If you have anything you would like to see published in the Courant’s Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please email the details to [email protected] by 6pm on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week. 

Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 10th October 2024

• Song Reivers are putting on a concert in Bellingham Town hall on 26th October to celebrate 15 years(!) of singing.  The evening also features guest performances by two local groups: Wychwood and The Dodgy Bs.  Tickets and further details are available at the Rocky Road café, via the following link  https://www.tickettailor.com/events/kathryndavidson/1397467 , or by scanning the QR code on local flyers. Bar and Doors open to the public at 7pm and the performance starts at 7.30pm.  It looks like a lovely night is on the cards, so why not go along and support them.
• A little advance notice of the date for the submission of articles/news for the Tarset Diary’s Winter/Christmas issue:  Sunday 8th December  2024.  All contributions are most welcome: Tarset memories, stories, events, anniversaries, birthdays, obituaries, births, newcomers’ introductions & photos etc.  Please email anything you would like to see in print to [email protected] or call Chris on 240947.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes 3rd October 2024

There are no notes for this week as I am on holiday - normal service will resume next week. 

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes 26th September 2024

• There will be a harvest Thanksgiving Family Service at St Peter’s Church, Falstone, at 11am on Sunday 29th September.  Also, donations (non-perishable only, please) are currently being collected for the Food Bank, so if you do have any items to donate, you are welcome to leave them in the designated bin at the church entrance, or in the church itself.
• First Thursday Film will start its new season on Thursday 3rd October at Tarset Village Hall.  Regular attendees and members of the community are being given an opportunity to influence the choice of films and anyone who is interested is invited to a meeting at the village hall next Thursday 26th September, at 6.30pm.  Suggestions for 4 out of the 8 films due to be shown in the coming season are already in hand, but it would be good to get suggestions for the other four films as well as for the next season.  First Thursday Films will be part of the Tyne Valley Film Festival again in 2025, with a provisional date of 20th March. The loose theme for the Festival is ‘Near and Far’ and although there are a few ideas, other suggestions are very welcome.  It is worth noting that new film licensing arrangements have been put in place which not only give access to a much wider catalogue of films, but as a result, much greater flexibility.  If you are interested in coming along, please email [email protected]
• An advance date for your diaries:  The Churchfitters, who have previously headlined BAAFest, will be visiting Tarset Village Hall on Sunday 27th October as part of their Autumn tour of the North of England. They are a folk band like no other, offering a unique mixture of funk-rock rhythms and re-imagined traditional tunes. If you would like tickets, please email [email protected] or call 240337.  Doors and bar open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes 19th September 2024

A message from Jeff Mills, Secretary of the Tarset and District Leek Show:  The show was held in Tarset Village Hall on the 7^th September.  Despite a horrible growing season for all gardeners there was a fantastic show of flowers and the leeks defied the elements with an excellent standard throughout.  Once again the cooks and bakers produced a quality display of their skills!  The main winners in the flower section were John Thirlwell, John Davies, Michael Dickinson, Robin Banks, Sharon Walton and Katy Foster, with John Thirlwell winning the cup for the most points, while John Davies won the best exhibit.  The industrial section was well supported with the main winners being Margaret Bird, Colin Watson, Sheryl Anderson and Gloria Armstrong, with Margaret Bird winning the trophy for the most points.  Phillip Spottiswood overcame a strong field to win the cup in the gentleman’s  baking section.  The leeks were won by Matt Robson, who also won best leek in show. Clive Hymers was runner-up with first-time grower Lynne Hood in third place. Lynne also won with the best ladies leek.  The auction was very successful, with some strong bidding from a very good crowd of visitors. This resulted in our best auction yet making just over £500 which goes to the cost of staging next years show.  We would like to thank all of the competitors, visitors and our donors for making this such a successful day.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes 12th September 2024

Apologies for there being no Upper North Tyne Village Notes for the last two weeks (29th August and 5th September).  My computer did some sort of update and as a result, most (though not all!) of my usual mail has been going into my online spam folder and I have not been able to send emails successfully to more than one person at a time. I received no ‘unsent’ or 'undeliverable' notifications, so it’s only been in the last couple of days when I have been made aware of this issue and been able to correct it.  Since the notes I normally provide deal with time-specific information, this has meant that I have been unable to publicise certain local events, for which I again apologise.  Thankfully, my email appears to be working correctly again now, so please do continue to send me any relevant information – the notes should be back to normal next week!

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes 22nd August 2024

A final reminder that Falstone Show takes place this weekend (Saturday 24th August), and will be in its usual field this year.  Gates open at 9am 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 varied programme of activities throughout the day, and will finish with music by Takahaad from 5.30pm onwards. Not that anyone will need the reminder, but please make sure you dress appropriately for the weather...

The 2024 Tarset and District Leek, Flower and Vegetable Show will take place at Tarset Village Hall on Saturday 7th September. All exhibits need to be benched by 10.30am.   Doors open to the public at 3pm and there will be an auction at 5pm.  Refreshments are available and the licensed bar will be open.  Further information and a copy of the show schedule can be found on the Tarset Website here: https://www.tarset.co.uk/community/events/event.cfm/event/2720

Four felting workshops will take place at Tarset Village Hall in September and October, run by Margaret Bird of ‘Whitemere Crafter’.  Needle-felting sessions will be on Tues 17th and Sat 21st September and wet-felting workshops will take place on Sat 5th and Weds 9th October.  Please note that the session on Sat 5^th October is already fully booked, but there are some spaces left for the other workshops.   All sessions run from 10.30am – 4pm with all materials and tea/coffee/biscuits provided.  You will need to bring a packed lunch.  Places are strictly limited, so it’s essential that you book in advance.  You can book by phone on 01434 240691 or via email at [email protected]

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes 15th August 2024

• Four felting workshops will take place at Tarset Village Hall in September and October, run by Margaret Bird of Whitemere Crafter.  The September sessions will give you the chance to try needle felting for the first time (or to increase your skills with some fresh ideas).  The October workshops are new, and will teach you how to create a wet felted picture. The needle-felting sessions will be on Tues 17th and Sat 21st September and the wet-felting workshops will take place on Sat 5th (sorry – this session is now fully booked) and Weds 9th October.  All sessions run from 10.30am – 4pm with all materials and tea/coffee/biscuits provided.  You will, however, need to bring your own lunch.  Places are strictly limited, so it’s essential that you book in advance – by phone on 01434 240691 or via email at [email protected]
• The hugely popular Tarset Diary newsletter is looking for a new editor, as the current editor (who has done an amazing job over the past few years - thanks, Chris!) will be retiring from the role and although he will be editing the Autumn and Christmas editions, a new editor is being sought to take over from January 2025 onwards.  As editor, you would have total editorial freedom over the content and design of the newsletter.  If you live in the area and think you would like to take on the role,  please call John Holland on 240337 for further information.
• Falstone Show is happening next weekend, on Saturday 24th August, and will be back to its usual field this year.  Gates open at 9am 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 varied programme of activities all day, and finishes with music by Takahaad from 5.30pm.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes 8th August 2024

• A quick reminder that entries for all classes in Bellingham Show must be received by 12th August and no late entries can be accepted (except for some dog competition classes, where field entries may be accepted).  So if you haven’t already submitted your entry forms, you have until Monday to do so...!
• There are two new local workshops planned from August onwards.  Both courses are run by  Lindsay Macaulay of Sound Medicine.  Firstly, there will be a series of monthly Sound Baths, which use the sounds and vibrations of instruments to release tension and anxiety.  Sessions will take place at the Bellwether Gallery in Charlton, starting on Tuesday 13th August from 7pm -8pm.  The second series of workshops will be a weekly Singing Circle, which starts at 10am on Wednesday 21st August at Tarset Village Hall.  Details of both workshops and how to book your place(s) can be found online at www.soundmedicine.co.uk and you can email Lindsay ([email protected]) with any queries you might have that aren’t covered on the website.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes 1st August 2024

Well, this year is flying by and we’ve reached August already!  We are rapidly coming up to the time of year for our local Shows, which will be followed by a steadily-increasing number and range of events as the days get shorter and the weather colder (although after this year’s weather, I’m not entirely sure we’ll notice the change as much!) and preparations start for Autumn, with Harvest Festivals, Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations on the horizon.  Please note that I am not yet mentioning the 'big December celebration' by name, as it's only August, although I am reliably informed that the first seasonal decorations have already appeared in some shops!

• Falstone Show takes place on Saturday 24th August and although there was a change of venue due to weather and hay-making last year, the show plans to move back to its usual field this year.  Gates open at 9am 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 varied programme of activities all day, and finishes with music by Takahaad from 5.30pm.
• The following weekend sees Bellingham Show (on Saturday 31st August).  The show field opens at 7am for exhibitors and at 9am to the general public, closing at 5pm.  There will be live music and entertainment all day as well as a huge range of stalls and activities - from Giant Tortoises to Cumberland Wrestling and everything in between.  Entries for all classes must be received by 12th August and no late entries can be accepted (except for some dog competition classes, where field entries may be accepted).  As always, you will need to dress for the weather (and trust me, you can sometimes get four seasons’ worth of weather in one day), but the local Shows are a great family day out so please do come along and support them.
• In the meantime, if you have anything at all (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] on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week.  Not everyone is able to use the internet regularly, so the Village Notes are a good way to get information to those members of the community who might otherwise miss out.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes 25th July 2024

The traditional and friendly Falstone Show will be on Saturday 24th August this year.  The show aims to provide a stage for the skills and creations of all our local talent and is a fantastic opportunity to share your hard work and talents.  The show organisers are hoping for another fabulous show this year and are trying to beat last year's entry numbers.  The Schedule/Entry Forms are available at www.falstoneshow.com and the closing date for entries is 29th July 2024, so if you would like to take part, there's still time and your chance is now...   

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes 18th July 2024

Hi all – I am out of the country at the moment, so there will be no Upper North Tyne notes in the 18^th July edition.  However, I will be home on the 19^th July, and if you have any notes for inclusion in the Upper North Tyne Village Notes for Thursday 25^th July, please could you email them to me (at [email protected]) by Sunday 21^st July at the latest.  Many thanks.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes 11th July 2024

• Instead of its usual ‘Soup and Pud’ event, St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, will be taking a chance on fine weather arriving in the second half of July and putting on Strawberry Scone Cream Tea at Tarset Village Hall on Tuesday 23rd July from 2pm-5pm.  Please contact Caroline ([email protected]) for further information. There will be a cake stall and raffle, so please come along and enjoy the nice weather, good food and good company!
• Our local schools have been taking part in their own Fragile Earth Day celebrations - learning about Creation and how to look after the earth and the environment in which we live.  Communities have been designing their own original drawings, which have been copied onto fabric and have been used to make banners and wall hangings.  All the banners from our local communities will be displayed at Hexham Abbey over the Summer so you will get the chance to see them all together before they go to their original communities (Greenhaugh School’s beautiful banner has been stitched by some skilled local people and will eventually be used as the new Altar Frontal at St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn). 
• With the best will in the world, I can’t let you all know about events and activities if nobody has actually told me about them - ideally well in advance (grin!).  So if you have anything at all (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 Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please email me at [email protected] on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week.  Not everyone is able to use the internet regularly, so the Village Notes are a good way to get information to those members of the community.
• Please note that I will be out of the country next week, so there will be no Village Notes on Thursday 18th July.  However, everything should return to normal for Thursday 25th July 2024.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes 4th July 2024

If you have anything at all (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] on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week.  Not everyone is able to use the internet regularly, so the Village Notes are a good way to get information to those members of the community.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 27th June 2024

• A date for your diaries:  St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, is planning its long-awaited Cream Tea on Tuesday 23rd July 2-5pm. This will be a scone cream tea, with cake stall and raffle and will be held at Tarset Village Hall. All welcome either to help or just to come along and we hope by then we will have some summer sunshine...
• If you have anything at all (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] on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week.  Not everyone is able to use the internet regularly, so the Village Notes are a good way to get information to those members of the community.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 20th June 2024

If you have anything at all (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] on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week.  Not everyone is able to use the internet regularly, so the Village Notes are a good way to get information to those members of the community.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 13th June 2024

• A reminder that Tarset Village Hall welcomes local duo Landermason (plus a support act) this weekend (Saturday 15th June), for ‘a Summer’s evening of music’.  The hall says:  A Landermason concert brings variety by the bucketful, as they flow effortlessly between hauntingly beautiful ballads, jaunty jazz and the bounciest of jigs. Doors and bar open at 7pm with music from 7.30pm with tickets available on the door. 
• The deadline for all submissions to the Summer issue of the Tarset Diary Summer Issue is Friday 14th June and all contributions are welcome (Tarset memories, stories, events, anniversaries, birthdays, obituaries, births, newcomers introductions & photo's etc.).
• Finally, a reminder that if you have anything at all (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] on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week.  Not everyone is able to use the internet regularly, so the Village Notes are a good way to get information to those members of the community.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 6th June 2024

• Final reminder for submissions to The Tarset Diary:  The deadline for the Summer Issue is Friday 14th June and all contributions are welcome (Tarset memories, stories, events, anniversaries, birthdays, obituaries, births, newcomers introductions & photo's etc.).  If you have anything you would like included, please email Chris at [email protected]
• At 7pm on Weds 19th June,  at the Riverdale Hall Hotel (Bellingham), the Farmer Network is hosting an evening with Northumbria Police’s Rural Crime Team, the Countryside Officer from NCC and representatives from The Farming Community Network to talk about access rights, trespass laws, rural crime and livestock welfare (sheep worrying, etc.) and to answer any questions or concerns that you might have.  There will also be an opportunity for you to have vehicles or small items security marked. Food will be provided by Riverdale Hall Hotel, so booking is essential. Please book by email: [email protected], by phone on 01768 868615 or text ‘CRIME’ to 07714 187034.  The closing date for bookings is 15th June.
• All are welcome to join artist-in-residence Christy Burdock at VARC this weekend, for her end of residency show:  ‘Labour of Love’.  The opening event, on Sat 8th June, 11am–5pm includes a guided tour by Christy at 2pm.  Refreshments will be provided. The exhibition then continues on Sun 9th June, 11am–3pm.  Both dates are drop-in events and will be held at Visual Arts in Rural Communities (VARC), Address: Highgreen, Tarset, Northumberland. NE48 1RP  Please see the VARC website for further information and directions: https://www.varc.org.uk/

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 30th May 2024

All are welcome to join VARC for Christy Burdock’s end of residency show:  Labour of Love.  Opening event Sat 8th June, 11am – 5pm (a drop-in event) with a guided tour by Christy Burdock at 2pm, refreshments provided.  The exhibition continues on Sun 9th June, 11am – 3pm (also a drop-in session).  Both events take place at VARC (Visual Arts in Rural Communities), Highgreen, Tarset, Northumberland NE48 1RP.  

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 23rd May 2024

• Everyone is invited to come along to Community Cuppa afternoons at Kielder.  These Coffee and Chat afternoons are held in the school hall at Kielder School and Nursery from 2pm - 4pm on the second Monday of the month in term time.  Each session offers the chance for a chat and a cuppa, as well as a different (totally optional!) activity.  The next session will be on 10th June and offers the opportunity of a Decoupage (on glass/wood/metal) and Felting workshop, led by Sheila and Logan.  Next month’s session, on 8th July, offers the rare opportunity to take a minibus trip into Kielder forest to see the working forest in Summer (led by Alex and David).  For further information, keep an eye on the Kielder Community Village Facebook page or visit www.ccptynedale.org.uk
• Wednesday Night Meditation at Land of Joy, Greenhaugh.  A space in Land of Joy's supportive, quiet and peaceful surroundings is available for those who live nearby to come and meditate on the 1st and third Wednesdays of each month from 6-7pm. Experienced meditators will introduce a variety of techniques and topics suitable for everyone, giving you a chance to try different approaches and see what might work for you.  Further information can be found at https://landofjoy.co.uk/community-programme/wednesday-meditations/ The next session will be on Weds 29th May.  You don’t need to let us know you’re coming. Just turn up at the main door if it’s your first visit and we will be happy to show you to the room.  Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
• Meanwhile, if you have anything at all (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] on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week.  Not everyone is able to use the internet regularly, so the Village Notes are a good way to get information to those members of the community.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 2nd May 2024

• A reminder that there is no First Thursday Film at the village hall this week, as the hall is being used for the election.  The film will be shown next Thursday (9th May) instead. 'Summer of Soul’ is a 2021 American independent documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. The film received acclaim from critics, won numerous awards and is considered one of the best films of the 21st century to date.  Doors and bar open at 7pm with the film starting at 7.30pm.
• A reminder that on Sat 18th May from 9am – 5pm at Tarset Village Hall, there will be a First Aid for Farmers course run by North Pennines Training.  Organised by The Farmer Network with support from Tarset 2050CIC, the course is open to anyone involved in the agri-sector or even forestry/gamekeeping.  It will be free to members of The Farmer Network but there will also be  a heavy discount available to non-members.  Food will be provided, so it is vital that you pre-book your place by Monday 13th May.  Tel:  01768 868615; email: [email protected] or text FIRST AID to 07714 187034. 
• Don’t forget to book your place for the Quiz Night which will take place on Saturday 11th May at Tarset Village Hall.  Questions are being set by Sheryl Anderson, renowned local quiz maestro and each team is limited to 4 members.  It will be a pub-style quiz with several rounds covering various topics to cater for a range of diverse interests and knowledge, and there will be modest(!) prizes for the winners.  Ticket price includes refreshments (bread and cheese) and a glass of wine.  For catering purposes, it would be extremely helpful for the organisers to know details of teams and the number of attendees, so please email [email protected] to book your place(s).  Doors and bar open at 7pm, with the quiz starting around 7.30pm. 

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 25th April 2024

• With a new defibrillator now installed in Greenhaugh, Darrell has kindly offered to run a training course on how to use it, along with a demonstration of some basic CPR techniques. It will only take around 45 minutes and is a great opportunity to learn or get a refresher on some life-saving skills. No need to pre-book, just come along on the day.  7pm on 1st May in Tarset Village Hall (doors open at 6.45pm for a prompt 7pm start).  If you can't make it but would like some training,  please email Simon Coxon at [email protected].  If there is sufficient demand, it may be possible to arrange another session in due course.
• On Sat 18th May from 9am – 5pm at Tarset Village Hall, there will be a First Aid for Farmers course run by North Pennines Training. Organised by The Farmer Network with support from Tarset 2050CIC, the course, which usually costs £100, will be free to members of The Farmer Network, with a modest fee payable by non-members.  Food will be provided, so it is vital that you pre-book your place by Monday 13th May.  Tel:  01768 868615; email: [email protected] or text FIRST AID to 07714 187034
• A Quiz Night will take place on Saturday 11th May at Tarset Village Hall - doors open at 7pm, with the quiz starting around 7.30pm. Refreshments, in the form of cheese and wine, will be available and there will be a raffle.  Questions are being set by Sheryl Anderson, renowned local quiz maestro. With each team limited to 4 members, there is room for everyone to enter.  It will be a pub-style quiz with several rounds covering various topics to cater for a range of diverse interests and knowledge, and there will be modest(!) prizes for the winners.  Ticket price includes your bread and cheese and a glass of wine.  More wine can be purchased and the bar will also be open.  For catering purposes, it would be extremely helpful for the organisers to know details of teams and number of attendees, so please email [email protected] to book your place(s).
• Finally, the last ‘First Thursday Film’ of the season will take place on the second Thursday in May (Thurs 9th May). Further details to follow next week.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 18th April 2024

• A quick reminder that "The Missing Lynx" roadshow, presented by a partnership of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, The Lifescape Project and The Wildlife Trusts.   The partnership aims to consult the local community about the potential for reintroduction of Lynx to forests in Kielder and the Borders, The roadshow will be at Tarset from 23rd to 26th April and Wark from 4th to 7^th May and from 11th to 14th May.  Information on the project is available online for those who won’t be able to make it to the live exhibition, via the following link:  https://www.nwt.org.uk/what-we-do/projects/missing-lynx-project. The link also gives information about booking your spot for all the exhibition dates.
• On Sat 18^th May from 9am – 5pm at Tarset Village Hall, there will be a First Aid for Farmers course run by North Pennines Training. Organised by The Farmer Network with support from Tarset 2050CIC, the course, which usually costs £100, will be free to members of The Farmer Network, with a modest fee payable by non-members.  Food will be provided, so it is vital that you pre-book your place by Monday 13^th  Tel:  01768 868615; email: [email protected] or text FIRST AID to 07714 187034

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 4th April 2024

• Jess Storey and Annie Docwra have teamed together with some amazing supporters to start up Care for a Cuppa, which aims to bring together carers and those living with memory loss or dementia.  Sessions will take place at Falstone Village Hall on the second Thursday of the month from 10.30am – 12 noon.  This is a relaxed environment where you can meet others, find advice, support and enjoy activities over a cake and cuppa.  The first session will take place on 9th May.  Further details will be made available soon, so please look out for the upcoming posters and flyers.
• Many thanks to all who supported the recent collection for the Great North Air Ambulance. Between all our local collection points, we raised the equivalent of £3,100 this time – and over the years, we have managed to raise a truly impressive £122,274.50 in our North Tyne area.  The next collection will take place on Wednesday, 18 September and further details will be forwarded nearer the time, as there are some changes to the items they will be able to collect - due to changes in legislation and increased costs associated with those changes. 
• At Tarset Village Hall on 20th April 2024, acoustic duo Fool’s Gold present a new show for 2024: Old King Coal, which they describe as an ‘unashamedly nostalgic retrospective of life in the North of England in days gone by’.  People have always liked mining songs and are fascinated by mining history, especially insofar as it impacted the little people - the miners, their wives, and their children. The miners’ stories, the conditions they lived and worked in, and how they let off steam are all subjects of this show.  But it’s not just about coal - numerous places, events, and characters of the North all rub shoulders with tales of the pit.  Those who have seen Carol and Steve perform past shows will know to expect quirky humour, fascinating facts and a blend of well-known and original songs, which all add up to a genuinely entertaining evening.  If you would like tickets, please contact John by email at [email protected] or by calling 01434 240337.  Doors and bar open at 7.00pm with the performance starting at 7.30pm.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 28th March 2024

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 - 21st March 2024

• Saturday 23rd Mar 2024 (at 7.30pm) is the date for the North Tyne and Redewater Choral Society’s Easter concert: "Aspects of Spring” at St Mungo's Church, Simonburn.   Music includes Stainer’s Crucifixion as well as seasonal music by Rutter and Kodaly, conducted by John Roper and featuring accompanist Henry Wallace.   The ticket price includes light refreshments.
• Also this coming weekend, at 6pm on Sunday 24^th March, there will be a Palm Sunday Evensong Service at 6pm at St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn. 
• Next weekend, Easter celebrations will be taking place throughout the region and on Saturday 30th March, Falstone will be running its annual Chocolate Morning from 10am-12 noon in Falstone Village Hall.  
• On Sunday 31^st March, there will be an Easter communion Service at 11am at St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn.  Children of all ages (1-99) are invited to make an Easter Garden on a plate to bring along to the Easter Service.  The Easter Gardens can also be left in the church porch from this weekend onwards.  There will be small rewards and Easter activities to do or take away.  
• Finally, a quick reminder that if you do have anything you would like to see published in the Upper North Tyne Village Notes, please don’t forget to email the details to [email protected] by (at the latest) 6pm on the Sunday before the paper goes out each week.  

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 14th March 2024

• A quick reminder that Saturday 23rd Mar 2024 at 7.30pm, sees the North Tyne and Redewater Choral Society’s Easter concert: "Aspects of Spring”.  Music includes Stainer’s Crucifixion and seasonal music by Rutter and Kodaly, conducted by John Roper and featuring accompanist Henry Wallace.   St Mungo's Church, Simonburn.  The ticket price includes light refreshments.
• The annual Tarset litter pick is scheduled for this weekend.  Caroline will put out high-vis jackets and litter pickers for those taking part, and for those who will be tidying their sections on Saturday, please let Julian know asap.  The Parish Council will be sponsoring some well-earned refreshments for the volunteers at the Hollybush, and he will need to let John and Lynn have potential numbers. 
• With Easter nearly on us already (it’s an early one this year!), there are various church activities and services around the parishes:
  • At St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, there is a Palm Sunday Evensong Service at 6pm on 24th March and on 31st March, there will be an Easter communion Service at 11am.  All children - aged 1-99(!) - are invited to make an Easter Garden on a plate and bring it to St Aidan’s Thorneyburn for the Easter Service or you can bring it along the week before and leave in the porch. There will be small rewards and Easter activities to do or take away.
  • Meanwhile, Falstone is holding its annual Chocolate Morning on Sat 30th March from 10am-12 noon in Falstone Village Hall. They are also collecting Easter Eggs for disadvantaged children, so please give any eggs to Jill or Marie by 21st March.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 15th February 2024

• Everyone is welcome at a new series of Community Cuppa afternoons at Kielder - Coffee and Chat afternoons which are held in the school hall at Kielder School and Nursery from 2pm - 4pm on the second Monday of the month in term time.  Each session offers the chance for a chat and a cuppa, as well as a different (optional!) activity.  The next session will be on 11th March and the theme will be Fragile Earth…our Sacred Space with an additional story and craft activities led by Rev Frances and Jude.  On 13th May, The Forestry Commission will be telling the group about its work. The session on 10th June includes a craft workshop (led by Sheila and Logan) Decoupage on glass/wood/metal and Felting, and on 8th July, there will be a minibus trip into Kielder forest to see the working forest in the Summer (led by Alex and David).  For further information, keep an eye on the Kielder Community Village Facebook page or visit www.ccptynedale.org.uk
• St Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, is holding a Special Evensong for Lent on Sunday 25th Feb @ 6pm led by Michel Nixon.  The Communion Service in March falls on Mothering Sunday (10th March) at 11am and it is hoped that this will be a joint service with Bellingham.  An Easter Communion service is planned for 11am on 31st March.
• Children’s work in the Deanery – Cloth of Hopes and Dreams:  This year the church Schools group is working with local schools, looking at the concept of Our Fragile Earth and the pupils (along with other members of the community) have drawn images of what they love most about our planet.   Volunteers are now needed to help transfer the children’s artwork onto fabric patches/blocks which can then be sewn together to create a Cloth of Hopes and Dreams for each school/area.  Anyone who can machine sew, hand sew, embroider or even just stick fabric together would be most welcome. It is hoped that the Greenhaugh School’s designs will be incorporated into a new Altar Frontal at Thorneyburn.   Adults are invited to make their own patches too, so please contact your church or school if you think you can help in any way. In the North Tyne area, where Bellingham, Greenhaugh and Kielder Schools have all been taking part Jenni Holland (240337) and Mandy Gray (240303) are the people to contact if you would like to help, so please do contact them.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 1st February 2024

• Sadly, last week’s notes were scuppered by intermittent power and internet problems, and those problems still appear to be manifesting themselves in a number of additional power cuts over a week later!  Hopefully everyone who was affected now has both services working again – particularly those in Falstone, who appear to have had more problems than the rest of us with regard to their internet access.
• The AGM for the Falstone Border Shepherds’ Show and Sports will be held on Wednesday 21st February 2024 at 7.30pm at The Pheasant Inn, Stannersburn.  The AGM is open to everyone local and to all those who have an interest in the Show. 
• A guided community meditation is held at Land of Joy (Greenhaugh) on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month from 6pm to 7pm. If you live in the local area, why not join them for the next one on 7th February at 6pm. They would love to see you there.  Further details, and information about Land of Joy’s full 2024 Programme of events and retreats is available on the Land of Joy website (https://landofjoy.co.uk/).
• Thursday 1st February sees First Thursday Films’ next showing.  The film’s organiser says: What more appropriate for the month when St Valentine’s Day falls, than the highly acclaimed ‘Il Postino’, a 1994 film that movingly explores themes of love and friendship through sensitively depicted (and beautifully acted) relationships in 1950s Italy. The film tells a fictional story in which the real-life Chilean poet Pablo Neruda forms a friendship with a simple postman, Mario, who learns to love poetry. Eventually Neruda helps Mario win over the captivating Beatrice, 'the woman of his dreams’.  Doors and bar open at 7pm and the film will start at 7.30pm.

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 18th January 2024

• There will be a fundraiser, in aid of the Falstone Border Shepherds’ Show, taking place on 19th January at Falstone Village Hall.  Starting at 7pm, teams of between 2 and 4 people are invited to take part in a Quiz Night.  There will be a raffle and bar and there will also be a pooled supper, so please bring along something to share.
• Also for Falstone Show, here is an advance notice of a date for your diaries:  The AGM for the Falstone Border Shepherds’ Show and Sports will be held on Wednesday 21st February 2024 at 7.30pm at The Pheasant Inn, Stannersburn.  The AGM is open to everyone local and to all those who have an interest in the Show. 

Archive:  Upper North Tyne Village Notes - 11th January 2024

• Happy New Year!  January can often seem a little underwhelming after all the activity and sparkle of the festive season,  so to start you off thinking about the year ahead, there will be a Quiz Night fundraiser for the Falstone Border Shepherds Show happening on 19^th January at Falstone Village Hall.  Starting at 7pm, teams of between 2 and 4 people are invited to take part in the quiz.  There will be a raffle and bar and there will be a pooled supper, so please bring along something to share.
• Song Reivers’ new term started this week 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, please 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 – the weekly sessions run on Monday mornings from 10am – 11.30am at Tarset Village Hall.