Issue 91 Feb/April 2015 One way system ignored by motorists

one way system introduced at During January the harbour area in December is the scheme was Astill being ignored by a handful monitored by the of motorists, say residents. And despite County Council increased signage and road marking, and signage and motorists are still driving the wrong way road markings were along Leazes Street. improved. But The temporary one way system was some drivers are introduced from the bottom of Queen Street, continuing to drive along Coquet Street and Leazes Street, the wrong way, ending at Newburgh Street. The intention causing concerns is to trial the system for twelve months to among locals that Motorists claim the width of the Newburgh St junction onto Leazes St makes see if it will ease traffic congestion along the an accident is it hard to see the new no entry signs harbour area. waiting to happen. In the last issue of The Ambler we told Several Not yet, but come summer they are allowed readers of the County Council’s one way commenters on our Facebook page claimed to go in the opposite direction to traffic. This plan, which was due to be introduced on not to know about the one way system. One may be part of the national cycle way but I 15 December. However, two months later, claimed it was unnecessary and ‘ a farce’. think this needs to be considered - cycle lane some motorists are still driving west along ‘Old habits’ were cited as a reason, as maybe ? Just a thought ....” Leazes Street, and the change has increased was the width of the Leazes Street junction JF: “the [Leazes Street] junction is big the number of HGVs now using Lawson and making it difficult to see the new ‘no entry’ ...but so is the letters saying NO ENTRY !” George Street. signs and road markings. RW: “What if a child came out of Poor signage and a delay in implementing Here are a selection of your Facebook their house and just looked one way in the the one-way system was blamed on the initial comments: direction the traffic should be coming? confusion. DH: “It’s a mixture of habit and people Would people be saying oops then or saying A failure by the County Council to notify not looking at signs” the child should have been taught the green residents of the change, resulted in the start CT: “I do believe there is a few innocents cross code and check both directions? If you of the scheme being delayed for a week, until (the signage needs to be better at the drive then you know the Highway Code and just before Christmas. Many locals had not large junction ) but I see regulars who are know how important it is to follow it.” been made aware that Lawson Street and zipping down the wrong way to Broomhill Give us your views; email editor@ George Street were included in the one way Street. There has been more police presence theambler.co.uk or join the discussion on system. stopping cars but, my concern is cyclists. Facebook/TheAmbler Big steps towards Paddlers makeover t a recent town council meeting it was “I am using my full year’s allocation Aagreed to grant £20,000 towards the of funds to support this exciting project,” Paddlers renovation. Members have been said Jeff Watson. “It seems to me to be very considering innovative plans for the Paddlers appropriate to breathe new life into the play area which has fallen into a state of Paddlers and give a recreation facility that disrepair over many years. young and old can enjoy.” The project has already secured £20,000 “I remember playing at the Paddlers as a from Northumberland County Council and boy.” said Robert Arckless. “I am delighted £30,000 from the Small Schemes allowances to support this project which will give the of Councillor Robert Arckless and Councillor same chance to youngsters in the future. I Jeff Watson. This amount is set to be welcome the staunch support of the County matched by NCC from its parks and green Council and Amble Town Council who have spaces capital projects programme. worked in partnership to make the scheme a Craig Weir, Mayor of Amble, said that he reality.” was “very pleased that the hard work carried As well as the new water feature, the out by the Town Council, and in partnership paddling pool area will be landscaped, with Northumberland County Council has footpaths and entrances improved, and Above: Amble Town Councillors Robert Arckless reached this stage. The proposed work will outdoor table tennis and gym equipment and Craig Weir at the Paddlers play area. be an asset to Amble and bring great pleasure installed. Tenders will be invited for the to all who use it in the future”. work in the next few weeks. Heap lie on here’s still a lot going on in Amble town and this issue is crammed with activity of all kinds - some Treceived with excitement, some received with horror. We’ve got articles on projects that have been visited by a Baroness (page 14) and an MEP (page 16), plans that people didn’t know about (page 3), plans that people didn’t want to know about (page 4) and plans that people have been expecting to hear about (pages 2 and 3). We’d like to draw your attention to a wonderfully thoughtful and mature article written by 10 year old Lily Tibbitts. She and two other members of Artograffi have been considering the complexities of freedom of expression. Please read her article “Is it ever OK to insult someone’s beliefs?” on the The Ambler Artograffi centre pages. Fourways 2 Spring is definitely here because there are daffodills at the top of Percy Drive - bringing a welcome 6 Dilston Terrace cheer and brightening up the roadworks at the fish roundabout. Welcome to Persimmon (finally) and Northumberland NE65 0DT to the new properties next to Dandsfield Square; the population of the Friendliest Port will soon be Tel: 01665 712929 nearing the size of Alnwick! www.theambler.co.uk [email protected] New initiative will sell Amble fish directly from the harbour Twitter: AmbleByTheSea longside the new Harbour Village, wanderers in the UK, so we end up importing the majority YouTube: AnnaAtTheAmbler1 Aalong the quayside will doubtless have of it,” said Andrew. “This massive demand puts noticed the construction of the curvaceous a lot of pressure on a handful of fish stocks. If new Seafood Centre. This will be home to the we want to help solve the problem, we need to Northumberland Seafood Initiative, the first ever diversify what we eat.” Follow us on Facebook centre of its kind in the North East. The UK’s inshore fishermen catch a huge Follow us on Pinterest Helen Spark and Andrew Gooding have variety of quality, fresh, local fish, using low been appointed to job share the Seafood Broker impact methods. But most of their catch is Editorial Team: role. “We will be selling fish and developing new shipped straight to the continent. New European Justin Cooper - Vivienne Dalgliesh markets within the region,” said Andrew. legislation is also putting increased pressure on Norma Hinson - Tim Jones “We’ll be selling directly to customers and fishermen to land 100% of their catch with no Lou Pickering - Cath Teasdale through shops and restaurants,” said Helen. “And allowance for any discards. Anna Williams we’ll be setting up a fish club, there will be fish Andrew and Helen have put together a short Thanks to: auctions and people can buy fish directly from the survey to gather information on people’s needs, Mark Beswick & The Artograffi Crew Seafood Centre.” preferences, opinions and behaviour when it Bartle Rippon The aim of the Northumberland Seafood comes to buying and eating local seafood. You Initiative is to put more local fish on local can collect a hard copy version from Fourways2, Printing: plates. By supplying both wholesale, retail and or access it online via: www.ambleharbourvillage. Azure Printers, Pegswood consumers directly with locally caught fish, co.uk/news-events. Would you like to join the intention is to take some of The Ambler team? We are a friendly the strain off overfished stocks, group who welcome contributions introduce consumers to new types of and help from anyone who would delicious seafood and help support like to volunteer. Amble’s inshore fishing fleet. Don’t forget our subscriptions list. “As a nation, us Brits are a If you would like a copy of pretty unadventurous bunch when The Ambler delivered to a friend or it comes to seafood,” said Helen. relative in this country or abroad, She explained that over 75% of all just let us know. the seafood we eat comes from the Contact Anna for more information. big five: salmon, cod, haddock, tuna Thanks to all our contributors, and prawns. sponsors and advertisers: “We don’t catch enough of these Inner Wheel Club of Amble and Warkworth Harbour Village Rotary Club of Amble and Warkworth fter some disappointing delays Sir James Knott Trust Alast year and into this year, Amble Harbour Village is finally Northumberland County Council Community Chest in the last stages of construction. 15 Pods are now in place and the Seafood centre is very near well as celebrate the Harbour Village opening. completion. Our Seafood Brokers are now in place. Helen There is still some work to do on site and and Andrew will be opening the doors to the on the walk-way from the harbour and around seafood centre and sharing their plans for the year The Ambler is a project of the waterfront towards the Marina but it is all ahead. Amble Development Trust scheduled for completion by 20th March 2015. Please come along and support our businesses There is a launch event planned for the first in the pods and their fantastic range of products. The views expressed in The Ambler We hope to announce three new businesses and The Ambler Online are not Saturday of the Easter holidays (28th March very soon so keep up to date with all news and necessarily those of 2015), where there will be a nautical theme the Editorial Team with cooking displays, arts, crafts, food & drink, event information on www.ambleharbourvillage. displays, and fun activities for the kids. co.uk, follow us on Twitter @AmbleHV, or like us Printed on paper from sustainable We also plan to have a heritage display and an on Facebook/AmbleHV forestry in the UK offer in place to support the Amble Lifeboat as Sarah Dunne, Harbour Village Co-ordinator 2 ~ The Ambler County Council is ignoring the needs of local businesses raders on Amble’s Industrial Estate met “It already looks like the Ttogether to set up a petition about what whole site is up for sale by they see as a lack of communication and Arch,” said Jon. A lot of us will accountability by Northumberland County go under. We’re not cash-heavy Council. businesses, we rely on passing The business owners were angry about trade and seasonal trends. They the removal and subsequent destruction of don’t understand how quickly their signage, claiming they received no prior things affect us”. notice of the action taken by the County Janneil Dixon, co-owner of Council. Neither had they been informed Castle Mania, claimed she had about the intended closure of the main access been unable to speak directly to road into the Industrial Estate from the a County Council officer: “I r-l: Julie Pörkson, Mark Breeze, Jon Priest and some of the other A1068 to construct a roundabout. wanted to get information so I Industrial Estate business owners. Sarah Mitchell is pictured at Jon Priest, owner of North East Kayaks can inform my customers, but the far back (with scarf). and Paddles stated that the signs had been she wouldn’t speak [directly] Arch are totally ignoring the needs of local placed on the fence because of the lack of to me. They asked how I found out about employers in the way they are closing the a main notice board at the entrance to the the road closure, I told them it was posted by main entrance to Coquet Enterprise Park to Industrial Estate. The fence is owned by the Town Council on Facebook. I was then undertake roadworks for the new housing Arch, a development company of the County told I shouldn’t believe everything I read on estate. They need to keep local businesses Council. Facebook! This closure will have a massive informed and listen to their views to “Arch never said anything to us when effect on customers, deliveries etc. Why minimise adverse impact on their trade. No we put the signs up on their fence” said Jon. couldn’t we just be informed?” business can afford to lose custom and the “No-one was informed our signs would be Other members of the group claimed Council’s plans will really put businesses at removed.” He claimed the lack of signage they too had contacted the County Council risk if nothing is done to help retain regular had had an immediate effect on his business. over the recent issues and there was surprise customers and passing trade. We will try and Mark Breeze of Breeze Bikes agreed “It’s that no-one from the County Council or make sure the Council take action so that out of sight, out of mind. If people can’t see Arch was present at the meeting. customers know Amble is open for business your sign, they think you’ve gone.” Sarah Mitchell, working on behalf of MP as usual during the chaos and diversions that Fears were raised that the construction Sir Alan Beith, and prospective Lib Dem will result from these lengthy roadworks.” of the new roundabout and drainage work, candidate Julie Pörkson were at the meeting The road closure is due to last from 9th together with the housing development on and offered to contact the County Council, March until 13th June. the Marks Bridge side of the A1068, meant which was accepted by the group. “Ninety percent of our customers use that it would look like the entire Industrial Julie said: “It is shocking that that road.” said Mark Breeze, “It’s that Estate was closed. Northumberland County Council and critical. We might not be here in June.” Tesco drops Amble store and puts land up for sale esco have cancelled long-standing disappointment at the decision, with the loss The last two years have seen Tesco Tplans to build a supermarket in Amble, of jobs as a blow to the town. sales falling and profit warnings issued. An blaming the cancellation on their recent Sir Alan Beith MP visited Amble on accounting scandal in 2014 also resulted in economic troubles. In a statement, Tesco’s the day after the cancellation. He told The several senior executives leaving the company. new boss Dave Lewis announced they Ambler: “The announcement leaves a big A spokesperson for Tesco told The would close 43 “unprofitable” stores and gap for the economy of the town. It is very Ambler: “We are actively looking at what is would cancel the construction of 49 new disappointing. It’s true the location was possible and appropriate for the Amble site, stores, including the 30,000 sq ft eco store controvertial, but it would have contributed which includes inviting interest from parties in Amble, which was to have employed 150 a lot to the town centre and brought many who may want to purchase the land. people. jobs. Northumberland County Council are We’re just asking for submissions at Spokespersons from Amble Business going to have to start thinking and talking this stage, asking interested parties to come Club Amble Town Council and Amble with Tesco, who are offering to be as helpful forward as opposed to being prescriptive.” Development Trust all expressed their as possible.” Anna Williams Shorebase moves upstream he old Shorebase buildings, home of Nautical We do still have a leaflet advertising the TStudies for decades, was demolished in Nautical Studies course in the 70s, (see photo) February. It was good to see some of the former and even the Lodging book - detailing the money pupils visiting us in December to reminisce about paid to landladies for boarding boys who came their time in the classroom and see the old teaching from other parts of the county to do the course. In aids still in use. 1971, they were paid 62p per day for this (it went We used to have all the photos from the launch up to £1.92 by 1979). of the whaler 'Collingwood' in 1951, and the log We would love to know where the other of the Seaquest from the 60's and 70's, plus other information has gone to try and put it all together archive material but all this was lent to the Amble for the future. If you have copies of any photos Middle School when they were celebrating their from the early days of Nautical Studies in Amble, history, and they requested to keep it, as it was just we'd like to take a copy for our records. as much part of their history. However, many of Come up and visit us in the new building the teachers involved at the time are now retired, there is usually someone in the office Monday to and no-one seems to know what happened to these Thursday 9 - 1pm: just drop in. documents. Vic Brown The Ambler ~ 3 Residents unhappy at proposed developments ort for hoses at Mariers iew esidents at Mariners View, the site. The report does not Martin says: “The planned with pushchairs and/or young Rare unhappy at the prospect mention the find of a hoard access to most of the new children. This in itself should be of a further 44 dwellings in the during the development of properties is via a tight gap enough to reject the application.” area, and are objecting to the Mariners View and Martin feels between two properties proposed development at Gloster that a full on Mariners View. Wildlife Hill Farm. The proposal does The campaigners say the area admit that this attracts numerous wild birds and Flooding risk junction does animals, and there is also a great John Bird says “ln heavy rain not comply variety of plant life. there is massive run off from with basic Another concern for the local fields and the inadequate requirements as campaigners is loss of privacy sewerage system would be it has when new houses are located overloaded. Even now heavy feet from existing homes, and rain results in untreated sewerage putting two storey building being forced up through survey overlooking existing bungalows, manhole covers at the bottom of of the especially as the new buildings Gloster Hill. The Water Board site is are at a higher level. is on record as having serious needed.” John says: “This is the reservations about the impact of wrong development in the this development.” Traffic wrong place and the developers Martin Horn says “The plan safety won’t even begin to acknowledge does say something would be “The its damaging effects. done about surface run off but access road to the And he asks “Please there is no solution proposed. farm element of the building make your concerns known Permission should be refused site at the top of Gloster Hill to Northumberland County until this is changed.” has a blind 90 degree dangerous inadequate Council, Warkworth Parish bend,” says John. line of site and width. Council, local MP’s and Archaeology “The Council has already This is an accident prospective parliamentary There is criticism that no rejected two applications to waiting to happen. candidates”. plan is in place to explore the develop the farm site because of The design is totally unsafe archaeology and heritage of this hazard.” for pedestrians especially those Vivienne Dalgliesh Torig caraa site o a ai asis was cite a oca weigs was aso a case the ascae i sesitie rra the ack of eistig footaths o for cocer with oe resiet settigs at Hauxley ae ae which has seera coetig that the caraas ae arish Coci shar es a is rece to a wo e withi etres of his eiee that i the cotet of t a recet ae arish sige ae i seera areas wo eroo A go to e shar the iage sie this roose ACoci eetig resiets ake the area ore ageros to At the eetig the arish eeoet costittes a aor a eers of the ic oice wakers icig chire a Coci ote to oect to the eeoet this wi icrease their oectios to a roose ew hoiaakers it was caie development. the ers i the iage a caraa ark at Beaco i ar iife a the eistig their writte resose to thir Hauxley. ae atre esere were aso the aicatio the cai that their aicatio Cocers were raise aot etioe it was caie the the aicatio is i ioatio of the owers of the roose the scae of the eeoet area aacet to the roose oic T i the Awick oca a eeoet cite the ee for which ices torig itches caraa ark is hoe to estig regarig Areas of igh ascae saces for torig caraas i the aroiate tet itches a ar ows re sirres a ats Value. area a caie the caraa officecoffee sho a a toiet a cocer was raise oer the The aso cai that i the ark wo rig os to the shower ock thoroghess of the ecoogica orthera oca a oic iage a to he oost toris The rosect of scores survey. ackoweges the ossiiit i the area The were ot reset of caraas a otorhoes oise fro hoiaakers a that sascae eeoets ca at the arish Coci eetig egotiatig the arrow roas the roiit of the caraas to hae a aor aerse iact o Anna Williams Ae is a safe ace to ie mble is a safe place to live, work and The property stolen included power and a strong Neighbourhood Policing Team. The “A visit;” these are the words of Paul hand tools, cycles, garden equipment and Amble Police Station currently remains open Truscott, Neighbourhood Inspector for food stuffs. to the public and acts as a patrol base for Alnwick District. “As a result of police action, two local officers,” he said. He rejected the suggestion that a recent men were arrested and are currently on bail, To help safeguard the area members of increase in burglaries in Amble was due to a and a 50 year old man from the Sunderland the community are encouraged to ring the reduction in police presence. area has been arrested and is on bail; the police on 101 if they witness anything out of “There has been a recent spike in crime expectation is he will be charged with five the ordinary or 999 if it is an emergency. for the area, although the figures overall for offences,” he said. Inspector Truscott added: “To make life the past year have shown a reduction on In addition to the arrests, three warrants more difficult for the criminals, please think previous years,” he told The Ambler. have been executed in the town, which have twice about purchasing items which may This spike has featured 20 reported led to the recovery of stolen property. appear bargains but are part of the black break-ins since November 2014; the majority Inspector Truscott was keen to stress that market for the regeneration of stolen goods.” of these have been sheds (14) located either police numbers in Amble have not changed. Amble Neighbourhood Policing Team are: in the allotments or on the Radcliffe estate. “The number of officers patrolling Amble PC 3527 David Donaldson PC 2136 Ray Ashby (Five of these sheds were insecure.) remains the same and they are supported by PCSO Darin Fawcett. 4 ~ The Ambler and adverse reactions, Health Centre news subject to availability. A spokesperson said Goodbye to staff “We will publicise and This spring sees several members of Coquet promote our online Medical Group leaving after a combined total services to our patients of over 50 years of service at the practice. through our website, Receptionists Sandra Atwell retired in waiting room leaflets, February after nearly 24 years’ service and posters and the Patient Wendy Boyd will be retiring in March after Participation Group by 17 years’ service. 31st March” Practice Nurse Moya Mason, will be New Registrar retiring after seven years and Kay Clarke, GP Registrar Dr District Nurse will also be retiring in March. Simone Nagiah will be Dr. Ryan Whitehouse will be leaving to joining the practice for join a GP practice nearer his home. six months from the beginning of February. • Longer term appointments – to review A spokesperson for Coquet Medical GP Appointments chronic problems. Group said “We will miss them all very We are aware that increased demand has Early and late working day and Saturday much and would like to thank them for resulted in the perception that it is more morning appointments are available for those their loyalty and dedication over the years difficult to get an appointment. that find access through the week difficult. and wish them every happiness in their new We have a working group constantly Unfortunately, there are still problems, lives.” reviewing and trying to adapt our strategy and to tackle this, more doctors and nurses The practice is busy recruiting and will to ensure that all our patients can be than ever before are employed. Changes announce new staff when they have been accommodated in a time frame that meets behind the scenes to get the balance right appointed. clinical needs. will continue. Online facilities The practice offers a range of Diabetes Patients already have the opportunity to appointments, including: The practice is working in partnership with to book, view, amend, cancel and print • Telephone consultations - some matters can Diabetes UK to establish a support group. appointments online. In addtition patients be dealt with effectively over the telephone. We are looking for volunteers to take on the can order online, as well as viewing and This includes routine as well as more urgent roles of chairperson, treasurer and secretary. printing a list of repeat prescriptions or problems. If a face-to-face consultation is A meeting will be held in April at the medicines and appliances. then required, this can be arranged. Parish Hall, Dovecote St. with Christine Fox The health centre plans to offer patients • Same day “on call” appointments for from Diabetes UK and representatives from facilities to view online, export or print problems that require rapid assessment. Coquet Medical Group to outline the plans. any summary information from their • 24-48 hours appointments - released daily All diabetic patients will be contacted with record, relating to medications, allergies for people that need more immediate access. further details.

The Ambler ~ 5 WHAT YOU SAY... Public access way - your replies In response to the reader’s letter (Is this a public access way? Letters Having recently received my copy of The Ambler, as Amble Town Issue 90) in which a photograph of an old blocked off access way Council have a policy of non response to anonymous letters, I would at the west cemetery is queried. I have looked at the definitive like to personally give the requested information to the writer of the map of public rights of way, which is available to members of the letter regarding the gate at Amble West Cemetery. public to view for free on the County Council’s web site at: The field beyond this gate was part of the Cemetery land until http://map.northumberland.gov.uk/prow/ some 10 years ago when this area became part of a land There is no recorded public right of swap for the land which is currently the Natural Burial way (e.g. a public footpath or a bridleway) area and future interment site. existing at this point between the cemetery The gate was in situ previous to this time solely and Mariner’s view, and it is possible that to allow access to Cemetery staff for maintenance of this could be an old private access between the field area and has never been a public right of way the cemetery and the adjacent field. or even a pedestrian access path at any time. (Those However it may be possible to claim that of us who can recall even further back may remember a public right of way exists if there is good that the field was let for horse grazing for a number of historical or user evidence of this route years!). being used as a public path. After the land swap this gate was permanently Tony Derbyshire, Area Countryside Officer, closed as staff no longer had a need to use it when the Northumberland County Council maintenance became the responsibility of the new owner. Regular visitors to the Cemetery and readers of the Council Regarding the right of way letter, that has never been a right of way newsletter page in The Ambler, will be aware that the Cemetery is out of Mariner’s View. Until recently that field was used for grazing the responsibility of Amble Town Council whose Clerk is well versed and the access was used to get feed in and out. If you look at a high in matters pertaining to the Council. By identifying yourself in a definition Ordinance Survey map, you can see there is no public telephone call or email you can therefore be assured that most queries right of way. are answered quite quickly. Martin Horn Mariners View, Amble Helen Lewis, Amble via email

Charit ags aig to afi Thank you for helping with our lights I wondered if, like us, other residents of Amble have been (and Another festive Christmas lights season has now come to an end and are) inundated with plastic charity bags coming through the judging by so many favourable comments from both local and visiting letterbox! people, I think we can consider it to have been a great success. First let me assure you we are a charitable family and donate The efforts of the lights workshop team have paid off once again through the year to charities of our choice, but cannot believe the and I know this is greatly appreciated by so many in the town. It is quantity of plastic arriving. So much so that on January 1st 2014 not just our efforts that need to be recognised though. There are so we started counting, and at the end of December 2014 the grand many other people both locally and further afield that make a huge total was 65 bags. Over 1 per week and impossible for a normal contribution towards both the lights and the associated lantern parade. household to contribute so the quantity of bags going to landfill One without the other would definitely lead to a poorer show. As must be staggering. always, on the night of the switch on, the atmosphere in the town was I will not get into the subject of are they legal or not. If fantastic and it is so rewarding for us to see so many families taking supermarkets are charging for plastic bags to save pollution how part. can this waste be allowed?? But of course, the “Christmas Lights” would not exist without the Concerned, Amble via email financial support we receive from so many in and around the town. While it is not possible to name every contributor, may I give a big Looking for Thomas Anderson Stewart round of thanks in the following way. To Amble Town Council, all the many shops and businesses, restaurants, pubs, Amble Development I wonder if you can help. I’ve been researching my family tree for Trust, Churches, Rotary Club, Thursday Club, the market traders and almost 40 years, but there’s one person I cannot find beyond 1915, not least the many individual townspeople who have contributed: my great-grandfather Thomas Anderson Stewart. Thomas was We offer you all our heartfelt thanks and I apologise if I have missed born in Hauxley in 1880, lived on Broomhill St until he married someone out! in 1908, then lived on Lime St. Between 1914 and 1915 he is The workshop team have no intention of resting on their laurels, listed living in Victoria St. Other than census returns (especially so in the next few weeks we shall return to the workshop and begin for 1911), the electoral register for 1914/15, and his younger son’s renewal and repair work in order to make ready for the lighting death certificate showing Thomas enlisted 7th Bn. Northumberland displays 2015/16. While on the subject of the workshop team, may I Fusiliers, the only record I have is in the June 1914 Morpeth make a plea to anyone out there who may wish to help in some way. Herald & Reporter reporting his arrest on Coquet St, for being Obviously, people with electrical skills are always needed, but we have drunk and disorderly! After 1915 Thomas vanishes. a real need for men, happy to work up ladders. We usually meet up on The MoD have no record, he was awarded no medals, and he Wednesday mornings and it seems to work out best for newly retired has no death certificate. If Thomas was still alive I’d find him in the folk. If interested, please call me on 01665 711453. Guinness Book of Records. Any information as to Thomas would Once more, on behalf of the entire Amble Christmas Lights team, I be gratefully received. Thank you. thank you all and wish you well for 2015. John Stewart Hillam Trevor Colbourne, via Facebook Chairman, Amble Christmas Lights Committee

We welcome your letters, email, Facebook and Twitter comments for publication. Your name and address must be supplied, but will be withheld on request. Letters may be edited. Contact details on page2. 6 ~ The Ambler WHAT YOU SAY... Pick up your dog’s mess More donations please Shannon lifeboat appeal Plea to all Amble dog owners and minders- Thank you to all those who have The Co-operative stores in Amble – Newburgh You are making the footpaths and the cuts donated items for recycling for charity. Street and Queen Street have come up trumps yet on the housing estates into disgusting We collect all year round and would be again by raising the fantastic sum of £1005 for places by failing to clean up after your dogs grateful for any further donations Amble Lifeboat Fundraisers (ALF). Elise Rutter, – a simple task and there are plenty of bins We recycle the following - usable Newburgh Street, handed the money to Eleanor around the town. clothes (or clean material), duvets, Cassidy, Vice Chairman ALF. Staff in both stores It is impossible to walk along the quilts, pillows, sheets, curtains, leather have been great supporters of ALF for several years various cuts and some of the town shoes, mobile phones, ink cartridges, and have worked hard to raise this money – a very footpaths at night without bringing dog postage stamps, old coins (of any big THANK YOU to all. dirt into my home and onto my carpets. kind), watches, jewellery, spectacles, Amble Lifeboat Station is due to receive a Quite frankly I find this disgusting in this CDs, vinyl records, DVDs, working new ‘Shannon’ Class Lifeboat in July 2017 and day and age. televisions and HiFi £200,000 needs to be raised. This donation will go Come on Amble dog owners and If you wish to donate, please do into the ‘Shannon’ Lifeboat Appeal fund. minders you are getting worse not better. so to Evelyn at 21 Newmoor Close, Pull your socks up please- it is a fineable Amble or Janice at Treetops, Station Eleanor Cassidy, Amble Lifeboat Fundraisers offence. Road, Warkworth. Please telephone Amble Lifeboat Fundraisers’ Coffee Mornings 712 579 or 714 758 if collection is and events Name and address withheld required or if donating bulky items. Sunday 15 March: Coffee Morning at Lifeboat Station 10am Janice Charlton, James Cox, Saturday 4 April: Car Boot Sale for Shannon Security upgrade for Evelyn and Michelle Dodd Lifeboat Appeal rare birds Sunday 5 April: Coffee Morning at Lifeboat Charities for 2014-5: https://sites. Station 10am community fund, set up by google.com/site/recyclingwarkworth/ Northumbria Police and Crime A More letters on page 8 >> Commissioner Vera Baird QC, has awarded the RSPB a grant of £2,000 to help prevent wildlife crime at its Coquet Island Corner reserve. Coquet Island is home to tens of Island stirs into life after long winter thousands of breeding seabirds during spring and summer including the UK’s only colony of roseate terns. As a result, the island is designated as a wildlife sanctuary and landing on it is prohibited without consent. The RSPB will use the grant to upgrade the island’s outdated CCTV system so staff

can monitor the island effectively for illegal Captain Coquet’s activity such as egg theft and disturbance of roseate terns. Although surrounded by sea, Coquet Island’s wildlife is at risk from wildlife criminals. In 2004, rare roseate tern eggs were stolen and in July 2012 two brothers from Amble caused reckless disturbance to breeding roseate terns when they landed on the island. Warden Paul Morrison said: “This generous grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner means that we will be able The new water tank arrives on Coquet Island to provide greater protection for the UK’s ver the winter months the RSPB staff guarding the birds from disturbance and rarest seabird and make staff feel safe and Oand volunteers have been busy doing egg theft attempts; and we ran out of water secure when working on the island. all those jobs that can’t be done when the for essentials! Northumbrian Water stepped “It is also a powerful endorsement of birds are nesting. in to help, and donated a giant water tank, the RSPB’s view that wildlife crime is a With the completion of the restoration which was delivered by Puffin Cruises. serious issue that needs to be tackled head of the monastic bits of the buildings around Grass cutting is an annual task but this on with the right resources.” and under the lighthouse, we have turned year we have been helped by 140 Canada Vera said: “Tackling wildlife crime is an our attention to improving our water geese that have been regular visitors. It’s important priority and I am pleased that saving and storage. This involved diverting amazing how much grass they devour! we have been able to support the excellent rainwater from the roof and upgrading the Already the fulmars are on their ledges work of the RSPB to help protect some of drainage pipes to the underground tanks in and the puffins and black-headed gulls are the UK’s rarest seabirds on Coquet Island. the gardens. making Coquet Island their home for the Northumbria Police and I will continue to Last year we had to increase the summer. We are all waiting for the first work closely with the RSPB to help protect number of staff staying on Coquet to of the terns to arrive from their winter rare birds and stop the theft of birds eggs.” provide a more effective 24 surveillance, holidays in Africa! The Ambler ~ 7 WHAT YOU SAY... Cancer - thank you Amble afe thaks Looking for On the 17th December, at the Freeman Hospital, I was told that the A big thanks to all who donated ex-forces Les tumour in my gullet had gone and so had the one on my right lymph ries for the Christas ights rafe Anderson gland: I was completely free of cancer. It was a wonderful Christmas Derek and Susan - The Schooner present for me and the family. Susanne – The Harbour Inn My name is Dean Fry and But it was also a humbling experience to recall just how many Bede Street Club I am looking for an ex people had worked to produce this result. From the front-line staff at Amble Market forces friend of mine, Les the Amble Health Centre and Dr Matthew Pettifer to the Northern Neil Davison Windows Anderson, his family lived Centre for cancer care at the Freeman Hospital, via Outpatient David Stewart Aquarius Bathrooms in Amble and I visited Oncology Ward, the Clinic and the staff of the Palliative Care Ward Mossman and Gilliard many years ago in fact the all at the Wansbeck Hospital; the Royal Victoria Infirmary and the Northern Structures 1980s. multidiscipline diagnostic team who identified the problem and the best oo tore He had a brother Ae ishig Tacke ho treatment, the teamwork was remarkable. Finally, under the direction of called Neville and whilst Robert Thornton my Consultant, Clinical Oncologist Dr Paula Mulvenna MRCP FRCA, a visiting we would go to a David Dunn pub called the Dock. treatment plan was chosen and implemented and was successful. In-Sync Not only the teamwork, but the individual care I received, from all I know it's a long shot Amble Scaffolding but your help would be those who dealt with me, whatever their job, was impressive. I felt that Northern Partnership Training my well-being mattered to each of them. appreciated as we have a Be Be mutual friend who is very I think that here in Amble we are incredibly lucky to have such a oh a sa et fine example of the National Health Service within such comparatively ill and would love to speak to Les again. easy reach. But it needs vigilance on our part to keep it that way. Read A special thanks also to all who between the lines of all the leaflets coming through your letterbox in the oght tickets which raise next week or two to help you identify those who don’t agree. Dean Fry Yours sincerely Trevor Colbourne [email protected]. Ian Hinson, Eastgarth Avenue, Amble Chairman, Amble Christmas Lights co.uk

Cromie’s new look pharmacy An age of insecurity Harry McQuillen

any years ago I asked my Myounger daughter, then at primary school, what she thought about newspapers. Her answer was straight. "I'll read them when they talk about GOOD THINGS! I've been thinking about her answer recently, and the constant stream of bad new. We hear about Food Banks, Payday Loans, homelessness (are there really rough sleepers in Ashington Woods?) sanctions on vulnerable benefit claimants, toothlessness (is this a return to the thirties?) We hear of dangerous climate change, and international conflicts. In a recent conversation with a politician a lady of a certain age talked of Public Squalor and Private Affluence in the USA - the richest country on earth. My thoughts turned to our own infrastructure. We have clean water, sewage, gas, electricity, refuse collection, l-r: Gillian Stewart, Valerie Green, Linda Douglas, Cllr Scott Dickinson, Mark Burdon, libraries, leisure centres, swimming pools, our NHS, and co-owner of Cromies Pharmacy our Welfare State. Some of us remember when things were very different. I remember a remark by a social major refurbishment has taken stop smoking services, contraception commentator about "A felicific calculus". I think that he Aplace at Cromie’s Pharmacy on and supporting people to get the best meant the balance between good and bad. Percy Street, which has already made a from their medicines. People have always had problems, some more than big difference for staff and customers. “The staff now have much more others. We'll never solve all of them for everybody. Most And four new jobs have been space to work, in a much improved of the things we do are well-intentioned. created since the business changed environment. We are still stocking A perfect illustration of this is our recently introduced hands last May. the same range of health and beauty one -way road system near the harbour. I've just watched Owner Mark Burdon told The products.” a number of cars turn left from Newburgh Street into Ambler: “We are really pleased with The refurbishment was officially Leazes Street. The answer will be new, clear "Signage" the refurbishment work, which has unveiled in December, by Councillor And the time it takes for everybody to get used to it! made a big difference to the services Scott Dickinson. Management of Change is the modern watchword. the pharmacy can offer to patients. Mark added: “All of the existing We'll ALL have to get used to whatever comes along. “There are now three consultation staff remain, and since we took over It will all work so much better if we HELP ONE rooms which have allowed us to Cromie’s, in May, we have brought in ANOTHER! expand and introduce new services four new staff. Notably Gillian, our Harry McQuillen to help people stay healthy; such as delivery driver.” 8 ~ The Ambler Sea Angling is perfect for all ages

n a fiercely cold but bright January day, membership swelled, Oone of those days when the tide is so far the group met in a out you’re almost convinced Coquet Island variety of pubs before has rejoined the mainland, small dots of settling on a home at colour could just be seen, perched on rocks the Radcliffe Club. and outlining the shore. Blinking my watery “The first Amble eyes into focus, the tiny shapes morphed into Open was in 1976, sea anglers, picking out the very edges of the that was run from wild Northumbrian coast, ignoring the icy the Boys’ Club,” says wind, determined to match their skill against Ken. “80 people took the biggest, the heaviest, the most elusive part in that. In 1991, fish. 987 took part, that From Lynemouth to Seahouses, 515 was the most we’ve hardy souls took part this year, in the biggest had so far. This year Above: Ken Middlemist is President of Amble Sea Angling Club and he open sea angling competition in the country. was our 38th Open is aso a etera resser e wi e eostratig the art of The Penn Amble Open Shore Championship shore championship ressig at a iteratioa ehiitio i era i Ari is organised by Amble Sea Angling Club, and we had 515. Our a group of around 40 Open is one of the heaviest bag, Junior and Ladies’ categories.” local fishing fans, who biggest and best supported in the North In second place was Gordon Fairley have done their part in East. This shoreline is perfect for catches, with 18 flats totalling 10lb 12.3/4oz and in transforming a traditional there’s something for everyone, including third place was John Tweddell with 14 flats pastime into a hobby youngsters. Along most of the shoreline totalling 10lb 7oz. enjoyed nationally by there are safe places to fish.” The competition brought visitors from as thousands of people of all After 5 hours of baiting, casting and far away as Yorkshire, Cumbria and Scotland, ages. waiting, it’s time to call it a day. The with scores of people staying overnight in the “Angling is the biggest weigh-in at the Radcliffe Club decides the Friendliest Port. ar e resets participant sport in the winners and there is a huge selection of “We’d like to say a big thank you to the first rie to r o country,” club President Rebecca Abbot prizes, all donated by local companies. whole organising committee and to all the Ken Middlemist tells me Club Secretary Les Weller said: “it’s local tackle shops involved,” said Les. “There’s more people participate in angling been a brilliant day. Congratulations to 13 If you would like to know more about than football.” year old Rebecca Abbot who won this year’s the Sea Angling Club, phone Les on 0790 Amble Sea Angling Club was formed event. She caught 14 flounders totalling 0695 538, or see their Facebook page. back in 1974. Over the years, as their 10lb 14.3/4oz, and won three categories; the Anna Williams

The Ambler ~ 9 10 ~ The Ambler The Ambler ~ 11 My chance to become a spy Help get rid of litter and graffiti Constipated goldfish gets £300 operation My Auntie Connie is 108! An owner of a sick goldfish took it to heart rate was monitored with a tiny I have entered a competition to see if I could The park in Amble also known as the vets and paid £300 for surgery. probe. become a spy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A popular CBBC the Welfare has quite a lot of litter. The fish had a lump blocking its “The goldfish was constipated programme called Blue Peter offered viewers Help stop litter by picking up empty bottom, which a vet called Faye because he had a lump blocking his a chance to become a spy, and a trip to go to wrappers and different litter. The Bethell successfully managed to bottom, rather than because of his the headquarters of the British Intelligence only cure for litter is you! remove from the goldfish (clever diet or any other reason,” Faye said. service, MI5. The headquarters is so top secret So please pick up your litter make our lady). “At the end of the day they’re that only people who work there are allowed to world healthy and if you see someone Anaesthetic was bubbled through all pets and everybody does have a enter. drop litter pick it up or tell them. the goldfish’s water so he went to commitment to their pet,” Faye also 8 extremely lucky children will be selected to go to sleep. The goldfish was kept wet said. a ‘spy school’. By Romi throughout the operation, and its By Hope Three of the children will be selected to become CBBC Intelligence Officers and complete a special project for Blue Peter. I hope I will be one of them, although if I am, I wouldn’t be able to tell you about it because it is top secret! Those three children will go to MI5 and will get to look around the headquarters; which is something that Above: Niamh with her Great Aunt Connie only the intelligence service get to do. Mossman and the birthday card that Artograffi made By NiamhS My great auntie has celebrated her 108th birthday on Sunday (8th February) and everyone at Artograffi made her a special card; we each wrote a small message inside the card and signed our names. On the back we made a sort of memories page; for example she used to work in Mr Smith’s Awesome LEGO exhibition starts at Dolphins Shoe Shop in Amble and we put that on the back. On her Birthday I went down to her house Woodhorn Museum Dolphins live in salt water but they can also live in freshwater and gave our card to her. We even got a picture locations. Only a handful of the species though are known to of her on her Birthday. She lives with her Grand Is it ever OK to insult someone’s thrive in freshwater regions. They tend to stick to the shallow I went to see this exhibition, it is cool! ere were so many Daughter near castle mania. Connie used to like areas of the water found along the continental shelves. You beliefs? things to see all made out of LEGO; signs, an airport, a train dancing and going to the bingo on Friday night. can get all different types of dolphins like: river dolphins, white station, even e Oscars, which was my favourite. ere was She really liked her card. beaked, bottle nosed. At the beginning of January, in Paris, 10 journalists also models of places from all around the world, like Niagra Some are in danger, like the river dolphins. They live in hot were murdered by gunmen a er creating a cartoon in Falls, and Las Vegas and even Woodhorn, itself! By Niamh Shiels places but some live in cold places. They are in danger because the magazine ‘Charlie Hebdo’ that was oensive to the Some things were cool, like on the train station you can see Vlogger Zoella joins Comic Relief there is lots of pollution, they eat it and it gets stuck in their gunmen’s religion. the clock actually moves and tells the time. On some of the throat . In Artogra, me, Hope and Niamh discussed models, they say how many bricks they have used. Bake Off special The book that’s all about Amble By Rose-Alice Vivien Taylor freedom of expression (being able to express what you the exhibition is on now until 22 March, and then from 1 April to 31 May. feel is right); it was very confusing. Youtube star Zoella is swapping blogging e amazing models have been created by LEGO artist First we thought that freedom of expression is for baking - and starring in the new Warren Elsmore. You can have a go yourself in the creation important because everyone has an opinion and they series of the BBC’s ‘Great Comic Relief Binky’s bus ride station of LEGO! should feel free to express it. Sometimes a new opinion Bake-Off’ this year. Zoella will be joining ere are also North East’s landmarks include the Tyne brings about a new theory. other celebrities to take part in the special ‘Binky is a young panda who gets up to an awful lot of trouble!’ Bridge, Angel of the North and Bamburgh Castle, all specially Yet also we think that if your opinion will hurt others’ version of the baking show, all in the made for this exhibition. feelings, you shouldn’t express it quite so much because name of charity of comic relief. Binky wanted to go to town. Binky’s mum did not. (in the words of Niamh!) “when someone insults your She said she is a big fan of the show, and As much as Binky persuaded and cried and wailed, his mum By Hope Vernon feelings and beliefs it feels like they’ve been trod on”. was: “genuinely a little bit shocked and wouldn’t budge; she was a stubborn panda. So Binky decided to But does that mean you can’t express your opinions very excited when I was asked to take go on his own, the only problem was he didn’t have a bamboo Below: Hope at the Brick Planet LEGO exhibition at Woodhorn in fear that you’ll oend others? Help!! part”. truck. Binky gulped, he would have to take the bus. So for example, if we drew a cartoon of something we The series begins on 11 February and 16 Binky Bamboo ran to catch the bus, but the scrawny driver believe to be wrong, but others were oended because celebrities will be competing against each said… they believe it was right, should we state our opinion? other in a series of baking challenges. “No no no! No pandas on my bus!” Or should we not print it, so we didn’t oend them? Some of the other celebrities are Radio Binky got off. That was attempt one, he thought, failed. Maybe he could hold onto the back, it would be scary but Artogra then thought that you shouldn’t write or 1 DJ Jameela Jamil and fashion presenter Children from Amble First School have written a book he could try. Binky waited patiently for the next bus; when it draw anything that might oend others and apologise Gok Wan. called ‘All About Amble’. The book has a lot of pictures came, he launched himself on the back and held on tight. As it if you do. So then, does this mean we can’t express our The winning celebrity will then be of my grandma Alice Bell; she was a pupil there and then started, the bus gave a jolt and the poor panda was thrown off. opinions? crowned star baker by judges Mary Berry she worked at Amble First School. Binky sighed, he’d never get to the village. Unless…Binky We concluded that we should feel free to express our and Paul Hollywood. Zoella is so excited. The children have drawn lots of pictures and there’s lots jumped up, seeing an abandoned sledge by the road. As the opinions, but at the same time should respect and not I hope she wins. I like Zoella I love her of information on the history of Amble from 1090 until next bus came, he was ready. A vine went around the back, then mock others’ beliefs. I think we can take away from book I like watching her amazing blogs on today. Amble First School opened in 1909 and it is still the other end went round the sledge. this that it’s stupid to argue and even die over little youtube. She is amazing and brilliant. open today. things we can prevent, by showing a little respect for Binky jumped on the sledge just as the bus started to go. Soon he found himself riding behind the bus, to town and one another! By Hope By Rose –Alice Vivien Taylor beyond! By Lily Tibbitts By Lily

91 artog.indd 1 20/02/2015 15:45:37 Baroness visits women’s workshop ave you seen the building in timber built housing Hon the industrial site and and energy efficient homes wondered what it was? Well having lived for several Fourth Action a branch of the years in Sweden. North Northumberland Women’s She asked a number Network, initiated the self-build of pertinent questions project so women could learn about the workspace that through experience to build their was being constructed and own workshop space. made suggestions on how A group of volunteers, to make improvements. numbering about 100 over She then went on to visit the course of the project, have Brambles nursery. been involved, with the help Women are currently of Mary Kelly an architect who severely under-represented uses the Walter Segal Self-Build in construction and Trust methods. Steps so far have manual trades within included discussing the planning Northumberland. Training and deciding how to keeping the is often difficult as it is site safe. They were involved with aimed at 16 to 18 year purchasing tools planning the Viewing the women’s self-build building: Baroness Maddock and Hala olds. training and involving the local Zaluczkowska There is evidence community. through the NNWN of Construction involved making On Friday 30th January, Baroness continuing discrimination and raising the frames, adding joists and Diana Maddock came along to view the in the workplace, where women who have rafters and battening, laying the floor, building project in her role as patron of the successfully achieved qualifications (one with building the structure of the walls and Women’s Fund which is administered by the distinctions) find themselves unable to gain insulating, putting a waterproof surface on Community Foundation. employment in the construction field. the roof, fitting windows and doors, lining She will be addressing the assembly To promote women’s issues Baroness the interior with board and plasterboard and at the Women’s Fund fundraising lunch on Maddock’s advice was to lobby any building a stud wall for the toilet area. 9th March at the Hylton Hotel in Newcastle woman in public office. There are other Courses in tool safety and maintenance and wanted to visit some of the projects that organisations that encourage women it were run on a regular basis and volunteers have benefitted from the fund. this field, one is aptly named ‘Chicks with had to attend these sessions before getting Fourth Action have had two grants Bricks.’ involved. from the Women’s Fund the other one being To get involved with the Amble Childcare was provided at Brambles the Aspire 2B project which worked with women’s self-build project, contact Centre while the work or training took BME women to support their employability. Hala Zaluczkowska Projects Manager, place; transport needs were met if required. Baroness Maddock has a great interest email [email protected]

14 ~ The Ambler Susan says ‘thank you’ for a splashing time

cores of people turned out for a New January, and also Kath Elliot her best friend, The money raised from the New Year dip SYear’s dip on Amble’s Little Shore. who organised the sponsor dip/swim at the will be added to the proceeds from another The hardy group braved the cold of the Little Shore,’ said spokesperson Kerry Allan. fundraising event to be held on Saturday 7th North Sea, in order to raise money for cancer “All the money will go to Ward 33 at the March at the Radcliffe Club. Popular band charity Bright Red. Freeman hospital, they saved my Mam’s life,” “The Range” will play, and there will be a A large crowd came out to support the she said. raffle with lots of prizes. Tickets are £5. dippers, and there were free hot drinks and “My Mam is doing well, she’s in “We are so proud of our Mam and we are soup for everyone afterwards. remission. Our family are so grateful to all so pleased she’s doing well,” said Kerry. “We A magnificent sum of £4000 was raised the doctors, nurses, all the staff on Ward 33 love her dearly, her husband Kevin Wintrip, from sponsorship money and donations. at the Freeman; all their time, care, looking daughters, me (Kerry) and Paula, her son “My Mam Susan Wintrip wants to thank after our Mam. That’s why she wants to Ryan and of course her grandkids, who kept each and everyone that took part on 1st return the favour and say thank you to them. her strong.”

The Ambler ~ 15 efish ast off he Year 1 Jellyfish Class at Amble Links First School Thave been learning all about space. In their topic entitled ‘Blast Off ’ the children were set a mission to investigate the planets. They planned their voyage, including what they needed to take and then travelled to space on their own class rocket (with real smoke!). They ate dry ice cream (just as real astronauts would) and learnt about gravity. The children worked in research teams using non-fiction books and the internet to find out about planets. Their next mission is to learn all about Neil Armstrong.

Scottish Celebrations For Burns Night, the Foundation Stage children learned lots about Scottish culture. Mrs Wilkinson treated us to a rendition of Scotland the Brave on her bagpipes and taught us some very tricky Scottish dancing moves! The children have been creating their own tartan in the craft area, designing castles and making Loch Ness monsters as well as making their own shortbread and tasting haggis, ‘neeps’ and tatties!! Paul Heeley Headteacher, Amble Links First School Miister isits fe hosig eeoet i Ae ousing, regeneration and health The day was hosted by NCC’s business is aimed at building or supporting the Hprojects in Northumberland have all chair, Councillor Scott Dickinson. development of at least 1,000 new homes by been showcased during a visit by North East The council is building one of the first 2017. Euro MP Paul Brannen. new council housing developments in the Speaking about the visits in Projects that have received European county for 30 years at Dandsfield Square. Northumberland Paul Brannen MEP said: Funding, and others which will have a A total of 48 new homes are due for “It was great to see European funds in action significant impact on quality of life for completion. creating jobs and growth. residents and important locations for The County Council has an ambitious Scott Dickinson said: “We were able to business growth were all part of the visit. affordable housing programme which showcase some fantastic projects to the MEP. News update COQUET YACHT CLUB

y the time that you have read this we will have completed our new River Lounge, The BBalcony and the whole club site will be fenced. The membership keeps growing with full (sailing) or social members. A mixture of individuals, couples and families have joined the club. Our target has always been to get to 200 memberships (380 ish people) and we should do this by the end of 2015. We are continuing to move towards our goal of becoming a full RYA Training Establishment with club members becoming senior dinghy instructors and other members completing the power boat instructors course. Information on the courses that we will run will be available shortly. We’ve a very full programme for sailing and social activities throughout the year. The clubhouse is attracting more bookings for Wedding receptions, birthday parties and dinners for choirs etc. Our Sunday lunches are getting more and more popular. We do, of course, have river moorings. Please come and see us for a taster!! Phil Derry 07710 423550. 16 ~ The Ambler Save the memories walk charity walk to raise money for the AAlzheimer’s Society will take place on Saturday 18th July 2015. The ‘Save the memories’ walk is 14 miles along the beautiful Northumberland Coastal Path, from Craster to Amble and dogs are allowed on the walk. Walkers will stop at Alnmouth about halfway for about an hour to let people catch up and have lunch. There will be another rest at Warkworth before stopping at Amble at Angies Tavern for celebration beverages and grub! I will post updates and a Registration form on our Facebook page: www. facebook.com/xsavethememoriesx. Look forward to seeing you in July!!! Gemma Little Sam Coward Jnr sent us this photo of Amble RC schoolchildren. The photo dates from 1928 and includes Donation Page: http://www.justgiving. his father, who we featured in our last issue (Issue 90 p17). Sam Coward Snr is third from left top row com/Gemma-Little-xxx (with holes in his jumper).

Senior Maths Challenge Amble’s oldest FEPOW dies aged 93 he Senior Maths Challenge is aimed at all 16-19 year olds n December, WW2 Tstudying mathematics and is organised by the UK Mathematics Iveteran Clarence Hedley Trust. Every year JCSC enters students from various year groups in died aged 93. Cla had either the junior or senior challenge. survived the horror of Congratulations to Fay Rochester, Hannah Gordon, Sophie the Japanese war camps, Walker and Daniel Cook for finishing 12th out of 22 teams in this forced to work on the now year’s Senior Maths Challenge. It was the first time James Calvert infamous ‘Bridge over Spence College had entered a team. The highlight of the day was the River Kwai’. He was being first to finish Round 2 of the 22 teams and scoring 42 out of another of Amble’s big the 44 points available. characters and will be sadly missed. Changes at St. Cuthbert’s Your Facebook comments: AH: When I first started f you have walked down support us with a donation, you working at Shilbottle Church St. recently you may will see some collecting boxes I colliery as an apprentice have noticed some changes at St around the town. electrician in June 1971 I had the privilege of meeting Cla, and later Cuthbert’s. The most striking All that goes on at St loved to hear his stories about his life. Clarence was a gentleman of thing is the new glass on the Cuthbert’s is paid for through the highest order and will be sadly missed, R.I.P sir inner doors which lets lots of the generosity of the local light stream into the building. congregation, and so we are LS: Ah so sad to read this, Cla was a very good pal of my late Dad Through them you can see the extremely grateful to all those Jim Siney, also a FEPOW, yes a lovely man..RIP Clarence x new floor which has been laid regular worshippers who DM: yes what a man told me Japanese called him geordica while in at the back of the church, which have helped us make these the pow camp... will allow people in wheelchairs improvements. The Parish and with mobility aids, or those Church is YOUR church; it’s JF: When I started the pit in 1979 I was put along with Cla what a with prams and pushchairs, to there for everyone and nowadays character R.I.P come right into the body of the is open during daylight hours church. every day, so you can come in Once the weather improves, and use it for quiet prayer, time we hope to start on the next to think, or to look around at the phase of the work, which is to stained glass while you wait for put in a sloping access path to the bus! the south side main entrance. Bishop Frank White, This will be in addition to Assistant Bishop of Newcastle, the steps, not replace them. is coming on Sunday March 1 Everyone will then be able to to celebrate these improvements access the church under their with us. Everyone is welcome own steam. to come and join us that day at These improvements to 9.30 a.m. for a special service of the Parish Church are quite celebration, and to see how our costly, and so St Cuthbert’s new floor and doors look. has launched a small appeal – ‘Access For All’. If you’re able to Penny Horseman The Ambler ~ 17 Views sought on cycling plans Hauxley eople are being urged to have their say on Councillor Ian Swithenbank, Policy Board Pambitious plans which will see cycling at Member for Streetcare and the Environment, Parish the hub of Northumberland’s future plans. said “The countys cycling plan supports our Council A Walking and Cycling Board has been set other work on roads and footpaths and will Welcome to a new Councillor – Iwan up to bring all agencies together to boost the provide a focus for improvements which will Thomas of High Hauxley was previously economic, health and tourism benefits for the enable local people to cycle more easily as part on the Parish Council 10-15 years ago for county. of their normal day, as well as encouraging a couple of years. He has resided in the A new Cycling Plan has been set up which sustainable tourism. This is an opportunity for village for 25 years and is keen to put has three objectives: residents and interested groups to help shape the ‘something back’ into the local community. The Members agreed to co-opt Mr Thomas • To maimise the role of cycling as a mode of future of cycling in the county.” unanimously. transport, to reduce the use of private cars, to Councillor Anne Dale, who chairs the improve the health of people and to enhance the cycling and waling board eplained “hat we Budget 2015/16 – The Parish Council have environment. want is to enable cycling and walking to become agreed to increase the precept to £3600. • To contribute to the development of a a normal part of everyday life for all ages. This will enable the continued maintenance of assets in the village and to also facilitate sustainable, safe, convenient, efficient and “Our cycling plan is one of the cornerstones improvements. The Parish Council are attractive transport network, which encourages of our Board, which aims to promote all the responsible for the seats, bus shelters, active travel and the use of public transport. benefits of walking and cycling to a wider roads in the square at Low Hauxley, litter • To raise the profile of cycling in audience, including visitors. is aters a ora isas the Northumberland, highlighting its importance “Cycling brings so many benefits, both to village. for transport, health and tourism. the individual and the wider community, and Community litterpick/tidy up day – The The consultation document has gone out to we hope as many people as possible will take a Parish Council will hold a community organisations with an interest in cycling. British few minutes to look at the plans and let us know litter pick and tidy up day on Saturday Cycling will forward it on to affiliated cycling what they think.” 9th May. All are welcome to meet at the clubs in orthumberland and Tyneside inviting Details can be found at www. Village Hall at 10.00 a.m. to collect litter picking equipment which will be provided comments. northumberland.gov.udefault.asppage42 by Northumberland County Council. To register to take part either contact the Parish Clerk in advance or simply turn up on the day. Refreshments will also be Rotary notes provided in the Village Hall. t a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Amble and Bus shelter at Low Hauxley – We are A currently pursuing quotations to have the Warkworth, the guest speaker was roof and fascia of the bus shelter repaired. Rodney Burge MBE whose subject was the Amble Lifeboat. Street Lighting replacement – It was odney was the coswain from noted that assurances could not be given 8 - and was awarded the at this stage on bringing the lighting replacement scheme forward in Hauxley. MBE as a result. He then became The project programme was risk based the Operations Manager and and is predominantly in the South East of subsequently, the Crew Assessor for orthera for the first oths it the northern region. will then move north before heading west. The current ersey class boat Further communications are expected with Parish Councils before the end of is due to be replaced with the faster the fiacia ear askig for iews o and more sophisticated Shannon various matters which may include the class which has a much longer programming. Once this information had range. Each Shannon Class boat L to R: Rotarian John Young, Chairman of the Amble Lifeboat been gathered NCC will have a better idea costs 2m and the mble station is on what they can do with the programme. Management team, Rodney Burge and Rotarian Chris Ward, If any residents of Hauxley have any views faced with raising 2 over the Rotary Club President. on the street lighting they would like the two years as the local contribution Chris handed over a cheque for £200. Parish Council to raise, please contact the towards the overall cost. Clerk or attend the next Parish Council The annual hristmas meeting details below.. ollection raised almost and The club has agreed to give donations to the following local worthy causes: Co-opted vacancies – Hauxley Parish the Rotary Club wishes to thank the Council have 6 seats for Councillors and we residents of Amble and Warkworth lnwic istrict encap presently have 1 vacancy. You can apply to and surrounding villages for their Senior itiens uting Summer 2 be co-opted onto the Council; if you are on generous donations. mble outh roect 2 the Electors Register and live in or within The club has had some ecellent adston Togston mble arworth hristmas Lights 3 miles of the Parish or your only place of work is within the Parish by writing to the speaers in recent wees. They each Clerk via the contact details below. The included The LI mble 2 deadline for applications is Monday 2nd Reverend Mike Dent (Mother oyal ritish Legion March 2015. Theresa otarian ill ae The ames alvert Spence ollege rie dvent of the ealth Service orthumberland aette Sports wards rie Next Meeting – The next meeting of the Parish Council is 6.30pm on Monday 9th Vicky Brown (Coquet Shorebase The mbler and The elican each March 2015 in the Village Hall, Low Hauxley Trust and The everend olin ew rospects support to the disabled – the public are welcome to attend. orseman enya. ride in mble and arworth in loom each embers enoyed an ecellent St uthberts hurch mble disabled access 2 Contact details: Parish Clerk: Miss Elaine Brown urns Supper at The ld rambles ursery Address: 4 Simonside Crescent Storehouse in January and the lpha Lodge 2 Hadston, Morpeth NE65 9YB annual Carpet Bowls evening arworth ricet lub for unior Training Telephone: 07588659600 Email: in The emorial all on th Amble Links, Acklington, Warkworth, Red Row and [email protected] February. mble dwin Street Schools each 18 ~ The Ambler TRUSTLife news from Amble Development Trust pring has sprung – well I may be jumping tenants, thank you for your patience and Other comments are valid and will be Sthe gun a little but from here it certainly looking forward to the 28th! dealt with wherever possible. But it should looks spring like. Shame its so blooming I am pleased to report that we now be remembered this is only a pilot which will cold! have our Seafood Brokers in place. Andrew run for one year and then the public will be Gooding and Helen Spark are carrying asked for their views and comments to see Harbour Village out the role on a job share basis and will whether it should be made permanent or not. I begin this Trust Life article with an be located in the Seafood Centre once it is The decision is still to be made. apology to those becoming known as our complete. They are working on a range of Pod People. Sadly due to a number of factors initiatives that we hope Persimmon we just could not get the pods delivered on will assist our fishing fleet. At last there is action on the time for a Christmas opening as promised. There are some novel and site! I have not heard anything There were logistical issues that needed new ideas being discussed official but it is there to be seen. to correct at the time of delivery e.g right which we hope to bring to This doesn’t mean however that weather conditions for crane movement, and fruition. ADT has actually received any this was the main sticking point. There were funds, so we are still waiting days when high winds were predicted but One way system patiently. didn’t happen and other days when winds A contentious subject, Hopefully it won’t be as were not predicted but did gust over the but something that needed long as it has been, but no doubt threshold that cranes could work in. to be tackled. Meetings you will hear a very loud hurrah Other works had to be carried out on site continue and will do so when it does happens! that were dependent upon the pods being in until everyone feels the thorny subject of place before the site could be handed over to traffic movement and parking has been Tesco NCC which would have allowed tenants to resolved, so I predict many meetings still to Well certainly not the outcome many move in. So all in all it ended up being rather come. wanted given the jobs they were going complicated and we had to make a decision There have been many comments on to create, but I think we had all come to on whether or not to pursue an opening or Facebook and Twitter, some in support the conclusion that the build was unlikely cancel and wait until the site was nearer to and others not so. While all comments are to happen. Especially if you followed the completion. We knew that either way there listened to and assessed, they have to be business news and monitored the Tesco story. were going to be some very unhappy people taken in context of how best we overcome I know others will be pleased, but what and it is to them that we apologise as well as the many problems encountered: and sadly next for the site? Sometimes its better the anyone who had hoped to buy presents. some come from those who just don’t like devil you know! On the bright side all pods are now in change. And on that cheerful note…Its goodnight place and some of the minor snagging jobs What we have to remember is the town from me and all of the ADT team. are being carried out – yes on the roofs! and road infrastructure was not originally When you try something different you built to take the numerous vehicles, both our Julia Aston have to accept there will be some unforeseen own and our visitors, that we now see trying Director, Amble Development Trust problems to deal with. To all would be pod to find parking spaces around the town. [email protected] Through the lens photography competition his year’s competition is not far away so photograph, on the back of the photos put Refreshments will be available. Tyou need to get out with your cameras. your name, e-mail or phone number and the There will also be an opportunity for The subjects are "Town and City" and section in which you are entering the photo. you to vote for your favourite photograph. "Colours". Mounts must not exceed 20" x 16". A prize supplied by Amble Photographic Closing date for entries is 31 March Entry forms will be available in due Group will be awarded to the most popular 2015. There are three age groups; up to 10 course at the back of St. Cuthbert’s Church photo. years, 11 to 18 years and adult. and from N & F Young in Queen Street. Finally if anyone would like to sponsor Entry is free for the younger categories The exhibition will be on Saturday a prize please let one of the church wardens but £1 per entry for adults. A maximum of 2nd May and Sunday 3rd May from 1pm know. 10 photographs from each participant. to 4pm and Monday 4th May 11am Please use one entry form per to 3pm Prize giving in the afternoon. Peter Cordingley

The Ambler ~ 19 Amble Town Meetings 6.30p.m. unless stated otherwise Town: 12th March Amenities Committee: 26th March Please note meeting are now held on the top floor in Fourways 2 COUNCIL STAFF CHANGES COUNCIL PRECEPT OUR ADMINISTRATION TWO MAIN TOPICS we receive comments about are the parking situation and the state of the Paddlers Assistant, Angela Burn, pool area. These are being progressed from the meaningful discussions begun last year between ourselves and left at the end of last year. Northumberland County Council. We are grateful for all her In conjunction with Amble Development Trust and Amble Business Club, it was agreed the town help and wish her well in desperately needs more parking facilities for residents as well as visitors. Whilst looking at a long term solution her future endeavours. In for a large car park, NCC are trying to negotiate with landowners to temporarily lease an area of land. mid- January we welcomed However the amount NCC is prepared to pay is less than the price a landowner requests. Therefore to progress Penny Harrison who has this community matter, the Council has agreed to help by offering £2000 for each of the next two years and a an extensive background contribution from NCC Councillors Member’s Small scheme’s money is being asked for too. At the moment in public sector work and we are still awaiting the outcome. will no doubt bring new The Paddlers improvement scheme is nearing the final draft stages with promises of financial help from methods of dealing with NCC and County Councillors. We still hope to begin work in April to have a better offer for everyone by the our administration tasks summer. However this will require a large input of money from your Council too- the greater support we and fresh ideas to all we do. have, the better the chance of securing other sources of money to expand what can be done. We are taking responsibility for the play area and this will no longer incur a special expenses charge on your Council tax. We EAST WARD: have cut costs where possible to help to offset the extra funds needed, but inevitably there will be a precept rise Robert Arckless, of approx. 7%; however in money terms this will only result in an increase of about 10p a week. 37 Anne Crescent, Amble NE65 0QZ Tel: 01665 711938 COMMUNITY WELFARE WORKING Helen Lewis, AS PART OF the Council’s work with schools during local democracy week 5 Meadowburn, TOGETHER last October, pupils from year 7 at James Calvert Spence College South Avenue Amble NE65 0PH held a debate about 3 areas of concern at the Welfare: litter, dog fouling and Tel: 07751 229 739 RECENTLY WE HAVE graffiti. They voted on which issue they would like to do something about using worked with Amble money the Council had allocated. Following this decision, there will be new Craig Weir (Chair/Mayor) Community Team at the signage in the Welfare to encourage people to be more responsible dog owners. 76 Priory Park, Welfare, helping to remove The designated Dog Area has disappeared as it was not being used for that Amble NE65 0HY the fencing around the Dog purpose; the old fencing has replaced the wire netting at the entrance. Dogs will Tel: 01665 712342 Area. They continue to litter still be allowed in the Welfare but not onto any of the recreational areas. Pets pick, keeping the weeds should be kept to the outside perimeters and owners should clean up. WEST WARD: down in the grassy area, Ian Hinson, working on improvements to 11 Eastgarth Avenue, the pavilion itself. CEMETERY FEES Amble. NE65 0LW There are many volunteer Tel: 01665 710583 groups working to improve INCOME FROM the Cemetery fees is considerably lower than the actual costs, Amble and its facilities. so the Council recently decided to assess the full cost of everything connected Jeff Watson Examples are the Christmas to the operation of the cemeteries in order to ascertain fee levels for the future. Thimbles, 60 Robsons Way Lights group, Pride in Many prefer the town to have its own cemetery, separate from Northumberland Amble NE65 0GA Amble group, the Lifeboat County Council administration. However, dividing the cost between the rela- Tel 07802 385367 Fundraisers and the Skiff tively small number of about 30 interments per year, would certainly deter the Katherine Bennett group using traditional skills: majority of people from using our cemetery, resulting in a larger deficit. 12 Robsons Way, you probably know of many Council has decided to begin raising fees to be closer to a more realistic amount Amble. NE65 0GA more. Council was recently to contribute towards the costs. There will be a fee increase this year of approx- Tel: 01665 714812 asked for their input by St. imately 20%; whilst this is a substantial rise, the estimated income will still only Cuthbert’s Church which is cover just over 50% of the expenditure and in the majority of areas still remains CENTRAL WARD: undertaking a project seeking below the charges set by Northumberland County Council. Kate Morrison, views on Amble and how the 3 Island View, church can best be involved Amble NE65 0SE Tel: 01665 711191 in the community’s future. GRANTS & DONATIONS All of these volunteer groups Jane Dargue need your support, so please THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, Amble Town Council have supported a number 10 Sylvia’s Close, join one. Even an hour a of our local community organisations with grants and donations: Alnwick Amble NE65 0GB week of your time, or helping Playhouse Trust, Amble Christmas Lights, Amble Coastal Rowing Club, Amble Tel: 07795360513 at only one fundraising event Community Sports Development Centre, Amble Development Trust Artograffi will be valuable. We can only Group, Amble Darts Open, Amble Rangers, Bramble Berries, Coquet Shorebase Peter Robinson get more for our town or Trust, Friends of Alnmouth Station, Harbour Lights Choir, Pride in Amble and 7 West Court, improve on what we already Tiny Woods Academy. We are pleased to be able to help these groups continue Amble NE65 0JG have by working together. their efforts. Tel 01665 711687 TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, FOURWAYS 2, AMBLE. NE65 0DT Tel: 01665 714 695 [email protected] www.amble.gov.uk Twitter: @AmbleTC Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmbleTownCouncil Elaine Brown (Town Clerk) Penny Harrison (Admin Assistant) Office hours: 10-11.30a.m. & 1.30-3p.m. Monday to Friday Minutes available to view in Office or online 20 ~ The Ambler Walks for Ambling Amblers Ellington to Amble via Cresswell 1. Take the No.20 bus (8 minutes past the hour) to the Bank Top shop in Ellington, walk down the road to Cresswell, then north along the beach to Amble. Harry McQuillen 2. Walk south until you find the road sign to Cresswell, opposite the old school. 3. Walk the 1½ miles along the road with a footpath. Find the fingerpost to the left of the houses, and walk onto the beach. Head north. 4. A possible break at Druridge Bay Country Park 1. Bank Top shop Visitor Centre, with toilet facilities and a pleasant café (open at weekends and all summer). Back onto the beach and head north. 5. Low Hauxley is always worth a look. Back to the beach and head north. 2. Turn opposite old school 6. Arrive home in Amble. This walk is best done when the tide is OUT. Check tide tables in the Gazette or the Harbour Office.

Harry is often available for guided walks with individuals or groups of people. Ring 01665 710216 3. Fingerpost at Cresswell REPORTS FROM OUR Tesco and after… County Councillors or more than 20 years I have been involved in efforts to widen Fthe choice offered by supermarkets in Amble, either by the planning application for the Gloster Hill area has been lodged and expansion of existing stores or by attracting new providers. I know Ahas given rise to a lot of activity from local residents who do not this is a concern of residents, especially those on limited incomes wish to see the development taking place.The application was considered and with no transport. It is obvious that the major supermarkets by both Amble and Warkworth Councils as it will affect both settlements are facing challenges, sometimes because of their previous practices although it is wholly in the Parish of Warkworth. or bad decisions by senior management. In the end the decision I understand that Amble Town Council objected but Warkworth by Tesco to pull out of the development of a new site at Amble was planning sub committee have asked for further information as they no surprise to anyone. So what happens next? feel unable to decide with the level of information they currently have. We are fortunate to have some good local businesses and there Residents have many concerns but the chief concern of the Warkworth are encouraging signs on Queen Street of recovery. The harbour Committee at the moment is one of over development. village development is intended to build on Amble’s strengths. It For quite some time now concern has been expressed to me by is just as important to encourage existing businesses. The County motorists and residents about the football shirts, scarves etc. that have Council has played a key role in securing the investment for the been placed at the scene of the two tragic and very regrettable accidents harbour village. that happened some time ago at the Amble end of Rotary Way. Amble Town Council, Northumberland County Council, Whereas many people are sympathetic to the reasons for these Amble Development Trust and the Business Club are working articles to be there,they feel that amongst other things, they are a closely together on a range of issues including parking and distraction to motorists and as they have been there for some time it is establishing links with Arch, the County’s regeneration company time they were removed. I don’t know anyone who feels that a bunch which now owns the Coquet Enterprise Park. of flowers or something similar would be inapropriate, so perhaps it is All the local partners need to consider carefully how Amble’s time for the respective families to consider removing these articles from business base can be strengthened. There is much speculation that place and to commemorate their loved ones in some other more in the area about supermarkets interest and on which sites. Any appropriate way. proposals would have to go through the planning process. Tesco I have read letters in the press from residents about the fact that had planning approval for a new store, not housing or anything Tesco have announced they are not going to develop the site that they else. own in Amble. I think that it is a great pity they are not coming as Truthfully, the idea that “the Council” can bring in a particular Amble needs a new supermarket; the jobs it would have brought would supermarket is a long way from the reality of very powerful have been very welcome. It is obvious from reading a letter in the press companies making decisions based on what they see as their own that some people are still trying to say that the Industrial Estate would best interest. The major supermarkets drive very hard bargains with be a better spot.It is about time that people recognise that the Industrial suppliers like local farmers, not to mention flexible employment Estate has covenants on it that prevent a supermarket. Tesco, like all contracts which can make life tough for their own employees. multiples, decides itself where it wishes to build a store and it should How we strike the balance between encouraging more people be remembered that a large number of residents as well as the Town to shop locally while recognizing the reality that people will use Council were in favour of the development proposed their cars and the internet is a big challenge, and not just for I sincerely hope another multiple steps in and takes over the Amble. development. I am available to you at Robert Arckless [email protected] and on 07802385367 [email protected] Telephone: 01665 711938 Jeff Watson The Ambler ~ 21 CLUBS & SOCIETIES WHAT’S ON Brace orsees for the ffi estia his year’s Puffin Festival will Ttake place from 25th (Bank STOP PRESS>> Holiday Monday) - 31st May. PRE-FESTIVAL Beer Fest at Coquet Yacht As usual there will be a mix of Club on Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th and family fun, guided walks, local Monday 25th May history and nature talks, crafts watersports and live music. There will be stalls in the Town Square on Bank Holiday Monday and Tuesday, Puffin HQ and children’s amusements in the Square Monday - Friday, and of course (weather permitting) the chance to see the wonderful puffins in real life, with Puffin Cruises. Please ring ahead to book as places are limited. Puffin Cruises: 01665 711975 If you would like to help (we always need volunteers) please ring Elaine on 01665 714695. Details of times/events on www.amblepuffinfest.co.uk Fairs Club anniversary invitation Mad Jam Woman’s tasting day he Fairs Club are hosting a special function on Thursday The Mad Jam Woman is hosting a tasting day at The Old Fourways T16th April, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Newcastle Centre, on 2 April from 10 am to 2 pm. United winning promotion as champions of the then Division 2 to Come along and sample her homemade jams, relishes, hot sauces, Division 1. pastries, cakes, and frangipanes. The promotion was remarkable in that it was achieved with a squad of just 14 regular players. Thirteen of the fourteen original Royal British Legion squad will attend the event, and members of the public are invited to join in the event. Next Meeting: Wednesday, 18 March 2015 at 7pm, Warkworth War Those taking part are: Stan Anderson, Frank Clark, Jim Iley, Bob Memorial Hall Moncur, Dave Craig, Ollie Burton, Ron McGarry, Dave Hilley, Willie Speaker Chris Davies - Author “Almost Forgotten” The Search Penman and John Craggs. for Aviation Accidents in Northumberland. The function takes place at High Howden Social Club, Howden, Chris will give a talk regarding “The American Beaufighter plane Wallsend. It will begin at 7.30pm and will take the form of a talk-in, that crashed near Warkworth in World War Two.” hosted by sports journalist and Fairs Club President John Gibson. Pooled supper. Tickets are £20 and can be purchased by ringing: Bill Gibbs: 07812935195, Mick McGill: 0191 2873832 or Harry Café Church Watson: 0191 2620544 Café Church – surely it is either a café or a church. It can’t be both Bailiffgate Craft Fair can it? Since September, St Cuthbert’s Parish Church has been holding Our Craft Fair 2015 will be held in the Northumberland Hall, on regular times that we call Café Church. On the first Sunday of each Saturday 21st March from 9-30 until 12-30. Admission will be £1.50 month we meet for refreshments at 3.30 pm. During the Christmas including refreshments. season these have included cinnamon stars to fit in with our Stallholders will include local textile artist, Jane Jackson, whose Christmas theme of following a star. March Hare has been adopted as the mascot for this top quality After sharing a cuppa and a snack together we sit around our event. Gathered together are a large number of some of the very “café” tables to share an informal time of worship together at 4.00 best artists and craftspeople working in the north east and Borders pm. We sing and pray but instead of a sermon we have a discussion, today. We include stunning photographs by Lee Kershaw, exquisite listen to a story and maybe even make something together. In this knitted lacework by Mavis Clark and a kaleidoscopic array of home way we are able to share our thoughts about the big questions of spun yarns from Jennie Howes. There will also be patchwork, felted, life. People who come have found that they feel supported and get knitted, willow, wood and glass items, jewellery, cards, soap and to know other people as well as exploring more about faith. It lasts candles. The usual Tombola stall, a scrumptious Cake Stall and a about 40 minutes. grand raffle, with prizes provided by the local businesses. We welcome people of all ages. It is good to see families coming Two other great opportunities include: together to join us. Win a portrait of your family pet by artist Tracy Jones. Why not give it a try? In March we will be meeting on Sunday Plus - win one of Jane Jackson’s large prints - a March Hare 1st and in April Sunday 5th (Easter Sunday). worth £90. Look out for our posters around the town which have the theme Further information is available from the Museum on 01665 for the month. 605847 or [email protected] St Cuthbert’s welcomes you. 22 ~ The Ambler WHAT’S ON CLUBS & SOCIETIES Alnwick & District Choral Society Experience Easter at St. Cuthbert’s Alnwick & District Choral Society are presenting Handel’s Messiah ome of you may remember seeing this logo last year, outside the on 29th March 2015 at 7.30pm in St Paul’s Church, Alnwick SChurch, during the weeks before Easter. You may have wondered with invited orchestra and soloists: Lorna James, Soprano; Jeanie what was happening or you Larkin, Alto; Paul Rendall, Tenor,; Paul Gibson, Bass. may even have popped your Admission £10 at the door head in to take a look. Last year we hosted this popular event Experience Hauxley Chapel services Easter and had visits from the March 1 Area Service, Stakeford Methodist Church 4 pm children in both of the first March 8 Rev. Ian Farnsworth. schools in the town. We are March 15 Rev Gary Ridley. Mothering Sunday. repeating this again in 2015. March 22 Rev. Dr. Diane Westmoreland. Holy Communion From March 17th until Easter Sunday (April 5th) the church will April 29 Rev Kay Alberg. Palm Sunday. be set out with six displays which will represent six incidents from the April 5 Rev. Lynda Coulthard, Holy Communion. Easter Day last week of the earthly life of Jesus. Anyone is welcome to come in April 12 Mrs Annetta Read. and wander round to explore these for themselves. We have invited April 19 Mr David Simpson. the schools to participate once again. Many children are already April 26 Rev. Dr. Diane Westmoreland. Holy Communion. booked in, to come with their teachers to listen to our trained group May 3 Mrs Barbara Allen. of storytellers as they make the story live for pupils of all ages. We are a small ecumenical congregation who worship in Low If you would like to visit the exhibition, the church will be open Hauxley on Sundays at 4pm unless otherwise stated, followed by a during daylight hours as always. Take a walk around the building and cup of tea. All are welcome. feel the peace and quiet of this special space. We have just finished If you would like to get in touch, please contact: Rev. Lynda some alterations to the back of the church which give us more room Coulthard, Trinity Methodist Church, on 01665 713251, Rev. Dr. for events such as this and for meeting for refreshments after our Diane Westmoreland, St. Cuthbert’s Church on 01665 714560 services. (9am - 8pm), or Tim and Rachel Jones on 01665 712467. Do come and see what has been done. St Cuthbert’s welcomes you.

Equestrian event at Hope Farm Gallipoli commemoration concert show jumping competition is to be held at the Hope Farm mble Town Council presents Equestrian Training Centre, on Sunday 1st March starting at A “YEARS TO REMEMBER” CONCERT at St. Cuthbert’s Parish 1pm.This is an in-house competition, outside competitors can only A Hall on Friday 24th April at 7.45 (doors open at 7.30) compete by invitation only, but the public are welcome to come and The concert, timed to coincide with the centenary of the Gallipoli watch and support the riders. Campaign, is a commemoration of the First World War and an The event will also feature a cake stall and raffle to raise money for evocation of the times in song, dance and verse. Hospice Care, Northumberland. Featured performers include Amble’s Own “Harbour Lights” Any enquiries contact Enid on 07896978155 Choir, “Mouthing Off ”, champion “Star and Shadow” rapper dancers, Mary Hollins as the “Liverpool Linnet” and “Dolly Grey”, Health walks the Northumbria Army Cadet’s Pipes and Drums with Highland ecent evidence shows that walking clubs are very beneficial for Dancers, the Amble Suffragette Rally and Mr Ron Creasey playing Rpeople with chronic diseases (eg COPD, asthma, heart disease, The Last Post. diabetes, kidney disease etc) and Coquet Medical Group are keen to Compere - the irrepressible and multi-talented Mr Alex Swailes encourage patients to engage with Amble walking group. MBE. This group meet at Amble Tourist Information centre on Tuesdays There will be a raffle, refreshments on sale and song sheets will be at 1.30pm - all welcome. See : http://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/ provided. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to join with others in walkfinder/north-east/north-northumberland-health-walks what will be a truly memorable community event. Jon Monks 01665 605030 You are urged to buy your tickets priced at £8 in advance from [email protected] Amble Town Council or by phoning 01665 714695.

Calisto

County Councillor Robert Arckless will be holding surgeries on will be holding Surgeries on Friday March 27th Friday Friday 25th July at 6pm - 6.45pm in Hauxley Village Hall at 6pm - 6.45pm in Hauxley Village Hall and and Saturdays Feb 28th and Mar 28th Saturday Saturday 26th July from 10am-11am in Amble Library from 10am - 11am in Amble Library All Constituents Welcome All Constituents Welcome

The Ambler ~ 23 Tiny Woods Are o the Ae Beast Academy ow many of us are still applying our ‘this era a its iortat to reeer Hear wi kee fit ose weight get rie this, the competition has been set up to irst of all, I e awesoe te fitess resotios o o roote heath a fitess i the oca Fhope all the me neither. One of the biggest reasons that coit Thats the ai ai B giig Ambler Readers people fail to stick to anything, especially people something to train for, we will be had a wonderful fitess reate is that o hae o goa to ai rootig fitess a a heath ifeste Bt Christmas and for oig to the g st to kee fit is aot wh is it cae The Beast Becase o oe as inspirational as watching a bucket go rusty in kows what a the eets are There are New Year. the rai ts ai orig es o ca a eets i tota a the first are I would also the cra gear hii traiers Beats ear hoes ea ift Bech ress at like to thank the and get your swagger on blasting the cross As for the other 5... no one will know what community for traier t how og oes it ast they are, until the day of the competition. their tremendous oa settig is ke Be it goig o hoia ece o st hae to east orsef o the effort in collecting Milk Bottle Tops watig to get to a certai ress sie gettig a as part of a Charity Project to provide to the correct weight to fight whateer itte A of the eercises are asic oeets wheelchairs for young children. goals help you stick to your programme. though. If you go to the gym on a weekly basis We managed to collect well over So, with a carr ot a asic Back 5,000 Milk Bottle Tops; you are a credit this is mind, we BisChestTrishoers at the Amble Legs type workout, then to your community. The project is now Community you will be able to do the closed. Sports exercises that will be there Tiny Woods Academy have been eeoet on the day. It’s about getting very busy behind the scenes since the Cetre hae as many members of the turn of the year. We have announced come up with coit ioe as new courses and schemes for the a fun based ossie so we hae to kee children of this community. strength to the asic oeets We are holding a ‘Striker School’ competition, The entrance fee is £10 in the February half term holiday and to gie eoe and all monies raised will go we run ‘Little Dribblers’ on a Monday something to to offering more community night. For further details please contact train towards. based sports programmes On 30th throgh the c o st us. May 2015, in ie withi three ies of Recently, we were given a coctio with the Ae ffi estia Amble to take part and entry forms must be defibrillator by The Stephen Carey we wi e hoig the Ae Beast tregth returned by 30th of April. There will be no ‘walk Fund. Tiny Woods Academy have competition at the club. This will be open to in’s’ on the day. always been long term supporters of aes with a tes of fitess a stregth We are also looking for sponsorship from The Stephen Carey Fund having already ees we are ookig ito rig a feae oe a oca firs a fiacia he wo e been fundraising over the last year. later in the year if the interest is there). appreciated. Again, all monies go back into Again, Tiny Woods Academy would The first rie wi e for the oera eaer offering sport based programmes for the like to thank Dougie McEwan, Scott on the day. This will be the person who wins the children and adults of the local community. McEwan and Daniel Carey who came ost eets or has the ost oits fro the ot ake ecses f o go the g ow eets and carry out a moderate exercise programme, and handed the defibrillator over. Bt the ai eet is the o for o are fit eogh to coete ie orsef Tiny Woods Academy and Amble Pound’ champion. Pound for Pound is a world a goa a eter the coetitio o wi e Community Team are still working recognised technique for creating fairness. surprised how well you will do. It will be a great tirelessly behind the scenes in order to This means that you are not competing against a oas of ater a o wi get a B raise funds to redevelop the facilities anyone but yourself. It doesn’t matter what o at east oe of the ifts at Amble Welfare and the Pavilion. you weigh or how tall you are, pound for As this is the first ear there wi e o Anybody wanting to jump on board and o testig ees the fie This wa a spectators allowed in the gym. Only competitors help support the project? person weighing 80KG and dead lifting 120kg will be allowed on to the premises. Please get in touch with us. The would actually score more points than a 100 or fors a ore ifo ease eai more bodies, the better! erso ea iftig e hae oe [email protected]. this so anyone can enter, and anyone can win, Josh Rutherford regaress of sie weight or height Bruce Durham

arkworth Golf Club is the 18 different challenges. While Amble area’s local course. not long by modern standards at Warkworth Golf Club W Photo: IVtography.com A seaside links, it was laid out 5,900 yards, its narrow fairways in 1891 by Old Tom Morris. make scoring difficult. A particular Originally comprising 12 holes, feature is the four par 3s, with the it is now a nine-hole course – the shortest being 170 yards; the 245 extra three were located on what is yard 15th is the longest par three now the caravan site at the far end in Northumberland. of the current layout. The photo shows the view It is bounded on the seaward looking south towards Amble side by the extensive dunes that with the first green in the centre. are a designated Site of Special Membership of the Club is just Scientific Interest (SSSI) and £322 for 12 months. Juniors to the south is the area recently under 18 pay £10 and this opened up by the Environment includes complementary coaching. Agency to re-establish the salt There are staged increases for marshes. those aged 18-30. The Club Each hole is served by two website www.warkworthgolfclub. very different tee positions co.uk has full details. meaning a player is faced with Tim Capron (Secretary)