Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 28th December 2023

• I hope everyone has had a lovely time over the Christmas holidays and I would like to take the opportunity to send good wishes for a Happy New Year and to hope that 2024 brings everyone health and happiness. 
• Song Reivers is a community choir which is open to anyone who would like to come along and take part.  The new term starts on Monday, 8th January 2024 and all newcomers get their first session free of charge, so if you would like to come along and join in, sit and listen or just pop in to see what it’s all about, feel free to do so – you will be very welcome and you don’t need to read music or to have had any singing experience.  It’s a great way to be social and to start the week on a positive note (*ahem*).  The weekly sessions run from 10am – 11.30am at Tarset Village Hall.
• Finally, if you have anything at all that you would like to see published in the Courant’s Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please email me at [email protected] by 6pm on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 21st December 2023

• Christmas is nearly here(!) and since the next Village Notes won’t be published until 28^th December, I would like to take the opportunity now to wish you all a very Happy Christmas - in whatever form it takes for you. 
• This year’s Candlelit Carol Service at St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, will take place on Sat 23rd December at 7pm, with support from Song Reivers and Tarset Ceilidh Band as well as traditional carols and readings.  Please wrap up warmly and bring candles and/or lanterns with you.  A torch is always a good idea for navigating the churchyard and lane, as the ground may be uneven in places.  Refreshments are being provided afterwards by Kate at the Old Rectory, but a plate of nibbles or a flask of mulled wine would be a welcome additional contribution.
• Falstone will be running its Family Carol and Christingle Service on Christmas Eve, at 4pm.
• St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn will not be running any services on Christmas Eve, but will instead be offering a Communion Service at 11am on Christmas Day.
• If you prefer to celebrate Christmas in a quieter or more reflective way, or if you find the usual Christmas celebrations difficult as a result of grief or loss, St Cuthbert’s in Bellingham is offering an alternative ‘Longest Night’ Service – a quiet, reflective service with music, at 8pm on Thursday 21st December.  Hot chocolate and light refreshments will be available before the service, and all are welcome.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 14th December 2023

• Late night Christmas shopping has started at the Bellwether Gallery & Shop, which is located a 5-minute drive from Bellingham on the way to Kielder.  The gallery is open from 5pm-8pm every Thursday evening in the run-up to Christmas, with a range of unique presents available - from stocking fillers to showstoppers!
• This is a final reminder that Tarset Village Hall’s Christmas Social takes place this weekend, on Sat 16th December.  There will be a pooled supper, music and a raffle (with proceeds being donated to local good causes).  This is a great opportunity for the community to get together for an informal celebration of the festive season. Doors and bar open at 7pm.
• This weekend also sees the North Tyne and Redewater Choral Society’s Christmas Concert (which this year takes place in St Giles’ Church, Chollerton): Christmas with ‘The Greats’.  Conducted by John Roper with accompaniment by Michael Haynes, the programme features music by Berlioz, Handel and Mozart, as well as other well-known Christmas music from around the world.   Saturday December 16th at 7.30pm.  Light seasonal refreshments are included in the ticket price.
• Tarset Song Reivers will be joining Tynedale Community Choir and Dark Sky Voices at Hexham’s Trinity Methodist Church for ‘Hexham Christmas in Song’ on Monday 18th December at 7.30pm (advance tickets are available online via Ticket Tailor).  Other, more local performances will be the annual ‘Carols by Car’ event, which takes place at various locations around Tarset and Greenhaugh on the evening of Tuesday 19th December, and they will also be taking part in the Thorneyburn Candlelit Carol Service, which happens on Saturday 23rd December. 
• Please note:  If you have anything you would like me to include in the Village Notes for New Year or for the first week in January, the deadlines are the same - for the Notes on Thursday 21st December, please could you let me have any copy by Sunday 17th December, and for the Notes which will appear in the Courant on Thursday 28th December, you will need to let me have anything you would like to include on Sunday 24th December (Christmas Eve!).

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 7th December 2023

• Tarset Song Reivers’ main performance for Christmas will be a joint concert with Tynedale Community Choir at Trinity Methodist Church, Hexham, on Monday 18th December at 7.30pm (prior to the concert, they will also be performing with Tynedale at the Hexham Farmers Markets on both Saturday 9th and Saturday 16th December).  Their annual ‘Carols by Car’ event around Tarset will be on the evening of Tuesday 19th December, and they very much look forward to participating in the Thorneyburn Candlelit Carol Service on Sunday 23rd December.  They look forward to seeing you at their concerts, but whether you are le to come along or not, they would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
• Tarset Village Hall Christmas Coffee Morning will be at 10.30am on 7th December. As usual there will be mince pies etc. and everyone is welcome!  Since, coincidentally(!), 7th December just happens to be Christmas Jumper Day in aid of Save The Children, the organisers will be wearing their festive woollies (it’s not compulsory for guests, of course, but should you feel the need to display your *ahem* tasteful seasonal knitwear, there won’t be any complaints!) and there will be a collection for the cause. The draw for the last 100 Club winners of the year will also take place.
• Presented by First Thursday Films,  December’s film, the 1946 Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life, will instead be shown at Tarset Village Hall on the second Thursday (14th).  The film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man whose life is torn apart by events beyond his control, prompting the intervention of a guardian angel.  You may have seen it before(!), but perhaps not on a big screen - so why not go along for your dose of community Christmas cheer!  Doors and bar open at 7pm and the film will start at 7.30pm.
• There will be a Christmas Social at Tarset Village Hall on Sat 16th December.  Doors and bar open at 7pm and as with last year, there will be a pooled supper, music and a raffle (with proceeds being donated to local good causes).  This is a great opportunity for the community to get together for an informal celebration of the festive season.
• Conducted by John Roper with accompaniment by Michael Haynes, NTRCP presents a Christmas concert for 2023: Christmas with ‘The Greats’, with music by Bach, Berlioz, Handel and Mozart, as well as other well-known Christmas music from around the world.  Conducted by John Roper with accompaniment by Michael Haynes, the concert this year will take place in St Giles’ Church, Chollerton, on Saturday December 16th at 7.30pm.  Light seasonal refreshments are included in the ticket price.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 30th November 2023

• The Christmas season is nearly upon us, so please keep an eye open for events and activities in your local areas.  It’s likely there will be something for everyone, whether you celebrate Christmas or not - and even if you do celebrate but prefer to spend it more quietly.  Decorations and lights are starting to appear all over the area and this year looks like it’s going to be a busy one! 
• Carol services and singing are scheduled.  On 18th December there will be Carols and Hot Chocolate at Kielder Primary School; Song Reivers will be running its annual Carols by Car on 19th December;  23rd December sees the Candlelit Carol Service at St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, starting at 7pm; Bellingham will be holding its Christmas Tree Festival from 11th – 16th December (see Bellingham Village Notes for details) and the North Tyne and Redewater Choral Society will be holding its Christmas Concert on 16th December (this year, it will be at Chollerton).
• You still have time to submit your contributions to the latest (Winter) issue of the Tarset Diary, but you will need to do so by Sunday 3rd December 2023.  The deadline date has been moved forward this year to give the local community plenty of time to plan for the events that are taking place over the Christmas Holiday season.  All contributions (whether that be Christmas memories, stories, events, anniversaries, birthdays, obituaries, births, newcomers’ introductions and photos, or anything else you would like people to know about) are warmly welcomed.  Please send your information to [email protected] or call Chris on 240947.
• A quick reminder that St Peter’s Church in Falstone is collecting Chocolate Selection boxes for disadvantaged children this Christmas season.  Please leave your donations in the food bank bin beside the gates to St Peter’s or inside St Peter’s by 10th December.   Many thanks in advance, as your generosity really can make a difference for a child.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 23rd November 2023

• A quick reminder that there will be a Christmas Fair at Falstone Village hall this weekend (Saturday 25th November) from 2pm - 4pm.  The event will include Christmas gift stalls, children’s crafts, cake stall, raffle, tombola, refreshments, mulled wine and lots more.  This year’s competition (which is open to children and adults alike) will be for a piece of art or craftwork – no bigger than A4 size, please - depicting your interpretation of Festive Farmer(s) and/or Festive Farming. 
• St Peter’s Church in Falstone is collecting Chocolate Selection boxes for disadvantaged children this Christmas season.  Please leave your donations in the food bank bin beside the gates to St Peter’s or inside St Peter’s by 10th December.  Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity.
• This year’s Candlelit Carol Service at St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, will take place on Sat 23rd December at 7pm.  Please wrap up warmly and bring candles and lanterns with you.  A torch is always a good idea for navigating the churchyard and lane, as the ground may be uneven in places. 
• A quick reminder that tickets for BADDs’ Christmas 2023 production of The Canterville Ghost are now available.  Performance dates are Weds 6th to Sat 9th December inclusive, at Bellingham Town Hall, with doors and bar opening at 6.45pm for a 7.30pm start.  A light supper is included in the ticket price.  Tickets (cash only) are available at the Country Store in Bellingham, or you can order them online by emailing [email protected].  Numbers are strictly limited for each performance and advance booking is essential, so you are advised to book early. 
• The deadline for the Winter/Christmassy issue of the Tarset Diary is Sunday 3rd December 2023 (slightly earlier than usual this year so it gives the local community plenty of time to plan for the events that are taking place over the Christmas Holiday season).  All contributions, whether that be Christmas memories, stories, events, anniversaries, birthdays, obituaries, births, newcomers’ introductions and photos, or anything else you would like people to know about(!), are warmly welcomed.  Please send your information to [email protected] or call Chris on  240947.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 16th November 2023

• Tickets for BADDs’ Christmas 2023 production of The Canterville Ghost are now available.  Performance dates are Weds 6th to Sat 9th December inclusive, at Bellingham Town Hall, with doors and bar opening at 6.45pm for a 7.30pm start.  A light supper is included in the ticket price.  Tickets (cash only) are available at the Country Store in Bellingham, or you can order them online by emailing [email protected] (please include your name, address, number of tickets you require and the performance dates you need the tickets for). Please note that there will be a small additional transaction charge for online bookings (to cover the admin fees). Numbers are strictly limited, so early booking is advised.
• December’s ‘First Thursday’ Film, the 1946 Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, will be shown on the second Thursday (14th) in December.  The film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man whose life is torn apart by events beyond his control, prompting the intervention of a guardian angel.  You may have seen it before(!), but perhaps not on a big screen - so why not go along for your dose of community Christmas cheer!  Doors and bar open at 7pm and the film will start at 7.30pm.
• The Horsebox Gallery, Greenhaugh is holding a Christmas event this Saturday (18th November) from 11am - 6pm. As well as original paintings, there are Christmas cards, prints, notebooks, gift wrap, tags, raffia and string.  A glass of mulled wine is also on offer.  More information and directions are available on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GardenersCottageGreenhaugh/) and/or Instagram.  Should the weather prove inclement, there is also a wet weather plan in place...! 
• A date for your diaries:  Tarset Village Hall is organising a Christmas Social on Sat 16th December.  Doors and bar open at 7pm and as with last year, there will be a pooled supper, music and a raffle (with proceeds being donated to local good causes).  This is a great opportunity for the community to get together for an informal celebration of the festive season. 

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 9th November 2023

• Lest we forget.  On Sunday 12^th November 2023, Acts of Remembrance will be taking place across the country, and our own area is no exception.  At Thorneyburn, a special Remembrance Service, led by Michael Nixon, will also be taking place at St Aidan’s, starting at 10.30am.  In Falstone, Remembrance Sunday will be marked at St Peter’s by meeting at 10.50am at the Cenotaph in the Cemetery of St Peter’s for the laying of wreaths, followed by a Remembrance Service at 11am.  Donations for the Royal British Legion will be taken during the service. 
• A date for your diaries:  There will be a Christmas Fair at Falstone Village Hall on Saturday 25th November from 2pm - 4pm.  The event will include Christmas gift stalls, children’s crafts, cake stall, raffle, tombola, refreshments, mulled wine and lots more.  This year’s competition (for children and adults alike) will be  for a piece of art/craftwork depicting your interpretation of Festive Farmer(s) and/or Festive Farming. 
• Kielder Primary School will be hosting the Charity Cake & Bake Stall at next weekend’s Christmas Market in Bellingham Town Hall.  There will also be a range of handmade and locally produced goods on offer - with gifts for friends, family and pets.  Saturday 18th November 10am – 2pm.
• On Tuesday 14th November, Falstone Village Hall will be the venue for a Psychic Night, with Hayley Hope providing a group reading.  Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start…bring your own spirits!  The event will be a fundraiser for Falstone Village Hall, and more details as well as ticket prices and pre-booking can be found at https://www.facebook.com/FalstoneCommunity/
• A final reminder that you will have the opportunity to meet VARC’s current artist in residence, Christy Burdock, at Highgreen this weekend.  On Sat 11th Nov, there will be an informal drop-in session from 1-3pm, with a short artist talk at 2pm.  Full details about the event and more information about Christy and her work can be found on the VARC website:  https://mailchi.mp/4433920df806/meetchristyburdock

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 2nd November 2023

• Kielder’s 2023 Bonfire Night celebration will take place on Friday 3rd November on the playing field.  The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm, and fireworks will start at 7pm.  The display will be followed by a night of music and dancing, with Jason Arnup playing live from 8.30pm to 11.30pm at Kielder Primary School.  Please wrap up warmly, and don’t forget to bring torches and your own refreshments.
• Falstone’s 2023 Bonfire Night celebration will be on Saturday 4th November at Falstone Village Hall.  Hall doors open at 6pm, with bonfire lighting taking place at 6.30pm and a special low noise firework display starting at 7pm.  Hotdogs, soup, jacket potatoes and other refreshments will be available for purchase.
• On Tuesday 14th November, Falstone Village Hall will be the venue for a Psychic Night, with Hayley Hope providing a group reading.  Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start…bring your own spirits!  The event will be a fundraiser for Falstone Village Hall, and more details as well as ticket prices and pre-booking can be found at https://www.facebook.com/FalstoneCommunity/
• Falstone Village Hall is also running its Warm Hub sessions in November and December.  The dates for the rest of 2023 will be 7th November, 28th November and 5th December 2023.  For those who don’t already know, Warm Hub mornings (which run from 10.30am – 1.30pm) offer a bite to eat and a warm drink as well as a safe, warm space for members of the community to come together over the colder months.
• A reminder that you will have the opportunity to meet VARC’s current artist in residence, Christy Burdock, at Highgreen on Sat 11th Nov.  There will be an informal drop-in session from 1-3pm, with a short artist talk at 2pm.  Full details about the event can be found here:  https://mailchi.mp/4433920df806/meetchristyburdock and more information about Christy and her work can be found on the VARC website: https://varc.org.uk/artists/christy-burdock/

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 26th October 2023

• You are invited to meet VARC’s current artist in residence, Christy Burdock, at Highgreen on Sat 11th Nov.  There will be an informal drop-in session from 1-3pm, with a short artist talk at 2pm.  Full details about the event can be found here:  https://mailchi.mp/4433920df806/meetchristyburdock and more information about Christy and her work can be found on the VARC website: https://varc.org.uk/artists/christy-burdock/
• Tarset Greenfingers invite you to its Christmas wreath making event on Sunday 10th December 1pm-3pm in Tarset Village Hall.  Guest demonstrators, Carol Sanderson and Jean Thompson, will show attendees various techniques, after which everyone will have the opportunity to make their own wreaths.  The modest entry fee (£5) includes all wreath-making materials, mulled wine and mince pies.  For further information/prices and to ensure the organisers can make enough refreshments for all, please let Maureen (240372) or Megan (240426) know as soon as possible if you plan to attend.
• A quick reminder that there will be a concert this Friday evening (27th October 2023) at 7.30pm in The Bellwether Gallery, Charlton.  Acclaimed singer-songwriter Gareth Davies-Jones is currently celebrating 20 years in songwriting and his “All Things Come” tour sets out to share his life in song. Tickets, as well as more info about Gareth, can be found at: https://garethdavies-jones.com/event/5258023/652893017/gareth-davies-jones-all-things-come-20-years-in-songwriting

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 19th October 2023

• The first of Kielder’s 2023 Bonfire Night celebrations will take place on Friday 3rd November on the playing field.  The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm, with fireworks starting at 7pm.  The display will be followed by a night of music and dancing, with Jason Arnup playing live from 8.30pm to 11.30pm at Kielder Primary School.  Wrap up warmly and don’t forget to bring torches and your own refreshments.
• Please note that Tarset Village Hall has postponed this weekend’s race night event due to its conflict with the Rugby World Cup semi-final match between England and South Africa.  Whilst the Hall is aware that a race night might appeal to non-Rugby fans, it is also aware that a fair number of its usual supporters are huge rugby fans(!), so race night will be re-scheduled in the new year - most likely in February.
• Tarset Ceilidh band will be playing up a storm on Saturday 21st October at 7.30pm, in the newly refurbished Byrness Village Hall.  The ceilidh will be in aid of St. Francis Church, Byrness, and Holy Trinity Church, Horsley.  There will be a raffle and a shared supper, so please bring your dancing shoes and a plate to contribute.  You will also need to bring your own drinks.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 12th October 2023

• Tarset Village Hall will be hosting a ‘Race Night’ on Saturday 21st October, starting at 7.30pm, featuring real-life race action on the big screen.  Punters (whether individuals or in teams) will be able to study the form guide and place their bets (not real money, of course) before watching the races unfold. Each race will have its winners (and losers) and there will be a modest prize at the end of the evening for whoever accumulates the greatest pile of winnings.  So to enjoy the thrill of the races with no risk, why not go along.  Admission is free and there will be a raffle.  Doors and bar are open from 7pm.
• A quick reminder that this weekend sees an Apple Pressing Event at Hexham Farmers’ Market.  If you have any excess or unwanted apples (whether from community orchards in our area or from your own trees), Transition Tynedale will be running an Apple Pressing Event on Saturday 14th October - from 9am to 1.30pm - at Hexham Farmers’ Market.  Why not have a go at using an apple press to turn your apples into fresh apple juice?  Things to bring:  Apples, bottles (clean glass or plastic bottles), muscles and enthusiasm.  Apples need to be washed and pulped prior to being pressed and your help with that process, as well as with operating the press, would be very welcome.  In return for your help, you should receive some fresh apple juice. In the meantime, if you have any queries or would like any further information, please email [email protected]

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 5th October 2023

• The annual Harvest Communion Service will take place at 11am on Sunday 8^th October (this weekend) at St Aidan's, Thorneyburn.  A collection is being taken for the West Northumberland Food Bank, so any donations of tinned and dried foods may be left at the church at any time, or you can bring them with you to the service. Lots of people are struggling with the cost of living at the moment, so please be generous if you can.  Fresh produce and homemade jams will be given out in this community or to the local food pantry at Bellingham. There will be refreshments available after the service (nibbles and cheese and bread etc.) so if you want, please bring something to share.  Anyone who would like to help decorate the church is invited to  please come along on Saturday Morning (7^th October) at 10:30am, armed with greenery, produce and enthusiasm. Flowers (from Halls of Heddon, as usual) will be there from Thursday evening - so if you cannot make Saturday, you are welcome to go to the church and decorate a windowsill (or whatever you wish) as and when you can.
• Apple Pressing Event:  Should you be at a loss as to what to do with any excess or unwanted apples (whether from community orchards in our area or from your own trees) Transition Tynedale will be running an Apple Pressing Event on Saturday 14th October - from 9am to 1.30pm - at Hexham Farmers’ Market.  Why not have a go at using an apple press to turn your apples into fresh apple juice?  Things to bring:  Apples - You (or your friends or family) can bring your excess or unwanted apples to the Farmers’ Market;  Bottles – If you have any clean glass or plastic bottles (plastic milk bottles are great for freezing juice), please do bring them along with you;  Muscles or enthusiasm (or both) - In order to ‘produce the juice’ (so to speak), apples will need to be washed and pulped prior to being pressed.  Your help with that process and with the pressing itself would be very welcome and in return, you should receive some fresh apple juice.  If you have any queries or would like any further information, please email [email protected]
• October at the Bellwether Gallery: Gareth Davies-Jones will be coming to the Bellwether Gallery on Friday 27th October 2023.  A well-known and well-respected professional singer, songwriter, storyteller, and producer for twenty years, Gareth comes armed with a “rich distinctive voice, two decades of compelling songwriting, and sixteen solo and collaborative albums.  All Things Come sets out to share his life in song.” Tickets (numbers are strictly limited) and further information are available under the ‘Tour’ section of his website: https://garethdavies-jones.com/event/5258023/652893017/gareth-davies-jones-all-things-come-20-years-in-songwriting

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 28thSeptember 2023

• A quick reminder that The Bellingham Practice will be holding walk-in flu vaccination clinics for all eligible patients: those aged 65 and over, those who are pregnant and those listed as being in an “at risk” category (details of which can be found on the NHS website).  Clinics will take place at Bellingham Surgery on Thurs 28th September (8.10am -2pm and 2.30pm – 6pm); Weds 4th October (8.40am-12.30pm and 1pm-4pm) and Thurs 5th October (8.10am-2pm and 2.30pm-6pm).  To protect people who are most at risk of serious illness if they develop flu, the Department of Health recommends flu vaccination each year for everyone who is eligible for the vaccination and for those who work with people or groups who may be vulnerable to the effects of flu (including carers and frontline health workers). The Bellingham Practice website has further details: https://thebellinghampractice.co.uk/news.aspx 
• You are invited to a coffee morning on Tuesday 17th October at Falstone Village Hall.  As well as meeting in a warm and friendly space for a free coffee and a chat, the regulars at the coffee mornings have been raising money each month for different charities (which are chosen by those who attend).  For example, at July’s coffee morning, £165 was raised for Papyrus, a charity which aims to raise awareness of suicide prevention in young children.  In October, any donations will be given to the Children’s Air Ambulance.   November’s session will be on Tuesday 21st November, when any donations will be in aid of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. Sessions run from 10.30-11.30am at Falstone Village Hall (the Matthew Ridley Memorial Hall) and everyone is very welcome to come along for a cuppa and a chat. Please contact Marie Ness on 240679 for further details.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 21st September 2023

• The Bellingham Practice will be holding walk in flu vaccination clinics for all eligible patients: those aged 65 and over, those who are pregnant and those listed as being in an “at risk” category (details can be found on the NHS website).  Clinics will take place at Bellingham Surgery on:  Weds 27th September (8.30am -12.30pm and 1pm-4pm); Thurs 28th September (8.10am -2pm and 2.30pm – 6pm); Weds 4th October (8.40am-12.30pm and 1pm-4pm) and Thurs 5th October (8.10am-2pm and 2.30pm-6pm).  To protect people who are most at risk of serious illness or death if they develop flu, the Department of Health recommends flu vaccination each year for everyone who is eligible for the vaccination and for those who work with people or groups who may be vulnerable to the effects of flu (including carers and frontline health workers). The Bellingham Practice website has further details: https://thebellinghampractice.co.uk/news.aspx  
• The next collection for the Great North Air Ambulance takes place on Weds, 27 September between 11am and 11.45am at Tarset Village Hall. The van will be outside the hall to receive your donations: clothes, belts, pairs of shoes, bedding and curtains are welcomed, as are books, DVDs and used ink cartridges.  Please pack your donations in any adequate bag, tying it securely to avoid any spillage.  Books should be grouped together in separate bags/boxes, as should mobile phones, CDs, DVDs and print cartridges.  Thank you in advance for your continued support. 
• An advance date for your diaries:  Gareth Davies-Jones will be coming to the Bellwether Gallery on Friday 27th October 2023.  A well-known and well-respected professional singer, songwriter, storyteller and producer for twenty years, Gareth comes armed with a rich distinctive voice, two decades of compelling songwriting and sixteen solo and collaborative albums.  “All Things Come” sets out to share his life in song. Tickets (numbers are strictly limited) and further information are available via his website - https://garethdavies-jones.com/event/5258023/652893017/gareth-davies-jones-all-things-come-20-years-in-songwriting

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 14th September 2023

You are invited to coffee morning on Tuesday 17th October at Falstone Village Hall.  As well as offering a warm and friendly space for a coffee and a chat, the regular coffee mornings raise money for different charities chosen by those who attend.  For example, at July’s coffee morning, £165 was raised for Papyrus - a charity which aims to raise awareness of suicide prevention in young children.  In October, any donations will be given to the children’s Air Ambulance.  Please feel free to join in - everyone is welcome.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 7th September 2023

• St Aidan’s Church, Thorneyburn, would like to invite you to take part in a walk and an Environment Service on 24th September. The walk starts at Redmire at 1.15pm and ends at St Aidan’s in plenty of time for the service at 3pm.  The service will be Evening Prayer in the Iona Tradition, led by Michael Nixon.  You are welcome to walk the whole route, join in at Greenhaugh (at about 2pm), or just come straight to the church for the service. 
• Congratulations to all exhibitors, organisers and supporters of the 2023 Tarset Leek, Vegetable and Flower Show, which took place at Tarset Village Hall on Saturday 2^nd The following is a brief summary from Jeff Mills, the Show Secretary:  “Once again, there was a fine display of exhibits - although entries in the dahlia section were down due to one of the main exhibitors being ill.  John Davies, from Bellingham, put on an excellent display of chrysanthemums and gladioli which resulted in him winning the trophy for the most points in the floral section and the rose bowl for the best floral exhibit.  In the other floral classes, the main winners were Michael Dickenson, Robin Banks, Amanda Grey and Roy Bell, and Jenny Swaile was again the winner of the floral basket.  The industrial section put on a very nice display of jams, chutney and bakery, with the main winners being Margaret Bird (who won the trophy for the most points in this section), Gloria Armstrong and Phillipa Ingledew.  Phillip Spottiswood won the men’s only apple tart class (which will result in the Bellingham golf club being subjected to his skills with an oven), Alan Swaile came second and John Holland was third (which may well result in the Grumpies being the subject of a tutorial in the art of slicing apples).  Clive Hymers won the leeks, followed by Stephen Baty and Mat Robson. The main winners in the vegetable section were Roy Bell, Stan Robson, Keith Robson, John Heron and Jeff Mills.  The auction proved a success with some very lively bidding from a very generous crowd.”
• The North Tyne and Redewater Choral Society is hoping to encourage new members this coming term. If you enjoy singing, particularly classical music, they meet at the Methodist United Reform Church in Bellingham on Monday evenings from 7.30-9.30pm, during term time (from September to April). You are very welcome to turn up to their first rehearsal on Monday 11th September to have a sing and meet the choir members. This term they will be rehearsing a small selection from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and Handel’s Messiah, as well as carols and other Christmas music, for their concert at Chollerton Church on Saturday 16th December. If you would like more information, contact John Roper on [email protected]
• Tarset Song Reivers would also be delighted to welcome new members in September. They meet at Tarset Village Hall on Monday mornings all year during term-time from 10-11.30am. You only need to enjoy singing a variety of music, and do not need to be able to read music to join. They arrange informal performances locally, ‘Carols by Car’ before Christmas, and have recently sung at the Bellingham Show. The first meeting of the new term will be on Monday 11 September and they look forward to meeting you then – you are welcome to go along to the rehearsal and see how you feel about joining in.
• Bellingham and District Dramatic Society (BADDS), will be starting rehearsals for its 2023 Christmas Play in mid-September, and this year the play will be Oscar Wilde’s brilliantly dark comedy: The Canterville Ghost. Performances will take place in Bellingham Town Hall and the dates and times will be published nearer the time.  If you would like to be part of the group – whether on stage or behind the scenes, please email [email protected]

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 31st August 2023

• The North Tyne and Redewater Choral Society is hoping to encourage new members this coming term. If you enjoy singing, particularly classical music, they meet at the Methodist United Reform Church in Bellingham on Monday evenings from 7.30-9.30pm, during term time (from September to April). You are very welcome to come to their first rehearsal on Monday 11th September to have a sing and meet the choir members. This term they will be rehearsing a small selection from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and Handel’s Messiah, as well as carols and other Christmas music, for their concert at Chollerton Church on Saturday 16th December. If you would like more information, contact John Roper on [email protected]
• Tarset Song Reivers would also be delighted to welcome new members in September. They meet at Tarset Village Hall on Monday mornings all year during term-time from 10-11.30am. You only need to enjoy singing a variety of music, and do not need to be able to read music to join. They arrange informal performances locally, ‘Carols by Car’ before Christmas, and have recently sung at the Bellingham Show. Their first meeting will be on Monday 11 September and they look forward to meeting you then - just turn up at the hall to sing along and/or see how you feel about joining in.
• Bellingham and District Dramatic Society (BADDS), will be starting rehearsals for its 2023 Christmas Play in September – and this year the play will be Oscar Wilde’s brilliantly dark comedy: The Canterville Ghost.  Performances will take place in Bellingham Town Hall and the dates and times will be published nearer the time.  In the meantime, if you would like to be part of the group - whether on stage or behind the scenes - please email [email protected]
• A huge congratulations to the organisers of Bellingham Show 2023.  In spite of the occasional deluge (which turned the lower car park exit into a veritable quagmire), the whole day was really well organised and a thoroughly enjoyable day out for all who came along!

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 24th August 2023

• A final reminder that Bellingham Show is happening this Saturday (26th August), with plenty of entertainment happening all day for the whole family.  The show field opens at 7.00am for Exhibitors and at 8.30am to the General Public.  For further information, schedules and prices, please visit the Show website at https://www.bellinghamshow.co.uk/
• Also happening this weekend at St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, is “Hymns and Pimm’s for St Aidan’s Day”, which will take place on Sunday 27th August 2023 at 3pm.  Your choice of favourite hymns will be played courtesy of John Roper, with the accompaniment of a glass of Pimm’s (sponsored by the Hollybush Inn Greenhaugh). Please let Michael ([email protected]) or Caroline ([email protected]) know the hymns that hold a special place in your hearts, and they will try to include all of your choices.
• The 2023 Tarset and District Leek Show will take place in Tarset Village Hall on Saturday 2nd September.  Exhibits must be tabled by 10.30am on Saturday morning, or you can take them down to the Hall on Friday evening if that's easier.  The flower class is once again open to everyone and the gents’ baking class will be apple pies.  Doors and bar will be open to the public at 3pm on Saturday, finishing with an auction of the produce at 5pm.  For more details, rules and programmes, contact Jeff Mills on 240302.  You are all invited to come along and support the show.
• Congratulations to the organisers of Falstone Show 2023, it was a very enjoyable show and the weather was kind (in spite of a few mostly dire and rapidly-changing forecasts!), making the whole event very pleasant.  The new (or, should I say, old) show field worked well and the one-way traffic system was both scenic and prevented the usual bottle-neck on the one-way stretch of road by the river.  The organisers may wish to pat themselves on the back, and maybe even allow themselves to rest for a whole week, before they take a deep breath and start the process of organising next year’s event.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 17th August 2023

• Falstone Village Hall welcomes you to its monthly coffee mornings for a cuppa and a chat - sessions run on the third Tuesday of each month, from 10.30am-11.30am.  During the sessions, any donations made will be given to a chosen charity of the month, and suggestions for your favourite charities are welcome.  The dates for the next three months will be:  Tuesday 19th September (supporting MacMillan Cancer Care); Tuesday 17th October (charity yet to be chosen) and Tuesday 21st November (supporting Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal).  This is a lovely, social event and everyone is welcome.
• St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, invites you to “Hymns and Pimm’s for St Aidan’s Day”, which will take place on Sunday 27th August 2023 at 3pm.  Your choice of favourite hymns will be played courtesy of John Roper, with the accompaniment of a glass of Pimm’s (sponsored by the Hollybush Inn Greenhaugh). Please let Michael ([email protected]) or Caroline ([email protected]) know the hymns that hold a special place in your hearts, and they will try to include all of your choices.
• Here is a final reminder that the Falstone Border Shepherds' Show & Sports Day 2023 will take place this weekend (Saturday 19th August) in the show field at Falstone, which will be signposted from the village - gates open 9am.  For further information, prices and timings, etc., the show has its own website: www.falstoneshow.com   

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 10th August 2023

• The Falstone Border Shepherds' Show & Sports Day 2023 will take place next weekend (Saturday 19th August) in the show field at Falstone, which will be signposted from the village.  Gates open 9am and there will be (amongst many other things) Sheep, Pony Sports & Jumping, Dogs, Foxhounds, Industrial & Craft Tents, Sheepdog Trials, Fell Race, Children's Crafts, Catering, Bar, Live Music, Children's Sports, Tug of War, Quoits, and ice cream.  For further information, prices and timings, etc., the show has its own website: www.falstoneshow.com
• Bellingham Show & Country Festival 2023 will take place on the following weekend (Saturday 26th August) – so please keep an eye on the Bellingham Village Notes for further info or have a look at the show website at www.bellinghamshow.co.uk
• Finally, here’s a quick reminder that there will be a Poetry Book Launch at The Bellwether Gallery, Charlton, this Saturday (12th Aug 2023).  Starting at 7pm, James Tait (a Northumbrian poet who writes in the dialect of Upper Coquetdale, near Rothbury) will be at The Bellwether presenting an evening of poetry readings from his new book ‘Golden Times, Golden Seasons’.  There will also be live music, both from James himself and from talented Ukrainian singer, Viktoriia Rekun.  A small bar will be available, with local beers, cider and gin on offer...as well as (non-local) wine.  You can find more information and tickets at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/jamestait/964584

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 3rd August 2023

• It’s that time of year again...!  The Falstone Border Shepherds' Show & Sports Day 2023 will be on Saturday 19th August in the show field at Falstone.  In the unlikely event you haven’t been to the show before, go to Falstone (the postcode is NE48 1AA) and simply follow the signs to the show field.  Gates open 9am and there will be Sheep, Pony Sports & Jumping, Dogs, Foxhounds, Industrial & Craft Tents, Sheepdog Trials, Fell Race, Children's Crafts, Catering, Bar, Live Music, Children's Sports, Tug of War, Quoits, and ice cream – amongst other things!  For further information, prices and timings, etc., the show has its own website: www.falstoneshow.com  
• Bellingham Show & Country Festival 2023 will take place on the following weekend (26^th August) – so please keep an eye on the Bellingham Village Notes for further info or have a look at the show website at www.bellinghamshow.co.uk

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 27th July2023

• Tarset Village Hall’s next community Coffee Morning will be at 10.30am on  Thursday 3^rd August 2023. This sociable coffee morning happens on the first Thursday of each month in Tarset Village Hall. Further info can be found on the community events page of the Tarset website: https://www.tarset.co.uk/community/events.cfm
• You are invited to a Poetry Book Launch at The Bellwether Gallery, Charlton, on Saturday 12th Aug 2023.  Starting at 7pm, James Tait will be at The Bellwether presenting an evening of poetry readings from his new book ‘Golden Times, Golden Seasons’.  There will also be live music – both from James himself and from fabulous Ukrainian singer, Viktoriia Rekun.  A small bar will be available, with local beers, cider and gin on offer...as well as some non-local wine.  You can find more information and tickets at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/jamestait/964584

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 20th July2023

• You are invited to join the annual pilgrimage and walk the St Cuthbert's Three-Church Trail on Saturday 2nd September.  Breakfast will be available from 8.30am at St Cuthbert’s Elsdon, with the walk starting at 9am, calling at St Cuthbert’s Corsenside for lunch, and finishing at St Cuthbert's, Bellingham, for tea in the late afternoon.  The route is 14-15 miles cross-country and walking boots are needed. You can join in at any of the three St Cuthbert's churches and can walk as much or as little of the Trail as you wish, and there will be car back up.  If you would like to take part in the walk, or help with transport or refreshments, please contact Cath Brennand [email protected].
• Thank you to everyone who came along to Tarset Village Hall on Monday 17^th July to support the Song Reivers’ Coffee Morning.  The event was a lovely celebration of the singing and laughter enjoyed by all members of the choir on Monday mornings over the past year, and raised a pretty impressive £118.95 for Tynedale Hospice at Home.  Well done and thank you to all who organised the morning, contributed goodies (there was a lovely spread) and raffle prizes, and to all who attended.  Song Reivers will now be taking its Summer break until the new term starts on Monday 11^th September – you would be very welcome to come along and see what it’s all about, or even to take the plunge and join the choir.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 13th July2023

• Tarset Song Reivers are holding a Coffee and Cake morning in Tarset Village Hall, at 10.30am on Monday 17^th July (their last session of the current term).  In addition to hot drinks and edible goodies, there will be entertainment from the Song Reivers during the morning, as well as a raffle.   This friendly community choir meets on Monday mornings from 10am - 11.30am and sessions are open to everyone who would like to join, regardless of your level of experience, training or ability.  There are no auditions, you don't need to be able to read music and the emphasis is very much on fun, enjoyment and sociability – it’s a great way to start your week!  If you feel like you might like to try it out, the first session is free of charge and you can join in as much or as little as you like. 
• A quick reminder that the next Falstone Coffee Morning will take place at 10.30am on Tuesday 18th July at Falstone Village Hall.  Everyone is welcome to come along to these popular mornings, which take place on the third Tuesday of each month.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 6th July2023

• St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, invites you to a Strawberry Cream Tea at Bent House - by kind permission of Ian and Gloria Armstrong.  As well as the cream tea itself, there will be various stalls and a raffle.  The event will be relocated to Tarset Village Hall should the weather prove inclement and Caroline Waitt has further details if you have any queries. Saturday 8th July, 2-4pm.  *UPDATE RECEIVED FROM CAROLYN ON 3/7/23: The event won’t now be relocated if the weather is bad - it will still be held at Gloria’s! 
• The next Falstone Coffee Morning will take place at 10.30am on Tuesday 18th July at Falstone Village Hall.  Everyone is welcome to come along to these popular mornings, which take place on the third Tuesday of each month.
• If you have anything you would like to see published in the Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please email me ([email protected]) by 6pm on Sunday evenings.  The Courant is the ideal way to let those folks who don’t have access to the internet or email know about events, invites and local news or anything else that’s going on in the community.  It doesn’t have to be just events – you can include details of any interesting things happening in your own village or in the wider local North Tyne area, but I can’t include things I don’t know about, so please do remember to let me have the details.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 22nd June 2023

• A final reminder that this weekend sees Edinburgh-based jazz duo Ian Millar and Dominic Spencer at Tarset Village Hall.  The duo have appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe with their show ‘Jazz at Lunchtime’ and are a familiar sound at jazz festivals. They also tour throughout the UK under their very successful ‘Jazz in the Village’ banner – which aims to introduce jazz to remote communities.  So why not celebrate the summer solstice with some live jazz and a free glass of Pimms.  For tickets and further information, please contact John at [email protected] or on 01434 240337. Doors and bar open at 7.30pm.
• A date for your diaries:  on 8th July, St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, presents a Strawberry Cream Tea in the gardens of Bent House, Tarset – by kind invitation of Ian and Gloria Armstrong.  There will be a raffle and various stalls  (including a cake stall!) will be available.  Saturday 8th July, 2-4pm.  If the weather should prove to be inclement, the event will be moved to Tarset Village Hall.  For further information, please contact Caroline Waitt.
• Please note:  there will not be any Village Notes for the Upper North Tyne next week (29th June 2023) as I will be on holiday...normal service will resume when I get home.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 15th June 2023

• This Saturday, 17th June, at 7.30pm, there will be a live music night at The Bellwether in Charlton (NE48 1PE) to help raise awareness and funds for BAAFest (which this year takes place from Sep 7th-10th). A number of talented local singers and musicians are giving up their time to support the night and it should be a really relaxed atmosphere with a great variety of music. Included in the programme are the talented young folk trio FIDDOLIN from QEHS led by Samantha Bull on fiddle as well as Abbey Tilley, Adrian Langford, Stew Simpson, Hadrian’s Union, Ian K Brown, Paul Scott Massey, Dougie J and Landermason.  Tickets are limited, as the venue is not huge, and can purchased from www.baafest.com (see the ‘Other Events’ section).  Café, camping facilities and bar are available at The Boe Rigg next door. 
• Also on Saturday 17th at The Bellwether, Fiona Lander is running an afternoon singing workshop, entitled 'Rounds, Reels and all that Jazz'.  You will need to book your place in advance, and tickets are available via Eventbrite or via fionalander.com  The event runs from 2pm - 4pm.  Please contact Fiona for further details.
• Jazz fans are in for a treat on Sat 24th June.  Tarset Village Hall presents Edinburgh-based jazz duo Ian Millar and Dominic Spencer, who have had great success at the Edinburgh Fringe with their very successful show ‘Jazz at Lunchtime’ and have toured throughout the UK under their ‘Jazz in the Village’ banner, often bringing jazz for the first time to remote communities. They are also a familiar sound on the jazz festival circuit.  If you fancy celebrating the summer solstice with some jazz and a glass of Pimms, please contact John at [email protected] or on 01434 240337. The ticket price includes a welcome glass of Pimms.  Doors and bar open at 7.30pm.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 8th June 2023

• The deadline for submission of content for the next edition of the Tarset Diary is this weekend - Sunday 11th June 2023.  Please let Chris have any articles/notices/announcements, etc. by email - the email address to send info to is: [email protected]
• On Saturday 17th June at 7.30pm, there will be a live music night at The Bellwether in Charlton (NE48 1PE) to help raise awareness and funds for BAAFest (which this year takes place from Sep 7th-10th). A number of talented local singers and musicians are giving up their time to support the night and it should be a really relaxed atmosphere with a great variety of music. Included in the programme are the talented young folk trio FIDDOLIN from QEHS led by Samantha Bull on fiddle as well as Abbey Tilley, Adrian Langford, Stew Simpson, Hadrian’s Union, Ian K Brown, Paul Scott Massey, Dougie J and Landermason.  Tickets are limited, as the venue is not huge, and can purchased from www.baafest.com (see the ‘Other Events’ section).  Café, camping facilities and bar are available at The Boe Rigg next door.
• If you have anything you would like to see published in the Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please email me at [email protected] by 6pm on Sunday evenings.  The Courant is the ideal way to let those folks who don’t have access to the internet or email know about events, invites and local news or anything else that’s going on in the community.  It doesn’t have to be just events – you can include details of any interesting things happening in your own village or in the wider local North Tyne area.  I can’t include things I don’t know about, so please do remember to let me have the details.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 1st June 2023

• A quick reminder that the deadline for content for the next edition of the Tarset Diary is Sunday 11th June 2023.  Please let Chris have any articles/notices/announcements, etc. by email - the email address to send info to is: [email protected].  Please note that Chris will acknowledge all emails, so if you don’t hear back from him, it may be that your email has gone astray and you may wish to check with him that he’s received your details safely.
• VARC (Visual Artists in Rural Communities) at Highgreen Highgreen would like to invite you to Marilou Chagnaud's (the current artist-in-residence) end of residency show, ‘Mapping Air’. The opening drop-in event is on Sat 17th June from 11am – 5pm and amongst other things, features an Improvisational dance by Poppy Ismae performed at 1pm and again at 3pm. The exhibition continues on the following dates:  Sun 18th June, 11am-4pm, drop-in event; Weds 21st – Fri 23rd June by appointment only (please email: [email protected]) and a final drop-in event on Sat 24th June from 11am-4pm.  Please note that the exhibition is housed in various outbuildings at Highgreen and you can expect uneven ground with a slope and small steps in parts.  Please also note that there is no accessible toilet.  Parking is, however, available on site.  Please do email [email protected] for further information or for any queries you might have.
• In the meantime, if you have anything you would like to see published in the Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please drop me an email (at: [email protected]) by 6pm on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week.  Not everyone in the area has online access or is part of the local email lists, so the Courant is the ideal way to let them know about events, invites and local news or anything else you would like people to know about.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 25th May 2023

• The deadline for content for the next edition of the Tarset Diary is Sunday 11^th June 2023.  Please let Chris have any articles/notices/announcements, etc. by email - the email address to send info to is: [email protected].  Please note that Chris will acknowledge all emails, so if you don’t hear back from him, it may be that your email has gone astray.
• If you have anything you would like to see published in the Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please drop me an email ([email protected]) by 6pm on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week.  Not everyone in the area has online access or is part of the local email lists, so the Courant is the ideal way to let them know about events, invites and local news or anything else you would like people to know about.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 18th May 2023

• On Sat 20th May, Wark Town Hall presents live music from Ian K Brown & Louise Ainsley, with guest performances from Maggie Feeney, Neil McHardy and Miserable Les.  Doors, raffle and bar will open at 7pm.  You can get further info and book your tickets in advance by messaging Ian K Brown on Facebook.
• You are warmly invited to VARC, Highgreen, for the various events at Marilou Chagnaud's end of residency show: Mapping Air. The opening drop-in event is on Sat 17th June from 11am – 5pm.  This event also features an Improvisational dance by Poppy Ismae performed at 1pm and again at 3pm. The exhibition continues:  Sun 18th June, 11am-4pm, drop-in event; Weds 21st – Fri 23rd June by appointment only (please email: [email protected]) and a final drop-in event on Sat 24th June from 11am-4pm.  Please note that the exhibition is housed in various outbuildings at Highgreen and you can expect uneven ground with a slope and small steps in parts.  Please also note that there is no accessible toilet. Parking is, however, available on site.  Please email [email protected] for further information.
• If you are a jazz fan, you’re in for a treat.  On Sat 24th June, Tarset Village Hall welcomes Edinburgh-based jazz duo Ian Millar and Dominic Spencer, who have had great success at the Edinburgh Fringe with their very successful show ‘Jazz at Lunchtime’ and have toured throughout the UK under their ‘Jazz in the Village’ banner, often bringing jazz for the first time to remote communities. They are also a familiar sound on the jazz festival circuit.  If you fancy celebrating the summer solstice with some jazz and a glass of Pimms, please contact John at [email protected] or on 01434 240337. The ticket price includes a welcome glass of Pimms.  Doors and bar open at 7.30pm.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 11th May 2023

• A reminder that a new series of ‘Moth Mornings’ is potentially being arranged on dates throughout the Summer in various locations around Tarset.  Over the years, the moth traps have managed to catch some fantastic moths (as well as plenty of midgies!) at locations all around the area.  The moths are not harmed in the slightest and it’s an amazing opportunity to appreciate just how varied and beautiful some of these understated but ecologically important insects can be.  The proposed dates are: 14th June, 5th July, 26th July and 16th August with all sessions starting at 9.15am. Please let Kath (email: [email protected]) know if you would be interested in either hosting on one of the above days, or simply attending. The environment has changed significantly around here – particularly in the wake of storm Arwen, so it will be interesting to see if the moth population has changed too.
• Thank you to all those who helped to organise a lovely ‘Big Afternoon Tea and Ceilidh’ event at Tarset Village Hall to celebrate the Coronation weekend.  The hall was beautifully decorated, the atmosphere was both busy and festive, and even the weather cooperated for once (a bit of a minor miracle, given the weather on the previous day and the miserable forecast for the Bank Holiday Monday to follow) with an afternoon of unbroken sunshine, which meant the newly-created decking area in the hall’s recently refurbished garden was put to good use for the occasion.  The crowns created for the competition were impressive and the pooled afternoon tea was, as usual, excellent.  Music was provided by Tarset Song Reivers and, later, by Tarset Ceilidh Band.  Thanks again to all who organised and came along to support this truly enjoyable event.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 4th May 2023

• As part of the national celebrations that will be taking place over the weekend of the 6th to the 8th May, Tarset will be celebrating the Coronation with a ‘Big Afternoon Tea’ and a Ceilidh at Tarset Village Hall on Sunday 7th May.  The event is intended to provide an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy each other’s company with a contributory tea and to raise a glass to the newly crowned monarch.  You will be entertained by both the Tarset Song Reivers, who will serenade visitors during the afternoon, and the Tarset Ceilidh Band, who will help you work off any excesses in the evening. The event will start at 2.30pm and the ceilidh starts in the early evening.
• On Thursday 4th May (tonight!), the final film of this season of First Thursday Films is ‘Boy’, a 2010 New Zealand comedy-drama written and directed by Taika Waititi.  Boy, an 11-year-old child and devout Michael Jackson fan who lives on the east coast of New Zealand in 1984, gets a chance to know his absentee criminal father, who has returned to find a bag of money he buried years ago.  On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an overall approval rating from critics of 87% and our local New Zealander says that this is one of his favourite films and that it has a bit of a cult following in his homeland...definitely one to watch, then!  Doors and bar open at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 27th April 2023

• I have no ‘official’ notes for you this week, 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.  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].  You will need to let me have any info on Sundays (at the latest) if you would like them to be included in the following Thursday’s paper.  The paper reaches a good number of people who don't have access to online or mobile sources of information, so can sometimes be the best way to reach them to let them know about things happening in the area.
• Please keep your eyes open next week for events (of which there will be many) in and around our area to celebrate the Coronation.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 20th April 2023

• A quick reminder that Tarset Village Hall presents ‘Dark Light, the Flannan Island Mystery’ by Fool’s Gold (multi-talented duo Carol and Steve Robson), on Saturday 22nd April.  ‘Dark Light’ tells the story of a real-life mystery, which the audience is invited to solve.  One night in 1900, in northern Scotland, three lighthouse men vanished during a wild storm and to this day, nobody knows what actually happened.  The show includes storytelling, projected pictures and a live musical soundtrack which includes both original and contemporary songs – you may be surprised at how many of those songs you know.  For further details and to book your place, please email [email protected]. Doors and bar open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
• A new series of ‘Moth Mornings’ is potentially being arranged on dates throughout the Summer in various locations around Tarset.  Over the years, the moth traps have managed to catch some fantastic moths (as well as plenty of midgies!) at locations all around the area.  The moths are not harmed in the slightest and it’s an amazing opportunity to appreciate just how varied and beautiful some of these understated but ecologically important insects can be.  The proposed dates are: 14th June, 5th July, 26th July and 16th August with all sessions starting at 9.15am. Please let Kath (email: [email protected]) know if you would be interested in either hosting on one of the above days, or simply attending. The environment has changed significantly, around here – particularly in the wake of storm Arwen, so it will be interesting to see if the moth population has changed too.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 6th April 2023

• ‘Dark Light, the Flannan Island Mystery’ by Fool’s Gold (multi-talented duo Carol and Steve Robson), will take place at Tarset Village Hall on Saturday 22nd April. ‘Dark Light’ tells the story of a real-life mystery, which the audience is invited to solve.  One night in 1900, in northern Scotland, three lighthouse men vanished from Flannan Lighthouse during a wild storm and to this day, nobody knows what actually happened.  The show includes storytelling, projected pictures and a live musical soundtrack which includes both original and contemporary songs – you may be surprised at how many of those songs you know.  For further details, please email [email protected]. Doors and bar open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
• The Easter weekend will be a busy one at St Peter’s Church, Falstone, starting on Saturday 8th April with a Chocolate Morning from 10am-12noon at Falstone Village Hall. With refreshments, a cake stall, tombola, a ‘make an Easter Bonnet’ stall, craft stalls and raffle, there will be something for everyone.  The competition this year (which is open to all ages!) will be for the best decorated or dyed hard-boiled egg, with the theme being the King’s Coronation.  Then on Sunday 9th April, at 11am, there will be an Easter Day Family Service in St. Peter’s.  Children are invited to come along and take part in the service and there will be an Easter Egg hunt especially for the children after the service.  Refreshments and chocolate treats will be available for everyone.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 30th March 2023

• St Peter’s Church, Falstone, will be holding its annual Chocolate Morning on Easter Saturday (8^th April 2023) from 10am-12noon at Falstone Village Hall.  With refreshments, a cake stall, tombola, craft stalls and raffle, there is something for everyone.  There will also be a ‘make an Easter Bonnet’ stall and the competition this year (which is open to all ages!) will be for the best decorated or dyed hard-boiled egg, with the theme being the King’s Coronation.
• St Peter’s Church, Falstone, is collecting chocolate Easter Eggs for disadvantaged children this Easter.  There is still time to contribute this week, so if you have any goodies to donate, please leave them in the church or in the foodbank collection point at the gate by Friday 31st of March.  Huge thanks in advance for your generosity. 
• A final reminder that the North Tyne & Redewater Choral Society’s Easter concert takes place at 7.30pm on Saturday 1^st April in Bellingham Methodist United Reformed Church.  Refreshments are included in the admission price.
• April’s First Thursday Film, on 6^th April 2023, is ‘Bicycle Thieves’, a 1948 Italian drama film which follows the story of a poor father searching in post-World War II Rome for his stolen bicycle, without which he will lose the job which is his only means of supporting his young family.  This award-winning film is regarded as being hugely influential was included on the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage’s ‘100 films to be saved’ - a list of 100 films that "have changed the collective memory of the country between 1942 and 1978."  Doors and bar open at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm.
• Thank you to all who organised, supported and attended Tarset's contribution to the 2023 Tyne Valley Film Festival, on Thursday 23rd March.  Special thanks must go to Ann Cleeves, who very kindly rearranged her hectic schedule in order to take part.  The hugely enjoyable event was organised by First Thursday Films in conjunction with The Forum Cinema in Hexham, and was an unqualified success - raising an impressive total of £660 for charity.  The monies are to be divided between Cullercoats Lifeboat and the Tarset Diary

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 23rd March 2023

• St Peter’s Church, Falstone, is collecting chocolate Easter Eggs for disadvantaged children this Easter.  If you have any goodies to donate, please leave them in the church or in the foodbank collection point at the gate by the 31st of March.  Huge thanks in advance for your generosity. 
• A quick reminder that the North Tyne & Redewater Choral Society’s Easter concert takes place at 7.30pm on Saturday April 1st 2023 in Bellingham Methodist United Reformed Church and the evening features Haydn’s Missa Brevis Sancti Joannis De Deo (‘The Little Organ Mass’) and Mozart’s Missa Brevis in C (KV 220) – also known as the ‘Sparrow Mass’, plus music by Eric Whitacre.  Directed by John Roper, the soloist will be Rev Canon Sarah Lunn. Refreshments are included in the admission price. 
• A huge thank you to all who have volunteered once again to organise and take part in the annual Tarset litter-pick. People’s generosity and time are incredibly valuable, making sure the area is kept clean and tidy for locals, visitors and wildlife alike. I have yet to hear what the most unusual item found this year is, but there are usually one or two items which make you scratch your head and wonder what goes through some people's minds!  Those who were too late to 'claim' a particular area of verge to maintain may still be planning to walk their patch later on in the year, so thank you in advance to those volunteers also.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 16th March 2023

• You are invited to celebrate Spring with The North Tyne & Redewater Choral Society’s Easter concert at 7.30pm on Saturday April 1st 2023 in Bellingham Methodist United Reformed Church.  Directed by John Roper and with Soloist Rev Canon Sarah Lunn, the choir will be singing Haydn’s Missa Brevis Sancti Joannis De Deo (‘The Little Organ Mass’) and Mozart’s Missa Brevis in C (KV 220) – also known as the ‘Sparrow Mass’, plus music by Eric Whitacre.  Refreshments are included in the admission price. 
• Marie Ness would like to say a huge Thank You to everyone who worked behind the scenes and to those who went along to support the Falstone Coffee Morning on Pancake Day .  Many people enjoyed the pancakes made by Katrine and a very healthy £150 was raised for the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal.  Coffee Mornings are held every 3rd Tuesday of the month at Falstone Village Hall, so the next date will be Tuesday 18th April at 10.30am. Why not go along and have a cuppa and a chat!
• St Peter’s Church, Falstone, will be holding a Mothering Sunday Communion Service at 9.30am on Sunday 19th  March.  The children will be taking part and there will be flowers for all mothers and carers.  Refreshments and simnel cake will be available following the service.  Please note that The church is also collecting chocolate Easter Eggs for disadvantaged children this Easter.  If you have any goodies to donate, please leave them in the church or in the foodbank collection point at the gate by the 31st of March.  Huge thanks in advance for your generosity. 

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 9th March 2023

• The deadline for content for the Spring Edition of the Tarset Diary is this weekend.  Please let Chris have any articles/notices/announcements, etc. by 12th March at the latest.  The email address to send info to is: [email protected] 
• Come along to the free Tackling Rural Crime in Northumberland information event being held in conjunction with Northumberland National Park & the Rural Crime team.  The event will be held at Tarset Village Hall, Lanehead, on Thursday 16th March from 2pm – 4pm.  Topics covered will be: Crime Prevention Advice, Wildlife Crime, Safer Streets and the Rural Crime Partnership, the Rural Crime Team, and Rural Crime Volunteers.  If you would like to attend, please contact [email protected] or call 07741 194309 to book your place.
• A reminder that free Dementia Friends Training will be available at Hexham Abbey on 21st March from 6.30pm-8.30pm, with refreshments available from 6pm.  Run by the Alzheimer’s Society, with support from the Church and Community Partnership (CCP) Tynedale and Hexham Abbey, the training is intended to give attendees a greater understanding of Dementia, to recognise early signs, and to enable them to support those who are working with members of their communities.  Following the training, attendees will be awarded Dementia Friendly status and will be entitled to wear the badge and state their status on their emails.   There is no charge for the training since part of CCP’s aim is to help churches engage with the health and wellbeing of their communities.  Pre-booking is essential, so please contact [email protected] before 16th March to book your place.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 2nd March 2023

• The Tyne Valley Film Festival is coming to Tarset Village Hall on Thursday 23rd March.  The evening opens with a ‘fireside chat’ with Ann Cleeves, followed by a showing of ’The Edge of the World’, a 1937 British film directed by Michael Powell, loosely based on the evacuation of the Scottish archipelago of St Kilda.  Powell was not allowed to film on St Kilda itself, but found another suitable location in the Shetland Islands (Shetland being the setting for Ann’s ‘Shetland’ series).  In 1978, Powell and some of the surviving cast and crew went back to re-visit the island and made a new short film for BBC TV to complement the original film.  This film,  called ‘Return to the Edge of the World’ will also be shown on the evening.  Doors and bar will be open at 7pm. All profits from the evening will be shared between Ann’s chosen charity Cullercoats RNLI and the Tarset Diary.  If you would like tickets, please email [email protected] or call on 01434 240337. Tickets are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment!  More details about the Tyne Valley Film Festival, are available on their website at https://www.tynevalleyfilmfestival.com/edge-of-the-world. 
• A quick reminder that the deadline for contributions to the Spring edition of the Tarset Diary is Sunday 12th March 2023, so there’s still time to send in your articles, pictures and information - all contributions are most welcome!  Please send info/articles/photos to [email protected] or please contact Chris on 240947.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 23rd February 2023

• St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, has organised a Soup and Pudding Social from 12 noon – 2pm on Thursday 9th March at Tarset Village Hall.  Please contact Caroline on 240210 if you have any queries.  Also, please let her know if you feel you might be able to donate a raffle prize or if you would be able to help in any way (whether by making soup or helping on the day). Everyone is welcome.
• Tackling Rural Crime in Northumberland: Those who live and work in our rural communities can be affected by rural crime, and this can have a devastating effect on rural communities and businesses. Northumberland National Park are working in conjunction with the Rural Crime team from Northumbria Police and are holding an information event at Tarset Village Hall, Lanehead, on Thursday 16th March from 2pm – 4pm.  If you would like to attend, please contact [email protected] or call 07741 194309 to book your place.
• Dementia Friends Training will be available at Hexham Abbey on 21st March from 6.30pm-8.30pm, with refreshments available from 6pm.  Run by the Alzheimer’s Society, with support from the Church and Community Partnership Tynedale (CCP) and Hexham Abbey, the training is intended to give attendees a greater understanding of Dementia, to recognise early signs, and to enable them to support those who are working with members of their communities.  On completion of the training, they will be awarded Dementia Friendly status and are entitled to wear the badge and state their status on their emails.   There is no charge for the training since part of CCP’s aim is to help churches engage with the health and wellbeing of their communities.  Pre-booking is essential, so please contact [email protected] before 16th March to book your place.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 16th February 2023

• Friends of Greenhaugh School (FOGS) are holding a Curry Night fundraiser from 7pm-11pm on 24th March in Tarset Village Hall.   Tickets and further info are available from Stephanie Wakefield and/or Tracey Robson, or by messaging via the FOGS page on facebook.  It's always a lovely (and tasty) evening - and it’s for a very good cause, so why not go along and support the school.
• Tarset Village Hall’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at 7pm on Wednesday, 8th March in Tarset Village Hall.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  If you aren’t able to get to the meeting itself but would like to send any comments/queries/suggestions, please email [email protected] before the 8th.
• Two full-day needle felting workshops will take place on Saturday 25th March and Saturday 1st April at Tarset Village Hall.  Both workshops will run from 10.30am to 4pm and the modest entry fee covers the cost of all the materials and equipment you need as well as tea, coffee and biscuits. For more information and to book your place, please email Margaret Bird at [email protected] and let her know which day you are interested in.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 9th February 2023

If you have anything you would like to have published in the Courant’s Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please drop me an email ([email protected]) by 6pm on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week.  Not everyone in the area has online access or is part of the local email lists, so the Courant is the ideal way to let those folks know about events, invites and local news.  If you let me know what’s happening, I can include details in the notes - so please don’t hesitate to send me anything you would like to publicise or even just to share with the rest of the community.  You aren’t limited to events only - you can let me know about news, reviews, events, announcements, birthdays, marriages, funerals, etc. – anything you think might be of interest for people in our area.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 2nd February 2023

• A final reminder that the AGM of the Falstone Border Shepherds Show and Sports will take place on Wednesday 8th February 2023 at 7.30pm at The Pheasant Inn, Stannersburn.  Everyone involved with the Falstone Show and all local residents are invited to attend.
• This month’s First Thursday film is ‘Muscle Shoals’ - a 2013 documentary which gives an account of the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, which was the birthplace of some of America's most creative and defiant music. Rick Hall, its founder (who also founded the FAME Studios), overcame crushing poverty and staggering tragedies to bring black and white together, against the backdrop of Alabama's cauldron of racial hostility, to create music for all generations and giving birth to the 'Muscle Shoals Sound' and 'The Swampers'.  The documentary’s real highlights are the musings of some of the musicians who recorded there (including Aretha Franklin, Greg Allman, Alicia Keys, Bono, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Jimmy Cliff, Ed King and Steve Winwood) who reflect on what went into creating the magical environment and the legendary recordings that it spawned. Thursday 2nd February (tonight!) at Tarset Village Hall.  Doors and bar open at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm.
• If you have anything you would like to see published in the Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please drop me an email ([email protected]) by 6pm on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week.  Not everyone in the area has online access or is part of the local email lists, so the Courant is the ideal way to let them know about events, invites and local news or anything else you would like people to know about. 

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 26th January 2023

• A quick reminder that Coffee Mornings (run by St. Peter’s, Falstone) are held at 10.30am on the 3rd Tuesday in each month in Falstone Village Hall.  Thanks to the generous support of all those who come along to them, over £350 was raised in 2022 for various causes (including the DEC Ukraine Appeal, Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, Macmillan Cancer and West Northumberland Food Bank).  Most importantly, though, it’s an opportunity for folks to meet up and have a chat over tea/coffee and biscuits (sometimes even cake!). The upcoming dates for the first half of 2023 are: 21st February, 21st March, 18th April, 16th May and 20th June.
• The AGM of the Falstone Border Shepherds Show and Sports  will be held on Wednesday 8th February 2023 at 7.30pm at The Pheasant Inn, Stannersburn.  Everyone involved with the Falstone Show and all local residents are invited to attend.
• The deadline for contributions to the Spring edition of the Tarset Diary is Sunday 11th March 2023.  If anything exciting or interesting has occurred (or is about to occur) that you would like to share with the community, then the Tarset Diary is a brilliant way to do it. It’s also a great way to introduce yourselves if you’ve just moved into the area, and you can also submit general articles (including articles on the history of the area or anything funny and of general interest to the community), as well as photos.  All contributions are most welcome.  Please send info/articles/photos to [email protected] or please contact Chris on 240947. 

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 19th January 2023

• St. Peter’s, Falstone: Coffee Mornings are held on the 3rd Tuesday in each month (10.30am at Falstone Village Hall).  Thanks to the generous support of all those who come along to them, over £350 has been raised in 2022 for various causes including the DEC Ukraine Appeal, Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, Macmillan Cancer and West Northumberland Food Bank. Most importantly, folks can meet to have a chat over tea/coffee and biscuits (sometimes even cake!). The forthcoming dates for the first half of 2023 are: 21st February, 21st March, 18th April, 16th May and 20th June. 
• Kielder Community Association would like to say a big Thank You(!) to everyone who supported the Christmas Bingo in any way and also to those who have given prizes and brought raffle tickets for the forthcoming Turkey Trot Whist Drive and Prize draw which will be held on Thursday 26th January 2023 at 7.30 pm in Falstone Village Hall.  Everyone is invited to give the whist a try!  In other news, The Community enjoyed an excellent trip to Newcastle Theatre Royal to see a performance of the pantomime Cinderella on Saturday 7th January – a good time was had by all and it was a great tonic to start 2023.  Thank you again for all your support!
• Everyone involved with the Falstone Show or who lives in the area, is invited to attend the AGM of the Falstone Border Shepherds Show and Sports, which will be held on Wednesday 8th February 2023 at 7.30pm at The Pheasant Inn, Stannersburn. 

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 12th January 2023

• Next month’s First Thursday film will be ‘Muscle Shoals’ - a 2013 documentary which gives an account of the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, which was the birthplace of some of America's most creative and defiant music. Rick Hall, its founder (who also founded the FAME Studios), overcame crushing poverty and staggering tragedies to bring black and white together, against the backdrop of Alabama's cauldron of racial hostility, to create music for all generations and giving birth to the 'Muscle Shoals Sound' and 'The Swampers'.  The documentary’s real highlights are the musings of some of the musicians who recorded there (including Aretha Franklin, Greg Allman, Alicia Keys, Bono, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Jimmy Cliff, Ed King and Steve Winwood) who reflect on what went into creating the magical environment and the legendary recordings that it spawned. Thursday 2^nd February at Tarset Village Hall.  Doors and bar open at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm.
• The next Parish Worship Service at St. Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, will be at 6pm on Sunday 22^nd January 2023.  All are very welcome.
• If you have anything you would like to see published in the Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please drop me an email ([email protected]) by 6pm on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week.  Not everyone in the area has online access or is part of the local email lists, so the Courant is the ideal way to let them know about events, invites and local news or anything else you would like people to know about. 

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 5th January 2023

• I hope you have all had a lovely time over the Christmas holidays and I would like to take the opportunity to say ‘Happy New Year’ and to wish that 2023 brings you health, wealth and happiness.  Good luck, also, with keeping any New Year’s resolutions you have set for yourselves and if you aren’t able to keep them, I hope that at least you can have plenty of fun breaking them! 
• January’s ‘First Thursday’ film (on 5^th January) will be ‘The Station Agent’, a 2003 American psychological comedy drama. The life of train aficionado and downcast little person Finbar McBride (Peter Dinklage) takes an unexpected turn when his boss dies and wills him a railroad depot in New Jersey. He decides to relocate to the small town, where he befriends a talkative food vendor and a reclusive artist who is grieving the loss of her son.  As their relationships deepen, quirky conversations and outcomes ensue.  Doors and bar open at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm.
• Song Reivers is a community choir which is open to anyone who would like to come along and take part.  The new term starts on Monday, 9th January and all newcomers get their first session free of charge, so if you would like to come along and join in, sit and listen or just see what it’s all about, feel free to do so – you will be very welcome and you don’t need to read music or to have had any singing experience.  It’s a great way to be social and to blow the cobwebs away on a Monday morning!  Weekly sessions from 10am – 11.30am at Tarset Village Hall.