Issue 123 Aug/Sept 2020 Managing Covid-19 after the summer tough, but we have had to take it We must not be complacent in our stride. We’ve had guidance from the government and NHE he past few months have regarding shielding, Tbeen taxing for all of us, and we’ve had to do what we not least our local GP practice. could to manage staff and patient Staff at Coquet Medical Group anxiety.” have had to adapt some of their And despite the apparent fundamental working practices lull in the number of summer and prepare for the unknown, Covid-19 cases, Rebecca stressed all while running a busy Health the point that we are not over Centre. this pandemic yet. “We need to Assistant Practice Manager make people aware, they still Rebecca Curtis told The Ambler need to be really cautious, not that some of the changes, such as complacent. keeping the surgery doors closed has been relatively lucky for the foreseeable future, and compared to other areas in the the use of video consultations UK, because we don’t have would remain. This is for the dense population numbers. But safety of both staff and patients. the virus is still here. And it’s “We are also encouraging l-r: Rebecca Curtis, Assistant Practice Manager; Lisa Scott, Practice going to affect the way we all patients we do see, to wear a face Manager, Dawn Wade, Receptionist; Dr Ben Burville, Partner. work for a long time.” mask, and inform them they will Anna Williams have their temperature checked we have the facility to text, talk taken place. at Reception. We are also asking or provide video consultations “There’s been masses of work Advice for patients patients not to come early as we where necessary.” done for the NHS 111 screening don’t want the reception area full tool,” explained Rebecca. “So we • Ring the surgery first. Acute of people waiting.” Excellent resource are encouraging people, if they appointments will be assessed by Patients are asked to ring the Over the summer, staff at have the symptoms, to go to the a Doctor or Nurse Practitioner surgery if they have an issue, and Coquet Medical Group are website: 111.nhs.uk/COVID-19. • Where appropriate, any acute appointments will be expecting a slowdown in the Go through the questions and appointments can be held via triaged by phone first. Doctors number of Covid-19 cases. follow the guidance. phone or video or the Nurse Practitioner will During this time, they will be “It’s an excellent resource, • Face-to-face consultations are then decide whether the patient looking to see more routine and it means patients can take still available where necessary needs to be seen in person or if appointments. some control at the start. By they can be treated via phonecall However, come the autumn, completing this pre-screening • Patients must wear a mask and or video. they are expecting a rise in the before contacting us, it will also have their temperature taken when visiting the surgery Rebecca explained that number of patients contacting help us manage calls coming in, the video consultations have the surgery. This will be due to and means we can prioritise our • If you suspect you have been very successful. “They a combination of seasonal flu, planning during the flu season.” Covid-19 symptoms, you are are working really well, and in chest infections, viral winter Planning has been key to asked to access the NHS111 fact the NHS were looking to respiratory infections and the medical group’s ability to website 111.nhs.uk/COVID-19 and follow their questions and introduce this anyway. It’s not Covid-19. It will be impossible cope so far, but Rebecca admits guidance first, before contacting taking away from our face-to- to differentiate between any of the last few months have been a the surgery face appointments, but it means these conditions until a test has challenge for the team. “It’s been

Audrey Jones, The Amble Thank you to daughter Jacqui Food Bank and her family team were local heroes helped to busier than ho do you think deserves brighten up the ever during a ‘thank you’ for all town, and thank lockdown, W key workers. They delivering the effort they have put in to created an ‘NHS over 20 food help our community during tree’ and started parcels a week lockdown? Is there anyone we’ve the Amble stone Read more on missed? Audrey Jones and daughter snake. Read more our website. More on back page Jacqui Jones on our website. Advertisement feature Demand is at an all time high etween them, the Yopa “People’s attitudes Bdream team in the North towards their properties and East have Northumberland communities changed during the covered. Liz Humphreys has lockdown period,” says Liz. “We years of experience in North and recently commissioned a survey mid-Northumberland including that revealed that 1 in 5 people , Amble, Morpeth, and in the North East are now the best of the Northumberland looking for more outside space. coastal areas, Ashley Hicks Accordingly, we’ve seen huge lives and works in the Tyne demand for family properties Valley, listing properties in and with large gardens or acres of around , Bellingham land. We also know that 18% and . Tracey Chaplin of those in the North East are has worked in and around now being drawn to the seaside the , Choppington, and the lifestyle that comes with and it. Accordingly, we are seeing areas for years. great buyer demand in idyllic Demand from buyers coastal areas such as looking in Northumberland and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea. is at an all-time high, with You usually have to sell the competitive offers meaning lifestyle when marketing these sellers are often achieving better properties, but nowadays they than asking price for their are selling themselves and flying properties. off the shelves!” The Yopa team in The team pride themselves Northumberland has been on giving the best personal cracking on in spite of the service and specialise in offering difficult conditions. As one advice to customers on how to happy local vendor recently said present homes to the market. in a review, “The team at Yopa To book a valuation of your are some of the most pro-active property or just for some local people I have met; from the market advice, contact them on: initial meeting, paperwork, Elizabeth Humphreys: 0771 photos and getting the house 3072306, elizabeth.humphreys@ marketed to then being able to yopa.co.uk Tracey Chaplin: 0787 5405974, contact them the whole time, [email protected] especially during this difficult Ashley Hicks: 07944 757517, time with Covid-19.” [email protected]

New look for The Schooner good wines, and a shiny new beast of a coffee machine. All coffees are free every day until 12noon. And once lockdown restrictions are fully eased, they will be offering food. Paul has focused on redecorating the downstairs and there’s been quite a transformation. There’s a freshness in the bar, a large TV for sports, and a newly tidied beer garden. There’s even a little painted sign up to remember Derrick Jamieson the previous - and much elcome to Marie and Paul loved landlord, a gesture which WYoung, the new landlords of has been well received on social the Schooner. media. Marie told the Ambler “Amble “We feel that the pub very is lovely place and has this much belongs to Amble and we are fantastic working harbour which just the current custodians of it so we were drawn to. Paul is ex-Royal we very much wanted to show our Navy so naturally loves the sea, respect to the late landlord and to but has never really liked coastal the folk of Amble,” said Marie. areas, that was until we came to “We have tried to keep the Amble and he got a good feeling essence of a real local pub and about the place and the people.” I hope we have achieved that as She added, “my great-grandfather Paul has put his heart and soul was born in Victoria Street, Amble into making The Schooner a place so I guess we have a connection.” where locals and visitors can be The pub now offers real Ale, proud of.” 2 ~ The Ambler Wreaths placed in memory of lost crew Helping unemployed back to work Northumberland Aemployment project is gearing up to help the expected wave of newly unemployed people as the economic effects of Covid-19 kick in. Bridge Northumberland offers a one to one programme to support people facing barriers to work, such as mental ill health or lack of digital skills. l-r: Ken Henderson, David Gray, Penny Horseman, Craig Weir Support is free and offered for up to 12 months, but for some people success is achieved wreath laying event at sea Church Army and David Gray 35yrs (deckhand) was never in a much shorter time. was held in honour of the on behalf of Warkworth Harbour recovered but is commemorated A The programme is Amble dredger MV Coquet Commissioners. on the Tower Hill National completely voluntary, and able Mouth, which was sunk during The day turned out to be Memorial (London) to Merchant to support any Northumberland World War 2 resulting in the of excellent weather having Navy and Fishermen lost in resident over the age of 18 (or loss of three crew members. The beforehand been of drizzle and WW1 and WW2 who have no 16 and NEET) facing multiple vessel struck enemy mines off the poor visibility. The grave other than the sea. barriers to employment. People harbour mouth on 4 July 1940. was like a mill pond. The bodies of James receive a dedicated Bridge To commemorate the 80th In 1940 during WW2 the Brown 66yrs (deckhand) Worker who will be their one anniversary of the event, two dredger was hit by a German and Robert Forster English point of contact. They’ll then wreaths were placed in the sea at mine dropped off the harbour 45yrs (mate) were recovered create a personalised support the site north east of the harbour entrance and intended to hamper and are commemorated on a programme of interventions mouth, by retired Coastguard vital coal exports. The ship Commonwealth War Grave in such as mental health Ken Henderson, and Amble’s was crewed by members of the Amble West Cemetery. counselling, a financial MOT, Mayor Craig Weir. Merchant Navy. digital skills training, advice and In attendance with the party Three Amble crew were lost. Bart Rippon job search help. were Penny Horseman from the The body of Sydney Lockey See also p12 See more at: www. bridgenorthumberland.org.uk Why businesses need to adapt to survive hen Amble Pin Cushion It’s a Nisa shop Wclosed its doors on 23 March to go into lockdown, elcome to Suga, co-owner Wof the new Nisa store on things looked bleak, but this Newburgh St. He told The Ambler, local company has emerged on “I live in Alnwick, but I really the other side feeling positive like Amble and it’s developing and excited for the future. really fast. This shop is in a good Back in March, along with location with a lovely community. many other small businesses, our The previous Co-op shop was local craft and alterations shop long established and had a good wondered if it could survive a reputation.” Nisa is a part of the Co-op so lengthy period without income, Suga can sell their products as well and whether all staff would be as goods from elsewhere. retained. However, by April, there was a resurgence of interest in sewing, knitting and crafting, Amble Pin Cushion’s dinosaur masks are on sale at the Centre For Life’s THE MAD JAM WOMAN both in support of the NHS, Lego Dino Experience and to while away the time in & lockdown. in larger batches for businesses, shop in the North East Region, Pride of Northumbria Orders came in thick and including the Newcastle Centre up against large companies in fast, and the shop partially re- for Life, which has ordered a Newcastle and Stockton-on-Tees. Award opened on June 15 with reduced large quantity of dinosaur masks Amble Pin Cushion expects winning opening hours, selling from the that the trend for crafting will for their shop, to support their Preserves door, or by bookable browsing Lego Dino Experience, opening continue, and expects to be very appointment. in August. busy - so much so, that they are & Relishes Face mask manufacture The shop has recently looking to take on an apprentice. has boosted business, allowing won the Northumberland Contact Norma Arthur for more Fourways One staff to gradually come back off “Lifestyle Store of the Year” details: 01665 714584. Bridge St, Amble NE65 0DR furlough. As well as making- Prestige Award. In the same Unlike the dinosaurs, Amble 07766 857680 to-order for the local market, week, they were nominated Pin Cushion has proved that, in Also available at the Seafood Centre masks have been sent all over these times of great change, if in the British Sewing Awards www.madjamwoman.comwww.madjamwoman.com the country, and have been made Best independent haberdashery you can adapt, you can survive! The Ambler ~ 3 Helping fishers Brambles helping keyworkers return to work during pandemic rambles Childcare Centre uring the Covid-19 Breopened on 2 June to Dpandemic, the support our parents/carers and Northumberland Inshore keyworkers to return to work Fisheries and Conservation We were excited and looking Authority (NIFCA) and forward to see the children and its Inshore Fisheries and their parents/carers. We knew Conservation Officers (IFCOs) there would be a few tears, and have endeavoured to maintain of course we had to implement business as usual as much as lots of changes following possible, and at the same time government guidelines, ensuring give guidance and support to everyone is safe to return. the hard working members of We were so proud of the the local fishing industry, in children on how quickly they what has obviously been a very adapted to these changes and difficult time for everyone. seeing them cuddle their friends CEO Mike Hardy told The and saying how much they Ambler “I am very proud of had missed them and watching store Morrisons, (see photo) the summer holidays providing the efforts of our IFCOs both them playing happily together, boys and girls were so happy. a Fun Holiday Club. For on shore and at sea during certainly did bring a tear to our We are all so happy to be further information please see the last few months. Whilst eyes. back and a massive thank you our Facebook page, email: making the safety of everyone We had a lovely surprise on to all the parents/carers for their [email protected] the number one priority, our first day back, and we were continued support and to my or contact us on 01665 710453 our officers have been in the very grateful to receive our lovely amazing staff team too. Pauline Donoghue district to give guidance on outdoor gifts from our local We are open over the Brambles Childcare Centre the assistance which has been made available to commercial fishers from Government and Puffin Cruises hit by pandemic restrictions other organisations, as well as local business hit hard by the continuing to keep a watching Acoronavirus lockdown is Puffin eye on such fishing activity Cruises. Beth Gray told The Ambler as has been taking place, to that the size of their boats has ensure compliance with fisheries meant that keeping passengers at regulations and protection of the least one metre apart would be marine environment”. difficult to maintain. IFCA Chair Les Weller said “Unfortunately due to social distancing we are unable to allow “on behalf of the members and Puffin Cruises’ new boat the Rachel K passengers on board as there is not officers of NIFCA, I confirm enough space (1metre+). The family run business had friends old and new it wasn’t to best wishes to the local fishing “We also help passengers to just bought a new boat and were be! We are hoping to apply for industry and everyone who has board and alight off the vessel hoping to introduce it this season. Government help to assist through the best interests of Amble and by guiding and balancing them Beth said “This would have this pandemic.” our other coastal communities carefully to the quayside steps - been our very busiest time of the We wish them all the best. at heart”. not an easy task!” year, sadly for us and our tourist Anna Williams Harry McQuillen’sAge of insecurity he past few months have Tbrought very real insecurity borrowing for furlough of of life. Working from home on the grass hills to the whole world. Widespread individual workers and support in our IT age is very popular. beside Warkworth illness and death has changed for business, can only go so It saves workers time and beach is quite a solitary event. public debate, and there are far. Rishi Sunak and his team money. The problem is that the Hundreds of people on the many contradictory points of have made a valiant attempt abandonment of commercial sand – only me on the tops. The view, not least on the hot topic to reduce the impact of the property will skew the market. staycation could become very of Opening Up. Reduction in Recession. They hope to avoid Simple answer- turn offices popular, especially now that the the number of NHS treatments Depression but that’s not into flats. Workers in our NHS, infection rate is low. The mixed could well cause more illness certain. With Brexit on the shops, local services etc help us blessing of constant traffic and death than the virus itself. horizon we have a narrow path in so many ways. down Queen Street gives me Monitoring of the virus in to tread. For me the best thing of pause for thought, but I know countries with such disparate It’s an ill wind that blows all is the number of people of that people have to travel to get levels of standard of living nobody any good. I’ve never all ages that I see walking and here. and health care structures (or seen so many people helping cycling on my daily visit to There’s hope for a vaccine lack of them), presents great others, except perhaps in Warkworth dunes. I’m hooked and acceptance of its use for difficulty. Asymptomatic disease wartime. The rise of foodbanks on walking, and I’ll keep it continued support for sensible presents its own diagnostic and shopping for vulnerable going as long as I can. Recent health measures, and for difficulties. neighbours they never knew. good weather has helped me economic recovery. What will Economic measures, Mask-wearing and social no end, but we can always put things be like at the time of our even with huge government distancing have become a way a coat on, and boots. My walk next issue? 4 ~ The Ambler Pet care tips from Coquet Vets Eat Out to Help Out Separation anxiety in dogs after lockdown se the Eat Out to Help UOut Scheme at these local ow lockdown is easing and with set times for walks, exercise establishments: Nwe humans start go back to and quiet ‘alone’ time will help work, our poor dogs will be left to make the transition back to Dollys & Daisys Quayside feeling lonely and confused. normal life easier for your pet to Coquet Tea Chippy They will have got used to cope with when you are back at Rooms Lilly’s Landing 1911 Coffee Co The Amble Inn having their ‘best friends’ around work. Kayleigh’s Castle Mania 24/7 and they are bound to miss A younger pup may have Kitchen Circa all the extra attention, walks more trouble adjusting because The Old Boat The Old and cuddles that they have been they have become so used to House Storehouse getting for weeks. company in their short lives, The Fish Shack Rossini Separation anxiety occurs this could lead to a bored dog when pets are separated from becoming destructive as they try · to get 50% off your food and their owners for longer periods to find new ways to entertain non-alcoholic drinks up to a total of time through the day and themselves. value of £10 per person if you leaves the dog feeling distressed, Of course an older dog eat or drink in which can lead to bad habits in a house full of children · every Monday, Tuesday and such as barking, howling, pacing, will probably be relieved to Wednesday between 3 August scratching doors, chewing have a peaceful house back to Now we should start and 31 August furniture, excessive licking and themselves again! preparing our pets for our return as many times as you like increased heart and respiratory to work to enable them to cope A cat, on the other hand, · You don’t need a voucher to rates. better when we are not there all will be celebrating hours of use the scheme and you can The end of lockdown will be day, every day. Each day, spend uninterrupted sleep as calmness use it at the same time as other a huge shock to our poor dogs some time away from your pets. descends! offers and discounts. There is no and the last thing any of us want Start with 30 minutes a By setting a routine now minimum spend. is for our pets to suffer indirectly few times a day, even if it’s we can all help our pets feel less Alcoholic drinks and service because of the current situation. only a door or a child gate that anxious when life eventually charges are excluded from the It has been hard enough for separates you from your dog, returns to normal. offer. humans to understand the stress then build up to an hour whilst involved, but our ‘fur babies’ will you do some chores. From the team at Coquet Vets List correct at time of going to be left wondering where all the Getting your dog into a more www.coquetvets.co.uk press: For a full list via postcode, see: www.tax.service.gov.uk/eat- attention has disappeared to. normal, structured routine now 01665 252 250 out-to-help-out/find-a-restaurant/

The Ambler ~ 5 We’ve been locked down...but we got up again he previous Ambler made it already, you can read ‘The individuals were doing. You can Tall the way to the printers, Ambler That Never Was’: www. catch up here: www.theambler. before lockdown called a stop, theambler.co.uk/back-issues-of- co.uk/category/health/ so for the first time in 20 years, the-ambler/ . coronavirus/ . the print edition never hit During lockdown we This issue is a bit of a your doorstep. It does exist on continued to post articles online slimmed down edition, but our website, so if you haven’t on what local businesses and we’re still here! Stay safe. The Ambler WE WERE SORRY to hear of the death of Chelsea Pensioner George Skipper, who died in July. During WW2, Fourways 2 George served in the Royal Army Service Corps and took part in the D-Day landings. He was awarded the 6 Dilston Terrace Legion D’Honneur by the French government in 2015. George lived in Amble for many years, eventually Northumberland NE65 0DT moving to the Royal Chelsea Hospital in 2016. He was recently interviewed as part of historian Dan Snow’s History Hit channel: https://tv.historyhit.com/watch/35065519 Tel: 01665 712929 www.theambler.co.uk [email protected] VE Day: celebrating triumph over adversity Twitter: AmbleByTheSea YouTube: AnnaAtTheAmbler1 he town square was Earlier in the day, at 11am, Tunusually quiet. A few a single salute was given by people had gathered in the veteran Peter Proctor-Cannon warm May sunshine to pay of 15/19 the King’s Royal respects to the fallen, but Hussars, as the nation fell Editorial Team: it was the uncharacteristic silent in memory of those who Vivienne Dalgliesh silence throughout the town fought during WW2. Silence Cath Findlay - Chris Herzberg which spoke volumes. fell on top of silence. What a Norma Hinson A spray of red white strange new world. Andrew Mounsey - Bartle Rippon and blue flowers was placed Anna Williams on both war memorials Editor: Anna Williams on behalf of the people of Read the full article and Thanks to: Amble, in a low-key but see photos of the day on our website: https://www. Mark Beswick & The Artograffi Crew nevertheless poignant tribute theambler.co.uk/2020/05/10/ Judith Hardisty to the fallen of WW2. The ve-day-celebrating-triumph- Distribution: flowers were placed by army over-adversity/ veteran Lyndsay Williamson. Charlotte, Sadie, Rachel, Lily & Ava Photos: Above: Peter Proctor Submariner veterans, Craig Cannon gave a salute. Photo by Weir and John Bartlett, also Printing: Anna Williams placed a floral tribute on CBS World, Alnwick Below: We can do it – Amy behalf of the NE Branch of Baston recreates the famous Would you like to join the Submariners Association. WW2 poster. Photo by Dru Dodd The Ambler team? We are a friendly group who welcome contributions and help from anyone who would Popular events cancelled like to volunteer. his summer’s events Hauxley Fun Day Tcalendar is looking pretty The following day – 31 Thanks to all our contributors, sparse, as two more events have August – would also have sponsors and advertisers: had to be cancelled. seen Hauxley Fun Day, but Rotary Club of this too has been cancelled. Amble and Warkworth Amble’s Day A spokesperson for Hauxley Inner Wheel Club of Amble’s popular Lifeboat Village Hall Committee said Amble and Warkworth Day due to take place on 30 “We are very sorry to announce August has been cancelled. A that this year’s fun day is spokesperson for the Amble cancelled. Social distancing Lifeboat Day 2019 Lifeboat Fundraisers said: “It issues and government is with regret that the Amble the public, in the current Covid regulations has unfortunately The Ambler is a proud member of Lifeboat Fundraisers have 19 Pandemic, and current meant that we have had to the Independent Community News decided, after consultation uncertainty about future safety make this decision. We hope to Network with RNLI Officials, that the guidance. The current time see you again in 2021.” Annual Lifeboat Harbour Day, scale also leaves insufficient Amble Puffin Festival, The traditionally held on the August time to adequately plan the Colony, Mauretania Day and Bank Holiday Sunday (30th), event. Hopefully it will be back VE Day commemorations are will be cancelled for 2020. The in 2021, bigger, and better. We among dozens of events in decision is reluctantly based hope to see you all then, and 2020 which have been cancelled The Ambler is a project of thank you for your support in Amble Development Trust on the ability to protect our due to the coronavirus. volunteer crew and staff, as well previous years.” Anna Williams The Ambler is printed six times per year. The views expressed in The Looking for my friend Ambler and The Ambler Online are WHAT YOU SAY... not necessarily those of ’m looking for a friend Jennifer they had a daughter. My maiden the Editorial Team IJones her maiden name. She name was Darbyshire. I hope you Ed: if you have any information lived in Amble when we attended can help. Every time I visit Amble for Doreen, please reply via Printed on paper from sustainable Ashington Tech in 1966 to 1968. I I think about her. forestry in the UK [email protected] know she married a fisherman and Doreen Riley 6 ~ The Ambler ‘Covid quilt of connections’ community project

ry Water Arts would love chosen fabric so that it fills quilt will be transfer printed Dyou to be part of our online the whole frame. Ideally we onto fabric, to form a living quilting project and importantly would like the photograph to be memory quilt brought together there is no need to sew! Quilts portrait not square. Or ask us to during Covid19, for and by the and quilting are wonderful come and photograph it for you community both near and far. symbols of community, bringing 3. Send the photograph to Very important - If you together individual expression the Dry Water team at info@ know someone who you think into a cohesive whole. drywaterarts.uk or you can would like to take part in the For this project we would send by text message to online quilt project but may like you to: 07542 141411 or send it on a find uploading their fabric 1. Identify a piece of fabric that Facebook message/messenger @ image and story tricky, please has meaning for you. It could drywaterarts fabric memories together into an contact us as we have a team be a favourite piece of clothing, 4. Please also send us the story online quilt for the community able to give practical in person a table cloth, a scarf, a blanket, behind your fabric just a few to enjoy. You will be able to see (socially distanced) support so a favourite T-shirt. Something lines, you can email this or ring each piece and also the story that anyone who wants to be where the fabric - its look, feel us and we can take notes. behind it in our online gallery. included can be. sparks associations/memories in Once you send us the image Once we are allowed to www.drywaterarts.uk you. and your mini fabric story the open the Dry Water Arts [email protected] 2. Take a photograph of your Dry Water team will assemble the Centre, the online virtual Tel: 07542 141411

Coffee machines for your business ocha Mondo have an offices serving 40-200 cups per The Roastery unit is requirements for your business. Mexciting new venture - day. They can provide either an open for takeaway, bean sales We'd love to see or hear coffee machine sales! added benefit to employees or and showroom tours (by from you - even if you don’t We will be offering a range another revenue stream for the appointment). have a business needing a coffee of Jura coffee machines designed business. We have also expanded into machine. for use in small to medium And for every machine Unit 6C on Coquet Enterprise You can send us an email at businesses. purchased or leased, we will give Park (next door to the Roastery), [email protected] or The machines are simple the buyer half price coffee for where you can see our Jura call us on 01665 714767. to use and will suit any small life (T&Cs apply). No coffee machines in the showroom, business from restaurants to contract is required. find out more, or chat through Martin Homer

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The Ambler ~ 7 No hugs for Grandad Bak 2 skoolz Comet NEOWISE TV shows you should Results day won’t be the same Known officially as definitely watch As our new normal life begins, our quarantine The last few months have been C/2020 F3, this specific On 20 August, it’s GCSE results day, although life comes to an end. For the first difficult, but finally things are comet was discovered Like many, during lockdown I this year it’s going to be very different to couple of weeks in quarantine returning to normal. Shops are on March 27, 2020, by have been binging through usual. A few months ago, we weren’t even people had no idea what to opening, we can see our friends astronomers during Netflix and finding a lot of sure if we’d be able to go to the school to do, as no-one had any idea of and soon schools will be open the NEOWISE mission new and interesting shows, collect our results or if we’d have to get them what was really going on in the again for everyone. It’s exciting, but of the Wide-field Infrared Survey so I thought I’d share some sent to us, but thankfully we’re able to go and world. at the same time I’m terrified to be back amongst Explorer space telescope. of my favourites. see our friends as we get our grades. The only problem is, people and trying to live an ordinary life. what are these grades going to be? Throughout the whole 13 weeks of quarantine This comet orbits the Sun, not the She-ra and the Princess of Power- this is grandparents couldn’t see their grandchildren Over the lockdown period, schools have been newspaper, the star! You could see supposed to be aimed at young children, The corona virus means that we didn’t do our exams, which and grandchildren couldn’t give their setting work online (primarily through Google Comet NEOWISE just after sunset This photo of the comet over but me and Lily have become obsessed. It was a relief in some ways. It meant we didn’t have to go grandparents a hug. For some people that was Drive at JCSC), but this means that when we from July 13 to 19. You had to face Warkworth Castle was taken by has princesses, talking horses and robots, through a month of pure stress and revising. However, this very hard. This was one of the most difficult go back to school people will be at different northwest at dusk, and have a clear Adrian Jannetta. so what more could you want? means that our grades are going to be based off of target things for me. levels of education, because not everyone has view of the northwestern horizon. By Grace grades and mock results which, for a lot of people, aren’t the been accessing it. Personally, I have found Brooklyn 99- for a slightly more mature best they could’ve done, and there’s no way of telling if this For all of quarantine that the work set is good, enough to keep slowly is school. If only people made audience, b99 is a comedy about police will be taken into account. everyone has been so me thinking about each of the subjects- Time is relative an invention called non boring school in New York that I’ve been rewatching bored – but not me. however it is challenging to teach 2000! with the fam. It’s very funny and covers Many students also think that it’s a life experience that’s been yourself what you don’t know, so I have Time is a funny thing. important topics. taken away, meaning that results day won’t be the same. It’s I had fun whilst found that I haven’t learnt very much. It feels like it changes Lockdown for me went by quickly as a prediction of how we would’ve done, not what we actually doing school work if we are bored or if I moved to a new house and it seems The Good Place- I watched this a little achieved. Then I would go I don’t know what’s going to happen we’re doing something like cleaning and moving heavy things while ago, but have been meaning to see my auntie when we return, currently social very fun. When out makes time go by quickly? When it rewatch because it was so good. So many “Results day will be different because we haven’t had the who was my main distancing is easier in schools because with friends or doing was a nice day we would go for a walk unsuspecting plot twists and iconic opportunity to fully prove ourselves.” Says Faith Bell, a childcare as my there are less people, but what happens something we like, time seems to fly along the beach (so tempting to go in moments. GCSE student at JCSC, “We also haven’t had the chance mum is a key worker when we are all back in one classroom? It’s by so fast that you don’t even notice. the water) but when it was raining we to experience what exams would’ve been like with real and is still at work. Once worrying to think about but I know it will all However, when you do these things stopped inside and slept I hope you enjoy watching these as much invigilators. Two years of our lives were for nothing.” there we would do PE with work out, corona can’t last forever. too often it could get very boring, and all day (boring ). as I did :) Joe to help start the day fully. We would then By Ava time would go slower and slower and By Hannah By Ava Results day is still going to have the nervous excitement of later go on about a two hour dog walk around slower. Another place time goes by (and William) opening an envelope and getting our grades, but whether Warkworth. Once home I would have dinner, they’ll be the grades we would’ve got in the real go to sleep and do it all again the next day. exam or not is unclear. We just have to trust that our teachers know us well enough to give us the Now I’m back at school and I’m really happy results we deserve. to be back, only I don’t do as long walks as I By Lily have done, however at least we are trying to get back to normal. STAY SAFE. BE CAREFUL. PROTECT YOURSELF Next step, cuddles with grandad, and Check out Lily’s horseriding! brilliant Corona Diary By Megan www.theambler.co.uk/ category/opinion/blogs/ Well done to Warkworth! Back to school will be a new learning curve for all arkworth C of E Primary The school also hen the school gates swing months, and it’s been especially times. And as you’d expect, the Scavenger hunt planned Whas been officially accomplished Silver for the Wopen in September and lovely to receive feedback and JCSC Facilities team will regularly recognised by two national pioneering School Mental we welcome back our students suggestions that have fed directly replenish hand sanitiser points and mble Youth Centre work and we are really awarding bodies for its Health Award, delivered and greet a new cohort of Year 5 into our plans. The majority of clean throughout the day. Ahas been busy over looking forward to it. LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, by the Carnegie Centre for students, it will be the culmination students may not have been on lockdown, delivering Over the next few transgender, plus other related Excellence for Mental Health in of months of work and planning the school premises but staff have Despite the many changes, activity packages and months we will be identities) inclusion and Schools, part of Leeds Beckett for the JCSC team. Those first steps dropped books, welcome packs and we’re confident students old and offering support to young working in the community visibility, and for outstanding University. into the yard at South Avenue or learning resources to families by new will find that JCSC remains people across the area. delivering our sessions in mental health and wellbeing towards a new designated entry foot, bicycle and school minibus. a welcoming and nurturing We are now ready safe outdoor spaces and provision. They are the first The award aims to point for each year at The coming together of the learning environment. If you’d for a new phase to our we hope that by the end school in Northumberland to strengthen pupils’ mental Road are likely to feel strange community has been a real source like to play a part in helping to work. And as such we are of the year (If covid19 achieve these awards. health by supporting schools after an extended time away for of inspiration and we are keen to shape that environment and planning something new. regulations allow) we will to make positive changes to the majority of pupils. However, continue to foster this spirit so we ensuring students achieve their full On 11 August 2020 be able to move back into The school was awarded improve students’ outcomes parents and pupils can be assured can meet the needs of our pupils potential, the board of governors we are putting together our building. The Rainbow Flag Award, a and life chances. that we have the pastoral support and their families when the new is currently seeking to recruit an event in the town Things will be different national quality assurance in place to offer assistance where term starts. two governors from the local centre between 10am but we know that together framework that encourages Laura Ritson, Headteacher it is needed. This support has community. If you are interested and 4pm. There will be a we can get through this an organisational approach said “As a school community been a key focus for the board of This September, the back- in learning more about what it scavenger hunt for small time. to developing strategies to we are very proud to have governors and the executive team to-school period will be a new takes to be a school governor, you groups (socially distant) With your support we combat LGBT+ phobic bullying. achieved both awards. We as part of end-of-term discussions learning curve for all of us, should contact the clerk to the and families to take part can help young people, They were impressed that staff feel they really are a celebration that have admittedly looked a little governors included. There will governing body, Carole Hutchinson, in, some sports to play, families and our town get The assessors commented on had celebrated their support for of the dedication of staff, parents, different this year. be a one way system to follow, [email protected] some crafts and we will back on its feet. how well the school taught religion LGBT+ individuals and families in governors and of course the along with physical zoning of have our Sunflower awards and LGBT+ education together the wider community and shared it children to working in partnership Communication with parents, buildings to allow for social Sue Currie ceremony. Matthew Mahoney perfectly, with the best written in school. and supporting each other to strive carers and pupils has been more distancing. At South Avenue there Chair of Governors This event will see the Senior Manager policies they’d seen! together as one.” important than ever over recent will be different break and lunch James Calvert Spence College re-launch of face to face Amble Youth Project

123 artog.indd 1 31/07/2020 14:18:43 Remembering Robert Foster

Robert L Foster 17 May 1959 The late Robert Foster B.A. A – 17 March 2020 tribute by Paul Balmer (Director) Cameramen are invisible, they work at the ‘other’ end of the t is with deep sadness that lens. Imy brother died unexpectedly I have just searched back aged 60 years of age. He was through our 30 years working taken away far too young and together and there is his ‘credit’ too soon. on just about everything, but We were brought up at the few photos. Together we dodged bungalow Sunnyside, South land mines and bandits in Yemen, Broomhill, and the family later crocodiles in The Gambia and the Gendarmerie in Paris. moved to Gibson Street in In Africa we travelled by Amble. dugout canoe and blithely took the He did some amazing door of a light plane, precariously Cameraman Robert Foster worked with a host of celebrities filming over the years including achieving dizzying shots of the three months travelling with endless Sahara and savannah. Robert was much more than a Michael Parkinson, Stephane Gary Lineker, visiting the Robert was fearless. ‘camera person’. He loved ‘light’. Grappelli, Nigel Kennedy, John countries of footballers who won Most recently we dodged In his work with Julian Bream or Renbourn, Lord Lew Grade and Mandy Young MBE – he searched Julian Bream. Presidents and the Golden Boot. skateboards and a Royal Princess at Adrenaline Alley. Robert also constantly to show his subjects in Princesses…. and many more. hosted a workshop at the first the best light and to also bring out This picture shows Robert His loving sister Angela Henderson ‘Corby Big Film Week’. something of their inner light. He at his happiest. Though we (Foster) Nine international awards in succeeded. often disagreed, that friendly London, Chicago, New York and I only now realise that Robert ‘competition’ occasionally created Angela sent us this wonderful Rome. A BAFTA nomination, a ‘Gold was at my side during some of a kind of magic. I am lost. tribute to her brother from his Camera’ and a Prix de Roma. All the greatest moments of my life. friend, director Paul Balmer. with Robert. Sharing time with Yehudi Menuhin, Paul Balmer April 2020

Bringing Easter smiles Pastor C. Neil Sayers this way is a vital part of our observed “It was a joy to see the church mission.” elping ensure that despite donated 50 Easter Eggs to smiles we brought, as due to the For further information on Hlockdown Easter was still a Amble Youth Project who duly pandemic many children might the work of the church, visit our celebration and a chocolate fix. distributed them to delighted have otherwise gone without. website: harbourlightschurch. Harbour Lights Church children across Amble. Serving our community in com

Pod 14 Amble Harbour Village

Beautiful handmade gifts, vintage treasures and nautical decorations

Electric Bikes NOW available for hire

10 ~ The Ambler Reports from our County Councillors

o the staff doing everything they can he last few months have been Covid death is TNHS to keep us safe. To the food Tdominated by Covid-19 and a tragedy for workers production, distribution and its effect on our community. someone, and battling on the front lines and shop workers keeping us fed. I have been very impressed I sincerely hope that we have the cleaners, cooks, porters, To the infrastructure and utility with how the residents of Amble seen the last one; by following managers and backroom staff workers keeping our water have behaved during this crisis. common sense rules that should who keep our NHS running. To clean, our homes heated and My observations of Queen Street, be the case. the lab technicians, pharmacists our lights on. Morrisons and the Harbour area I have been working with and scientists who run tests, To the schools and nursery are that people have been very officers of the County Council prescribe medicine and work on staff caring for the children good in following the precautions about the schedule of reopening treatments. To those creating of those that cannot stay at requested. of amenities and businesses in and distributing vital medicines home. To the civil servants When NCC (after Amble and elsewhere over the last and medical equipment. To the and local government workers consultation) signed a one way few months, and have supplied social care workers caring for maintaining vital services. To system on Queen Street some local knowledge to help make our loved ones in these difficult the delivery, telecoms and postal people thought it would not the right timetable for these times. workers keeping us supplied and work, well it has! Apart from one openings. To the transport and connected with our loved ones. or two uncaring individuals, the I also have been able to logistics workers on the buses, To the banking and financial system is being adhered to very assist with Government grants trains, ports and airports services staff keeping our well indeed, as are the precautions for certain businesses who keeping supplies moving and payments systems functioning. in shops etc. were experiencing difficulty in ensuring key workers can get To the religious staff and those We have been fortunate here obtaining them. to work. To the police, police helping us through the hardest in Amble, sadly we have had a Please keep up sensible Covid support staff, firefighters, of times. few deaths but many less than precautions and continue to make prison, army, defence and court THANK YOU ALL. other parts of the country. Any our town a safe place. [email protected] [email protected] 0780 238 5367

Socially Distanced Litter Pick support across the County. A summary of our accounts is attached WE ARE HOLDNG a socially distanced We also secured an initial grant of here. The full Annual Governance and community litter pick on Saturday 8th £2,400 from Locality and Groundwork UK Accountability Return is available to view August meeting at the Village Hall at to commence the Planning Process. on our website. Any person interested 9.30am. All equipment will be provided The Neighbourhood Planning Steering has the right to inspect these accounting but volunteers are asked to bring their Group will reconvene on Monday 10th records and they will be made available own gloves. August with Councillors and residents until 28th August. The litter pick will cover the village present to move the plan forward. square, dunes, beach and verges from We hope to undertake further Traffic Issues in Hauxley to High Hauxley. We hope engagement exercises within the parish Of recent, there have been issues with to see you there. in the coming months to obtain feedback cars parking on verges and blocking on draft visions, objectives and themes access to properties from the Beacon Hill Hauxley Neighbourhood Plan for planning policies and community car park into Low Hauxley. With the help We recently appointed Jo-Anne actions. It is expected the plan will take of County Councillor Clark, temporary Garrick Ltd as our Planning Consultant. approx. 24 months to complete. signage was installed at the junction to Jo-Anne has significant experience in a Low Hauxley stating ‘local access only’. variety of senior planning roles in a range Accounts for year ending March 2020 More permanent measures to address of public sector organisations and more The Accounts for year ending 31st March the issue of inconsiderate parking will recently in the private sector having 2020 have been checked by our Internal be looked at over the coming months. undertaken a number of commissions Auditor and have been approved by the Visitors to Hauxley are urged to use the providing Neighbourhood Planning Parish Council. car park provided. We recently asked Northumberland HAUXLEY PARISH COUNCIL - ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDING 31ST MARCH 2020 County Council about the possibility Opening Bank Balance Brought Forward 7034 of introducing a 20mph speed limit INCOME between High Hauxley and Low Hauxley Precept on County Council 4000 to create a safer route for pedestrians. Other income 100 The Highways Senior Programmes Officer TOTAL INCOME 4100 is currently looking at a scheme. He will EXPENSES run the plan past the Parish Council for Salaries 1721 comment and has confirmed that there Parish expenses 5445 is funding available to implement the Earmarked funds 0 scheme this financial year. TOTAL EXPENSES 7166 TOTAL INCOME LESS EXPENSES -3066 Future meetings Bank Balance at 31st March 2020 - Carried Forward 3968 The next meeting of the Parish will be held at 6.30pm on Monday 14th September. For further details please visit The above accounts indicate an excess of expenduture over income for 2019-20 of £3066. This is a result of our website: purchasing new bins, repairing information display panels, improved planting schemes and groundworks in the Village Square https://northumberlandparishes.uk/ hauxley A breakdown of the balances carried forward is available on our website. Parish Clerk: Elaine Brown Tel: 07588 659 600 Email: [email protected] Website: https://northumberlandparishes.uk/hauxley

The Ambler ~ 11 Amble Town All meetings at 6pm via Zoom until further notice - details on website Town: 13th August, 10th September, 15th October COUNCIL EAST WARD: Helen Lewis, Craig Weir WEST WARD: Jeff Watson David Bewley CEN. WARD: Jane Dargue VACANCY Ian Parks, 5 Meadowburn, (Chair/Mayor) Tracey Hinton, 14 Magdalene 11 Brinkburn Kate Morrison, 10 Sylvia’s 33 Warkworth Amble 76 Priory Park, 13 George Fields Place 3 Island View, Close, Avenue, NE65 0PH Amble Street, Warkworth Amble Amble Amble Warkworth. 07751 229 739 NE65 0HY Amble NE65 0UF NE65 0BJ NE65 0SE NE65 0GB NE65 0TP 01665 712342 NE65 0RZ 07802 385367 07525713086 01665 711191 07795360513

COVID 19 CHANGES complete restructure to be Covid 19 one person uses a piece of equipment The pandemic has had an effect on all compliant to keep our staff and visitors at any one time so that distancing can be our lives, both personally and professionally. as safe as possible. If you have made an observed. We have all had to adjust to numerous new appointment to come to the office please Our social media has carried a poster- guidelines and recommended ways to keep observe the new entry system and wait thanks to Cllr Parks- with up to date us as safe as possible. As more businesses patiently until asked to enter. information which is in greater detail on the reopen and we can start some leisure There are signs at our cemeteries and website. It has been fantastic to see so many pursuits again, we must still be cautious. gardens urging everyone to keep to social people and businesses in the town doing all Whilst the council office has been closed we distancing and to wash hands after visits- they can to help others- Amble’s wonderful are still available by email or telephone. better still take hand sanitizer with you. community spirit has cheered us all through The office itself has undergone a Those at Paddlers Park also ask that only these difficult times.

‘COQUET MOUTH’ COMMEMORATION EVENT RENEWALS July 4th was 80 years since this dredger We are pleased our insurers have agreed to was sunk at the entrance to the harbour mouth; the replacement bus shelter for the one knocked despite valiant efforts, three men lost their down in Church Street- it is on order but we lives. It was planned to hold a commemoration await an installation date. The coal truck planters service at the end of the pier and lay floral at Paddlers Park and JCSC are being renovated tributes at sea. Due to the Covid restrictions the having done well to last five years from when planned large scale event had to be cancelled; Sodexo made them in HMP Northumberland however Davey Gray kindly offered to take a workshops. Hopefully by the time you read these very small group out. There was a short moving they will be filled with blooms again. At long memorial service and floral tributes including last the water has been reconnected at the West one laid by the Mayor on behalf of the town Cemetery; please remember to either place your were placed in the sea. There are still plans to containers on the pole provided or in the litter bins erect an interpretation along the pier and to have a separate memorial for seafarers. otherwise they blow everywhere and look very Ideas of how to achieve this are also being investigated as well as sources of funding. unsightly.

EARMARKED FUNDS AT 31ST MARCH 2020 COMMUNITY ASSET MANAGEMENT

SCHOOL PRIZE FUND towards next batch £800 CEMETERIES

SEATING refurbishment/replacement £1890 EAST CEMETERY MAINTENANCE walls/ boards etc. £800

TOWN PROJECTS towards projects/enhancements £8635 MEMORIAL SAFETY checks and stabilisation £2500

COMMUNITY/ENVIRONMENTAL public meetings/ environment works etc. £11470 WEST CEMETERY PREMISES maintenance £3000

COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS £1500 WEST CEMETERY MAINTENANCE walls/drive/fence/trees etc. £9200

MATCHED FUNDS towards projects attracting grants £1300 WEST CEMETERY DEVELOPMENT signage/mapping/new £21255

ALLOTMENT FUND boundaries, walkways, maintenance £10050 CEMETERY REGISTERS legal requirement £610

RECREATION maintenance/future replacement £17100 COUNCIL, COMMITMENTS &STAFFING

WEBSITE & COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION £1000 COMPUTERS & I.T. new and replacement hard/soft ware £5290

LITTER BINS refurbishment/replacement £2200 QUALITY STATUS registration fee £500

BUS SHELTERS refurbishment/replacement £4034 ELECTION COSTS for elections/ by election £8510

NOTICEBOARDS repairs/replacement £3000 OFFICE FURNISHINGS ETC. £2000

ACTIVE AMBLE £4450 LEGAL/ REGULATORY PROCEDURES advice etc. £15000

CCTV £2000 TRAINING staff & councillors £3000

TOWN PPE £700

MEMORIAL CLOCK maintenance/service £1700 LOYALTY FUND retirement gift/ civic & community £3390

MEMORIALS upkeep/repairs £910 CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS £45200

MEMORIAL GARDENS maintenance £4000 CONTINGENCY emergency cover £10000

WYND WALL repairs £4720 GENERAL FUND £25110

EQUALS TOTAL BANK BALANCE £236,824

TOWN COUNCILPLEASE OFFICES, CALL IF YOU FOURWAYS WISH TO MAKE 2, AN AMBLE. APPOINTMENT NE65 TO 0DT VIEW Tel:THE AUDITED01665 714 ACCOUNTS 695 www.amble.gov.uk FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 31/03/2020 Email [email protected] Twitter: @AmbleTC Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmbleTownCouncil Office hours: 10.30am-12noon & 1.30-3p.m. Monday to Friday Vicki Smith, Town Clerk Minutes available to view in Office or online 12 ~ The Ambler This page is written and paid for by Amble Town Council TRUST Life news from Amble Development Trust

elcome back to Trust Life, Knowing Wafter an extended break. Jack and his brother Bobby had I’m sure I don’t need to say what spent many happy times fishing a strange time it has been over off the old pier, I thought I the last few months and while would chance my luck again, this things appear to be getting back time making sure the opening to as near normal as possible wouldn’t happen in July and for the foreseeable future, so telling him if he did this for me many business and organisations I would promise to stop stalking have had to take steps to ensure him! staff and customers are safe. As many of you will know Having been in many places and Jack did respond and came observed people wearing masks along to meet the great crowds and thinking it strange, it is now that lined the harbour and pier, about to become our normal walking and talking animatedly too! Jack Charlton opening the refurbished pier in 2000 with everyone he met, which Trust staff are now working sadly did not include me – I part-time, however the office continue and the Bird Sculpture each year asked me to contact didnt get anywhere near him. will remain closed to the public trail is progressing. Jackie to see if he would open I had done my organising bit for the time being. We can still As I write this we have just the event, which was always held and was about to be introduced be contacted by telephone or heard about the death of Jackie in July. Each year I received an when someone told him his email if you have any queries Charlton and I thought I would apology because he was away lunch was ready and he made a or need your CV updated. If share one of my memories of somewhere. After about 4 years beeline into Warkworth Harbour you need to speak to any other him. he responded saying: ‘Julia, I’m Commissioners to eat! tenants in the building their For many years the Trust always away fishing in Ireland in Exit one stalker who kept her contact details are on the posters organised the annual Sea Fayre July.’ So it was left at that until promise. in our window. Notwithstanding Festival. We had a wonderful in 2000, we were set to open the Julia and Trust staff this our regeneration plans steering group of volunteers who refurbished Pier. [email protected]

Plan needs further public scrutiny embers of the public are being asked to give their views on the Mlatest changes to the Northumberland Local Plan. This sets out in detail how the county will develop in the future and, practically, forms the basis on how planning applications are decided. The plan has had a long development history, but was finally submitted to the government in May last year. Since then there have been two public hearings, culminating in a series of changes instigated by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate. The consultation will run until 5pm on Monday 7 September. As well as all information being fully accessible online, it is possible to request a USB stick containing a full set of the documents being consulted upon or, if necessary, paper copies can be posted. Hard copies of the consultation documents can be viewed, by prior appointment, at County Hall in Morpeth. Planning officers will also be available to explain the consultation by telephone or email. You can find all the additional evidence and how to respond at https://northumberland-consult.objective.co.uk/portal/planning/ localplan/lp-exam-consultation-july2020

The Ambler ~ 13 WHAT’S ON CLUBS & GROUPS

Bailiffgate reopens Warkworth & Amble District Royal British Legion Branch News in September oing to press the branch is that returned formed a branch for wreaths but am not allowed lnwick’s award-winning Gstill unable to restart our bi- of the Far East Prisoner of War to take cash – bank transfer ABailiffgate Museum & monthly meetings in Warkworth Association. is best method or cheque. Gallery is getting ready to reopen War Memorial Hall. We will let I would ask people to pass on 1 September, and volunteers everyone know as soon as we are Poppy distribution and this information on to those are busy putting the finishing able. The national advice centre Remembrance Day concerned. Orders must be touches to its new mouse hunt of the RBL is still concerned I have been told that there placed through me, so please let and Covid Safe measures. about large gatherings for will be no distribution by me know asap. Bailiffgate has come a long parades and funerals and it is all organisers like myself to deliver There will be no parades way since it opened in 2002. It under review. poppies and tins to businesses or special ceremony for has recently been awarded a grant The next commemoration this year. We are not allowed to Remembrance Sunday this year, from the Arts Council England is the anniversary of VJ Day handle any cash. Only banks but individuals can lay a wreath and funds from the government, (Victory over Japan) in 1945, and major supermarkets will be in their own time on the day. administered by Northumberland the 15 August making this year allowed collecting tins which will County Council. The funds have the 75th Anniversary. Many be processed direct to them and June Watson, Secretary, Warkworth enabled Bailiffgate to set up young men lost their lives who banked by them. & Amble District Royal British consultancy roles to support their had families in this area. Those I will still be taking orders Legion forward thinking and innovative volunteer team and to provide support during lockdown. Singing together via Zoom

Warkworth Memorial Hall news e are starting discussions Wabout re-opening the Memorial Hall, although at the time of writing have not agreed a date or the constraints that will be imposed. Check the website www.wwmh.uk for updates. Meanwhile, we have taken advantage of the closure to catch up with some maintenance work. The Library, a small meeting room on the first floor has undergone a much needed refurbishment. Improvements have also been made to both stair wells and to the storage area between the kitchen and the Supper Room. The external wall of the kitchen has also benefitted hen the lockdown We have had a video made of in touch via email, our website from much needed re-pointing. Woccurred, we wondered our singing of the Platters song “ and Sarah also records CDs so Village Hall Heritage Project what would become of our choir. The Harbour Lights”. that everyone can keep singing. Belinda Booth, Warkworth Very quickly our wonderful We each had to record We know that singing has great War Memorial Hall secretary, will Choir Leader Sarah Gray ourselves singing individually health benefits as well as being be working with Community introduced us to singing together and it was all blended together to good fun and it is so great to Action Northumberland online via Zoom. produce our online choir video. have that chance to do so each to research the history of Every Thursday evening, If you type in Harbour week. Warkworth Memorial Hall and around twenty four of us meet Lights Community Choir Due to restrictions on welcomes contact from those up together. We have a great youtube, you can check us out, singing at the moment we do willing to get involved in the sing, learn new songs and are great photos of Amble and our not know when we will get back project or to share photographs/ able to catch up with each other. choir too. together as a group to sing, but memories of the hall over the It has also meant that we You can also access it we are still very much a choir, years. An important part of the have been able to be joined again and more information about a singing community and as project is to collect oral histories by a member who lives in Spain our choir via our web page, always a great friendly bunch of about the role the village hall has and one in the north of , harbourlightscommunitychoir. people. played in local life. so it is lovely to see them again. org Contact Belinda at The photo above shows us Not everyone wants to sing Mary Davidson. wwmhheritageproject2021@ waving during one of our lively online or is able to do so for Chair of Harbour Lights – Amble gmail.com . songs. various reasons, but we keep Community Choir

14 ~ The Ambler WHAT’S ON CLUBS & GROUPS Amble Pin Cushion workshops Speak For Yourself: Rural Women’s Voices

Thursday 10 September “Sew Be It” Day offers ollowing on from our successful HERitage project in which we 9.30am – 4pm £ various Fshowcased an art exhibition and our very own play “Sticky Toffee Saturday 19 September Entrelac and Modular Knitting Pudding and Butterscotch Sauce”, Women’s Workshop would like 10am – 4pm £50 to announce our new online video-making project highlighting and Monday 28 September to Saturday 3rd October SEW Week identifying women’s issues. Saturday 3 October Re-model your Winter Coat Our aim is to highlight women’s stories and celebrate 10am – 4pm £45 rural women’s voices by creating a platform for women across To book your place, please pay your deposit no later than three days Northumberland to have their say and make a short film about an before the course date, either in the shop or by BACs via the website issue that is important to them. www.amblepincushion.co.uk. Throughout the Summer, Women’s Workshop will be working with women to develop skills in film, create an (online) space and Message from St Mark’s URC empower women in Northumberland to ‘Speak For Yourself’. We are aware that women in rural areas regularly feel marginalised as services uring the enforced lockdown, St. Mark’s has been closed are often targeted to a more urban population and do not always Dto everyone, except the Amble Foodbank, which has been address their needs. We are aiming to work with a group of women operating from our hall, delivering many more supplies than usual. to identify and highlight their issues and concerns so that we can The volunteers are doing a sterling job and we thank them very much present their final pieces to policy makers to call for real change. for this. Women’s Workshop will also host a virtual film festival at the end The Elders are currently working towards reopening the church of August, showcasing the films created by the group. for Sunday worship, although this will take some time as the To find out more or to get involved please contact JoJo Kirtley at regulations put in place need careful consideration. We are not willing [email protected] . to risk anyone’s health by opening before we are ready. And so, I think you can expect St. Mark’s will not be open for worship before Dry Water Arts future events September at the earliest. As far as Sunday worship goes, the BBC offers radio and e are thrilled to announced that you can access FREE creative television services, and, if you have internet access, there is a vast Warts workshops suitable for all the family. We are also offering range of services you can access - some local, some national. (You get yoga/wellbeing sessions to encourage people to keep moving to sing along with the hymns, which we can’t have, even when we particularly those who are shielding. You can access all of these on our are open!!) Until further notice, we are sorry to say there will be no website www.drywaterarts.uk. We appreciate finding online content coffee mornings and no hall lettings. can be tricky so please give us a ring if you need help accessing the Alison (Minister 01670 517510) and I (Secretary 01665 information. 711177) welcome any enquiries regarding prayer requests, funeral We are also running a series of online community projects arrangements, etc. and exhibitions. The first one being the virtual Covid Quilt of Sue Swanston Connections. (See page 7) An exciting project very close to our hearts, the More Than Medication Exhibition will be launching online on 15 August. The Morrisons to help RNLI for lifeboat day exhibition will share insights into the realities of living with dementia, his year’s Harbour Day on 30 August has been cancelled due to and features work by carers and people living with dementia from our TCoronavirus, however Morrisons are stepping in to help. The Amble Curiosity Cafe dementia positive programme. store will be decorated with bunting and flags and there will be some The Covid experience has brought the possibility of a new way entertainment in the car park. Look out for more info nearer the time. of working, so at Dry Water we intend to improvise with those The RNLI Shop in Amble is currently closed as access to the station is possibilities; try them out in creative ways to improve our shared restricted to keep the crew safe. Please check out the RNLI online shop sense of community. With this in mind we will be continuing to where you can safely buy gifts, toys, clothing, pens, diaries, calendars, Christmas cards and much more. For free postage and packing use code develop and adapt our programme, finding new ways for us all to AMBLE (no minimum spend) In these difficult times your support means ‘Make, Move and Meet’ together. more than ever. See also p6. www.drywaterarts.uk [email protected] Tel: 07542 141411

The Ambler ~ 15 Local heroes who deserve our thanks e’re compiling a list of During lockdown we wrote Some have gone above their tireless efforts. This is by Wpeople who we think about many of the people and and beyond their normal work no means a finished list - who deserve a big pat on the back businesses listed below; you can practise, others have volunteered else do you think deserves to be and thank you, for all the work read the articles on our website. their time and energy to help the thanked? they’ve done for our community Look under the Coronavirus vulnerable in our community. during the last few months. section. We think they deserve praise for Read more on our website: Health care services www.theambler.co.uk

The Ambler The Health was told: “The Centre were whole team regularly deserve medals! thanked for Some slept their service there for days during the last to provide care few months, for residents. not least when Dedicated and Dr Pettifer left caring they are a the practice fine example of at the end of ‘local heroes’” April. Liz Atkinson and The Grange Care Dr Ben Burville and the Coquet Cromies pharmacy team received a lot of praise for Home team Medical Group team their diligence during lockdown

Community groups and individuals

Rachel’s name The team Mary Lynne Morelli is usually supported Davidson’s was also first when we people with name came suggested ask who to dementia up whenever more than thank. The and their we asked who once, due to support team carers via we should her tireless have provided phone calls, include on help with the unstinting deliveries of this page. She Foodbank and help for food & meds, helps with the Isolation vulnerable and activities, more groups support people in our and began a than we can group. community. sewing group. list here! Rachel Cook and the ‘Isolation in Frances Anderson and the Dry Mary Davidson Lynne Morelli Amble & surrounding areas’ team Water Arts team

Kind hearted Every week Teachers at Staff at Julie never throughout JCSC sourced stopped lockdown, materials House baking during florist Moira and made delivered lockdown, donated a protective 60-90 hot delivering free beautiful visors, with meals per home made bouquet help from day to people cakes and to other colleagues in Amble scones to local local heroes at Duchess’s and the people in need who were Community surrounding nominated on High School. area. Facebook. Julie Baxter Moira Angus James Calvert Spence College Hadston House team Local businesses

Kevin The fresh Amble’s The Farm Rutherford fruit and veg Morrisons Bakery began and his team shop sprang are generous offering pulled out all into action donors to deliveries as the stops with by offering the Amble soon as the free deliveries an online Food Bank. lockdown of essential ordering They offer began. They goods to system and prepacked were full of the local providing free bags for under praise for community deliveries £2 containing their volunteer during items for the delivery team. lockdown. charity. Queen Street Convenience Store Independent Food & Drink shop Marion Long, Morrisons Amble Farm Bakery Shop