GMDT Annual Report 2020.Indd

GMDT Annual Report April 2019 - March 2020 A successful development trust

Greater Morpeth Development Trust (GMDT) Objectives and aims of GMDT

GMDT has continued its objective of developing partnership networks through facilitation to develop initiatives and through the skills base in the team adding value where ever possible to make Morpeth a quality place to live.

GMDT has developed a portfolio of projects to deliver these aims and objectives and the major capital schemes which have benefitted the town include the redevelopment of Morpeth Town Hall and Morpeth Railway Station which generate development revenue and a sustainable income to support the activities of GMDT. This has been achieved through the support of a number of funding bodies who have invested in the vision to redevelop key public assets within Morpeth – the main funders being Heritage Lottery Fund, Network Rail, Northern Trains Limited, Northumberland County Council, Railway Heritage Trust and North East Rural Growth Network.

The existing staff team is made up of 1 full time and 2 part time members supported by a range of professional associates to deliver a portfolio of quality projects and through engaging volunteers’ support and strong partnership working we work to maintain our level of service delivery for the benefit of Morpeth. More detail about the activities during the year and photographs and testimonials of the projects can be seen on our website www.gmdt.net.

The front cover is from the Station Opening event featuring the Time Bandits in historic dress.

GMDT is an independent company limited by guarantee and a registered charitable trust.

Company Registration Number 5676236, Charity Number 1117036, VAT Number 101 6832 50

Contacting GMDT

Carlisle Park Lodge Castle Square Morpeth NE61 1YD www.gmdt.net Tel: 01670 503866 Email: [email protected]

2 Photo credits: Doug Phillips, Trevor Walker, Darren Turner, John Bibby and Paul Stephenson GMDT structure and team

GMDT structure (as at 31st March 2020) Board

Staff team

Arts & Culture Community Environment Heritage

The interest groups are made up of volunteers who help to develop and deliver regeneration projects and support other groups operating within the area. There are a number of projects that the interest groups work together on, like the Morpeth-wide signage and interpretation project and the events portfolio. GMDT Staff GMDT Board

Doug Phillips Hugh Edmundson David Lodge Chairman and Environment Interest Chief Executive Officer Community Director Group Director

Karen Bower Karen Tweddle Vice Chairman and Barbara Martin Administration Officer Community Director Community Director

Frank Rescigno Caroline Clough Arts and Culture Interest Mike Willis Administration Officer Group Director Community Director

Kim Bibby-Wilson Heritage Interest Group Director

The phrase ‘punching above your weight’ is often used to As no less a person than Sir Peter Hendy, chairman of Network suggest that someone is engaged in an activity perhaps Rail, said in a recent edition of Inside Morpeth, the town once unlikely to be expected of them or beyond their capabilities to again has a railway station to be proud of, at the same time as achieve, and - with the greatest of respect - it could be applied admitting that is something his orgnisation would not have to the involvement of Greater Morpeth Development Trust been able to find the time nor the funding to do. It’s not the in relation to the restoration and redevelopment of Morpeth first time the Trust has given an iconic Morpeth building a new Railway Station. lease of life - remember a decade ago it project managed the restoration of Morpeth Town Hall as a modern civic building. For around seven years GMDT had been at the sharp end of procuring and delivering a £2.3m project to not only safeguard But the Trust is about more than just looking after old buildings, the future of this unique piece of Victorian railway history but and it has done so much to help make Morpeth a better place to give it a new lease of life as a modern transport facility and to live, work and visit. Punching above its weight may be, but an enterprise hub for small business. For a small community- Morpeth is fortunate to have an organisation such as GMDT based organisation run by three staff and a volunteer board of putting that weight behind the town it does so much for. directors, and with the backing of some supportive partners, the station achievement is little short of remarkable. Editor of Inside Morpeth

3 HERITAGE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

The past year has seen GMDT’s flagship projects at Morpeth Railway Station and Cresswell Pele Tower coming to fruition; reports are featured elsewhere. Progress was also made on two partnership schemes - investigating conserving/utilizing the KEVI school archive and restoring the Boys’ Brigade building, for the latter of which a revised application for feasibility study funding was successful.

Within the normal programme of annual activity by the Trust, the Heritage Interest Group was again involved in April’s Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering, September’s Heritage Open Days, and the quarterly meetings of the Morpeth Heritage Network.

April saw the 52nd Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering, with an Ower the Watter theme bringing Scandinavian, French, German and Scottish performers to help leading local artists celebrate our traditional heritage at indoor and outdoor venues across the town over three days. The Trust assisted Interest Groups with sourcing volunteers, logistics and office support for the administration and competitions.

Reports As part of the umbrella group Morpeth Heritage Network, GMDT continued to discuss local heritage SIDEBAR LEFT HEADLINE Rt Hon Philip Howard test driving a blood bike news and conservation issues, including potential interpretation signage at Bullers Green to commemorate John Rastrick, threshing machine inventor Rt Hon PhilipRt Hon Howard Philip Howard test driving test drivinga blood a bike blood bike division, Morpeth Town Council, Arts & Culture and Morpeth Churches Together. Heritage Director’s Report The Friends of the Floral Clock Director’s Report hosted a 1920s Tea Room in the park ARTS AND CULTURE DIRECTOR’S REPORT Rt Hon Philip Howard test driving a blood bike The key focus this year has been - Morpeth Cinema,The Morpethkey focus Move Weekend, this Picnic year in the has Park and been - pavilion which was very popular. We On 13 April 2019, the Royal Shakespeare Company Morpeth Theatre Evenings. THEATRETHEATRE EVENING: EVENING: OTHELLO OTHELLO - On 13 - April 2019, the Royal Shakespeare Company Morpeth Cinema, Morpeth Movie estimated over 3000 people attended MORPETH CINEMA - For Morpeth Cinema, 2019/20 started with a popular screening of The presentaXonpresentaXon of Othello of Othello directed directed by Iqbal by Khan,Iqbal Khan,was screened was screened in the inMorpeth the Morpeth Town Hall.Town We Hall. were We were THEATRE EVENING: OTHELLO - On 13 April 2019, the Royal Shakespeare Company Guernsey Potato Peel Pie Society and carried Weekend,on with average aGendances Picnic of 75.in Other the sell Park out and the 2019 picnic with many families presentaXon of Othello directedfortunate by Iqbal Khan, to wasparXcipate screened in inthe the Morpeth RSC Town Shakespeare Hall. We were NaXon project. The RSC mission is to bring their highlights were Stan and Ollie, the biopic of Laurel and Hardy, and Fisherman’s Friends. June’s fortunate to parXcipate in the RSC Shakespeare NaXon project. The RSC mission is to bring their Morpeth Theatre Evenings.fortunate to parXcipate in the havingRSC Shakespeare small NaXon picnics project. throughout The RSC mission is to bring their screening of Cole:e took place in the Ballroom upstairs at the Town Hall, and proved aproducXons hit with out to theproducXons rural areasproducXons of the out UK. toAs outpartthe of torural the the programme areas rural ofareas we the had ofUK. the the director, As UK. part IqbalAs of part the ofprogramme the programme we had we the had director, the director, Iqbal Iqbal audiences, having a beGer blackout and more comfortable seats! 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Total aGendance of 60 included Cinema, 2019/20 started with a presentaXonattraction of Othello directed by Iqbal this Khan, was year,screened in the go Morpeth carts Town Hall. We for were the fortunate toseveral parXcipate in the RSCKEVI Shakespeare students. NaXon project. The RSC mission AZer is to bring the their screening Iqbal had a Q&A session which developed into a very severalproducXons out KEVI to the rural areasstudents. of the UK. As part of theAZer programme wethe had the director,screening Iqbal Iqbal had a Q&A session which developed into a very popular screening of The Guernsey Khan, explaining the process of cast selecXon, direcXng and the producXon problems face with this novel producXon6 to of Othello 10 featuring year 2 black olds,actors in the lead and roles. Total old aGendance favourites of 60 included informaXveseveral KEVIinformaXve students. AZer discussion. the screening Iqbal discussion. had a Q&A sessionIt was which developed Ita wasvery into a very asuccessful very successful evening evening with a with request a request from thefrom audience the audience to conXnue to conXnue Potato Peel Pie Society and carried informaXvesuch discussion. It wasas a veryAlex successful Swailes evening with a request as from theour audience MC. to conXnue this type ofthis event. type of event. on with average attendances of 75. this type of event. Other sell out highlights were Stan and Ollie, the biopic of Laurel and Hardy, and Fisherman’s Friends. ARTS AND CULTURE DIRECTOR’S REPORT June’s screening of Colette took

The key focus this year has been - Morpeth Cinema, Morpeth Move Weekend, Picnic in theplace Park and in the Ballroom upstairs at the Morpeth Theatre Evenings.

Town Hall, and proved a hit with MORPETH CINEMA - For MorpethThe Cinema, 3rd Movie 2019/20 Weekend started with in February a popular 2020 screening was biggerof The and beGer again, featuring 10 films in the Town Iqbal Khan answering audience questions Guernsey Potato Peel Pie Society and carriedHall over on with two average days. The aGendances two blockbusters of 75. Other were sellaudiences, outRocketman and Downton having Abbey, but a therebetter were also blackout Iqbal Khan answering audience quesMons aNer the screening of Othello highlights were Stan and Ollie, the biopicgood of Laurel aGendances and Hardy, for and Northumberland Fisherman’s Friends. on Film June’s, a miscellany of local footage presented by the North at the screening of Othello Cole:e Iqbal Khan answering audience quesMons aNer the screening of Othello screening of took place in the BallroomEast Film upstairs Archive, at the and Town Sorry Hall, We and issed proved You ,a the hit withlatest hard hiUng film from Ken Loach. filmed in audiences, having a beGer blackout and more comfortable seats! and more comfortable seats! The past year has seen GMDT’s flagship Newcastle. World cinema was represented by Woman at War, featuring an Icelandic eco warrior facing her own moral dilemma, and the Italian film, Happy as Lazzaro, an appropriate fable for our Theatre Evening: Othello - On 13 projects at Morpeth Railway Station Xmes. Audience feedback was excellent. The last cinema screening was of Judy in early March prior to Covid pandemic but we look forward to resumingThe in3rd 2021, Moviewhen the Cinema Weekend will be celebraXng in February10 April 2019, the Royal Shakespeare and Cresswell Pele Tower coming to years of bringing the big screen back to Morpeth.2020 was bigger and better again, Company presentation of Othello fruition; reports are featured elsewhere. Dave Warman, Manager of Morpeth Cinemafeaturing Team. 10 films in the Town Hall directed by Iqbal Khan, was screened Progress was also made on two PICNIC IN THE PARK - In July 2019 we celebrated the 90th anniversary of the giZ of Carlisle Park in the Morpeth Town Hall. We were to the people of Morpeth by the Earl of Carlisle.over The Rt. two Honourable days. Philip TheHoward, two grandson blockbusters of the partnership schemes - investigating Earl of Carlisle, officially opened the picnic with a ribbon cuUng ceremony at the recently fortunate to participate in the RSC recondiXoned park gates. We had support fromwere NCC parksRocketman division, Morpeth and Town Council, Downton and conserving/utilizing the KEVI school Morpeth Churches Together. The Friends of the Floweral Clock hosted a 1920s Tea Room in the park Shakespeare Nation project. The RSC pavilion which was very popular. We esXmatedAbbey over 3000, peoplebut aGended there the were 2019 picnic also with good archive and restoring the Boys’ Brigade many families having small picnics throughoutattendances the park enjoying an extensive for Northumberland programme of events on mission is to bring their productions including a new aGracXon this year, go carts for the 6 to 10 year old and old favourites such as Alex building, for the latter of which a Swailes as our MC. Film, a miscellany of local footage out to the rural areas of the UK. As part revised application for feasibility presented by the North East Film of the programme we had the director, study funding was successful. The 3rd Movie Weekend in February 2020 was bigger and beGer again, featuring 10 films in the Town Iqbal Khan, explaining the process Hall over two days. The two blockbusters were Rocketman and Downton Abbey, but thereArchive, were also and Sorry We Missed You, the good aGendances for Northumberland on Film, a miscellany of local footage presented by the North East Film Archive, and Sorry We issed You, the latest hard hiUng film from Ken Loach. filmedlatest in hard hitting film from Ken Loach of cast selection, directing and the Within the normal programme of Newcastle. World cinema was represented by Woman at War, featuring an Icelandic eco warrior facing her own moral dilemma, and the Italian film, Happy as Lazzaro, an appropriate fablefilmed for our in Newcastle. World cinema production problems faced with this annual activity by the Trust, the Heritage Xmes. Audience feedback was excellent. The last cinema screening was of Judy in early March prior to Covid pandemic but we look forward to resuming in 2021, when the Cinema will be celebraXngwas represented10 by Woman at War, novel production of Othello featuring Interest Group was again involved years of bringing the big screen back to Morpeth. featuring an Icelandic eco warrior 2 black actors inIqbal the KhanleadIqbal answering roles. Khan answeringTotal audience audience quesMonsin April’s quesMons aNer Morpeth the aNer screening the Northumbrian screening of Othello of Othello Dave Warman, Manager of Morpeth Cinema Team. facing her own moral dilemma, and attendance of 60 included several KEVI Gathering, September’s Heritage Open PICNIC IN THE PARK - In July 2019 we celebrated the 90th anniversary of the giZ of Carlisle Park to the people of Morpeth by the Earl of Carlisle. The Rt. Honourable Philip Howard, grandsonthe of theItalian film, Happy as Lazzaro, students. After the screening Iqbal Days, and the quarterly meetings of Earl of Carlisle, officially opened the picnic with a ribbon cuUng ceremony at the recently recondiXoned park gates. We had support from NCC parks division, Morpeth Town Council,an and appropriate fable for our times. had a Q&A session which developed the Morpeth Heritage Network. Morpeth Churches Together. The Friends of the Floweral Clock hosted a 1920s Tea Room in the park pavilion which was very popular. We esXmated over 3000 people aGended the 2019 picnicAudience with feedback was excellent. intoTHEATRE a very EVENING: informative THE NUTCRACKER discussion. - Our final event in 2019/20 was the Royal Ballet’s many families having small picnics throughout the park enjoying an extensive programme of events performance of the Nutcracker held at the Morpeth Town Hall on Saturday 30 November. A total of including a new aGracXon this year, go carts for the 6 to 10 year old and old favourites such as Alex It was a very successful evening Swailes as our MC. The last cinema screening was of 86 people aGended the 3pm performance which included many familiesApril withsaw children. the 52nd Morpeth Judy in early March prior to the Covid with a request from the audience Northumbrian Gathering, with an 19 but we look forward to resuming to continue this type of event. Ower the Watter theme bringing in 2021, when the Cinema will be Scandinavian, French, German and celebrating 10 years of bringing Scottish performers to help leading the big screen back to Morpeth. local artists celebrate our traditional heritage at indoor and outdoor venues Dave Warman, Manager of across the town over three days. The Morpeth Cinema Team. Trust assisted with sourcing volunteers, logistics and office support for the Picnic in the park - In July 2019 we Theatre Evening: The Nutcracker administration and competitions. th celebrated the 90 anniversary of -ENVIRONMENT Our final event DIRECTOR’S in 2019/20 REPORT was the As part of the umbrella group Morpeth

the gift of Carlisle Park to the people RoyalMembers Ballet’s of the group performance continue to play a of significant the role in the townHeritage and wider area Network, in terms of GMDT continued networking, developing partnership activities with other groups, and as lobbyists in environmental of Morpeth by the Earl of Carlisle. Nutcrackermatters. held at the Morpeth Town to discuss local heritage news and The Rt. Honourable Philip Howard, HallIn 2019 on our Saturday liaison with Northumberland 30 November. County A Council total reached fruitionconservation with the introduction issues, of new including steps facilitating the footpath access between Easter Field and Bluebell Wood. grandson of the Earl of Carlisle, of 86 people attended the 3pm potential interpretation signage at officially opened the picnic with performance which included Bullers Green to commemorate John a ribbon cutting ceremony at the many families with children. Rastrick, threshing machine inventor. recently reconditioned park gates. We had support from NCC parks Frank Rescigno Kim Bibby-Wilson

4 This is is part of the footpath network on the eastern side of the town, and our footpath work continued with a comprehensive re-survey of the footpaths covered by our Walking Map set, produced some years ago. We then took a decision to reduce the sets to 12 maps, with a focus on the area close to the town, and to update the cover, printed in 2020. We were assisted in this by the Environment Agency and Natural England who are developing a Wansbeck project, with strong emphasis on our native species the White Clawed Crayfish. THEATRE EVENING: THE NUTCRACKER - Our ﬁnal event in 2019/20 was the Royal Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker held at the Morpeth Town Hall on Saturday 30 November. A total of 86 people aGended the 3pm performance which included many families with children.

ENVIRONMENT DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Members of the group continue to play a significant role in the town and wider area in terms of networking, developing partnership activities with other groups, and as lobbyists in environmental matters.

In 2019 our liaison with Northumberland County Council reached fruition with the introduction of new steps facilitating the footpath access between Easter Field and Bluebell Wood.

Environment Director’s Report

Community Director’s Members of the group continue to several litter picks around Morpeth, Report play a significant role in the town and and to build upon this by spreading wider area in terms of networking, the word. This included talks to the Our group of supportive volunteers developing partnership activities Rotarians, and the photo below continue to enhance the work of GMDT with other groups,This and year as lobbyistsas a junior partnerin toshows the Morpeth a talk Litter being Group deliverd we continued by Dai to assist withstaff litter collection and enable in us to achieve much the town. Dai Richards and Tracy Kenny, working as local Keep Britain Tidy representatives continue environmental matters.to lead several litter picks aroundand Morpeth, Tracy to and the to Friendsbuild upon of this Kirkley by spreading Hall the word.more This for the Morpeth community than included talks to the Rotarians,in andFebruary2020. the photo below shows a talk being deliverd by wouldDai and otherwiseTracy to be possible with our This is is part of the footpath network Thisonthe yearFriends the as aof easternjunior Kirkley partner Hall in toFebruary2020. sidethe Morpeth of Litter the Group town, we continued and to assistour with footpath litter collection inwork In 2019 our liaisonthe with town. Dai Richards and Tracy Kenny, working as local Keep Britain Tidy representativeslimited resources. continue continued with a comprehensiveNorthumberland re-surveyto County lead several Council of litter the picks footpaths around Morpeth, andcovered to build upon thisby by our spreading Walking the word. This Map set, included talks to the Rotarians, and the photo below shows a talk being deliverd by Dai and Tracy to produced some years ago. reachedWe then fruition took withthe Friends the a introduction ofdecision Kirkley Hall in February2020.to reduce the sets to 12 maps,Over the withlast financial a focus year volunteers on of new steps facilitating the footpath have supported tours of and the area close to the town, accessand betweento update Easter Field the and cover, printed in 2020. We were assistedinformation sharing in this at Morpeth by the station Environment Agency and NaturalBluebell Wood. England who are developing a Wansbeck project,as renovation with work strong continued. A number have joined the local Keep emphasis on our native speciesThis is is partthe of White the footpath Clawed network Crayfish. Britain Tidy litter picking team led by

on the eastern side of the town, and Dai Richards supporting our partnership our footpath work continued with working. The community cinema team a comprehensive re-surveyThe Group hasof the also been ableThe to obtain Group a number has also of youngbeen horse able chestnutto trees, whichworks will hardbe to support our monthly planted around the town in suitable locations in autumn/winter 2020. footpaths covered by our Walking obtain a number of young horse screenings and additional volunteers Map set, produced some years ago. chestnut trees, which will be planted come along for our annual Movie We then took a decisionThe Group to has reduce also beenthe ablearound to obtain the a number town inof youngsuitable horse locations chestnut trees, Weekend.which will be sets to 12 maps, withplanted a focus around on the the town in suitablein autumn/winter locations in autumn/winter 2020. 2020. area close to the town, and to update A new volunteer took on the the cover, printed in 2020. We were co-ordination of Heritage Open assisted in this by the Environment Days (HODs) supported by one Agency and Natural England who are of our community directors. This developing a Wansbeck project, with allows Morpeth to advertise a very strong emphasis on our native species comprehensive programme of activities the White Clawed Crayfish. over the annual national HODs weekend in September. Without our volunteers The Environment Interest Group continues to monitor signage, public footpaths, bridlewaysnone of and these activities could take place. permissive paths in the Morpeth area, and to lobby landowners and the County CouncilOur when newsletter issues for volunteers and arise. Sets of GMDT walking maps and John Caffrey’s bird cards are for sale online and at the Trust office, the Chantry and Chris TheGuy’s Environment Newsagents at Kirkhill,Interest as Group well as other TIC shopsmembers in the area. is issued three times a year continues to monitor signage, public providing a brief overview of the latest TheENVIRONMENT Environment Interest DIRECTOR’S Groupfootpaths, continues REPORT bridleways to monitor signage, and permissive public footpaths, bridleways and permissive paths in the Morpeth area, and to lobby landowners and the County Councilnews, when advertising issues forthcoming local arise.The pastSets year of GMDT has seen walking GMDT’s mapspaths flagship and in theJohn projects Morpeth Caffrey’s at Morpeth birdarea, cards Railway and are to Stationfor sale and online Cresswellevents and at andPele the Trustvolunteering opportunities. office,Tower the coming Chantry to fruition; and Chris reports Guy’slobby are Newsagents featuredlandowners elsewhere. at Kirkhill,and Progressthe as Countywell was as otheralso made TIC shops onHowever two in partnership the justarea. at the end of our financial schemes - investigating conserving/utilizing the KEVI school archive and restoring the Boys’ Brigade ENVIRONMENTbuilding, for the latter DIRECTOR’S of whichCouncil a revised REPORT when application issues for arise.feasibility Sets study funding was yearsuccessful. all events and activities stopped of GMDT walking maps and John and for the majority of 2020. We have

The past year has seen GMDT’sCaffrey’s flagship projectsbird cards at Morpethare for Railwaysale online Station andcontinued Cresswell Pele to be in contact with our This year as a junior partner toThis the yearMorpeth as a Litter juniorTower Group partner coming we continued to to the fruition; to reports assistand withare at featured thelitter Trust collection elsewhere. office, in Progress the Chantry was also madevolunteers on two partnership over this period and let’s schemes - investigating conserving/utilizing the KEVI school archive and restoring the Boys’ Brigade the town. Dai Richards and TracyMorpeth Kenny, Litter working Group as local we continuedKeep Britain Tidy representativesand Chris Guy’s continue Newsagents at hope we can soon be active again. to lead several litter picks around Morpeth, and tobuilding, build upon for the this latter by spreading of which a therevised word. application This for feasibility study funding was successful. included talks to the Rotarians,to and assist the with photo litter below collection shows a talk in the being deliverdKirkhill, by Dai as and well Tracy as other to TIC shops in Thanks to everyone who has given their the Friends of Kirkley Hall in February2020.town. Dai Richards and Tracy Kenny, the area. time to support GMDT in 2019/20. working as local Keep Britain Tidy representatives continue to lead Hugh Edmundson Karen Bower GMDT Vice Chair

The Group has also been able to obtain a number of young horse chestnut trees, which will be planted around the town in suitable locations in autumn/winter 2020.

The Environment Interest Group continues to monitor signage, public footpaths, bridleways and permissive paths in the Morpeth area, and to lobby landowners and the County Council when issues arise. Sets of GMDT walking maps and John Caffrey’s bird cards are for sale online and at the Trust office, the Chantry and Chris Guy’s Newsagents at Kirkhill, as well as other TIC shops in the area. ENVIRONMENT DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Picture the scene. The year is 1847, a decade into the 64-year-long reign of Queen Victoria and people are boarding and alighting from the very first passenger trains to stop at the newly opened Morpeth Railway Station.

Fashionable ladies in their smart hats and dome-shaped skirts with hemlines brushing the ground, are accompanied by gentlemen elegant in their frock coats and top hats, as they walk the platforms of the station designed by the renowned Victorian railway The old and the new sharing space architect Benjamin Green, to enjoy the at Morpeth Station experience of riding the new-fangled form of transport that would transform Fast-forward 173 years and those Victorian it was envisaged by Benjamin Green all travel across Britain. travellers would surely have been those year ago – an approach perhaps bemused and astonished at the sight best summed up by someone who at Following what became known as his of the sleek, aerodynamic TransPennine the last moment, was unable to attend in Jacobethan baronial style of railway Nova and LNER Azuma trains – built by person, an event to mark the completion buildings, Morpeth Station would have the same firm responsible for the so of work at the station. cost what at the time would have been called Japanese ‘bullet trains’ – which are the princely sum of £9,500, to build. capable of speeds in excess of 130mph, Sir Peter Hendy, chairman of Network and now regularly travel through or stop Rail, had been scheduled to perform the Interestingly, it would be another three at Morpeth Railway Station. opening ceremony, but found he was years before Newcastle Central Station unable to travel to Morpeth because of opened in 1850, while at either ends of What those early travellers would have his need to attend a high-level Covid-19 what became the main East Coast line, recognised if they could have time meeting. In a personal letter read out at the first trains would not be arriving at travelled to Morpeth in 2020, is that the event, however, he wrote: “When the or leaving King’s Cross in London for a station has structurally changed very little railways were built their proprietors and further two years, and in Edinburgh the since the pioneering days of passenger engineers were proud of the connectivity Waverley Station as passengers know it rail travel in the town. So, they – and they brought and the economic and today, would not open until 1868. indeed Benjamin Green – would surely social progress which resulted from that. have approved of the recently completed Green designed Morpeth Station make-over which has left the main station “Today, the same connectivity is still the for the Newcastle & Berwick Railway building looking as good as it splendidly most effective way of creating jobs and Company which played such a pivotal did when it was first opened. growth, and we remain just as proud of role in pioneering passenger rail travel our railways. However, our economic across the North of England as well as Without doubt, that is down to the circumstances are different and those through the Scottish Borders. Alongside unwavering determination of a fine buildings that we have inherited Morpeth he also designed a number partnership team led by Greater Morpeth and we are custodians of, sometimes of smaller Northumberland stations Development Trust, which from the outset languish unloved without the help of such as Acklington, Alnmouth, Belford, of the project, was doggedly committed others to conserve them effectively Chathill, Lucker and Tweedmouth. to restoring and repairing where in the 21st Century. That is why what Today, however, Morpeth is the sole necessary, the structure and fabric of the you have all achieved at Morpeth is so surviving operational Green railway building to retain as closely as possible valuable. station in the region. the character and vision of the station as

Once again GMDT has shown what a small but dedicated team can achieve, cementing its reputation for delivering quality renovations of Morpeth’s historic buildings Ian Lavery, MP for Wansbeck

6 Morpeth Station

“At Network Rail we could not have put So, a meeting was arranged with David At the outset the challenge was to raise in the effort or the funding, to do what and Doug Phillips, who has recently £1.6m but that gradually rose to £2.3m has been done at Morpeth, but we have I retired as the Trust’s chairman, so that through further enhancements to the hope, facilitated all the partners to achieve he could visit the 300-year-old Morpeth station’s historic features, unforeseen that with us. Town Hall to see the conservation and structural issues and the creation of modernisation work GMDT had project additional space such as the caboose- “A place should be proud of its station managed in 2009, to give the historic style taxi office. and now again Morpeth has a station to landmark in Morpeth town centre, a new be proud of. Congratulations to everyone lease of life as a modern civic building. “It took more than six years from that who has made this happen.” By the end of the visit Andy admits he first meeting to the start of work at the was ‘sold’ on the Trust’s idea for the train site, and now more than eight years Inside Morpeth has followed the station. after the ideas were first put forward, the progress of the station story along what project is complete – and doesn’t the it has been admitted, was sometimes a Before anything could happen, however, station look wonderful,” Andy added. bumpy road, so it is worth reflecting on GMDT had to convince Network Rail and how it all began. Northern Rail, that as a small team of one The Railway Heritage Trust Andy leads, full and two part-time members of staff, it is a small company that provides That was when Andy Savage (Executive had the wherewithal to plan and deliver substantial grants to help restore and Director of the Railway Heritage Trust) such an ambitious project, as well as give new uses to historic buildings along took over his job in 2010, and there raising the substantial necessary funding the rail network, and, he said, Morpeth was a proposal on the books to convert that would be needed to carry out the Station has achieved both those Morpeth Railway Station main building work. laudable aims. into an Indian restaurant that had been put forward by the same team that had made such a success of a similar venture at Corbridge Station. GMDT and its partners have done a great job But, when it became obvious that such a at the station... scheme would not work at Morpeth, it was Councillor Richard Wearmouth, County Council Cabinet – as he told us – ‘back to square Portfolio Holder for Business & Tourism one’ to see what could be done to give the station a new lease of life and a viable, sustainable future.

“Happily, David Lodge (Chief Executive of Greater Morpeth Development Trust) approached me to say they were interested in taking over the building,” said Andy.

The elegant portico entrance and the tall chimneys are now proudly back in place at the station

7 Looking to the future, Andy said the Railway Heritage Trust has now pledged a further £150,000 grant so that Network Rail can paint the station canopy in colours to match the restoration work as well as replacing seven square steel support columns with new cast iron ones to a Victorian design.

“By this time next year, the station will be up to a standard which matches GMDT’s excellent work on the main building and its superb restoration,” he added.

With the main station building standing empty and near derelict for many years, a huge amount of work had to be undertaken to restore it to pristine condition. By the time work started 18 months ago, damage caused by a holed and leaking roof which also allowed generations of birds access into the Andy Savage pictured with the painting of Morpeth Station he was presented with as building to leave their calling cards (!!), a memento of the opening ceremony water, damp and rot had taken a toll on its external and internal fabric. In particular, Andy singled out for Prior to their involvement a number special praise, GMDT’s vision to restore of smaller grants at the feasibility and For example, tonnes of guano – that’s the original stylish Victorian portico development stage of the project, came bird droppings to you and me – had to be entrance to the station which had been from organisations such as the Heritage removed from inside the building where boarded up for many years, as well as Lottery Fund, Northumberland County in places ceilings had been brought down the re-instatement of the 15 very tall Council, the Homes & Community because of the sheer weight of the stuff! chimneys which originally gave it such a Association, CORE and the Architectural characterful appearance. The chimneys Heritage Fund, all of which helped shape A huge amount of internal repair and had been substantially reduced in size the final delivery plan. restoration work was needed much of it some years ago for safety reasons. with the intention of retaining the The funding was not only secured to station’s original fixtures and fittings “As the last surviving operational safeguard the future of the Grade II wherever possible. Benjamin Green station, it was vital Listed station building, but to provide an that we retained its original feel and enterprise hub for small businesses as So, original timber window frames have GMDT and its team, has done that with a well as creating a state-of-the-art ticket been retained and repaired and a number vengeance,” added Andy. office, a café and taxi office, and providing of Victorian fireplaces have been restored modern facilities for today’s rail users such in what are now ground and first-floor None of what has been achieved at as new toilets. offices that will be occupied by budding Morpeth, he said however, would have local businesses. Four of the seven offices been possible without the support of “GMDT has to be congratulated on have already been let and operators have the partners who raised and secured the getting the funding package together been found to run the café in the main funding needed to carry out the work. and sticking with the project through building and the forecourt taxi office. thick and thin,” said Andy Savage. “At Those partners led by GMDT, included times it was a close-run thing and on The main contractor who carried out the National Lottery Heritage one occasion a major funder was within the work was STP Construction from Enterprise Fund, the Railway Heritage a couple of days of pulling out, but the Rowlands Gill while the specialist Trust, Network Rail, Northern Rail, project was saved and for that we are so stonework and chimney re-instatement Northumberland County Council and grateful when you see Morpeth Station as was undertaken by Classic Masonry from the North East Rural Growth Network. it is now.” North Shields.

All those involved deserve our thanks for bringing back into use such an iconic, historic building in the town... Councillor David Bawn, Morpeth Mayor

8 Cresswell Pele Tower Completion in 2020

fitted out with interpretation panels and The project architects were John Curtis displays prior to its anticipated opening to and Napper Architects. the public sometime early next spring.

“What local people and visitors to That will be the culmination of a five-year Morpeth can now see at the Railway project led by the Cresswell Pele Tower Station is the outcome of a huge Charitable Incorporated Organisation amount of work by the Trust and our (CIO) which was set up by Cresswell Parish partners,” said David Lodge. Council with the support and assistance of Greater Morpeth Development Trust, “It has been a long – and at times to give the 600-year-old structure a difficult – road to get where we are Major construction work that will not only sustainable future. today, but we persevered driven on safeguard the future of a piece of history by our determination to not only on the Northumberland coast but will In the Middle Ages around 170 Pele preserve what is a wonderful example transform it into what should become a Towers were built as miniature castles of Victorian railway architecture, but popular visitor attraction, is only weeks across Northumberland, Cumbria and to give travellers to and from Morpeth away from completion. the Scottish Borders to provide local the very best modern facilities we communities with some form of shelter could provide for them. The 15th Century Pele Tower in the village and protection against the raids of the of Cresswell was a virtual ruin before work notorious Border Reivers. “At the same time, we have been started on restoring and repairing it so enterprising in using empty the Grade II* listed structure could be Now, however, only a handful remain in office space as much-needed removed from Historic England’s ‘Heritage relatively good condition with Cresswell accommodation for small local at Risk’ on which it was placed because of being one of the best examples still businesses in what surely must be a its dilapidated condition, as well as being standing. unique location right alongside the opened to the public for the first time in main East Coast railway line. its history. The project completion date has slipped “Morpeth Railway Station has been due to the outbreak of the coronavirus such an important junction on but it is anticipated that all the capital the line for nearly 175 years as a works on the Tower as well as the gateway into the town and to wider restoration of a derelict Victorian bothy in Northumberland. its grounds.

“How it is used today is a far cry from those long-ago times when the first passenger trains were pulling into the station. However, restored to its Victorian splendour and with its enhanced facilities, the station continues to make a statement about what an important modern amenity it is as well as being a living reminder of a very different era of rail travel.”

Karen Bower, interim chair of Greater Morpeth Development Trust, added: “GMDT has been at the forefront of giving two historic buildings in the town viable and sustainable Volunteers have played a significant role futures, and that has been a major in the Pele Tower restoration project achievement for us as part of our including being involved in archaeological commitment to make Morpeth a Now it has had a new roof fitted after digs close to the site which have better place to live, work and visit. being totally exposed to the elements unearthed many fascinating artefacts as for more than half a century. The Pele well as evidence to show that primitive “The station has been at the very heart Tower’s stonework has been repointed, communities were living in the Cresswell of life in Morpeth since the middle of its windows glazed, floors re-laid, heating area some 10,000 years ago. the 19th Century and it will continue and electricity installed and a viewing to do so for many more years to come. gallery created so that visitors can climb The project team can’t wait for all the We believe the people of Morpeth to the top of the building to enjoy work to be finished so that the Pele Tower should be rightly proud of what we spectacular views across Druridge Bay. can be opened to the public because have achieved as a partnership team.” it will help give people a real insight as Once the building work has been to what life might have been like in our completed, the three storey Tower will be village many hundreds of years ago.

9 CEO 2019/20 Update Report SIDEBAR LEFT HEADLINE

Greater Morpeth Development Trust (GMDT) has been in existence since 2006 and the diverse range of projects carried out over the past fourteen years could not have happened without the support of our staff, volunteers, partners, funders and members. Projects like Morpeth Railway Station do not just happen, but are down to the GMDT has continued the objective hard work, grit and dedication of odten only a handful of people. The successful of developing partnership networks redevelopment is testament to the fine work done by yourself, the staff and the through facilitation to develop board of trustees over the past seven years. initiatives and through the skill base in the team adding value where Once again GMDT has shown what a small but dedicated team of people can ever possible to make Morpeth a achieve and has cemented its reputation for delivering quality renovations of quality place to live, visit and work. our historic buildings.

The existing staff team is made I want to put on record my thanks to yourself, the other members of the team up of 1 full time and 2 part time and the trustees for the work you have done and very much look forward to members supported by a range of seeing your next project. professional associates to deliver a portfolio of quality projects and Best Wishes through engaging volunteers’ support and strong partnership working we strive to maintain our level of service and delivery. Ian Lavery - Member of Parliament for Wansbeck

There continues to be a strong Interest Groups, GMDT continues to past fourteen years in an increasingly commitment from GMDT to support invest heavily into the capital projects challenging environment for the the economy of Morpeth with the focus portfolio along with the further sector. A key member of the Board for 2019/20 being the completion of development of our volunteers. has been Doug Phillips who was a the Morpeth Railway Station Project volunteer for fourteen years and Chair which delivered project management The Arts & Culture Group continues to for the past thirteen years playing income along with a future sustainable deliver and expand a full programme a major role in the redevelopment income from the Enterprise centre. through the cinema, theatre evenings, of both the Town hall and more We continue to help partners across NTC performances, World Book night recently the Railway Station. Doug Morpeth to develop projects such as and Picnic in the Park, improving is stepping down as Chair in the the redevelopment of the Boys Brigade the quality of these events year new year 2020/21 and all his efforts and KEVI Archive projects. We have on year through new initiatives have made a big contribution to also had an influential role in delivering like film festival and streaming of the achievements of GMDT. Cresswell Pele tower project tapping into recorded live performances. our funding and project management Looking Forward skills to support the redevelopment The Environment Group has worked of another heritage asset at risk. hard to enhance footpaths around 2020/21 is a challenging year for Bluebell Woods Easter Field and this is everyone due to the Coronavirus. 2019/20 has been a challenging year for complimented by the updating of the We have changed our way of working everyone and a busy year across all the walking map series focussing on the with the staff team mostly working area around Morpeth. Engagement of from home and the Board and project volunteers for litter clean-up activity meetings carried out by Zoom or has been very successful working with Teams. This has enabled us to keep a range of partners and this is now things going across all the Interest being led by the Morpeth Litter Group. Groups and GMDT continues to invest heavily into the capital projects The Heritage Group continues to portfolio along with the further support annual events such as the development of our volunteers. Gathering, Heritage Open Days and the Heritage Network.

We would like to thank our partners, funders, volunteers, Board members, interest group members, associates and staff for their contribution to David Lodge, CEO what has been achieved over the

10 Greater Morpeth Development Trust Financial Report 12 months to March 2020

Statement of Financial activities for year ended 31st March 2020 Unrestricted Restricted 2020 2019 Fund £ Fund £ Total funds Total funds £ (restated & Unaudited) £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 7,200 1,596,707 1,603,907 816,767 Other trading activities 16,146 10,974 27,120 72,024 Total 23,346 1,607,681 1,631,027 888,791

EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 560 15,618 16,178 21,215 Charitable Activities 26,943 112,635 139,578 102,020 Total 27,503 128,253 155,756 123,235 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (4,157) 1,479,428 1,475,271 765,556

RECONCILLIATION OF FUNDS

Total Funds brought Forward 22,872 776,541 799,413 33,857 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 18,715 2,255,969 2,274,684 799,413 Balance Sheet as at 31st March 2020 2020 2019 £ £ £ £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 307 1,832,918 1,833,225 395,027 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 293 51,005 51,298 16,259 Cash at bank & in hand 21,865 372,046 393,911 400,627 22,158 423,051 445,209 416,886

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (3,750) - (3,750) (12,500)

Net current assets 18,408 423,051 441,459 404,386

Total assets less current liabilities 18,715 2,255,969 2,274,684 799,413

Net assets 18,715 2,255,969 2,274,684 799,413

Funds Unrestricted income funds 18,715 22,872 Restricted income funds 2,255,969 776,541 Total Funds 2,274,684 799,413

These financial statements have been audited under the requirements of Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011

Financial Report Morpeth Railway Station has taken over seven years from inception to completion and has been a major undertaking for a Charity of our size and could not have been delivered without the support of a portfolio of funders who provided the capital to realise the opportunity of restoring a key asset for the town. Not only did the project reinstate a Grade II listed building to its former glory but provides a gateway to the town of which the public can be proud. The funding was not only secured to safeguard the future of the Grade II listed station building, but to provide an enterprise hub for small businesses as well as creating a state-of-the-art ticket office, a café and taxi office, and provide modern facilities for today’s rail users such as new toilets. The occupation of units in the office suite will supply an income stream for GMDT which should sustain the Charity in future years and enable public benefit to be realised.

11 Morpeth Station wins a top national heritage conservation award

The Greater Morpeth Development Trust-led project to give “As with so many stations the once ample accommodation the town’s Victorian railway station a new lease of life, has has proved over-generous in the modern era and, as won a prestigious national conservation award. The station elsewhere, much of the building at Morpeth was disused and has just been chosen as one of the top winners at the 2020 unoccupied leading to a deterioration of the structure,” the National Railway Heritage Awards which attracted entries judges reported. from all over Britain. This year the award ceremony had to be held virtually on-line because of the Covid pandemic They remarked on the high standard of the completed work restrictions. at the station adding: “The driving force behind the scheme was Greater Morpeth Development Trust and they, along Morpeth was named as the winner of the Railway Heritage with their partners, are to be congratulated on the work Conservation Award category ahead of two other short- undertaken on this important and attractive station.” listed projects from Scottish stations. GMDT Chief Executive David Lodge said that on behalf of all the partners he was ‘proud to say how thrilled and delighted For the past seven years the project has been driven by we are that all our hard work over the past few years at GMDT which gathered a partnership team of the National Morpeth Railway Station, has been recognised by the Lottery Heritage Enterprise Fund, the Railway Heritage presentation of this much-valued award.’ Trust, Northumberland County Council, Network Rail and train operators Northern, to support its idea of restoring the He added: “Morpeth once again has a railway station the station to its former glory as well as creating an enterprise town can be proud of not only as a modern transport link hub by converting empty and disused office space in the based in such a fine old building, but one that now has main station building, into unique accommodation for up to a new lease of life and a viable future as a hub for local seven small local businesses. business ventures.

In a report delivered at the presentation ceremony, the “As the world starts to get back to some form of post-Covid judges praised the efforts to restore the station by repairing normality, the station will welcome more passengers again or replacing original stonework, doors and windows where and we are certain they will be impressed by what we have necessary, as well as re-instating 15 very tall chimney stacks achieved to provide local people with first-class rail travel which gave Morpeth its distinctive appearance before they facilities at the same time as creating a welcoming gateway were reduced in size for safety reasons. to passengers visiting this part of Northumberland.”