Haydon News

September 1999

email the editor

EDITORIAL

Hello everyone

Well, here it is, the first “post-Mitch” issue of the Haydon News. I don’t want to bore you with too much detail, but there are a few things that I’m sure our readers and advertisers will want to know.

First, and fairly obviously, we want the Haydon News to continue.

Second, as we have not had to beat off hordes of prospective applicants for the Editor’s job with a sharp stick, there is no new Editor yet. To carry on with the Haydon News, we have set up an editorial sub-committee, who will have responsibility for collating, editing and printing the news-sheet until a new Editor comes forward.

Members are Mike and Elana Parkin, Joyce Sim, Mary Nagel, Sue Harley, Richard Snowdon and myself.

Third, we are extremely keen to encourage everyone to contribute material, articles, letters or whatever – if there is no content, there can be no newsletter! We hope that the Haydon News will evolve naturally, and we are interested in widening its scope. With this in mind, we are approaching many clubs and organisations in the village hoping for regular or even occasional contributions.

I am at this stage not going to make promises about how often the Haydon News will be issued in future. We will begin by trying for an issue each month, as before, but that will obviously depend on what material we have, and what time the (voluntary) sub-committee can devote to it! Who knows, maybe someone will appear desperately keen to be the Editor!

Thanks for your attention. Can I please ask for your continued support, and patience – and please let us have articles or other items for inclusion; these can be handed to any committee member of the ‘Friends‘, or left with Tony at the Post Office.

Charles Thomas, Chairman of the ‘Friends of Haydon Bridge’

MITCH – AN APPRECIATION

It seems highly appropriate in this first issue of the Haydon News following Mitch’s resignation that this appreciation and acknowledgement of his achievements should appear.

As well as being the Editor of the Haydon News for getting on for five years, Mitch has been my next-door neighbour (first to the east, then to the west – it could only happen with him!) and my friend for nearly seven years. It may as well be dragged into the open now; it was only through what could be construed as manipulation (on his part!) of that friendship that I became, to my own disbelief, the Chairman of the ‘Friends‘! Just over two years ago, on the pretext that he was trying to attract new members to the ‘Friends‘, he enticed (and I choose the word carefully!) me to attend a meeting to see if I was interested in joining. On arrival, I discovered that Mike Parkin and Werner Nagel had been similarly conned, and that this organisation in which we were showing interest consisted of a Treasurer, one Committee member, a Secretary (who then resigned the following day!) – plus Mitch! Before we collectively knew what had hit us, Mike was the Vice-Chairman, Werner was on the Committee and I was assured I had agreed to be the Chairman. Memory can be a strange thing!

This is typical of Mitch – he sees the ‘Friends’ and the Haydon News as interesting and important facets of the life of the village, and is quite prepared to take responsibility and direct action to protect and ensure the continuity of both.

Mitch initially undertook to be Editor of the Haydon News for two years, and ended up doing the job for over four and a half. It was only through my membership of the ‘Friends’ that I began to see the crucial and central contribution he made both as Editor and as a ‘Friend’ of Haydon Bridge. Mainly through his drive and energy, membership of the ‘Friends’ has increased from four or five just over two years ago to the present figure of almost 200. During his time as Editor, the Haydon News has increased in size from two or three sheets to ten or more, and there has been a considerable increase in advertisers. For most of the period, until the last couple of issues in fact, Mitch, in addition to his role as Editor, and most of the time, the sole reporter, has been responsible, with the invaluable help of Sylvia, for typing, printing and collating around 900 copies of each issue of the news-sheet. When I mention that this entails handling around 10,000 sheets of paper per issue, you perhaps get an idea of the size of the task – and it is all done by hand!

Both Mitch’s personal and working backgrounds contributed to the unique set of skills he brought to the task of Editor. First and foremost, he has a local family background and a strong interest in people and their doings. His professional life developed his skill with words, and gave him wide expertise in electronics and computing, all of which have proven essential in the job. Lastly, he brought an almost incredible degree of enthusiasm, commitment and sheer dedication to the task – this last all the more remarkable when you realise that, like some of the rest of us, he ain’t so young as he used to be. I also know that there are many things Mitch quietly takes care of from his own resources – for example, the cost of the Haydon News’ monthly publication on the Internet is borne by him, and he has told us he will continue the practice. He will also carry on being a very active member of the ‘Friends‘, and, I hope, an adviser and welcome contributor. I have asked him if he will continue with the Crossword (another of his popular innovations), and he has said he will consider this – I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

Mitch brought a challenging, frank style to the Haydon News – naturally not everyone agreed with his “take” on events all the time, but there can be no doubt that his – can I say occasionally provocative - style increased readership and readability. The amount of time and energy given by him were truly impressive – indeed, in a voluntary role virtually unique. In that sense, I fully sympathise with and endorse his decision to leave the job at last – after all, he did give it over four and a half years when he promised two at the outset! I think he is entitled to more of his own time to actually call his own – and I know Sylvia certainly does!

On behalf of all your readers (hardcopy or Internet) and friends, and the ‘Friends of Haydon Bridge‘, a simple and very sincere thank you, Mitch. Rest assured you are a daunting act to follow.

Charles Thomas

Index

ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROJECT

CHANGING WORK-FAMILY CONFIGURATIONS
AN ETHNOGRAPHY OF THREE RURAL COMMUNITIES

Many of you will remember this project, which featured in the May, June and July issues of the Haydon News, and the visit here of Dr. Monika Strell, a member of the Project Team, in early Summer. A copy of the Project’s newsletter has been received, in which is a report of the fieldwork carried out in the first of the two Scottish communities involved, apart from ourselves. The community is on Speyside, and the fieldwork ran from July to mid-August.

This month the Project Team is preparing for the main fieldwork in Haydon Bridge, and will be making a presentation of their proposals to the Parish Council. The core period of fieldwork here will be October and November. All three members of the research team (Dr. Natasha Mauthner, Senior Research Fellow; Dr. Lorna McKee, Director of Research, Department of Management Studies; Dr. Monika Strell, Research Fellow) will be involved in interviewing, with Monika Strell present throughout.

The team can be contacted at Arkleton Centre for Rural Development Research, University of Aberdeen, St Mary’s, Old Aberdeen, AB24 3UF.

Telephone: 01224 274 106 or Mobile: 07990 592 362;
Fax: 01224 273 902; e-mail: m.strell@abdn.ac.uk.

PARISH COUNCIL PICKINGS
Thursday 23 September 1999
Venue Langley - Mathodist Chapell
10 Councillors were present plus five members of the public. Cllr. Garrow took the chair.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

A number of residents from the West end of the village are complaining again about the state of the shrubbery. It is severely overgrown and full of litter, weeds and vermin. Housebound residents have also lost their view and would prefer the shrubs removed. The P. C. has agreed to have the shrubs cut back and the whole area tidied up. This decision will be reviewed next June.

St Cuthbert’s Play Group are asking about the proposed play area on the riverside picnic site. Grants have been applied for and some money is already at hand. The first stage will involve providing a better access road, picnic tables and a general tidy up of the area.

MATTERS ARISING

Volunteers are being sought to help paint the sub-way.

Full consent has not yet been granted for the Old Bridge renovation. Work is expected to start next May.

PLANNING

The application for Hordley Acres House has now been approved.

The P. C. must decide whether to buy the picnic site from Greenwich Hospital or extend its lease.

The occasional sewage problem on the riverside is caused when the river floods.

Railings on Parker’s Terrace are causing problems for wagons at the corner.

A derelict car and van parked on the riverside are to be removed by their owners.

The owners of the overgrown hedge by the High School are to be contacted.

An estimate has been received to repair the seat at the entrance to Hordley Acres.
The garage extension at Shaftoe House has been approved.

The level crossing will be closed from 11.00pm. on Saturday 16 October to 9.00am. On Sunday 17 October.

NOTES FOR YOUR DIARY

Two events are planned to help swell the Millennium Fund.
* 1st. October at the Railway Hotel – sing-a-long with Alan White + Buffet Supper.
* 8th. October at the Haydon Hotel – Northumbrian Night with Supper.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The concrete post fence at Strother Close is in a bad state of repair.

Some gravestones at the cemetery have been tampered with.

Complaints have been made about the number of bikes being ridden on the pavements throughout the village.

The dog bin is full and other bags of rubbish have been piled up since the end of August.

‘Britain in Bloom’ judges say Haydon Bridge has improved during the last 12 months. Please keep up all your good work. Ratcliffe Road was highly mentioned.

Research by Aberdeen University on balancing work and family life in rural areas is taking place in Haydon Bridge. During October and November, families and community figures

PAT

Index

HAYDON BRIDGE W.I

No input received

Index

LANGLEY WI

The A. G. M. for Langley W. I. was held in September and members were pleased to welcome Mrs K. Beale as their V. C. O. for the evening.

A delicious supper was provided by the Committee after which the Treasurer, President and Committee presented their reports on the previous year. These reports revealed a thriving institute which has taken part in numerous wide-ranging activities including Dominoes, seminars on Committee work, Staging Exhibits, Running a Cake Stall, Visiting other W. I’s, sending delegates to both Spring and Autumn Council Meetings and attending the group meeting.

Trips included the Nursery at Longframlington, Dobbies Garden Centre at Ponteland and ‘County Day’ at Alnwick. All this in addition to the usual monthly meetings, where speakers entertained members with such diverse topics as Feng Shui, Hypnotherapy, Game-keeping, Floral Art, Independent Film Producing and many more.

All in all, a very successful year.

Mary Nagel

Index

HAYDON BRIDGE NATURE CLUB ACTIVITIES

Meetings held in Methodist Church beginning 7.15pm.

October – December 1999

30 September - Dr. Duncan Hutt - Cameroon's Community Forest.

14 October - Mr Brian Young - Local Geology

28 October - Beryl Charlton - The Falklands

11 November - Mr Christopher - Bruce Dragonflies

25 November - Mr Brian - Little Birds and the Blyth Wind Farm

9 December - Mr Keith Bowey - Senegal Endangered Species

January – Summer 2000

6 January - Mr Colin Jewitt - Tracks and Signs

20 January - A. G. M.
Mrs Margaret Jacot - Morocco

3 February - Dr. D. Collinson Mars – Exploration of the Planet - Search for Life

24 February - Mr & Mrs Jamieson - Mediterranean Flowers

2 March - Mr Richard Myerscough - Tropical Forest Project of Mexico

16 March - Mr P. E. Harrigan - Belsay Hall Gardens

30 March - Mr Eric Morton - Taxidermy

Summer 2000

A programme of evening walks and excursions are arranged in the Summer Months.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION £7.50
HALF MEMBERSHIP
- Walks only: - £3.00
- Meetings only - £5.00

FEE FOR NON-MEMBERS - £1.00 each meeting
Indoor meetings include coffee and biscuits.

For further information please contact:

Dot & John DeStefano Allendale Telephone: 01434 683 124
Sheila Myers Hexham Telephone: 01434 607 267

If you are without transport, please arrange a lift.

Letters to the Editor & Readers Viewpoints

Hi There,

Just surfed across your site as I was looking for Tourist Information on Northumberland!

About 17 years ago I moved from Haydon Bridge to Staffordshire with my Mum and Step Father but the area still holds many fond memories for me.

We used to worship at the little United Reformed Chapel just over the level crossing and shopped in the old Co-op on the corner by the subway until it closed down. I remember fondly being a member of the 1st Haydon Bridge Cub Pack which at the time was run by two ladies one of whom had the chip shop next to the VG store.

Our house was at 35 Ratcliffe Road. I remember how I used to climb the trees in the garden and watch over the high wall for people in the alley next to the house or to see who was wandering along the river bank.....

Happy memories!

Thanks for your great web site - good to be able to keep in touch with the goings on in my old area!

If it's not too much trouble do you think it would be possible for someone to e-mail me a few pictures of the town now and if at all possible a picture of our old house.

Keep in touch and I shall certainly be visiting your web site again soon (who knows maybe I'll even get back to see the town for real in the not too distant future).

Warmest regards,

Michael A. Allen.
(Age 28)

Out of Sight, Out of Mind?

Dear Editor,

During my recovery from an unexpected operation I have been overwhelmed by the number of ‘good luck’ and ‘get well’ messages that have originated in Haydon Bridge.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking everyone for their kind thoughts and gestures. I am reassured that ‘out of sight’ certainly does not mean ‘out of mind’ as far as I am concerned.

A special ‘thank you to Mam and Dad who returned early from holiday to visit me in hospital.

David Telford
Burnley
(well on the road to recovery)

Hi!

I'm a journalist writing an article for the International Herald Tribune about on-line communities.

The Trib has asked me specifically to talk to the people at haydonbridge.demon.co.uk as an example of a 'virtual community' that has brought people together through their common ties with the area.

I wondered if we could arrange a timenext week (16th-20th Aug) for a chat on the phone about the web-site and the community who use it. Perhaps if you could let me know your phone number.

I could give you a call this week to explain a bit more about what I'm after. FYI, I'm a Brit based in California, so the time difference is a little tricky, buteither the startor the end of the UK day would be fine.

Many thanks,

Sheridan Nye

Note: Brian Harrison and Mitch spoke to the Tribune Reporter at length. The article will be printed in a supplement to The International Herald Tribune during October.

Dear Sir,

I read with interest in the August 6th. issue of the ‘Hexham Courant’ of the Haydon News news-sheet, and request, Sir, if a small message can be inserted in a forthcoming edition for which I would be indebted.

Could any reader please assist family history research with any information about the late Mr. Thomas and Mrs Jane Boyd? Mrs Boyd died in 1963, her husband pre-deceased her, no date known. She resided at Belmont Gardens. Her husband had two brothers, and there may be family yet living locally, including a niece Ms Nora Boyd (as of 1963 information). Mrs Boyd came originally from Harton, South Shields, though, when she married and moved to Haydon Bridge I do not as yet know. Her maiden name was Wray, and she was my Great Aunt. Assistance of any kind would be greatly welcomed and very much appreciated.

Yours sincerely

Robert F. Wray.

6 Windsor Drive, Cleadon Village Nr. Sunderland
Tyne & Wear SR6 7SY

Note: Happy to oblige, Mr Wray. I have also taken the liberty of passing a copy of your letter to ‘Mitch’ Mitchell (our Editor for four and a half years until this issue, and a keen and very well-informed local genealogist). Mitch helped many readers – home and abroad – with this sort of family research, and is happy to carry on doing so.

Haydon Bridge Town Hall

I was interested in Edwin Charlton’s article in the last issue of the Haydon Newsletter, about the late Charlton family of Allendale, who were cousins to my late husband, William Thompson. They were farmers and stone masons – and took part in the building of the Town Hall. It was built on waste land, and at the age of five years, as I made my way to the old Shaftoe First School, I can remember seeing workmen on the site. The late Joe Thompson of Haydon Bridge served his time as a stone mason with his cousin, the late Edwin Milburn of Allendale, who was also related to the Charlton family.

The late Doctor Murray and W. S. Walton of Haydon Bridge, provided the money to build the Town hall, and received rents from it. Dr. Murray lived and had his surgery in Ratcliffe Road, Haydon Bridge. His housekeeper was the late Florence Dickson of Haydon Bridge. Doctor Murray’s cure for his patients was, ‘Drink plenty of Barley Water’. He used his bicycle to visit his patients wearing leggings and double peaked cap and as cars were appearing he preferred to use his bicycle. He also bought the Odd Fellows Hall and changed it into a dwelling house.

His partner, the late W. S. Walton lived up the North Bank and had two sons, one of them was the late Haydon Walton. He was a well known cricketer. His father, W. S. Walton built Linton House, Belmont Gardens. It is known that stone blasted from the river bed of the Tyne, at Haydon Bridge and removed by horse and cart, to Allendale to build some kind of Temperance Hall, and that the horses were rested at Langley before reaching Allendale, and that this was the only means of transport in those days.

I well remember the Farmers Ball was the event of the year in the Town Hall. Men were dressed in evening suits wearing white gloves, the ladies in evening gowns. Those were the days when I danced away the night at many of these occasions, before it became a cinema, and now a working men’s club.

So much for the Town Hall.

Mrs D Thompson

Temple Houses.

Thank You

Dear Editor

I would like to take this opportunity to say a very big ‘THANK YOU’ to “The Sunshine Panners Steel Band” from Haydon Bridge High School, for making our float such a huge success.

“The Caribbean Cruisers” (The Haydon Hotel) won first prize for best float at Haydon Bridge Fair held on Bank Holiday Monday.

I’d also like to thank Miss Mansfield and helpers for transporting the equipment, Martin Oliver for the use of his wagons, McDonald’s Farm for the bales of straw, everyone who helped dress the wagons, drivers Jav and Gordon, and finally, all who were on the float.

A great time was had by all!!

Maria Skerritt.

Dear Editor

I would like to thank everyone who came to support Haydon Bridge Cricket Club at the Disco & Barbecue held in ‘The Haydon Hotel’ on Saturday 4 September.

Special thanks to Betty and Maurice for the use of the marquee, and to Tim at ‘The Anchor Hotel’ for donating a prize for the raffle.

A total of £200 was raised for the Cricket Club.

Many thanks once again

Barry Hope

Strother Close
Haydon Bridge

Better Late Than Never!

During my twelve years in the village I regularly felt the urge to write/respond to articles in the Haydon News, but somehow, through various reasons, never quite got to the stage of putting pen to paper soon enough before the momentum was lost.

I can’t believe how the years passed so quickly, but they provided me with many memories of Haydon Bridge. Sadly, several of the people with whom I first became acquainted with as a relative stranger to the village have since passed away. It is a great privilege and pleasure for me to have known those special people and I will always carry fond memories of them all.

Although I made many friends, it was during the preparation for my house move that I realised just how thoughtful and caring people were around me. The staff on the Co-op who provided an endless supply of boxes to help with my packing; dear Barbara who cleared bagfuls of my “collector’s items” to be donated to a more worthy cause; the frequent callers passing by to say ‘good-bye’ and ‘good luck’. I received so many lovely cards and good wishes, it was quite overwhelming. Fortunately, as I was so busy, I didn’t get time to be too sentimental – otherwise I would never have moved house at all!

So, now I have the opportunity to say a big thank you through this letter. I hope everything is going well within the village and send my best wishes to everyone.

I trust that the new occupants of River House will be happily settled into their new surroundings by now, also the neighbours next door at No. 21, Ratcliffe Road. I am sure everyone will make them feel welcome.

For those who might be able to visit Normandy for future holidays my address and telephone number is with Tony Willis. I will be please to accommodate Haydonians as a special thank you for their kindness to me during my stay in Haydon Bridge.

For those who don’t recall my name – I’m the person who usually walked, sandwiched between my two black retrievers – Leanne and Ruby.

Pas woof woof maintenant. C’est le woof!!!

Louise Wilson

Formerly of: River House, Ratcliffe Road

Chinese Whispers at Hexham

The OXFAM shop at Hexham can be very busy – upstairs there are the unpacking / sorting / pricing rooms – a hive of industry (& hangers!). Downstairs in the shop, behind the till there is an intercom / phone connected with upstairs. This device saves endless trips up and down a steep flight of stairs. Enquiries in the shop for anything from a back scratcher to a toboggan are passed via this intercom and the search is made among the various cupboards, shelves and boxes. We really do ‘try to please’.

Last Monday, there were three of us volunteers upstairs busy unpacking and sorting and one person in the shop behind the till. The intercom trilled upstairs and was answered. The handpiece was replaced and we other two looked expectantly at the one who had taken the message. We were ready to rush off in all directions to try to find the required item. But her face was a blank. At last she spoke. The request from the shop was, “A lady wants some blue material which must have sheep's eyes”. We all stood rooted to the spot. What a specific request, what a weird one!!!! Where to start looking? But, ever true to the OXFAM volunteers creed, “I’m sure we will find it if we look hard enough” we searched through all our materials but found no blue material let alone with sheep's eyes. Then we struck a very busy few hours and forgot all about this strange request.

That was Monday. Today is Saturday and I was intrigued enough to ask the lady who had been behind the till on Monday, had she really been asked for blue material with sheep's eyes, and had she any idea what it was wanted for? After some deep thought she recalled the customer and, of course, the request had been altered in transmission over the intercom! An example of Chinese Whispers. What the customer had asked for was, “Some blue material, single sheet size”. A far cry from the oft quoted classic Chinese Whisper when a forward Army unit sent back the message, “Send reinforcements, we are going to advance”, which on being received back at base was translated as, “Send three and fourpence, we’re going to a dance”.

But we giggled on and off all day about our “sheep's eyes”.

A Nonny Mouse – OXFAM shop – Hexham.

“Life Cycle 1999”

A few weeks ago I wrote to the news letter to announce our “Life Cycle” project which was to cycle from Malta to Haydon Bridge in order to raise money for the Renal Unit of St. Luke’s Hospital in Malta. The challenge was to do it within 21 days averaging over 100 miles per day. We were fortunate to do it with two days to spare and arrived late in the evening of Friday 17 September 1999.

Two days previous I had told my parents that it would be Saturday, not Friday, when we would be arriving so a reception had been planned for then. When we reached Tow Law on Friday evening I decided that the pull of the village was too much and we pushed on, having warned my parents of our unexpected arrival. Needless to say we did not expect much of a reception on the Friday due to the change of plans. When we came around Church Street we were totally gob-smacked and it wasn’t only myself who was feeling overcome with emotion, the Maltese contingent could not believe the number of people who had turned up to greet us. They instantly, to a person, fell in love with the village. The hospitality shown by the host families accommodating my Maltese friends during the stay as well as the general warmth of feeling towards them in the village will live with them a long time.

The Saturday reception and Sunday’s match at Newcastle has helped make it a memorable stay, but what has really come as a marvellous surprise to us all is the money donated to the cause by the villagers and locals. It was never our intention to raise money from the village as we realised the money was for the Maltese Renal Unit not the UK but it was obvious that my wife Carmen and my own connection with the village spurred people on to give generously. The amount raise has left everyone speechless because to date we will be taking back over £1000 from Haydon Bridge.

It was a difficult cycle and at times we were both mentally and physically exhausted but the thought of those patients back in St. Luke’s made our own efforts minor in comparison.

We had some great moments during the whole event, crossing the Apennine Mountains, the sheer delight of reaching the top of St. Gothard Pass in the Swiss Alps and many more but I am sure I can speak for every one of us when I say that our Haydon Bridge experience was the “icing on the cake”.

To all of you, on behalf of not only the “Life Cycle” team but also the people of Malta, we thank you.

Alan R. Curry

21 September 1999

Index

Miscellaneous

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.

The Editor reserves the right to decide which letters are to be published, and to alter or shorten letters when necessary. Anonymous letters will NOT be published. A nom-de-plume may be used provided that the Editor has been advised of the writer’s name and address.

Charles Thomas, (Chairman)
South View, Heugh House Lane,
Haydon Bridge, NE47 6ND

POEM

RAILWAY HOTEL PUMPKIN AND MARROW SHOW

On Saturday 11 September 1999 at Haydon Bridge it was all go
The Railway Hotel was holding its Annual Pumpkin and Marrow Show

A monster Pumpkin had appeared, by wheelbarrow at the door
Then the task to carry it in, it took not three men, but four

The size caused much interest and created quite a fuss
It tipped the scales as the winner, weighing in at eleven stone plus

Gary Cunningham was the owner, as we soon found out
To acquire the seed of this specimen, he’d searched out and about

For winning Gary two hundred pound and feeling generous
Donated it to a charity of his choice, causing quite a buzz

The art of Pumpkin growing is not just done by men
As Joyce Brown proved in third place, women are just as good as them

Young Claire Marshall and Alan Barker got the prize for most improved
When Alan gave the lot to Claire many people were very moved

Kevin Marshall won the heaviest, and Best Marrow in the show
His green fingers run in the family, from his Dad and Grandad he got the know

The Fourth prize went to a young lad, Jamie Kirsopp is his name
It’s good to see the youngsters interested in the horticultural game

There was also a show of onions, the biggest one to win who dare
Brian Burrows won this class, (a come down from last year)

The Cups and prizes were awarded by landlady Jackie, on that night
Followed by guitar playing and singing by that “Ol’d Swinger” Alan White

The Grand Raffle was drawn with many prizes being won
Proceeds starting the funds for next year’s show, which we hope will be as much fun.

Club members send grateful thanks for raising funds all year round
Arranging meetings and the show, Cheers to Jackie! No better landlady can be found!!!

MEDICAL MISCELLANY

A SAWBONES' WRITES

A PIERCING SCREAM
Body piercing is now so commonplace as to be almost unremarkable, likewise tattooing. Scarifying (causing patterns of sears) and branding remain minority pursuits, often the territory of those with an interest in bondage and sadomasochism.

Ear lobe piercing is by far the most common form and even finds favour with the most sober and conventional of citizens. The chief problem is tearing of the lobe when the earring gets caught on something which leaves a ragged lobe. Happily this situation is easily remedied by a simple procedure that I have performed many times at the health centre. Piercings of other parts of the ear seem less susceptible to damage.

Piercing of the nose, either the sides or the central part is almost as common as ear piercing. Problems peculiar to this site include inhaling the stud or its retaining clip and a greater tendency to infection when new. Extracting the stud retaining clip from inside the nose can be a bit of a fiddle. Regrettably the only solution to infection, in any site, is removal of the stud and allowing the piercing to heal. After a few weeks a further piercing can be attempted if desired.

Lips and tongues, when pierced, are a source of mild vexation for dentists.

Piercings around the eyes need to be very carefully sited as there are nerves and blood vessels running quite close to the skin that could cause problems if damaged.

Nipple piercing is the only form of the body modification fashion that makes my toes curl in sympathy for the agony that must be involved. I would very strongly advise women to avoid piercings directly into the nipple or areola (the surrounding pigmented circle) until after they have finished bearing children. This is really quite crucial if breast feeding is to be trouble free.

Navel piercing is very common amongst young women and seems to be frequently accompanied by infection. Usually the piercing parlour will offer advice on wound cleaning but regular wiping with surgical spirit until the piercing is complete, which can take several weeks, is sufficient.

Genital piercing, usually of the labia minora, is not the new fangled development that some might imagine. It has been practised, in other places and at other times, for centuries. Piercing of the clitoris must surely be so painful as to deter even the most determined woman and cannot be recommended at all. Piercings that interfere with passing urine or which might be damaged at intercourse, such as those that join the labia together, should be avoided I feel. Replacing labial jewellery can be difficult for the wearer herself, if it has to be removed for some reason. Scrupulous hygiene after genital piercing is essential to avoid infection.

Piercings should only be done by a reputable and qualified person. All of the instruments and studs/rings/etc. should be NEW and opened in the presence of the person being pierced. New surgical gloves should always be worn by the piercer.

Allergy to the metal that is used in the studs, rings and jewellery is not uncommon - as with any jewellery. If in doubt use plastic or one of the precious metals (24 carat gold, iridium, platinum or silver). Alloys (such as less than 24 carat gold) often contain nickel and this is a frequent cause of problems.

Lastly, small practical point for travellers, it may be prudent to remove the more intimate items of jewellery before negotiating the metal detectors at airports!

FLU VACCINATIQNS
Please look out for the notices that will be going up all around the place advising about the autumn programme of flu vaccinations. This is going to be done at the New Methodist Chapel and we shall attempt to stagger the flow of patients by suggesting different times of attendance according to an alphabetical listing of surnames.
We shall also be offering vulnerable groups an additional vaccine against pneumococcus.

MILLENMUM FEVER
The energy that is being diverted into planning for all manner of millennium contingencies is simply staggering. We propose to circulate details of the plans when they are complete.

MENINGITIS A&C VACCINATION
We have made a brisk start on getting the most vulnerable groups immunised. The first group is older teenagers who are away to college or university. Other young people will be summoned shortly.

ACNE ROSACEA
By the time people reach their fourth or fifth decade or more they are likely to feel that acne is the last thing that need concern them. Up to a point there are correct but there is a condition called Acne Rosacea that is quite common in those of middle age or greater. It isn't, of course, the same condition that affects teenagers, it just has a similar name.

The condition starts as a reddish rash around the nose, cheeks and brow, that can sometimes be obviously spotty but more usually simply looks sore and irritated. It is often associated with the development a certain bulbousness of the nose that can be quite prominent. The eyes can also be affected too with a persistent soreness.

Treatment is very easy with long term low dose antibiotics.

Steven Ford

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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