News issue 25 Summer 2013 www.northumberland.gov.uk | Phone 0845 600 6400

Festival of the North East begins LOVE Northumberland Awards Win an English Heritage family pass

Plus Markets and summer shopping | Bin collection timetables online | What’s on 6 20

9 21 25 Northumberland In this issue: News 4 Festival of the North East events 9 New library and customer Now available online, by email or in print. information centre

Northumberland News is a quarterly magazine 11 Apprenticeships – 100 day packed with features and news articles written challenge specifically for county residents. 14 New county councillors Published in December, March, June and September it is distributed free of charge by 19 Engineering award for new bridge Northumberland County Council. Every effort is made to ensure that all information is accurate at 27 Superfast broadband for all the time of publication. Facebook at: If you would like to receive www.northumberland.gov.uk/facebook

Northumberland News in large print, Twitter at: Braille, audio, or in another format or www.northumberland.gov.uk/twitter language please contact us. YouTube at: www.northumberland.gov.uk/youtube

Telephone: 0845 600 6400 Front cover: BBC Look North’s Carol Malia with Type Talk: 18001 0845 600 6400 Nicola Wardle (left) from Northumberland County Council, launching the LOVE Northumberland Email: [email protected] Awards. Full story page seven.

2 www.northumberland.gov.uk | Phone 0845 600 6400 Welcome for the huge range of services in We hope you find something Northumberland is included on of interest in the summer pages 14 and 15. programme of events covered on pages four and five. This These are exciting times in includes the Festival of the North Northumberland but as we all East, the Gospels know, delivering services on exhibition and events as well as ever tighter budgets will be a commemorations of the Battle great challenge; in the next few of Flodden and Emily Wilding months the council and its new Davidson’s heroic actions. representatives will be setting We’re also looking forward out detailed plans to ensure that to this year’s LOVE we can continue to provide good Northumberland Awards and I’m As this magazine went to quality, value for money services pleased that BBC Look North’s for residents across all areas of press Northumberland’s Carol Malia has agreed to host the county. new team of councillors this year’s event at the Garden in July. Details of the was busy putting This magazine is our way of categories and the aims of the arrangements in place to providing you with important event are covered on page information about the county seven. lead the county council and the work of the council. for the next four years. In a recent survey of readers, I hope you enjoy the summer you told us that you found and all that Northumberland has information about events and to offer, it’s your place. A full list of your local councillors activities useful, so in this issue and the policy board members we’ve expanded the ‘what’s on’ Steve Stewart appointed to take responsibility section. Chief executive

Park in sheep shape

Stephen Lambert (left), Mark Nisbet (centre) and John Richardson from the county council’s neighbourhood services team, with some of the Shetland sheep grazing in Carlisle Park, Morpeth. The flock of 12 sheep arrived at the end of April to graze on Ha’ Hill, the 11th century motte and bailey built by the Normans.

The sheep are part of the growing wild project funded by the SITA Trust. They are helping Carlisle Park’s gardeners to keep the area trim and manage the hill back to a more species rich grassland.

There is still public access to the top of Ha’ Hill. If you would like to visit Carlisle Park to see the sheep, park maps and information can be found at www.northumberland.gov.uk/carlislepark

3 Packed programme of summer events

This summer Northumberland is running an exciting activity programme linked to three major regional events ensuring there will be something for everyone to explore.

Residents and visitors to the county can look forward Suffragette, Emily to the events of the Festival of the North East, the Wilding Davison return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the region and the Battle of Flodden commemorations. 2013 marks the 100th anniversary Festival of the North East of the death of suffragette, Emily Throughout June, the 2013 Wilding Davison, who is buried Festival of the North East in St Mary’s Church, Morpeth. celebrates the region’s innovation Emily was fatally injured when and creativity with a programme of events spanning arts, heritage, she stepped onto the track creative industries, museums and during the 1913 Epsom Derby engineering. This ground-breaking and fell under the King’s horse. festival brings together a number of Emily was deeply rooted in organisations as well as individual Northumberland, living here with artists and practitioners from across her mother after her father’s the region. There will be lots of death and returning to the village opportunities to experience the festival across Northumberland including: of Longhorsely to recover from her time in prison and bouts of • Puffin Festival - 18 May to 1 June suffragette action. www.amblepuffinfest.co.uk • Building Dreams: Artworks Cragside - 11 June to A programme of workshops, 3 November writing competitions and www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside exhibitions peaks with the • Emily Wilding Davison commemoration events - 10 to 16 June centennial weekend, featuring a www.emilyinspires.net major concert by award-winning • Puffing Billy - 21 June onwards women’s choir Werca’s Folk, the www.wylamparishcouncil.org/railway.htm premiere of a new play about Emily, entitled ‘To Freedom’s Cause’ and a procession Full information on the regional festival can be following the route of Emily’s last found at journey from the railway station www.festivalne.com to St Mary’s Church. Details are Twitter: @festivalNE (#FestNE) available at www.emilyinspires.co.uk 4 www.northumberland.gov.uk | Phone 0845 600 6400 Packed programme of summer events

The Lindisfarne Gospels Northumberland’s coast, are the embodiment of the Gospels’ story. One of the world’s greatest books will return to the North East from July 1 until 30 September. The Lindisfarne Gospels Northumberland echoes with the history will be on display in an exhibition in Durham’s Palace Green of St Cuthbert and the journey of the along with preserved artifacts including Saint Cuthbert’s monks who fled Holy Island carrying jewelled cross, sapphire ring and travelling altar. his body and the sacred Gospels. If you would like to explore the story of The Lindisfarne Gospels have the Gospels in Northumberland there is a uniquely important place a special programme of activity taking in the heritage and culture of place to celebrate this special year. Northumberland and the North East. Why not visit St Cuthbert’s Cave near Written around 1300 years ago in Belford where the saint is rumoured to honour of ‘God and St Cuthbert’ on have lived, or one of the fascinating St the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the Cuthbert’s Churches, dotted across the spectacular Gospels are famous county. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to around the world. join the Holy Island Pilgrimage on the 13 July across the sands to Holy Island, Northumberland proudly provides or to walk a section of the 100 mile the living history to this significant St Cuthbert’s Way, through beautiful exhibition. The majestic ruins of Northumbrian countryside. Holy Island Priory and the iconic Lindisfarne castle, which are visible Web: www.lindisfarnegospels.com for miles along Twitter: @gospelsdurham (#Gospels)

Battle of Flodden commemorations

The 9 September 2013 marks the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden. The battle was a national tragedy that led to the death of 15,000 Scots and English soldiers, 100 noblemen and the Scottish King, James IV.

The catastrophic events of the battle shaped British and European politics for the next 100 years and culminated in the union of the English and Scottish crowns in 1603. During 2013 there will be many commemoration events throughout the area including plays, living history, exhibitions, music, archaeology and genealogy.

Further information about Flodden events can be found at: Web: www.flodden1513.com Twitter: @Flodden1513Eco 5 The county council, which runs Andy Rutherford, head of Love nine of the 12 open markets neighbourhood services at the in Northumberland (*see county council, said: “We are below), was keen to support always keen to welcome new the campaign, as it recognises traders and this campaign, your local that markets are not only an which we supported last year important asset for shoppers but too, is a great experience for also the focal point of many of them. market our town centres. “But it isn’t just about giving The Love Your Local Market Markets across the a start to a new generation of campaign, now in its second county have been year, is led by the National retail entrepreneurs. It’s about taking part in a national Association of British Market celebrating the role of markets campaign designed to Authorities (NABMA) and in sustaining our town centres and communities and showing highlight the important backed by central government. From 15 to 29 May markets ran people living in Northumberland, role they play in local special events to attract new as well as visitors, what’s on communities. traders and shoppers. offer when they shop locally.” Market days in Northumberland: Market Location Market days Alnwick Market Place Thursday and Saturday Full information Amble Amble harbour Wednesday and Sunday about markets in * Station Road Tuesday Northumberland, including * Market Place Thursday details for any would-be Berwick* Marygate Charter Market Wednesday and Saturday traders is available on the Blyth* Market Place Monday, Wednesday, Friday and council’s recently updated Saturday web pages at www. * Market Square Thursday northumberland.gov.uk/ * Market Place Tuesday markets Hexham* The Shambles Monday to Saturday Morpeth* Market Place Wednesday * Merton Way Friday

6 www.northumberland.gov.uk | Phone 0845 600 6400 LOVE Northumberland Awards 2013 BBC Look North’s Carol Malia said: “I am really coast or countryside project, Carol Malia has been looking forward to being best young people’s and best the compere at the LOVE children’s project. announced as the Northumberland awards this host of the LOVE year – and seeing more great Nominations, which closed on Northumberland Awards work like this which is being 31 May, have been received by done by the Youth schools as well as community 2013. Initiative. I am a huge lover of and voluntary groups. Northumberland myself but I Carol will be the presenter for know that it takes hard work and The awards are also being the event at the Alnwick Garden dedication to make and keep the supported for the third when community groups, county green and clean.” year by the Co-operative’s environmental projects and Northumberland Area Committee as well as by a individuals will be recognised With the support of main number of other Northumberland for outstanding work to improve sponsors the Banks Group, based companies and their local environment. the award categories have organisations. been extended to include Winning entries will receive In their third year, the awards one for the individual whose a £250 prize and runner-up will once again be presented by efforts towards their local projects a £100 prize; the money the Duchess of Northumberland environment make them stand must be spent on something along with main sponsor out from the crowd, and also that will benefit the project or the Banks Group and other for the best environmental work in the community. supporting organisations. project by a business based in Northumberland. Further information about This year’s event will take the LOVE Northumberland place on July 10. Carol’s Other categories are best new campaign is available at www. involvement in the presentations project, best urban project, best northumberland.gov.uk/love was announced in May when she paid a visit to one of last Pictured (from left): (Front) Sean Soulsby, chair of the Corbridge year’s winning projects – The Youth Initiative, Carol Malia and Sammy Garcia from the youth initiative. (Back) Victoria Proud, Connagh Scott and Lawrence Corbridge Youth Initiative Urwin from the youth initiative and Nicola Wardle from the Allotment. council’s neighbourhood services team. A group of volunteers aged between 11 and 18 has created it’s own vegetable plot, fruit orchard, greenhouse and lawned ‘chill out’ area. A shed is used for meetings and as an educational base for the young people.

The project has been developed to encourage young people to get involved in the creation of their own allotment, to promote healthy eating, outdoor activity and education. 7 Readers’ Pictured: Competition winner Nathan Barnes, survey from Morpeth. success

Thank you to everyone who took part in the Northumberland News reader survey earlier this year.

Following the launch of the digital version of the magazine in 2011, we felt it was important to find out your views to help Here is a summary of the results from the survey: us to ensure future editions are relevant and interesting for • 35.5% respondents were men with 64.5% woman. everyone in the county. • 53% of readers who responded to the survey were aged The responses showed that between 45 and 65. readers are keen to see more • 74% of readers read every issue (four per year). information about forthcoming • 76% of readers read “all” or “most” of the magazine. events, so in this edition we • Of those people who responded, the most popular ways of have expanded the ‘What’s on’ receiving the magazine are via email and picking up a copy from section of the magazine and a local library at 24% each. Viewing the magazine online via the there are features about three council’s website and picking up a copy from a leisure centre major summer events. were close behind at 20% each. As part of the survey, we ran a • Everyone who responded said they found the articles “very” or competition to win an overnight “quite” easy to understand. stay at Macdonald Linden • 45% of the respondents said the magazine was good, 40% said Hall, which was won by Clare it was excellent, 13% said it was satisfactory. Mills from Alnwick. Nathan • When asked - ‘What would you like to see more of in the Barnes from Morpeth (pictured) magazine?’ – responses were: won a Google Nexus Tablet What’s on – 29% in a separate competition to • encourage readers to sign up to • Events – 20% receive Northumberland News • Local news – 11% direct via email. • Information about what the council has been doing – 10% 8 www.northumberland.gov.uk | Phone 0845 600 6400 Council services transformed

Transformation of the Light and spacious, there is also The newly renovated building way council services a special study area, as well as is fresh and modern with some dedicated charging points for ground-breaking features but are provided in lap tops and mobile phones, the whole focus remains on the Northumberland took ample seating and quiet areas. customer. another step forward A complete new stock of books and DVDs is also available. with the opening of Last December the council asked residents in Cramlington’s state- The council felt it was important what they wanted from their new of-the-art library and that children and families had library and customer information their own library space, so the customer information centre; their views were taken building has been extended to on board and many of their centre on 28 May. house a new young people’s requests and suggestions have and children’s library – the first been incorporated. Located next to Concordia, the of its kind in the county. The centre offers customers a new, corridor leading to this library is modern and more convenient lit with interactive graphics and For example, residents asked approach to accessing council the layout of the room is eye- for increased opening hours and services. catching and fun. these have been extended by 20 per cent. Council, library and community For partner and community services have been joined services, four new private The building will be open 9am together under one roof. Now meeting rooms and a training to 7pm, Monday to Friday and residents will be able to borrow room have been built, which 9.30am to 2pm on Saturdays. books, use computers, pay can be reserved for a modest An official launch will take place council bills, enquire about any booking fee. later in the year. council service, get information about health, register births and deaths and hire community rooms from this one location.

Staff have been fully trained to deal with all enquiries and walk the floor to meet, greet and help anyone who wants to use the new service.

The building also houses the very latest self-service technology (the first of its kind in the country), which combines a payment-point with a simple self- service library check-in facility. There is also public access to computers and free Wi Fi so customers can browse the web Pictured: Beverley Johnson customer services team leader with from anywhere in the building. library user Ann Cranson (left) in Cramlington. 9 • Avoid open fires in the and countryside. Campfires, Outdoor countryside and at the barbecues and bonfires can beach. Always have them in be dangerous and have the safe, designated areas. potential to cause injury and fire safety • Put out cigarettes properly. damage the environment if they • Don’t leave bottles or glass get out of control. We advise in woodlands or dunes; people to think fire safety first so that they can enjoy their free A fire in sand sunlight shining through time and leave the beaches and glass can start a fire. dunes on the North countryside unscathed for future If you see a fire in the Northumberland coast • visits.” countryside or at the beach has prompted firefighters report it immediately. Northumberland Fire and to issue a warning ahead • Never throw cigarette ends Rescue Service is the lead of the county’s main out of car windows – they authority nationally with regard tourist season. could start a fire and ruin to wildfire and during the past surrounding countryside. two years has been taking part • Follow the safety instructions in the European Forest Fire Earlier this year Northumberland provided with disposable Networks Project (EUFOFINET). Fire and Rescue service (NFRS) barbecues. Following the recent completion was called to a fire in Beadnell • Never leave a barbecue of the EUFOFINET Project, Bay after a small campfire unattended. NFRS has developed an action spread and became dangerous. plan which outlines how the • Make sure barbecues are service will implement some of placed well away from the good practices exchanged Following this incident NFRS is fences, trees and shrubs. keen to remind residents and during the project. This action plan will help NFRS to further visitors to the county about Paul Hedley, deputy chief fire improve the way that it protects the dangers of setting outdoor officer at Northumberland Fire the people and the environment fires. The following points are and Rescue Service, said: of Northumberland from the designed to help people spend “As the weather improves devastation and destruction a safe day at the beach or in the more people will be spending caused by wildfire incidents. countryside leaving these areas time outdoors enjoying For more information about the intact for others to enjoy. Northumberland’s beaches project visit www.eufofinet.eu

10 The challenge is on… Northumberland County Council supports the North East 100 day challenge.

Between 22 April and 30 July, Northumberland County Council is working in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Service to recruit apprentices across Northumberland.

• Apprenticeships are the ‘gold’ standard for work-based training with more than 100,000 employers offering apprenticeships in . • More than 250 different types of apprenticeships are available offering more than 1,400 job roles within a variety of industry sectors across the country. • There are three levels of the apprenticeship programme: • Intermediate Apprenticeship Level 2 • Advanced Apprenticeship Level 3 • Higher Apprenticeship Level 4/5 • Employers can advertise vacancies and recruit apprentices using the free apprenticeship online service. • The government fully funds the training for 16 to 18-year-olds. • Employers may be entitled to receive a financial incentive of £1,500 to support the recruitment of an apprentice. • Employers who employ apprentices rely on their apprenticeship programme to provide the skilled workers they need for the future.

Could you employ an apprentice?

Help us to take on this 100 day challenge and unlock talent within our local community to ensure we have the skills we need to grow within Northumberland.

To find out more about apprenticeships contact: [email protected] 01670 622791 [email protected] 01670 622795

To find out more about apprenticeships go to: www.northumberland.gov.uk/skills New consumer champion for health and social care

Healthwatch Northumberland has Representing the Involving the public been set up to help public and patients and volunteers people have a greater Healthwatch Healthwatch say in both the NHS and Northumberland Northumberland is also social care across the has a seat on the looking for people to county. Northumberland volunteer to work with Health and Wellbeing it. People are needed to A team of seven workers has Board, alongside represent Healthwatch begun to help people who other key partners Northumberland at a have concerns, comments and including council variety of meetings and compliments about local health elected members, groups. Volunteers will and social care services. They Northumberland Clinical have access to training can tell people what services Commissioning Group and support. Healthwatch exist and where to find them. and others. The board’s Northumberland is also main role is to ensure recruiting board members Fiona Swindell, team leader, that local organisations to set the direction and said: “Northumberland County work together to provide work to be undertaken. Council has commissioned the quality services Anyone interested in Adapt to establish Healthwatch needed to improve the becoming a board Northumberland. health and wellbeing member should call of everyone living in Fiona Swindell on “We have three main areas of Northumberland. 03332 408 468. work. We provide information and advice about health and social care. We can also visit Cynthia Atkin, chair for Healthwatch Northumberland, said: “This and review health and social is an opportunity for the people of Northumberland to have a say care services, then share what on local health and social care services, with a view to influencing we find. We will help people changes. Healthwatch Northumberland is committed to ensuring raise concerns and complaints that it reaches and includes as many people as possible in its about the NHS through the valuable work as a consumer champion and influencer.” independent advocacy service ICAN.

“We will also be out and about in If you want to become a volunteer, or become local communities asking people a supporter who is kept up to date with regular their views and wishes.” newsletters, go to: Contact Healthwatch www.healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk Northumberland on 03332 408 468 if you require information, Watch out for events in your local area. wish to make a comment or raise a concern. 12 www.northumberland.gov.uk | Phone 0845 600 6400

Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group by Dr Alistair Blair

Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are made up of doctors, nurses and other health professionals – with support from experienced health service managers. CCGs are responsible for planning and buying local NHS healthcare and health services.

NHS Northumberland CCG is clinically led. All GP practices in Northumberland are members of the CCG and take an active part in designing health services. I • Central locality – from Working with you lead the organisation and I am south of Widdrington to the also a practicing GP. A lot of our Wansbeck river We are committed to listening team are doctors, nurses and to the views and experiences Led by Dr Eileen Higgins of patients, carers and the other health professionals. Locality contact: public. This will help us to make [email protected] / decisions to improve NHS Northumberland is a large healthcare and health services 0191 217 2765 county with many different for you. Our plans focus on Blyth Valley locality – from communities and health needs. • three areas: As well as working together the Wansbeck to the North • Improving health services across the county, we keep a border for everyone – including local perspective by grouping Led by Dr Frances Naylor the most vulnerable in our into four geographical localities: Locality contact: Barbara. population [email protected] / • Making best use of community services • North locality – from 0191 217 2765 • Making best use of the Scottish borders to • West locality – from community beds Widdrington, from Cumbria Ponteland to the border with to the coast These plans (the CCG Cumbria, from Kielder to Led by Hilary Brown and prospectus) are available Dr Graham Syers on our website www. Led by Dr David Shovlin northumberlandccg.nhs.uk Locality contact: or by contacting NORCCG. [email protected] / Locality contact: [email protected] / 0191 217 2765 [email protected] 0191 217 2765. 13 Know your councillors

On 2 May 2013 Northumberland Alnwick Bywell went to the polls to elect county Heather Cairns Paul Kelly (Cllr) Home Tel: 01665 589353 IND Tel: 01661 835302 council representatives for the next LIB DEM Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] four years. Alnwick Choppington Gordon Castle (Cllr) Dave Ledger (Cllr)

There are now 67 unitary county LAB

CONS Tel: 01665 604664 Tel: 01670 851399 councillors in place across 66 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] wards (Alnwick electoral division Amble College has two members). These elected Robert Arckless (Cllr) BA (Hons), PGCE Jimmy Sawyer (Cllr) members are entitled to vote on LAB Tel: 01665 711938 LAB Tel: 01670 850942 important decisions that impact on Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected] local life. Amble West with Warkworth Corbridge Jeff Watson (Cllr) Jean Fearon (Cllr)

Labour councillor Grant Davey was CONS Mobile: 07802 385367 CONS Tel: 01434 632802 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] voted in as the new leader of the council and councillor Dave Ledger Ashington Central Cowpen as the new deputy leader. Thomas Sinclair (Cllr) Susan Davey (Cllr) LAB Tel: 07506 416505 LAB Tel: 01670 369725 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Policy Board Members have also been put into post replacing the Bamburgh Cramlington East John Woodman (Cllr) Ian Swithenbank (Cllr) former executive positions. They LAB CONS Tel: 01665 721679 / 07785 320562 Tel: 01670 716762 are: Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Bedlington Central Cramlington Eastfield • Policy Board Member for Adult Alyson Wallace (Cllr) Laura Pidcock

Care and Public Health – LAB Tel: 01670 822858 LAB Tel: 01670 224697 Councillor Susan Dungworth Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

• Policy Board Member for Bedlington East Cramlington North Children’s Services – Councillor Val Tyler (Cllr) Wayne Daley (Cllr) LAB

Tel: 01670 825252 CONS Tel: 01670 713286 Robert Arckless Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] • Policy Board Member for Planning, Housing and Bedlington West Cramlington South East Regeneration – Councillor Alan Terry Johnstone (Cllr) Allan Hepple (Cllr) LAB Tel: 07891698040 LAB Tel: 01670 714731 / 07881 276950 Hepple Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] • Policy Board Member for Street care and Environment – Bellingham Cramlington Village John Riddle (Cllr) Kathy Graham LAB

Councillor Deirdre Campbell CONS Tel: 01434 220250 Tel: 01670 738415 • Policy Board Member for Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Infrastructure and Culture – Berwick East Cramlington West Councillor Val Tyler Jim Smith (Cllr) Barry Flux (Cllr)

Tel: 01289 306496 CONS Tel: 01670 459878 LIB DEM Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] There are also changes to the role of council chair. There will now be Berwick North Croft a civic chair and a deputy chair as Gavin Jones (Cllr) Kath Nisbet (Cllr) Tel: 01289 330478 / 07777 640185 LAB Tel: 01670 364651 / 07762 743579 well as a business chair who will LIB DEM Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] look after the meetings and agenda. Berwick West with Ord Druridge Bay Isabel Hunter (Cllr) Scott Dickinson (Cllr)

Councillor Kath Nisbet is the Tel: 01289 306365 LAB Tel: 01670 760171 / 07736 630404 new civic chair of the council LIB DEM Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] with councillor Kathy Graham as Bothal Haltwhistle deputy civic head. Councillor Scott Lynne Grimshaw (Cllr) Ian Hutchinson (Cllr) LAB

Dickinson is the new business Tel: 01670 810827 CONS Tel: 07711 533 154 chairman. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 14 www.northumberland.gov.uk | Phone 0845 600 6400

Hartley Morpeth Kirkhill Susan Dungworth (Cllr) Andrew Tebbutt (Cllr) Steven Bridgett (Cllr)

LAB Tel: 0191 2375531 Tel: 01670 511631 Tel: 01669 622999 LIB DEM Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] LIB DEM Email: [email protected]

Haydon Morpeth North Seaton with Newbiggin West Brian Gallacher (Cllr) David Lee Bawn (Cllr) Jim Lang (Cllr) LAB LAB

Tel: 01670 521386 / 07503 218116 CONS Tel: 01670 789971 / 07947 248220 Tel: 01670 856911 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Haydon and Hadrian Morpeth Stobhill Seghill with Seaton Delaval Alan Sharp (Cllr) Ian Lindley (Cllr) Margaret Richards (Cllr)

Tel: 01434 320167 Tel: 01670 515217 LAB Tel: 0191 2370596 LIB DEM Email: [email protected] LIB DEM Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Hexham Central with Acomb Newbiggin Central and East Shilbottle Terry Robson (Cllr) Liz Simpson (Cllr) Trevor Thorne (Cllr) LAB

CONS Tel: 01434 607770 Tel: 01670 850378 / 07904 958498 CONS Tel: 01665 570249 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Hexham East Newsham Sleekburn Cath Homer (Cllr) Deirdre Campbell (Cllr) Jeff Gobin (Cllr) LAB LAB

CONS Tel: 01434 694026 / 07921 124216 Tel: 01670 355242 Tel: 01670 822539 Email: [email protected]

Hexham West Norham and Islandshires South Blyth Colin Cessford (Cllr) Dougie Watkin (Cllr) Lesley Rickerby (Cllr)

CONS Tel: 01434 604871 / 07792 523464 Tel: 01289 382324 Tel: 01670 540335 LIB DEM Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] LIB DEM Email: [email protected]

Hirst Pegswood South Tynedale Ken Parry (Cllr) Alan Sambrook Colin Horncastle (Cllr)

LAB Tel: 01670 855085 LAB Tel: 01670 504515 / 07920 093193 CONS Tel: 01434 618259 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Holywell Plessey Stakeford Bernard Pidcock (Cllr) Jeff Reid (Cllr) Julie Foster (Cllr) LAB Tel: 0191 2376914 / 07506 728913 Tel: 01670 544113 LAB Tel: 01670 825146 Email: [email protected] LIB DEM Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Humshaugh Ponteland East and Stannington Stocksfield and Bromhaugh Rupert Gibson (Cllr) Eileen Armstrong (Cllr) Anne Dale (Cllr) IND

CONS Tel: 01434 681402 / 07966 257275 CONS Tel: 01661 825432 Tel: 01434 673326 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Isabella Ponteland North Wensleydale Gordon Webb (Cllr) Richard Dodd (Cllr) Eileen Cartie (Cllr) LAB LAB

Tel: 01670 365118 CONS Tel: 01661 881192 Tel: 01670 361537 / 07899 832434 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Kitty Brewster Pontleand South with Heddon Grant Davey (Cllr) Peter Jackson (Cllr) Anthony Murray (Cllr) LAB

Tel: 01670 369725 CONS Tel: 01830 530218 CONS Tel: 01668 281062 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Longhorsley Ponteland West Glen Sanderson (Cllr) Veronica Jones (Cllr)

CONS Mobile: 07730 979 737 CONS Tel: 01830 530337 For more details of how Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] the council works and Longhoughton Prudhoe North John Taylor (Cllr) Eileen Burt (Cllr) when meetings take IND Tel: 01665 603825 LAB Tel: 01661 834764 / 07794 913435 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] place visit the council’s website at Lynemouth Prudhoe South Milburn Douglas (Cllr) Tony Reid (Cllr) www.northumberland. LAB Tel: 01670 790809 LAB Tel: 01661 834000 / 07722 955995 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] gov.uk/76 15 Success in local government awards Three teams at Northumberland County Council celebrated success in the 2013 Local Government Pictured: Members of the county council’s children’s Chronicle Awards. services and adult services teams who were successful in this year’s Local Government Chronicle awards. Children’s services were shortlisted for two entries in the services this award really is a ensure older people stay active, annual, national awards and won team effort and I would like to connected and well. in the category of Management thank everyone for their hard Team of the Year. work and commitment. The work Daljit Lally, corporate director of adult services This award closely follows the behind these awards involves a at Northumberland County ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report number of partners especially Council, said: “The Ageing Well the team received in 2012. In in the police and health and I programme is run by a small choosing the winner, the judges would also like to acknowledge said they were impressed by their expertise in helping us to team that makes a big impact in evidence of improvements made provide an efficient over-arching the lives of older people across by the team at a time when all service for all of the young the county. council departments are looking people we work with.” to make savings. “We see older people as a great asset to our community and Adult services was also we want to help make the most The Targeted Adolescent Service shortlisted for its Ageing of their skills, experience and was shortlisted in the Children’s Well in Northumberland energy. Services category for its work programme. The team was coordinating and developing highly commended for its work services for vulnerable young “Our partners in this project with people across the county to people. The model used by the include Northumbria NHS ensure that Northumberland is a service has been recognised Foundation Trust, local good place to grow older. by the Youth Justice Board community and voluntary and other local authorities as organisations, housing providing an example of best The programme promotes the associations and leisure practice in this area of work. health and well-being of older services and I would like to people within their communities thank and congratulate all of Paul Moffat, corporate director and brings together older people those involved.” of children’s services at and local organisations. Funded Northumberland County Council, by Northumberland County For more information about the said: “As the winning team Council, the programme offers Ageing Well programme see covers the whole of children’s information and support to page 17. 16 www.northumberland.gov.uk | Phone 0845 600 6400 Project helps people to age well

Over 50s are invited to try a new programme of free activities at Hirst Welfare Centre in Ashington to help them stay active and well.

The centre has teamed up with the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO) and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Ageing Well programme to run a series of activities for older people.

The Active Age Project involves regular social and leisure activities aimed at encouraging Pictured: One of the Ageing Well programmes in Ashington. people to socialise, develop new skills and engage in fun physical “With the cookery classes we Clare Orange, health activities to help older people teach the kids the basics of how improvement specialist for the lead an active and healthy to cook meals. It’s wonderful to Ageing Well in Northumberland lifestyle. see the kids grow in confidence. programme at Northumbria After classes we all eat together Healthcare NHS Foundation Connie Hovsepian, 76 a retired and sample everyone’s cooking Trust added: “We are delighted nurse from Newbiggin-by-the- so it’s a great opportunity to with the range of activities, the Sea, attends the older people’s meet people living in your centre is putting on. It’s great forum in Ashington, hosted by neighbourhood too.” to see them involving older Northumbria Healthcare, and people in decisions about what was involved in sharing ideas Hirst Welfare Centre received they offer to promote healthy about what activities older lifestyles for the over 50s. people might like to see at the funding from the Big Lottery Fund to expand on existing centre. She said: “It’s lovely “Making staying active and provision for older people to to be able to do something exercise a regular part of your promote healthy lifestyles. positive for your community and life can greatly improve your help shape what services are health and helps you to maintain delivered where you live. With eight new weekly activities independence as you age. It’s to choose from, including really important people know “I got involved in doing activities luncheon clubs, Pilates, circuits, what’s out there and we are at Hirst Welfare, where older gentle Zumba, craft, and working with our partners across people and teenagers come cooking there is something the county to raise awareness together to pass on our to suit a range of tastes and through the Ageing Well in experience and swap skills. abilities. The centre also Northumberland programme.” We’ve made calendars, willow offers personalised fitness weaving, played computer programmes for over 50s at their For more information about games and now we are doing gym, which includes regular activities at Hirst Welfare Centre cooking. fitness and health checks. call 01670 857810. 17 Morpeth flood defence works begin

Work is now well underway on constructing new flood defences for Morpeth.

Over the next 12 months, the Environment Agency, in partnership with Northumberland County Council, will be working in different locations around the town.

Pictured: The High Stanners area of Morpeth When complete, Morpeth where work on flood defences has begun. flood scheme will protect more than a thousand homes and businesses from high river levels A total of nine of the 11 existing improvements are required to like that seen in 2008, which trees were replanted in five local existing defences. caused widespread flooding schools to preserve them in the in the town. The council is town. The Collingwood Oaks They are also assessing what providing up to £12m towards were planted in 2005 to mark the work is needed to reduce the the £21m scheme. 200th anniversary of the Battle risk of flooding from the Cotting of Trafalgar, in which Morpeth’s Burn and the Church Burn. Work will go on over the summer Lord Collingwood led a fleet on new flood defences for the alongside Nelson. At High Stanners traditional- High Stanners area of the town, style bricks will be used for the majority of the flood wall. These as well as at Mitford Road. At School children helped to will be broken up by natural the same time, the new flood replant the trees at Abbey Fields stone at the entrances to the water storage area will begin to First School. The other trees flood gates. There will be three be built upstream of Morpeth. were replanted at All Saints First, flood gates, which will be closed Storing water upstream of the Chantry Middle, Newminster by the Environment Agency if town during high river levels Middle and Collingwood School. flooding is likely. will benefit everyone at risk of flooding in Morpeth. Other in-town work will include If you have any queries or work at St Robert’s Churchyard concerns, call into the Flood The whole flood scheme, and Oldgate Bridge, Pretoria Scheme Information Centre on including the flood water storage Avenue and the Chantry. The Newgate Street Morpeth and area upstream, is expected to Environment Agency is reviewing talk to the staff. Current opening be complete in autumn 2014, the Low Stanners area of the hours are Tuesday to Friday depending on the weather. town to establish what 10am til 2pm.

Collingwood oak trees were You can also find out more by: removed from High Stanners Email: [email protected] earlier this year to allow the Twitter: Morpeth Flood Scheme @morpethscheme building of the new flood bank Web: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/morpeth and defence walls. 18 www.northumberland.gov.uk | Phone 0845 600 6400

Top engineering award for county bridge

One of Northumberland’s most historic bridges has won a prestigious Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) award.

Work to strengthen Rothbury Bridge and restore it to its former glory was recognised in April with the presentation of a Robert Stephenson award to the county council’s engineering team.

Northumberland County Council Pictured: Children from Rothbury First School at the official invested £3.7m in the bridge opening of Rothbury Bridge. works and a team including engineers and stone masons The work on the bridge was to its former glory. Four of them carried out a highly complex subject to several constraints have been paid for by local series of works to strengthen the as the structure is a Scheduled residents and organisations and the county council will meet the bridge, which was built in 1460. Ancient Monument; and also spans a river which is cost of the remaining two. a designated Site of Special The Duchess of Northumberland Scientific Interest, with protected The ICE judges were very officially opened the bridge on species of bats and birds. impressed with the project and 14 December, cutting a ribbon said: “This scheme provided and unveiling a plaque, before When local residents were a sensitively undertaken cars were allowed to cross for consulted before work began refurbishment of a medieval the first time in three years. they said they were unhappy structure and scheduled ancient monument. The design and with 20th Century alterations Local schoolchildren and build scheme sympathetically to the bridge. With the consent incorporated traditional and residents lined the bridge to of English Heritage the design modern techniques ensuring celebrate the re-opening and team constructed features last continuity of an important were thanked by the council for seen more than 100 years ago, local transport link. Extensive their support during a long and such as parapets and refuges. complex project. community involvement resulted in a successful and The council’s stonemasons popular project with careful The bridge across the River Dennis Atkinson and reinstatement of the site allowing Coquet is within the heart of the Stewart Foggon, a Rothbury the works to blend seamlessly community in Rothbury; closing resident, and father and son into its rural surroundings.” the bridge for any length of time stonemasons David and was not feasible, so engineers Malcolm Sutton, who also live A commendation in this category met the challenge by building a in Rothbury, worked together also went to Northumberland temporary Bailey bridge to carry to replace the stonework using County Council, alongside Royal traffic across the river while the traditional skills. Six Victorian- HaskoningDHV and BAM Nuttall work on the original bridge was style lampposts will also be Ltd, for the Berwick Breakwater completed. added to help restore the bridge Refurbishment. 19 Summer activities at Hepscott Park Garden Café Hepscott Park Garden Café is inviting families to join in some green- fingered fun this summer as part of its first-ever activity programme.

Suitable for children of all ages, the café is teaming up with Hepscott Park Horticultural Skills Unit to hold a series of ‘grow your own’ events where families can look forward to a hands-on learning experience and find out more about greener gardening, the Hepscott way. Events listings Located just a few miles outside Morpeth, with free car Plant Your Own Summer Hanging Basket parking available, the café is Saturday 25 May at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm also hosting a series of special Cost per hanging basket: £8 for a family of four or £6 for an cooking activities to get involved individual, with free refreshments included. in where Hepscott’s head chef will pass on some of his trade Cupcake Decorating Workshop secrets for you to take away and Saturday 1 June at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm cook with your family at home. Cost: £6.95. Flavoured Oil Making Workshop And if you’re feeling a little Saturday 8 June at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm peckish, then why not pop into Cost: £6.95. the café, which is open seven days a week. You can enjoy the Father’s Day Herb Planters best in locally sourced produce Saturday 15 June at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm with lots of tasty dishes to Cost per herb planter: £6.50 for a family of four or £4.50 for an choose from. individual with a free herb scone for everyone taking part. Hepscott Park Garden Café is managed by Blyth Star Take Your Own Cuttings Day Enterprises, and works in Saturday 6 and 27 July at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm partnership with Northumberland Cost: £6.50 for a family of four or £4.50 for an individual, with free County Council to provide refreshments included. employment and training opportunities for people with a Cheese and Chutney Fair disability. Saturday 10 August with a chutney making demonstration at 12pm Cost: Free. The Horticultural Skills Unit provides work experience in For more information on any of the events call 01670 514 255 horticulture for adults with or visit our website on www.hepscottparkgardencafe.co.uk. learning disabilities and grows a You can also follow us on Facebook or join us on Twitter. wide range of plants on-site for Just search for Hepscott Park Garden Café sale to the public. 20 www.northumberland.gov.uk | Phone 0845 600 6400

Skate park specialists Bendcrete that our views have been taken ‘Sele’ of were commissioned to do on board. The new skate park the work through a tender will support the Tyne Valley process; coincidentally one of skateboard community for years to come.” approval their designers also grew up in Hexham and had skated at the Funding for the £30,000 project for new park regularly for a number of came from housing developers’ years. contributions for play in the improved area. The scheme added new Adam Wright, 23, said: “I feel equipment and modified some very lucky that the company of the existing ramps at the park. skate park I work for won the tender for Hexham Town Council is due this work. Hexham is my local to take over management Young people who love park, so making sure we get of the skate park site, once the improvement project is good equipment means a lot skate-boarding, roller- completed. blading and BMX biking to me and my friends. Working alongside the skaters from the can now enjoy a new The Green Flag award-winning Sele we developed our design Hexham Parks provide a place and improved site in and we have created an exciting of enjoyment for people of all Hexham’s Sele Park. new skate spot for Hexham.” ages and with diverse interests; from the very young, who use Work has been carried out Park users Elliot Mann, James the play area next to the skate by the county council and Sinclair and Roland Buchannan park, to the retired, who enjoy officers are confident that the green bowls in nearby Hexham got the wheels turning when improvements will get the seal of House Grounds. Elliot wrote to Northumberland approval as park users played a County Council in 2011. key role in decision making. Elliot, 17, said: “We’re all very A group was formed and a pleased and grateful to have team from the Hexham Youth been part of the project and Initiative worked with the council to develop designs for the new facilities.

Pictured: Sam Talbot (centre in yellow) from Northumberland County Council and Elliot Mann (third from right wearing blue) watch John-Luke Roe (on bike) along with other park users in Hexham.

21 Heading to post 16 education? Get your transport sorted now!

Students are urged to apply early and apply online for their post-16 travel pass to guarantee it will be ready for the start of the school term in September. Pictured: Sixth formers at King Edward VI High School, Morpeth Subject to eligibility the county with their post-16 travel passes. council provides free student travel to full-time students Those who know where they will “For this reason we are urging attending high school sixth be studying in September can forms, further education and students to apply as soon as specialist colleges on weekdays apply for their pass now and if they can if they know where they during term time. they do so before 26 July, they are intending to study. We will are guaranteed to have it by of course endeavour to process For students to qualify for the the start of the school term. For all the applications as quickly pass they must be attending a those who apply after that date, as possible and applying online full-time course for at least 12 we will process the application will make this easier and more hours per week at the nearest as quickly as possible but efficient for everyone involved.” establishment offering their advise it may take up to 15 course of study (or one deemed working days from receipt of an similar to it by the county application. For more information and council). This establishment to apply for the student must also be at least three miles Mark Cusack, passenger pass online go to www. away from the student’s home. transport operations manager, northumberland.gov.uk said: “Every year we receive Applying for the travel pass thousands of applications for For those students who do online makes the process passes; many of these come not have internet access, much more efficient. Students in at the end of August, putting paper forms are available can fill in the form quickly and a great pressure on our school by writing to The School will be given an e-receipt to let transport team and causing Transport Team, County Hall, them know their form has been students to be disappointed if Morpeth, NE61 2EF or by received and how long it will take passes can’t be ready in time for calling 0845 600 6400. to process their application. the start of the school term. 22 Northumberland Family Placement is recruiting now: Different types of foster care: • Full time - short and long term • Part time - respite and short breaks

Why foster with Northumberland? • Fee paid 52 weeks of the year* • Child allowances and extra costs covered • 24/7 support • Free training • Join a strong network of foster families

Find out more online: fostering.northumberland.gov.uk

*Many agencies only pay a fee when you are caring for a child. Qualities of a good foster carer from our young people. Northumberland Ranters make a noise in America A group of musicians from 10 schools across the county travelled to the USA recently to promote traditional music and Northumberland.

The Northumberland Ranters, an ensemble of Music Partnership North, of which Northumberland County Council is part, flew to New York on 28 March to play in the Big Apple as well as in Vermont.

The Ranters, a group of 37, 11 to 18-year-olds, has a varied repertoire of Northumbrian, Pictured: Members of the Northumberland Ranters music group. Scottish and Irish music played on fiddles, cellos, Northumbrian Council, Morpeth Rotary Club; of Poughkeepsie in New York pipes, flutes, keyboards, guitars Northumbrian Pipers’ Society; State to meet the Strawberry Hill and a concertina. Alnwick Lions; pharmaceutical Fiddlers, who we have formed group Covance and the Sir a close relationship with since On arrival in New York, the James Knot Foundation. they visited us in 2007. I think Ranters met their hosts, a every member of the band was group called The Strawberry inspired by the excellence of Hill Fiddlers, who visited Richard Johnstone, musical Northumberland in June last director of the Northumberland the musicians we met; they year. The Northumberland Ranters, said: “The students play a phenomenal collection musicians then travelled to worked extremely hard in the of bluegrass and old time fiddle tunes and it was amazing to Vermont, where they joined a run-up to this exciting trip; not hear them playing traditional group called the Fiddle Heads, only practicing for the concerts and took part in a number music from their culture that was but also fundraising to pay for of concerts, workshops and so different to ours. Yet it was the trip. The trip was a great educational trips around the also amazing to find that we success; it was good to meet Burlington area of the state. had a large number of tunes in up with the American musicians common.” The trip, which lasted just once again and performing over a week during the Easter overseas was a fantastic On their return to the UK, holidays, was paid for through experience for our young the Northumberland Ranters parental contributions as well group.” performed their full American as the fundraising efforts of the students themselves programme as part of a special Craig Martin, lead cello player who ran coffee mornings and Tradfest concert at Alnwick arranged sponsored haircuts. and a member of the Ranters Playhouse on April 20. For more The following organisations since 2007, said: “This American information about the group also supported the trip with tour was fantastic in so many email richard.johnstone@ donations: Ponteland Town ways. We travelled to the town northumberland.gov.uk 24 www.northumberland.gov.uk | Phone 0845 600 6400 Residents’ Festival success This year’s that took part on 17 and 18 Jenny Cairns, events manager at Northumberland March, including castles, Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens, gardens, stately homes and Residents’ Festival drew said: “We had a fantastic turn museums, experienced out over the weekend. This was more than 5,400 people unprecedented visitor numbers our second year participating in despite poor weather. to 26 attractions during a the Residents’ Festival and we busy March weekend. can really see the difference the As a first for the event, this year weekend makes to welcoming the council ran a photography Organised by the county council, new faces to Kirkley Hall.” the popular festival is now in its competition and received more fourth year. The aim of the event than 200 eye-catching photos is to celebrate the fact that the capturing images from the county is a fantastic place to live festival. and to give something back to local residents. The winner, Alison Ellerbrook from Prudhoe, was presented English Heritage, the National with a Cannon IXUS digital Trust and other local attractions camera at Kirkley Hall, the venue worked closely with the council where she captured her prize- to make the event a huge winning picture of two friendly success. Many of the venues donkeys (pictured right).

Pictured: (left to right) Jenny Cairns, operations and events manager at Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens, James Fell, Northumberland County Council, Alison Ellerbrook, and Kristina Owen, Northumberland County Council.

All the photos from the 2013 Residents’ Festival can be found on the county council’s Pinterest page at www.pinterest.com/northumberlandc/northumberland-residents-festival 25 household waste and recycling on the dedicated waste pages Bin waste bins will be collected, at www.northumberland.gov.uk/ as well as about garden waste waste collections – if you have signed collection up to the scheme. The ‘Save Time Do It Online’ campaign encourages One month, three month and 12 customers who usually call in at the council or phone customer timetables month calendars can be viewed services to visit and printed, and they take into www.northumberland.gov.uk account changes in collection online instead, making a whole range days for bank holidays. of tasks simpler. Have you just moved Finding your local household house? Are you unsure Going online ensures you never waste centre, applying for a have to queue in an office or when your bins will be garden waste bin, ordering a wait on the telephone again. collected? Don’t worry – home compost bin, reporting a Just log on and complete your because checking your missed bin and booking a bulky task from the comfort of your waste collection are just some of own home, or even on the move collection days online the other things you can do now from your smart phone. has just got a whole lot easier!

Northumberland County Council has just made improvements to website pages that help people to find out more about bin collections as well as lots of other useful information about recycling, composting and where to take household waste.

As part of its drive to help people carry out more transactions via the internet, the council has been promoting how to ‘Save time, do it online’ – allowing people to take care of their council business 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

On the bin collection day checker all you need to do is enter your house name or number and postcode. You can www.northumberland.gov.uk/waste find out when your general 26 www.northumberland.gov.uk | Phone 0845 600 6400 Big broadband improvements

People living and working in Northumberland are set to benefit from huge improvements to the county’s broadband coverage thanks to three recently approved projects.

The main, iNorthumberland, project, an £18.9m partnership between the county council and BT, will allow the county’s premises to access fibre broadband by early 2016. Pictured: Kate Roe, Northumberland County Council’s deputy A total of 660 km of fibre will chief executive, and Bill Murphy, BT’s managing director for Next be laid so that 91 per cent of Generation Access, after signing a contract to roll-out high-speed Northumberland homes and fibre broadband across the county. businesses will have access Kate Roe, Northumberland Fund. Further bids have been to broadband speeds of up to County Council’s deputy chief submitted to the fund in an 80Mbps by January 2016. executive, said: “This is an attempt to ensure areas within important step in the campaign the remaining nine per cent can BT was awarded the contract to bring faster broadband also benefit from access to high following a procurement speeds to every home, business speed broadband. exercise through the Broadband and school in Northumberland. Delivery UK (BDUK) framework. Working with BT we will be The council also approved a The company is contributing announcing the installation £1.3m iNorthumberland loan scheme on 25 April. This inward £2.9 million towards fibre schedule in the coming months investment scheme, the first of and communities across the deployment in “non-commercial” its kind in the country, will allow county can look forward to areas with Northumberland three broadband operators improved connectivity from 2014 County Council investing £7 to take out agreed loans from million plus its £7 million share of onwards.” Northumberland County Council BDUK. The remaining £2 million to help them operate within the This contract was signed is coming from the European county. This will make it easier just weeks after the council’s Regional Development Fund for residents and businesses announcement on 26 March that to benefit from satellite and (ERDF). ERDF funding will be Rothbury was set to be the first wireless broadband solutions, used to enable fibre connections community in the UK to roll-out many of which are available now. for more than 2,600 small and superfast fibre broadband using For further information about medium sized businesses in £460,000 from the Government’s these projects and roll-out visit Northumberland. Rural Community Broadband www.inorthumberland.org.uk 27 Morpeth Fair The Unfolding Sky – Sunday 9 June Turner in the North East What’s on 01670 510290 (Business Hours) Saturday 15 June. Gates open [email protected] 7pm, performance at 7.30pm. June Kirkley Hall one day Blyth Bombings and ‘The event affiliated to British Phone 01665 711423 Beach in Peace Time’ Eventing www.english-heritage.org.uk/ exhibitions Sunday 9 June 8am - 6pm Warkworth Throughout June Blyth Battery Kirkley Hall www.blythbattery.co.uk Free entrance. Fabulous Father’s Day Tom Fleming, A Life in [email protected] Sunday 16 June 10am - 5pm www.kirkleyhall.co.uk Letters Kirkley Hall Saturday 1 - Sunday 30 June Free entry on the day for fathers Bamburgh Castle Home Brew and Local Phone 01668 214515 Food Fair to Kirkley Hall Zoological www.bamburghcastle.com Sunday 9 June 10am - 4pm Gardens. Etal Village Hall [email protected] Herbal Walk www.ford-and-etal.co.uk www.kirkleyhallzoo.co.uk Friday 7 June and 9 August Plessey Woods Country Park. Contemporary Art Midsummer Evening Booking essential. Installations: Building Phone 01670 824793 Picnic Dreams plesseywoods@ Tuesday 11 June - Sunday 3 Friday 21 June, 7pm – 9.30pm northumberland.gov.uk Hall, Castle & Gardens www.northumberlandlife.org November Cragside Phone 01661 881636 Northumberland Miners’ Normal admission charges www.english-heritage.org.uk/ Picnic apply. Belsay Saturday 8 June www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Woodhorn Museum and cragside Dan Snow’s ‘Battle Archives Castles’ www.experiencewoodhorn.com Tynedale Beer Festival Thursday 13 - Saturday 15 June Friday 21 June, 7.30pm The Unfolding Sky – Tynedale Park, Corbridge, Alwnick Playhouse Turner in the North East NE45 5AY Tickets £10 (£8 conc.) Saturday 8 June. Gates at 7pm performance at 7.30pm Phone 01434 652220 Phone 01665 510 785 Lindisfarne Priory www.tynedalebeerfestival.org.uk Booking essential. Phone 01289 389200 Pre booking is advised. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ National Insect Weekend Lindisfarne Spittal Gala Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 Saturday 22 and Sunday 23, St Marys Cathedral Choir June 10am - 4pm Saturday 8 June Main Street, Spittal, Berwick- [email protected] Bamburgh Castle upon-Tweed www.kirkleyhall.co.uk Phone 01668 214208 Phone 07752403409 www.bamburghcastle.com www.spittalisgreat.co.uk Regency Garden Picnic Red Squirrel conservation Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 Mighty Dub Fest - VW weekend June, 11am – 4.30pm Family Beach Festival Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens 10am - 4pm Friday 14 - Sunday 16 June Kirkley Hall Druridge Bay Country Park Phone 01661 881636 [email protected] Phone 01325 339107 www.english-heritage.org.uk/ www.kirkleyhallzoo.co.uk www.mightydubfest.co.uk Belsay

28 www.northumberland.gov.uk | Phone 0845 600 6400

Rothbury walking festival A Lindisfarne Gospel, the Sense and Sensibility Saturday 22 - Sunday 30 June Alistair Anderson band Saturday 6 July. Gates open Rothbury Saturday 29 June 6.45pm, performance at 7.30pm. Phone 01830 540453 2pm and 4 pm www.rothburywalking.co.uk Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens Booking essential. St Mary’s, Holy Island Phone 01661 881636 Tickets are £10 / £8 www.english-heritage.org.uk/ Drawn together concessions. Belsay Saturday 22 June – Sunday 30 Booking essential. June, 9.30am – 5pm Phone 01289 330 999 The Chevy Chase Hexham Abbey www.festivalne.com www.festivalne.com/events Saturday 6 July Phone 01668 281 640 Alnmouth Arts Festival Catherine Yass, High [email protected] Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 Wire exhibition www.woolerrunningclub.co.uk June, Alnmouth Saturday 22 June – Sunday 15 Booking essential. September www.alnmouthartsfestival.com Berwick Gymnasium www.festivalne.com/events A Monk’s Tale North East Chilli Festival Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 2013 Have-a-go Archery June, 11am – 5pm Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July Sunday 23 June Lindisfarne Priory Seaton Delaval Hall 12pm – 4.30pm Telephone: 07904 187 644 Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens Phone 01289 389200 Phone 01661 881636 www.english-heritage.org.uk/ www.chillifest-ne.co.uk www.english-heritage.org.uk/ Lindisfarne [email protected] Belsay 4x4 Safari through A Romp through the Seaton Sluice Festival of Kielder Forest Regency Music Sunday 30 June Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July, Friday 28 – Sunday 30 June Various locations around Seaton Phone 0844 586 3484. 11am – 5pm Sluice and New Hartley Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens Phone 01670 2371136/2375163 Phone 01661 881636 July www.english-heritage.org.uk/ Gospels on the Grass Belsay Friday 28 June – Sunday 7 July Kirkley Hall Celebrates 10am – 6pm Northumberland Lindisfarne Priory Northumberland Triathlon Phone 01289 389200 Thursday 4 July, 4pm - 9pm Sunday 7 July www.english-heritage.org.uk/ £4pp entry and admission Druridge Bay Country Park Lindisfarne includes Kirkley Hall Zoological www.vo2maxracingevents.co.uk Gardens. www.trinorthumberland.co.uk Cragside challenge walk [email protected] Saturday 29 June www.kirkleyhall.co.uk Rothbury The Curfew Run Wednesday 10 July Phone 01830 540453 Music’s 20th [email protected] Anniversary Starts at the Barracks, Berwick- Friday 5 - Sunday 7 July upon-Tweed Hexham busking Registration 6.30pm bonanza Brinkburn Saturday 29 June, 10am Phone 01665 833751 Event starts 8pm www.festivalne.com [email protected] Phone Berwick TIC 01670 622155 Virgin Money Cyclone The Northumbrian cycling event Ranters and Friends Dragon Puppet Theatre Thursday 27 - Sunday 30 June Newcastle Saturday 6 July Saturday 13 – Monday 15 July Phone 07710635514 Bamburgh Castle Alnwick Castle www.virginmoneycyclone.co.uk Phone 01668 214515 Phone 01665 510777 Booking essential. www.bamburghcastle.com www.alnwickcastle.com

29 Burgham Horse Trials Hands on History Gladiators! Saturday 13 – Tuesday 16 July Saturday 20 July – Monday 26 Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July Phone 0191 432 8870 Ext.1 August, 11am – 5pm 11am – 5pm david@burghamhorsetrials. Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens Chesters Roman Fort co.uk Phone 01661 881636 www.english-heritage.org.uk/ www.english-heritage.org.uk/ Chesters Primate Weekend Belsay Saturday 13 and Sunday 14, Love Parks Week 10am - 4pm Archaeology Detectives Saturday 27 July - Saturday 3 Kirkley Hall Saturday 20 – Friday 26 July, August [email protected] www.kirkleyhallzoo.co.uk Monday 29 July – Friday 16 Berwick upon Tweed August Phone 01670 623509. Northumberland Coastal Monday 19 August – Monday 26 emma.evans@northumberland. Run August. 11am – 5pm gov.uk Sunday 14 July Chesters Roman Fort www.alnwickharriers.co.uk Phone 01434 681379 Picnic in the Park www.english-heritage.org.uk/ Sunday 28 July 12pm - 4pm Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Chesters Carlisle Park, Morpeth Sunday 14 July 2pm - 5pm Phone 01670 503866 £6 adults, £4 children Dream Flags [email protected] [email protected] Saturday 20 July - Sunday 1 www.kirkleyhall.co.uk September Booking essential. Cragside August Take part in the 150th Tweedmouth Feast anniversary of Cragside and Potter-inspired Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 July mark the occasion by making characters Phone 07753 749755 your own dream flag. [email protected] Monday 29 - Wednesday 31 July Normal admission charges Monday 5 - Wednesday 7 Rothbury Traditional apply August Music Festival www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Tuesday 13 – Thursday 15 Friday 19 – Sunday 21 July cragside August Rothbury Monday 19 – Wednesday 21 Phone 01669 620849 Glass Mosaic Workshop August info@rothburymusicfestival. Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July Alnwick Castle co.uk Longframlington Memorial Hall, Phone 01665 510777 www.rothburymusicfestival.co.uk D & J Watson www.alnwickcastle.com Phone 01669 650215 Exhibition ‘Inspired by www.theglassbarnstudio.co.uk The Road to Flodden Grace’ Booking essential. Wednesday 31 July – Thursday Saturday 20 July - Sunday 1 1 August September Clash of Kingdoms Warkworth Castle RNLI Grace Darling Museum, Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 Phone 01289 389200 Bamburgh July, www.english-heritage.org.uk/ Phone 01668 214910 www.rnli.org.uk/gracedarling Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 Lindisfarne August, Otterburn Festival Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 King’s Own Scottish Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July, August. Borderers Otterburn 11am- 5pm. Thursday 1 August Phone 07800853475 Warkworth Castle Battle of Minden, Parade and enquiries@ www.englishheritage.org.uk/ Commemoration, Berwick. otterburnvillagefestival.co.uk warkworth [email protected]

30 www.northumberland.gov.uk | Phone 0845 600 6400

Flodden 500: The Road to Music in the Green St Cuthbert’s Way Flodden Sunday, 4 August 2pm Challenge Walk Thursday 1 August The Old Bakehouse Millennium Saturday 10 August Warkworth Castle Green, Morpeth Wooler Phone 01665 711423 Phone 01830 540453 Phone 01670 788599 [email protected] www.englishheritage.org.uk/ [email protected] Bookings essential. warkworth www.englishheritage.org.uk/ Regency Revels Lindisfarne Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens Competition - Flodden 500: Clash of Phone 01661 881636 Kingdoms www.english-heritage.org.uk/ free family Thursday 1, Wednesday 7 and Belsay ticket! Thursday 8 August Alnwick International Phone 01890 820332 Win a free family ticket to www.english-heritage.org.uk/Etal Music Festival any English Heritage venue Saturday 3 - Saturday 10 August by answering the following Raphael Falconry www.alnwickmusicfestival.com question: Friday 2 – Sunday 4 August Alnwick Castle Wallington Pipers When did the battle of Phone 01665 510777 Sunday 4 August 2pm Flodden take place? www.alnwickcastle.com Wallington A: 1713 Phone 01670 773600 B: 1613 [email protected] The Powburn Show C: 1513 Saturday 3 August www.nationaltrust.org/wallington Phone 01665 578300 Send your answer marked www.powburnshow.com Berwick-upon-Tweed Lifeboat Festival ‘family ticket’ by email Pride and Prejudice Sunday 4 August to communications@ Saturday 3 August Berwick northumberland.gov.uk or Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens www.berwick-lifeboats.org.uk by post to Communications, Phone 01661 881636 Northumberland County www.english-heritage.org.uk/ Wiggle Northern Angel Council, County Hall, Belsay - UK Cycling Events at Morpeth, Northumberland, Kirkley Hall NE61 2EF. Flodden 500: The Flodden Sunday 4 August and 16th Century 7.45am - 9.30am Entries must arrive by Discovery Weekend www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk Monday 1 July 2013 and Saturday 3 and Sunday 4, the winner will be chosen at August 11am – 4pm Medieval Courtly Combat Phone 07921101856 random from all the correct Monday 5 – Wednesday 7 www.ford-and-etal.co.uk answers. Please provide a August daytime telephone number. A Soldier’s Life Warkworth Castle Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July Phone 01665 711423 Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August www.english-heritage.org.uk/ To find out about events Saturday 10 and Warkworth happening in Northumberland Sunday 11 August visit events.northumberland. Saturday 24 – Monday 26 Glanton’s 90th Show gov.uk or follow us on: August - 11.30am – 4.30pm Saturday 10 August Housesteads Roman Fort Glanton Twitter.com/EventsNE Phone 01434 344363 Phone 01665 578594 www.english-heritage.org.uk/ www.glantononline.net/glanton- Facebook.com/ housesteads show northumberlandevents

31 In order to apply your family MUST be in receipt of one of the following benefits:

• Child Tax Credit ONLY – Income below £16,190 (Families receiving Working Tax Credit are not eligible) • Income Support • Income Related Employment and Support Allowance • Income Based Job Seekers Allowance • Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit • The Immigration & Asylum Act 1999

If you are in receipt of any of these benefits call the free childcare phone line 01670 623592 to confirm your eligibility

or apply on line www.northumberland.gov.uk/freechildcare

NOTE: Some areas of Northumberland have a limited number of childcare places available, therefore establishing eligibility does not automatically guarantee a place.