Issue 129 Aug/Sept 2021 Famous faces put Amble on the map he Friendliest Port Fans joked “Where’s he is the place to be from again?” and the Love T- whether you’re Island social media team even an A-list film star, or changed their location to Amble, a heart-throb on the in tribute to Brad’s numerous UK’s biggest reality TV references to the town. show. But his stay at the villa was Taking some time sadly shortlived and he left the out from filming the show in week three. In a shock latest Indiana Jones to Love Island contestant Brad plot twist, Brad and his love Harrison Ford: image by John Griffiths movie, Harrison Ford McClelland, who seemingly interest Lucinda Strafford were stopped off at Amble’s Fish couldn’t stop talking about his told only one of them could Shack for lunch. home town. stay, and the pair had to choose Waitress Carly Jones told 26 year old Brad went to between them who would go. The Ambler, “He turned up on (then) Coquet High School In emotional scenes, gallant Vaccination his bike, with two other men. and lives with his grandmother Brad volunteered to leave and let They sat at one of the tables and in Amble. He joined the ITV his love interest stay in the show. numbers best in no-one really noticed who he reality show at the beginning of Northumberland was, until Ellie [Goodfellow] series seven, and soon gained came running in and said hundreds of thousands of mble, Swarland and ‘Indiana Jones is outside!’” fans on social media. AShilbottle have given the He sampled the sardines Friends of Brad told most numbers of vaccinations and a local beer before cycling The Ambler: “He is one in Northumberland, off up the coast back towards of the loveliest people with nearly 20,000 jabs Bamburgh castle where the you could ever meet. administered. majority of filming was taking Such a humble and As of 22 July, medical staff place. kind soul - a beautiful in the area, which includes person inside and out.” the Coquet Medical Group Love Island, Amble On the show, Brad team, had administered a A few weeks later, Amble became known for his whopping 19,952 first and was briefly trending on social frequent references to second vaccinations, making

media - thanks in no small part Amble. Brad McClelland: image courtesy ITV them top of the table for the whole county, according to NHS England data. As the nationwide Covid Winner winner chicken dinner vaccination programme draws The family-run business on to an end, doctors are anxious Amble’s Queen Street, recently to point out that anyone who opened a second premises in hasn’t had a jab can still have Alnwick. They sell sandwiches one. and hot food, and recently began Amble’s Dr Ben Burville catering for Warkworth Golf tweeted: Even if you Club. have currently declined a James told The Ambler Covid vaccine the offer is he was delighted when they “evergreen” and you can announced The Galley had won. either ring 119 to book if over “It’s a huge feather in the 18yrs old or go online [nhs.uk] cap for The Galley. Starting a if you change your mind. He said CMG plans to new business is hard, keeping deliver both flu and Covid a business going through a booster jabs together, during James Leighton, co-owner of The Galley pandemic is even harder, but this an Autumn vaccine campaign, has made it all worth while. and everyone over 50 will be any congratulations to from the Amble deli and catering “The staff are over the moon offered a booster, along with MThe Galley, who are the business, was presented with the with the result and it means so those over 16 years who are 2021 Northumberland Business award at a prize-giving ceremony much to them too!” extremely vulnerable. Champions. James Leighton in London in July. Anna Williams stephen brown Funerals

Stephen Brown has set up his family run ‘thank you, we don’t know how we have coped funeral directors at 5 Wellwood Street, without your support,’ is fantastic.” Amble NE65 0EP. The family business will be run by Stephen’s We will save families on average around wife Nicola, daughter Kylie and Stephen £1500 in comparison to the big companies. himself. This will be the only family run We intend to provide a service when a family independent funeral director in Amble. needs it most. When your family needs us, my family will be there for you providing a very We want to look after your family when you high standard of care, ensuring we are there need us. to help families every step of the way through “I love helping and supporting families when the funeral process. they lose a loved one through a very difficult time. The satisfaction I feel when a family says We really do care down to the last detail.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

We are opening our chapels in Amble The Margaret Gumbley Chapel to provide a service to the people of Amble and surrounding areas. We Our new Chapel of Rest in are passionate about our work and Amble is to be named The do it in a very caring and loving way. Margaret Gumbley Chapel. This is in memory of a lovely lady who We really do care, down to the very welcomed us to Amble just before last detail and we are by your side she sadly passed away. every step of the way. We were honoured to be able to take care of her funeral We will not charge you to come and arrangements, and with the see your loved one in our private permission of her family, we decided it would be fitting to name chapels of rest which are open 24 our new Chapel of Rest after her. hours a day 7 days a week, nor will we charge you to remove your loved one and bring them into our care.

Our care and attention means that whatever time of day or night, we will always be there for you. l-r: Nicola, Stephen and daughter Kylie Brown

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

• 24 Hour availability just a • Private chapel of rest phone call away. • Bespoke traditional funerals • Arrangements for a minister/ • Wide selection of coffins celebrant to officiate at the • Direct cremation service. • Horse and carriage • Order of service printing • Traditional hearse and • Catering limousine • Recording of the service • VW camper hearse (certain venues) • Motorbike and sidecar hearse

Stephen Brown Funerals Contact Stephen for more information 5 Wellwood Street, Amble NE65 0EP Å Amble: 01665 710755 27 Bridge Street, Blyth, NE24 2AA Å Blyth: 01670 356418 27 email: [email protected] www.blythfamilyfunerals.co.uk

2 ~ The Ambler Boogie Bounce is back in Amble Rotary’s planting itness fans will be delighted is blooming Fto know that Boogie Bounce is back in Amble. The madly marvellous popular trampoline-based fitness ll the hard work by class has returned after a Covid ARotary club’s planting of lockdown pause, and is now in wildflowers has begun to pay much bigger surroundings. off, with the road between Director Leanne Sales Amble and Warkworth loooking explained that the previous blooming marvellous. venue was small, making it Rotarian Dr. Paul Creighton, difficult to work with under in charge of the scheme said, Covid restrictions, so she looked “We have now completed the for a bigger space, and found planting of wildflowers on a unit on Amble’s Industrial Rotary Way verges and there are Estate. Leanne Sales (right) with instructor Lucy Hankin Find them on Facebook: approximately 400 metres of The popularity of Boogie LBBBoogieBounce or www.boogiebounce.com wildflowers at each end of the Bounce is phenomenal. The Rotary Way main road. They brand is now popular all over the to Whitburn. motivated,” said Leanne. take quite a bit of expensive world and they licence specialist The new unit will have The new venue is able to maintenance, but local Rotarians instructors in 13 areas. Leanne classes every weeknight (except offer a small room to entertain think it is very worthwhile.” started leading her first class in Tuesdays) and on Saturday children while parents are 2017 in what was then Coquet mornings, and they are looking taking a class, and they will be High School. to put on a kids’ class during opening a semi-private gym, and She told The Ambler, “I the summer holidays. During offering Les Mills On Demand started in Amble while I was a lockdown, Leanne loaned programme (workout classes). manager for BT. I was really into trampolines to people exercising Classes are open to men and fitness, so I gave myself a choice: at home, and she says she women, and newbies are very BT in an office all day, or bounce intends to carry on running welcome. The fitness studio is on a trampoline!” home classes. based at Unit 7 Amble Industrial Leanne now runs 11 Boogie “I also offer LBB Nutrition Estate (just a couple of doors Bounce venues in total. Her and Healthy Meals, to help away from Brewis Beer’s tap empire stretches from Alnwick people keep happy healthy and room). Sandy wins gold at national marmalade awards The Rotary Club of Amble worldwide including Japan, & Warkworth Rotary is now Canada, Australia, Kuwait and turning their attention to one the Dominican Republic. of the planters in Amble town The Artisan Awards are square - watch this space. judged by an expert panel In addition to providing including food writer Dan fellowship for both men and Lepard and Fortnum & Mason women, Rotary raises substantial Grocery Buyer Sarah Metcalf, sums for local charities and and this accolade denotes a undertakes local practical marmalade of exceptional quality. community work. Amble and The Awards are sponsored Warkworth Rotary Club is open by Fortnum & Mason and to everyone - all are welcome. Rathbones and are proud to raise More info: /www. money for palliative care around ambleandwarkworthrotary.org the world and so far have raised and/or Facebook page - Rotary over £270,000. Amble & Warkworth Sandy’s marmalades can also be purchased in Amble at ongratulations to Sandy to tell her – it was just as well Fourways1, Northumberland THE MAD JAM WOMAN CHigson aka the Mad Jam she was up!” Seafood Centre and The Galley & Woman who has scooped six Lemon, Ginger and Chilli on Queen St. You can also buy Pride of Northumbria prizes at this year’s World won gold her preserves at Turnbulls in Artisan Marmalade Awards. Lemon and Cointreau, Alnwick, Robsons in Craster and Award Sandy won a prestigious gold Orange and Carrot, Seville and Sea Breeze in Beadnell. winning for her Lemon, Ginger and Cranberry, and Bucks Fizz won “People from all over the Chilli marmalade, as well as silver. world take part in these awards, Preserves taking four silver medals and a Tequila Sunrise was so it’s a marvellous feeling to be & Relishes commendation. commended. told your marmalades are world Despite the pandemic and class,” said Sandy. She told The Ambler: “I’m Fourways One over the moon to have won multiple UK lockdowns, the For more information on the Bridge St, Amble NE65 0DR these awards, especially the gold. Marmalade Awards received Marmalade awards, see www. 07766 857680 I couldn’t believe it when I saw a record-breaking number of dalemain.com Also available at the Seafood Centre the results, it was 7.30am and I entries this year, with over 3000 www.madjamwoman.comwww.madjamwoman.com was still in bed. I rang my friend jars from more than 30 countries Anna Williams The Ambler ~ 3 New boutique hostel and luxury holiday apartments open t last, the wait is over. We is right on the National Cycle Ahave been watching the Route, this makes it the perfect construction of Amble’s new location for those wanting to waterfront building for many explore the area by bike or on months, and now all can be foot. revealed. The new boutique In addition to the hostel, hostel and luxury holiday there are two three-bedroom apartments have opened, and holiday lets; Hemingways and The Ambler was lucky enough to Quay West. These gorgeous be shown around. apartments also boast spectacular Radcliffes Lodge is the last of views, and are suitable for the big builds on the quayside, up to six people. One of the next to the distinctive Coble apartments is dog friendly. Quays apartments. The lodge with bespoke handmade the boatyard. Two of the hostel The crowning glory – offers nine individual bedrooms, bunk beds, cosy bedlinen, hot rooms are pet-friendly, although although we could not visit it as set out for families, couples or showers, and Wi-Fi and charging they are not allowed in the it was already booked out – is individuals wanting a posh hostel stations in each room. communal kitchen or dining The Penthouse, a four-bedroom experience. The emphasis is on The large communal lounge area. apartment with two balconies luxury, and is ideal for those can be used for relaxing with Cycle racks with some and magnificent views of wanting to stay a few nights a coffee, reading, pouring maintenance equipment, and Warkworth all the way round to and get to know the Friendliest over maps, or simply enjoying washing machines/dryers are Coquet Island. It also features Port. The rooms are beautifully watching the boats glide into available for the more muddy a games room and sleeps up to decorated to a high standard, the marina, and the activity in visitors. And given the lodge eight. See www.coblequay.co.uk Holiday results in new business Colours of Amble elcome to Gashbir and his ocal artist Wendy Avery- wife Sozy who are running W Stuckey and Amble Pin Gifted Barber on Queen Street. L The business opened in July in the Cushion held a book signing former Phoenix Barber’s premises. for the latest in her series of Gashbir and his wife are from “Colours of Northumberland” south-east London and discovered colouring books at Amble Pin Amble while on holiday. He told Cushion. The Ambler: “We had nice time on Customers were able to chat holiday in Northumberland in June, to Wendy and get her to sign I found out people are friendly and their copies of her new book, very nice, also Amble was amazing location. Suddenly I saw the estate “The Colours of Amble”, as agent’s sign above the shop, and well as her existing book, “The now I have opened.” Colours of Warkworth.” Gashbir has over 10 years Both books are available Warkworth and Amble cards, experience as a barber. The shop is Sozy and Gashbir discovered Amble at APC, along with Wendy’s and Warkworth Castle notecards. open seven days a week. while on holiday Harry McQuillen’s

ecently I’ve been doing, or Rnot doing things in a way Age of insecurity that is entirely out of character. I’ll agree that I’m old, and that wearers, and the whole variety round, the common task will inevitable, but it’s happened. the 87 year old body can’t do of events, attitudes and furnish all we need to ask”. The The world has enough resource what it did. But some of my complexities that we see today. certainties of religion aren’t to sustain us all, with a bit of behaviour, I fear, is odd in the The nervous tension is so popular in our very secular give and take. Remember the extreme. tangible. Many of us seem to be world. The paradox of a divided old adage “It is better to give I’ve just walked into my twanging like an over tightened world is that nothing will really than to receive”. That one isn’t house after walking out in violin string – or a guitar string. work unless we work together. always easy to follow. Perhaps front of a car that I just didn’t No doubt we expected trouble There is controversy locally, we will just have to rub along see. I hereby offer my heartfelt of all sorts when the pandemic largely about numbers of non- much as we have always done. apology to the driver and ran wild. It seems that we now mask-wearing visitors, and But preferably with less angst! occupants of the car. Am I the have it in spades. the prevalence of holiday lets. Amble thrives with its only person in that age bracket There’s talk of travel, sports Parking is a nightmare for both markets, scenery, business, locals (85-90) who hasn’t been quite events, holidays abroad, holidays residents and visitors. Let’s see and visitors and the atmosphere on the ball? Has covid anything at home called STAYCATIONS. how things work out in the we generate. With any luck we to do with the condition. People are so used to freedom High Holiday Season. Funnily will still be a Canny Toon into We listen to news (or read and to making choices in most enough, I’m not at all gloomy in the 22nd century. it, or watch it) hoping for light departments of their lives. my outlook. People are pretty With apologies for in the darkness. Sometimes Gone are the days when nearly adaptable. eccentricity and other we’re suspicious of government, everybody found a job and The quadrupling of manifestations of Old Age. business, the World Order, mask settled down in “The daily population in my lifetime wasn’t Harry

4 ~ The Ambler Free fishing courses Amble 8 ituated in the marina in Officer in the Merchant Navy SAmble is the Anglo Scottish and spent several years in the go climbing! Seafish Industry Training Royal Navy Reserve where he ight colleagues from Association (ASSTA) whose job was a Lieutenant Commander EMorrisons Amble are going is to ensure that Commercial looking after Sea Cadets in to scale Ben Nevis on 14 August Fisherman have all the necessary Northern England and Scotland to raise charity funds for Young safety courses and skippers Dennis said ‘When I joined Lives vs Cancer. tickets to carry out the most ASSTA in 1998 we averaged 35 The team consists of dangerous job in the world. fatalities a year within the UK Kevin Smith (store manager) Dennis Osborne the centre fishing industry and now we Marion McKenzie-Long and manager explained that his area average about six, which is still Rebbeka Johnson (Community of operation was from Berwick too many. Champions), Cat Glen, Rachael down to Hartlepool and Carlisle The fishing industry is a very Briggs, Debs Curtis, Cameron to Fleetwood. Fishermen by hard industry to work in and I Brown and Gemma Bell. law have to have Sea Survival constantly admire the men who Kevin Smith says “ We’ve before they can go to sea and are daily fighting the elements to all been getting some miles of Fire Fighting along with First make sure that they can put fish training behind us which will Aid within six months of actual on our plates. help us enjoy the trek and we sea time. When I first started, because Dennis Osborne hope to be able to raise around ASSTA also runs a I was used to large ships, I £1000 for Young Lives vs three-week Introduction To needed to experience smaller become one of my biggest Cancer” Commercial Fishing course in fishing vessels to see what it was fishing ports out of the fifteen Young Lives vs Cancer is Amble which is free to anyone like to handle them. I look after. Having an office in Morrisons nationally supported 15 years and above considering After a couple of trips out of the marina is a bonus as it keeps charity partner and £15million making the sea their career. We Eyemouth, it made me realise me in the hub of Amble’s fishing has been raised across the also do Skippers tickets which how difficult this job really was fleet Morrisons Estate since 2017. include navigation, bridge watch and in my opinion, the price of If anyone is interested in the If you wish to sponsor the keeping, engineering, stability fish is way below market value Introduction to Commercial Amble 8 please go to: and radio tickets. and the amount of effort that is Fishing Course which is free, https://www.justgiving.com/ Dennis has been manager of required in catching it certainly it starts on 6 September. fundraising/marion-mckenzie- ASSTA for 21 years and previous isn’t reflected in the price. Please give Dennis a ring on long2 to that he was a Navigation Over the years Amble has 07702042551

The Ambler ~ 5 Here’s to a summer of hope and optimism uddenly it feels like we’re moving again. This Medical Group for their outstanding work in the Sedition is bursting with action and the promise vaccination rollout (p1). of future events (pp17-19). If the last year was New businesses have been opening their like being stuck in quicksand, then these early doors, so welcome to Radcliffes Lodge, Gifted summer months have seen us pull ourselves free Barber and Puffin Crafts, while others are and slowly but surely move (stagger?) forward. re-opening, (p3) or retiring/relocating (p7) or Let us hope that the opening up we are enjoying looking for a new home (p17). now, does not suddenly come to a juddering halt What hasn’t changed is the astonishing with future lockdowns or major restrictions. generosity of Amble people; (p5, p6, p13, p14, The Ambler This edition is full of congratulations: to p17 and back page). Fourways 2 The Galley (p1) and the Mad Jam Woman (p3) Have a great summer everyone, and please 6 Dilston Terrace for their well-deserved awards, to Coquet stay safe. Northumberland NE65 0DT Tel: 01665 712929 www.theambler.co.uk [email protected] WHAT YOU SAY... Facebook: TheAmbler Twitter: AmbleByTheSea Save Druridge donates to RNLI YouTube: AnnaAtTheAmbler1 s many of you will know the Save Druridge Acampaign fought against the Opencast Coal Mine proposed at Highthorn, Druridge Bay. We eventually won our fight last year when Secretary of State Robert Jenrick rejected the mine for a second time. Editorial Team: As a Campaign Group we had to raise many Vivienne Dalgliesh thousands of pounds to pay for expert reports and also Cath Findlay - Chris Herzberg Norma Hinson to pay our legal fees for both a Solicitor and Barrister. Andrew Mounsey - Bartle Rippon We are grateful to all of those people who helped us Margaret and Richard Kelley from Amble RNLI raise funds through events and a crowdfunder. Many accept the cheque from Lynne Tate and Duncan Editor: Anna Williams local people were extremely supportive and generous. Lawrence of the Save Druridge campaign Thanks to: After paying all of our bills we were left with a Mark Beswick & The Artograffi Crew small amount of money which we as a group wanted Togston forgotten! Judith Hardisty to give back to the local community. Distribution: So on 15 June 2021 we handed over cheques n the June/July issue of the Ambler Charlotte, Sadie, Rachel, Lorraine of £125 to each of the following Charities: Amble ICouncillor Terry Clark reported “it was Lifeboat Station, the British Divers Marine Life a privilege to represent Amble, Hauxley Printing: Rescue, Blyth Wildlife Rescue and a cheque was sent and North Broomhill” in the May election. CBS World, Alnwick to South Lakes Action on Climate Change to help Unfortunately, he did not mention Togston Would you like to join with legal fees on the proposed Cumbrian Deep Mine village that is very much a part of his Amble The Ambler team? We are a friendly campaign. ward. Togston village was also forgotten group who welcome contributions in his campaign leaflets. Can I extend an and help from anyone who would Lynne said “Amble RNLI do a fantastic job to invitation for him to attend Togston Parish like to volunteer. help save both local people and visitors to Amble and the surrounding area. It is also good to know we Council meetings to become involved with Thanks to all our contributors, have experienced local animal and marine rescues who residents? We look forward to his support on sponsors and advertisers: are out there every day saving our wildlife along the infrastructure and reports on the local area NCC Community Chest Northumberland Coast.” plans that affect the village. Councillor June Watson Rotary Club of Lynne Tate, Amble and Warkworth Save Druridge Campaign Chair Togston Parish Council Inner Wheel Club of Amble and Warkworth Mind your language write once again about an issue published n the by politically correct institutions. Various parts I Ambler, namely the use of personal pronouns. of our medical establishment have substituted the The purpose of language is to help articulate our words “women” “mother” and “breastfeeding” The Ambler is a proud member of thoughts to other people. The use of grammar with the words “persons with a cervix/persons the Independent Community News provides the rules by which such communication who menstruate” “birthing person” and “chest Network may be understood by others. We may use the feeding” respectively. The very concept of metaphor of roads and road signs to help explain womanhood could be completely obliterated by The Ambler is a project of this. Language provides the roads or conduits this new authoritarian form of newspeak. Amble Development Trust for our thoughts and grammar provides the road The use of personal pronouns is just another signs in order for them to be better understood. example of this utter lunacy. Just as we can imagine the utter chaos of a To those young people attracted to this new road network without road signs, so we cannot masterclass in self-deception, this new woke imagine language without grammar. orthodoxy, I would respectfully suggest just one The Ambler is printed six times per When we refer to “he or she or it”, the rules thing: please retain the inclination to think for year. The views expressed in The of grammar tell us that we are speaking of an yourselves and to do so critically about absolutely Ambler and The Ambler Online are individual person or item. When we refer to everything even or especially this letter. Please not necessarily those of “they or them” we understand that it is a group don’t blindly follow the crowd’s latest fad just the Editorial Team of more than one. The rules help us to correctly because it’s fashionable to do so. 2021 Submissions dates: understand and that is the whole point. #130 - 3 Sept Today, even the concepts of “woman” or Kevin McCann via email #131 - 5 Nov “mother” are being written out of the language >> more letters on p8 6 ~ The Ambler Amble postmistress retires after 28 years’ loyal service Northumberland mble Postmistress Susan help build relationships with IFCA seeks new ASwinhoe has retired from her customers, many of these running The Harbour Post customers, who are now on first members Office after over 28 years’ loyal name terms, have continued arine Management service to the community. to visit the branch throughout. MOrganisation are seeking Having spent many happy Amazingly, due to the length of to appoint three new general summer holidays in Amble Susan’s service, many customers members to the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and staying in her parent’s caravan, who first visited her branch as Conservation Authority. the long serving community babies now visit the branch with Applications are invited from stalwart couldn’t resist a local their own children. all sectors but are particularly advertisement asking for Postmistress Susan encouraged from those with a applications to run The Harbour commented: “I am really proud background in commercial fishing Post Office. to have worked for the Post and those from the recreational Following a successful Office for nearly 29 years. I have sea angling / fishing sector. Sue Swinhoe has retired after 28 application, Susan’s Post Office absolutely loved serving this NIFCA CEO Mike Hardy said: years with the Post Office “We would be delighted to see as career began in earnest. She wonderful community. I would many people as possible apply for and Scott and his wife Sami. She moved with her husband and like to thank all my fantastic these important positions. two young children from customers, they have made my now hopes to spend more time “The successful applicants her hometown of Wideopen time at The Harbour Post Office with her granddaughter Esme. will have a really important role and became Postmistress on so enjoyable, I will miss them all The community will be to play in helping NIFCA to fulfil 12 November 1992, she has so much. It would also be remiss pleased to know that Post Office its remit of sustainable inshore remained at the helm ever since, of me not to extend my grateful services have been maintained fisheries and a sustainable marine serving her local community for thanks to my colleague Gill who in the area. Susan has passed environment in our District which includes the waters off the coast over 28 years. has helped me run the branch for the baton over to Mr Sugarnan of Northumberland and North Ramachandran, who will operate Post Office Area Manager 13 years.” Tyneside.”. Neil Barnard commented: “We Although her time at The a Post Office at his Nisa store in The NIFCA office in Blyth are extremely grateful for Susan’s Harbour Post Office is coming Newburgh Street. A Post Office has been closed recently due to commitment to the area; she has to an end, Susan still wants to counter will run alongside the the pandemic but if you wish to been a great asset to the business continue doing the job she has retail counter. Opening hours telephone or send an email then and has served her community loved for such a long time, she are Monday to Friday: 8am – somebody will get in touch as for an amazing length of time. I has already agreed to work part- 7pm; Saturday and Sunday: soon as possible. Alternatively, please feel free thank Susan for her service and time at the nearby Warkworth 9am – 4pm – offering 80 hours to approach an NIFCA officer in of Post Office service a week. wish her every happiness for the Post Office. the District who will be happy to future.” Susan admits she couldn’t Facilities are now available assist. When Susan started back in have achieved this incredible all-day Friday and Sunday, plus The NIFCA telephone number 1992, she recalls memorising feat without the support of her Saturday afternoon, with an end is 01670 797676 and the email names from pension books to husband James, children Vicky to lunchtime closing. address is [email protected]. Northumbrians join forces to help fight climate change

nationally - to take real action in providing music and drama the face of the huge challenges performances. ahead. We’re also planning events “We plan to follow our to give people hope and practical Climate Action Day with a ideas, so that individuals and Festival Weekend in June 2022 communities can play a part in at Alnwick Playhouse, “ says stopping the destruction of the Alistair. planet.” ”It will feature talks by WaWW is starting by national climate experts, music, organising Alnwick’s first drama, dance and spoken word. Climate Action Day on Saturday Events will be designed to help October 23 - a few weeks before us understand how we can stop COP 26, the crucial international the erosion of our beautiful conference on climate change Northumbrian countryside and in November, which is being loss of wildlife, save money on hosted by the UK in Glasgow. heating our homes and getting The group What a Wonderful World is based in Northumberland Local MP and Energy around while saving the planet Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan at the same time. We’re inviting rtists, scientists, farmers and communities. will be interviewed about her people of all ages to come to Aand people from all walks “We’re launching What a role at COP 26 and there will be both events.” of life have banded together to Wonderful World because we talks on transport, heating the The climate action day will launch a new Northumberland- want people to celebrate our home, food and waste and green be held in the Northumberland based group to help fight climate planet through the arts and to jobs in the region. Speakers Hall, Alnwick from 10.30 to change. develop an understanding of the include Paul Brannen, forestry 17.00. This event is free. People The group, What a science behind the serious threats expert and former MEP for can register their interest in Wonderful World (WaWW), we are facing,” says Alistair North East England. Students the day and What a Wonderful aims to encourage local people of Anderson, one of the organisers. from the Duchess High School World via [email protected] all ages to help save the planet by “We intend to push our will lead a session on Top Tips or phone Liz Anderson 01665 taking action in their own homes decision-makers - locally and to Save the Planet, as well as 574631. The Ambler ~ 7 Remembering John Angus WHAT YOU SAY... >> continued from p6 The Queen’s green canopy recently read an article in the Woodland Trust’s Broadleaf magazine I about the Queen’s Green Canopy scheme, a tree planting project to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. The overall aim is to create 70 new broadleaf woods across Britain and encourages schools and community groups to apply for free tree packs to help the scheme along and mark the occasion. It struck me that Amble generally has a paucity of trees, despite its growing size, and developers seem not to be incorporating many trees into their developments as an obvious way to help offset the carbon waste created by new housing. And, whilst Amble may not be the ideal site for a new wood per se, this opportunity seems too good to waste and would be a chance to support wildlife habitats in the town and introduce greater variety of broadleaf trees, which at present seem limited largely to sycamore, pine and alder. Where are the oaks, the limes, the beeches which add colour and character to a town and valuable habitat to birds, small mammals and insects as we strip their natural territories from John Angus in 2014 them with our voracious appetite for land. Variable tree pack sizes are available and any contribution to planting, no matter how small, would e were so sorry to hear “I started on £9 per week. surely help. Wof the death of veteran A win got you a £2 bonus, I would be interested to know if any community groups are already England and Burnley footballer £1 for a draw. Top pay for all involved in this initiative or at the very least are there already plans for a commemorative tree in the town? If not, I would like to encourage people John Angus at the beginning of footballers was £15 per week. to consider the idea. June, aged 82. Players stopped in one club. In More information is available at queensgreencanopy.org or John played as a defender for the 1960s that was abolished woodlandtrust.org.uk/QGC. Burnley FC all his professional and teams changed. When I was career. He was called up a total 20, I was earning £15 per week Hilary Shutt via email of 10 times for England’s youth and living in digs. I always came team and under 23s; and his full home to Amble for three months cap came in 1961 when he made in the summer. That’s when I We need a crossing at the Wynd his debut for England against met Florence.” (They married in hy can’t we have a safe way to cross the road between traffic, of Austria in Vienna. 1961). Wall types. Such as the top of the Wynd in Amble, more people live Born in Amble in 1938, John played in over 500 here visit, or holiday, it’s about time something was done. After all the John started out playing for matches for Burnley in the 1960s previous roadworks still no pedestrian crossing. So it must be a good Amble Boys’ FC, but his talent and 70s, as a defender, scoring and safe way to cross in between busy oncoming cars, lorry’s and other was quickly spotted by the four goals. An achilles injury put oncoming vehicles ? It’s a choice, but we can only walk over the road, hoping to reach the opposite pavement. professionals. paid to his professional career, so in 1973 he returned to Amble. P. Thompson via email Over the years, he and Florence ran a number of businesses, most latterly JK Conservation issues Crafts on Queen Street. They s a relative newcomer to Amble, I would like to say how much I enjoy had three daughters and two Areading each new edition of the Ambler. I think that the articles grandchildren, and eventually by the younger contributors deserve special mention as they tackle retired to Warkworth. important social and environmental issues which deserve much wider A quiet, kind and charitable discussion. I am particularly interested in the environment and was man, John was not one to dwell pleased to see a good number of related topics in the June/July issue. in the past. In 2012 he told us: With there being such a strong interest in the natural environment “I’ve always had lots of interests: I was surprised to notice earlier in the year that large quantities of photography, hill walking weedkiller had been applied to the ground under and around the trees which line the A1068 between Brambles Nursery and Penny’s Petroleum. and golf, even when I played The natural vegetation turned orange and then brown as it died off. The football. I don’t think about my vegetation is barely beginning to recover but why was it killed off in the football career much now – I first place? don’t even watch it any more. I At the very end of April just as birds were beginning to nest, as think it’s best not to live in the area of undergrowth under a group of willows next to Penny’s was also past.” destroyed for no apparent reason. The timing of this work coincided with the return of migrating birds such as whitethroat and chiffchaff John played for Burnley in over Nevertheless, his old club never forgot their hero, which nested in the undergrowth there last year but not this year. 500 matches Further spraying took place behind Brambles which targeted describing John as “a major nettles (food plants for the caterpillars of small tortoiseshell and In 2012 he spoke to The player in a golden era for the peacock butterflies} growing under the shrubs alongside the footpath. Ambler about his early career. Clarets… One of the most At the beginning of June someone on a quad bike was randomly spraying He told us: “I played a couple accomplished and unflappable herbicide in the Priory Park area and spraying a small area containing of games for Amble Town and defenders in the club’s rich ornamental plants outside my house killing all but one. Alnwick Town before the scouts history.” Given that there is some concern about the carcinogenic found me. I was 15½ and I Florence told us: “There properties of weedkiller why are these chemicals being used so went straight to Burnley. Alan were quite a few at the funeral to frequently in public spaces particularly in residential areas? Perhaps whoever plans these actions might be well advised to read the Ambler to Brown, the manager, was keen represent Burnley. They’ve been a see how important the natural environment is to so many people. on promoting the younger kids. fantastic, super club.” I had just turned 18 when I was Hugh Tindle, Priory Park, Amble signed.” Anna Williams 8 ~ The Ambler Getting crafty with Puffin Crafts

new craft shop Ahas opened in Amble with all manner of crafty kits to keep your creativity buzzing. Puffin Crafts opened at the beginning of June, selling wood craft kits, pom poms, macrame rainbow kits by Macramallama, decopatch kits and more. The shop is situated next to the Esso garage and Londis shop on the A1068; Circa is at the other side of the Alison Hardy, owner of Puffin Crafts building. Owner Alison the workshop and make your Hardy has plans to use the project. We provide paint, glue, upstairs space as a craft brushes, glitter etc and we’ll even workshop, and hopes to run clear up the mess!” classes and workshops in the If you’re interested in the near future. On Facebook, workshops, give Alison a shout. Alison said “The idea is you You can find Puffin Crafts on pick and buy your crafty supplies Facebook. from the shop and then for a The shop is open 10am – small fee, you can sit upstairs in 4pm Wednesdays – Sundays

The Ambler ~ 9 Vaccines for teens Dog safety during the summer Mixed emotions over tourism Camping during the holidays Since Covid has hit England we can’t really travel In the UK we are fortunate to have first grabs at vaccines. During the and heat up quickly and burn Now that it’s summer, the number tourists to Amble anywhere by plane or ferry so what can we do…? This means that currently approximately 85% of adults summer in a lot your dogs’ feet. Whereas natural have risen again. It happens every year, with Camping of course!! Camping is a great holiday are vaccinated against Covid 19; but what about of places it will grass won’t heat up as much and increasing numbers of people travelling from all experience as you can explore so many different places the teenagers? When will we get immunity to the get very hot, this will be more enjoyable for you over the country to drink in the vibrant seaside like: theme parks , forests , beaches , lakes and more. coronavirus? causes concrete and your dogs. atmosphere and the beautiful views, but for the locals pavements to get up there’s mixed emotions, especially this year. Lots of Camping is so much fun as long as you know some good places The answer is possibly never. The Pfizer vaccine has been tested and to a heat of 79 C. This will burn Dogs being left in cars businesses rely on tourists to keep them going, but with covid to do it. I recommend (out of my experience). approved for 12-18 year olds, but is not being widely used because our dogs feet. Before taking During the summer dogs get left cases on the rise is it a good idea to encourage people to travel to 1. Lake district scientists and professionals alike cannot determine if it is necessary your dog out on a hot day, place in the car a lot which shouldn’t Amble? 2. Places near attractions like theme parks and funfairs and if the pros outweigh the cons. On one hand, having more people your hand on the ground and if be happening. Dogs get 3. Somewhere quite isolated so you can have quiet time vaccinated protects a wider population (at the minute around 50% of it hurts your hand after a while overheated very easily so if you Amble has been an up and coming tourist location for a while now, Those are my preferences but it is totally fine if you want to go the whole UK population is vaccinated, and this needs to be 65% or of it being there then don’t take know they will be left in the car and many cafes, restaurants and shops earn a lot of their profits camping right on the outskirts of London if it makes you happy! above to create herd immunity). On the other hand more vaccines will your dog out because it will for a long time from summer tourism, but these things don’t only benefit tourists. Camping is such a fun experience for everyone! cost more money, and there is debate about how teenagers play into hurt their feet. then don’t Places like the harbour village are in Amble all year round and create the spreading of the virus. If you think bring them. a great place for locals to visit, as well as providing jobs for a lot of Equipment to bring (necessities) about walking If you do bring people. Tourism is also great for introducing people to how great Ok for starters you’re obviously going to need a tent or van to sleep in Having the vaccine is great, but will be useless if other measures are the whole day them keep the Northumberland coast is, an area that’s often missed out when and most likely a sleeping bag and mat or air mattress unless you have not taken to ensure everyone’s safety. If new mutations of the virus when it was really the windows considering beautiful parts of the UK. a proper bed or camping cot. Then you’re probably going to want a gas occur then the vaccine will be useless, and having the vaccine doesn’t hot and you had no open or have a stove and kettle if you like tea and barbecues and bacon for breakfast mean you can’t transmit the virus. So whilst we should be focussing shoes on, that’s how bar that can go on However, things are different this year- covid cases have been rising (yummy). You’re going to want to pick a campsite with showers / on vaccinations, we can’t forget about social distancing, sanitising and it would feel for the boot of your rapidly in Amble and the surrounding area, making it a hotspot for toilets or a toilet block because you’re going to want to use the toilet wearing a mask. the dogs feet. car to let the air the virus as well as for tourism. Some restaurants have already had at some point! And that’s about all the necessities you need except through to your dogs. to close because too many of their staff are self-isolating due to close for everyday stuff like food and drink. Oh and a toothbrush too! I would love to have the vaccine because it would make me feel safer. Fake grass vs real contacts with customers who’ve tested positive, and having local However, I think it is wildly unfair that our country has ready access to grass National dog day people getting ill with the virus is the last thing anyone wants to I went camping recently and it was magical. It was in quite a desolate the vaccine whilst developing countries, who don’t have as efficient Fake grass may look better than National dog day is 26 August. happen. For this year, while there’s still a high risk, it might be better place with some nice neighbour campers but best of all the campsite hospital/care systems in the first place, are being left behind (even real grass and it might be less It is made to encourage dog for everyone to stay local. was only an hour away from Blackpool pleasure beach and 10 minutes when many are making the vaccines for us!). So yes, we should get it, dirty, but during the summer it ownership and to celebrate the away from a huge lake around Carlisle. but protect the poor, disabled and elderly first. is a lot more dangerous for your love and partnership we have There’s a chance that my motives for wanting people to stay away are dog than real grass. with our dogs. We also celebrate more along the lines of wanting Amble to stay quiet and calm like it Most importantly though when you’re going camping is to be safe and Ava it to show the amount of dogs has been over lockdown, making going on walks or visiting the harbour be careful of bears…. I’m just kidding unless…. On a hot day fake grass heats up that need to be rescued or much more relaxing, but there’s still plenty of room for both tourists a lot more than natural grass. rehomed. and locals. However, I would hate for anyone who lives here to get ill But just remember to have fun and live life the way you want to! Fake grass can be like concrete By Megan because of an unnecessary holiday. Generous support for Amble Youth Project By Hannah By Lily A local youth charity in Amble has scenery surrounding Amble. received a significant donation Running from 19 July until 6 from holiday park operator Park August, young people will be Leisure, boosting its offering over encouraged to go out and enjoy summer for the local community. the local area and capture the breath-taking scenery around Park Leisure, owner of the Amble the town. The charity has used Links Coastal Holiday park, has some of the donation from Amble made a £5,000 donation to the Links to invest in a GoPro, a Amble Youth Project alongside high-end bridge camera, a point a pledge of further long-term and shoot camera and an Instant support for the charity. Print polaroid camera. These are all available for charity members The Amble Youth Project charity to use to experiment with their has been providing important photography skills. Space travel news Defending the right to protest leisure and education facilities Richard Branson - the founder of Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, launched into The Police, Crime, Sentencing action against climate change and the Black to local young people for almost The holiday park is donating Virgin Media - beat Jeff Bezos in a space on his rocket called ‘New Shepard’ on 20 July. and Courts Bill is close to Lives Matter protests last summer, actions two decades and relies solely on prizes for the competition. The race to space. The first trek into being passed at the time of such as the ones taken by these groups will donations to fund its operations. winner will receive a family the galaxy took place on 11 July and was 1.5 hours He was with his brother Mark, 82 year old aviator writing this, and if it does go become illegal. People won’t be able to fight The project currently works with holiday at one of Park Leisure’s long. During this time the passengers on board Mary Wallace ‘Wally’ Funk, and 18 year old student ahead the way people in England and Wales for their views in a way that gets people’s 52 young people but expects five stunning UK parks. Second experienced five minutes of weightlessness. Oliver Daemen. They were in space for 11 minutes protest will be changed forever. Whereas at the attention. Peaceful demonstrations will become to expand to 80 this summer and third runners up will receive and felt weightless for about four minutes. The moment police have to prove that a protest criminalised. as it welcomes extra funding to a £100 and £50 Amazon gift Branson first announced his intentions of rocket is 60ft tall, and can fit up to six people. causes serious damage or disruption in order support its offering. voucher respectively. becoming a space tourist in 2004 (I wasn’t alive to put restrictions on it, this new law will allow The right to protest is a crucial part of a good then) but due to technical difficulties and a The third space Musk-eteer, Tesla Boss and founder them to stop anyone “intentionally or recklessly democracy, so policing demonstrations is an This summer, Amble Links Amble Links is also supporting a fatal crash in 2014, it took 14 years to develop a of SpaceX Elon Musk, is working on developing causing public nuisance”. oppressive move in the wrong direction. In a is launching a photography local football team, Amble Links vehicle capable of this journey. a starship, which can carry up to 100 passengers world where there are lots of serious issues competition in partnership with FC, by sponsoring its kits. The to Mars and back. His aim is to launch his first, The right to protest is a part of the Human where change is needed, how are we supposed the charity to encourage young newly formed football team is After returning to Earth, Branson announced that unmanned vehicle in 2024. Rights Act and, although the claim is that it to make a difference without risking becoming people to experiment with looking forward to its first season from next year, paying customers could come won’t impact our human rights, the police will a criminal? different camera equipment and starting in September. aboard his rocket plane - VSS Unity. by Grace have the ability to stop anyone protesting. capture the best of the stunning Following the rise of Extinction Rebellion taking by Lily

129 artog.indd 1 23/07/2021 15:28:30 12 ~ The Ambler ‘Flamingo Friday’ Fundraiser Food Bank needs ames Calvert Spence College including a flamingo derby, fla- a new home J(JCSC) staff and students min-bingo, a quiz, and flamingo- held a day of flamingo-themed themed arts, crafts and PE. he Foodbank has been happily housed by St Mark’s URC for fun on Friday, 28 May in At the end of the day, Mr T over five years now and since aid of HospiceCare North Parks was presented with the gift lockdown, has had full use of their Northumberland. of a Flamingo Willow tree and a Church Hall. The day was organised in matching tree will be planted on Since February this year, we celebration of the contribution the school grounds. were joined at the hall by the to JCSC of Rachel Parks, who In total, £1,375.83 was Community Kitchen under the taught at the school from 1993 raised for HospiceCare North direction of Julie Baxter. Since until 2020. Northumberland. then, we have complimented each Mrs Parks held several Janice Bailey, Director of other’s remit and worked well together. roles during her time teaching Science and chief organiser However, sadly St Mark’s business, health and social care, of Flamingo Friday, said: “It URC building is having to close its PHSE and food technology. She has been a glorious day. It was doors on 31 December this year. particularly enjoyed the time she fantastic to see the students So we and the Community Kitchen spent working as the pastoral smiling after what’s been a are seeking new premises either support for Year 11 and Sixth difficult year for everyone. separately or together. Form. There has been silliness but We are in discussion along with She sadly died peacefully at also creativity, lots of energy Town Councillors, Northumberland County Councillors, Amble home on 29 April 2021, aged and it’s been a day that Rachel Development Trust and other 51. would have loved and would Staff and pupils celebrated the life members of community The Parks family were have made her laugh. I’d like of Rachel Parks organisations to see if by putting supported by HospiceCare to thank everyone for making our heads together we can come North Northumberland and today happen and showing what our garden, and it's nice to know up with a solution. the staff and students at JCSC JCSC is all about – the level of the other tree will remain at If you know of anyone who has were keen to raise funds for the generosity and care shown by JCSC to mark her time here.” a large space and maybe a kitchen charity. our wonderful students was Mr Parks is completing too, preferably on the ground floor if possible, can you please email It was important to all that heart-warming.” a charity run, organised [email protected], message the humorous and vivacious Mr Parks said: “It was lovely by HospiceCare North in our Foodbank page, or call in to St character of Mrs Parks was also to see the staff and students September and would love Mark’s church hall on any weekday celebrated. getting into the spirit of today. others to join him in "Team morning and speak to a member On ‘Flamingo Friday’ the My wife dedicated her teaching Flamingo". of the Foodbank team or to Julie school community came together career to JCSC and both of The run will take place on Baxter at the Community Kitchen. to stand proud and raise money our children have attended the Sunday 5 September around for the hospice. school. It's been a day she would Druridge Bay Country Park and hank you again to the community for their kind The day was filled with fun have truly appreciated. I plan to on the beach. There will be a 10k T donations of food items to and laughter thanks to activities find a special place for the tree in race and a shorter junior run. the Amble Food Bank. The volunteers are bowled over by the community’s continued generosity. Patter of tiny feet at East Chevington Around the beginning of here are now 400 tiny with news that volunteers had May this year we did see a slight feet pattering around found sets of two nests on two decrease in the number of people T in need of food parcels, as some Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s separate locations on the reserve people were able to return into East Chevington nature reserve - built by descendants from the work or find employment. as a hundred tiny harvest mice, originally released mice. Families and individuals which weigh the same as a Sophie Webster is project requiring support, through no fault 10p coin, have been released at manager of the Catch My Drift of their own, is still very much an the wildlife charity’s reserve at venture at East Chevington. She ongoing occurrence and will sadly Druridge Bay. said: “To find the nests was really continue to be so. We receive new Their release, made possible exciting for everybody as it’s such referrals each week. Just to remind you, food items by a large private donation, will a big area to search and we didn’t can be donated at either the Co-op reinforce what is one of the few think we’d ever find any. on Queen Street or in the cage by harvest mouse colonies north of Harvest mouse. Photo Joel Ireland “When we knew that the the checkouts at Morrison’s. the River Tyne. harvest mice were there with Morrison’s also do pick-up In August another 200 mice reed beds provided a suitable the discovery of the nests, we bags that are located by the main will be freed on the 185-hectare habitat for the mice, which build decided on a captive breeding entrance. These contain specific reserve, which is a haven for distinctive circular grass nests on programme and new releases to items that the Food Bank is short birds and other mammals, and, tall plants 3ft from the ground. boost their numbers and increase of and cost roughly between £2 and £4. Pick up a bag and then which it is hoped, will prove a In the following months, their genetic diversity. pay for this at the checkouts along surveys and searches didn’t show successful breeding ground for “The aim of the Catch with your other shopping. the cute animals. any signs of mice or nests, which My Drift project is to make Thank you also to many of you In 2004, Newcastle led conservationists to think the the reserve a stronghold in who have kindly made financial University PhD student Wendy reintroduction, may not have Northumberland for the harvest donations or set up standing orders Fall actively bred 240 harvest been successful. mouse again.” Although part that help to keep the Food Bank mice with the help of volunteers, Fast forward to 2019 of the wider Catch My Drift sustainable. To make a donation, schools and community groups. and Wendy took a call from project, the release itself has been please go to: rebrand.ly/x7s4r9o or search for Amble Food Bank at They were released on the East Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s funded by a generous private www.just giving.com. Thank you. Chevington site as the extensive Catch My Drift project team donation. The Ambler ~ 13 Reports from our County Councillors hope that you are Support would also be offered to their am sure we all realise that the Covid I well and keeping families. While it will not solve the I pandemic has had a great effect on safe. If I were to current issues, experience shows that it visitor numbers to Amble. It is not describe this past does help Public Protection Officers in surprising that under the current year I would say it’s been challenging tackling issues long term, and this can conditions people are reluctant to with pockets of wonderful. Challenging have an effect on things in the future. travel abroad and more and more people are looking in that we all have had to adapt to • Church Street new tarmac for UK holiday breaks. I guess that’s the same for a new way of living, working and footpaths: another excellent, swift job residents of Amble too. communicating with each other and with minimum disruption. A great Tourism and its associated activities without loved ones. Pockets of wonderful job by all involved. (New bus stop doubt is the biggest employer in our town and coming from Amble Medical Centre metal barrier in place also new lighting provides employment for a cross section of our Team, all doing an amazing, efficient column}. residents and provides opportunities for our young job vaccinating our community. Thank • Small Scheme Budget: I had a people that otherwise wouldn’t exist. you for everything you do. You are very balance of over £2000 which I had However, the influx of visitors makes it difficult much appreciated. to spend before May’s election, I had for residents especially at the peak times. Parking Hopefully vaccines are doing their permission to share these funds between continues to be an issue that we must cope with. job and we can start living life as normal Hauxley Nature Reserve. Assisting NCC are about to start physical work on the as possible again. with repairs caused by vandalism. extension to the Turner Street Car Park ( all the It is challenging when we Amble Lifeboat Station. Assisting required tests etc have now been carried out ) and have sporadic outbursts of Anti with the day- to- day running: over the when complete the well over a million pounds Social Behaviour within Amble and last year not being able to hold regular expenditure on it should improve town centre surrounding areas. Residents need to coffee mornings and missing out with parking. contact the Police on 101 and make them Lifeboat day have cut down on income. I have arranged with the co-operation of aware of incidents to assist in any Police I was pleased to be able to help Warkworth Parish Council for an overflow car park action dealing with the ASB. these organisations They are both very on the Braid (which is in Warkworth Parish). It has From a community safety point of grateful. been in use for a few weeks, and it certainly helps at view Public Protection Officers can be A Massive thank you to all the peak times. contacted :NCC Team phone 0345 600 residents in Amble, North Broomhill I am pleased that we have been able to assist 6400 Ask for Public Protection. Email-- and Hauxley who contacted me with families who qualify for free school meals with a Public.protection@northumberland,gov. congratulations upon my re-election as voucher that can be used over the summer holidays uk County Councillor. This certainly is a to assist them over this period. These vouchers for P.P. Officers will be working with fantastic ward to represent. £100 are available for use up to the 30th September the police to identify any young people I am certainly honoured and grateful and can be used at local shops. who are regularly involved in ASB and for your continued support. Enjoy the Summer! who would benefit from extra support Any issues please let me know. I am available on Jeffrey.watson@northumberland. to divert them away from this behaviour Cllr Terry Clark gov.uk and prevent them going on to offend. Amble, Hauxley, North Broomhill 07802385367

[email protected] [email protected] 0780 238 5367 New coffee blend launched to help RNLI

n 2020 the Amble Lifeboat Day was Icancelled, putting a hold on fundraising for the Amble RNLI. So Mocha Mondo decided to ‘launch’ a new blend of coffee and donate the profit from sales to Amble lifeboat station. We chose to use an Old Brown Java as part of the blend. The story goes that a large shipment of Java coffee beans were once left abandoned on the docks in Indonesia for years. Ships used to use the sacks of beans as ballast and they became further washed l-r Richard and Margaret Kelly accept the cheque for £1000 from Martin Homer (far right) and the with seawater. Someone had the bright idea Mocha Mondo team of roasting these brownish beans to see what they were like and found that they had by donating the profit from each packet. £1000 so far! The coffee proved to be a developed a distinctive flavour of their own. We thought that we might make a hit and we had sales from the pod, and the Today, there is a whole industry devoted to hundred pounds or so. The blend was website, and we have sent ‘Lifeboat blend’ to what is now known as ‘fermented’ coffees. described as ‘Rougher than the North Sea, all parts of the UK. It is also stocked in some So to include them in a coffee blend for the Tougher than the Lifeboat crew’, (although local shops. We are hoping that the RNLI lifeboat seemed like a good idea. some thought it should read the other way will stock it permanently in their visitor Using a picture of the Amble lifeboat, round). shop, and that you will also be able to try it kindly licenced by Andrew Mounsey, we sold Things did not go to plan however and at their coffee mornings. the packets to raise money for the Lifeboat instead of a hundred pounds, it has generated Martin Homer, Mocha Mondo 14 ~ The Ambler TRUST Life news from Amble Development Trust

elcome back to Trust Life decision on which regulations it brings) and doing something once again. Won yet another sunny will be removed and which will positive in the community. Email You may day. As I write this column remain, leaving serious doubts me if you’re interested. have noticed the outside of the the country is preparing itself about whether any events could pavilion has been painted, for for a summer of sport. We’ve be organised in the very near Safety first which we offer our thanks to the had rounds of Euro 2020, with future. As the world is slowly team volunteers who have given England through to the final, Or perhaps during lockdown awakening from its covid their time and enthusiasm (not Andy Murray’s heart stopping have we all become accustomed induced slumber and business to mention the paint) and are matches, and Emma Raducanu to ‘doing our own thing’ and returns to (our new) normal, taking pride in their new home showing some of the higher rediscovered how to entertain its good to see the town open base. ranking tennis stars what she ourselves? So many more people up again which creates a more is made of. We’ll soon have the have taken up walking, cycling, upbeat vibe, especially when the Development Trust office Olympics, rugby, golf, F1 and all gardening and camping or other sun shines. Let us hope everyone For the time being our office manner of sporting activities. outdoor activities – even litter – whether community or visitor, will remain closed to the public. And so the world begins to picking has seemed like a good keep their sensible heads on and Anyone wanting to contact wake up at last. But what about option to get outside and enjoy consider others. While it took The Ambler or requiring a CV our smaller events? the weather and exercise. us a while to take to wearing can do so by ringing: 01665 Many volunteers are still in masks, has it proved to be such 712929 or emailing editor@ limbo wondering ‘should we or Future events a hardship, especially if it saves theambler.co.uk or Julie@ shouldn’t we’ organise an event If you think community lives! ambledevelopmenttrust.org.uk for our community. It is very events should be back on the hard for them to know whether menu asap, why not join the The Welfare Hoping you all stay safe and they should take the risk of Events Committee and give At the Welfare, work to the well and enjoy the summer of booking and paying for activities, a helping hand. Everyone pitches is ongoing and we now sport. performers and overheads like has something to offer and have interest from two teams to insurance, when it could all be as their main events are the play there next season. It’s taken Julia and all trust staff and trustees cancelled and money lost. So Puffin Festival and Torchlight a long time to get to this stage julia@ambledevelopmenttrust. those decisions will have to wait Procession, you will be outside and will be wonderful to have org.uk until we have the government’s enjoying the weather (whatever sporting activities played there Tackling crime in Amble orthumbria Police is speaking to them in front of Nworking in partnership with parents where appropriate. Northumberland County Council to They have also dealt with tackle local issues including anti a number of vehicle related social behaviour. offences. Both police and the One area of concern in local authority are continuing Amble is Church Street, which to monitor the area including has seen large groups of youths by CCTV and will continue to gathering at the bus stop and take action. This will include behaving in a manner that is legal action if appropriate and having a detrimental effect on tenancy action may be considered those in the area. There have where those involved live in also been numerous incidents of local authority or social housing. speeding and vehicles being driven Incidents can be reported by in a disorderly and sometimes calling 101 or by completing an dangerous way at the same online form here: https://beta. location. northumbria.police.uk/our-services/ Police have responded report-it/anti-social-behaviour/ robustly, identifying where or email NCC: public.protection@ possible those involved and northumberland.gov.uk

The Ambler ~ 15 Amble Town All meetings at 6pm - details on our website Town: 2th August, 9th Sept both at Masonic Hall, Gloster Terrace; 14th October- Venue:T.B.C. Amenities: 30th Sept - 6pm Council Offices 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

MEMORIAL CIVIC AWARDS So many people have stepped forward to help and support After a pause last year, these will go ahead again this year others through these last difficult months. Many have continued but a little later. Alnwick Gardens will again send someone along to fulfil their essential roles, others have changed what and how to judge the shortlisted gardens. The judge is expected the week they offer their services, whilst lots have volunteered their time of 23rd August with councillors walking round in the two weeks to help more vulnerable members of the community. It would be beforehand. Due to the Covid restriction limiting numbers inside, impossible to thank everyone but our community is so very grateful only the top two entries will be invited to come and be presented to have such thoughtful, dedicated, kind individuals who have with their prize by the Mayor. All other certificates will be delivered. helped in a multitude of ways in these troubled times. As a small The Adult and Junior Civic Award winners will be invited that gesture of thanks, Council will be installing a new town seat with a evening too. dedication plaque; a place to sit and give thanks or to reminisce on happy moments to help us all through any hardship ahead. PADDLERS PARK In mid - June the new water feature pump prototype was fitted WEST CEMETERY and has been greatly enjoyed by the youngsters playing there. We The drainage is now in place in the next section of the cemetery hope this solves the issues which have plagued it since installation. and we thank people for their understanding whilst the work was Although the original work was carried out under contract to carried out. The ‘whip’ trees from Friends of the Earth are looking NCC, with contributions from your local NCC councillors and this healthy and there was a visit from the NCC Woodland Officer to council, the cost of replacement has been borne equally by NCC push forward ‘specimen’ trees to complete the western boundary and your council as the original contractor is no longer operating and continue back towards the natural burial area. The rest of the and therefore it was not possible to get them to undertake remedial boundary with the Gloster Hill development cannot have trees as work. it could impact the field drainage there. Although it will be a long time before the trees mature, it will be something for our present FLORAL DISPLAYS schoolchildren to show their children in the future. The fountain is Despite the warm dry weather the floral displays have been switched off at the end of September to try and stop the autumn beautiful. Dilston Terrace beds bloomed and formed a fitting tribute leaf fall blocking the circulation system; remember- water is turned to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Royal British Legion. off at the end of October. The Wynd bed depicted the merging of local and auxiliary fire service units into one National Fire Service 80 years ago.

EARMARKED FUNDS AT 31ST MARCH 2021 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 £9835 MEMORIAL SAFETY checks and stabilisation £2500

COMMUNITY/ENVIRONMENTAL public meetings/ environment works etc. £7400 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 £35000

ALLOTMENT FUND boundaries, walkways, maintenance £12466 CEMETERY REGISTERS legal requirement £610

RECREATION maintenance/future replacement £15989 COUNCIL, COMMITMENTS &STAFFING

WEBSITE & COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION £820 COMPUTERS & I.T. new and replacement hard/soft ware £4450

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. £1863

ACTIVE AMBLE £4450 LEGAL/ REGULATORY PROCEDURES advice etc. £17250

CCTV £2000 TRAINING staff & councillors £3000

TOWN PPE £457

MEMORIAL CLOCK maintenance/service £2200 LOYALTY FUND retirement gift/ civic & community £3390

MEMORIALS upkeep/repairs £56 CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS £45200

MEMORIAL GARDENS maintenance £1800 CONTINGENCY emergency cover £10000

WYND WALL repairs £4720 GENERAL FUND £40690

EQUALS TOTAL BANK BALANCE £270220

PLEASE CALL IF YOU WISH TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO VIEW THE AUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 31/04/2020

TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, FOURWAYS 2, AMBLE. NE65 0DT Tel: 01665 714 695 www.amble.gov.uk 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 16 ~ The Ambler This page is written and paid for by Amble Town Council Sad news from ‘Community Corner’

uilt as The Congregational fewer in number and the costs in the community to offer BChurch in 1894, this of keeping an old, Victorian some premises, or perhaps a building on the corner of Bede building going have become community buy-out of the and Wellwood Streets has been unviable. building??) a part of many people’s lives After much soul-searching, It has been wonderful that from and around Amble for 127 the members decided in June to we were able to give the use years. Since 1972, it has been close the building at the end of of the whole building to the known as St. Mark’s United December 2021. It will then be Foodbank during the lockdown Reformed Church. Almost every the responsibility of the URC’s period. Julie Baxter has been ‘older’ resident has a connection Northern Synod to sell the running The Community - attending Sunday School, a property. Kitchen from St. Mark’s since baptism, a wedding, a funeral. St. Mark’s family wishes to the beginning of February and Prior to the events of the to be so. As a congregation, remain as a church fellowship, this works really well alongside past year, in addition to worship, we truly welcome everyone, serving its community of Amble the Foodbank. In fact, the corner many organisations made use and wherever we are, that will and is currently looking at a where the church is situated has of the building for meetings, continue. number of possible options affectionately become known as parties, quizzes, concerts for We all recognise the to take this plan forward. The ‘Community Corner.’ Christian Aid, even a ‘Berets and treasure we have in Mr. George 60s group, The Local History We look forward with Beaujolais’ evening. Since 2017, ‘Tradecraft’ Hall - as a Fair-trade group, The Puffin Lounge, hope, and will always have the St. Mark’s has been proud to Church we have been providing Weightwatchers, Amble community of Amble at our be fully inclusive in its Ministry, Fair-trade goods for everyone for Foodbank, and the Community heart. being registered for Equal many years. Kitchen will all be reassessing Marriage, one of only three As time has moved on, the their futures, and hopefully Sue Swanston, churches in Northumberland congregation has become relocating. (Cue for someone Church Secretary Round the island race 2021 Amble Now: exhibition by Luke McTaggart mble Now is an exhibition is the harbour, it has become a Aof new work by Amble radically different place to the artist Luke Mc Taggart, at The Amble Harbour of five years ago, Old Storehouse, Amble Links it is a meeting point between the Holiday Park. August 20 - 27. Preview evening 20 August 6-8pm. All welcome. Luke said “For this exhibition, which has been generously facilitated by the Amble Links Holiday Park, I Report and photo: Dave Burke want to confront what Amble means in the here and now. fter a race-free year due to secs – only 6 seconds short of the Not what it may have been or ACovid, it was good to see all fastest time The first seakayak the paddlers back for this year’s back (52 mins 28 secs) was Richard what it will become but the race. Social distancing precluded Clarke. Amble of the present. Typically the use of changing rooms and There was a better balance I have addressed my sense showers, but the weather was of ages this year – the median of place here by painting the clement and outside meetings a age being 55 – and of the 37 landscape surrounding the pleasure! A poor forecast had some competitors nine were over 65. town, land with the looming paddlers doubtful, but in the end Our youngest competitor was cloud of development hanging it was dry and warm with light local boy Daniel Collins (age 12), over it. Landscape that is ripe old and new. I would appreciate winds and enough swell to catch paddling an extremely short boat one paddler out on the SE corner (about a 1/3rd of the length of the with inspiration. In some of anyone local taking the time to of the island, but not too much of winning Skis). Due to conditions the newer work I will show visit my exhibition as I feel that a problem. round the island, he (and his alongside these paintings I want the people to whom the work Competitors had been briefed support group) were advised to to capture something of the real can speak to most directly are to keep a good distance from shorten the course and return shift that is happening in the the residents of this enigmatic the island to avoid disturbing the once they had reached the island. town now. A prime example town.” birds, but the surf can easily carry Daniel reached the finish line after you on shore even from a good nearly 1hr 40 mins to a round of way off. Luckily there was minimal applause. Cyclist raising money for charity disturbance caused. Safety boats At the prize giving, Daniel ocal cyclist Marc Waddell is raising money for the Melanoma- were supplemented by the Amble was presented with the Rab Beal Me Foundation. In September, Marc and two of his friends are lifeboat crew, who stood by a trophy, which goes to the Coquet L capsized paddler until he got back Canoe Club Junior with the best cycling from Skegness to Boulmer – a total of 240 miles, to raise afloat. result in the race. We hope he will awareness and funds for the charity, and to honour the life of Julie There was a strong turnout be there next year in a sea kayak Goring who sadly died recently. of nine Surfski paddlers (from to show us what he is capable of in Melanoma-Me founder Kerry Rafferty said: “Marc and his team Scotland), including one double, a faster boat. are currently training for this event and are looking for sponsorship and conditions favoured them. Thanks to the Amble RNLI and to support them with completing the event. Any help is greatly First home was Lizzie Polgreen, RSPB for assistance with safety appreciated.” (pictured above) only a few cover. We are planning to run the seconds in front of the 2-man race in June next year and hope to For more information see their Facebook page: https://www. boat. Her time was 43 mins 2 see a big entry again. facebook.com/MelanomaMe The Ambler ~ 17 WHAT’S ON CLUBS & GROUPS Youth Project summer fun Dry Water Arts Centre ctrivities take place behind the Dovecote Centre he Dry Water team are thrilled to announce that we will finally be AWeek 2 to 6 August. Topening our doors in September. We are really looking forward Monday and Wednesday to welcoming friends old and new. 11am -1pm Chilled Games - Arts and Craft – Paint by numbers. We have been busy over the lockdown periods renovating and Sports Session only on Monday 2 – 4pm improving our building. Wednesday -1 – 5pm - Canoeing and Paddleboarding We have a brand new light filled yoga/dance space and a new For the full programme see: www.AmbleYouthProject.org programme of creative classes and workshops all beginning in September. For the August in between time, whilst we are all staycationing Amble Links new strip and coming to terms with the new, new normal, Dry Water will be offering a Summer programme - full information can be found on the website: www.drywaterarts.uk There will be Family kite making, Mindful Moodle workshops and some new creative sessions for carers. September will see the full new weekly programme so make sure you check out the website. There will be a host of new events, workshops, community projects and exhibitions. All the details including the answer to the question “What on earth is a Mindful Moodle?” can be found on www.drywaterarts.uk. Now you can book everything online! [email protected] Tel: 07542 141411 Head to Hauxley this summer isitors to Hauxley Nature Reserve are being enthralled by the sightings Amble Links squad with Ben Goodfellow from BenWeld who kindly of rabbits and stoats speeding across the paths and through the sponsored the side’s away strips and training jackets. V meadows searching for prey. Tiny bank voles have been spotted searching for fruit, nuts and small insects. Open from 10am - 5pm and with parking, the reserve is offering a takeaway service from The Lookout Café serving NTC events in Amble drinks, snacks and ice creams which can be enjoyed al fresco around the The Wind in the Willows. Sat 21 Aug. 5.30pm reserve. Outdoor event. Tickets £8-10 https://www.facebook.com/ Their calendar has been filled with events every Tuesday during the events/1171014156655995/?ref=newsfeed summer holidays. The Importance of Being Earnest. Sat 2 Oct. 7.30pm Shelter building: Tuesday 31 August, 10:30am - 11:45am Dracula the Travesty. Thursday 28 October Members of the family are put to the test seeing how many of the challenge criteria they can meet. Move over Bear Grylls! Time needs to PANTO: Cinderella. Dates and times throughout December be allowed to walk to and from the event location. Minibeast safari: Tuesday 17 August, 10:30am - 11:45am Join the wildlife charity’s events team on a special safari to find the Harbour Lights Amble’s Community Choir insects and bugs that make Hauxley their home. ince lockdown our choir has been singing online via Zoom. We Brilliant birds: Tuesday 3 August, 2:00pm - 3:15pm have learned new songs, enjoyed singing our well known songs, Learn about the adaptations of birds and put your bird spotting skills S into action. The reserve is currently packed with spectacular species, had choir videos made, had parties and lots of fun. All on line! We including tree sparrows, tits, finches and beautiful bullfinches that are have kept in touch with each other and have gained some lovely new engaging visitors at the feeding stations. members too. Animal tracks and trails: Tuesday 3 August, 10:30am - 11:45 am and The good news is we are looking forward to meeting up as a Tuesday 17 August, 2:00pm - 3:15pm choir in person again in the autumn. We aim to start on Thursday Learn more about the clues left behind by animal and have fun being September 2 at 7pm, at our new venue, the upstairs concert room of a nature detective spotting signs of wildlife the Bede Street Club,16 Bede Street, Amble. NE65 0EA. We also plan to continue with occasional Zoom online choir, or Photography Group update other means of maybe streaming our practices, to keep in touch with members who live at a distance. We are a very friendly choir who mble Photographic Group was one of the 32 clubs to enter welcome new members. You do not need to be able to sing or read Adigital photos in this year’s Northern Counties Photographic music to join us. Federation Annuals. I thought these next words were so great, seen on a friend’s Amble entered six images in the Myles Audas Trophy main Facebook page, competition, and one in the Jane Black Trophy for beginners. There “Singing in a choir is an absolutely unique experience. It is just one were a total of 1,192 entries in the main competition and 95 in the of the best things in the world. Where else do you have everyone beginners section. doing the same thing at the same time, without the use of special Judging took place in May. In the Myles Audas Trophy the equipment and for a greater purpose, and no one is sitting on the winning score was 79 points with Amble achieving 76 points, only bench” three points behind the winner. It was a great achievement to be in If you would like more information, please email us at the top five teams. [email protected] In the Jane Black Trophy Amble’s Peter Burnham was awarded or see our website: www. harbourlightscommunitychoir.org the maximum score of 15 points, but came second as there was And our Facebook page: Harbour Lights-Amble Community Choir. another maximum score which was awarded the trophy. Anyone wishing to join the Group should contact Helen Holmes Mary Davidson on [email protected] or via our website at www. Chairperson amblephotogroup.com 18 ~ The Ambler WHAT’S ON CLUBS & GROUPS Marking the centenary of the RBL Future of East Coquet Local unday 15 May 1921, a wet Royal British Legion are proud Sand dreary day, saw a small to still have 2,500 branches, History Society number of ex-servicemen walk some with history reaching back here will be a social evening to the Cenotaph War Memorial to 1921 and others established on Thursday 16 September at photo: Andrew Mounsey T in London’s Whitehall. As within the last decade. To mark 6-30pm to discuss the future of Big Ben struck nine, four men the founding, the organisation Amble East Coquet Local History representing the societies, recreated the activity held on 15 Society. that for three years had been May 1921. The Royal British Everyone is welcome – rivals, laid a wreath at the Legion’s National President and refreshments will be provided. base of the memorial. On that serving personnel laid a wreath Venue: Hallgarth, High Street, Amble, next to Rossini wreath were the badges of the at the Cenotaph at 9am on 15 restaurant. four organisations that would May 2021 – the same moment Contact: ec–[email protected] officially amalgamate to form the and place as 100 years ago, British Legion. which sparked the beginning of This was the starting gun something much larger. for the Royal British Legion as Chairman Allan Wade, of we know it today. By Christmas The Warkworth and Amble of 1921, the ranks of the District Branch, whose members organisation had swelled to will also be celebrating their include 2,500 branches across 100th anniversary this year, the country, as well as overseas. laid a wreath on Amble’s War These were groups around which Memorial. He was accompanied tower was illuminated in the the armed forces community by branch president Jeff national colours; red, white and rallied after the First World War. Watson, secretary June Watson, blue at 9pm, At the same time They made change happen, committee member Vivian St. Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley fundraised through the Poppy Wade, branch standard bearer Bay was illuminated in red. Appeal, provided welfare locally Reg Bond and trumpeter Ron On 11 July, invited attendees and became the foundation for Creasy. gathered at the clock memorial what has now become the UK’s Later to complete the to be filmed for a special video largest armed forces charity. celebration, the standard was celebrating the Royal British One hundred years later, the paraded at the memorial as the Legion’s Centenary.

The Ambler ~ 19 Swimmers warned to take care as tragedy narrowly averted Civic and Garden n Amble surfer has warned Aswimmers to take care, after awards 2021 saving three people who got into mble Town Council has trouble at Cresswell beach. Aannounced that judging for Jon Nolan who runs Northside this year’s garden awards will Surf School was teaching a group take place between 9 and 23 of surfers when he noticed three August and will be carried out bathers nearby, struggling in a with nominations and a walk rip current. around. Jon told the Ambler: “There were two women and a boy. They Alnwick gardens have kindly shouted ‘Help we can’t swim.’ I offered a member of their could see one of the women was garden team to be our judge for exhausted. I whistled to Jacob this year. [Poulton] to bring the surf lesson How to escape a rip current. Image: US National Weather Service group out of the water, and three of us went to help. I was able though that is the first thing for my life. I’m so thankful you to use my board to bring the you’ll try to do when panicking) guys were there! Heroes.” young lad to shore, while Jacob • Don’t try to fight it, save your and Michael [Thompson] went to energy. Respect the Water aid the women. It was difficult, •If you can touch the bottom, try The RNLI has lots of advice because we were in the channel, to wade out parallel to the shore on beach safety on its website, but eventually we were able • If you can’t wade, keep and draws particular attention to to bring them back in using our floating till the rip loses power, rip currents: boards.” then swim across away from the Rip currents can travel up to Categories are:- On his Facebook page Jon rip and head for the shore. the same speed as an Olympic posted this message: “Please can Stay safe and let’s enjoy our swimmer (4.5mph) and can pull Good Garden - All wards - we share this to show awareness summer safely.” even the strongest swimmers out Allotments - East and West of rip [currents]. Here’s some One of those rescued sent a to sea. And unexpected waves Business and Community - Best pointers for you to remember if message of thanks to Jon, Jacob can quickly knock you off your floral display you find yourself or others caught and Michael: “Hello, I was one of feet. Civic Award - Adult and Junior in one: the people your guys rescued two • If you find yourself in difficulty • Stay calm days ago - was myself, my aunt in the water, float to increase Please visit: www.amble.gov.uk • If there’s people on the beach, and wee cousin. I can’t thank your chances of survival. or email [email protected] for try to get their attention you guys enough, I have never • If you see someone else in more information and to submit • Float on your back, don’t try to been more terrified in my life trouble in the water, call 999 or nominations. swim straight for the shore (even and was the first time I feared 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Generous ‘Fairy Godmother’ saves Amble panto generous donation money that will be used to pay Aof £10,000 from an for the Christmas Panto which anonymous Fairy Godmother this year is Cinderella. It’s quite has ensured that the people of appropriate that Cinders had a Amble and beyond will get a Fairy Godmother and now so do Pantomime this Christmas. we. We are all very grateful.” The Northumberland Lewis started his new role Theatre Company (NTC) based as Artistic Director just as the in Amble’s Dovecote Centre first lockdown started, and his is a self-funding professional role has been a baptism of fire. small-scale touring theatre His first task was to manage company and like every other furloughed staff at the same entertainment business they time as handling the day to day have been severely financially running of the company – all impacted by COVID without any shows or regular restrictions. income. Now however, the With only one outdoor show Dovecote Centre hosts other last year and no chance to tour, community groups within its the company’s financial situation building which helps the theatre made it difficult to plan for the financially as well as providing traditional Christmas Panto. mutual support and shared Then, as if by magic, a letter projects. was posted to the company It is anticipated that together with a £10,000 cheque following risk assessments and as Artistic Director Lewis Covid-proofing, the Centre will Matthews explains: reopen to the public in early Artistic Director Lewis Matthews and Natalie Barnes, Tours and Office “The lady asked us to keep August. Forthcoming events Administrator in Panto mood her identity a secret and we include regular cinema showings don’t know her personally. All and a production of “The by donations, well wishes and that the theatre will be filled with we know is that she has enjoyed Importance of Being Earnest.” pledges to return to see our laughter and joy this Christmas our work in the past and has “We have been well shows but this anonymous gift time, “said Lewis. decided to help us out by supported by the people of has really lifted our spirits and The Panto will take place donating this fantastic amount of Amble during the pandemic given us the funds to guarantee between 17 and 31 December.