

I feel I must write and say I cannot understand why the Editor (Haydon News, June) finds the Showfield such a ‘blot on the landscape’. The eight little bungalows are occupied by retired people who have worked hard all their lives, sold larger houses and bought these smaller properties. We all take pride in our little houses, and keep the gardens and grass area neat and tidy. Maybe some of the people in the village who are against the Showfield, should pop along and see for themselves. I think they will be pleasantly surprised.

Yours Sincerely

Margaret Stainthorpe - A Friend of Haydon Bridge

7, The Showfield - 22nd June 1999

Dear Sir,

I should like to reply to the views expressed by your editor in the June issue of the Haydon News.

As a resident of the Showfield, I was distressed to learn that the editor viewed my home and those of my neighbours as a ’blot on the landscape’. His perspective from the northern side of the valley, is as you can imagine, quite different from my own. Perhaps if he ventured to the southern side and viewed the opposite scene he would be able to draw similarities between the two. Both display residences where people take pride in their homes and gardens, the only difference being is that the Showfield development is somewhat new.

I wonder if the editor will consider any new development of a bypass road on the southern aspect a similar ‘blot on the landscape’ - or whether the convenience of such a carriageway will be ‘expedient’ to his narrow viewpoint.

I look forward to your comments.

Yours faithfully

J & E.A. Mole

3, The Showfield - 23 June 1999

Dear Sir,

We are the owner occupiers of 3, The Showfield are quite appalled at the attitude of the Editor of the Haydon News. Is his description of the Showfield, as a blot on the landscape, his own personal view, or is it the view of the majority of the residents of Haydon Bridge? If it is a majority view, the most of us here would wish we had never come.

If you read the article in the Hexham Courant some time ago, photocopy enclosed, you would realise that some people took a different view when the Showfield was built. We who take pride in our little estate of eight bungalows and try to show it, believe that the judges for that award, would be even more impressed now that we have become stabilised and have our own gardens laid out. We would be quite pleased to show any of the friends to come and see, what we have achieved, your Editor in particular, if he dare.

Any one from afar, reading this article, would visualise houses on a pit heap or something similar, from his description.

We understand that there was an opportunity for objections to be raised, to the building of the Showfield at the planning stage. If the Editor was one of those who didn’t shout loud enough, the we respectively suggest he should shut up now.

Yours faithfully

Peter and Audrey Carruthers

5, The Showfield - 23, June 1999

Dear Mr Chairman,

My husband and I were shocked to read that the bungalow we had worked so hard to buy was actually a blot on the landscape. We think before making such derogatory comments the person responsible should perhaps have a walk up here and see what we have achieved from a field of weeds.

We all take a pride in our homes and gardens and I think we are a credit to any community.

It makes me wonder if the birds he was watching whilst making his observations had asked his permission to nest build in what was obviously his field of vision.

I hope you will be allow this letter to be printed.

Mrs. M. Sharpless

Alnwick (Address Supplied) 24 June 1999

Dear Sir,

On a recent visit to Haydon Bridge I was horrified to read an article in the Haydon News denigrating an article in the Showfield development.

My elderly parents took up residence in the Showfield two years ago. Born and bred in rural Northumberland, after a lifetime of honest hard work in England and abroad, they looked forward to spending their autumn years in happy retirement in the lovely village of Haydon Bridge. They are gentle, warm hearted individuals who have always found a secure place in the communities to which their work has led them. They were delighted therefore, to find that their new neighbours were like minded people in similar circumstances. Within a very short time the residents of these homes have created an atmosphere of warmth and friendship, supporting each other in the many minor problems which arise when settling into a new home.

What a shock, therefore, to find themselves publicly attacked in the local news-sheet. What was the editor’s purpose other than to humiliate, isolate and stigmatise those gentle people, who would never dream of being so rude or ill mannered?

No doubt he would reply that his remarks referred to the buildings and their materials! Let me remind you of the old adage ‘An Englishman’s home is his castle’. My parents and their friends take great pride in their homes. Sneering at their efforts is nothing short of despicable.

At a time when Eastern Europe is being torn apart by bigotry and hatred , when we’ve all witnessed the horrific outcomes of ‘ethnic cleansing’ ( just because one body of people imagine that they are superior to their neighbours) surely we have much to learn about tolerance and sharing. Our editor obviously believes he should not share his privileges! Or tolerate the presence of anyone who might obliterate his view!

I would hope that such views do not represent the wider community of Haydon Bridge, yet I am puzzled that they should have been given a hearing by a committee which proclaims itself to be ‘fair and factually correct.’

My parents and their neighbours have been left bewildered and deeply hurt by the comments printed. I trust that any future editorials will at least try to make amends to them.

I look forward to your comments and publication of my own views in your ‘fair’ news-sheet.

B. Burkey

No Address

Dear Sir,

I write with reference to an article in the June issue of the Haydon News. I am sorry that the editor finds that the view of the Showfield development is such a ‘blot on the horizon.’ In order to alleviate his distress I would suggest the following:
1. He stays indoors with his curtains firmly shut.
2. If he must venture outside, he maintains a northerly orientation at all times.
3. If he takes such pleasure in observing the sexual antics of our feathered friends, he should take up residence in Antartica, where the Emperor penguins provide an impressive erotic display.

My opinions reflect those of many of the new residents of the Showfield, who feel that the comments of your editor are not worthy of printing, and that such drivel, designed to set communities apart, should be confined to the dustbin. Were the comments purely aesthetic criticism, this would be understandable; the description of the area a ‘affordable housing’ is unforgivable, frankly beyond arrogance. I should be interested to read the editor’s justification for his shallow-minded, bigoted and hurtful point of view.

A. RESIDENT

Unforgivable you may think however the term ‘Affordable Housing’ was not coined by me, it is the term used throughout both the Tynedale Draft Deposit Local Plan and the site developer’s literature. The following is an extract from an article written by me in the October 1996 newsletter

// Affordable Housing: The term is defined as 'housing available for sale or rent at a price which those identified as being in need and unable, because of insufficient income, to compete in the local housing market, can afford to pay . . . . . As a broad indication, to be considered affordable, dwellings must be available at a price or rent which is no more than 80% of the market sale price or rental value of dwellings of a similar type in the locality' The Plan lays down strict criteria for the allocation of affordable housing in the District. Initially the housing must be offered to Parish residents meeting the defined criteria, however if rented accommodation remains unallocated after six weeks or shared ownership housing still available after one year, 'the criteria will be gradually widened to include occupants from elsewhere in Tynedale District'. T.D.C. expect at least 10 'affordable' dwellings at the Showfield site and 13 at Innerhaugh. The Plan states that the identified Haydon Bridge need is 30 houses. The first phase of the Showfield site is actually providing 20 'affordable' houses, 12 to rent and 8 to buy.//

............ AFFORDABLE DOES NOT MEAN CHEAP...............
Ed. Ponders ??? Should he now creep out the back door of High Brindles, head northwards en-route to the South Pole and PPPP pick up a Penguin also maybe some large safety pins to fasten my curtains shut and to use a well known phrase say as I leave “I may be some time.” Regular readers will know I’ve more spunk than that so flak jacket on I’m off down to the Showfield to see the folk I’ve upset. Of course I will not be able to knowingly meet ‘A. RESIDENT’ as he/she did not have the bottle to disclose who they are. Somehow reminds me of my Scotswood days and the “Should aah howld ya jacket Mitch” brigade

Five minutes later, the Editor drove into the Showfield – these words and phrases rang in his ears.

'Humiliate' – 'Isolate' – 'Stigmatise - Shocked' – 'Bigoted' “Against the Showfield” – “Wish we had never come”
“Takes such pleasure in observing sexual antics” “Frankly beyond arrogance” “Shallow-minded” “Hurtful point of view” “Ethnic cleansing”

Turning right into the neatly manicured and flowered area containing the eight brick-built retirement bungalows from whence most letters arrived, cars are neatly secreted and secured in individual garages abutting the homes. Parking at the far end of the site the road to nowhere (if the Inspector’s recommendations are accepted) stops suddenly at farmer Macdonald’s boundary fence. Adjacent to the electricity substation an area of virgin land lies empty – planned to be a children’s play area it is devoid of swings/ slides. Indeed one could ask why should there be children here – people over the age of 55 tend not to have children.

Where are the kids? I guess they must play on the road higher up the estate, amongst the cars parked on the street or hard-standing of the twelve rented brick built homes – garages would have been nice but would the houses then have been available at ‘affordable’ rents? Affordability was perhaps the reason that the developers did not use stone as requested by the PC in their letter to TDC on 3 June 1996.

“....it must be noted that the southern access to Haydon Bridge is arguably the most attractive. The plans indicate the use of bricks and rendering. Haydon Bridge was originally a stone built village, particularly the south side of the river. We believe that in the event of these houses being built they should be constructed of stone so as to enhance the environment.”

Looking beyond the building and thirty feet below I see Land Ends Road and Sylvia’s mam’s Douglas Garden’s home (her castle) for the past 45 years and where six children were reared. For the first 43 years the bank had been no more than a shrubbed and wooded area with sheep grazing on the steep slope below the Showfield where the popular Haydon Bridge flower shows were held. In their 3 June 1996 letter the Parish Council wrote “The proposed development overlooks a number of the houses in Land Ends Road. This will affect both the privacy and security of the current residents.” Now in 1999 the top of the bank has a very high fence ensuring the safety, security and privacy of the residents of the bungalows. Today youngsters put themselves at risk by finger walking the fence to Park Style Cottage boundary wall where they are in danger of falling.

Walking from the car to No.3 the Editor pondered over the single paragraph that caused such a co-ordinated and bitter response from some owner/occupiers (and relatives) of the eight bungalows. Repeated here is that paragraph from June’s Haydon News, it is recommended that you read what it says rather than what you think it says.

‘Raising my eyes a few degrees from watching the sexual and industrious activities of the house martins I look from John Martin’s birthplace eastwards to the Showfield and find it sad that such an apparent lack of foresight, and perhaps just a bit of stubbornness, has resulted in such a permanent blot on our landscape. Ironically one of those responsible is soon to be off to live in beautiful Cyprus – home of Aphrodite – the Greek Goddess of Love’

No.3 were not at home, neither were their neighbours at No.5, however the Editor silently cried “eureka” when Mrs. Mole answered the door of No.7 and was shortly joined by her husband. As best as he could the Editor apologised for the distress caused to the family who had wrongly interpreted the above paragraph as to mean that the he viewed their home and those of their neighbours as a ’blot on the landscape’. He also explained the background to the Showfield saga underlining the fact that the June article referred to the Showfield as a housing development site. It was explained that no criticism of the homes of individuals was implied or intended. He then popped across the road visiting Mr. and Mrs. Stainthorpe at No.26, making similar apologies. Alnwick is a bit too far to drive to but I’m sure either numbers 7 or 26 will pass message on to both them and No’s 3 and 5.

The background to the Showfield development is well covered in the 1996 June – December issues of the newsletter. Until the Inspectors Report has been agreed and the Tynedale Local Plan finalised it is hoped that there will be more open and unfettered discussion on the subject – this will, I imagine, be covered in the Haydon News as and when appropriate. All documents can be found in the village library. For those twenty families who now live happily in their nice homes on that lovely part of the Showfield one advantage of past open dialogue and Parish Council recommendations has resulted in the Inspector recommending that the estate road past the bungalows be a road to nowhere instead of leading to the thirty or so additional dwellings.

The letters show, yet again, where some readers have unfortunately missed both the moral tale and point of a Haydon News article – remember it discussed planning regulations, breeding, nesting, nests blending in with surroundings etc. To the Alnwick reader who implies the Editor as being akin to an ethnic cleanser – come off it - your implication I find grossly offensive! Ed. invites this reader to arrange a charabanc trip for the Showfield over 60’s to come and view the Haydon Bridge landscape from where he sits in HIS ‘Englishman’s Castle’, they may then comprehend what was meant by ‘blot on the landscape’, He’ll be pleased to give them a cuppa, or maybe something stronger, whilst Alnwick reader explains to him the justification for saying what they did in their letter. Alternatively it is suggested that he/she come along, with parents, to the weekly Saturday Coffee mornings where some of the (mainly elderly) folk meet – Ed’s Doctor tells him that at the modest age of 62 he is also classified as being elderly – and you know what folks ? Sometimes I damn well feel it!
Bye Bye - Mitch

A LETTER FROM ALAN CURRY IN MALTA

Dear Mitch,

Being a Haydonian by birth and having lived there prior to joining the services as well as returning to live there after being married, I was hoping to generate some interest through your newsletter as to a charity event I’m hoping to organise in August.

For those of you who know me you’ll know that I married my wife Carmen back in 1984 and having spent 11 years in the U.K. Finally moved to her place of birth, Malta, in March 1995. Recently Carmen had renal failure which meant her kidneys were unable to function on their own and she went on to kidney dialysis. After a traumatic time over the Christmas period Carmen has now gone onto Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) - a type of dialysis which allows the patient to do it herself . This involves four half-hour sessions a day when the stomach is flushed of toxins which persons with healthy kidneys do through a visit to the toilet.

During this time I have struck up close friendships with staff at the Renal Unit and told them I was determined to do some event which would capture the imagination of the Maltese people and raise money for machines and equipment to make life easier for Maltese people in a similar position to Carmen.

The ‘event’ is a 2,300 mile cycle ride from Malta to Haydon Bridge starting on Sunday 29th August and hopefully ending in the village on Friday 17th or Saturday 18th September. It will mean over 100 miles, 8 hours cycling a day for the whole period crossing 8 countries. We have the backing of the Health Minister and all the Maltese media who will be covering not only the event but the build-up, including our ten week intense training programme. There will be five cyclists in all and a back-up team of four persons in two vehicles, so as you can see it has taken some organising.

My parents will be organising a reception for our arrival and although I realise that the event does not involve a UK charity I was hoping that the Geordie generosity may throw some ideas together in order to give everyone (hopefully) a welcome when they arrive as I’ve told them all so much about the village. Donations would obviously be welcome, but a couple of nights accommodation would not go amiss as we cannot get everyone in at home.

Any ideas can be forwarded to my parents Margaret and Ralph Curry on 684 238.

I thank you in advance Mitch and hope to see you in September

Ciao

Alan R. Curry

In last month’s issue I said I would be asking the Friends of Haydon Bridge for a list of permissible words and phrases to use in the news-letter following previous complaints. This letter was received from a prominent person in the village.

10th June 1999

KEEP US LAUGHING MITCH

Dear Mitch

I think "Wor Stan" has a great sense of humour, and lovely turn of phrase.

Keep writing. Whoever writes (Is it you?) needs no guidance on "permissible words and phrases".

Name & Address withheld by Editor

Back in February 1998 Pat Mielnicki from Florida wrote with some genealogical questions regarding Bill Robson and his daughters Meg. and Edith. With the help of the late Bill Tait we sent her some photographs and information. Pat and her husband Walter came on a visit to Haydon Bridge on Thursday 17th June. They arrived from Hexham on the 12:05 train, spent some 6 hours in the village and made a visit to the Crook Hill cemetery where Bill, Edith and Meg are buried. At Pat’s insistence we had a Pizza lunch and a couple of beers in the Railway Hotel (she’d read in the Haydon News that I enjoyed Jackie’s Pizzas) and this visit was no exception. With tour guide Anne Burrows we also visited the Robson’s old home through ‘Noble’s’ Arch. During the visit Pat met with a number of villagers who supplied her with photo’s and useful information. Special thanks to Bobby and Sally Todd, Peter Brown, Ann Burrows, Anne Forster and Trudy Jewitt.

Florida
5th July 1999

Hello Mitch,
We are finally back in Florida. It has been hectic!! Walt & I want to thank you for your hospitality, your help touring the Haydon Bridge area, your letting us use your computer, driving us back to Hexham and just being a wonderful tour guide and companion. I will write more later, after I get over jet lag, and get the house back in order.

Yours truly, Pat

“Mummy why can’t I read?” - A problem of communication ?

As a child, one of the questions my son regularly asked was  'Mummy, why can't I read?" As a parent one knows it is pointless to expect siblings to develop in the same way or at the same pace and when, at the age of six years, the professionals at the Child Development Centre in Newcastle, assured us our son did not require to attend their specialist unit – we were left to get on with it.

From then on there were six monthly visits to the Child Development Centre where he was weighed and measured and chatted to and where we were assured that "Petit Mal'', being quite common amongst boys, he would probably grow out of it.

At ten, we were told that he no longer had "Petit Mal'', but Nocturnal Epilepsy and he might grow out of that too and as the attacks were becoming more regular and somewhat alarming  he would fly out of bed at night, perhaps two or three times each night, and we would rush through to his room to try and catch him before he fell into the window or the wardrobe  he was prescribed Tegratol.

Shortly after this, my son developed a slight facial rash, which the consultant assured me was of no consequence and certainly not a side effect of the medication.

At sixteen, our son was transferred to the Neurology Department at the R.V.I. and we were assured we were being offered "the best consultant available".

The first meeting was not auspicious. For a long time I felt there must be something other than epilepsy to account for all the developmental difficulties our son had been experiencing. I knew people who had suffered from epilepsy and this had not prevented them from going on to University and into the world of work. My son was still asking why he could not read.

Trying to control my anxiety and aware that there were questions that needed to be asked and yet not knowing exactly what they might be, I tried to convey this feeling to the consultant. I said "I feel there are questions I should be asking you, but I don't know how to ask them". He replied "Well Madam, if you don't know, nobody else does". In less than five minutes he had dismissed us and I left convinced that he had not even looked at my son's notes.

Eventually (my son was now 18 years old), I asked to be referred to a Homeopathic Consultant in Glasgow.

Our R.V.I. Consultant offered us an M.R.I. scan.

Our reception in Glasgow was a total contrast to that we had experienced in Newcastle. The results of the M.R.I. scan and the Consultant's diagnosis from Glasgow were given to me by my G.P., having arrived almost at the same time, both confirming the condition as Tuberous Schlerosis.

The M.R.I. scanner, cost a huge amount of money to install and about £700 to operate each time. (Of course, we didn't have to pay). But I was, and still am struck by the fact that, after having talked with us for an hour and a half and having looked closely at the facial rash, the Consultant in Glasgow knew what the condition was, told us exactly what kind of epilepsy was being experienced, making it quite clear that far from being the illness itself, epilepsy was just one of its symptoms. This, without the benefit of any official medical history.

I now know that T.S. is a rare, dominant, multidysfunctional condition which can have a profound effect on a child and their family. The common features are epileptic seizures, brain tubers, learning disability, autism, behavioural problems, hyperactivity, neurological problems, kidney problems, heart tumours, lung cysts, depigmented skin patches, facial rash and physical handicap.

Obviously, sufferers of T.S. can have any combination of these conditions and may be so little affected that they are quite unaware that they have the condition at all.

My son was born in 1977. In that year four parents of T.S. sufferers formed the Tuberous Schlerosis Association, because they were unable to obtain any significant information or support for their affected children.

Since then the work of the Association has led to the understanding of this previously little known genetic condition and as a result the affected genes have now been identified. Work continues to discover the actual mechanism of the condition.

The T.S.A., which is still mainly a voluntary organisation, is now an international organisation with links with many countries. Its goal is to make immediate contact with families and provide support wherever it is needed. It encourages and provides funding for research into Tuberous Schlerosis; provides information and training for the medical profession and other care and support services. It has set up a network of regional clinics and has links with similar organisations in the U.K. and overseas. It publishes the latest research on T.S. through the Net, pamphlets and videos.

My son is 21 years old now and has overcome many of his difficulties. Since becoming members of the TSA. we have met other people with T.S. in the North East. One person in particular, 23 years old, was diagnosed with T.S. at 18 months. She too went regularly to see her consultant at the Child Development Centre at the R.V.I. in Newcastle. I imagine us in adjacent rooms with our respective Consultants and wonder did the Consultants ever talk to each other?

Elena Parkin

EDITORIAL POLICY OF THE HAYDON NEWS
The editorial policy of ‘The Haydon News’ is ultimately the responsibility of the Committee of the Friends of Haydon Bridge , although day-to-day responsibility is delegated to the 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

Miscellaneous

HAYDON BRIDGE YOUTH FOOTBALL
Presentation Night

On Saturday June 5th Haydon Bridge WMC was filled with the Youth Footballers who are U12, U13 and U14’ssome of the lads travelling as far as Alston and Newbrough to play with friends from the village. They had invited friends and families to join them. As a parent of one of the lads receiving recognition for their game I was so proud to see many youngsters (and oldies!! As we were called on the night) enjoying themselves at this event. It was a pleasure to see them all receiving such wonderful trophies. One of the team managers mentioned that not only were the lads “a credit to their teams – but a credit to the village”, how true this was.

Sometimes it seems that the youngsters of today always get a mention in the news for their misbehaviour etc. but these youngsters have really “done us proud.”.

Thanks to everyone who brought food along for the event – I hope everyone enjoyed the wonderful spread.

Shirley Phillips

Haydon Bridge Parish Records

Ref: EP.90/19: 4 issues of The London Gazette

Four issues of The London Gazette extant at Morpeth Record Office, dated from 1879 to 1881, chart the transfer of parish identity from Warden, the parent church, to Haydon Bridge. In July 1879 the Ecclesiastical Commissioners stated that it would in their opinion be expedient if, with the consent of the Bishop of Durham, the appropriate portions of the parish of Warden in the diocese of Durham were to be assigned as a district chapelry to the Church of Saint Cuthbert situated at Haydon Bridge and “the same should be named ‘The District Chapelry of Saint Cuthbert Haydon Bridge’ “. The incumbent of the benefice of Saint Cuthbert was to be paid £50 per annum. On 16 June 1881 the transfer of the Patronage of the Benefice was made to the Bishop of Durham. Saint Cuthbert’s was finally of age, independent of the Anglo-Saxon founder church of Warden.

Ref: EP.90/22: PCC Minute Book 1920-1948

It is now important for church records to be sent periodically to the County archivists for preservation; the first deposits with Morpeth Record Office were made by Rev A G Beniams in November 1977 and other deposits have been made since. The PCC Minute Books are an intriguing and sometimes amusing source of information about the Church. The first of those handsome but well thumbed volumes extant at the Record Office covers 1920-1948. Each Secretary favours a slightly different shade of ink, now all slightly faded, and an individual script, but all are legible and most seem very elegant in an age when handwriting has degenerated by comparison. Some sections have annotations in minute letters and figures still absolutely clear to the eye.

The matters concerning the earnest members of the PCC in the 1920s and 1930s were not very much different from those taxing the minds of Church Council members today, repairs, renovation and how to pay for them figuring largely, along with suitable subjects for charitable donations, the letting of the Church Hall, dealing with vandalism, consideration of whether the Verger was carrying out his duties satisfactorily, and the organisation of the annual round of church events, including the Garden Fete and the Parochial Tea.

In September 1920 a meeting was held expressly for the purpose of discussing and arranging for the erection of a new vestry and organ chamber at a total cost of £12.00, but seven months later we are told the plans were cancelled, owing to the excessive expense entailed. There was a sizeable debt in 1925 of £125 and plans were made to reduce this as soon as possible by various means, including a jumble sale to be held in the Town Hall. By October the debt was only £43 as a result of the jumble sale and several whist drives. Whist drives seem to have been held regularly to make small profits, and were obviously popular entertainment pre-television. The cost of repairs to the Vicarage totalled £70, £30 of which had been paid by the late Vicar; a cheque for the remainder would “be forwarded as soon as the Funds will allow”. Two years later, Rev Milner resorted to comparing local church expenses to bring his parishioners into line financially and show how extravagant Haydon Bridge had been: Alston £135, Allendale £132, Warden £193, and Haydon £258!

In this year the “heating apparatus” was repaired by a Mr Foster of Hencotes and on receipt of the account, the PCC felt the amount was exorbitant. It was decided to hold a meeting of “the male members of the Council” to go into details.

The letting fee for the Church Hall was fixed in 1922 at one guinea. There was periodical debate about the hiring of this hall for dances: the Football Club were not allowed to hold a dance there and in 1927 it was decided to discontinue public dances, owing to no licence, “and the Band to be informed to that effect”. There must, however, have been some who thought the decision harsh, as debate continues with the argument that the Church Hall is not actually consecrated ground - but the Vicar disagrees and the ban remains.

Wilful damage to the graves in the Burial Ground is recorded in 1925. It was felt that there should be a Register of Graves, and the Secretary was asked to write to the Superintendent of Police about the vandalism. Major Ince was detailed to talk seriously to the man acting as Sexton and Verger about carrying out his duties conscientiously, but six months later the poor man died suddenly, presumably before he could redeem his reputation as protector of the graves.

The Garden Fete was an annual event that demanded much preparation and allowed the participants to shine in the many competitions. In 1926 the stalls included: crockery, handkerchiefs, fancy goods, grocery, cakes, Sunday School, and “cocoa nuts”. There were competitions for the best cake, iced cake, ox tongue, mat and cosy. There was a bran tub, a treasure hunt, you could guess the number of peas in a bottle, play whist (of course!) or tennis, ride on a donkey, have your fortune told, or buy something at an auction sale. The total made was a magnificent £74 - 10d. In 1928 Mrs King promised 7 lb of sugar for the fete, while Mrs Dawson promised a gallon of milk.

The Rev W W London, having been unable to carry out his duties for quite some time because of illness, decided to retire in 1929 and the Churchwardens put their minds to composing a letter to the Bishop of Newcastle conveying what they felt was required of the next incumbent. He should be “a Vicar who could make one feel that whilst in Church ... they were in God’s House, by making the service soul inspiring, a Vicar who could strike the happy medium between High and Low Church ... as this is a church that has not been accustomed to a High Church Vicar”.

They pointed out that the Girl Guides and the Boy Scouts had until now not had a set church and that here was virgin ground for development. They rounded off: “... knowing that you will do your utmost to send us a Vicar who, with God’s help, will fill our Church.”

Later the PCC agreed to do their best to make up the Vicar’s stipend from £360 to £400. The “institution” of the Rev J H Salisbury took place in November.

The general poverty of the 1930s is evidenced by the decision that the Burial Fee, at 25/6 (£1 - 5s - 6d), was too high and it was duly reduced to 20/- (twenty shillings or £1). The Verger’s salary was increased to £5 per annum to make up for the loss of fees. The Vicar kindly suggested that the Church bell be tolled for all burials, regardless of denomination.

The 1930s saw the Organ Blower’s salary increased considerably. Halfpenny Boxes were instituted and replaced the garden fete for one year as a source of income; then the Free Will Offering Scheme was considered and taken up. A memorial stained glass window to the late Mr W M Turner was donated for the North side of the Church. Urgent repairs to the Church Tower cost £53. An event was held to contribute to the Waifs and Strays Fund. Leather hassocks were purchased to replace the wooden kneelers which had often needed repairing.

In 1937 electricity was installed in the Church and, as a result of a timely gift by Mrs Salisbury’s two cousins in Ireland, the installation was extended to the Church Hall. The sale of Church land to provide the village with a public convenience next to the Reading Room was not thought to be suitable. About the only reference to the war in these records is a note in 1939 that the lights were to be lowered and hoods added to conform to black-out requirements.

During the War years the main topic of debate was the fate of the Burial Ground which was fast reaching the limits of its capacity. Arrangements were begun for purchasing a plot to the North of the existing ground; the price was beaten down from £100 to £50, essential as it was felt that the Non-conformists would not provide much financial support in this matter. There was, however, the possibility of whinstone near to the surface of the plot which would prevent grave-digging. Finally, in 1945 a decision was taken to adopt the Burial Board Act, whereby the Public Authority would proceed to negotiate with the Ministry of Health to open a Public Cemetery, and the Church Burial Ground would be handed over for maintenance to the Public Authority.

Susan Batey, the Parish Clerk, has told me about the present cemetery on land owned originally by Mr Bates. The plans were drawn up in 1947, and the land conveyed in July 1950 to the Parish Council. The area was consecrated on the 8 August 1951, and given Home Office approval for burials. The first burial was on 3 September 1952; there were seven burials in 1953, and now there are about a dozen a year. Alan Ord is the gravedigger and keeps the grass trim.

The Parish Clerk looks after the records. The cemetery within the grounds of St Cuthbert’s is looked after by the church, while the burial ground which was reaching the limits of its capacity was the one north of Alexandra Terrace, near St John of Beverley’s, which was finally closed in 1975, after what seems to have been a period of overlap with the new cemetery. Where the plot was that was originally considered in the early 1940s as a new burial ground I’m not sure; perhaps it was in the region of the present industrial estate.

June Henriksen

A SAWBONES` WRITES

THE PROVERBIAL FINE TOOTHED COMB
The Independent newspaper has recently printed a lengthy correspondence concerning the misuse of English and the mispronunciations that are creeping into common usage. For example;
The Pry Minister - The Prime Minister; A fine tooth comb - A fine toothed comb; Febuary - February
Lugshury - luxury; Indifferent - meaning unconcerned -it actually means impartial; free - three
and so on.

It was with unalloyed joy, therefore, that I found an example of correct usage of "fine toothed comb" in a publication from The University of York concerning the treatment of head lice.

Now there may well be people who find it necessary to comb their fine teeth but it makes a lot more sense to use a fine toothed comb to remove head lice and their eggs (nits). To achieve the best results with combing you need to have washed the hair every third day, leave it wet, apply a lot of conditioner, then spend at least thirty minutes methodically combing the entire scalp repeatedly. Individual lice should be "cracked" between fingernails to ensure that they are dead.
The highest incidence of head lice is in children aged 5 -14; girls are more affected than boys are. Direct person to person contact spreads them. Personal hygiene has no bearing upon susceptibility - clean hair is as likely to be infested as less clean hair.

Lotions and shampoos containing insecticides are widely available. One type is available from the Health Centre free. There are reports of resistance developing to some insecticides but Suleo-M and carbaryl still seen to be effective everywhere.

Scabies - another sort of common infestation - is best treated with permethrin or malathion.

DRUG WASTAGE
The west of the county has the lowest rate of waste or surplus medication being left at pharmacies for destruction. Even so, in the quarter Jan - Mar 1999 there was a total of 188Kg destroyed from the west, an average of 7.5Kg at every pharmacy. This is a huge amount of your money going down the tube.

We try to minimise waste by doing small quantity prescriptions until patients are settled on a treatment before issuing our two month standard prescriptions.

You can help by expressing reservations about taking medication before cashing a prescription, by not hoarding drugs or ordering repeats more often than necessary.

LIFE DEPENDS ON THE LIVER
Now there's a tired old aphorism. True, nonetheless
.
The liver is a large organ occupying the right upper abdomen under the ribs. It performs an enormous number of complex chemical processes, including dealing with incoming nutrition from the gut, detoxifying unwelcome chemicals in the circulation, manufacturing chemicals required by the body and excreting waste substances in the bile.

The liver can take a lot of punishment and damage and still survive. To an astonishingly large degree it can regrow if some of it is removed. Because it is so central to continued life it is very important to recognise liver problems as early as possible and deal with them. There is also scope for avoiding problems in the first place too.

Symptoms of liver disease may include turning yellow - jaundice, itching all over, abdominal swelling and discomfort, all over puffiness, vomiting blood, raised temperature sometimes, loss of appetite and nausea, weight loss, the development of prominent blood vessels on the abdomen, the development of breasts in men, extreme tiredness or weakness and clouding of consciousness. Examining a patient with liver disease will often show a large tender liver and blood tests will be abnormal.

In children the cause will often be due to some in built defect of chemistry of anatomy. Brand new babies are often jaundiced for completely innocent reasons. Young adults are vulnerable to infections. Middle aged patients often have gallstones or alcohol problems. In the elderly the most common cause is cancer.

Alcohol is notorious for causing liver damage. Previous infections and gall stone problems can recur. Medical or dental injections or transfusions can transmit infection - very very rarely in the UK. The occurrence of jaundice in relatives may point to some inherited problem. Foreign travel can lead to exposure to infection. Recent surgical procedures can lead to jaundice for several reasons. Medication, especially paracetamol, can be toxic to the liver -both prescribed and over-the-counter types. A number of herbal preparations have been found to cause liver disease as have a number of traditional ethnic remedies. Exposure to chemicals at work may cause problems. Sexually transmitted diseases are an increasingly important cause of liver problems. Intravenous drug use obviously risks both infection and chemical injury. Sports men who use anabolic steroids can injure their livers. Leptospirosis, Weil's disease, is particularly associated with rat bites or exposure to rat's urine. Its rare but sewage workers and those who go ratting with ferrets and terriers should beware.

6% of the population has a permanently raised bilirubin - the yellow stuff in jaundice. This caused by an innocent peculiarity of metabolism and is called Gilbert's disease.

Steven Ford

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

SORRY GARDENER HAS RETIRED