Northumberland communities - Berwick

Norham shop up for countryside awards

2009-11-10T10:12:10Z

A butcher in Norham is among a number of high-quality community enterprises who are battling it out for four regional titles to go through to a national competition.

The Countryside Alliance Awards recognise quality, characters, skills, traditions and enterprise of the countryside through the people who work so hard to make it tick.

There are four categories and North East businesses have been nominated by customers and supporters. Winners will be chosen before Christmas.

These will then go towards the national titles, which will be announced at Parliament in February.

In the Daily Telegraph traditional business group, The Crown at Catton, Allendale, R G Foreman & Son in Norham on Tweed, Northumberland, and Rothbury Family Butchers in Northumberland take each other on.

In the local food category, Morpeth's Moorhouse Farm Shop and Dropswell Farm Shop in Trimdon Village, County Durham, go up against Piercebridge Organic Farm in Darlington. In the village shop and Post Office category, Blanchland Village Shop, Kielder Village Store, and Belsay Village Shop are competing.

And in the rural enterprise group Allendale Brewery, G & S Organics in Alnwick and the Country Barn, Widdrington, hope for success.

Countryside Alliance North of England director Steve Clark commented: "These finalists represent the very best of the region. The awards are a unique opportunity to celebrate not just the hard work that goes into businesses in the countryside, but also the heart and character of every individual who contributes to rural enterprise."

Berwick maltster still confident for growth

2009-11-09T09:46:00Z

Malting firm Simpsons says it is on track to exceed last year's record sales of £120m but says economic headwinds will slow growth in 2010.

Falling pub beer sales and brewery closures are expected to deter progress next year but the Berwick firm says it is anticipating growth after that and well into the next decade.

The family business, which was founded by James Parker Simpson in 1862, is the second largest maltster in the UK supplying over a quarter of the brewing and distilling industry with high quality malting barley.

In 2008 it recorded sales of around £120m which was well up on 2007's £80m with much of this being accounted for by the spike in barley prices.

Tim McCreath, group managing director, said: "We are trading well and having just completed a major investment programme the business is in good shape. We have in place some long-term strategic contracts with some of the main brewers and distillers and as they grow we will grow with them."

Mr McCreath went on to say that historically the brewing, distilling and malting industries are the last into recession and the last out.

"With brewery closures looming in Leeds, with Tetley and the Berkshire Brewery in Reading, a lot of capacity is being taken out of the market and this will have a knock-on effect on businesses like ours. We expect 2010 to be tough but anticipate renewed growth after that."

The company, whose chairman Simon Simpson OBE is the great-grandson of the founder, recently increased its production capabilities from 140,000 tonnes a year to 220,000 tonnes.

Last year's £27m investment in new facilities has been completed and the company says it is now operating at near full capacity.

As well as its Berwick headquarters and maltings it also has a malting facility in Norfolk which employs 32 of its 200 staff.

The company also operates a merchant division which helps secure its barley supply chain. Mr McCreath went on to say Simpsons places great emphasis on working closely with its suppliers and customers.

The high volatility in the price of barley last year affected the company's margins with its gross profit margin declining from 13.2% in 2007 to 12.4% in 2008.

Berwick Rangers register first away win

2009-11-09T09:19:34Z

Stranraer 2, Berwick Rangers 4

Berwick Rangers registered their first away win of the season but manager Jimmy Crease admitted his side got out of jail to a certain extent at Stranraer.

Berwick took the lead after only five minutes courtesy of an own goal by Murray Henderson, who was also sent off late on after an off the ball incident.

Damon Gray doubled the tally after 24 minutes with a fine strike on the turn from the edge of the box.

Stranraer reduced the arrears after the turnround via Darren McGeough and levelled in 7l minutes through Stuart McColm after Jamie Ewart's mistake.

But Ewart made amends, restoring the advantage in 80 minutes and 60 seconds later Gray wrapped up the victory for Berwick.

"This certainly was not one of our better displays," said the Borderers' boss. "We struggled for a spell after going two up then when we let the advantage slip away and a bit of panic set in.

"Our defending, generally been one of our strengths, was far from good not only with the back four but also in midfield, and we gave away sloppy goals."

STRANRAER: David Mitchell, Glen Mitchell, Sharp, Agostini (McInnes 25), Henderson, Jones (Montgomerie 45), McGeouch, Danny Mitchell, Moore, Jack, Noble. Subs (not used): Wight, McManus, McColm.

Sent off: Henderson (88). Booked: Sharp.

Goals: McGeouch 55, McColm 72.

BERWICK RANGERS: Peat, Smith, McMullan (Horn 63), McLean, Ewart, Callaghan, McLaren (McMenamin 70), Currie, Brazil, Gray, David Greenhill (Russell 84). Subs (not used): Ellison, Gribben.

Booked: Russell. Goals: David Mitchell 5 og, Gray 23, Ewart 80, Gray 81.

Attendance: 274 Referee: S Nicholls (Scotland).

Police appeal over missing Berwick man

2009-11-07T12:28:56Z

Police are appealing for help in tracing a missing man from Northumberland.

Alexander McKay, 52, from Ancroft, near Berwick, was last seen at a cafe in the town's Walkergate at around lunchtime on November 2.

Mr McKay suffers from mild memory loss and went missing recently, only to be found in the Edinburgh area.

He is 5ft 8in tall, of thin build and with grey hair. He has tattoos on his hands and upper arms and speaks with a Scottish accent. He was wearing a dark blue top, blue trousers and white trainers.

Anyone who may have seen Mr McKay, or anyone with any information on his whereabouts, is asked to call Northumbria Police on 0345 604-3043 ext 61226.

Heatherslaw Railway ready to steam into future

2009-11-05T11:29:37Z

It's full steam ahead for one of the North East's most picturesque tourist railways after a cash boost.

Heatherslaw Light Railway on the Ford and Etal estate in north Northumberland, has been awarded £42,530 to complete work on a steam locomotive.

One North East's Chrisi Page with director of Heatherslaw Light Railway Paul Smith and Mick Ferguson driving the steam train

The grant has come from the Northumberland Uplands Local Action Group which delivers money from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) managed by One North East.

The visitor experience at the attraction will be improved as the increased capacity of the extra steam locomotive and two extra carriages to reduce waiting times.

It will also mean visitors will be guaranteed a trip on a steam-hauled train, rather than the substituted diesel engine at peak periods.

The news comes after One North East revealed that it has been a record summer for tourism in the region with occupancy rates at 85% from July to September 2009 for self-catering properties - the highest it has been since One North East took over responsibility for tourism in 2003.

Figures also revealed that many of the region's attractions also saw an increase in visitor numbers this year with major events like the Great North Run having an impact on occupancy levels.

The improvements will secure the existing six jobs at the railway and create a further full time and part time job.

It is also estimated that 10 jobs in the local economy will be secured and a further three will be created as a result of the trickle-down effect of an additional 40% boost to visitors to the railway by 2011.

Paul Smith, director of Heatherslaw Light Railway, said: "This funding will allow us to complete a steam locomotive that is currently 50% built and construct two new 16-passenger capacity carriages and consequently ensure that our visitors will be much more likely to get a steam trip. Inevitably, when there is a period to wait for such a ride, some people decide to go elsewhere so these improvements will increase our visitor numbers.

"Some people also think they aren't getting the 'real' experience when they have a ride on the diesel train so satisfaction will also be increased. It is a real boost for our business and the local economy."

Heatherslaw Light Railway is a 15 inch narrow gauge railway which runs from the working Heatherslaw Corn Mill to Etal Village. It was founded by Neville Smith and Sidney Ford over 20 years ago and following Neville's untimely death earlier this year, is now run by Sid with Neville's son, Paul.

The company will use the funding to pay for external expertise to complete the new steam locomotive that Neville began to build over four years ago.

Alan Keef Ltd - a specialist steam locomotive manufacturer and restoration company with an international reputation - will carry out the completion of the locomotive. Existing staff have the experience to complete the additional two carriages to keep costs down.

Tom Burston, Local Action Group co-ordinator, said: "The group is delighted to give its backing to this family tourist attraction that will now be able to guarantee a real experience of riding on a steam train.

"The new train and carriages will mean that the business will become more sustainable and allow it to grow as a key attraction in the area. We are hoping that other neighbouring businesses in and around Etal will also be able to capitalise on an increase in visitor numbers to the area."

The railway is matching the RDPE investment bringing the total new investment to approximately £85,000. The funding has also included consultancy support from Adam Wellings Consulting, who has worked with the business over the last few months.

He said: "The lack of an additional steam engine meant the business couldn't capitalise on all its other assets and really grow the business. This investment will help Heatherslaw enormously."

Northumberland National Trust visitors on the up

2009-11-05T11:18:26Z

Visitors to National Trust properties across the North East this year are up more than 100,000 on 2008.

The visitor total from March 1-October 31 was 713,968.

Membership in the region has also seen a sharp increase with 24,609 new recruits - a 5,307 jump over last year.

Free-to-access trust sites, such as along the Durham and Northumberland coasts and Allen Banks in Northumberland , have also seen a huge surge in visitor popularity.

Kevin Redgrave, trust acting head warden on the Northumberland Coast, said: "This has been an exceptionally busy year for us. The car parks have been full to overflowing.

"Locals who have lived around here all their lives say they haven't seen it this busy since the 1960s."

All the National Trust's 11-pay-for-entry sites in the North East have recorded their best ever summers.

The October school half-term alone saw Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island attract more than 2,000 visitors - despite the unpredictable weather and inconvenient tides which meant people had less time to spend there.

The autumn half-term has traditionally marked the end of the National Trust tourist season, but with many properties this year electing to stay open in the run-up to Christmas and beyond, the visitor milestone is expected to again be shattered.

Wallington Hall in Northumberland anticipates breaking the 200,000 visitor mark for the first time by the end of the trust financial year in February 2010.

It is currently on target to attract around 203,000 people - 39,000 more than the next best year in 2007.

David Ronn, the National Trust's regional director Yorkshire and North East, said: "At the start of the year we weren't sure how the recession was going to affect us. We didn't know if it was a threat or an opportunity we could grasp with both hands.

"As it turns out, we have had a bumper season. What has happened is that Britons are exploring their own country again. We believe that is a long-term good for domestic tourism.

"People will never be weaned off overseas trips, but the National Trust believes it can successfully build on the dividends this year has reaped not just for us, but for the local economy.

"More visitors to National Trust properties means more money going into the local economy. It's a win-win situation for everyone, especially with the country going through such a dire recession."

Berwick students rise to challenge with ideas

2009-11-05T09:25:30Z

Teams of entrepreneurial students have impressed the experts with their ideas and enthusiasm in the first round of an enterprise challenge scheme in north Northumberland.

From left: Rachel Bullen, Matthew Lloyd, Abbie Cockburn, Nathan Thompson and Megan Currah

Year 13 pupils from Berwick High School are taking part in the joint initiative with the town's WorkSpace business centre, where the six teams met the panel of mentors which will be following their progress for the first time.

The teams behind student enterprises Glistening Gowns and Blazing Blazers, an online auction house to sell unwanted prom clothing and school uniforms, bulb and seedling venture Budding Ideas, smoothie makers Get Smoothied, events organiser Venue Events Management, jewellery-makers Candy Rocks and online homework group Student Lair, initially met a business adviser to help pull their ideas together.

WorkSpace manager Andrew Martin, one of the mentors on the panel, said: "We were very, very impressed by the enthusiasm and inventiveness and entrepreneurship shown.

"They'd very much taken on the advice they had been given at the be Your Own Boss workshop and had down their market research. We were quite surprised; we were expecting to offer more help and advice to them. We were more than surprised by how they had taken the concept and started to run with it."

Panel member Barbara Huddart, from Glendale PR and Marketing, said: "I know they'd had a session with a business adviser but at their age to come up with a SWAT analysis and have a financial plan in place was very impressive.

"Whatever they take away from it, they will now know the basics of starting their own business. It's a life skill."

Mr Martin doesn't expect to find his next crop of WorkSpace tenants from the competition; he reckons many of those taking part will go on to university or to a business school.

But he added: "There is a perception that if you don't go to university, you'll be stuck in a low-paid job.

"But there are actually opportunities out there for people with imagination and drive."

The teams will be closely monitored by the panel, which also include The Journal's head of business Andrew Hebden, business adviser David Ireland and WorkSpace licencees Jane Warcup of Bright Quarter and Nick Renton of Servitir.

The final phase takes place in March next year, when the teams will make their final presentation to the panel on how their enterprise has performed. The winner will receive WorkSpace Challenge Award for Enterprise.

Pictured: Robyn Mowbray and Heather Souter started a jewellery company called Candy Rocks

Berwick arthritis sufferer helping others

2009-11-04T13:00:16Z

A fisherman who suffers from arthritis is helping others to cope with the condition.

Robin Crawford spent 40 years fishing in the North Sea.

But the physically demanding work left him in agony with arthritis, and he is now confined to a wheelchair. Now the pensioner from Berwick has found a new lease of life through a community befriending scheme run by St John Ambulance.

He took up a computer course and curling, and now he is leading his own craft class for other arthritis sufferers in a bid to encourage them to carry on using their hands. The activities he teaches are based on the rope skills he developed as a fisherman.

He said: "Among us were men who had worked on the light ships, and in that job they had a lot of time on their hands because as long as the light was clean and working there wasn't much to do.

"They could make beautiful things with rope and twine, intricate bell pulls and so on, and I encouraged them to teach me how to do it.

"Of course I also spent a lot of time fixing nets and splicing ropes and I became pretty adept at rope work."

Robin says the St John Ambulance day centre has helped to turn his life around.

He said: "For many years I sat at home depressed, it gave me back my life. A lot of the people who come here have trouble with their hands. These crafts are encouraging them to use their hands to be creative."

Berwick minor football round-up

2009-11-04T12:59:10Z

In the Sportsworld North Northumberland League, Belford continue to lead Division Two - but only after just edging out local rivals Bamburgh Castle.

Kevin Greshon and Chris Hay were the Belford scorers, with Kevin Potts replying for Bamburgh.

Springhill had Stevie Eamons and Mark Reid on target as they kept up their challenge with a win over Boulmer, whose single reply came from Mathew Sullivan.

In the Sanderson Cup, Alnwick Town Reserves and Shilbottle were level after normal time.

Two extra-time goals saw Alnwick through, while Ashington Athletic made the trip to Berwick worthwhile by netting six times in the victory over Berwick United Reserves.

It took extra time before Lowick went through at the expense of Bedlington Terrier Reserves, while Rothbury kept up their good early-season form to ease past Berwick Town.

In the Runciman Cup, Lynemouth had Darren Burn netting four times in a seven-goal success over Rothbury Reserves.

At Wooler, it also took extra time before the home club made progress at the expense of Embleton WR.

Meanwhile, Peterlee Town have won five of their six away games so far in the Northern Alliance Division One and they continued the run with a 5-2 victory over lowly hosts Berwick United.

Four of the Newtowners' goals were scored by Elliott McGiade, with their fifth claimed by Louis Smith. Berwick's replies came from Paul Richardson and Craig Heugh.

Swine flu drugs can be delivered to north Northumberland

2009-11-04T09:03:52Z

A Northumberland MP has asked health chiefs to ensure people are aware that swine flu antivirals can be delivered.

Berwick Lib Dem MP Sir Alan Beith has spoken out on behalf of constituents who are unable to travel to collection points at Blyth or Byker.

He said: "Travelling from Berwick to Blyth to collect antivirals involves a 120 mile round trip, taking at least two hours by car and much longer by public transport. Byker is even further. Even driving from Alnwick will take at least a couple of hours.

"Although the number of cases does not justify opening an antiviral collection point in Berwick or Alnwick at present, I have been assured by local health service managers that the situation is being monitored closely.

"In the meantime people who have been given a prescription for antivirals and who cannot travel to Tyneside should call the collection centre and ask for delivery. This delivery service is vital for people in north Northumberland and I am very pleased it has been provided."

Pensioner completes Berwick to Land's End ride

2009-11-03T14:57:31Z

Armed with a bike and bus pass, fighting-fit pensioner David Bird proved you're never too old to break records.

The 80-year-old swapped his armchair for the saddle as he took on the 540-mile trip from Berwick to Land's End, Cornwall.

And the retired maths teacher, who is never seen without his foldable bike, also known as a Brompton Bicycle, is making his mark on the record books after completing his epic journey in under four days.

Mr Bird, of Throckley, Newcastle, undertook 11 gruelling cycle rides during his trip and used the satnav on his mobile phone to keep him on track.

A free bus pass allowed the grandad-of-one to take on the whole journey without having to spend a penny on transport, meaning overnight stays in youth hostels were his only expense.

Mr Bird said: "The whole journey started on Monday, October 12 with me cycling from my front door to the bus stop to get a bus which took me into town. From there I caught a train up to Berwick.

"I started cycling from Berwick at noon and from there my trip began.

"I'm proud of my achievement personally but I'm more proud of being able to demonstrate the low-carbon way to travel.

"I was absolutely determined to complete the journey in under four days. When I got near Penzance, it was getting late but I carried on and I eventually cycled to Land's End at 11.30pm. It means my final time was three days, 14 hours and 34 minutes. If I'd been half-an-hour later, I would have taken more than four days to complete it, so I was thrilled to have reached my goal.

"I was inspired to make the trip after reading a BBC story about how over-60s could cross England for free on the bus network in six days. Seeing as I had my bike, which I travel just about everywhere with, I decided to incorporate that."

It was Mr Bird's second attempt to take on the route. His first was cut short after he lost his mobile with his satnav system and missed a connection bus in South Gloucester, forcing him to spend a night in a bus shelter.

But, less than a month later, he was back on his bike and ready to try again, beating his target time and managing to get a bed every night.

A few months ago, Mr Bird also took part in the Brompton World Championships, coming 475th out of 599 competitors and completing the 8.1-mile track.

New calls for dualling of A1

2009-11-03T09:29:04Z

A Northumberland Tory peer has called on the Government to spend money planned for Europe on dualling the A1.

Lord Vinson, of Roddam Dene, near Wooler in Northumberland, hit out in the House of Lords at plans to give £7.9bn in annual membership money to the European Union in 2010.

In a question to Lord Myners, financial services secretary to the treasury, Lord Vinson - former chairman of the Rural Development Commission - said the money would be better spent on improving this country's infrastructure.

He questioned why the Government had not made money available to dual the A1 throughout Northumberland, and for improvements to the A69 which links Newcastle with Carlisle and the M6.

Lord Vinson said afterwards: "Magnificent roads and railways have been built in Spain, Portugal and Ireland, substantially with British money. It would be much better to spend the £8bn here at home. The A1 is a glaring missing link in the infrastructure supporting our regional economic prosperity.

"An investment in the road will be rewarded by the business growth it stimulates. It is absolutely lunacy that we pour money into Europe when we have got a third world infrastructure in this country.

"What other country of the world would have its A1 major trunk route not even dual carriageway? It is mind-blowing.

"The A69 between Newcastle and Carlisle is probably just as important.

"The thing about the A1, where it needs dualling, there are no issues of going through towns or conurbations, it would be a relatively easy part of road to dual.

"If you get roads right and infrastructure right, the economy follows."

In response, Lord Myners said transferring the money to the EU would have no impact on spending on Britain's infrastructure, but did not mention the A1. He added: "Our membership of the EU does put British interests first. It gives us direct access to a community of 490 million people.

"The EU accounts for 20% of world trade but 57% of Britain's trade. Some 3.5m jobs in Britain are directly attributable to our membership of the EU, as is the fact that we receive over 25%

Lord Vinson's was backed by Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Conservatives' parliamentary candidate for Berwick.

Mrs Trevelyan is the founder and co-ordinator of the A1 Action Group, which is campaigning for the road to be dualled throughout Northumberland.

She said: "I am incensed by the amount of taxpayers' money due to go to the EU next year, when just a fraction of this sum would be enough to dual the A1.

"Lord Vinson is absolutely right that we must put our national interest first."

LORD VINSON

Nigel Vinson is a former businessman with strong connections across Northumberland.

Now 78, he was the son of a farmer and was educated at the Nautical College in Pangbourne. He served in the Queen's Royal Regiment from 1948 to 1950, reaching the rank of lieutenant.

He was director of the Sugar Board from 1968 to 1975, director of British Airports Authority from 1973 to 1980, and director of the Barclays Bank from 1982 to 1987. He is co-founder of the Centre for Policy Studies, for which he worked between 1974 and 1980. He was also chairman and deputy chairman of various firms and trust.

From 1976 to 1978 he was Honorary Director at the Queen's Silver Jubilee Appeal and was member of the Northumbrian National Parks and Countryside Committee between 1977 and 1987.

In 1985 he was made a life peer as Baron Vinson, of Roddam Dene in the County of Northumberland.

He has been married to Yvonne Collins since 1972; they have three daughters.

Pair found WorkSpace for a bright new future

2009-11-02T16:26:29Z

A SMALL business development expert has taken a leaf out of her own book by teaming up with a friend to launch their own firm.

Jane Warcup, who also worked as an events organiser in Scotland, has joined forces with former PA and marketing professional Jen Lang to open a virtual PA company in north Northumberland.

The pair have moved their fledgling business into the Berwick WorkSpace building and have already signed up clients in the IT, retail and tourism sectors.

The technology-based concept means Bright Quarter handles emails, phone calls and admin tasks when their customers are unable to do so.

Ms Warcup said: "We enable businesses to focus on what they are good at, which leaves Bright Quarter to organise and manage the day to day running and administration. We are there to handle the areas of work that businesses don't have time for or don't want to do.

"We are fully aware that many businesses struggle to develop and this is where we can assist with both general administration or specialised business development and funding issues. Our aim is to see small businesses in the area grow and become more efficient and profitable."

Since moving into WorkSpace she has been invited to share her experience as a 'dragon' for an enterprise challenge scheme being run by the centre with Year 13 pupils from Berwick High School. Students must develop a business concept and business plan and the winner will be decided after being questioned by a panel of small-business experts.

WorkSpace centre manager Andrew Martin said: "We are very pleased that Jane and Jen chose to base their business at Berwick WorkSpace as we share a common goal of helping local businesses, especially start-ups, to develop.

WorkSpace, which has 35 offices plus conference facilities, is the most northerly outpost of the Tyneside Economic Development Company (Tedco).
Tedco, which is based in South Tyneside, also manages centres in South Shields and Jarrow.

Berwick Barracks exhibition showcases North talent

2009-11-02T15:48:53Z

WORK by artists from across the North East is on show at an exhibition in Berwick.

More than 140 artists from the region and the Scottish Borders are taking part in the annual Gymnasium Gallery Open Exhibition, which runs at the gallery at Berwick Barracks until December 12.

The exhibition, which has taken place for the past three years, is open to both amateur and professional artists and is one of the largest of its type in Northumberland.

Each year the gallery has seen a rise in both the number of entrants and the quality of artwork submitted.

It offers a diverse range of artwork from painting, sculpture and illustration to furniture, video, craft and design.

All work is for sale, with prices starting from £75.

The exhibition also has an interactive element as visitors can vote to decide their favourite artwork.

Matthew Walmsley, curator at the gallery, said: "The Gymnasium Gallery Open Exhibition is a wonderful way for people to gain a glimpse into the region's creative community and experience what they are currently producing.

"The Gymnasium Gallery and English Heritage, as part of the Berwick Futures project are always looking for opportunities to make art more accessible to the public and I feel that this extremely popular exhibition is a wonderful example of this."

The gallery is open all year round and hosts national touring exhibitions and the Berwick Gymnasium Fellowship programme.

Drugs charges for Asian nationals

2009-11-02T15:42:40Z

TWO Asian nationals are to face trial on drugs charges.

North Korean woman Kyungwha Park, 48, of Church Road, Tweedmouth, and Chinese man Qing Huang, 34, of Chirnside, appeared before Berwick magistrates following drugs raids at homes in the North. Both pleaded not guilty to one charge of production of cannabis.

Chinese man Hua Zheng, 41, who lives at the same address as Huang in Chirnside, also appeared on the same charge in connection with the raids.

The trio were remanded in custody and will come back before the court on November 19.