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Village Notes Archive 2021

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 30th December 2021

I hope you have all had a good Christmas and that you will all have happy New Year's celebrations tomorrow evening, and I also hope that 2022 brings better things and new opportunities for all of us! 

I have no ‘official’ notes for you this week (possibly due to the as yet unknown situation regarding being able to socialise over the next few weeks), so I'd like to remind everyone that I am always very happy to include info about any local happenings in the Village Notes - whether in the form of news, events, notices (births, deaths, marriages, special birthdays), achievements, or simply things you think the community might like to know about, so please feel free to let me know about anything you think people might be interested in.

The email address to send your info to is: [email protected] and you will need to let me have any info on Sundays (at the latest) to be included in the following Thursday’s paper.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 23rd December 2021

  • A message from St. Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, for those who aren’t already on the Tarset Mailing list:
    “Just to let you know that we are planning to go ahead with our Candlelit Carol Service on the 23rd at 7pm unless guidance from the government or the church says otherwise. We have kept it shorter and simpler with less movement and no after-service mulled wine and socialising that would have been normal in other years, with the principal aim of keeping everyone safe. People will need to wear masks throughout, including when singing the Carols, so we have fewer Carols too. Please remember to bring a candle or torch to the service.  I do hope you will feel able to come and join us and if you are planning to, could you reply to me either by email at [email protected] or by telephone on 240210, to let me know the expected numbers in your party so that we can plan accordingly.
    We will also be having a Christmas Day Communion on the 25th at 11am and it is likely to be a less busy service if you are keen to attend a Christmas service but are worried about numbers. Can you let me know if you are planning to attend that too?”

  • If you have anything you would like me to include in next week’s Village Notes (which will be issued on Thurs 30th December), please could you let me (email: [email protected] ) have your info on or by next Sunday (26th December - Boxing Day!) and in the meantime, I’d just like to say: have a very Merry Christmas!  

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 16th December 2021

  • Sadly, under the circumstances, it was thought wise to postpone Tarset Village Hall's Parish Party (which was originally scheduled for Saturday 11th December) in light of new Covid restrictions coming into play.  However, the event will be re-scheduled for a future date when it is deemed safe to do so, so please keep an eye open for Tarset mailings and follow the Village Hall’s facebook page for details of further events.
  • On Friday, there will be a Christmas Lorry Parade, which will start at 5pm at Kielder and will make its way to Egger, stopping off at various points along the route: Stannersburn at 5.30pm, Bellingham at 6pm and Wark at 6.30pm.  The parade aims to raise funds for two charities: Great North Air Ambulance and 'Santa's Little Helpers', which provides support for families in the North Tyne area who may be struggling at Christmas.  In Bellingham, Fountain Cottage will be providing festive drinks and some free loaded potato skins.  Thanks must go to all the Timber logging companies and their drivers who are kindly supporting this event.  If you can't make it to one of the stop-off points, why not wrap up warm and go outside to give the parade a wave on its way past. 
  • Here’s a quick reminder that this coming Saturday (18th December) at 7.30pm, the North Tyne and Redewater Choral Society invite you to join them in St. Cuthbert’s Church, Bellingham, for “A Journey through Christmas”.  The concert will also be streamed live to the Bellingham Deanery, so you can watch at home if you can’t make it to the live performance.
  • There will be a Candlelit Carol Service at St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, on 23rd December at 7pm.  As usual, wrap up warmly and bring your candles, lanterns and masks with you (as it stands at the moment, you will need to wear masks for the service, but you are still allowed to sing) and a torch is always useful for navigating the churchyard and lane. 
  • Christmas Day communion will be taking place at 11am on the 25th December at St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, and all are welcome to this special service.  Please note that the rules and restrictions may change yet again before Christmas, but if anything affects the services, the church will publish details as soon as possible.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 9th December 2021

  • On Saturday 18th December at 7.30pm, you are invited to join the North Tyne and Redewater Choral Society for “A Journey through Christmas” in St Cuthbert’s Church, Bellingham.  Please note, for those who are unable to get to the performance in person, it will be streamed, via Zoom, to the Bellingham Deanery, so you won’t have to miss out.
  • Tonight (9th December), First Thursday Films will be screening its delayed showing of ‘Comfort and Joy’ - a genuinely funny 1984 Scottish comedy film about a radio disc jockey whose comfortable life undergoes a bizarre upheaval after he is dumped by his kleptomaniac girlfriend and having witnessed an attack on an ice cream van, unwittingly becomes embroiled in the struggle between two Italian families over the ice cream market in Glasgow. Doors and bar open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
  • Sunday 12th December is the deadline for letting Chris have the details of anything you would like to see in print in the Winter edition of the Tarset Diary.  Chris is also looking for (amongst many, many other things!) photos of your pets in festive dress for a ‘Pets’ Grotto’ feature,  stories and photos of your experiences of Storm Arwen; any photos you may have of the glorious sunsets we’ve been having recently, and photos of Autumn landscapes around Tarset & Greystead.  All news and photos should be sent to [email protected]
  • On 23rd December at 7pm, it will be lovely to see the return of the Candlelit Carol Service at St. Aidan’s, Thorneyburn.  Wrap up warmly and bring your candles or lanterns for the service (and a torch for the churchyard).  There will also be a Christmas Communion service on Christmas Day at 11am.
  • Finally, don't forget Tarset Village Hall's 'Christmas Social' on Saturday 11th December starting at 7.30pm.  The evening is a celebration of both the brilliant community we live in and of festive season.  The bar will be open and there will be a 'pooled supper’, music and raffle with all profits going to support the West Northumberland Foodbank. There is no charge on the door - just bring yourselves, some supper and of course, some cash for a good cause! 

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 2nd December 2021

Sadly, due to the fact that none of us in the area have had power, mobile signal or internet for the past three days, I haven’t been able to send in my usual Village Notes to the Courant, so there won’t be any in this Thursday's paper.  However, power was restored last night, so below are the notes that I would have sent in had I been able to submit them...!

  • Applications for project funding between £750 - £2k are currently being invited by the Bellingham Fund at the Community Foundation, Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.  The Bellingham Fund is a small Community Foundation fund that makes grants in support of community activity in in Bellingham and the North Tyne Valley.  As its name suggests, The fund primarily provides benefit to the Bellingham community, including Greenhaugh, Lanehead and Greystead areas, and support to this community will be prioritised over projects elsewhere in the North Tyne valley.  Closing date for applications is 26th January and applicants are invited to apply online via the following address: https://www.communityfoundation.org.uk/group_grant/supporting-community-activity-in-bellingham-and-the-north-tyne-valley/
  • Kielder Community Association ‘s Christmas Bingo Night will be taking place in Falstone Village Hall on Thursday 2nd December.  The event starts at 7.00 pm and everyone is very welcome.
  • On Friday 10th December 2021 at Falstone Village Hall, the Northumberland Theatre Company will be performing their Christmas Show for 2021:  “Alice in Wonderland”.  Doors and bar open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start and tickets are available on the door.
  • Kielder Community Association’s Pantomime trip to the Theatre Royal in Newcastle to see "Snow White", will take place on Saturday 8th January 2022.  For further information and to book your place on the trip, please contact June Banks 01434 240311 (between 9 am and 4 pm)
  • A quick reminder that BADDS’ Christmas production of Whisky Galore starts this week and runs nightly from Wednesday 1st through to Saturday 4th at Bellingham Town Hall, with doors and bar opening at 7pm for a 7.30pm start each evening. Tickets are available from Bellingham’s Country Store, though I’m not sure how many will be left.
  • Tarset Village Hall is holding a Christmas Social on Saturday 11th December, starting at 7.30pm.  The evening is intended as an informal celebration of the festive season and there will be a licensed bar, a 'pooled supper’, music and a raffle, with all profits being donated to the West Northumberland Foodbank. There is no charge on the door, just bring yourselves, a contribution to the supper, and of course, some cash (please note that cards can now be accepted at the bar)!
  • If you do have anything you would like to see included in the Village Notes, please email the info to me on or before the Sunday before the Thursday paper goes out (anything received later than 8pm on the Sunday will have to be deferred until the following week). You can include anything you like that you think local folks might be interested in – news, views, events, announcements, etc. – and the only limit is that I only have 250 words each week in total.  The email address to send info to is [email protected]

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 25th November 2021

  • St. Peter’s church would like to thank everyone who came to the Christmas Fair last Saturday. Vital funds were raised but most importantly, it was lovely for the community to get together and special thanks must go to the volunteers and stall holders, without whom this event would not have been possible.  In the evening, following on from the Fair, Festive Falstone was also a wonderful event and thanks must go to the organisers, to all those in the community who contributed and/or supported it, to Santa Claus for visiting the children, and to his elves for giving out the Christmas gifts. The Christmas lights look wonderful in the Jubilee Park this year, too!
  • St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, will be running a number of services over the Advent and Christmas season, starting with Advent Parish Worship on Sunday 28th November at 6pm, a Candlelit Carol Service 23rd December at 7pm and Christmas Communion on Christmas Day at 11am.
  • Tickets for BADDS’ Christmas production of Whisky Galore are on sale at the Country Store in Bellingham and are selling fast.  Performances are on Weds 1st, Thurs 2nd, Fri 3rd and Sat 4th December at Bellingham Town Hall, with doors and bar opening at 7pm for a 7.30pm start each evening.  
  • Finally, here's a quick reminder that Kielder Community Association will be holding its Christmas Bingo Night in Falstone Village Hall on Thursday 2nd December.  The event starts at 7.00 pm and everyone is very welcome.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 18th November 2021

  • St Aidan’s church, Thorneyburn, is offering a special Advent Sunday service to help prepare us for Christmas.  Parish worship will be held on Sunday 28th November at 6pm and everyone is welcome to go along to St Aidan’s and join in.
  • Kielder Community Association will be holding its popular Christmas Bingo Night in Falstone Village Hall on Thursday 2nd December.  The event starts at 7.00 pm and everyone is very welcome.
  • On Friday 10th December 2021 at Falstone Village Hall, the Northumberland Theatre Company will be performing their Christmas Show for 2021: “Alice in Wonderland”.  Doors and bar open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start, and tickets are available on the door.
  • Kielder Community Association’s Pantomime trip to the Theatre Royal in Newcastle to see "Snow White" will take place on Saturday 8th January 2022.  For further information and to book your place on the trip, please contact June Banks 01434 240311 (between 9 am and 4 pm)
  • Monday nights at Tarset Village Hall are once again alive with Dancing!  All ages and abilities are welcome and you can just turn up to any session and join in – the sessions start at 7.30pm.
  • On Saturday 20th November, St Peter’s Church Christmas Fair runs from 2–4pm, followed by ‘Festive Falstone’ with carol singing, Christmas craft activities at the Village Hall and the official switching on of the Christmas Lights at Jubilee Park.  In addition, the Tearooms are offering late night opening and a festive menu, and the Blackcock Inn will be open.  Please note that the tickets for Santa’s Grotto are all sold out.  

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 11th November 2021

  • Churches Together in Falstone are holding their Remembrance Service on Sunday 14th November. The service starts at 10.50am at the Cenotaph in the cemetery, and continues in St Peter's Church afterwards.  People far and wide have been knitting poppies to celebrate the Centenary of the Royal British Legion and these will be displayed at the cenotaph, outside St Peter's, and inside the church itself.
  • If you were unable to get to the ‘Living Off-Grid’ meeting (run by the Rural Development Centre and supported by Community Action Northumberland) which took place at Tarset Village Hall last Thursday, but would like to contact the project's organisers to find out more, they say please do get in touch.  Tarset 2050 CIC (although not involved in the project itself) has the numbers to contact so please feel free to email [email protected] if you would like the relevant contact info.
  • A quick reminder that tickets for BADDS’ Christmas production of Whisky Galore are now on sale at the Country Store in Bellingham.  Due to COVID safety measures, ticket numbers are limited, so you may want to book early to make sure you can get your place(s).  Performances are on Weds 1st, Thurs 2nd, Fri 3rd and Sat 4th December at Bellingham Town Hall, with doors and bar opening at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 4th November 2021

  • A quick reminder that tomorrow night is Bonfire Night and the Kielder Village Bonfire & Firework Display starts at 6pm, with the firework display starting at 7pm.  There will be a BBQ, and refreshments will be available, so if you’re going along, wrap up warmly, take a chair with you if needed and enjoy the evening.
  • Tonight’s First Thursday Films screening will be “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” - a moving and fascinating French biographical drama based on the true memoir of Elle editor, Jean-Dominique Bauby, which documents his life following a massive stroke that left him with a condition known as locked-in syndrome.  Doors and bar open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
  • Tickets for BADDS’ Christmas production of Whisky Galore are now on sale at the Country Store in Bellingham (no online or telephone bookings are available for this production).  Due to COVID safety measures, ticket numbers are somewhat limited for this production, so early booking is advised.  The performances will take place in Bellingham Town Hall on Weds 1st, Thurs 2nd, Fri 3rd and Sat 4th December and should be just the thing to get you in the mood for the start of the holiday season!  Doors and bar will open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
  • If you have any local news you would like to see publicised in the Village Notes, the email address to send your info to is: [email protected].  I will need info by the end of Sunday to be able to include it in Thursday’s paper.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 28th October 2021

  • Bonfire night fun for all the family in Kielder.  The Kielder Village Bonfire & Firework Display will be on Friday 5th November.  Doors open at 6pm and the display will start at 7pm.  BBQ & Refreshments will be available – but it may be cold so wrap up warmly and bring a chair if needed.  Smaller items for the bonfire may be left at the side of the playing field but if you have larger/bulkier items, please contact Tom Grimwood (Tel: 250240), who will arrange collection.
  • Tired of being disconnected? An initiative to help anyone still living off-grid is underway, and you are invited to a meeting in Tarset Village Hall, on Thursday, November 4th from 4-6pm. The Rural Design Centre (RDC) team, who are now working on the issue alongside Community Action Northumberland (CAN), would like to start by talking with you about the specific day-to-day problems you face, to see what help can be offered until long-term solutions are possible. If you can't make it on the 4th but would like to be kept informed, please let Tarset 2050 CIC know via [email protected]
  • On 4th November, First Thursday Films will be screening a moving and utterly compelling film “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”, an award-winning French biographical drama based on the memoir of Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby, which documents the story of his life following a massive stroke that left him with a condition known as locked-in syndrome.  Doors and bar open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 21st October 2021

  • Congratulations to Dev Capps and Andrew Byrom, the “Tarset’s Pointless” champions for 2021. Huge thanks must go to all the contestants who took part, to everyone who went along to Tarset Village Hall to support the evening and particularly to all those who organised and ran the event.  Over £750 was raised for the Great North Air Ambulance.
  • A quick reminder that the Harvest Festival Service at St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, takes place at 6pm this Sunday, being followed by a Soup Swap. The church is also collecting for the Hexham Food Bank and donations of tins and dried goods/non-perishables are needed this year more than ever. You can leave contributions either at the church itself or at Horsley Cottage, opposite the pub. 
  • The afternoon of Tuesday 26th October sees a Soup and Pudding Social in Tarset Village Hall (from 12pm to 2pm), organised by St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn.  Additional volunteers would be very much appreciated (soup-makers, waiters, general helpers, and/or raffle prize donors), so if you think you might be able to help, or you would like any further info, please let Caroline know (240210).
  • I am always more than happy to include info about local happenings in the Village Notes, so if you have any events or local news you would like to see publicised in the Village Notes, please feel free to let me know about anything you think people might be interested in knowing about. The email address to send your info to is: [email protected].

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 14th October 2021

St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, is holding its Harvest Festival Service on Sunday 24th October, and the service will be followed by its traditional Soup Swap. The church will be decorated for the service and enthusiastic decorators/helpers are very welcome to come along on Thurs 21st October at midday. Flowers and refreshments will be provided but gifts of produce and extra greenery would be very much appreciated. The church is also collecting for the Hexham Food Bank so tins and dried goods would be most welcome and are needed this year more than ever. You can leave contributions at the church at any time that week or at Caroline’s, Horsley Cottage opposite the pub.

Fresh Produce left over from the Harvest Festival Service will be used to make soups for an afternoon Soup and Pudding Social in Tarset Village Hall on Tuesday 26th October (12pm - 2pm) and everyone is most welcome.  The ‘Soup and Pud’ Social is a great event and was very much missed last year. Anyone who would like to help will be most welcome, so anyone who feels they would be able to help with the Harvest Festival Service, the Soup and Pud Social (whether as cooks, waiters or general helpers), would be able to donate raffle prizes or could help with anything else, please let Caroline (240210) know.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 7th October 2021

  • Tonight's First Thursday Films’ screening will be ‘Next Goal Wins’, a moving and uplifting adaptation of the 2014 documentary chronicling the national football team of American Samoa's attempts to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup following the indignity of a crushing defeat (the worst defeat in World Cup history) at the hands of Australia, and with headlines all over the world dubbing them 'the worst team on the planet'.  Even if you don't like football, this is definitely one to watch!  Thursday 7th October, Tarset Village Hall, 7.30pm (doors and bar open from 7pm).
  • Tarset's Pointless 2 takes place at 7pm on Saturday 9th October in Tarset Village Hall. Please come and support eight gallant competitor couples as they raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance. Ticket price includes ‘soup and pud’ supper.  Further info from Malcolm Brodie via [email protected]
  • St. Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, will be holding its next Parish Communion Service (with Hymns) this Sunday at 3pm.  In addition, it will be holding its Harvest Festival Service at 6pm on Sunday 24th October, which will be followed by a Soup Swap.  The church is also collecting tins and other non-perishable goods for the Food Bank.  All donations are gratefully received and are needed more than ever at the moment, with the reduction in Universal Credit top-ups coinciding with huge fuel hikes, which are likely to put even more families into food and fuel poverty over the next few months.  Please give Caroline a call if you need any further information on where/how to donate (on 240210)

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 30th September 2021

  • Supported by Parkside Pharmacy in Bellingham, a local COVID vaccination site is opening in the Masonic Hall (Manchester Square) in Bellingham from Monday 4th October. Appointments for the clinics are open for booster jabs, and for both first and second jabs for those who haven’t yet received them - including those in the 16-17 age group.  Appointments for the clinics can be booked through the national booking system (www.nhs.uk) or by calling 119 - although you won’t be able to book a place for your boosters until 6 months after your second dose.  Further info can be found in the North Tyne and Redesdale Community Hub on Facebook.
  • A quick reminder that the official opening and blessing of the new steps linking Cuddy’s well and the churchyard at St. Cuthbert’s, Bellingham will be taking place this Sunday at 3pm.  New signs and information boards have been installed both at the well and in the churchyard, giving more information about the history of the church and of Cuddy’s Well itself.  Everyone is welcome to come along and help celebrate the occasion.
  • First Thursday Films’ next screening will be ‘The Next Goal Wins’, a 2014 documentary chronicling the national football team of American Samoa and their attempts to qualify for the 201 FIFA World Cup following the indignity of a crushing defeat at the hands of Australia.  Whether you like football or not, this is definitely worth a watch!  Thurs 7th October, Tarset Village Hall, 7.30pm (doors and bar open from 7pm).

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 23rd September 2021

  • Churches Together in Falstone will be holding their Harvest Service at St Peter’s Church on Sunday 26th September.  The service starts at 11am and will be held outside, weather permitting.   There will be collections taken of non-perishable goods for the West Northumberland Food Bank and also of clothes for the refugees from Afghanistan, so please feel free to bring items with you – donations will be gratefully received.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 16th September 2021

  • Your opportunity to come along and watch Tarset’s Pointless 2 in action, will be on the 9th October 2021 at Tarset Village Hall.  Why not go along and support the valiant teams of competitors as they take part in the struggle to identify the least well-known answers to their quiz questions!  The event is for a very good cause, with profits going to the Northumberland Air Ambulance.  There will be a ‘Soup and Pud’ supper available and an exciting raffle with some excellent prizes!  For further details, prices and times, please contact [email protected]
  • I am always happy to include all your info about news and events in our area in the Village Notes, so if you have anything you would like to see publicised in the Village Notes, please do feel free to let me have anything you think people might be interested in knowing about - events, celebrations, success stories, funny info – all is welcome.  The email address to send your info to is: [email protected].

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 9th September 2021

The Tarset & District Leek Show took place in the Village Hall on the 4th September and despite this year’s heat and lack of rain making for a difficult growing season, there were plenty of flowers and vegetables to admire.  Thanks must go to the Ukulele Band, to all those who donated special raffle prizes and to all the volunteers at the Village Hall for the efforts they put into making the day a success. 

  • John Davies, from Bellingham, won the cups for both the most points in the floral section and for the Best Floral Exhibit, although he faced keen competition from the other section winners (David Thirlwell, Robin Banks, Norma Blackith, Michael Dickinson, Sharon Walton, Caroline Waitt, Jill Swaile and Jenny Swaile).  There were also some magnificent floral baskets, with Jenny Swaile winning the section with stiff competition from Jill Swaile and Margaret Bird.
  • The Industrial section produced some very tasty-looking entries, with Sheila Brodie, Jenny Swaile and Jill Swaile being the main winners, while in the gents’ baking section, David Lucas took bragging rights, with Alan Swaile and Philip Spottiswood also producing some impressive cakes. 
  • The winner of the Leek show was Raymond Reay, who also won Best Leek in Show, narrowly beating John Herron and Roy Bell, while Amanda Lucas was the noteworthy winner of the Best Ladies’ Leek.
  • The main winners of the Vegetable classes were Clive Hymers, Kelly Coulson, John Herron, Margaret Bird, Robin Banks and Jeff Mills.

Additional thanks must go to the auctioneer, who managed to extract much-needed funds from a generous (and somewhat competitive) crowd, and to all who attended and gave so generously of their time, produce and money to support the show.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 26th August 2021

  • Tarset Village Hall sees the long-awaited and very welcome return of First Thursday Films on Thurs 2nd September 2021, with a showing of the much-loved classic 1988 fantasy comedy ‘Big’.   Josh Baskin (Tom Hanks) is a young boy who finds a vintage fortune-telling machine and makes a wish to be ‘big’ so he can impress the girl he has a huge crush on.  When he wakes up the following morning, he finds that his wish has miraculously been granted and he now has an adult body.  The only trouble is that inside, he’s still the same 12-year-old boy and perhaps predictably, chaos ensues.  The film has become a comedy classic for good reason - Tom Hanks is brilliant as Josh and there is an excellent supporting cast.  The film was nominated for both Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards and Hanks won a Golden Globe for Best Actor for this role.  Admission will stay at £4 as usual, and for further info and timings, please contact John Holland via [email protected]
  • Work on the new steps to St Cuthbert’s (Cuddy’s) Well, Bellingham, has now been completed, and the improved access between St Cuthbert’s Church and the well now forms the final stage of the St Cuthbert’s Three-Church Trail.  New signs and information boards have also been installed at the well and in the churchyard, giving more information about the history of the church and of Cuddy’s Well itself.  There will be an official opening and blessing on Sunday 3rd October 2021 at 3pm and the service will be followed by refreshments.  Everyone is welcome to come along and help celebrate, but it would be very helpful for the volunteers to know in advance exactly how many people are likely to attend so they know how much food they will need to prepare...so if you would like to be there, please RSVP by 27th September to Cath Brennand at [email protected]

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 19th August 2021

  • A date for your diaries:  Saturday 9th October 2021 – keep your evening free so you can come along and support the valiant competitors as they take part in Tarset’s Pointless 2!  The whole evening is for a very good cause - with profits going to the Northumberland Air Ambulance - and there will be a ‘soup and pud’ supper and an exciting raffle (there were some excellent prizes last time)!
  • VARC’s ENTWINED: Rural.Land.Lives.Art programme culminates this September with an exhibition at Highgreen from 4th - 12th September. There will be a range of incredible art on show from the eight ENTWINED artists including print, drawing, painting and moving image. The work is based on the idea of what makes 'place' and the interconnectedness of nature and culture. 2021 also marks VARC's 21st anniversary, so this exhibition will be a very special one!  Please contact Helen Pailing for further details:  [email protected]  Further info can also be found on the VARC website:  https://varc.org.uk/end-of-programme-exhibition-at-highgreen-4th-12th-september/

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 12th August 2021

  • I am always happy to include your info about news and events in our area in the Village Notes, so if you have anything you would like to see publicised in the Village Notes, you will need to let me have any details/info/posters by close of play on the Sunday before the Thursday paper goes out each week (the timings are due to the paper’s deadlines).  Not everyone is part of email lists or accesses local information online and the info in the courant is therefore very useful for various folks, so please do feel free to let me have anything you think people might be interested in knowing about - events, celebrations, success stories, funny info – all is welcome.  The email address to send your info to is: [email protected].
  • The Tarset and District Leek Show will take place at Tarset Village Hall on Saturday 4th September and entries for all classes are now being invited - with new competitors being very welcome.  Please contact Jeff Mills (show secretary) on 240302 to register your entries, for details about classes, for further information and for programmes.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 5th August 2021

  • The Tarset and District Leek Show will be returning to Tarset on Saturday 4th September at Tarset Village Hall.  Entries for all classes are invited (please note that entries for the Leek and Onion categories are limited to Leek Club members) and new competitors are always very welcome.  This year, the Flowers and Industrial categories will be open once more, and this year’s ‘gentlemen-only’ cake section will be Sultana Cake, to a recipe of your own choosing!  Please contact Jeff Mills, Show Secretary, on 240302 for further information and programmes.
  • A quick reminder that there will be a Communion Service at St. Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, this coming Sunday (8th August) at 3pm.  The service will be followed by a picnic Social (weather and midge permitting), with entertainment from the Tarset Ceilidh Band.  You will also be given the opportunity to take part in planting wildflower seeds for the creation of the new wildflower meadow.  Everyone is welcome, so bring your own picnic and chair(s) as well as your face coverings for inside the church.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 29th July 2021

  • There will be a Communion Service at St. Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, on Sunday 8th August at 3pm.  The service will be followed by a picnic Social (weather and midge permitting), with entertainment from the Tarset Ceilidh Band.   In addition, the church hopes to start planting wildflower seeds in the unused part of the churchyard, towards the back of the church, with the aim of creating a wildflower meadow.  Everyone is welcome, so bring your own picnic and chair(s).  You will need to be prepared to still adhere to social distancing advice and to wear a face covering indoors. 
  • Tarset’s Lockdown Arts, Crafts and Photo Exhibition opens at the Village Hall this weekend, so don’t miss out on the chance to see what the amazingly talented community has been making during the lockdown period.  The hall will be open on Sunday from 2-5pm (with cream teas available!), throughout the week from 10-11.30am and 5-7pm daily, and on Saturday 7th August from 2-6pm.  Visitors will be able to select their favourites in each category for the ‘People’s Choice’ awards, which will be announced on Saturday 7th August.  Further details are listed on the Tarset Website (https://www.tarset.co.uk/community/events/event.cfm/event/1678).
  • Finally, a quick reminder that if you would like to have your news and views for our area published in the Village Notes, please let me have your details/info/posters, etc. by close of play on the Sunday before the Thursday paper goes out each week.  The email address to send your info to is: [email protected].

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 22nd July 2021

Details of the forthcoming Lockdown Arts, Crafts and Photo Exhibition to be held at Tarset Village Hall from 1st to 7th August have now been released!  The hall will be open from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 31st July for exhibitors to bring along and display their entries (which they will need to reclaim on Sunday 8th August) and the exhibition itself will formally open on Sunday 1st August from 2pm – 5pm, with cream and Prosecco teas available.  Thereafter, it will be open 10am-11.30am and 5pm-7pm daily until Friday 6th August.  On Saturday 7th August, the exhibition will be open from 2pm – 6pm and the event will finish with the announcement of the ‘People’s Favourite’ in each category. It is still not too late to enter, so if you are planning to exhibit, please let John Holland know in advance so the hall can make sure there is enough space for all the entries.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 15th July 2021

  • As part of VARC's ‘ENTWINED’ programme, artist Bridget Kennedy is currently in residence at Bellingham Heritage Centre, where you can see her work in progress on Saturday 17th July 1-4pm.  Tea and cake from the Carriages tearoom will be provided, as well as admission into the Heritage Centre itself.  There’s no need to book in advance and the event is free, although donations will be appreciated.  More details about Bridget's work can be found in VARC’s latest newsletter as well as on her page on the VARC website.  Bridget is also looking for help with her research and is keen to hear from local weavers as well as anyone who has knowledge of, or connections to, Otterburn Mill.  If you think you can help, please get in touch with Bridget on [email protected].  News about the other artists in VARC’s current programme of residencies can also be found on the website and although some of the artists’ projects have had their intended scope somewhat altered by COVID restrictions, residencies at Tarset Village Hall, Unison Colour and Kielder Wildwood have already taken place earlier this year and the artists have been getting involved in community life/events as much as they have been allowed to.
  • Meanwhile, if you have any news or views for the Village Notes, please can you remember to let me have your info by close of play on the Sunday before the Thursday paper goes out each week.  The email address to send your info to is: [email protected] and it helps if it's clearly marked as HC Village Notes (or something along those lines!).  Not everyone is part of local email lists, and not everyone can accesses local information online, so having the info in the Courant is very useful for various folks.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 8th July 2021

Those of you who are registered for the Tarset Mailing list will already know that Tarset Village Hall has now been able to set the new date for the oft-postponed and long-awaited Art, Craft and Photo Lockdown Exhibition.  The purpose of the exhibition is to show off the local community’s creative talents as they have been applied during the ‘lockdown’.  There are three broad categories - Art, Craft and Photography - and the only rule is that any entries must have been undertaken after the 23rd March 2020.  The exhibition will run from Sunday 1st to Saturday 7th August 2021.  The hall will be opened on Saturday 31st July for all entrants to bring along their entries (which must be pre-registered with John) ready for viewing at the opening on Sunday.  If you have already let John know details of your entries, there is no need to contact him again. However, if you are planning to enter something additional/new and haven’t yet let him know, then please make sure to email him (via [email protected]) with the number and categories of any creations you are planning to enter.   There is no limit to the number of entries from any individual!  Further details about the official opening of the exhibition will be sent out nearer the time.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 1st July 2021

“There are 21 American states whose name ends with an ‘A’.  Of the100 people who were asked to name one, most people responded with ‘California’…but can you guess which state got the lowest number of responses?”  For those who think they know (answers will be published soon via Tarset Mailing), it’s time to put your general knowledge to the test.  The brilliantly fun and long-awaited “Tarset’s Pointless II” will be returning to the Village Hall on Saturday 9th October 2021 (Covid rules permitting) and eight teams of 2 contestants are needed.  Why not have a go!  Please contact Malcolm Brodie on 240403 or [email protected] for further details.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 24th June 2021

Following last week’s announcement concerning further delays in the easing of lockdown restrictions, Tarset Village Hall Committee has reluctantly decided to postpone the ‘Lockdown Arts, Crafts and Photo Exhibition’ which was scheduled for 4th -10th July.  Whilst the regulations would allow the hall to stage the exhibition and open for viewing with limited numbers and social distancing measures, the committee really wants the exhibition opening and closing to be social events under as normal conditions as possible and therefore feels that the event should not go ahead until people are allowed to meet and socialise safely.  Please keep your eyes open for the new dates, which will be published in due course.  In the meantime, the hall will be open for bookings, provided these comply with the prevailing regulations and the COVID cleaning rules (which have been put in place by the hall both to meet the legislative requirements and to make sure the hall is as safe as possible for all its users) are adhered to.  It is also worth mentioning that it is the event organisers/hall hirers will be responsible for ensuring the implementation of and compliance with the prevailing COVID restrictions for their event(s), so if you want to book the hall and have any queries about what that entails, please email [email protected].  The hall's requirements and the relevant rules (in place, it is expected, until the 19th July) are listed on the Tarset Website (https://www.tarset.co.uk/community/villagehall.cfm).

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 17th June 2021

This week, there’s just a small reminder that in order for me to include your info about news and events in our area in the Village Notes, you will need to let me have your details/info/posters, etc. by close of play on the Sunday before the Thursday paper goes out each week.  The email address to send your info to is: [email protected]. Not everyone is part of email lists or accesses local information online, so the info in the courant is useful for various folks in the area.  Please feel free to forward anything you think might be interesting to the community.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 3rd June 2021

  • There will be a Communion service at St. Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, on Sunday 13th June (2nd Sunday after Trinity) at 2.00pm.  Please remember to bring your masks with you, as the social distancing restrictions and rules still need to be applied until at least the 21st June.  The service is open to everyone in the community, so please do feel free to go along if you would like to.
  • Just a quick reminder that in order for me to include your info about news and events in our area in the Village Notes, you will need to let me have your details/info/posters, etc. by close of play on the Sunday before the Thursday paper goes out each week.  The email address to send your info to is: [email protected]  and it’s worth remembering that not everyone is part of email lists or accesses local information online, so the info in the courant is useful for various folks!  Please feel free to forward anything you think might be interesting to the community.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 27th May 2021

  • St Peter’s Church, Falstone, is introducing its new regular pattern of Services.  Parish Worship, led by Marie and Jill (authorised in Lay Ministry) will take place at 11am on the first Sunday of each month, and on the third Sunday of each month, there will be a Parish Communion Service at 8.30am.  If you would like the zoom code for online services, please email the Rev Sarah Lunn (Rural Dean) on [email protected].  Everyone is very welcome, whether online or in person.
  • St Peter’s Church Falstone will also be the venue for the Bellingham Deanery Outdoor Creation Service on Sunday 30th May 2021.  The service starts at 2pm and everyone is welcome – you are allowed to bring a chair (deckchairs welcome!) if you wish to sit down during the service.
  • Just a reminder that if you have anything you would like to see included in the next edition of the Tarset Diary, the deadline is Friday 18th June 2021.  There is still time to submit any funny or interesting stories, memories of Tarset & Greystead, photographs, info about Birthdays, births, anniversaries, remembrance notices, etc.   Also, if any newcomers to the community wish to introduce themselves, then now’s the chance.  Please send all info to Chris at the new email address: [email protected]
  • The Boe Rigg is currently looking for experienced bar and waiting staff, cleaners, kitchen assistants and a gardener/maintenance person. For further information about any of the jobs available, please contact 01434 240663

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 20th May 2021

  • The Boe Rigg is now open for diners wishing to eat inside (you may need to book a table in advance), and will be following the government’s strict ‘rule of six’ guidelines. Of course, hardy souls are still very welcome to eat outside, and the usual rules apply wherever you choose to eat:  please wait to be seated until you are asked to do so (this gives the staff the chance to sanitise the tables for you – there are signs to tell you which tables are still awaiting sanitisation)  and it will be waiter service only.  Hopefully, the rules will be relaxed in five weeks, but in the meantime, please be patient – the owners and staff are working their hardest to make sure you stay safe and things may take a little longer than usual. 
  • Meanwhile, don’t forget to let me know if you have anything you would like to see published in the Courant’s Village Notes (via email [email protected]). You will need to let me have your news/events/etc. by close of play on the Sunday before the Thursday paper goes out each week.  Please don’t assume I will automatically find out about news and events…I’d much rather have two or three people telling me about the same event than miss out something important for the area. 

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 13th May 2021

  • Falstone Tennis Club are holding an open meeting to discuss the future of the tennis court in Falstone.  A socially-distanced meeting will take place at the court on Thursday 13th May at 7pm.  If you are unable to attend, but would either like to be involved in the discussion or have any ideas to contribute, please contact Helen Banks and let her know your thoughts. 

  • If you have anything you would like to see published in the Courant’s Village Notes, please let me know (via email [email protected]) by close of play on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week.  Not everyone in the area has online access or is part of the local Mailing lists, so the Courant is the ideal way to let people know about events, invites and local news.  If you let me know about things, I can include them in the notes - so please do let me know if there's anything you would like to publicise or even just to share with the rest of the community...particularly as it looks like we may be on track to see a limited lifting of restrictions from 17th May and the total lifting of restrictions from June 21st, allowing the welcome return of a number of regular activities and entertainment in community buildings and businesses in the area.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 29th April 2021

  • The Heritage Centre, Bellingham, is looking to recruit new Trustees, Committee Members and Volunteers.  If you, or someone you know would be interested, please don’t hesitate to contact Steve Gibbon ([email protected]), and more information about the roles and opportunities the Heritage Centre has to offer can be found on its website here: https://bellingham-heritage.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering.html.  The Centre continues to hold some of its committee meetings online, so distance is therefore no barrier to getting involved - whether as a Trustee/Committee Member or for some of the other volunteer roles.  Anything from a short time each month to more involved project work would be really appreciated.
  • The deadline for copy to be included in the Summer edition of the Tarset Diary is Friday 18th June 2021, and any interesting stories, photos, birthdays, weddings, parties, jokes, anniversaries, remembrances etc., would be most welcome.  June sounds a long way off, but time passes so quickly (especially at this time of year!) and with a bit of luck and a following wind, we may even be able to meet up in person and start to get some of our community groups back together close to that date.  The email address to send information to is: [email protected]
  • In the meantime, if you have anything you would like to see published in the Courant’s Village Notes, please let me know (via email [email protected]) by close of play on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 22nd April 2021

  • The Bellingham Fund is currently open for small (£750 - £2000) funding applications.  It is a small Community Foundation fund which makes grants in support of community activity in Bellingham and the North Tyne Valley (including Greenhaugh, Lanehead and Greystead areas).  So if you have any projects that need funding, please visit their website for further information and details of how to apply.  https://www.communityfoundation.org.uk/group_grant/supporting-community-activity-in-bellingham-and-the-north-tyne-valley/
  • The next service at St. Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, will be Communion on Sunday 9th May and it will be followed by the APCM (the AGM of the Parochial Church Council (PCC)). The church would welcome more members on the PCC and if anyone would like to join Caroline Waitt as churchwarden, she would be delighted.  Everyone who is on the electoral roll can attend this meeting and everyone in the parish can attend the first part of it - you will all be very welcome to attend.  Please contact Caroline ([email protected]) for further information.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 15th April 2021

VARC is delighted to welcome a limited number of visitors in person to a Work in Progress Open Studios event at Highgreen on Saturday 24th April 2021, which will feature works in progress by artists in residence Catriona Gallagher and Shane Finan.  The event is free to attend, but it is essential that you book online in advance via the Eventbrite online booking system (via the VARC website – link below), or by contacting [email protected] who will be able to book a time on your behalf.  Visitors will be able to view a selection of the artists’ current work and will have the chance to meet and discuss the works with the artists.  To ensure compliance with current lockdown restrictions and to maintain safe social distancing, attendance will be limited to six visitors per time slot.  Please wear a face mask during your visit unless you are exempt, and understand that VARC will not be able to admit you outside of your pre-booked time unless places are still available for a different time slot. Contact [email protected] for assistance and more information.  Further info can be found here: https://www.varc.org.uk/work-in-progress-open-studios-catriona-gallagher-shane-finan/

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 8th April 2021

  • St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, will be holding an Easter Communion Service at St Aidan’s tomorrow (Friday 9th April) at 4pm and everyone is welcome to attend (the service will be socially distanced and safe for people to attend). It will also be Elaine Ryder’s last service before she begins her placement at Hexham Abbey to complete her curacy, so it is a chance to send her off with good wishes for the last part of her training.  Children are invited to make an ‘Easter Garden on a plate or tray’ which can be left at the church before the Easter Service and all entries will be blessed during the service.
  • What do you want from your new Rector?  Churches Together is in the process of preparing a Parish Profile for a new Rector for North Tyne and Redesdale, which will be given out to prospective candidates.  Your thoughts on the qualities you would look for in a new vicar, and what you think is special about your church and community, would be very welcome!  You can get more information from Caroline Waitt, but you may need to be quick, as there is a tight deadline and she will need your completed responses by 12th April.
  • The next Great North Air Ambulance Collection will be on Wednesday 14th April.  As last time, a vehicle from the Great North Ambulance will be parked outside (so that all bags can be put directly into the vans) Falstone from 10am-10.45am and Tarset Village Hall from 11am-11.45am.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 1st April 2021

  • The bells at St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, rang out at noon last Wednesday (the 24th March) on the Marie Curie Day of Remembrance, to mark a year since the beginning of the first lockdown and to remember all those who have lost their lives during this strange and difficult year.
  • As the restrictions start to ease and activities and businesses start to open up again, it is worth remembering that not everybody has access to online information, so if you have any news or events you would like me to include in the Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please don’t forget to let me know about it so I can make sure your information is included.  All you need to do is email your info to [email protected] by close of play on a Sunday so it can be included in the Thursday paper.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 25th March 2021

  • The next Great North Air Ambulance Collection will be on Wednesday 14th April.  As last time, a vehicle from the Great North Ambulance will be parked outside the usual venues, so that all bags can be put directly into the vans.  No official bags will be distributed for this collection, so please put clothing/fabrics, etc. in any adequate bag and tie it securely to avoid any spillage. Books should be put in separate bags and the same applies to mobile phones, CDs, cassettes and print cartridges (again, please tie these bags). The GNAA are also now collecting used postage stamps now so if you have any to donate, please put them in a separate packet to be given to the driver.  These collections provide a really valuable source of revenue for GNAA, so it’s a great opportunity to get rid of things that have accumulated during lockdown.  In our area, the vans will be at Falstone from 10am - 10.45am  and  at Tarset Village Hall from 11am-11.45am.
  • St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, will be holding an Easter Communion Service at St Aidan’s on Friday 9th April at 4pm and everyone is welcome to attend (it has been carefully planned to be socially distanced and safe). It will also be Elaine Ryder’s last service as curate before she begins her placement at Hexham Abbey to complete her curacy, so it is a chance to send her off with prayers and good wishes for the last part of her training.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 18th March 2021

Some lovely things have been happening in Falstone, Greenhaugh and Thorneyburn over the course of last weekend.  Once again, it has not been possible for the region’s churches to celebrate Mothering Sunday this year and in fact, the weekend marks a full year of being in various forms of lockdown, since the Mothering Sunday service last year was the first to be cancelled at the beginning of the COVID restrictions.  Volunteers from Churches Together marked this year’s Mothering Sunday by putting together numerous cheerful bunches of daffodils (the youngest of Falstone’s helpers was just 5 years old), which were left outside the URC (Falstone), St Aidan’s (Thorneyburn) and in Greenhaugh, for all members of the community to collect free of charge - either for themselves or drop off at the gates of others in the community who might like them.  It was a lovely gesture which will hopefully have provided moments of cheer for residents and is yet another small example of the sense of caring and community which has helped make bearable what has been a challenging year for many.  If the easing of restrictions goes ahead as planned, each church will be allowed to hold an Easter Communion Service during Easter Week, although dates are yet to be decided.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 11th March 2021

  • Tarset Community Orchard needs some help with maintenance and pruning but as we are still in lockdown, it has not been possible to organise the annual pruning session this year.   Although the Trees are in good shape after three years of pruning and expert advice from Peter Samsom, the Apple trees (although not the plums, as they need to be pruned in Summer) would benefit from some work on broken and/or crossing branches.  If, on your daily exercise, you fancy slipping some pruning scissors into your coat pocket and calling in at the orchard to prune a few trees it would be much appreciated.  If you aren’t sure what to do or have any questions, please give Caroline and Libby a call and they will be able to let you know what still needs to be done.
  • If you have anything you would like to see in the Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please don’t forget to let me know about it so I can make sure all your news and events are included.  All you need to do is email your info to [email protected] by close of play on a Sunday so it can be included in the Thursday paper.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 4th March 2021

If you are looking for plants and have some to spare yourself, the new Plant Swap group (which is open to folks from the whole Upper North Tyne, Bellingham, Rochester and Otterburn areas), is going from strength to strength, with 100 members already. Its aim is to help people find hardy plants that work up here and reduce plant miles and consumables in order not to cost the earth literally or figuratively.  The group has seen some great perennial herbs swapped already, and with the sowing and planting season almost upon us, it is hoped that more and more people will appreciate the chance to get locally-grown plants.  Arrangements can be made to leave the plants to be swapped by a garden gates, so that nobody has to come close to each other.  You can join the facebook group for further info:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1029464037527993

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 25th February 2021

  • The grass-cutting contract for Falstone Parish is up for tender and applications are welcomed.  The contract is for one year initially, but can be extended to three years.  For further details, please contact Mrs Josephine Sanderson, Clerk to Falstone Parish Council, by email at [email protected] or by phone on 01434 240319.
  • Rural Churches for Everyone (RCFE) is a National Heritage Lottery Funded project supporting four clusters of historic Northumbrian churches (including 9 churches in the Bellingham and Upper North Tyne region) to secure their sustainable future.  The project deadline has been extended to January 2022 and plans also include Newcastle Diocese’s commitment to becoming an Eco Diocese (with net zero carbon proposals forming part of the discussions).  Further information (including contact information) can be found online at  http://inspirednortheast.org.uk/rural-churches-for-everyone and you can also follow the project via Twitter (https://twitter.com/inspiredne) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/RuralChurchesForEveryone).  There will be fortnightly online meetings starting in March, covering topics such as examining the assets of the churches, the characteristics of the communities they serve, what their communities need, achieving eco church status, what the buildings need, funding and finance, and other subjects.  If you would like to get involved or have some ideas to contribute, please don’t hesitate to get in touch - there’s plenty of opportunity to be part of this project and your input would be very welcome. 

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 18th February 2021

The Village Notes is a great place to let people (especially those who have limited or no access to the internet) know about upcoming events and what’s happening in the area (by which I mean everyone from Charlton, to Greenhaugh and Thorneyburn, and right the way up through Falstone and Kielder).  If you have anything you would like me to include in the Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please don’t forget to let me know about it so I can make sure your news and events are included.  All you need to do is email your info to [email protected] by close of play on a Sunday so it can be included in the Thursday paper.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 4th February 2021

The Village Notes is a great place to let people know about upcoming events and what’s happening in the area.  If you have anything you would like me to include in the Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please don’t forget to let me know about it so I can make sure your news and events are included.  All you need to do is email your info to [email protected] by close of play on a Sunday so it can be included in the Thursday paper.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 28th January 2021

  • Land of Joy would like to wish everyone a belated Happy New Year!  Although the centre is currently closed to all guests, the team is still keeping everything running smoothly and making good use of the downtime to do general maintenance (of which there is plenty).  In the spring, they hope to build the third of their retreat huts and in the meantime, they are offering a varied online programme, so please feel free to take a look at their website for further info: https://landofjoy.co.uk/programme/

  • If you have anything you would like me to include in the Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please don’t forget to let me know about it so I can make sure your news and events are included.  All you need to do is email your info to [email protected] by close of play on a Sunday so it can be included in the Thursday paper.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 21st January 2021

  • St Peter’s, Falstone, needs help from all knitters in the North Tyne area.  The church would like to have a large display of knitted poppies for Remembrance Sunday 2021, and they have wool and patterns available for anyone who would like to contribute.  Please contact Jill Swaile if you would like to get involved (via [email protected] or 01434 240168).
  • The annual subscription fees for The Meeting of the Waters (the North Tyne and Redesdale’s Parish magazine) are now due,  and the annual fee of just £6.50 will get you 11 issues per year.  Please contact Jill Swaile for further info.
  • Tarset and Greystead Community Support is available to help with shopping, collect prescriptions, newspapers, and anything else you need. They can also offer transport (even in the snow) for those of you who are called for your vaccines and are unable to get there. Please ring 01434 240210 or email [email protected] and one of the volunteers will be there to help.
  • Although there will be no public worship in our region’s churches for February, churches remain open for visits and private prayer.  Online services are on offer from St Cuthbert’s Bellingham, as are Lent bible study sessions.  For further info, please contact Elaine Ryder (01830 520212 or email [email protected]).  ‘Daily Hope’ also offer services, prayers and hymns 24 hour a day (freephone: 0800 804 8044) and if you visit your local churches, you can hear bible readings recorded locally on Sundays, as well as other notices.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 14th January 2021

Hope you all had a good time over the Holidays.  I can't say I'm in any way sad to see the back of 2020 and I'm hoping 2021 brings us new beginnings and improvements - and more than the odd glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel!

  • If you are looking for plants and have some to spare yourself, there is a new Plant Swap group (only started about 7 weeks ago) which is open to folks from the whole Upper North Tyne, Bellingham, Rochester and Otterburn areas. The aim is to help people find hardy plants that work up here and reduce plant miles and consumables in order not to cost the earth literally or figuratively.  The group has already attracted over 50 members and has seen some great perennial herbs swapped in this relatively dormant season. With the latest lockdown,  it is hoped that people will appreciate the chance to get plants locally all the more and arrangements can be made to leave the plants to be swapped by a garden gates, so that nobody has to come close to each other.  You can join their facebook group for further info:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1029464037527993
  • St Peter's Church, Falstone, would like to thank everyone who donated Chocolate selection boxes for the West Northumberland food bank – an impressive 119 boxes were sent in total.   Please note that during the current lockdown, St Peter's is open for private prayer each day, and you will need to adhere to the COVID secure guidance in the church. There are Zoom online church services/bible study each week, so if you wish to take part in these sessions, please contact Jill Swaile who will ensure you are added to the email correspondence list for the codes etc. 01434 240168 /[email protected]