After a busy season of concerts the members of Ad Murum Singers met for their General Meeting in the Methodist Hall to assess how well they had performed in the previous year and to plan strategies for the choir in the next season. After the meeting all repaired to The Swan for a very pleasant buffet Supper
Choir practice will commence again on Tuesday, 18th September at 7.30pm in the Methodist Hall when they will begin practicing seasonal music suitable for a Christmas Concert in December, 2001.
If there are any people out there, young or old, who enjoy singing and feel they would like to join the choir DON�T HESITATE � COME ALONG AND GIVE IT A TRY. You will be assured of a warm welcome and a rewarding time.
Chris Rand
The Summer meetings and activities of Heddon W.I. have continued as usual. In June, member Hilda Freer, talked on �Superstitions�. In July Maureen Proud from Wall demonstrated Ribbon Craft. Everyone then made their own attractive bookmark or greetings card.
TUESDAY TEAS have continued to be served twice a month. There will be No �Teas� in August but they will resume again on 11th September with a choice selection of homemade cakes and scones.
On 7th July, C & J. Fashions from Whitley Bay gave a fashion show in the W.I. Hall. Four models showed some lovely styles and outfits. A great selection of garments were for sale afterwards. It was a good evening!
At the time of writing W.I. Secretary, Joyce Laws, is in hospital recovering from major surgery. She is making slow but steady progress towards a full recovery. Her efficiency and organisational skills are much missed, especially by me!!!
In August, Members and friends are going to the recently renovated Bavington Hall. W.I. will be providing the teas at Heddon Show on 1st September. Our next meeting is on 3rd September when Mrs. Neave is the speaker �. Why not join us?
Aileen Rand, President
Now that the dust has settled following the elections I would like to introduce myself as the successful candidate, through the columns of Heddon Gossip.
To be perfectly honest, we did not get off to a very good start. The Boundary Commission didn�t do us any favours by joining Heddon with Ponteland South for electoral purposes; no one in either area felt the amalgamation could be of benefit to any future representation but, despite all our efforts, the Commission continued with their proposals and confirmed the new constituency.
In the event, I feel sure that the large majority of people in both areas have accepted the situation. Certainly, as far as Heddon is concerned, people still regard themselves as living in a �different� environment and not part of the �dormitory� suburb of Ponteland, but they do not appear to have any qualms now about the new arrangements. During the run up to the election, I visited all the homes in Heddon except those subject to foot and mouth restrictions. Although I wasn�t able to speak to everyone, I did not receive any adverse comments from those people I did speak to about the new arrangements, once the decision had been made.
As to the future, I made a number of commitments in my election address and I shall pursue these to the best of my ability. I have already made contact with members of the Heddon Parish Council and, in attending some of their meetings, I am pleased to say that our aims and aspirations for Heddon are broadly similar. I shall, of course, consult residents in Heddon whenever possible on any issues that may arise. Top of the agenda at present, beside the major issues of education and health, are the serious problem of vandalism which is taking place in the village and the state of the local roads and footpaths. I hope I shall be able to assist in reducing vandalism (which I know is already being actively dealt with by the Police), and in improving the state of the roads.
To keep in touch with residents is difficult in such a wide area stretching as it does from Ponteland to Heddon. To assist in consultation, the Conservative Group in Ponteland holds surgeries at Merton Hall on the first Saturday of every month from 10.30 to 11.30am and residents of Heddon are welcome to discuss any problems they might have. Arrangements are being made for surgeries to be held in Heddon
In the meantime, I would encourage anyone with an issue of concern to contact me directly on Tel.No. 01661 824306 or write to me at 2 Fellside Close, Ponteland, NE20 9LP
Roy Bentham
From Claire Barber, �High Hopes� Centurion Way, Heddon on the Wall Tel. No. 854733
SHEEP IN THE SWAN FIELD
I am writing with a thank you to all the villagers for being so understanding and vigilant with the sheep that we have in the Swan field. As many of you remember, the field last year and how it had overgrown, we feel privileged to be able to keep the grass down for the benefit not only of Heddon but the tourists that arrive to see the wonderful views that we have here. Our thoughts go out to those who have succumbed to the dreadful foot and mouth disease and we are grateful that we have been very lucky in escaping so far.
We have had all the sheep checked over by MAFF and along with our, and everybody's willingness to watch over the sheep they are thriving and enjoying the sunshine and the surroundings.
May I also thank Ray and Linda for the way in which they have handled questions and queries and also for the continued use of the field, we make a great team (And the sheep love the veggie trimmings). Our livestock mean a great deal to us and what is a problem to them is a problem to us. If anybody has any cause for concern with the sheep please do not hesitate to contact Richard or myself on the above number.
If you can see Lucky Linda in the field, (the small white-faced one) you may even have a chance of winning the key draws in the village.
Once again thank you all for your support and kind words.
Hazel Thompson
I have lived in Heddon village for 59 years, moving here from Heddon Station. I started school at Heddon then went to St. Cuthbert�s Junior School at Walbottle and what was Fenham R.C. School for girls (now Sacred Heart High School). I have always been interested in, and care about, the village and I found the Parish Council meetings interesting to go to. I was invited to be a Parish Councillor in 1985. Since then I have found that I can be of assistance in a number of ways including being a regular bus traveller which enables me to help with any problems with late running buses, bus fares, concessionary passes and new routes and timetables.
I am Honorary Poppy Appeal Organiser for the district which covers Heddon, Newburn, Throckley, Walbottle, Lemington and Blucher.
By all accounts, the History Conference for the area Local History Societies held in Heddon on 16th June was an outstanding success
Our thanks and appreciation must go to Mike Furlonger who arranged such a variety of excellent speakers, all of whom were greatly enjoyed. One visitor who had attended all such previous events remarked that "Heddon�s programme was the best ever" and many others were very appreciative of the warm welcome received in the village.
Thanks are also offered to the members who assisted in the event and especially to the ladies who made tea and washed dishes in the Knott Hall. The homemade cakes and scones, etc., were very much appreciated by everyone.
Margaret Makepeace
As I am sure you are all aware, this year�s Show is to be held on Saturday, 1st September in the Knott Hall. Schedules have been distributed and we hope there is something for you to enter. Schedules are also available from the Post Office together with details of Class 70 in the Crafts section and Class 85 for children aged 5 and under.
We look forward to seeing you on 1st September and GOOD LUCK with your entries
Anne Elliott, Show Secretary
I was very disappointed at your published results of the requests for help, information and volunteers. This is in regard to the Knott Hall, Heddon in Bloom, etc. (April Edition of Heddon Gossip)
However, working on the half full - half empty" principal I feel that there are some positives both past and present. There are many residents in the village who have served on committees for The Heddon Show and The Knott Hall (myself included). I regard the Heddon in Bloom organisation as worthy of the highest praise. We have residents who have organised Neighbourhood watch schemes, local football, the Parish Council and much more
.
The Swan Leek Club make a donation to Heddon in Bloom each year, several hundred pounds have been passed on providing much needed funds. Last year we organised a Village Fete, which apart from the weather was a resounding success, bringing people not just from the village but also a substantial number of visitors.
We are organising another Fete in The Swan field on August Bank Holiday Monday, 27th. Many village organisations have already agreed to take part with the opportunity to fly their respective flags and realise some much-needed funds. All age groups will be catered for, all we need are bodies and of course the weather.
I agree with your good-self that the various village activities and organisations only carry on because of an unsung hard-core of do�ers. Grateful thanks to the residents who sit on committees, plant flowers, attend religious functions and generally make the village a better place to live. These people provide the positive side, the negative side unfortunately are those of the 650 households who do nothing.
I hope that by identifying good points we might touch the conscience of others.
Kindest regards, keep up the good work
David Greensitt Chairman of The Swan Leek Club
Following the success of last year�s Village Fete we are organising another event on August Bank Holiday Monday, 27th August, at The Swan from 2 � 5pm. As last year it will be held in the field at the rear of The Swan
Some of the events include Welly Throwing, Egg Throwing, Coconut Shy, Tombola, Scotch Missed, Junior Treasure Hunt, Tug of War and a Three Legged Race. Also available on the day will be a Barbecue and Bouncy Castle for the children.
Please come along and have an enjoyable day!
HEDDON METHODIST CHURCH
Regular Sunday Services
10.30am Morning Worship
6pm Evening Worship
Everyone is warmly invited to all our services. We have currently ceased having specific monthly Family Services but children will be welcomed at any time � we love them as well as the grown-ups!
Church Events for your diary
August
6th Coffee & Chat 10.30am � 12 noon
20th Coffee & Chat 10.30am � 12 noon
29th Pathfinders Walking Group 10am
(Unless Foot and Mouth restrictions still apply)
September
3rd Coffee & Chat 10.30am � noon
8th Church open for Church Steeplechase event
9th Annual Methodist Covenant Service 6pm
17th Coffee & Chat 10.30am � noon
26th Pathfinders Walking Group 10am
(Unless Foot and Mouth restrictions still apply)
Please see our Notice Board or Newsletter for more details.
Methodist Church Notes
Many of you will have noticed scaffolding round the church building during July. The stonework of the church and schoolroom has been expertly cleaned and re-pointed. You will remember that the church roof was also re-tiled recently. Heddon now has a Methodist Church of which it can be proud. Along with St. Andrew�s, the Parish Church, Heddon can boast that it possesses two fine religious buildings. But churches are much more than buildings, beautiful as they may be. As has been said so often before � churches are not buildings but people! We invite all Heddon residents to be not only proud of their two village churches, but join with other followers of Jesus Christ and use their churches to worship God and find his peach in their lives.
Our weekly Thursday evening Bible study is on holiday for the summer but will be re-launched with a barbecue in September � watch the notice board for details.
On the first and third Monday mornings of the month between 10am and noon, the Chapel is open for anyone to drop in for a Coffee and Chat (or a Tea & Chat!). Why not come along? August and September dates are in the events diary.
Although the Foot & Mouth situation is still with us, some local footpaths have been opened up again and Pathfinders Walking Group walks have been taking place. Even so, the decision as to whether the group will meet or not, is being taken nearer the actual day (last Wednesday of each month). For up-to-date information please contact John Banks (01661 852317) If they do happen, the dates and times are as in the events calendar above. Anyone who enjoys an easy walk with good company is very welcome. Don�t forget to bring a packed lunch.
The Mums and Toddlers Group, which meet every Wednesday between 1.30 and 3.30pm during school term time is currently having a summer break. The Group will re-start after the Summer holidays on Wednesday, 12th September.
Finding your way around the World Wide Web
This week, through the Heddon Web site, I received an E-mail asking why we no longer made the "Sonic lure", not the first time that I have received messages relating to fishing tackle. Confused, so was the person who mistook our village Web site for that of the American fishing tackle manufacturer, of the same name.
Many people find the Web a daunting and confusing place, it has been likened to a massive library that has no cataloguing system. I frequently need to demonstrate to people the vast amount, and diversity, of information that can be found on the Web. These are a few of my favourite sites, which I use for that purpose.
1. www.cwgc.org - If you lost a relative in either of the world wars you should visit the Common Wealth War Graves Commission Site. This has a searchable database, dedicated to the memory of 1.7 million men who made the ultimate sacrifice.
2. www.genuki.org.uk - The Web contains a lot of information on genealogy and this is the first starting point for any searches that you might want to make into your family history.
3. www.multimap.com - When travelling it is always useful to have a map. This site enables you to print out a detailed local map, based upon the Post Code. If you live close to the centre of a large town it also offers an aerial photograph of your house.
4. www.upyourstreet.co.uk - Again based upon your Post Code you can compare things in your area with the national average, or even find your nearest tradesman.
5. www.google.com - Finding information on the Web is relatively straightforward when someone points you to the correct Web site. Finding information when you don't know which Web site to use, is a different matter. In this case you need to use a Search Engine. A Search Engine is a Web site that enables you to search the Web, and locate the sites that contain the information that you want.
You may have heard of some of the Search Engines that currently advertise on the TV, such as Yahoo, Lycos and Ask Jeeves. Google is, in my opinion, the simplest, fastest and most effective Search Engine, currently searching over 1,400,000,000 Web pages (some library). Type in the keywords that you want to find information on, and Google will return with a list of all the Web sites that contain those keywords.
What confuses me is how someone can visit our village Web site, move around it enough, to find and fill in the form, that they need to complete to send me an E-mail, and still think that we manufacture fishing tackle.
ANOTHER BUSY YEAR FOR HEDDON IN BLOOM
We have been most pleased with many of the supportive comments from around the village this year. The new flower beds at Overhill, the new Lay-By and the work in the Memorial Park have all gone down well. This is in addition to the usual tubs and displays around the village.
The children�s painting competition was of a very high standard once again. Mrs Ellison kindly judged and presented the prize winners at the Awareness Day in July.
The garden and business competitions were also hotly contended, as usual. We will have to wait until the Show Day in the Knott Hall to hear the prize winners. Thanks again to Halls of Heddon for sponsoring the event.
Three front gardens were also nominated for the Northumbria Garden Competition and the results are keenly awaited.
The village as a whole was judged during the week after the annual summer tidy up and Awareness Day. The rain held off just long enough for the two judges to tour the village for 2 hours. The trip took in many aspects of the village, including St Andrews Church, numerous flower tubs and displays, the Memorial Park, Butterfly Haven, business premises and a number of private gardens. Once again we will have to wait for the official announcements of the Northumbria in Bloom Competition later in the Summer but the judges seemed quite impressed by the wide variety of features throughout the village.
The judges were also impressed by the often overlooked fact that all the work is carried out by volunteers. The tubs, plants, displays, compost etc. are all provided out of our own funds which are in turn raised from donations from ourselves, other individuals and organisation like the Leek Clubs as well as events like the Awareness Day. The Parish Council has provided bedding plants for the Memorial Park while Heddon in Bloom provided the labour.
So all in all a busy year. But it doesn�t stop now, we plan to keep up maintenance particularly in the Memorial Park. So all any new helpers will be most appreciated. Please contact David Chambers, Tom and Terry Glenton, Gordon Stewart or anyone in HiB if you would like to help.
Finally a very big thank you to all the people who quietly support HiB almost behind the scenes by weeding and watering tubs, cutting grass and generally helping keep the village looking so nice. Your support is very much appreciated.
Just a tiny space to wish everyone a happy holiday then back to groups, activities, etc., in September
It�s been good growing weather hasn�t it? The meadow grasses have really taken off over the last few weeks and are due for their first cut. A combination of the grasses doing well and the hard ground of late winter has meant that we have not had the same show of wild flowers as we had last year but the original intention was to produce wild grassland meadows and we will be able to supplement the range of wild flowers in the coming autumn and winter. The young trees, in spite of apparently being swamped by the lush growth of grasses and docks on the banks are doing well with the protection given them by the mulch mats but from an appearance point of view we need to get rid of the docks at least. That should have happened by the time you are reading this.
The main meadows have also had more docks than they should have but that has been dealt with by, at this stage, simply cutting them down to ground level. It only took two of us about an hour and a half on a warm sunny afternoon to do the job and in the process we took out any rose bay willowherb we came across. Working in the meadow like that gave us a chance to see how the natural colonisation of the meadow was coming along. Meadow brown butterflies were common in the grassland and one or two small tortoiseshells were present as well. We disturbed several species of moths as we moved around and spiders were everywhere.
It reminded me that we should start a systematic recording regime for the site before too long.
This is a good time to say "Well done" to the children and staff of the Abacus Teaching Nursery in the village who patiently brought through five painted lady butterflies from the chrysalis stage and I had the pleasure of helping them to release them at the Butterfly Haven. A big �THANK YOU� to everyone concerned.
A big �THANK YOU� also to Hall�s of Heddon who kindly donated herbs in the form of thyme and camomile plants which were planted in the abdomen of the stone butterfly. They are very attractive to real butterflies.
On the subject of introducing things onto the site can I just remind everyone that this is a wild site and however attractive they might be we do not want garden flowers planted anywhere on the site.
Ian Armstrong
Sunshine welcomed the children from Abacus Teaching Nursery to the Butterfly Haven on Monday, 16th July. Over the last three to four weeks the children and staff had been watching five caterpillars change into butterflies as one of their activities in the nursery. Six of the children met Ian Armstrong at the Haven to release the butterflies into their new surroundings.
The children found it enjoyable and interesting and in September we hope to look at and watch ladybirds.
In June and July we studied trees with our tutor then, on a rare fine evening, we went along to the Methodist Church and enjoyed painting in the Peace Garden. The colours and atmosphere were an inspiration.
Looking ahead � on 15th August we have arranged for local artist WALTER HOLMES to come and demonstrate pastel painting. Anyone wishing to come will be most welcome at the W.I. Hall from 7 � 9 pm. Everyone attending contributes �1.50 towards the cost.
And Looking Further Ahead to our ANNUAL EXHIBITION on 6th OCTOBER from 11am to 3pm�.this year it will take a different form. We plan to offer refreshments in the hall and display our work on table easels around the room. We will still be inviting visitors to vote for their favourite work. Look out for posters in the village nearer the time.
The Art Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 7pm in the W.I Hall. You are welcome to drop in an see us.
Mary White, Hon. Secretary
Meet every other Monday in the Knott Hall 1pm � 3pm. We are interested in anything to do with �stitches�. Why not call in and see u.
CHANGE IN BUS SERVICE TO HEDDON
As from 29th July Stagecoach are withdrawing the No.83 bus service to Heddon. In terms of the service this probably makes little difference, however, for those residents with mobility problems this change could cause difficulties as the 83 was the only Newcastle bus to pass through the centre of the village.
The 83 was a purely commercial service run by Stagecoach and they have made their decision on purely commercial grounds. There is probably little chance of the service being restored. The other two bus companies, Arriva and Go-Ahead Northern have been contacted with a view to them re-routing their east bound services through the village instead of through the outskirts. This will have some effect on the traffic through the village but it will make things much easier for those residents with mobility problems. We are awaiting the outcome of this request.
REFURBISHMENT OF THE WELFARE FIELD PLAY EQUIPMENT
Residents who use the Welfare Field will have noticed that there has been a major refurbishment of the play area. The safety areas under all the play equipment have been refilled with play chip after first removing the weed and grass and laying a membrane to prevent further weed growth. The swings have been completely refurbished, the only original material left here is the framework. The single tyre swing has been repaired as it was in a potentially dangerous condition and the Wendy House slide has been made safer.
The cost of this maintenance was nearly �5,000 including VAT. The VAT element we will be able to reclaim which will reduce the cost somewhat. I am sure some residents will be asking why this was done and why so much money spent. It was obvious that the play area was rapidly deteriorating to such a point that it was becoming unsafe. Under these circumstances the Parish Council was faced with only two alternatives �To take the equipment away (which would have cost a substantial sum anyway) or repair and refurbish. They chose the latter course of action.
The Parish Council, of course, has no resources with which to carry out such a major operation so tenders were invited. The successful contractor was a company called Climb and Slide who specialise in building children�s playgrounds. They were found to be very helpful and co-operative and appear to have carried out a good job. Only time will tell.
THE PUBLIC MEETING WITH THE POLICE
At the Annual Elector�s Meeting held in May there was a substantial demand for a Public Meeting with the Police. This demand was fulfilled on 20th June when about 40 residents attended a Public Meeting in the Knott Hall chaired by Dr. Brian Selman. The police were represented by C.I. John Thompson and Inspector June Cowell. P.C. Stobbs, who will be familiar to anyone visiting the Police Community Safety Mobile Officer was also there. Susan Butler, Community Safety Officer for Northumberland County Council responsible for the Ponteland area also took part.
There were two main areas of discussion, the behaviour of a minority of the youth in the village and speeding traffic and road safety.
Youth behaviour occupied by far the biggest part of the evening. From the point of view of the Police they would do everything they could to help. However, one of the main problems was that an actual offence had to be committed with witnesses prepared to testify in court. It was emphasised that young people congregating in a bus shelter and talking amongst themselves was not an offence, no matter how intimidating it may appear to others. It was highlighted by residents that alcohol and possible other substances were being �imported� into Heddon by outsiders.
Overall, it appeared that the best plan was to attempt to produce a long term solution by attempting to change the attitude of the young people by the use of detached youth workers, who were already working on some nights. The police promised to do what they could in support.
The speed of traffic through Heddon was obviously a matter of some concern. The discussion varied between the speed of traffic on the access roads (Hexham Road, the Military Road, Throckley Road and the A69 slip road) and the internal village roads.
A speed strip test had already been carried out on the access roads and as soon as the results from this were available then any necessary action would be taken. Susan Butler offered to try to expedite this but she was unable to promise anything. With regard to the internal roads there was great concern about Towne Gate at the Swan where it was very narrow and the speed of cars on the estate roads. There was a call for a 20mph limit throughout the village. C.I. Thompson pointed out that they were not responsible for installing speed limits, only with enforcing them. Installation of sleeping policemen was also suggested, however, these would involve planning permission. There was also some serious doubt about their efficacy.
Susan Butler offered to organise Drug Awareness Sessions for Parents and Children. Elsewhere in this edition you will find a response form. If you are interested in a Drug Awareness Session please fill in the details on the form and return it as soon as possible.
Overall it was an interesting meeting with many residents making a useful contribution. As a final word, C.I. Thompson mentioned that every year there were four Police and Community Forums held within Tynedale (for policing purposes Heddon is part of Tynedale) such a Forum will be held in Heddon in about six months time. This will be an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions to the Police Authority.
THE CURRENT STATUS OF BAYS LEAP FARM
Bays Leap has, as you will all know, been under quite strict quarantine since 28th February. We have now had our Form D lifted and are currently on a Form E. We are still being advised by DEFRA to keep up as much bio-security as possible on all fronts. Everyone who comes onto Bays Leap is asked to adhere to stringent rules regarding hygiene and as few people as possible come into contact with the animals. Vehicles of staff are kept off site but occasionally we have to disinfect certain vehicles because of work which needs to be carried out. These people are given strict guidelines regarding not going near our stock and wearing disposable overalls and boot covers.
We are aware that the media do not cover Foot & Mouth Disease quite as much as they did but FMD is still rife in certain parts of the country so we cannot afford to let our guard drop until the UK is free of FMD and a reasonable amount to time has elapsed.
This is the situation at 22nd July and hopefully, not too dreary. We could write a book on all that has and still is going on here!!
Chris and Sandra McDonald.
Heddon First School PTA would like to thank everyone for their support during the past year. The las month has been very busy with the Fun Day, School Disco and a visit to Whickham Thorns as a leaving trip for Year 4.
The Fun Day was a great success. We were lucky with the weather and had a great turn out. We raised approximately �550 for the school which will be used to buy IT equipment and �little extras�.
The winners of the various draws were as follows �
ASSAULT COURSE
5 and Under - David Jenkins in 59 seconds
6 to 8 years ��Richard Brosnan in 42 seconds
9 years and over .. David Wadds after a tie breaker
The Dog�s name was George and was won by Mrs. Bell
Spot the Ball was won by Stew Brosnan
Raffle Prizes
1st � Wine � Jean Fleming c/o Callum Scott
2nd � NUFC Shirt � Victoria Robinson
3rd � Watch/Bracelet �Laura Burn
4th � LIFE Tickets �Margaret Chambers
5th � Whisky �James Duncan
6th � Whisky �G. Martlew
7th � Keelman Lunch � Alison Carey
8th � Ali B Vouchers � Sophie Wainwright
9th � M & S Voucher � Luke Robinson
10th � Knitted Mice � c/o Killiebrigs
The Cake weighed in at 6lb 3oz and was won by Mrs. Landreth
The Treasure Hunt was won by Luke and Cameron
The Balloon Race was won by Andrew Wadds those balloon travelled over 50 miles.
Many thanks to everyone once again for your continued support which is appreciated. We will be back in September for the new term.