Haydon News

October 1999

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EDITORIAL

Hello everyone

By the time this issue reaches you, the clocks will have gone back for the winter months and with any luck I will have shaken off the effects of the first cold of the winter. This came my way, I think without malice aforethought, courtesy of my sneezing and already heavily infected brother-in-law being kind enough to share his crimson and streaming hooter with us for a couple of days last week. Being chronically unable to resist passing temptation, I was inevitably afflicted. This has demonstrated yet again what pathetic patients we males of the species make. Suffice to say that my long-suffering better half has shown great restraint yet again – mind you, it was down to her brother!

Talk of winter reminds me of one of Maurice Armstrong’s famous one-liners – delivered with feeling during the “non-summer” of ’98 – “What we get these days is nine months of winter and three months of bad weather!” Can I direct your attention to Mike Parkin’s appreciation of Maurice on page 9; and at the same time say a personal “thank you” to Maurice for his friendliness and good humour.

I am delighted this month to welcome articles in the Haydon News from a variety of new contributors – I am particularly pleased to see this. More, please! We have also been fortunate enough to receive a very interesting and substantial past history of the Community Centre written by Dennis Telford. Plans are to publish this in serial form, with the first parts appearing this month (see pages 7 & 8).

You will notice a shortage of Letters to the Editor in this issue. This is because we have not received any! Can I encourage anyone with a point to make, an opinion to give or even a tummy to rumble, to drop us a line? Do you like what you see in the Haydon News, would you like it to cover different subjects, or are we too boring to attract comment?

Finally, on behalf of the High School, can I make a special request for anyone interested in setting up an orchestra / band / ensemble to please return the form (completed) which appeared on page 15 of last month’s (September) issue to “The Haydon Bridge Community Music Project” at the school?

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

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 Anonymous letters will NOT be published.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

HISTORICAL NOTES OF HAYDON BRIDGE

By Dennis Telford

‘Whether you knew it as the Wesleyan Chapel, the Wesley Hall or the Community Centre,
memories are all that remain as the old stones are re-built for a new Millennium. A new beginning!’

Part 1 - Thomas Pearson

Towards the end of the 18th. century, Thomas Pearson left his Haydon Bridge home to walk the 60 miles round trip to the market town of Morpeth.

The winter was harsh and the northern fells were bleak in the extreme. Thomas trudged through snow ankle deep for most of the journey. When he returned his body was temporarily pained with the physical exertion he had endured but his heart and mind were filled with great elation.

Thomas Pearson had made the journey to listen to the great English preacher and co-founder of Methodism, John Wesley, and this meeting was the means of Thomas’s conversion. He was determined to spread the Methodist doctrine in his home village of Haydon Bridge as one of John Wesley’s assistants.

On the 20th. day of May 1814, a dwelling house in the Chapelry of Haydon Bridge, in the Parish of Warden, was granted a certificate and registered as a Protestant meeting house. From that day the kitchen of Thomas Pearson’s home became the first official place of Wesleyan worship in the village. When the kitchen became too small there was preaching in a farmer’s barn in the village, where tallow candles were held that the preacher might see to give out the hymn and the text. Subsequently the Wesleyans worshipped in a small chapel, on the south side of the street which would become known as Ratcliffe Road.

In 1855 William Whelan, in his ‘Directory of Northumberland’ wrote of the area, “The Wesleyan reformers here have two chapels, one at Haydon Bridge and the other a small stone edifice near Langley Mill erected in 1849”

Thomas Pearson’s son, also christened Thomas, took up his father’s calling and when he was a young man went down the riverside in his home village of Haydon Bridge to preach to the poor people in a workhouse that was there. He also spoke to the workers in a colliery a few miles to the south. Through time, Thomas junior’s desire to preach the Gospel took him away from his home village. On Saturday 9th. August 1873 however, he returned, by invitation, as the Reverend Thomas Pearson of York. He arrived by train and as he made his way from the station he stopped for a while where his father and mother slept, in the graveyard next to the village church. This day was one of great rejoicing in Haydon Bridge. For several years past the Wesleyan Methodists of the village had entertained hopes of a new place of worship and today the foundation stone of their new Chapel was being laid.

The Reverend W. H. Robson, Superintendent of the Wesleyan Methodist Circuit, placed a sealed bottle in a cavity in the foundation stone. The bottle contained a plan of the Circuit, a list of names and residences of the Trustees, copies of the Methodist Recorder and the Hexham Courant and current coins of the realm - of not much value in case anyone might be tempted to remove the stone! The attending company then adjourned to the ‘Oddfellows’ Hall’ for tea, which was followed by a numerously attended meeting in the Congregational Chapel kindly granted for the purpose, the old Wesleyan Chapel being too small and inconvenient. The Reverend Thomas Pearson spoke at the meeting and preached two most eloquent and effective sermons in the ‘Oddfellows’ Hall’ the next day, before returning to York.
Part 2 - Wesleyan Chapel 1874 - 1946

Less than one year later, on Wednesday 10th. June 1974 the new Wesleyan Chapel, a spacious and lofty building was opened by the Reverend Dr. James an eminent Wesleyan preacher from London.

As in the previous year the assembled congregation attended a tea party in the ‘Odd Fellows’ Hall and in the evening the new Chapel was crowded with every available space being filled. Dr. James preached a powerful sermon from verses 44, 45 and 46 of the 13th. Chapter of St. Matthew’s Gospel.

So the Wesleyans now had a new chapel. Built at a cost of £805 on one the best sites in the centre of the village purchased from Mr. Hugh Bar for £110. The chapel was 33’ long with a Gothic front and stood just back from the street to allow a little garden plot enclosed by an iron paling. Behind the chapel was a 33’ long schoolroom. The masonry work was carried out by Messrs. Armstrong and Davidson of Haydon Bridge and the joiner was Joseph Potts of Allendale. Mr Rutherford of Hexham did the plumbing and G. W. Greenwell of Haydon Bridge the painting and glazing.

Amongst the villagers justly proud of their achievements in raising the funds required through donations, collections, bazaars and the like, were J. W. Hetherington (Secretary), R. Keenleyside and W. Smith of the building committee, Miss Dinning of Langley; the Misses Cowing, Low Morley; Mrs M. Ridley, Peelwell and Jacob Ritson, Whinnetley.

In its early life the Wesleyan Chapel attracted congregations of over 250 village people and their children. Wonderful Methodist hymns were sung with great gusto. Perhaps an address by Mr John Davison of Belmont House accounting the misery and wretchedness brought about by the great evil drink and preaching the need for total abstinence, and finally the village Temperance Band to complete a typical rousing Sunday evening.

A wide range of village people served the Church as Trustees. The 1892 list includes: John Hamilton - manager of the Iron Works; John Brown - lead ore dresser; Jacob Clemitson - joiner; Robert Brogdon - grocer; Stephen Moore - gardener and John Harbottle - Gentleman. In the early years ‘Pew Rents’ were charged to support the Church and its work. In 1895 these were replaced by collections every Sunday.

In 1897 the building, which was now 23 years old, was in need of some repair. To raise money to cover the costs a ‘Knife and Fork Supper’ was planned. Mr Cruddas of Haughton Castle was asked to “Give a few rabbits!” Not all the members of the Church played their part without incurring the displeasure of their fellow worshippers. On January 18th., 1897 a letter was sent to the assistant organist, Mr Ferguson, complaining of his conduct and asking him to ‘amend the same’. The reason for this rebuke is not recorded and therefore must remain a subject of conjecture.

Perhaps Mr. Ferguson compromised the clear message presented to the 250 villagers at an anniversary in 1869, that “Liars are specially hateful to the Lord, swearing is a sad sin and evil speaking of others is very disagreeable!

MAURICE ARMSTRONG RETIRES
or
When Rene’s Pantry Closes

On 2nd. October 1999, at 12.30pm the door was closed and locked for the last time. After a working life in the grocery business Maurice retired. Closing the shop, not an easy decision for Maurice, brought to an end a century of trading in the village by his family.

His grandfather had run his business from a horse and flat, selling groceries in and around Haydon Bridge. Maurice’s dad, Joe Armstrong, opened a shop in the front room of their home in John Martin Street in the early 1920’s. (It was through a small hole in this shop window that the young Maurice successfully captured several coconut bonbons with his improvised wire hook).

In 1935, when the Post Office moved from 13 Church Street to its present site, Maurice’s dad took over the premises and for a few years kept both shops open before finally concentrating the business in Church Street. At this time Maurice was at Shaftoe School. He spent the last few months of his school days serving the milk, reading the weather record and tending the poultry. The latter included slaughtering and plucking hens as and when required.

Maurice left the school at Easter 1940 and started his first job at a fish shop in Hexham for 13/- a week. A few months later he moved to the Co-op Stores in Shaftoe Street and although this meant a drop in earnings to 12/6d. there was a saving on travel fares.

Maurice has often joked that his interview at the Co-op consisted of one question:

“How many ounces in a pound?”
to which he replied,
“14”
and was given the job!

On 6th. June 1944 (D-Day), Maurice joined the Navy and was posted to the intake centre near Skegness, HMS Royal Arthur. Failing his medical, due to a split retina in his left eye, he was rejected by the Navy, moved to the Fleet Air Arm and sent on a stewards course at Lee-on-Solent. In January 1945 he was posted to Ronaldsway, Isle of Man, where he remained until mid 1946. The next move was to Burscough in Lancashire and then to Portsmouth where he worked for two days on HMS Indomitable before being transferred to the sloop HMS Fowey, which was being refitted before being sold to the Egyptian government.

At last there seemed the opportunity to travel abroad, but this was not to be. The Egyptians changed their minds and decided not to buy the ship. So, as a leading steward, Maurice ended his time in the forces at Portsmouth and was demobbed in October 1946.

Back in Haydon Bridge he returned to his job at the Co-op. The family moved from their home in John Martin Street in the early 1950’s into a house in the newly built Hordley Acres.

It was about this time that he met Rene. They married, after several games of badminton and many Flower Show dances, in June 1956, and moved into a flat at the bottom of North Bank. While living in the flat their son, David, was born. A year later the family moved to Alexander Terrace, soon to be joined by Gillian and Carolyn.

In the early 1960’s, Maurice’s dad was given the chance to buy the shop and house at 13 Church Street. He took the opportunity and purchased the property jointly with Maurice. However, they were not able to move into the house which was occupied by Mrs Tweddle and her family. (It had been their home since 1935).

In 1966, Maurice left the Co-op to take over his father’s business, but it was to be another nine years before Mrs Tweddle left the house and Maurice, Rene and family were able to move in.

And now, after 33 years in business at Armstrong’s Stores, Church Street, Maurice has retired.

There may be a few people in the village who never experienced shopping at Maurice’s. SHAME! They’ll never know what they have missed. Many more will have been regular customers for several years more than me and will share the same sense of loss, for Maurice’s shop was special. The crack, the jokes, the personal touch. “Service without civility” as Maurice described it. Certainly it was service with style.

Thanks Maurice

And now for that wished for long and happy retirement.

Mike Parkin
(Vice Chairman – ‘The Friends of Haydon Bridge‘)

THE RAINBOW WRITERS WORKSHOP

Hi, there readers!

Sylvia and I have great pleasure in introducing a “Writers Page” to the Haydon News which we hope will prove informative as well as entertaining.

The Rainbow Writers are a group of ladies (1 from Carlisle, 1 from Bellingham, 2 from Hexham, 2 from Lancashire and 5 from Haydon Bridge) who meet once each month to improve their creative writing skills using a varied selection of exercises to achieve their goals.

In September's workshop each member chose a famous writer from the past and recounted a fictional day in the life of that character. The following are two examples:

Character: Charlotte Bronte
by – Jill Henderson

15 January 1850

I arose early this morning before the rest of the household. My unshod feet made no sound as I journeyed through the house to the outside world. At the threshold I dressed myself in my footwear and coat. It was a cold day.

Once outside I continued on my way toward the desolate hills, damp, wild and dark, thinking of my late sister Emily. News came yesterday of the continuing success of her novel “Wuthering Heights”, it grieved me greatly she could not be here to enjoy it’s success. I prefer to keep my feelings to myself and my diary, so not to upset anyone else’s soul.

I met with Mr Glen from Wainting Hall. He commented upon what a drear day it was, and informed me that he was travelling on course for Mr Winton’s home, where they were to continue their plans for their part of the Great Exhibition to possibly take place next year. Even his handsome face with it’s strong lines looked pinched in this weather, the dampness of the air had collected in his dark locks and added to his attraction, I fancied.

Character: Anon
by – Mary Nagel

Woke up this morning with an identity crisis – my mind was a blank – I couldn’t remember who I was. I searched my flat for clues – none whatsoever – no photos, no letters, no personal items – all very strange.

Went for a walk mid-morning – no-one seemed to notice me, it’s as if I were invisible. Decided to have lunch at the local pub – turned out to be a good move as a local writer’s group, ‘The Rainbow Writers’ was there celebrating the publication of their latest anthology. They were very noisy and excitable – I couldn’t make my mind up if that was their natural state or if they had imbibed too much.

However, the most surprising thing happened – not only could they see me, they talked to me and before I knew what I was doing, I had agreed to join their group. I don’t know what possessed me – they don’t know who I am – I mean, I don’t know who I am – yet I have agreed to write some homework for them this evening.

Went home to find inspiration – no luck there – all the books in my flat seem to be written by the same author – yet all have totally different styles and cover numerous subjects.

That Anon must have been a versatile chap!

Next the ladies were given a list of words; happy, glee, mirth, hilarity, jolly, frivolity, merrily, amusement, laughter, uproarious, rip-roaring, gaily, joyous, funny.

They were asked to select ten of the words and write ten lines of poetry or prose, each line to contain one of their chosen words. Fifteen minutes was allowed for the exercise. This is what two of the ladies wrote:

Busy Bee – by Sylvia Mitchell

Once I was a happy bee
I’d buzz about and sting with glee
From Early dawn I’d gaily dive
Merrily from my tree-top hive

When I’d espy those jolly folk
Filled with frivolity, quite a joke
I’d stop their laughter in a trice
Just for amusement, I’d be extra nice

Funny how long a sting can last
Hilarity faded into the past
I watched with mirth and breath my last.

Halloween Celebration – by Joyce Sim

It was a funny feeling
being happy painting the ceiling.
Syl and me were filled with mirth
merrily brushing for all we were worth.
Laughter rang out as she flicked me with paint.
Rip-roaring screams spoke of little restraint.
Oh what a simply joyous occasion
preparing the way for an uproarious celebration
An evening of Halloween hilarity and fun
Ghostly frivolity when the painting is done.

To conclude the evening we offered our congratulations to one of our members – Myra Bowen, who won second prize for her poem “Dancing in Twilight”, in the Linkway Magazine Open Poetry Competition 1999.

If you are interested in joining ‘The Rainbow Writers’ please contact: Sylvia Mitchell: 01434 684 035 or
myself on: 01434 684 704.

Joyce Sim

PARISH COUNCIL PICKINGS

Notes from the Parish Council meeting on Thursday 28th. October 1999.

The proposed changes to the Military Road. A representative of the farming community in the Military Road area voiced their fears about the effects the proposed changes will have on the farming community. It was pointed out that the proposals only provide options and that the timescale is 10-20 years. The concerns have been raised with Tynedale Council and a letter in similar vein will be sent to English Heritage.

Shrub bed by the A69 behind Greenwich Gardens. The shrub bed will be made smaller and be surrounded by bark cuttings.

Painting the Underpass. £15 was allocated for this task.

Railings in Parker Terrace. The railings are causing restrictions for vehicular access. The Chairperson understood from Tynedale Council that the owner is within their rights to place the fence there. A letter will be sent to Tynedale Council explaining their concerns.

Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme and Village Design Statement. Papers about these two matters have been produced. A separate meeting was arranged to discuss them. Date is: Monday 8th November at 7.00pm.

Bicycle Riding by Children on Village Pavements. This problem has been addressed through both the First and Middle schools. It was pointed out that parents have responsibilities to dissuade their children from doing it.

Gate Across Station Yard. Still no reply from Railtrack.

Highways Ten Year Plan. This has been published but has not yet been seen by members of the PC. It was noted that the A69 traffic, especially HGV's, has increased significantly. If the fast car traffic from the Military Road is added to it, the congestion and dangers will be much worse.

Signpost to Whinnetly and Prior House has fallen down and needs replacing.

Lighting. The new lamppost by the Showfield Estate is still not connected.

Planning Applications. The application for a two storey extension to a house on Heugh House Lane has been passed to the Council without comment. It was agreed to support the replacement of power lines at Grindon Hill Farm.

Maintenance of the Church Clock. The clock still is not working despite recent maintenance.

Tree Felling by Railtrack. This has taken place in the riverbank Conservation Area for Health and Safety reasons, thus permission from the landowner was not required. The PC will write to Railtrack to request tidying up and unblocking of the recently dug drains.

Governors of the Shaftoe Trust. Two existing governors were approved without requirement for election for another four year term of office.

Millennium Yew Tree for the Churchyard. This has been collected from Durham Cathedral by the Chairperson and will be planted in due course.

Railway fence behind the lay-by between Greenwich Gardens and Langley Gardens. It is rotten and children are climbing over it. The PC will write to Railtrack to request a replacement.

The Cemetery Tap is not working. It was agreed to get it cleared.

Hedge beside the High School needs cutting back. It was agreed to contact the Headteacher.

Roadlink rubbish near the Spa Well. A lot of rubbish has been dumped along the old road. The use of this area will be discussed at the special meeting on November 8th (see above).

The Draft Tynedale Local Plan needs to go back to Tynedale by 5th December 1999 with comments from the PC.

Revised Riverside Project has been allocated £2,700 by Tynedale Council.

Trees in Belmont Gardens. A resident has complained about problems caused by a tree adjacent to his house. He has been advised to obtain the views of his neighbours about the problem. It was agreed to seek information from Tynedale Council's tree specialist about current tree legislation and practice.

Remembrance Service will be held on Sunday 14th November at 10.45am at the Cenotaph in Church Street. The Chairperson will lay a wreath on behalf of the Parish Council due to the absence of the vicar. Two ex-servicemen have been asked to read the names of all those from the village who lost their lives in the two World Wars.

SH

Index

Index

Letters to the Editor & Readers Viewpoints

An e-mail from CANADA

Sir;
I was beginning to get worried about the Haydon News! Nice to see things up and running again. While my personal connections to Haydon Bridge are somewhat tenuous,----my eldest Granddaughter was born in the house on the main street that used to be the property of Miss Lily Kent; Walter Rogerson was "Dad", and I'm sure his many pals will remember him----I like to keep in contact with friends around there, and to know how things are in the village.

So the "Gardener" has retired---?

Hey, Tommy Moore---get off your rear end at Brigwood and share your skills. I'm sure Pat will check the spelling!!

In case Mr Norman Bell hasn't time to read for chasing salmon, would some kind person please give him my apologies for seeming to ignore his presence in Vancouver Island for the Salmon Festival in Alberni this year; too heavily involved with home alterations.

[Didn't see your name among the prizes, Norman!!----Maybe next year??]

Bobby Rogerson

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An e-mail from Surrey

Hello
I am trying to put together a family tree - the Kitcatt family tree. An internet trawl yielded your website, since it mentions Maurice Kitcatt in the Church report from the Sept 1998 bulletin.

If you know Maurice, I would like to get in touch. He seems to be the most 'northerly' Kitcatt I have found - the rest of us are all down south, particularly Dorset.

If he doesn’t mind getting touch, I am:

Martin Kitcatt
Kiloran
Hooke Road
East Horsley
Surrey KT24 5DX
01483 283539

Mitch note – I have spoken to the Kitcatt family of Hexham, who did come from Dorset, telephone numbers and addresses have been exchanged

--------------

An e-mail from DENMARK
Perhaps you can give me some information about the origins of the Tindall, or Tyndal, family in the Haydon Bridge area. I believe the family were once the Barons of Langley, but at some point they were ousted. And so I am wondering when, and why, and where did they go from there? My interest in this matter is also connected with my fascination with the story of William Tyndale, translator of the Bible. In Daniel David's wonderful book William Tyndale - A Bibliography (Yale University Press) there is the mysterious reference to Tyndale's origins:
The name Tyndale suggests a northern origin, from the Tyne regions of Northumberland. In a letter of 1663, a descendant of Edward Tyndale, who according to one strand of information was brother to William the translator, expressed the notion that the Vale of Berkeley [in Gloucestershire] clan grew from a certain Tyndale who came from the north in the Wars of the Roses, settling in Gloucestershire where he changed his name to Hutchins for safety, only revealing his true name to his children on his deathbed.
I myself was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1937. As far as I have been able to determine the Tindalls arrived in New Jersey in 1678. But why did they leave England? Is it true that Tindalls in the Border Country were once feared as "the reivers?" I hope you will excuse me for imposing on your time.

Many thanks, -Kenneth T. Tindall, Kirkebakken 47, 3390 Hundested, Denmark

Mitch writes – As a schoolboy in Newcastle my geography teacher taught me that the River Tyne has that name because the river has two main sources (Cheviots and Pennines) thereby resembling a tine, or two pronged fork. The North and South Tyne merge at Warden rocks – just outside of Hexham continuing eastwards to Corbridge thence to Newcastle joining the North Sea at North and South Shields. Only the last 10 miles or so being navigable for ships and boats.

The ward of Tynedale has existed by that name since before the Norman Conquest and was part of the Corbridge Deanery which consisted of:

(a) The franchise of Tinedale containing Alston, Kirkhaugh, Knaresdale, Whitfield, Simonburn and most of Haltwhistle.

(b) The franchise of Hexhamshire belonging to the Archbishop of York and contained the parishes of Hexham, Allendale and St. John Lee.

(c) The barony of Tindale containing most of Warden (Haydon Bridge & Newbrough) Featherstone together with Wyden, Redpath, and Blenkinsopp.

(d) The barony of Prudhoe comprising the parish of Thockrington and large parts of Ovingham, Stamfordham and Chollerton

(e) The barony of Bolbeck– containing parishes of Bywell St. Andrew and Slaley.

(f) The barony of Balliol which had possessions in Bywell St. Peter, Ovingham, Stamfordham, and Chollerton.

In the franchises of Tindale and Hexhamshire the chief lord had all taxes and civil jurisdiction but in 1495 an Act of Parliament made North and South Tynedale part of Northumberland. In 1572 Hexham lost its palatine jurisdiction after becoming part of Tynedale. In the first half of the present millennium possession of the district was sometimes Scotland other times English.

Langley Castle was built circa 1350 but was gutted by fire in about 1405 by the forces of King Henry IV involved in putting down a Percy rebellion, it was not rebuilt until the end of the 19th century. There is no record of the existence of the village of Haydon Bridge before about 1300 from when mention of the bridge at Haydon becomes increasingly common. Coombes in his History of Langley Barony hypothesises the possibility that the bridge was built by either Nicholas de Boltby (d. 1273), his son Adam de Boltby (d.1288) or Thomas de Lucy (d.1305).

The history of the Tindale family is ancient, the IGI tells us that Hextilda Tynedale was born in about 1122 and her parents were Huctred Tynedale (born 1096) and Bethoe BANE of Tynedale. At that time Tynedale was part of Lothian however in about 1249, following the death of Alexander II of Scotland the English crown regained possession of the lands. The original Lords of Tindale were, according to my records, of royal blood and contained amongst them Bethoc (Beatrice) Princess of Scotland whose family were slain by Macbeth

In the 13th century Adam de Tindale married Helwise de Tindale. Their son Adam’s daughter Phillipa de Tindale married Nicholas de Boltby , their eldest daughter Isabella de Tindale married Thomas de Multon (who used his mother’s name of Lucy). The Tindale pedigree shows the Langley Barons extending through three generation of Lucy thence through marriage to the Percy family (Earls of Northumberland) most of the nine Earls of Northumberland (Percy) were either slain in battle, executed or murdered.

In 1572 the Langley Barony was forfeited to the crown following the death in the Tower of London of Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland, sentenced to be executed for his part in an unsuccessful rebellion of northern earls three years earlier.

The Radcliffe family, who originally came from Lancashire, were wealthy Catholic landowners in Northumberland and Cumberland. Francis Radcliffe (1563 – 1622) somehow managed to avoid the anti-Catholic penal laws of 1559 however in 1592 his affairs were examined and he was sent to prison and had his extensive lands forfeited to the Crown, becoming a tenant only.

His eldest son spent some years at the Protestant home of Sir Oliver Cromwell and Francis Radcliffe was created a baronet in 1619. The Radcliffe land ownership was increased following the marriage of his son Edward 2nd baronet (1589 – 1663), similarly Edward’s son Francis the 3rd baronet ( 1624 – 1696). In 1631 Langley barony land was purchased by the Radcliffes.

Sir Francis was raised to the peerage in 1688 becoming Baron Tynedale of Northumberland, Viscount Radcliffe and Langley and Earl of Derwentwater. It is interesting to note that this elevation occurred the year after his thirty-four year old son Edward’s (1653-1705) arranged marriage to fourteen year old Lady Mary Tudor (1673-1726) the illegitimate daughter of King Charles II and actress Moll Davis.

The couple had four children James (1689-1716) , Francis (1691-1715), Charles (1693-1746), Mary Tudor (1697– 1756)

The Radcliffe brothers James and Charles were executed in 1716 and 1746 respectively for their part in the Jacobian uprising of 1715. Charles fled to France in 1715 after escaping custody but was recaptured in the attempted 1745 Jacobite rebellion. In 1716 the barony lands were again confiscated by the crown who transferred it them the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty which is how the Commissioners and Governors of the Royal Hospital for Seamen in Greenwich came to be in possession of the land.

In the latter part of the 19th Century Greenwich Hospital started selling off the land in parcelled plots and in 1882 Cadwallader Bates purchased former barony land together with Langley Castle which he started rebuilding. He did not live to see the completion, dying in 1903, his wife completed the work. Following Mrs Bates’ death in the 1930’s the Castle was a girls school until 1972, it is now owned by an American family and used as an hotel.

The Tindales are not on my list of seventy or so border reiver family names – nor would I expect them to be. I have no means of knowing if William Tyndale the bible translator of Gloucestershire was of Northumberland Tindale descent. As a young man I lived in Gloucestershire and even then wondered how the Tindales came to live near Berkley Castle – the place where, in 1327, King Edward II was tortured to death, using red hot irons. It is said that his death screams can still be heard echoing through the castle. William Tyndale himself fared no better for in 1536 he was executed by strangulation and his body burned at the stake – such is the lot of Martyrs!

What the writer finds intriguing is that James Radcliffe spent the first two years of his married life 1712 – 1714 in Hatherop, Gloucestershire where he lived with his wife Anna Maria Webb the daughter of another prominent catholic Sir John Webb . The love-marriage settlement included a clause stating that the couple should reside in accommodation provided by Sir John. His Hatherop manor house was empty at the time and Dilston Hall just outside of Hexham was being rebuilt in preparation for James Radcliffe the 3rd Earl of Derwenwater and his bride. Hatherop is only about 22 miles from the assumed birthplace of William Tyndale!

The ‘Gentleman’s Magazine Vol. 81-i (1811) does, I understand contain an article "Tyndales of Langley Castle." written by Thomas Prattent where the reader may find further information about the Tynedale family.

My own references were:

The History of Northumberland Vol 4 John Hodgson – 1840
Northumbrias Decameron Howard Pease – 1927
Domesday Book – Magna Carta 1087 – 1216 A.L Poole – 1955
The Fourteenth Century 1307 – 1399 M McKisack – 1959
Northern Lights Ralph Arnold – 1959
A History of Langley Barony L.C. Coombes – 1990

If any reader knows anything that can help Mr. Tindall in his research please let me know. Thanks ... Mitch

Haydon Bridge Women’s Institute

Dr J. Young gave a very informative, illustrated talk on “Nature” reminding us just how lucky we are to have such a lot of wild life around us that we take for granted. We were shown the great variety of shapes from circles to triangles and globes.

There was information about animals which showed how they were studied.

Moles noses turn red when they detect a worm is near!

Not a lot of people know that!

Hedgehog spines are at 600 so that they don’t puncture the body when they fall.

The variety of pictures was amazing and the colours were gorgeous. We’ll have to take more notice on our walks in future!

Competition for ‘Animal’ picture was won by Mrs B Clark, Mrs J Gilhespie and Mrs F Ord. The raffle was won by Mrs E Benson and Mrs V Reed.

Mrs Ohlson ( our oldest member ) was given a bouquet of flowers to celebrate her 90th. Birthday – she celebrated after our last meeting.

Next meeting Monday 8th. November. This will be a special meeting with Supper.

Mrs B Clark

Langley Women's Institute

“Upstairs, Downstairs at Cragside” was the title of a talk and slide show given by Mr Ian Blackwell at Langley W.I’s October meeting.

Cragside was originally built in 1863 as a weekend retreat by Sir William Armstrong, the founder of the world famous Elswick Engineering works. With the advent of the railway to Rothbury in 1870 it became feasible to use the estate as a permanent abode and he employed Norman Shaw, the great Scottish architect, to rebuild and extend it. The 900 acre estate was set on a bare and rugged hillside and was transformed by ambitious plans which included diverting streams, digging out lakes and planting 7 million trees. This was very labour intensive and most of the village families were employed in the house or estate.

Although they worked long hours for as little as £10 per year, the living conditions for servants at Cragside were excellent. It was the first house in England to benefit from electric lighting and also from a form of central heating. Sir William, an ingenious, practical engineer, organised various pieces of hydraulic apparatus for the house, thus improving working conditions, and the Armstrong family on the whole were enlightened employers.

Members of Gilsland W.I. who joined Langley W. I. as guests to celebrate their 64th. birthday, were particularly interested in the topic as they had recently visited Cragside.

Mrs M Nagel.

SHAFTOE TRUST SCHOOL

Telling Stories at Shaftoe

Lots of stories were told at Shaftoe Trust First School on 30 September and 01 October 1999 when two storytellers, Lyndsey Aikenhead and Shonleigh Cummers, visited the school. They spent the two days telling stories and helping the children to tell their own stories.

In particular, they worked with classes 3 and 4 to help them act out two of the folk tales they had earlier told the children.

At the Friday Assembly, the children acted the stories. The storytellers provided a setting for the stories, namely a Great War where the opposing armies overheard the story the other side told.

The children had put a great deal of effort into their performance, and really seemed to enjoy the whole experience.

In addition to stories, the storytellers had tried to baffle the children with riddles. Mrs Julia Cooper’s class I was able to baffle the storytellers in turn with their riddle. The storytellers liked the riddle so much that they plan on using it in future performances.

Michelle Styles

A new teacher starts at Shaftoe Trust First School.

Shaftoe Trust First School is growing. In fact, the school has become so popular with parents, both in the village and the surrounding area that the school has hired a new teacher. Instead of four classes, there are now five classes.

Miss Sara Lomas is the new teacher. She teaches Class Two, a mixture of all the Year 2’s plus a few of the Year 1 students. In the few short weeks she has taught at Shaftoe, she has become a firm favourite amongst her students.

Miss Lomas originally comes from Derbyshire. “I can’t remember a time that I did not want to become a teacher,” she said. “It was even on my career plan when I was fourteen.” To get experience. Miss Lomas babysat and took every opportunity to be involved with schooling, including spending weeks in her school’s work experience programme.

Her further education took Miss Lomas to Northumbria College. Here she fell in love with Northumberland and its many attractions. As she did not want to teach in a city, Shaftoe was a natural choice for her. She particularly likes the small size and the friendly atmosphere of the school.

In her spare time, Miss Lomas reads, swims and is furnishing her house in Allendale. “I like old houses,” she said with a smile, “but they are a lot of work.”

With her ready smile, and a genuine love of children, Miss Lomas is a valuable addition to an already strong staff. Hopefully, the children of Haydon Bridge will enjoy her expertise for many years to come.

Michelle Styles

Harvest Poems, Prayer and Songs.

Shaftoe Trust School performed its Annual Harvest Festival on 13th. October. The festival was a mixture of poems, prayers and songs. The children had written most of the pieces.

Class 4, as part of their project on different Harvest celebration in other countries, looked at the Jewish festival of SEKKUH. They built shelters, which were on display, recited poems and played music.

Mrs Lewis’ Class 3 did an amusing poem, based on what the teacher says to eat and why. The end of the poem posed the question: If all this is good for you, why are you always eating chocolate?

Miss Lomas’ Class 2 recited a poem complete with illustrations, and said a prayer. The children had written the prayer.

Mrs Cooper’s Class 1 focussed on food. The children composed a song about food to the tune of “London Bridge is Falling Down”.

A Bear Hunt was the order of the day for the Reception Class. They seemed to really enjoy reciting the story they had learned in PE.

Afterwards there was a retiring collection for the ‘Rainbow Trust’. Parents and Friends were then given the opportunity of enjoying a cup of coffee, a biscuit and a look round the school. From the displays on the walls, it is clear that the children at Shaftoe have been enjoying a bountiful harvest of work.

Michelle Styles

HAYDON BRIDGE UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

The Northern Alliance League

The village team, for the first time in their 120 year history are now competing in the Northern Alliance League. The defunct Hexham & North Tyne had been their competitive home since the early 70s, and the old Hexham & District League before that. The Northern Alliance brings teams to Haydon Bridge from places such as North Sunderland, Harraby in Cumbria and Wallsend naming but a few. Also the green and white stripes of a Blyth Spartan reserve side. It's a tough league, and a tough test for the players. But from what I've seen so far, under the direction of Colin Banks and Jock Wiley the future of HBFC looks good.
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Fixtures and scores

21 Aug Home v Newcastle BT 2-0 Dan Robson, Dave Robson
28 Aug Away v Otterburn 3-1 Dan Robson
04 Sep Away v Forest Hall 3-3 Dan Robson, Steven Lambert, Alex Stuart
11 Sep Home v Northern S.C. 0-2
16 Sep Away v North Sunderland 0-0
25 Sep Home v Northumbria Univ. 2-2 Stuart Pearson, Colin Banks
02 Oct Home v Walker Stack 1-5 Paul Robinson

League Cup 2nd Round:

09 Oct Away v Hebburn Reyrolle 5-0
16 Oct Home v Wallsend Utd. 3-1 Geoff Sparke 2, Stuart Bell

Amateur Cup 1st. Round:

23 Oct Home v North Sunderland
30 Oct Home v Cowgate Sports
06 Nov Unconfirmed NFA Minor Cup date
13 Nov Home v Forest Hall
20 Nov Away v Walker Stack
27 Nov Away v Stobhill Rangers
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Low Hall Park

The Club is growing and moving forward. A lottery bid is currently on the table, which will lead to much improved facilities at Low Hall Park, including the installation of an 'all weather pitch'. The changing rooms will be revamped, there's a fence currently under construction around the pitch, purchased from the Wentworth Leisure Centre at Hexham. There's even hot drinks available now on match days, and not to forget new red strips and training tops provided by Martin Oliver and Scudamores Garage respectively.
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We are also enjoying more supporters at Low Hall Park than Prudhoe Town can attract in the higher acclaimed Arnott Insurance League. At the recent home win against Wallsend there were more than 60 spectators!
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With that excellent victory over Wallsend United, and another four home games coming up before the end of November, it could be an interesting time for the club. Why not venture down and see just what is going on down there and increase that already good support the club is receiving. Watch out for 'Match Day' posters appearing around the village with times and dates... and opponents.
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Under 12’s

A special mention must be made of one village footballer. Dan Kirkup who plays striker for the U12’s. He came on as substitute for the Bridge when they were losing 0-4 against Alston, then almost single handedly turned the game on its head. He initiated a tremendous fight back, and with only minutes to spare, Haydon grabbed the winner to make it 4-5.

A week later, he scored 7 first half goals against Wylam. He swapped places with his keeper Adam Boyd at half time, a move which probably came as quite a relief for the stunned Wylam hopeful.

Monthly Meeting

The Club’s next monthly meetings take place in the Anchor Hotel on 2nd Nov & 7th Dec at 7.30pm.

All are welcome

POEM

Miscellaneous

Alan White’s 20 mile walk

The day dawned fine on Saturday 24 July 1999 as Alan White and Sue Self prepared to begin their 20 mile Sponsored Walk, starting at The Cart’s Bog Inn at 10.30am.

The route, measured and prepared by Sue, took in well-known local landmarks such as Staward Gorge, Plankey Mill, Steel Rigg, Housesteads, Seldom Seen and Haresby Lonnen.

Sixteen walkers in all bravely completed the distance, namely: Alan White, Sue Self, John Kendrew, Peter Armstrong, Ed Brown, Mark Donkin, Jamie Kirsopp, Michael Eames, Jenna Kirkup, Adam Boyd, Gavin Boyd, Lindsay Robson, Andrew Flanagan, Jackie Kirsopp, Ruth Boyd and Paula Kirkup. Ruth and Jackie both twisted their knees but battled on. The Northumberland and Union Flags were carried throughout the duration of the walk, which was videoed by Ernest Marshall.

A total of £2,056 was raised for the Junior Football Clubs in the village enabling the U12’s, 13’s, 14’s and 15’s to be kitted out with full strips; the strips being red, black and white, with a star trim.

Alan would like to thank his wife, Lorna, for providing refreshments en route; Sue Self for her invaluable help in preparing the route; The Once Brewed for a delicious lunch; Betty at The Haydon Hotel for feeding the walkers, free of charge, on their arrival back in the village; his fellow walkers; and finally to all who so kindly donated money.

A cheque for £2,056 was presented by Sue Self on Alan’s behalf, to Paul Pender (Chairman of the Junior Football Club) on Friday 1 October 1999.

Joyce Sim

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MEDICAL MISCELLANY

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

SORRY GARDENER HAS RETIRED