Amble Is a Winner! Burke

Issue 96 Dec 2015/Jan 2016 mble is the top Coastal <a href="/tags/Amble/" rel="tag">Amble</a> is a winner! Burke. Community town in “To have AGreat Britain, according taken the to a national competition. The town from Friendliest Port beat its two decline following the closure of rivals in the Great British High many shops and local factories, Street of the Year awards, to to a vibrant, welcoming high scoop the top slot in the Coastal street of independent traders, is Community category. a fantastic achievement. Thank The Great British High you to everyone who voted and Street of the Year awards supported the town.” singled out Amble as one of The Great British High the three finalists in the Coastal Street award is run by the Community category. Prestatyn Department for Communities in Wales and Bognor Regis in and Local Government. Sussex were also shortlisted, and The winners of the categories residents were able to vote via then go on to compete for the email every day over the four top prize of Great British High week competition. Amble took Street of the Year; sadly judges the lead after week two, but were Ann Burke and Julia Aston celebrate Amble’s achievement declined to choose Amble for the overtaken again towards the end. overall prize. It was a nailbiting wait Burke, chair of Amble Business achievement is wonderful,” Winners of each category to find out who had actually Club travelled to <a href="/tags/London/" rel="tag">London</a> to hear said Julia, who originally put get a share of a pot prize worth scooped top of their category, the announcement. Amble’s name forward for the £80K, which includes expert and who was the overall winner. “I am so happy for Amble; competition. training and tailor-made tips Julia Aston, director of Amble for such a small town to be up “I’m thrilled to bits, from Google for 100 of their Development Trust, and Ann against larger competitors. This delighted for Amble,” said Ann shops, bars and restaurants. Torchlight Procession draws biggest crowds yet housands of people turned out to watch Tthe annual Torchlight Procession and switch-on of Amble’s Christmas Lights. Queen Street was packed with onlookers, while the procession itself described as being bigger than ever. Community groups got in the festive mood and many youngsters wore decorated fish hats instead of the usual lanterns. “We were really pleased with the turnout” said Amble Town Council clerk Elaine Brown. “It looked like the biggest parade to date. Amble knows how to party!” Special guests the Transformers joined the parade and later performed dance routines in the Town Square. Tribal dancers Tribe Zuza also performed to an appreciative audience, along with community singing, stalls and a funfair to entertain the crowds. Santa also made time to greet local children. “Thank you to everyone who helped make this another wonderful festive occasion,” said Left: Fish lanterns and the Amble skiff Elaine. “Everyone has worked together, and it in the parade. Photo by Steve Emberton. has been worth it.” Above: Hugs for Santa from 3 year old More photos on back page >> Eva Jury. Photo by Anna Williams. Seasons Greetings to all our readers his Christmas and New Year edition is more and more these days, and it is obvious that Tas stuffed as the proverbial turkey; once people are continuing to invest their time and again we’ve tried to bring you as much local money into the Friendliest Port. information, excitement and goings-on as we can. We discuss two new businesses who have just There are serious started up on the stories; two fishermen Industrial Estate (see who were saved after page 10 and 15), and their boat sank is on a landlord’s welcome The Ambler page 3, the plight of return to a local pub Fourways 2 the puffins is discussed (page 9). 6 Dilston Terrace on pages 7 and 10, But it’s not <a href="/tags/Northumberland/" rel="tag">Northumberland</a> NE65 0DT and on average, two just businesses Tel: 01665 712929 families a week are contributing to www.theambler.co.uk using Amble Food Amble’s growing [email protected] Bank (centre pages). sense of positivity. Late night shopping and festive fun at the Harbour Village Twitter: AmbleByTheSea Amble people (see ad on page 17) Creative people too YouTube: AnnaAtTheAmbler1 have shown are drawn to the tremendous support for Remembrance Day and Friendliest Port. A local author has just published for the Torchlight Procession, both events saw her fourth book, (see page 8) and a world renown bigger crowds than ever. See front and back pages photographer has opened a gallery here (page 7). and page 4. There’s also video of the Torchlight It just remains to thank you for reading The Follow us on Facebook Procession and the Transformers on our Facebook Ambler over the years, and the team wish you Follow us on Pinterest page and our website. all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and Editorial Team: ‘Amble’s on the up’ is an expression we hear Happy New Year. Vivienne Dalgliesh - Célia Fery Norma Hinson - Mir Jannetta Tim Jones - Lou Pickering Final say on the one way system Cath Teasdale - Anna Williams he traffic order for the temporary one way system trialled in the harbour area Thanks to: Tis due to expire on 15 December. Northumberland County Council propose Mark Beswick & The Artograffi Crew to extend the order for another three months, after which the one way system Justin Cooper will become permanent. The temporary one way system runs from the bottom of Queen Street, along Distribution: Coquet Street and Leazes Street, ending at Newburgh Street. It was introduced Dawn and Taylor in December 2014 to see if it would ease traffic congestion along the harbour Printing: area. Azure Printers, Pegswood According to a poll on The Ambler’s website (see below), 46% of people who replied, believe the one way system is easing congestion along Leazes St. Would you like to join 35 % believe Leazes St is better, but the one way system has moved congestion The Ambler team? We are a friendly group who welcome contributions elsewhere, while 15% believe things were better the way they were. We will leave and help from anyone who would our poll up until Christmas if you NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL like to volunteer. wish to take part. If you want to comment on ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14 (1) Thanks to all our contributors, the council’s plans, either for sponsors and advertisers: or against, you are invited to AMBLE TOWN CENTRE Amble Town Council email, write or visit the County (TEMPORARY ONE WAY SYSTEM) ORDER 2014 Council’s website. High Sheriff of Northumberland Email: highwaysprogramme@ Youth against Crime Awards. northumberland.gov.uk FOR INFORMATION Inner Wheel Club of Via letter: NCC, Technical Amble and Warkworth Services, Sustainable Transport, th County Hall Morpeth NE61 2EF The above named 12 month Order is due to expire on the 15 December 2015. The County Rotary Club of Amble and Warkworth Council proposes to extend this temporary Order until 15th March 2016. (Marking the envelope Amble Sir James Knott Trust One Way System). Anecdotal evidence suggests that the scheme has been a success and would support a Northumberland County Council Closing date for comments is permanent Order on this basis in the New Year; together with associated restrictions Community Chest 31st December 2015. complimentary to the road safety aspects of a one way system scheme i.e. double yellow road marking to improve sight lines throughout the scheme. Any comments on the introduction of this scheme of this scheme on a permanent basis may be sent in the following ways: Via email: [email protected] The Ambler is a project of Via letter: NCC, Technical Services, Sustainable Transport, County Hall Morpeth NE61 2EF Amble Development Trust (Marking the envelope Amble One Way System). Via website: Northumberland County Council. The views expressed in The Ambler and The Ambler Online are not Closing date for comments is 31st December 2015 necessarily those of the Editorial Team Traffic Team Printed on paper from sustainable forestry in the UK Sustainable Transport 2 ~ The Ambler Two fishermen rescued off <a href="/tags/Coquet_Island/" rel="tag">Coquet Island</a> after boat sinks wo fishermen whose must have had tremendous arrived,” said John. Tboat sank off the strength to hang on for that Martin Lowe, Northumberland coast on length of time. He must have Coastguard Senior 18 November were rescued had a strong will to live.” Coastal Operations following a search operation Amble RNLI all-weather Officer for the involving four RNLI lifeboats and inshore lifeboats were Amble area told and the new Search and Rescue launched to search for the second The Ambler, “The (SAR) helicopter. fisherman, and Newbiggin and [SAR] aircraft was The alarm was raised just Seahouses RNLI lifeboats were from Humberside. before 9am, by Tom Lillico and later requested to join the search. The response time son Jason who were on their “We were searching for about was 57 minutes fishing boat the Boy Liam, when an hour,” said John. “We spotted from the Ops room they spotted a man clinging to a some flotsam from the sunken requesting the lobster pot marker. They radioed vessel; fish boxes, ropes etc and helicopter to it being for help after pulling him on we followed that. We didn’t on scene at Coquet board their vessel. know where the second lad was. Island.” “The water was very cold, “The inshore lifeboat went “These are two “Amble RNLI coxwain John in close to Coquet Island and extremely lucky Connell told The Ambler. “He spotted someone waving. fishermen. The Fortunately water is very cold it was the and they were in the lad we were water some time but The Boy Liam, whose crew pulled one local looking for.” they did what they fisherman to safety The man could to look after had managed themselves until help The Ambler’s Facebook page, to swim to arrived,” said John. describing all the rescuers as the island “We always hope for a heroes. after the boat positive outcome but we are all But John was uncomfortable sank. very, very relieved that the two with the description. He said: “Just fishermen have been found and “The RNLI is here to provide as our lad we wish them well for a speedy a service to the community and walked up recovery following their ordeal.” the seafaring community. We’re onto the When news of the rescue just glad that we can.” island, the became known, many people left helicopter messages of congratulations on Anna Williams Amble inshore lifeboat crew at Harbour DayLORD WARKWORTH LODGE 1879 Come and enjoy a night out GLOSTER TERRACE AMBLE at the“Bede Street” this ChristmasThursday 17 December 7.45pm Christmas Bingo (Games Room) Plus Top Entertainer PETER ALLAN CHRISTMAS EVE 6.30PM - 11PM CHRISTMAS DAY 11AM - 1PM ONLY TO BE ONE JUST ASK ONE BOXING DAY CLUB OPEN ALL DAY Interested? Live Football, Bingo & Disco Contact; Bob Catchpole: [email protected] Tuesday 29 December 8pm Quiz NEW YEAR’S EVE 6.30PM - 12.30AM NEW YEAR’S DAY CLUB OPEN ALL DAY 3pm Disco 7.30pm Bingo Saturday 2 January 2016 8.30pm Disco Live football shown on multiple screens Planning an event? - Choice of 3 function rooms. Free room hire Full range of Beers, Wines, & Spirits at very competitive prices 16 Bede St, Amble, Morpeth NE65 0EA 01665 710213 The Ambler ~ 3 Hundreds attend Remembrance Day service n Remembrance Sunday, in an event that is growing Oin numbers year by year, hundreds of people once again turned out to pay their respects to Amble’s war dead. The town square was packed with wreath bearers and local people, who braved the driving rain to watch the service. Right: Amy Griffiths and her son Tyler placed a wreath on behalf of Amble Tavern FC. Top: (l-r) Lynn Camsell, Dep. Lieutenant of Northumberland; Amble Mayor Craig Weir A maroon marked the beginning and end of the two and Cllr Jane Dargue with Hauxley Parish councillor Wendy Appleby. Above: Wreath minute silence, after which the last post was played. bearers from armed services and community groups Below: Crowds in Town Square Poppy wreaths were then placed on Amble and Radcliffe memorials. Two rows of tribute bearers flanked the steps of the memorial gardens. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Queen by a representative of the Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, and on behalf of the people of Amble, Radcliffe and Hauxley, by County, Town and Parish councillors. Wreaths were then placed by representatives of the armed services and community groups. Prayers, readings and a blessing were spoken by Amble clergy. The service ended with the National Anthem. Afterwards, a procession moved along Queen Street to St Mark’s church for a remembrance service. To mark Armistice Day, Amble First School, Busy Bees and Brambles youngsters joined others in the Town Square. A two minute silence and a short service was held, and the children placed handmade wreaths at the clock memorial. Left: Amongst the cross tributes, one was placed for US Marine Capt Bartle. In September, the ‘Walking with the Wounded’ team passed through Amble on their charity walk from Scotland to Buckingham Palace. As part of the walk, wounded US Marine Kirstie Ennis (inset) placed 25 dog tags along her route. When in Amble, Kirstie placed an ID tag of fallen US pilot Captain Daniel Bartle in Amble’s clock tower. (See Issue 95 p3 and our website). National media reported that at the end of the walk, Kirstie gave Prince Harry the final dog tag. Right: Busy Bees youngsters with their handmade poppy wreath.Photos by Vivienne Dalgliesh and Anna Williams 4 ~ The Ambler Amble veteran George Skipper receives Légion d’Honneur n a remembrance ceremony at Durham Cathedral tower. ICathedral, Amble war veteran George George told The Ambler:” It was a Skipper was awarded the Légion lovely day, there were two hours of good d’Honneur, France’s highest military entertainment. My son, grandson, and honour, by the French Consul for the daughter-in-law were there. The French North East and Cumbria, Dr Andrew ambassador was there. They played the Robinson. French national anthem. It was lovely.” The French government are Next day, for Remembrance Day, honouring those surviving veterans who George and his grandson, Sgt Luke helped liberate France during the second Skipper of the Royal Mechanical world war. 92 year old George, who had Engineers, placed a poppy wreath at taken part in the Normandy landings on Amble’s War Memorial. D-Day, was presented with his medal, Luke described how proud he and the along with 17 other veterans from the family were at George’s honour: “It was North East. an honour seeing our grandad and father “I was very proud,” said George, who receiving it after all he went through. served in the Royal Army Service Corps. Well deserved; it takes a lot of courage “And I was thinking of the people who to do what he did that day. We’re just never came back. There were thousands of glad he made it home as otherwise we all Americans who died on the beaches.” wouldn’t be here.” The medal was bestowed on George Sgt Skipper added: “It means that as part of the Festival of Remembrance little bit more to me, being in the army in Durham Cathedral on 7 November. and after serving in Afghanistan twice, Hundreds attended the event which knowing the things he could have gone included a muster parade, performances through.” by military and community choirs and bands and a poppy drop from the Anna WilliamsWe’d like to remind residents that the that affect safety and community wellbeing, Neighbourhood Policing local Neighbourhood Policing team have left or wish advice on related matters. Team: keeping the the old building at Leslie Drive and taken up a new office at Fourways2. Judith Davis, community safe The opening times of the office remain Community Safety Officer Northumberland the same as before; 9am - 5pm Monday - County Council orthumbria Police and Northumberland Friday NCounty Council continue to work Working directly together as part of the Safer Northumberland from Fourways2 Partnership, to keep the community as safe as is PC 3527 Guitar Tuition possible. Donaldson, CSO Brian Arthur BA (Hons), 4089 Fawcett and LTCL, PGCE more recently CSO 20-22 Queen Street, Amble, 5793 Mouat. NE65 0BZ. Brian offers guitar lessons at his Tel: 01665 714 584 home in Warkworth. They all can be Specialising in Classical guitar, contacted by ringing Clothing alterations and repairs: he also teaches electric, 101. Dry cleaning; Haberdashery; Wool; finger-style Jazz, acoustic folk As your NCC Fabric; Patterns; Craft supplies; (British and American), blues, etc. Dressmaking; Millinery; Keen students all ages and levels welcome. community safety Lampshades; Courses; officer, I can be Studio/craft room hire. E-mail: [email protected] contacted on 01670 Http//www.amblepincushion.co.uk Landline: 01665 712 532 623829 should you Http//www.facebook/amblepincushion Mobile: 07751 644 268 wish to report any Mon - Sat 9.30am : 4.00pm CSO Fawcett and PC Donaldson outside Fourways2 issues in the area The Ambler ~ 5 WHAT YOU SAY... Would you host a student over Christmas? Thank you from Kate May we appeal to your readers to consider giving the gift of Christmas? A huge thank you to friendly patients and Our volunteer local organiser is urgently looking for more invitations to colleagues for all the cards, gifts and good wishes offer to international students at university here, who would much rather following my recent retirement from District Nurse. experience Christmas in the homes of local people, than on a deserted campus. Also to those who supported me and gave so Adult students from across the world would love a warm welcome, and to generously to leukaemia research following the Great discover what this festival means for us. Invitations for just three nights over North Run. Christmas are urgently needed from volunteer hosts, no matter their age, or Thank you, how far they live from a university, and we will carefully match hosts with a Kate Appleby student they would enjoy meeting. The Croft, Longhoughton Please see www.hostuk.org for more information or call 020 7739 6292 to be put in touch with a local organiser. Marie Curie fundraiser Kimberley Brough, Deputy Chief Executive, HOST The Warkworth FB page has news of my ongoing Marie Curie fundraiser - see the latest project promoting the book & the village. Fund just reached £1939! Amble lifeboat has new role Marvellous! https://www.facebook.com/warkworthbook/photos Beryl Holmes via email Christmas poemI think for your folks at Christmas time they may struggle to get by, but they want their children to smile not cry. How they manage to make my Christmas great. I will never know even now I feel guilty and cry. Norman Clay Dolphin Court, AmbleBusiness Feature:Amble’s former RNLI Lifeboat, the “Margaret Graham” was spotted Local girl returns home recently in her new role. Sam Allan, a local girl The “Margaret Graham” served at Amble between 1986 and 1999 after who went to school in which she was sold out of RNLI service. She is now the pilot boat, “St. Amble, and also worked at the yachting marina, Hilda” based at Whitby, North Yorkshire, where she was photographed by has returned to celebrate Tim Kirton on October 16 2015. the anniversary of her The “Margaret Graham” operational number 44-005, was one of the first Estate Agents and Lettings batch of six Waveney class lifeboats built for the RNLI by Brooke Marine business which opened in of Lowestoft between 1966 and 1968. The Waveney class was based on a November 2014. United States Coastguard design and was the first type of “Fast Afloat Boat” Sam also used to work (FAB) built for the RNLI, capable of a speed of 14 knots as opposed to for Your Move Estate agents approximately 8 knots of conventional RNLI lifeboats of the day. in Amble many years ago and has helped other estate agents set up their businesses in Morpeth. The “Margaret Graham” was built in 1967 for the Harwich lifeboat She decided to start her own lettings business in 2009 in station, one of the busiest in the country, where she served until 1980. the Sanderson Shopping Arcade, Morpeth. The business grew After six years in the RNLI’s Reserve fleet she was re located to Amble quickly due to the prime location of the office and the large where she became the station’s first “FAB” with almost twice the speed of window display with over 55,000 footfall on a weekly basis her predecessor, the 8 knot “Harold Salvesen”. By contrast, Amble’s new with all properties being promoted on Right move and Zoopla. Shannon class lifeboat, which is currently being built and will be delivered The personal service offered to all customers who in next year, will be capable of 25 knots. return recommended Sam Allan Estates to other customers, Tim Kirton spotted the “Margaret Graham” in Whitby Marina and making the business expand quicker than anticipated. Sam opened the Amble office when she was instructed commented, “She appears to have been unaltered from her RNLI service days to sell the exclusive apartments at Coble Quays, introducing and, I am pleased to say, she looked in excellent condition. The “Margaret over 100 interested parties for the 17 water front apartments. Graham” had a long and proud service record and it is great to see that she is Sam says that Amble is still going strong in her new role today”. such a desirable location to If you haven’t heard and are interested, Amble’s new Shannon, live and has much to offer op. no. 13-16, will be named, “Elizabeth and Leonard”. with the attractive Harbour Village, yachting marina and a Tim Kirton via email good range of local shops.We welcome your letters, email, Facebook and Twitter comments for publication. Your name and address must be supplied, but will be withheld on request. Letters may be edited. Contact details on page2. 6 ~ The Ambler Saving our wildlife elcome to Northumberland, the land Wof hidden charm and mysteries, best known for its castles and ruins. Several small islands along the Northumberland coast, such as the Farne Islands and Coquet Island, are famous for their birdlife, outstanding flora and fauna, distinctive by a great variety of ecosystems and animals species. The remarkable diversity of habitats has allowed many birds and mammals to find shelter. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, (RSPB) manages Coquet Island as a bird reserve, with its significant seabird colonies. The RSPB is the country’s largest nature conservation charity with more than one million members - young and old, urban and rural, from every corner of the UK. Most of them are volunteers who spend thousands of hours working directly for birds and wildlife. The charity is constantly aiming to grow in reputation in a number of ways, campaigning for nature, protecting habitats, saving special places, conservation projects (habitats, species) as well as public education. Currently, 200 nature reserves (covering almost 130,000 hectares) home approximately 80 per cent of the rarest and most threatened bird species. Paul Morrison, RSPB’s warden, is carrying out conservation activities on Coquet Island situated 1.2 kilometres from Photos by Paul Morrison. clockwise from top left: Sandwich terns, Black-headed gull, kittiwake, Amble. It accommodates a lot of uncommon Roseate terns, Puffins, Common tern, young Fulmar, male Eider species which need to be protected. The most numerous is the Puffin, although the island is the rarest British nesting seabird. Species are and wildlife so that our towns, coasts and most important for the largest colony of the mainly threatened by the destruction of their countryside will hopefully teem with life endangered roseate tern in Britain. Indeed, habitats, marine pollution and overfishing. once again. A lot of rare natural resources Coquet Island is the only UK nesting colony In addition, global warming is currently may disappear. The past has often been of roseate terns. Therefore it is a critical site the greatest danger for wildlife. Human preserved, but what about the future? These for this species. activity is partly responsible for the days it is essential to act in the interests of Other nesting birds include Eider ducks, disappearance of many species. We all must wildlife preservation. Sandwich terns, Arctic terns, Common terns, become aware of the consequence of our Célia Fery Black-headed gulls, kittiwake and Fulmar. actions and start to minimise the impacts of Célia is a Marine Biology student from La The Roseate tern is a red-listed bird, along our activities on nature. Rochelle, France. She is spending a year in with Puffins and Mediterranean gulls. It is Together we can protect threatened birds Amble. Punk and rock legends in the Harbour Gallery Possibly Steve’s find reasons to leave. Two years Coan is exhibiting some of his most famous ago we moved to Amble. I love landscape and wildlife work. image is one of it here, I love walking, love the Steve can be contacted on: Sid Vicious and hills and coast. And Amble is [email protected] Nancy Spungen, such a friendly place to live.” or phone: 07870 215459 which was selected You can see Steve’s by Rolling Stone photos in the Harbour magazine as one of Gallery, in the Harbour its Fifty Greatest Master’s building, which Puffin Cruises Rock Portraits. is open on Saturdays and Above: Kiss and Sid Vicious stare out over the Despite this Sundays 10 – 4pm. Admission Little Shore rock and roll is free. The images are enowned photographer Steve background, available to buy. Steve also REmberton has opened a Steve’s love is for the outdoors. offers gift vouchers (great photographic gallery at Amble He told the Ambler: “I grew for Christmas presents.) harbour. Steve made his name up in North West America, He holds photography photographing rock and pop with vast open spaces. My workshops for all abilities. Dave & Betty Gray stars, TV personalities, actors whole youth revolved around “I teach photography in wish everyone and models. He worked for the outdoors. Due to work a friendly non technical a Merry Christmas Melody Maker, Record Mirror, commitments, I’ve worked in the way. There will be some and NME and Sounds. His images south, but I’d heard about how classroom instruction a Happy New Year have appeared in newspapers, beautiful this part of the world followed by shooting real magazines, books and on album is. I’d come up for holidays, and life situations.” Sailing again March 2016 covers. each time I found it harder to Guest photographer Roger The Ambler ~ 7 Connecting with the community Age of insecurity upils from James Calvert Spence College invited local residents into school to talk to them by Harry McQuillen Pabout living in Amble. The project will run over 18 months and culminate in writing a play that will be performed re we really by professional actors at the school and at Alnwick Playhouse. The pupils will write the script Aliving in an age of and be responsible for creating the scenery and costumes. distraction? Throughout This project has evolved from a previous writing experience funded by the Avron history, people Foundation, which allowed a group of children to go on a residential course in Shropshire. have claimed that They worked together as a community and produced an anthology which they are using as a young people can’t fundraiser. The project started out with 12 pupils and has now expanded to 25. concentrate as well A further grant from the Arts Council has been secured to fund this extended project, as they did when they involving the community and allowing help from writer in residence Karina Rodney a were young, that professional play and script writer. they can’t remember as much as people English teacher Jane Stewart said used to and that they can’t write as well. “Pupils will be going along to the Spelling, handwriting and coherence of Friendly Café at the Methodist Church, argument have all deteriorated. and talking to the Warkworth WI, Andy I’ve been thinking about these issues Sim of the local history group and Bart and recalling thoughts from the past. Rippon who knows about the railways.” Apparently Socrates complained that Karina hopes the project will evolve writing things down would reduce the over its lifetime. “Many of the pupils need to memorise and recall the precise are already writing stories in their own argument. time,” she said and she hopes this project At every stage of human history there have been stark warnings of impending will help them to express themselves in doom in connection with educational their writing. Above: Nathan Pounder and Lucy Ball, both aged 13, standards. My parents told me how much One aspect of the project will be to who conducted interviews. rote learning they had to do. Perhaps the form bonds between the school and the teachers had found a way to save paper. community and possibly set up a community writing group open to both adults and children. In my day (formal schooling from 1938 to 1952) we were expected to memorise quite a lot – some of it useful, Amble author publishes fourth book some not. The odd thing is that I can mble author Stephanie Butland has just published her fourth still make myself understood in French, Abook, which has been met with excellent reviews. having had no lessons since 1952. The Other Half of My Heart was published at the end of October There’s a place for recall of facts, of and is described as: “Stephanie Butland at her best: tender, wise bits of poetry, of logical arguments, of and intimate. A heart-warming (and sometimes heart-stopping) novel many of the things we were taught. But suffused with the irresistible fragrance of baking bread. Wonderful” I’m convinced that most real learning (Shelley Harris, author of Vigilante) concerns the things that interest us – the Stephanie’s first two books described her ‘dance with cancer’ and provided thinking strategies for others to follow. Her first novel, things we want to know. Letters to my Husband was published in 2014, and was described as I’d hate to be a university tutor, “an immensely uplifting and powerful debut novel” (Katie Fforde). especially in subjects that involve lots Published by Black Swan, you can buy The Other Half of My of words and ideas. How do you spot Heart, and indeed all Stephanie’s books from Amazon where it is plagiarism? Hang on a minute! These priced at £6.99, or any good bookstore. clever, talented young people I see using You can read more on Stephanie’s blog: stephaniebutland.com laptops and touch screens seem to me to be very good at concentrating, at searching, at producing written work of Council workers benefit from living wage high quality. ouncil workers across the county are is in recognition of the excellent work our Surely what matters is output. If Cbenefiting after the living wage was employees do - not just for the council, you can produce high quality work, does introduced for staff. but more importantly for the benefit of the it matter where it comes from? A brief The council was true to its commitment residents of Northumberland. discussion of a piece of work will show set out during budget announcements earlier “We are living and working in tough you clearly whether the writer really in the year – and the living wage was brought economic times and it is no secret we have knows what it is about. Apparently productivity in the UK lags in months before the government rolls out to make substantial savings as a council. behind that of some other countries. I the scheme nationally. However ethically and morally the council don’t know what the answer is, but I’m Now no employee of Northumberland feels strongly that this is something we pretty sure it doesn’t involve shutting County Council will be paid less than £7.85 should do. down every factory in sight and reducing per hour. “Through showing our commitment to our workforce to minimum level; answers A living wage is defined as the minimum ethical employment, we are aiming to boost on a postcard please. income necessary for a worker to meet their morale as well as the local economy through A lovely man called Kev put a very basic needs including housing, clothing and higher incomes for local people. useful grab rail outside my front door nutrition, and is more than the statutory “This also means we are ahead of the this morning. He came from Poppy Calls, minimum wage. government who are introducing the living an offshoot of the Royal British Legion. The north east reflects the national wage nationally from next year.” Poppy Calls does all sorts of jobs around average with more than one in five people The Northumberland living wage will result the house for anyone who did military receiving less than the living wage, a figure in pay increases for approximately 1,400 service. Two smoke alarms and a carbon that is slightly higher in Northumberland. county council and school staff, and will be monoxide alarm are now installed in my Leader of the County Council, Cllr reviewed on an annual basis by the council. home. If you are interested you can call Grant Davey, said: “Our decision to Affected staff will now receive an additional free on 0800 032 0306 for advice and implement a Northumberland living wage amount of between 41p and 79p an hour. help. 8 ~ The Ambler New owners return to spruce up popular local pub hen Amble businessman want to compete with the others, WNigel Wilson heard that we wanted to fit in with them. the Mason’s Arms was up for sale We decided to do ‘proper pub last year, he decided to buy it. grub’.” After all, he’d had experience of Food is available Wed, Thurs, running a pub 15 years ago. And Fri 12-2.30 and 4.30 -7pm and that pub was the Mason’s Arms. Saturdays 12-7pm, when they “When it came back on offer Soup of the Day and a the market and I said I was crusty roll plus a selection of interested, everyone said I was Amble Butcher’s pies, served mad. Pubs are not as good with mash, peas and lashings business as they were 15 years of gravy. On the first Sunday ago” said Nigel. of each month Amanda makes But he and his partner traditional Sunday lunch priced Amanda have worked non- at £6.95. stop, redecorating, restyling Real Ale is now available, and adding new interest, for including Credence Pale from the the regulars and to attract new new brewery in Amble, and the Amanda Peacock and Nigel Wilson customers. pair have plans to extend the bar “We’ve been steadily building after Christmas, which will make so parents and children can on Saturday nights, and free pool it back up; we’ve redecorated room for more real ales. enjoy games and bar facilities in on Sundays. The function room throughout, refurbished the “We have five local staff, a more relaxed, family –friendly is available for bookings free of toilets and everywhere is four have been with us since environment. charge. now light and fresh. We’re we opened nearly a year ago The whole week is pretty And of course the pub is converting the upstairs to four the other member of our Team busy now in the Mason’s. home to the famous Amble Leek en-suite bedrooms for Bed and we have recently employed 30 Monday is dominoes night; Club; photos of past winners Breakfasts,” they will be ready hours a week coinciding with our Tuesday has Happy Hour from (mostly Peter Griffiths) adorn before Christmas said Nigel. new opening hours. During the 5-8pm and then ladies darts, the walls in the bar. “Amble’s definitely on the refurbishment trades people have while Wednesday is the popular This year Amanda is offering up” said Amanda.” That’s one of been local,” said Amanda. “We’ve pool night which now has two Christmas lunch, £38.50 for the reasons we decided to offer gone out of our way to use local teams. Thursday at 9pm is adults, £25 for children. Please Bed and Breakfast. We’re also trade’s people, and source local Quiz night; this has become so ring 01665 799279 to book. offering food as well. There are food and Real Ale.” popular the last one had nine You can also find them on some really good places to eat Next are plans to convert an teams competing. Friday is men’s Facebook. in Amble now, and we didn’t unused room into a family room, darts night, there’s a free jukebox Anna WilliamsThe Ambler ~ 9 Corner Puffin disaster looming ad news for Europe’s Atlantic Puffin Scottish waters the warming Bpopulation was announced recently, effect of the Gulf Stream with this iconic seabird being added to the has resulted in sand eel Red List of endangered species, following reductions or migration to a series of dramatic falls in their numbers cooler waters. The waters returning to main traditional nest sites off Northumberland are across Europe. still cooler so sand eels are Europe is home to 80% of the world still present in reasonable population of Atlantic puffins, but numbers. breeding failures in their strongholds Local factors are of Iceland, Faroe Islands and Norway also affecting our Captain Coquet’s in recent years have seen numbers “Northumberland” puffins. dramatically fall. No commercial sand eel Figures published by Birdlife fishery in our waters means International predict a decline in puffin the sand eel stock is still numbers during 2000-2065 of up to available to our puffins, Coquet Island puffins. Photo by Paul Morrison 79%. In Norway, puffins have been terns and kittiwakes as well returning to their nesting grounds but as the larger fish that depend This plant has invaded the island habitat failing to produce young which means the on them too. and swamped puffin burrow entrances, population is now made up of aging adult The changing weather patterns play making it difficult for puffins to get back birds which will lead to a dramatic collapse a part: on the Farnes, puffin burrows to their burrows to feed their pufflings in the population over the next few years. have been flooded in summer storms, before the black-headed gulls rob them In France numbers have fallen to while seals hauling out to moult collapse of their sand eels. If you are on a Puffin below 200 pairs. In the Channel Islands, hundreds of wet burrows in late winter. Cruise in spring, you will see the RSPB once popular for puffins, the numbers We have had warnings on Coquet wardens battling this vegetation with have fallen to less than 100 pairs, leaving Island too: five years ago the sand eel brushcutters and grass cutters, tackling this the local economy of Alderney dented with population collapsed on the north east growing menace. puffin souvenirs and puffin memorabilia coast and were replaced by pipefish. These Puffins on the Northumberland coast left on the shelves. small long leathery fish are relatives of the are stable in terms of returning numbers Numbers in the UK were increasing seahorse but have a tough inflexible skin of birds. However, given the growing up to 1999 but now evidence suggests and have very little nutrient value as food disasters elsewhere in Europe and scientific that puffin numbers here are falling. In and choke chicks being fed with them. As predictions, the RSPB is planning to Scotland the numbers have plummeted a result, hundreds of chicks starved and monitor the productivity of the Coquet while on the Northumberland coast many of the bird assemblage abandoned puffins. They will track how well the birds numbers are holding up, but vulnerable. the island early that season. are doing at producing pufflings and will There are several causes for the The wetter summers have affected the expand efforts to give “our” iconic Puffins declines, but the lack of their staple diet, vegetation cover on Coquet – the native the best chances on their Coquet Home. the sand eel, is the main direct factor. maritime turf being replaced by heavy Sand eels don’t like warm seas and in vegetation growth such as Yorkshire fog. Paul Morrison Credence Brewery: Why Michael and Matt believe in the beer ou know that thing when savings and Credence produce four core Yyou and your best mate are convincing beers, Blonde, Pale, Porter and discussing the future, usually shareholders to IPA, and are already selling over a few beers, and you come join the venture. in 30 outlets throughout to the conclusion that setting up “It’s not Northumberland, Newcastle your own brewery would be the hard to convince and Yorkshire. Amble fans of best idea ever? And what if, the someone to real ale can sample Credence next morning, you decided to take a share Pale at the Mason’s Arms, make that actually happen? in a brewery” where it is proving very popular. Michael Graham and Matt laughed Michael, “Everybody likes it” said Mason’s Taylor can explain what happens “but we’ve Arms landlord Nigel Wilson, next. Michael Graham and Matt Taylor with Mason’s Arms left nothing “We sold three kegs in one The two friends grew up landlord Nigel Wilson behind the bar to chance; week.” together in Harrogate before we’ve invested At the moment the beers Michael’s family moved to at the Amble2020 strategy and £100,000, we’ve are only available in casks, but Alnwick. Michael had been saw that food and drink industry installed the kit ourselves and Michael and Matt have plans working in the brewing industry was being pushed here, so it it took two months to get the to bottle their products, double and home brewing for 13 years sounded like a good match.” premises right and everything their capacity and extend their and decided the time was right Matt has a background working properly.” customer base further afield. to branch out on his own. in finance and a degree in So Credence Brewery was Expansion would also mean “It was always an aim of economics, so the pair’s skills born. The name reflects their increasing their workforce. mine to have my own brewery,” complement one another. “We belief and confidence in the “We’d like to thank everyone explained Michael. “But I knew both have a passion for beer and integrity of their products. who has helped us so far,” said it was too much for one person, good food. They have been a “We like clean, flavoursome Michael. “Local business people, so I asked Matt to come up. good part of our social life!” said and very drinkable beer” everyone has been so supportive, “We looked all around for Matt. said Michael. Credence is a and it’s been great to share our suitable premises and found But they take this enterprise memorable name; it means a passion.” them in Amble. We also looked very seriously, investing all their belief that something is true.” Anna Williams 10 ~ The Ambler The Dovecote Centre, Amble, NE65 0DX Telephone: 01665 714736 Employers We are offering Traineeships in All vocational areas so any Email: [email protected] Company can get on board Aged 16- 24 Brochures for Adult Learning will be delivered to you soon, Interested in a Traineeship? but why wait? Pop in and pick up a leaflet, or email Kerrie to Call in and see what we can offer find out more.Spaces are limited. Enrol now! Computing for beginners- Improve your computer skills or gain a recognised qualification - Functional English & Maths - First Clicks with ipad, smartphones & tablets - Emergency Paediatric First Aid - Dog Whispering - Art Club – Phycology - Job Club - Supporting Teaching & Learning - & lots more Christmas Art & Craft Workshop Enrol now to join in the creative festivities with Fiona, Monday 14th December, 9:30 – 12:30, Coffee and Mince pie included £7.95News update COQUET YACHT CLUB s Coquet Yacht Club moves towards the end of We have gained full recognition from the A2015 we reflect on a very busy year. As well as RYA (Royal Yachting Association) to be a training a very busy and successful sailing season the club has establishment and a full list of courses etc will be continued its development. available in the future. We’ve still got work to complete but the balcony The club has doubled its membership (now 200 has had great use by members and visitors. No families) and what is pleasing is how many members better place when the sun rises or sun sets or any we have gained from Amble and Warkworth. other time come to that! Seeing the sun set over Sunday lunches have gone down well both for Warkworth Castle with a glass of vino has to be visitors and members and our social calendar has one of the best experiences in Northumberland. been very active. Certainly with the functions that we have had, I hand over the reins of running the club to such as weddings, christenings and various birthday Richard Hope at the end of the year. I set out to parties, the balcony has gained many friends. build the club and Richard will concentrate on Our beer festival was a great success with profits developing the sailing both off shore and dinghy going to Amble Lifeboat and some towards the activities. Jackie and I wish Richard and Aimee all club’s development. Our Guardian Angels evening, the best and they have our full support. which is when we invite all those that look after us If you’d like to know more about the club at sea, was another great success with money raised please visit www.coquetyachtclub.org.uk or and a few sore heads for Amble Lifeboat and The phone 01665 712990. MCA. Phil Derry Commodore The Ambler ~ 11 Operation Christmas Child When is the WINTER SOLSTICE? Exclusive: Interview with Santa! Operation Christmas Child is for children in developing countries, who This year the winter solstice will take place on Tuesday 22nd of December, While he was in Warkworth and Amble for the a magic key that allows me to enter and deliver the used to never get anything for Christmas. Now they get one shoebox full of three days before Christmas Lights switch-on, Bethany and Lily W were presents if all the children are asleep. fun toys or other things per child. Millions of people send presents to these Christmas day. able to ask Santa a few questions Does Santa ever get sad and why? children, but lately the teenagers haven’t had enough boxes for every child, The date varies Bethany and Lily: “First we want to say No I do not get sad, because if that was to happen so some don’t get a box. from December 20 congratulations on delivering all the presents to I would just need to remember all the smiling and Unfortunately children in countries like Syria can’t have a Christmas box to December 23 all the children for all these years! Here are our excited children opening their presents Christmas because they are in war against themselves. Most people haven’t even heard depending on the questions...” morning the joyful event of Christmas is truly a about the poor unfortunate children who don’t get a Christmas. If you want year in the Gregorian wonderful time to keep with you all year round. to find out how to send a Christmas box go to this website https://www. calendar. How long does it take to deliver all the presents? samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/. The tilt of the Earth Because of all the different times in the world it takes me Why do people not believe in you? You will need a shoe box and fill it with suitable toys or – not our distance over 24 hrs to deliver the presents. Because we live in a place where we have freedom of stationery for your chosen age group. You can put your address from the sun – is speech, people can believe in whatever they wish. People What do you think about the children in Amble? if you want them to send a letter back to thank you for the gift. what causes winter grow older and new inventions occur and this can alter Amble is a lovely place to visit especially arriving from Samaritan’s Purse is the charity that makes a child ‘s Christmas and summer. At the our beliefs remember that long ago people thought the the sky and having Coquet lighthouse to guide me in. possible. December solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is leaning most away from world was flat and if you ventured to far from shore By Daisy the sun for the year. At the December solstice, Earth is positioned in its orbit Do you think many of them have been bad this year ? you would fall of the world. so that the sun stays below the North Pole horizon. I do not think the children of Amble have been been It has been lovely to have been given the chance to It is thought that the Pagans were the first to celebrate the Winter Solstice, bad this year anymore than anywhere else. Children answer your well thought out questions and I wish you The amazing tour is not on fire calling it Yule, or Midwinter. Yule is one of the oldest winter celebrations in sometimes just get a little excited and become a little bit both and all the children a very Happy Christmas. the world; not Christmas! mischievous. ho ho ho By George-Anne Carnegie Santa How do you get gifts in the house if they don’t have a Right: Santa chimney? holding our list by Bethany S and Lily W of questions! gift idea to make for parents Many houses are without chimneys these days so I have Lollypop stick photo frame & fridge magnet You will need: • Regular or jumbo size lolly sticks • Paints or glitter • Sellotape • Glue • Magnets • Items to decorate the frames Dan Howell and Phil Lester are British vloggers they are about 28 years What to do: old. They live in a flat together in London they have been to places like • Paint or decorate your lolly Japan and new York. On the 9th of October I went to see Dan and sticks Phil at Newcastle City Hall. It was amazing because there was lots of • Roll out a strip of sellotape – sticky side up people and they were all screaming. The oldest people were about • Lay your lolly stick on top and wrap the sellotape around the edges Ava’s very special xmas 20-25 and the young people were with their parents. • Wrap as many sticks as you want depending on how big you want your This year They have written a book called the amazing book is not on fire. It is about frame is very two families a week use Amble things they have done in their lives. Dan and Phil also have a radio show on • Take 2 plain sticks and put a line of glue down them special, BBC Radio 1. Pretty much all the time on the show they do a Dan vs Phil. One • Lay your decorated sticks across them in the opposite direction because Foodbank time they had Zoella (Zoë Sugg) come on the show and they did a ‘who can • Glue a magnet on the top centre of the back of your frame I turned pop the most balloons in about 5 minutes’. • Once dry, add the photos. You can glue, tape or use a drawing pin to attach on the I asked the people who run Amble Can anyone get some food? They also have their very own website called: DanandPhilshop.com. your pictures Christmas Foodbank about how it works and No you have to be in need, the food They sell a lot of stuff like shirts, posters, mugs, pencil cases and by Katy lights! why we need it. parcels are just a stop gap until other much more. I was so agencies can help. by Emma-Jane Gregory excited I asked: Who runs the Amble food should we give pets treats yet also bank and how does it work? Do you get enough donations? Binky goes Xmas Shopping nervous. Bill Cruickshank from the Food Bank Usually we do, however we do get at Christmas? When replied: donations of money as well as food so It is run by Amble Vineyard church. we can top up the shortages. Binky is a young panda who gets up to an awful lot of trouble I wanted to know about looking after pets at Xmas so I asked Fiona we got Above l-r: My Mum, my sister Lily, Me, my Dad and the Mayor to the big Four people take it in turns to sort out Binky was sometimes lazy, especially found a pound store that was still Carrighar at Aln Vets if we should give our pets treats like we do our the food parcels and I keep the records How many donations do you get? families, and what happens if they get ill. Christmas when it came to Christmas Shopping! open- perfect for the £5 in his pocket! tree opposite the Co-op, the Mayor told me what to do. I clicked the and administration up to date. The It varies from day to day, usually 2 to He always left it until Christmas Eve donated food is made up into parcels 4 tins a day For his mum and dad he bought a button and all the lights went on - then I had to leap into the Coastguard to buy everyone a Christmas present. “Firstly, vets have to provide 24 hour emergency care so a vet and nurse are ready to be given out. If children are bamboo wreath shaped as a heart truck and lead the parade! When we got out the truck we went to the on duty at all times to see emergencies over the holiday period. If someone involved then we make up enhanced How many people use the Amble This particular Christmas it was for on the wall. His sister got a fairy town square then headed home. It was fun. needs the pet to be examined urgently they just need to call their normal parcels with fresh fruit and vegetables food bank? only at lunch (bamboo pasta and panda doll, Bazzle got a new sledge surgery number and will get through to the emergency service. ’m always so excited on Christmas Eve so I can hardly get to sleep. When and baby food and nappies which are On average about 2 families a week mushroom cake) he realized he hadn’t and Binky got Blossom a pearl I wake up I immediately check my stocking; usually it’s full of presents! bought on the day of the parcel delivery. bought a present for his Mum, Dad, necklace. “Many owners like to give their pets a Christmas gift so they can join in Then all excited I go into my mum’s room and wake them up by jumping Who started the Amble food bank sister, Bazzle or Blossom! the fun. Ideally this should be a safe toy or perhaps a new collar or lead. As Christmas came around, Binky’s Food treats are not ideal as many will cause tummy upsets especially if it is on them. Then when Lily comes in we tear open our presents: Santa How long has Amble food bank been and how many are in the UK? Quick as a flash, Binky grabbed his parents loved the wreath and Ivy something your dog or cat is not used to. Perhaps a special walk would go usually gets us an annual and some chocolate; then once we’ve done that around? Alan Rapley set up the food bank sledge and ran over the Ralanan hugged her doll. Bazzle slid around down well with many dogs. we go downstairs to open our presents from our family. It was started in June 2013. and asked me to take over before his Bridge and to the top of the hill on his sledge all day and Blossom After we’ve opened all of our presents we sometimes go for a walk passing. I have no idea how many leading to the village. He started gave Binky a big kiss for her necklace “Many foods and plants are also poisonous to animal e.g. Even small How can people get the food? there are, but we believe they are a amounts of chocolate are toxic to dogs and that includes chocolate biscuits somewhere. When we get back everyone sets to work on making a special with a run up, before diving on to his –which made him blush! Even though yummy Christmas dinner. When dinner is ready everyone sits at the table Those people in need who go to the vital to our communities in the current sledge and whizzing into the town it’d been last minute it had come out and cakes. Grapes and raisins (Christmas cake and puddings) can cause sere relevant agency are given an interview financial cut backs. kidney damage and plants such as Lily’s are very toxic to cats. Ponsietta are and starts eating. When we’ve finished eating everyone starts playing with centre at full speed. as a great Christmas! Make sure you their presents. to assess their needs and a referral form get your presents on time though! also mildly toxic if ingested causing tummy upsets.” Most shops were closing but Binky By Ava filled in to collect food parcels. By Daisy By Lily T By Hope96 artog.indd 1 27/11/2015 16:39:16 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year From all of us at Amble Dental. We will be open for emergencies between Christmas and the New Year.14 ~ The Ambler Geordie Pellets power into Amble company which makes forestry for between 20 and 30 Awood pellets for heating years and this is a progression has opened in Amble, with the from that. There are only five creation of eight to ten jobs and plants in the whole of the UK hopefully more in the future. and they’re mainly in Scotland, Geordie Pellet Power will be Wales and Cornwall. We’re the sited on Amble Industrial Estate, third of any notable size in the and will be one of the biggest UK as far as I’m aware.” wood pellet manufacturers in the The company handles UK. the whole production cycle: Owner Ian Lewis has a softwood logs are brought in background in forestry and from local forests, chipped, then Above: Richard Telfer and Ian Lewis of GP Pellet Power, with MP Anne- windfarm construction, while dried and turned into pellets. Marie Trevelyan General Manager Richard Once bagged, they are then Telfer’s background is in farming ready for sale. friendly welcome so far. be distributed locally within and forestry. “We’re hoping to be up “We’ve had an awful lot of the North East. They are even Richard told The Ambler and running very soon,” said help from Northern Structures suitable for horse bedding and “We had been looking for Richard. “We hope to increase and GV Engineering cat litter, as well as their main somewhere with enough space, the number of jobs to between “We wouldn’t have been able function: heating for domestic buildings and land and Amble 20 and 30 in the future.” to build the plant successfully and commercial wood burners. was the right site. Richard and Ian were keen without them,” said Richard. More info: www.gppower.co.uk “Ian and I have worked in to thank local businesses for the The biomass pellets will Anna Williams Shannon appeal now over halfway to target Trident Soccer awards mble RNLI’s Shannon class lifeboat public and our supporters. Thanks must for budding footballers Aappeal has reached over £132,500 – well also go to the members of our volunteer over halfway towards its final target. fundraising committee, who have worked The Appeal was launched in July 2014 tirelessly to support the appeal.’ to raise £200,000 towards the cost of the Katrina added, ‘Obviously we still have a new lifeboat. Fundraising has included considerable way to go before we reach our many functions and donations received from £200,000 target. It would be great to see as Northumberland Gazette’s Jam Jar Army many people as possible at our upcoming Appeal. Support has also come from Marks events and we’d also encourage people to and Spencer at Morpeth which has selected support us by holding fun events of their Amble RNLI as their charity of the year. own in aid of the appeal.’ The current appeal total was also boosted Upcoming events include a coffee by Amble RNLI’s recent Harbour Day. morning on Sunday 15 November at Amble Katrina Cassidy, Chairperson of the RNLI lifeboat station between 10am and Reece and Ben, Trident Soccer’s Players of the Month for September rident Soccer presented “Player of the TMonth” Awards for September and October to students at Amble First School. Trident Soccer Director Ryan Jobson praised everyone’s efforts, “This is Trident Soccer’s 15th year coaching at Amble First School and the children are doing very well. We are delighted to reward pupil’s efforts in football as well as encourage good behaviour Amble Lifeboat Fundraising Committee, 1pm and a Grande Christmas coffee morning and consideration towards each other. Well said: ‘I would like to say a massive “thank with a raffle and tombola (and hopefully done!” you” for the support that we have received an appearance from RNLI mascot, Stormy for the appeal to date, not just from the Stan) on Sunday 20 December between local community and businesses, but from 10am and 1pm, in conjunction with Amble supporters far and wide. Harbour Village. ‘In just 15 months we managed to raise There will also be a street collection in over £125,000 – which is well over halfway Newcastle on Saturday 19 December by towards our target. We couldn’t have done the RNLI Durham branch and all of the it without the generosity of the general proceeds will go towards the appeal. o celebrate its partnership with the RNLI Amble Lifeboat Shannon TSB cake TAppeal, TSB’s partners and customers raised £210 by holding a Cake Bake in October. bake supports Jane Stilling, manager at the TSB in Amble said: “Our team in Amble lifeboat thoroughly enjoy getting stuck into fundraising activities and it’s really rewarding to see the impact it is having.” Jacob and Kiera were awarded Players of the appeal So far over £650 has been raised by the team for the Shannon Appeal. Month for October The Ambler ~ 15 Children lay tributes at neglected war graves uring the ceremonies to Acklington first schools were Dmark ANZAC day in April invited to lay a small tribute, this year, Eric Turnbull noted made by Nicola, on the graves. that the WW1 commonwealth The bugler was Tony war graves in Chevington Griffiths of the Newbiggin Brass Cemetery had not been Band played who the last post maintained in the same way as and reveille. the WW2 graves. Cadets from Red Row and Eric wanted to put this Cowpen together with personnel right so together with with from the Royal Artillery 101 his daughter, Sonia Curry and battery provided a military Nicola Lillico they tidied up the presence. plots and planted some shrubs. County Councillor Scott “The graves had been missed Dickinson and Councillor Helen in previous memorial services” Lewis and a good assembly of Children from Broomhill, Red Row and Acklington First Schools placed said Eric, Welfare Officer for the local people attended. tributes on the graves Royal Tank Regiment Veterans. A reception was held “But now they have been afterwards at the Brick Club, War graves Northumberland Fusiliers rediscovered and so we are Red Row. Lance Corporal RA Bell, died April Driver Henry Whitfield April 1917 having a service for them.” The community greatly 1916 Royal Field Artillery At the service at 11am appreciated the effort that Eric Private J Brown died March 1917 Able Seaman G. Trueman died Nov on the 11th, Revd Sue Reilly had put in. Private H. Hebron died July 1916 1816 Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve officiated and school children Private John George Stewart died aged 19 was laid to rest in a family from Broomhill, Red Row and Vivienne Dalgleish Dec 1916 NF aged 21 grave. Gemma’s passion to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s he Save the Memories video on the Save the Memories Tcampaign was created in Facebook page.” 2014 by Gemma Little as a Save the Memories result of her passion to turn encourages people to post their her negative experience of memories to Facebook and get Alzheimer’s into something their friends to do the same positive and help others have a to help raise awareness and let better experience. people reminisce, something Gemma lost her mother to dementia takes away. Alzheimer’s at a young age and The 2015 walk attracted 85 felt there was very little support walkers and 11 dogs, raising and understanding of dementia, funds for the Alzheimer’s Society especially of early onset. and a local project called The Gemma wanted to fundraise Blooming Well Project. Over l - r fundraiser Dominic Harris, Gemma, the Duchess of Northumberland for the Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimers Society representative Amy Syron-Mallenby the two years £13,368 has been and had proposed holding a raised for the cause. coastal walk. A friend told her, the page has now attracted Gemma told The Ambler, Gemma said, “I never ‘stop talking about it and start over 400 members worldwide. “I am always honoured when imagined what Save the organising it’. That was the The walk in 2014 attracted 42 people donate prizes or give Memories could achieve when push she needed and Save the participants, some with their up their time for free like The I embarked on this journey, Memories was born. dogs, and they walked the 14 Britpop Union did.” but it has been amazing and is A Save the Memories miles from Craster along the Alnwick Fire Station held a continuing to be amazing every Facebook page was set up and beautiful coastal path to Amble car wash, donating half of the day.” where a buffet was waiting at funds raised to the Alzheimer’s Save the Memories also aims Angie’s Tavern. Society. Gemma told us, “I got to encourage as many people as Among the other fundraising very wet attending this as I possible to become Dementia events was a charity night held ended up doing the ice bucket Friends. For more information at the Bede Street Club when challenge. It was very cold and and the date of next year’s The Britpop Union played to a very unplanned! If people would walk, see www.facebook.com/ packed crowd. like a good laugh, there is a xsavethememoriesx Puffin Lounge offers dementia awareness sessions n our bid to make Amble a Dementia-Friendly Community there will be awareness sessions scheduled Ifor February next year. In the meantime why not drop in to the puffin lounge where we hold two hour long drop-in sessions every other Thursday, from 2-4pm. at St. Mark's URC Hall. Although it is primarily for people living with dementia, their family, carers and friends, anyone can come along. Refreshments are provided; we play table-top games, chat, look at scenes of old Amble, we may even try some singing. Come along and have some fun. Next date is Dec. 17. Further details from Sue Swanston 01665 711177 16 ~ The Ambler TRUSTLife news from Amble Development Trust elcome to Trust Life from so we were able to show the Wone of the top Coastal difference regeneration has Communities in the country! At made over the years. the time of writing we are still It was amazing to say ‘if you in the running for the coastal stood here 30 years ago you community category of the Great would have been under a bridge British High Street competition, and a little earlier where the and ultimate overall accolade. pods are would have been the Whatever the outcome, we brick kilns’; some change. For thank you all for the fantastic the grand finale – we fed them support you have shown by with fantastic fish and chips! voting; you are obviously as So we are waiting in proud of our high street as we anticipation, with everything are. I wouldn’t say we have crossed for decision day. Two been competitive (oh yes we representatives have been have) but when told we were in invited to London to the awards second place, everyone went into ceremony, where they will find l- r Jeff Watson (NCC/ Amble TC); David Hall (Northumberland Tourism); Ann Burke (Amble Business Club); GB High St judges Jake Werth and Mark Holder overdrive ensuring friends and out who has been successful in and Julia Aston (Amble Development Trust) family pressed that button every their category, plus the overall day! competition winner. Harbour Village The Seafood Centre is now The judges who arrived to It hardly seems possible that it operating and open Thursdays, meet local business people and Welfare is a year since I was encouraging Fridays and Saturday mornings volunteers, while giving little The repair works have been everyone to wait and see what for the sale of fresh fish away, appeared to be impressed carried out at the welfare with gifts the pods at the Harbour whenever there is any caught. by the range of independent the small swings left to be Village would have in store – a At this time of year quota businesses, quality of shops and installed. Lets hope the older prophesy well meant but ill and weather are against the lack of charity shops. ‘children’ leave the swings alone timed, given the length of time fishermen. However there will They met volunteers from this time and enjoy their own the area has taken to complete. be another opportunity to meet the Christmas Lights, RNLI, activities, rather than spoil the Well here we are, and we’re local chef Jonny Bird of Sea and skiff, Northumbrian Pipers and area for other users! looking forward to late night Soil Bistro to learn how to make Brambles, seeing how all age The groundwork quote is shopping with entertainment and fabulous Christmas canapés. So ranges interacted within the now prepared for drainage, surprises in store for everyone. you can add that little bit of extra community. so once we receive quotes for Harbour Village co-ordinator vavavoom to your Christmas day Amble History Group housing above the Pride shop in Sarah Dunne has leaflets menu! provided photos of Queen Queen St we will see how we can available so you don’t miss out Street, harbour and quayside work the two projects together. on anything. [email protected]The Ambler ~ 17 Prepare your home for winter Hauxley ith the onset of winter just around of a property’s energy bills, so even replacing Wthe corner and a drop in temperatures an old gas boiler with a new A-rated gas boiler Parish expected, Warm Up North,the North East’s and heating controls could save residents around landmark energy efficiency scheme is urging £340 every year.” Council Northumberland residents to make sure their Warm Up North’s energy efficiency measures, Hauxley PC needs you – There are homes are winter-ready. include new low cost gas boilers for £250** currently two member vacancies on the Council. It meets bi- Graeme Stephenson, lead partnership including VAT, subject to survey and criteria, as monthly, on the 2nd Monday of the development manager, said: “Anyone concerned well as cavity, loft and solid wall insulation. months of January, March, May, about the temperature of their home should act Launched in 2013, the scheme is backed by July, September and November. now to help ensure they are fully prepared for the nine North East local authorities and is helping If you are interested in joining colder months. Whether residents are struggling residents across Northumberland, Newcastle, please contact the Parish Clerk with a broken or inefficient gas boiler or are in Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland, for more details. The vacancies are also advertised in the village need of some improved insulation, Warm Up Durham, Hartlepool, Darlington and Redcar & noticeboards. North is on hand to help. Cleveland. “The benefit of a more energy efficient home For more information on Warm Up North Hauxley online – the Parish Council is not only lower monthly bills, but a warmer and contact the team. is now online via a webpage on The more comfortable living environment which can **For the gas boiler offer, please call free on Ambler. Please visit: http://www.theambler.co.uk/ also significantly help to improve the quality of 0800 316 4320 or for all other energy efficiency category/news/politics/hauxley- life for residents. measures, call free on 0800 294 8073 or visit parish-council - for all information “Boilers typically account for half of the cost www.warmupnorth.com. on the Parish Council and to view agendas and minutes of meetings. Council thanks community for support in toilets review Address problems in Hauxley – Following confusion with addresses orthumberland County Council has and postcodes in Low Hauxley, Nwelcomed the support of communities Royal Mail and NCC have informed across the county following its review of public that the correct addresses are as toilets. follows: Hauxley Church, Hauxley Nature The council currently spends approximately Reserve, Silver Carrs Caravan Park £600,000 a year on public toilets, with a third of and 2 - 29 (consecutive) Hauxley the cost relating to the opening, closing, cleaning Links - Low Hauxley MORPETH - and re-stocking. The review is looking to make NE65 0JR savings in the region of £150,000 over the next Beachside, Beachwood, Carrstone financial year. Villa, Mermaid Cottage, North Beach, Rocket House, Sandy Of the 62 public lavatories across the county, Knowles, The Boathouse, agreements have now been reached for 53 of Amble’s harbour toilets (on Broomhill St) are closed 3 - 6 (consecutive) and 8 - 11 them while discussions are ongoing with town until the Spring. The Harbour Inn on Leazes St will (consecutive) Low Hauxley - and parish councils on a further four. allow members of the public to use their facilities. MORPETH - NE65 0JS It hasn’t been possible to reach agreement The public toilets next to Amble Tourist Information Planning applications – At the with the town and parish councils over the Centre in the Town Square will remain open every November meeting members agreed opening arrangements for toilets at Allendale, day 9 - 5pm. that the consultation of all future Allenheads, Haydon Bridge, Alnmouth and planning applications would be Bellingham and these are now in the process of “However, we do need to move towards a shared via the Hauxley Village being closed for the winter and will re-open at new model of delivering public toilets which offer Facebook page for information in Easter. a better standard of service at less cost and which an attempt to raise awareness of Good progress has been made to secure also help support the local economy.” planning matters in the village and encourage public participation. improved public access to private toilets via “This review has been a challenging process the council’s ‘You’re welcome to use the loos!’ but what has really stood out is the positive Litter picks & bins – Litter picks scheme, with 12 organisations having signed up response and willingness to help we have received were held in the village on 17th and to the scheme with a further six expected to join. from the majority the town, parish councils and 24th October and over 12 bags of local businesses. litter removed. The Council wish This is a voluntary scheme where local to thank NCC for providing the businesses allow the council to advertise their “They have understood the reasons we equipment and the volunteers for toilets for public use without the need for visitors have had to do this review and it’s led us to helping keep Hauxley tidy. The next to buy anything. Those businesses participating develop more collaborative arrangements which litter pick will be held in the spring. display a ‘You’re Welcome’ sticker which identifies help ensure we can focus our limited financial The Council is currently looking into them within the scheme. resources on where they deliver the most benefit installing a litter bin next to the A small financial incentive has been offered to to our communities during these challenging seat on the bend of Hauxley Lane. some local businesses in areas where full or partial times.” Budget 2016/17 – Members will be closures of public toilets have been proposed. The businesses which have signed up to the considering the 2016/17 budget at Other businesses are still able to join the ‘You’re welcome – Use our loo’ scheme are: its January meeting. scheme voluntarily and display the ‘You’re Alnwick - George Inn, Amble - Harbour Inn Next Meeting – is 6.30pm on Welcome to Use Our Loos’ stickers, to help and 81-83 Queens Street, Ashington and Blyth Monday 11th January 2016 in the their local area promote a welcoming, friendly, – Wetherspoons, Bellingham - Cheviot Hotel, Village Hall, Low Hauxley. accessible image. Berwick - Magdalene Fields/ Magdalene Golf Councillor Ian Swithenbank, the County’s Club, Dunstanburgh - Embleton Golf Club, East Contact details: Parish Clerk: Cabinet member for Local Services, said: Chevington - Sports & Social Club, Holy Island Miss Elaine Brown Address: 4 Simonside Crescent “We’re very aware of the important role public - Pilgrims Coffee Shop, Prudhoe – Waterworld, Hadston, Morpeth NE65 9YB toilets play in supporting the local economy, Warkworth - Hermitage pub. Telephone: 07588659600 Email: that’s why we provide a large network of public For more information the public can go to [email protected] conveniences across Northumberland. www.northumberland.gov.uk/loo18 ~ The Ambler Show racism the red card Walks for ambling Amblers A walk around Hulne Park Take the bus to Alnwick bus station. Turn right past Morrison’s car park, then Harry McQuillen past Pottergate Tower (it’s hard to miss!) then down the hill to St. Michael’s Church. Turn left at Bailiffgate and walk along the lane, under the arch and into Hulne Park. About ten minutes in on the road you’ll see a rather nice estate house on your left. A bit further on, walk down a farm track on your right. A few hundred yards down the track you’ll find a left fork, take it and carry on through some great trees, with the River Aln below you on the right. In summer you can smell wild garlic. (even I can smell wild garlic and I’m anosmic!). Keep on the road until you cross the bridge. There’s a left turn with a public footpath sign. I usually head up to the right past more lovely trees. Keep going until you meet a road. At this point do a sharp right and then left. After a few hundred yards you’ll see an old building, which is Hulne Priory, a real gem. Walk around it first on the outside. Go in by a gate in the wall. No picnicking inside the priory, but there is a very convenient bench near the gate. There’s plenty to see inside and a Amble Links Schoolchildren Year 3 and 4 children have been taking part lovely atmosphere. in a workshop with 'Show Racism the Red Card'. As part of the day the Back out of the gate and down the grassy hill on to the road. children have been taking part in fitness fun sessions with ex Newcastle Walk along to the bridge on your left. Cross it, walk through a United player Olivier Bernard. field and follow a stony track until you meet the road to Home Farm. Turn right along the main farm road, then right along the ‘main’ park road. Look for the steep stony track to your left. Follow the track up…and up… and up until you reach Brizlee Tower, a wonderful folly built by one of the early Dukes of Northumberland, renovated by our present Duke a few years ago. Back down the hill, right along the road and back into Alnwick for refreshments and the bus home. REPORTS FROM OUR Play and progress The new play area on the Radcliffe estate has generated some negative County Councillors comment. I have spoken to our neighbourhood police team and am ell its Christmas time again and maybe its time to reflect on willing to work with them and local residents to deal with genuine Wthe years activities. Some things don’t seem to change, we concerns. For years Amble has had little in the way of play provision for still have the usual problems such as dog mess and parking issues, a community of this size and that is changing. The refurbishment of the job prospects for our young and not so young and cuts in Council welfare is now matched by the works to the Paddlers Park area which I services. These things sometimes appear to be almost unsolvable, recently visited. Even on a dreary day the area looks much better and I am however the Town Council and I are working together to try to looking forward to seeing it in full use in the spring. find solutions that will be acceptable to the majority of residents. Planning ahead I have learned over the years that I have been a councillor that it Please take the time to get involved in the consultation for the one is not always easy to satisfy everyone but we continue to try our way system as the experimental system is under review. best. I have been talking to county highways officers and the town council Some things have changed this year, the Harbour Village is about future plans for highways maintenance in Amble. Tight funding perhaps the biggest thing to have happened in Amble for years for many years has left a legacy of problems in many areas with estate and although it is still early days the prospects for bringing roads and footpaths. I am also hoping that a plan to refurbish Queen business and much needed extra employment to the town are Street will be part of the local transport plan. After 20 years it would be looking promising. sensible to look again at how improvements can be made which will deal The experimental one way system which had a shaky start with some of the familiar problems with maintenance (for instance with with drivers either mistakenly or knowingly ignoring the signs the cobbled areas). I think we need to take a realistic approach to using has settled down and the final results of the consultation are not scarce resources well. far from being announced. If nothing else it has to be said that it A memorable year has definitely relieved the grid locks that used to occur in some of This has been quite a year for Amble; the completion of the our narrow streets. Harbour Village and the new Shorebase facility, the new Paddlers Park The opening of several cafes/restaurants, the paddlers rebuild, development, substantial new build council and affordable housing and and the new housing developments will have an effect on us in recognition at a national level in media and TV. For me the best thing the new year. We will all have a choice, do we embrace these about Amble is its community spirit shown again on Remembrance Day things or do we ignore them, we simply cannot stop them! recently and demonstrated week by week by volunteers who work hard to Individuals always have the right to voice their opinions make our communities as good as they can be. about the future of Amble and that is one of the reasons why I Every good wish for the Christmas season and for the year ahead. am available to you on: Robert Arckless [email protected] 07802385367 [email protected] Tel:- 01665 711938 A Merry Christmas to you all, hohoho. Jeff WatsonThe Ambler ~ 19 Amble Town Meetings 6pm unless stated otherwise- please note new time Town: 10th December; 14th January Amenities Committee: 29th January COUNCIL Office: Closed from 3pm Wed. 23rd Dec to 10am Mon 4th Jan SEASONS GREETINGS TO ALL GARDENS & ALLOTMENTS COMMUNITY AWARD There will be some changes to the Garden Awards in 2016. There will still The Council have decided to introduce an award, open be an overall Cup Winner for the best garden, however any garden with the to individuals, groups and organisations, carrying out unpaid same resident(s) winning the Cup in any 3 of the previous 5 years, they will get community work on a project or initiative. Nominations will be a lifetime award in recognition of their continued commitment and achievement invited from the community during June, stating the name(s), but will no longer be entered for a further award. Individuals and councillors what is being done, how long for, what benefit this brings to the can submit garden award entries during the last 2 weeks of June with contact community and why that individual/group/organisation deserves details, either electronically as a photo attachment to an email or a photo special recognition. Entries will be judged by a panel of councillors delivered to the Council Office. The 'Secret Garden' Award will continue for early in July with those individuals nominated, or 2 representatives gardens not normally seen by passerbys. Entrants must agree to publicity and if a group or organisation, invited to the Awards night later in July. to opening their 'Secret Garden' for public viewing for a minimum of 3 hours during the second weekend of August. WEST CEMETERY There will be a Business Award with Winner and Runner Up to encourage No kerbs or enclosures of any type are permitted in the newer businesses to make their frontage attractive. All gardens/floral displays will be sections so the cemetery can be maintained properly. Floral tributes judged by an independent person in the first 2 weeks of July. Points considered and small plants must not extend beyond 39cm (15") from the rear of will be, visual effect, general maintenance, use of plants and materials and the memorial in any section, none are allowed in the Natural Burial physical input required to make and keepe the area attractive. The Best area to allow easier cutting with our machinery. The immediate area Allotment Award for each of the two areas of allotments will stay as well as around any headstone which does not have floral tributes or plants Most Improved Allotment overall, to be judged by Amble Allotment Holders will be treated to avoid unsightly growth of weeds. This cemetery Committee in the last 2 weeks of June. Those shortlisted in all these categories is open to the public and cannot be effectively secured, so before will be invited to the Awards night later in July when the certificates and prizes placing items on graves, families should consider their distress should will be presented. they be damaged or stolen. Please do not place any EAST WARD: COUNCILLOR’S CORNER unauthorised items, especially Robert Arckless, breakable ones as these pose a safety It has been incredibly 37 Anne Crescent, risk to the operatives, (see pic). If in heartening for the town to be Amble NE65 0QZ doubt, check the rules, as unauthorised shortlisted for the Great British Tel: 01665 711938 items will be removed but can be High Street Awards. I see this as testimony to how much claimed up to 28 days before disposal. Helen Lewis, the town has grown in recent 5 Meadowburn, years in terms of community LOCAL TRANSPORT PRIORITIES Amble NE65 0PH involvement, team effort and Councils were asked to submit 3 items for the Local Transport Priorities. There Tel: 07751 229 739 pride in our town. The judges is money allocated each year by NCC for these; all the proposals are put forward were escorted around the town and assessed as to which should be carried out in that financial year. Of course, Craig Weir (Chair/Mayor) to see what we have to offer every parish thinks their items should be done first but the money only goes so far 76 Priory Park, and met some of the voluntary and inevitably some are considered less urgent and can be waiting for years. Every Amble NE65 0HY groups and businesses who work year among the main topics are traffic and parking problems, and this year 2 of Tel: 01665 712342 so hard to make Amble worthy our priorities relate to these. We have said a major review of the traffic and tourism WEST WARD: of this recognition. I think we signs needs to be carried out as some signs direct you wrongly and others need to be Ian Hinson, can all be very proud of this added. For example, there are few signs pointing to parking places so it's no wonder 11 Eastgarth Avenue, achievement. people try to squeeze into small or inappropriate spaces. Despite being an old town Amble. NE65 0LW This season it is really with limited land available in the centre of the town, we desperately need a new car Tel: 01665 710583 uplifting to see Amble’s park. We have been working closely with NCC Officers regarding aspects of traffic preparations for the Christmas problems in the town, but progress is very slow. We are urging county to give this Jeff Watson festivities. You may have seen some serious consideration to find a way forward in the near future. Although our Thimbles, 60 Robsons Way our Christmas Lights team side streets aren't as bad as some towns, Bisley Road is in dire need of repair so Amble NE65 0GA scaling ladders around the we have made this our third priority. Tel 07802 385367 town centre to create the usual Katrina Cassidy, ONE WAY STREETS CONSULTATION blaze of lights and been a part 18 The Close, Amble. The experimental order will end in early spring and so a decision needs to be of the spectacular torchlit NE65 0HZ procession. Much planning made on whether it should be made permanent. It is vital that as many people as has gone into celebrating the possible comment on this idea as, quite simply, public response is how decisions CENTRAL WARD: very first Christmas for the are made! Your opinion- whether for, against, or indifferent - needs to be expressed Kate Morrison, Harbour Village which will be to NCC. We all acknowledge there were initial teething problems - as there always 3 Island View, aglow with sparkling lights, are with something new; some of these have been rectified, others cannot be altered Amble NE65 0SE festive Pods and a very unique until, and only if, the order is made a permanent feature. Please read the detail of Tel: 01665 711191 the idea being proposed. The trial at present is trying to ease congestion and help Christmas tree. None of this Jane Dargue traffic flow in those areas- a long standing problem for many years, especially at could happen without the huge 10 Sylvia’s Close, weekends and Bank Holidays, which affects everyone not just the people who live on effort of volunteers and our usual Amble NE65 0GB those streets. Watch for press releases and notices appearing in the streets involved community spirit. Tel: 07795360513 which will tell you how to respond. Details of the proposals will also be available to Vice Chair: Councillor Jane Dargue view by appointment in the Council offices. Peter Robinson 7 West Court, TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, FOURWAYS 2, AMBLE. NE65 0DT Tel: 01665 714 695 www.amble.gov.uk Amble NE65 0JG Email [email protected] Twitter: @AmbleTC Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmbleTownCouncil Tel 01665 711687 Office hours: 10-11.30a.m. & 1.30-3p.m. Monday to Friday Elaine Brown Town Clerk Minutes available to view in Office or online 20 ~ The Ambler WHAT’S ON CLUBS & SOCIETIES NASTRO visits Rotary Club news CERN resident of the Rotary Club of Rotarians and volunteers Pof Amble & Warkworth, were sent out to administer detectors sift through the data Dave Shoemaker, gave a the vaccine. When a child in a produced when the proton beams talk to the parents at Amble village is vaccinated, a finger is collide. New particles are created Links First School assembly marked with a purple dye. The at these places and many exist on Rotary’s “End Polio number of cases has dropped for just tiny fractions of a second Now” campaign. Dave also dramatically and has been before decaying. The energies left two collecting tins and reduced by some 99% with involved in the collisions and the a Teddy Bear. The children fewer than 400 cases in the particles which emerge from them have been challenged to entire world in 2014. haven’t occurred in nature since enter a competition to name However, the fight is far the earliest moments after the the Teddy from a list of 200 from over since the disease is n October, 14 members of universe was born. As one of our possible names. Entry to the still devastating Pakistan and INorthumberland Astronomical guides told us “We don’t discover competition costs 50p and Afghanistan and Rotary is still Society (NASTRO) visited CERN particles here; we manufacture the pupil choosing the correct carrying on the fight. The (aka the European Organization them!” name (as selected by the Head World Health Organisation in for Nuclear Research). CERN CERN took NASTRO Teacher) will win the Teddy. July this year confirmed that has headquarters at Meyrin, near members to visit two The Teddy Bear is the symbol Nigeria has reported no new Geneva in Switzerland but the experiments (see pic). The this year for Rotary’s ongoing cases and there have been no facility is so extensive that some of first was AMS-02 (the Alpha campaign to rid the world of new cases in Somalia since the experiments are situated over Magnetic Spectrometer). A polio. August 2014. This is the the French border. team of scientists at CERN When the polio vaccine longest period that Africa has CERN is home to the Large monitors a detector on board was introduced in 1950 the gone without a case of polio. Hadron Collider (LHC) – the the International Space Station. disease was considered to be Rotary’s efforts have been biggest particle accelerator in the They’re searching for signs of one of the most frightening described as one of the finest world. The LHC consists of a antimatter and dark matter public health problems in the humanitarian projects the near circular tunnel about 27 km among the billions of cosmic world. In 1985, Rotary Clubs world has ever known and (17 miles) long about 100 metres rays strikes being detected above and their partners worldwide Rotary was nominated for the below ground. The LHC is the atmosphere. Later we were decided to try to eradicate the Nobel Peace Prize for its work sandwiched between Lake Geneva shuttled by minibus to the second disease completely and teams in the eradication task. to the east and the Jura mountains experiment: the famous - among to the west. geeks and NASTRO members Two beams of protons, no anyway – CMS (Compact Muon thicker than a human hair, are Solenoid) experiment. CMS sits Some circulated in opposite directions on the LHC ring and has vast detectors deep under the French of the around the tunnels. The proton guests at beams are guided by intense countryside. CMS was partly Amble and magnetic fields from thousands responsible for the discovery of Warkworth of giant magnets cooled by the Higgs Boson in 2012. Rotary liquid helium to within a degree Adrian Jannetta President’s of absolute zero (-273C). The Northumberland Astronomical Night which was protons go around the LHC track Society nastro.org.uk. held at 11,000 times per second. At To visit CERN (it’s free!): the Old various points around the LHC http://home.cern/ Storehouse Parents challenged with 53 bedtime stories arents and carers in Northumberland schools, child minders and nursery settings benefits, and we know that there is already a Phave been set the challenge of reading to support families in getting children lot of good practice across Northumberland. to their children every night until Christmas school-ready, and will be providing parents This extra push is aimed at those parents Eve to get more children reading and school- and carers with charts to keep a record of the who may not naturally tell stories in the ready. books they have read to their children. home. The ’53 books at bedtime’ campaign It is hoped that the charts will focus “Although getting children school-ready comes after a national literacy drive was parents on developing their involvement is a complex process, we are focussing on an launched by education secretary Nicky in their child’s learning. The data from the area that we know can make a difference. If Morgan and children’s author David challenge will be used to help plan school- we strive to read to children from birth, the Walliams. ready strategies in the future, as the new impact will be even better.” Research shows that reading stories Ofsted framework highlights the need Early years practitioners will be providing to children supports cognitive and brain to include parents in the assessment and parents and carers with the ‘53 Books at development, communication and language, planning process. Bedtime’ booklet, along with advice and social and emotional development, but most Cllr Robert Arckless, cabinet member support on the process. of all an interest in learning and the basic for children’s services, said: “We want all ‘53 Books at Bedtime’ will start after skills for later achievement. children in Northumberland to benefit from the autumn half term on 2 November. One Northumberland County Council’s early the ‘53 books at bedtime’ challenge. chart in each area will be picked at random to years team will work with children’s centres, “Reading stories to children has so many receive a £20 book token prize. The Ambler ~ 21 CLUBS & SOCIETIES WHAT’S ON Wildlife Trust - every wild child Hauxley Nature Reserve open days ver the years evidence has proved that there are health and social n Focus, Hauxley Nature Reserve, Sun 13 Dec. and Sun 10 Jan Obenefits for all ages resulting from contact with the natural I10:00am - 4:00pm a free event. world. Now, results from a new YouGov poll, commissioned by The Opportunities to try out a range of binoculars, telescopes and Wildlife Trusts, highlight the discrepancy between what parents think other optical equipment at our reserve. Please note, these events are is best for children and what they actually experience. running on the same days as our Hauxley Open Days so the reserve The new poll shows that 91% of parents of children aged 18 and will be open to visitors. No booking just drop in on the day. under think that having access to nature and wildlife is important for Hauxley Reserve Open Days, Sun 13/12/2015 - 10:30am - children, yet 78% of parents are concerned that children don’t spend 3:30pm and Sun 10/01/2016 - 10:00am – 4:00pm enough time interacting with nature and wildlife. Join our special public open day to see the plans and progress on The poll also reveals that 57% of parents said their children spend our innovative new visitor centre and new access works at Hauxley. a little less or a lot less time outdoors than they did. More than half Staff will be on hand to provide information on the works that are of children have never seen a flock of starlings and more than a third being carried out and answer any questions. This event is suitable have never seen a hedgehog. for both adults and children. It is a free event but donations will be Steve Lowe, Head of Conservation at Northumberland welcome. This is a Dynamic Druridge event. Wildlife Trust said: “We will be physically, mentally and spiritually impoverished if our children are deprived of contact with the natural world. Contact with nature should not be the preserve of the Warkworth Golf club privileged. It is critical to the personal development of our children.” In a bid to ensure every child in the UK has an opportunity to he September equinox sees the end of the summer season at enjoy regular contact with nature, over the next year the Wildlife TWarkworth Golf Club. Looking back over the season is always Trusts are inviting individuals, parents, teachers, schools and interesting. organisations to share their ideas on what needs to happen to put the The gents’ trophies were shared out amongst members though wild back into childhood and make ‘every child wild’ as part of a new the achievement of Gary Scott who won three times is worthy of initiative aptly called Every Child Wild note. A different story amongst the ladies though, with Betty Black Further details on this wonderful project, log on at: www. being in the winners enclosure seven times. Little wonder she took wildlifetrusts.org/everychildwild. the Ladies ‘Player of the Year’ award. Amongst the juniors the names of Kyle Brown, Freddie Bremner and Adam Wales all appeared more than once and Daniel Cook rounded off his junior career (he joins In the frame for a fourth year the ranks of the adults next season) by taking the final trophy of the he North East Wildlife Photography Competition 2016 has just year. With special mention of Freddie and Kyle, who have now got Tlaunched, with the three north east Wildlife Trusts, the Natural adult handicaps, and to Adam who managed to lop 13 strokes off his History Society of Northumbria (NHSN), Great North Museum: handicap to end the season on 15 (only two higher than his father). A Hancock and Alan Hewitt Photography joining forces for the fourth list of all winners is available on our website. year in a row. The course has attracted high praise during the season, not least Nestlé Fawdon is the main sponsor and prizes being offered when it was mentioned by Ben Coley in his posting on the sky.com include £250, binoculars, photography workshops, wildlife watching website and when it hosted the annual Northumberland Seniors trips and photography equipment. v Juniors match. Thanks go to Alan Dalby, the greenkeeper and There are six competition categories to enter: wildlife portraits, his assistant Ian Bruce. The clubhouse atmosphere and food has wildlife in action, wildlife in the landscape, nature up close, mobile also attracted favourable comment due to the hard work of Gillian nature and young person’s, with prizes for each category winner and Gooding and her helpers. runners-up. The advent of winter does not mean the end of golf at Entry is free and is open to everyone, but photographs must have Warkworth. Its renowned drainage means it is playable all year. It is been taken in the North East. Winning photos will be exhibited in the for this reason that it attracts winter members from parkland courses Great North Museum: Hancock and on tour around the region.. such as Arcot Hall, Morpeth and Prudhoe who know they will be The competition closing date is midnight, Sunday 15 May 2016. able to play throughout the winter months. Winter brings with Winners announced at the Great North Museum: Hancock Awards it a comprehensive programme of Ladies and Gents fun (but still Ceremony on Thursday 14 July 2016. seriously contested) competitions, often using rarely used formats. To enter, and for more information, visit Membership is open, be it all year or winter only. For details visit www.northeastwildlifephoto.co.uk You can also follow the our website on www.warkworthgolfclub.co.uk or contact secretary@ competition via Facebook and twitter. warkworthgolfclub.co.uk or give us a ring on 01665 711596. Lifesaver training Coquet Churches Together – Messy Church ould you like some free lifesaving/first aid/ oquet Churches Together has been hosting Messy Church family sessions Wdefibrillator training? Cduring school holidays for the past two years. The Stephen Carey fund is holding a free lifesaving From January, Messy Church will be happening on the third Sunday of every training session on Tuesday 8 December 5.30 pm at month at Trinity Methodist Church, Percy Street, Amble. Each session will the Radcliffe Club. Session will last 1.5hrs /2hours. start at 3.30pm in the hall, with craft, games, music and drama. This will be Training is free and covers how to do CPR, followed by a short period of family worship in the church and a tea will then the use of a defibrillator and will include practical be served at 5.00pm. demonstrations. Activities will be particularly suitable for three to eight year olds, but younger Call into the Lifestyle Clothing shop, 84 Queens family members are very welcome. While there is no charge to families, St. and pop your name down on the list or just donations will be welcomed. come along to the Radcliffe Club on the evening. All Messy Church will be held on Sunday 17th January, Sunday 21st February welcome! and Sunday 20th March. 22 ~ The Ambler WHAT’S ON CLUBS & SOCIETIES Santa Claus is coming! Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs he Rotary Club of Amble and he traditional tale of a beautiful teenager whose life is threatened TWarkworth have announced the dates Tby an evil queen gets a Warkworth makeover in this year’s panto, for the annual Christmas Collection in aid ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’. of local charities and good causes. Glamorous killer Queen Caligula, so used to being called the Santa Claus with his sleigh and team of fairest in the land by the spirit of the mirror Speak True, discovers helpers will be visiting your area during a rival for the title in the shape of her step-daughter Snow White. the early evening on the following dates: Consumed with vindictive jealousy, the queen decides that the young Wed 9 : Red Row and Hadston North upstart must be bumped off. Idiot assassins Bogwort and Stinkwort Thu 10 : Hadston South are commissioned to do the deadly deed. Fri 11 : Amble West Will they succeed or will she have to do the job herself? In their (starting at West Cres) way are a handsome young prince, a warm-hearted royal housekeeper Mon 14 : Amble Central and seven dwarfs who take the young princess into their home for Tue 15 : Amble East protection. The action is packed with music, romance and slapstick, Wed 16 : Amble South and audiences will be invited to get involved with encouraging cheers (including 50 new houses) at the sight of the goodies, loud boos when the baddies appear and Thu 17 : Warkworth South wild applause throughout. Fri 18 : Amble (Gibson St, Cemetery At the Memorial Hall in Warkworth on Thursday, Friday and Rd, Mariners’ View, Warkworth North Saturday, December 10, 11 and 12 at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee Sat 19 : Queen Street (Morning only) on the Saturday. Tickets are available now at Warkworth Village shop Mon 2 : Acklington and N. Broomhill and N&F Young or from www.warkworthdrama.org.uk £7 for adults and £5 children. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more. Harbour Village events Royal British Legion Dolphin view very Merry Christmas from Amble Harbour Village! We he branch committee would like to Christmas Party are enjoying some festive fun at the Harbour Village in A wish everyone a very Happy Xmas & the run up to Christmas and hope you will join us for some T We wish the Amble New Year! Christmas shopping at the pods and come and see what we are community a Happy Thank you to everyone who supported up to with our Advent Calendar (from 1 December up until Christmas, from the residents the Royal British Legion during the recent Christmas Eve). There is someone new to meet and something and staff of Dolphin View Poppy Appeal. Through your generosity new going on each day! Care Home. we can help support our forces and Come and help us decorate our Christmas Wishes Tree Christmas Party on Sunday veterans. in the Seafood Centre and be in with a chance of winning a 20 December, 1.30-4 pm. Next Branch Meeting 7pm, Wednesday, hamper of goodies from the Harbour Village Pods (minimum Entertainment and Buffet. 27 January 2016 opening times 11am-3pm every day in December until Everyone is welcome. Legion Room, Warkworth Memorial Christmas eve). Hall Join us and our local partner groups on the last two Speaker: Military Historian Stephen Thursday evenings for late night shopping. Get into the Moore M.A.to give a talk on Black Christmas coffee Christmas spirit with our pods giving that Christmas Market Thursday - The Luftwaffe’s Hardest Day feel, sample the festive fayre, enjoy the music, and browse the 15 August 1940 saw the widest morning extra stands from local businesses in the Seafood Centre (4- spread of Luftwaffe operations across 8pm on Dec 10 and 17). 10% of pods profits each night will 4 December 10.00 to 12.00 the UK for the entire Battle of Britain, go to the selected local group/organisation to help with their Come and have a tea or coffee from Northumberland in the north east fundraising. Browse through our non- to Portland in the south west. The losses We will also have extra activity going on each weekend fiction book sale sustained on this day were the highest for in December:- 5 & 6 Kids Crafty Elf fun, 12 & 13 Mini Meet Pam, our digital the Luftwaffe on any day of the Battle Craft fair, and 19 & 20 Mini Food & Drink Market. So stay champion, who will be of Britain, and it was remembered as local and shop local for inspired, unique gifts and get into the happy to discuss any IT issues ‘Schwarzer Donnerstag’ - by the survivors. Christmas spirit at the Amble Harbour Village this Christmas! you may have.CalistoCounty Councillor Robert Arckless will be holding surgeries on will be holding Surgeries on Friday 29 January Friday Friday 25th July at 6pm - 6.45pm in Hauxley Village Hall at 6pm - 6.45pm in Hauxley Village Hall and and Saturday 30 January Saturday Saturday 26th July from 10am-11am in Amble Library from 10am - 11am in Amble Library All Constituents Welcome All Constituents WelcomeThe Ambler ~ 23 Former Toon coach visits Tiny Woods iny Woods Academy hosted the popular Tiny Woods Academy is delighted to TStriker School at Stobswood Welfare announce that Gateshead FC defender during the October half term holiday. Nathan Buddle has joined the coaching staff. The camp was hailed a huge success. Coaches, children and parents had More than 40 children turned out to a fantastic time in the annual Amble participate in fun, technical coaching Christmas Lights Parade to kick off the sessions, learning different techniques festive season. on striking the ball, playing the role of a They will be having a Christmas Party striker, finishing under pressure, attacking for the children on Saturday 19 December combination play and counter attacking. with a raffle and tombola. If anyone would Former Newcastle United Head Coach like to donate prizes they are more than John Carver was a special guest and came welcome. along to present the medals, trophies, I would like to wish all Ambler readers footballs and signed photos of professional and their families a very Merry Christmas footballers. and a Happy New Year. He was impressed with the set up Tiny Woods Academy would like to stating 'The set up at Tiny Woods Academy thank all the children and parents for their is fantastic, I had a look around and the fantastic support during what has been a quality of the football from the children was year to remember! excellent, but what struck me was every child See you in 2016! had a smile on their face and that's what Above: Jamie Dixon, John Carver, Josh Rutherford and Jamie Lauder football is all about!' Josh Rutherford Torchlight procession images (l -r) Eight year old Lilly Oliver meets Santa Youngsters riding in The Tavern’s golden carriage One of the huge fish lanterns made in the community workshops run by Elaine PorterAnna WilliamsSteve EmbertonVivienne Dalgliesh Steve Emberton SteveAbove: Anna Williams Hundreds of fish hats were decorated by Amble Links First School, Edwin St First School and Brambles. Right: the procession filled Queen Above: Brothers Nathan Bailey (6) Paul Patterson Street. Left: Transformers (19 months) and Liam Bailey (5) meeting Santa. performed for the crowds. The event was organised by Amble Town Council, Amble Christmas Lights Committee, Amble Development Trust and Amble Business Club. More images and video on Anna Williams our website, including the Transformers dance routine in the Town Square. www.theambler.co.uk Justin Cooper

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