Home > Community > Upper North Tyne Village Notes > Village Notes Archive 2026

Village Notes Archive 2026

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 17-9-2026

St Aidan’s is planning a Soup and Pud social event on Friday 9th October. More details will follow, but do save the date! The event is usually popular, so any offers of assistance would be most welcome. Please contact Caroline for further details and to let her know if you feel you may be able to help out.
At the moment, there are lots of apples (both cookers and eaters, as well as some Medlars) in the Community orchard at Greenhaugh, and people are welcome to come along and pick them – they will keep for months if stored correctly. Caroline also has some windfalls available on the plant stall, too.
The closing date for articles/photos/content for the Autumn issue of the Tarset Diary Mk2 (title still to be decided), is 1st October 2026. Please send in anything you think will be of interest to the Parish as a whole. Please also, try to work with a maximum length of between 200 to 300 words. If you have any queries, please contact Malcolm.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 10-9-2026

Firstly, a message from Jeff Mills: The Tarset Leek show took place in the Village Hall on Saturday 5th September. Once again, the exhibitors were out in force, with every class well represented and very little room left on the benches. There was a nice show of leeks despite a year with a lot of leeks going to seed early. The winner was Roy Bell, with Clive Hymers and Stephen Baty close behind. In the floral section there were some excellent blooms with the floral baskets being the best we have seen for several years. The main winners were, John Thirlwell, John Davies, Robin Banks and Michael Dickinson – with John Davies winning the trophies for the most points in the floral section and for the best floral exhibit. The vegetable section winners were Michael Dickinson, Clive Hymers, Martin Rapier and Fred Bartram, with Michael Dickinson winning the trophy for the best stand of three onions. The tables were also full of exhibits in the industrial section. The main winners were Gloria Armstrong (who won the trophy for the most points in this section), Colin Watson, Ann Spottiswood and Jenny Swaile. Martin Rapier was a worthy winner of the trophy for the gentlemen’s baking class. As usual, the auction was well supported with some spirited bidding. We would like to thank everyone who attended or otherwise supported, and who made the show a success.
Next, there’s a message from John Holland: Autumn feels like it has arrived and the nights are drawing in, which can mean only one thing: the return of First Thursday Films to Tarset Village Hall. We will kick off the season on Thursday 1st October, with 'Distant Voices, Still Lives', a 1988 British period drama written and directed by Terence Davies. It evokes working-class family life in Liverpool during the 1940s and 1950s, paying particular attention to the role of popular music, Hollywood cinema and the local pub in a tight-knit community. A 2011 poll by Time Out of the 100 greatest British films of all time ranked the film third, and it is seen now as one of the best films ever made. It has been described as “Britain’s forgotten cinematic masterpieces." As usual the doors and bar open at 7pm, and the film will start at 7.30pm.
Finally, here’s a brief reminder that the next GNAA collection will be on 16th September at halls around the area. More details about what is and isn’t allowed in terms of donations can be found on the GNAA website or on the Tarset website at: https://www.tarset.co.uk/community/events/event.cfm/event/3618

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 03-9-26

On Sat 12th September, Tarset Village Hall’s Car Treasure Hunt is happening in and around the area. There are forty separate clues to be found and the OS Landranger Map No 80 is essential to be able to complete the hunt (copies of the map are available from the Heritage Centre at Bellingham or from the Post Office in Bellingham). Different clues have different values and you can decide your own route round. Sign in is at 1pm at the Village Hall and there is a 4-hour time slot for completion of the hunt – though it’s important to state that this is NOT a race – you will need to drive considerately! There is a small entry fee to join in, and all monies raised will be in aid of Village Hall funds. After the event finishes, prizes will be awarded for first and second places, and you will need to bring your own supper. If you would like any further information, please contact Malcolm, John or any other members of the committee for details.
The next collection for Great North Air Ambulance will be at the usual locations on Wednesday 16 September 2026. Tarset Village Hall will be open from 10.30am - 12 noon. Alternatively, you could either drop off boxes/ bags earlier in the morning, leaving them outside on the ramp OR if you are in the hall a couple of days prior to the collection, you could leave any donations stacked tidily on the stage. If you go to the GNAAS website, there is a fill list of what can and cannot be donated. Thanks for your continuing support and if you have any queries, please contact Megan on 240426. Times for other collection locations will be circulated locally.
Finally, don’t forget that the Tarset and District Leek, Flower and Vegetable Show (Tarset Leek Show) is this Saturday (5th September at Tarset Village Hall. Entries to the flower, vegetable and industrial sections are free and even if you aren’t able to enter or exhibit, you can still come along to buy some of the exhibits in the end-of-show auction. All exhibits need to be staged by 10.30am, when the doors will close ready for judging. Doors and bar re-open to the public at 3pm and the auction starts at 5pm. If you would like a copy of the programme, entry forms, timings or any other last-minute information, please ring Jeff on 07800 898169.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 27-8-26

Bellingham Show is this weekend and the overall theme for this year’s show is ‘Celebrating 100 years of forestry’. The show field opens at 6.30am for exhibitors, with visitors being allowed on site from 9am onwards and the event closes at 5pm. More information and detailed times and events can be found on the show website: https://www.bellinghamshow.co.uk/ (or just type ‘Bellingham Show 2026 into your browser).
The Tarset and District Leek, Flower and Vegetable Show (Tarset Leek Show) is on Saturday 5th September at Tarset Village Hall. Entries to the flower, vegetable and industrial sections are free and even if you aren’t able to enter or exhibit, you can still come along to buy some of the exhibits in the end-of-show auction. All exhibits need to be staged by 10.30am, when the doors will close ready for judging. Doors and bar re-open to the public at 3pm and the auction starts at 5pm. If you would like a copy of the programme, entry forms, timings or any other information, please ring Jeff on 07800 898169.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 20-8-26

Tarset and District Leek, Flower and Vegetable Show (AKA the Tarset Leek Show) is on Saturday 5th September at Tarset Village Hall. Entries to the flower, vegetable and industrial sections are free and there is what Jeff describes as ‘a nice, easy class for the gentlemen’ - a sandwich cake with a plain top. There is also a new class: a single flower bloom of any variety and even if you aren’t able to enter, you can still support the show by coming along to see the exhibits and buying goodies in the auction! If you would like a copy of the programme, entry forms, timings or any other information, please ring Jeff on 07800 898169.
A final reminder that Falstone Show takes place on Saturday 22nd August this year. Gates open at 8am for exhibitors and all entries/exhibits for the Industrial section need to be tabled by 10.45am ready for judging to start at 11am. This year promises a wide range of local stalls and a varied programme of activities all day. The event finishes with an auction of produce in the beer tent at 4.30pm, followed by music from Disco Don. As always, you will need to dress for the weather, as you can sometimes get four seasons’ worth of weather in one day (although there is always a degree of optimism – and maybe some muttered prayers in advance of the show day), but Falstone Show is a great family day out so please do go along and support them.
Bellingham Show is, as usual, the following Saturday and The theme for the show in 2026 will be ‘Celebrating 100 years of forestry’. Kielder Forest celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, planting having started in 1926 with the aim of providing timber for the nation, and the 140,000-acre forest is England's largest man-made forest, spanning North Northumberland and a part of Cumbria. Originally, the whole area was forested but between 1975 and 1981, a large section of the land was cleared and flooded, creating Kielder Water. The show field opens at 6.30am for exhibitors, with visitors being allowed on site from 9am onwards. The show closes at 5pm and is a great day out for family and friends. More information and detailed times/events can be found on the show website: https://www.bellinghamshow.co.uk/ (or just type ‘Bellingham Show 2026 into your browser).

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 13-8-26

Falstone Show takes place on Saturday 22nd August this year. Gates open at 8am for exhibitors and all entries/exhibits for the Industrial section need to be tabled by 10.45am ready for judging to start at 11am. This year promises a wide range of local stalls and a varied programme of activities all day. The event finishes with an auction of produce in the beer tent at 4.30pm, followed by music from Disco Don. As always, you will need to dress for the weather (and you can sometimes get four seasons’ worth of weather in one day), but Falstone Show is a great family day out so please do go along and support them.
Tarset’s second Tony Bell 100 Word Challenge is currently accepting entries. The challenge is to write an original story in 100 words or fewer, and all entries must be submitted via email to [email protected] and the closing date for entries is 18^th October 2026. There will also be an event at Tarset Village Hall on 14^th November, when you will get the chance to hear some of the stories and find out the winner of the competition. More details will be published nearer the time.
In the meantime, here’s a quick reminder that if you have anything (it doesn’t have to be events – it can be any news, reviews and/or notices) that you would like to share and to see published in the Courant’s Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please email me at [email protected]. Not everyone is able to use the internet regularly, so the Village Notes are still a very good way to get information to those members of the community who don’t have internet or who aren’t comfortable using it.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 06-8-26

It’s nearly time for the Tarset and District Leek, Flower and Vegetable Show - AKA the Tarset Leek Show! The show is on Saturday 5th September at Tarset Village Hall. All exhibits need to be staged by 10.30am, when the doors will close ready for judging. The doors and bar (and raffle) are open to the public at 3pm and as usual, an auction of the produce starts at 5pm. Please note that entries don’t need to be registered in advance - they will be registered on the day as they arrive. If you are not a gardener, there are various classes to enter in the Industrial section, one of which is the fiercely fought ‘men only’ class (which this year, is a sandwich cake with a plain top). There is also a new class: a single flower bloom of any variety. Even if you aren’t able to enter, you can still support the show by coming along to see the exhibits and buying goodies in the auction. If you would like a copy of the programme, entry forms or any other information, please ring Jeff on 07800 898169 if you want an entry form.
The dates for the regular meditation classes at Land of Joy (at Greenhaugh Hall) in August will be on Wednesday 5th & Wednesday 19th August, from 6 - 7 pm. All are welcome to join Lou and Gwennie for a relaxing, peaceful hour of gentle meditation, with no experience needed! Additionally, on the 19th August, Lyndsey will be running a sound bath for all in the class. If you have any queries or want to book a place, please call Land of Joy on 01434 240412.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 30-7-26

A quick reminder that Rev Claire Maxim will be leaving us soon for her new appointment in Oxfordshire. Her last Sunday in North Tyne and Redesdale will be on Sunday 9th August 2026, when there will be a Holy Communion service in Elsdon at 11.15am and a ‘Songs of Praise’ service at 4.30pm in Bellingham. The Bellingham service will be her last in the Benefice and all who know Claire – whether they are religious or not(!) - are welcome to come along and have a good sing. Claire also says: “I warmly invite you to drop into Tarset Village Hall between 6pm and about 8pm to have a glass or two of bubbles (if you prefer something different the bar will be open) and a piece of cake and make sure that I really am going.”
On the plant stall in Greenhaugh, Caroline currently has some wonderfully healthy Butternut squash and Cucumber plants, so why not come on down and grab some while they are still available (prices are listed on the stall). This year’s weather means they should produce some good cropping.
If you haven’t already heard, some news that may be of interest to North Tyne locals is that the Emblehope and Burngrange Estate, which was owned by the Royal Kennel Club and was one of the sites used for training gun dogs, has been sold to Restore, who have announced their intention to re-wild the whole 7,500 acre estate (re-wetting the bogs and continuing to increase the diversity of plants, animals and bird life). The estate was purchased by the RKC in 2016 for approximately £4.5 million and the latest sale invited offers of over £8 million (although I am not sure what the actual sale price was) and was finalised last Monday. The new owners included the existing livestock in the purchase price and have retained the current staff and gamekeeper. Their long-term plans apparently include the suggestion of continuing to farm the existing sheep and to introduce some heritage and rare breed cattle. The new owners have also stated that they do not intend to maintain the current shooting regime on the estate, though some responsible deer stalking may be allowed, presumably depending on deer numbers. They have also stated that they currently have no plans for Lynx re-introduction on the estate, but might, in future, be willing to explore the idea.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 16-7-26

As I expect you are all now aware, Rev Claire Maxim is leaving us for her new appointment in Oxfordshire. Although she will be much missed and we will be sad to see her go, we also wish her joy in her new life in the South. Her last Sunday in North Tyne and Redesdale will be on Sunday 9th August 2026, when there will be a Holy Communion service in Elsdon at 11.15am and a ‘Songs of Praise’ service at 4.30pm in Bellingham. The Bellingham service will be her last in the Benefice and all who know Claire – whether they are religious or not(!) - are welcome to come along and have a good sing. In addition, between 6-8pm, Claire has invited people who know her to come to Tarset Village Hall for cake and a glass of bubbly to see her off. Thanks must go to Claire, for her indomitable spirit, indefatigable drive, and her sense of fun and enthusiasm. Thanks, also, for the care she has given to all in the North Tyne area in her time with us.
Caroline would like to say a huge “Thank you!” to everyone who helped at St Aidan’s church and churchyard clear-up a couple of weeks ago. The church is now looking lovely and visitors can walk easily around the churchyard and graves, thanks to the path that Philip Spottiswood kindly cut. Thanks to all involved.
On Friday 24 July, Northumberland National Park Authority (NNPA) has organised a Walk to Wellbeing event: Trees, Tracks and a Sculpture Trail (5 miles), which starts at 11am at Falstone Tea Room. More info can be found on the Northumberland National Park website: https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/whats-on/walk-to-wellbeing-trees-tracks-and-a-sculpture-trail-24th-july/
This year’s Falstone Show will take place on Saturday, 22nd August 2026 (Bellingham Show will, as always, be on the following Saturday). There are several ways you can support the show and promote your business this year: advertising in the Show Catalogue, booking your Trade stands and stalls, sponsoring classes, donating prizes, stewarding on show day or judging classes. The deadlines for entries and submissions is drawing close now, so if you would like any further information about how to help or simply how to take part, please email: [email protected] or visit the show’s website on https://www.falstoneshow.com/

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 02-7-26

The next date for meditation class at Land of Joy is Wednesday 15th July from 6-7pm. All are welcome, come & join us for a relaxing peaceful hour of gentle meditation no experience needed! Land of Joy is based at Greenhaugh Hall (Greenhaugh, NE48 1PP) and you can call them with any queries or book a place on Tel; 01434 240412. Please note that Land of Joy is run on a generosity model, so there are no charges for classes & retreats, but if you feel able to make a donation, it will help the centre to continue offering classes to all.
Just a quick confirmation that we are doing a churchyard clean-up at St. Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, this Friday 3^rd July from 1pm onwards and if anyone has any spare time, any help you can offer would be gratefully received, and you are very welcome to go along and help. Please take gardening gloves, gardening tools, midge repellent and enthusiasm – although the forecast looks breezy and mainly fine, so hopefully that will keep the midges away!
It is with sadness that I remind people about the loss of Margaret Sharman (Lizzie’s mum), who passed away peacefully at home on Monday 8th June. Her funeral will be held at Northumbrian Crematorium at Felton on July14th. In addition, in memory of her long and interesting life and her unwavering faith, there will be a thanksgiving service at St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, on 15th July at 2pm. The service will be followed by a tea at Tarset Village Hall. All who knew Margaret are very welcome.
Another small note to let you know in advance that there will be no Village Notes next week for the Upper North Tyne, so please keep an eye on the Tarset, Falstone and Kielder websites and noticeboards for events. Normal service will resume in the 16^th July edition.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 25-6-26

A message from Lizzie to all those who knew Margaret Sharman: “I want to send out a very heartfelt 'thank you' to friends and neighbours in Tarset who have been so wonderful this last ten days. My Mum, Margaret Sharman, passed away at home on June 8th. Since then, we have had so many offers of help and so much love from people. Mum had been living with me for 6 years and I have been aware that I have barely stuck my nose out the door during the time I was caring for her. But it would appear that there is still a world out there and I am very touched by the generosity of the folk around about - and further afield too. Mum’s funeral will be at the Northumbrian Crematorium at Felton on July14th and we will have a Thanksgiving service at St Aidan's Thorneyburn at 2pm on July 15^th, followed by tea at Tarset Village Hall. Thank you again.”

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 18-6-26

On Friday 24 July, Northumberland National Park Authority (NNPA) has organised a Walk to Wellbeing event: Trees, Tracks and a Sculpture Trail (5 miles), which starts at 11am at Falstone Tea Room. More info can be found on the Northumberland National Park website: https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/whats-on/walk-to-wellbeing-trees-tracks-and-a-sculpture-trail-24th-july/

Once again, the show season is upon us! This year’s Falstone Show will take place on Saturday, 22nd August 2026. There are several ways you can support the show and promote your business this year: advertising in the Show Catalogue, booking your Trade stands and stalls, sponsoring classes, donating prizes, stewarding on show day or judging classes. If you would like any further information about how to help or just how to take part, please email: [email protected] or visit the show’s website on https://www.falstoneshow.com/

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 11-6-26

Just the one note for you this week: Tarset Village Hall will be holding a community barbecue this Saturday (13th June). The hall will be open from 11am, with an exhibition of local archive material on display and later in the afternoon the barbecues will be fired up, so everyone can cook whatever they care to bring for themselves. The hall will provide salads and there will be a licensed bar. The day will finish with popular folk duo Fool’s Gold (Carol and Steve Robson) who will be performing their show, ’The Blaydon Races’. Please contact John Holland for further details.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 04-6-26

A message for Falstone residents from Sylvia: “It is an impossible task to go around all the people of Falstone, Stannersburn & the North Tyne area to bid farewell. We (Sylvia & Archie) have been very happy living here, but sadly nothing stays the same. So, a big ‘thank you’ to anyone we haven’t managed to catch up with before we go!”
Some extra-large (and very healthy) Hostas have been donated to the plant stall in Greenhaugh. If you would like some but can’t see any on the stall when you get there, give Caroline a shout and she will let you know if there are any left.
The closing date for articles and other information to be included in the new Tarset Diary (Tarset Diary Mk2!), is Monday 30th June 2026, so please email any relevant info to [email protected]
Please remember that Tarset Village Hall’s June coffee morning takes place next Thursday (11th June) at 10.30am. The change of date this month is due to the kitchen re-fit taking place at the Village Hall, so July’s date should be back to its usual slot – the first Thursday of the month.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 21-5-26

Entries for Tarset Village Hall’s ‘100 Word Challenge’ are now being accepted, so why not get writing and when you’ve completed your story, please email your entry and any queries to: [email protected]

Tarset Village Hall will be holding a community barbecue on Saturday 13th June. The hall will be open from 11am, with an exhibition of local archive material on display and later in the afternoon the barbecues will be fired up, so everyone can cook whatever they care to bring for themselves. The hall will provide salads and there will be a licensed bar. The day will finish with popular folk duo Fool’s Gold (Carol and Steve Robson) who will be performing their show, ’The Blaydon Races’. Please contact John Holland for further details.

On Monday 1st June, Song Reivers’ rehearsal will take place at Bellingham Town Hall (10am – 11.30am) rather than in Tarset Village Hall (TVH). The change of venue is due to the fact that TVH is having its new kitchen installed on 1^st June.

A quick reminder that the date of Tarset Village Hall’s June coffee morning has been moved and will now take place on 11th June at 10.30am (the change is also due to the kitchen re-fit taking place at the Village Hall).

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 21-5-26

Tarset Village Hall’s next coffee morning (June), which is usually held on the first Thursday of each month, will instead be on 11th June (instead of 4^th June) at 10.30am, due to kitchen re-fitting taking place at the Village Hall during the first week of the month.

Entries for Tarset Village Hall’s ‘100 Word Challenge’ are now being accepted, so why not get writing and when you’ve completed your magnum opus (well, as much of a magnum opus as it can be in 100 words), please email your entry (as well as any queries you may have) to: [email protected]

Tonight’s film at Tarset Village Hall is the last in the current season for Tarset’s First Thursday Films: the 2025 British comedy drama ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’, in which Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan play a folk duo who reunite for an unusual performance. As usual, doors and bar open at 7pm, with the film starting at 7.30pm.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 14-5-26

As part of its Rural Digital Inclusion project, Community Action Northumberland (CAN) is looking for volunteers to become Digital Champions in their local areas. Digital Champions provide friendly, informal support to help people build confidence with everyday digital tasks - such as using smartphones and tablets, accessing online services, staying connected with family and friends, and making the most of the internet safely. The time commitment is around 2 hours a month. If anyone is interested in helping their communities with these skills, please contact Marc Johnson at CAN on 07477 961096, or [email protected]

A quick reminder that the next meditation class at Land of Joy will take place on Wednesday 20th May, from 6pm - 7pm. The sessions are led by Lou and Gwennie, who hope that you can join them there. It is worth noting that Land of Joy is run on a generosity model, which means that there are no set charges for classes & retreats, but if you do feel able to make a donation, it will help the centre to continue offering classes to all.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 07-5-26

A quick reminder for Falstone folks that the annal tidy-up of Falstone will take place on Monday 11^th May. Jill and Sandra could do with as much help as possible with sweeping the leaves outside Jubilee Park, doing some weeding, replanting the shrubs in the pots and doing some general tidying up. If you think you can help, please meet at Jubilee Park (you will need to bring your own gardening gear) and help tidy up the village from 1pm onwards. The more people there are, the easier it is, so they would welcome as many people as possible to help. Please contact Jill Swaile (07890 096469) or Sandra Cowan for more details.

Due to the closed retreat continuing at Land of Joy the first meditation class in May has been cancelled. The next meditation class will be on Wednesday 20th May, from 6pm - 7pm, and Lou and Gwennie hope that you can join them there.

For those who knew her, the burial of Brenda Meacham’s ashes will be held at St. Aidan’s, Thorneyburn on Saturday 16th May at 1pm. Brenda was a stanch supporter of St Aidan’s and hand-embroidered the panel of the last supper, which is used in front of the altar. The service will be a brief graveside service of committal and Sue Meacham has passed on a message to say that that anyone who knew her Mam would be more than welcome to join the family at the church, and afterwards at the Holly Bush.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 30-4-26

“Fabulous Falstone Folk, your village needs you!” It’s the time of year to get Falstone looking amazing for the summer months. Jill and Sandra need as much help as possible with sweeping the leaves outside Jubilee Park, doing some weeding, replanting the shrubs in the pots and doing some general tidying up. If you think you can help, please meet at Jubilee Park (you will need to bring your own gardening gear) and help tidy up the village from 1pm onwards on Monday, 11th May 2026. It’s the old adage of many hands make light work (and provide much more enjoyment!), so they would welcome as many people as possible to help. Please contact Jill Swaile (07890 096469) or Sandra Cowan for more details.
Due to various holidays, the First Thursday Film season will conclude on 21st May (the third Thursday) at Tarset Village Hall, with the 2025 British comedy drama ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’, in which Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan play a folk duo who reunite for an unusual performance. The film is, according to critics, warmly funny “without lapsing into outright sentimentality”. As usual the doors and bar open at 7pm, with the film starting at 7.30pm.
To see in the summer, Tarset Village Hall will be holding a community barbecue on Saturday 13th June. The hall will be open from 11am, with an exhibition of local archive material on display and later in the afternoon the barbecues will be fired up(!) for everyone to cook whatever they care to bring for themselves. The hall will provide salads and there will be a licensed bar. The day will finish with popular folk duo Fool’s Gold (Carol and Steve Robson) who will be performing their show, ’The Blaydon Races’. Please contact John Holland for further details.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 16-4-26

A quick reminder that the North Tyne and Redewater Choral Society will be holding a concert at St Peter's Church, Humshaugh on Saturday 18 April at 7.30pm. Music includes Puccini’s Missa di Gloria, alongside works by Franck, Saint-Saens and Faure - directed by John Roper and accompanied by Michael Haynes. Refreshments will be available.
A series of Sound Bath sessions will be held at Tarset Village Hall in 2026 - subject to any unforeseen changes. Proposed dates are: May 12^th, June 16^th, July 14^th, August 11^th, September 15^th, October 13^th and December 15^th. Sound baths are for relaxation, release, re-balancing and re-energising. Sessions will run from 6pm – 7pm on the above dates. For further information, prices and to book your place, visit www.soundmedicine.co.uk or email [email protected]
A message for residents of Tarset and Greystead Parish from Claire Miller, Clerk to Tarset and Greystead Parish Council: The Annual Meeting of the Parish will be held on Wednesday 20th May 2026 at 7pm in Tarset Village Hall. This is an opportunity for electors to raise any issues with the Parish Council, and the Parish Council’s Annual Meeting will follow the public meeting. Further information can be found at https://www.tarsetandgreysteadpc.org/agendas

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 26-3-26

Song Reivers are holding a coffee morning on Monday, March 30th at 10.30am in Tarset Village Hall. You are all most welcome to come and hear them sing, while eating cakes and drinking tea/coffee. There is no charge for admission, but any donations will go to St Oswald's hospice.

There is a second ‘Digital Support’ session running in Tarset on the morning of Thursday 2nd Apr 2026. Do you want to know a little bit more about how to make tech work for you? If so, then come along to this 2nd session during the regular coffee morning at Tarset Village Hall (10:30-12:00hrs). Remember to bring your phone, tablet or laptop with you.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 19-3-26

St Peter’s Church, Falstone, will be holding its annual Chocolate Morning on Easter Sunday (4^th April 2026) at Falstone Village Hall (Matthew Ridley Memorial Hall) from 10am-12pm. There will be refreshments (there may be chocolate…), Cake stall, tombola and raffle, along with various local craft stalls. There will also be Easter Crafts available for Children to learn and a competition – open to all ages! - for the best decorated hard-boiled egg with the theme of ‘100 Years of Kielder Forest’. There is also a dyed egg section, so the competition caters for everyone.

A note from your local contributor: I’ve been sending in copy to the Courant (on most weeks of the year) for at least the last 12 years now – possibly more. The Village Notes that I send in for the Upper North Tyne area are reliant on you all to send me any relevant information for events, news and happenings from around the North Tyne area before they happen. The Courant remains a valuable source of information about local events for those who do not use the Internet or who aren’t signed up for the various mailing lists in the area, and is also useful if you do run events in the area and want them broadcast to a wider area. However, with the best will in the world, I can’t include events I don’t know about, so please do let me know if you have anything you would like me to include in the Notes: events, births, deaths, plays, concerts, other local news – and in fact, anything you would like the community to know about. Please let me know at least a week before the event preferably two weeks ahead if possible), since the Courant is published weekly on a Thursday.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 12-3-26

The next collection of clothes and other items at Tarset takes place on Wednesday, 18 March, between 11.45am and 12.30pm at Tarset Village Hall. A full list of what you can donate is on the Tarset website, but a general list follows: clothing, belts, shoes in pairs, handbags, hats, gloves and scarves, mobile phones, tablets & laptops (in a separate bag), handheld musical instruments, curtains, towels, sheets and household textiles, books, CDs, DVDs and videos (all in a separate bag), small Bric-a-brac (Boxed separately), large Bric-a-brac (Items donated singly). NB: for info on what bric-a-brac items may or may not be donated, please consult your local contact for full details. For the Tarset collection, please contact: Megan on (01434) 240426.

On Wednesday 18^th March, there will be a special combined Coffee Morning and Soup and Pud event at Falstone Village Hall (the Matthew Ridley Memorial Hall), running from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Falstone’s GNAAS collection will also be taking place at the Hall at the same time, so if you are intending to come to the Coffee Morning/Soup and Pud event, you may wish to bring any donations with you. As always, transport to the coffee mornings is available for those who cannot drive to the event, via the Church and Community Partnership. Please contact Marie on 01434 240679 for further info.

Finally, a reminder that Tarset’s contribution to the 2026 Tyne Valley Film Festival will be on 19th March and is the somewhat spicy ‘Wicked Little Letters’ starring Olivia Coleman and Jesse Buckley, and featuring other British legends such as Timothy Spall and Eileen Atkins. The film is based on the Littlehampton Libels in the 1920s and deals with the investigation into a series of anonymous and crudely insulting letters sent to local residents at the time.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 05-3-26

Tarset’s contribution to the 2026 Tyne Valley Film Festival will be on 19th March with a showing of ‘Wicked Little Letters’ at Tarset Village Hall. This 2023 period black comedy mystery film stars Olivia Coleman and Jesse Buckley, and features other British legends such as Timothy Spall and Eileen Atkins. Based on the Littlehampton libels of the 1920s, it follows an investigation into the anonymous author of numerous crudely insulting letters sent to the residents of the seaside town. The evening will also include additional activities. Doors and bar open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
A new initiative for the North Tyne, run by the Church and Community Partnership, called ‘Community Transport’ is currently being set up. Its aim is to reduce social isolation and help people keep appointments, get to community events, attend church services and help with shopping, etc. The drivers in the scheme are all volunteers, and the idea is to register with the scheme and then let them know which appointments or activities you need transport for. The scheme will then match you with a driver who can help. Ideally this is best for all if it’s planned a few days in advance. There is no charge, but donations are encouraged to help the scheme carry on growing so we can help more people who need lifts. Please note this service is not to be used for Cancer appointments, as Tynedale Hospice at home are funded for this and already running a very efficient, friendly service. Also, it’s not intended for people who can easily access transport or who are able to use an existing bus route, but is there to support people who would otherwise not be able to get out or go to appointments etc. Give Caroline (240210) or Marie (240679) a ring if you need help, want to discuss further details or even feel you may be able to volunteer as a driver.
The next monthly Meditation Class at Land of Joy (LOJ) will take place on Wednesday 18th March from 6-7pm. Lindsey will finish the session with a calming sound bath. Please also note that because the centre is very busy with retreats at the moment, we are sadly unable to run the book club, but we will let you when we can start again. For more information, please contact LOJ on 01434 240412

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 26-2-26

There will be a ‘Dementia Awareness’ session at Tarset Village Hall at 6.30pm on Wed 4th March. Doors open at 6pm for refreshments (there will be cake!!), which will be available before the talk starts. The session is a really good opportunity to learn about the many forms of dementia and to learn how to understand and support people in our area. It’s amazing to realise that any little changes we can all easily make, can have big positive effects for sufferers - and since some form of dementia currently affects one in three of us, it’s likely we will all know someone (including our own friends and family) who will develop the disease, so it’s an important thing to be aware of. The session, led by the Alzheimer’s Society, will be short and informal. I attended a session a couple of weeks ago and found it fascinating, informative and surprisingly positive, so I would recommend going along if you have the time.
Tarset’s next Coffee Morning will be on Thursday 5th March at 10.30am, and anyone in the community is welcome to come along.
There will be a dance this weekend at Tarset Village Hall (28th February at 7.30pm) with music by Ewan Galloway. The dance is run by Tarset’s Scottish Country Dancing group and there will be a modest entry fee. There will also be a raffle, bar and pooled supper.
First Thursday Films’ usual March showing at Tarset Village Hall will be on 5th March. Stand by Me is a 1986 American coming-of-age period drama, based on the Stephen King novella “The Body”. Doors and bar open at 7pm for a 7.30pm showing.
Tarset’s contribution to the 2026 Tyne Valley Film Festival will be on 19th March and is the somewhat spicy ‘Wicked Little Letters’ starring Olivia Coleman and Jesse Buckley, and featuring other British legends such as Timothy Spall and Eileen Atkins. The film is based on the Littlehampton Libels in the 1920s and deals with the investigation into a series of anonymous and crudely insulting letters sent to local residents at the time.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 19-2-26

There will be a dance at Tarset Village Hall on 28th February at 7.30pm, with music by Ewan Galloway. The dance is run by Tarset’s Scottish Country Dancing group and there will be a modest entry fee. There will also be a raffle, bar and pooled supper, so bring along your dancing shoes and a plate of goodies to share.

First Thursday Films usual March showing will be on 5th March. Stand by Me is a 1986 American coming-of-age period drama, based on the Stephen King novella “The Body” Shown as a tribute to the late Rob Reiner, the film was a critical success in its time and introduces a young Kiefer Sutherland and River Phoenix who, along with two others, set out to find a missing boy.

Tarset’s contribution to the 2026 Tyne Valley Film Festival will be on 19th March and is ‘Wicked Little Letters’. This 2023 period black comedy mystery film stars Olivia Coleman and Jesse Buckley, and features other British legends such as Timothy Spall and Eileen Atkins. Based on the Littlehampton libels of the 1920s, it follows an investigation into the anonymous author of numerous crudely insulting letters sent to the residents of the seaside town. The evening will also include an additional activity, further details to follow via Tarset Mailing!

A little reminder that if you have anything (events/notices/news, etc.) you would like to include in the Courant about things happening in your area, please could you let me know at least a week in advance of the event (earlier if possible!), so I have time to get the notes into the paper for those who do not have access to internet/electronic information but who might be interested or might like to attend.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 12-2-26

Tonight’s First Thursday Film at Tarset Village Hall will be 'Dean Spanley’ - a surreal period comedy from 2008. It is a tale of canine reincarnation which explores the relationships between father and son, and master and dog. So come along to see “an offbeat, whimsical, period-set shaggy dog story with daffy performances from Sam Neill and Peter O’Toole”! As usual, doors and bar open at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm.

There will be a dance at Tarset Village Hall on 28^th February at 7.30pm, with music by Ewan Galloway. The dance is run by Tarset’s Country Dance group and there will be a modest entry fee. There will also be a raffle, bar and pooled supper, so bring along your dancing shoes and a plate of goodies to share.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 29-1-26

The AGM of Falstone Border Shepherds’ Show will be on Wednesday 11th February 2026 at 7.30pm at The Pheasant Inn, Stannersburn. As many committee members as possible – as well as any other members - are warmly encouraged to attend, so you can all have your say about what this year’s Show will look like.

Mindfulness Meditation Classes in February at Land of Joy, Greenhaugh, will be on Wednesday 4th & Wednesday 18th February from 6 - 7 pm. Lindsey will finish the session with a sound bath on the 18th. W do hope you can join us to enjoy a quiet space.

Please note that there will be no Upper North Tyne Village Notes next week, as I will be away. If you have anything (events/notices/news, etc.) you would like to include in the Courant about things happening in the second half of February and later in the year, please let me know by close of play on Monday 9^th February, so they can be published in the 12^th February edition of the Courant (or later editions).

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 22-1-26

All the news is from First Thursday Films this week: First Thursday Films’ February offering will take place on the second Thursday of the month (12^th February) – due to a scheduling clash with the 2026 Rugby Six Nations’ opening match (France v Ireland, in case you are interested). February’s delayed film will be 'Dean Spanley’, a surreal, off-beat period comedic tale of canine reincarnation, which explores the relationships between father and son and master and dog – with award-nominated performances from Sam Neill and Peter O’Toole.

In March there will be two films (!) – the first being on 5th March. Stand by Me is a 1986 American coming-of-age period drama, based on the Stephen King novella “The Body” Shown as a tribute to the late Rob Reiner, the film was a critical success in its time and introduces a young Kiefer Sutherland and River Phoenix who, along with two others, set out to find a missing boy.

Finally, Tarset’s contribution to the 2026 Tyne Valley Film Festival will be on 19th March and is ‘Wicked Little Letters’. This 2023 period black comedy mystery film stars Olivia Coleman and Jesse Buckley, and features other British legends such as Timothy Spall and Eileen Atkins. Based on the Littlehampton libels of the 1920s, it follows an investigation into the anonymous author of numerous crudely insulting letters sent to the residents of the seaside town. The evening will also include an additional activity, further details to follow!

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 15-1-26

A quick reminder that Mindfulness Meditation Classes at Land of Joy have now re-started for 2026. The next class will be on Weds 21st January from 6-7pm, when Lindsey will be doing a full sound bath session. Why not go along and enjoy the calming, meditative sounds. If there is heavy snow, or very icy conditions, we will email round to cancel the class, so if you’re not on the Tarset Mailing list, please do get in touch by email, or phone the Land of Joy office on 01434 240412.

For anyone one desperate to see Robson Green's stay at Wild Northumbrian in Tarset, it is now ready for viewing on BBC I-Player. It will be shown to the nation on BBC2 at 6,30pm on the 21st January. For all those who don’t want to watch the whole series but do want to see our local areas on the TV, the Tarset episode is no.13 of Series 4, with Rishi Nair.

Upper North Tyne Village Notes 8-1-26

Grazing land near Tarset will be needed for 100 sheep from May 2026. If you think you can help, please phone 01434 240358 to discuss details.

Land of Joy, Greenhaugh, would like to wish everyone a very happy, healthy & peaceful New Year. Mindfulness Meditation Classes will re-start in January 2026. By the time this issue comes out, the first class will already have happened, but the next class will be on Weds 21^st January from 6-7pm. Lindsey will be doing a full sound bath session on the 21st, so come and enjoy the calming, meditative sounds. If there is heavy snow or very icy conditions, we will email round to cancel the class, so if you’re not on the Tarset Mailing list, please do get in touch by email, or phone the Land of Joy office on 01434 240412.

January’s First Thursday Film (which is happening tonight!) is ‘Once’, a 2007 Irish romantic musical drama about two struggling musicians in Dublin who come together by chance and decide to collaborate on writing songs which happen to reflect the story of their developing relationship…but where will it lead, you’ll have to come along and find out! At the time of its release, this movie had an impact on Steven Speilberg, who said of it: A little movie called ‘Once’ gave me enough inspiration to last the rest of the year. So it’s a good choice to kick off the new year at Tarset Village Hall. Doors and bar open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.