Northumberland communities - Blyth

Olympic Torch tours the North East of England!

2012-08-10T14:06:54Z

Olympic Torch Bearer, Alan Hoyle, will be going 'on tour' with his Olympic Torch around the North East of England for the rest of August.

If you would like your photograph taken with the Olympic Torch you will be able to find Alan and his Torch at one of the following locations :

- Saturday 11th August - The Galleries, Washington.
- Saturday 18th August - Royal Quays Shopping Outlet, North Shields.
- Sunday 19th August - Blyth Market Place, Blyth.
- Saturday 25th August - Manor Walks Shopping Centre, Cramlington.
- Sunday 26th August - Dalton Park Shopping Outlet, County Durham.
- Monday 27th August - Woodhorn Colliery, Ashington.

Each event starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm, any donations made on the events taking place on August 11th, 18th, 19th, 25th or 26th will be sent to the Rays of Sunshine charity, whom makes wishes come true for ill children around the United Kingdom.

All collections made on Monday 27th August will be donated to Woodhorn Charitable Trust. Woodhorn Charitable Trust is an independent charity which manages Woodhorn as a museum and visitor attraction and provides a home for the Northumberland Archives.

On August 30th, Alan will be travelling to Leeds with the Olympic Torch to make a special appearance at Leeds Hospital, allowing ill children to hold the Torch while passing on his knowledge of the Olympic Games.

Get your photograph taken with the Olympic Torch in Blyth!

2012-07-27T12:17:54Z

On Saturday 28th July, local shoppers will get an exclusive opportunity to have their photograph taken with the Olympic Torch at Keel Row Shopping Centre, in a bid to raise money for Rays of Sunshine children's charity.

Blyth local, Alan Hoyle carried the Olympic Torch through Tynemouth and is now bringing it to Keel Row Shopping Centre to give people the exclusive opportunity to have their picture taken with the Torch in return for a donation which will be given to the charity.

Rays of Sunshine helps children between the ages of 3-18 living with serious or life threatening illnesses by granting their wishes, giving them a happy memory and a break from daily routines of medication and hospital appointments.

He said: "Carrying the torch was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am now trying to give something back to the community by raising money for Rays of Sunshine, to help make children living with serious or life-threatening illnesses' wishes come truce.

"It is an amazing charity and the dream days it grants are something for the whole family to remember and helps them take their mind off the seriousness of the illness even if it is just for one day. I hope people come to Keel Row on Saturday and have their picture taken with the torch and at the same time help children supported by Rays of Sunshine."

Alan lives in Blyth and has dedicated his work to helping children via various volunteering projects which have resulted in providing young people with clothing, food and how to respect and believe in themselves. He is the co-founder of Aspire 2 Achieve, a local organisation which helps to increase confidence and productivity of young people in the area via sport and other various activities.

Callum Reid, Keel Row Centre Manager added: "This is a great opportunity to come down to the Centre and get your photograph taken with the Olympic Torch! Alan will be in the Centre from 9:30am and we hope you all support him in raising money for Rays of Sunshine."

Keel Row Shopping Centre, Regent Street, Blyth, NE24 1AH www.keelrow.co.uk.

Article by Nicole Przewozniak.

For Alan Hoyle the Olympic Torch Relay goes on!

2012-07-18T22:37:21Z

Olympic torch relay runner Alan Hoyle took his Olympic torch on ward rounds in hospitals in Northumberland and North Tyneside last week.

Alan wanted to share his experience of his special day with patients who were too sick to watch the Relay pass through the North East.

Alan, aged 28, ran his part of the relay in Tynemouth on 15th June and described it as one of the best days of his life.

"The crowds lined the route all the way along Broadway to Tynemouth Front Street, their support was fantastic. But I realised that there are a lot of people who couldn't come along because they were ill or were caring for sick people.

"That's why I will be going to the hospitals in my Olympic tracksuit to show the patients and the staff the Olympic torch. I hope in some small way it will make them feel involved in this once-in-a-lifetime event." said Alan

He visited wards and departments at North Tyneside General hospital on Tuesday 10th July and Wansbeck General Hospital and Blyth Community Hospital on Thursday 12th July.

Jim Mackey, Chief Executive of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is delighted that Alan is visiting Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust patients.

"This is a great gesture from Alan, I'm sure many of our patients and staff would have loved to watch him run his part of the relay in Tynemouth, but couldn't make it because of illness or caring for the sick.

"I can't thank him enough for giving up his time to share his experience of the day" he said.

Alan runs Aspire 2 Achieve, a local organisation that offers young people the opportunity to participate in activities and learn new skills.

He runs his own basketball league and works with all abilities, including mentally and physically disabled people.

He has helped stop young people from taking drugs and living a life of crime, and his main goal is to show young people how to respect and believe in themselves.

For more information about Aspire 2 Achieve please visit http://www.aspire2achieve.org.uk

Aspire 2 Achieve All Stars headline Sunday's Olympic Festival Events.

2012-06-08T13:47:25Z

Aspire 2 Achieve will be hosting an open hour of different fun activities including Video Games Design, Street Dancing, Basketball, Bowls and much more on Sunday June 10th, 1pm at the Willowburn Sports & Leisure Centre, Willowburn Avenue, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 2JH.

At 2pm some of Northumberland's best young talent will be taking to the Basketball Court to play Northumberland's very first All Star Basketball Game. The game promises to be one to remember as both teams are made up of high scoring players who will put on a dazzling show of Basketball, which will be entertaining for fans of the sport, or beginners who have had no previous experience with the sport in the past.

Also there will be prizes to be won, cheer leading and a surprise visit from the Daleks from the BBC hit show, Doctor Who. The day promises to be a fun day out for the whole family.

Entry to the event is £2, which will be donated to charity.

The All Star Event 'tips off' a week long of events for Aspire 2 Achieve, on Wednesday 13th at 7pm, Aspire 2 Achieve Basketball clubs will be attempting a world record attempt, trying to score the most lay ups in 3 minutes, followed by most lay ups in one hour.

On Friday 15th June, Aspire 2 Achieve co-founder Alan Hoyle will have the honour of running with the Olympic Torch. Alan will be doing his leg of the relay at Tynemouth starting at the A193 near Millfield Gardens to Percy Park at approximately 2:59pm.

The Northumberland Knightflyers retake the number one spot.

2012-04-30T12:56:45Z

The Northumberland Knightflyers reclaimed the top spot of the Aspire 2 Achieve League last week with a dominating win over the young YMCA Thunder.

The Thunder, who showed a lot of improvement since their last game, scored the opening basket, but could not stop the Knightflyers who quickly took control of the game.

The Knightflyers are the first team in the Aspire 2 Achieve League to feature two players scoring over 40 points and pulling down over 20 rebounds in a single game, with Jake Watson scoring 48 and grabbing 26 rebounds, while Callum Wingfield scored 46 points to go along with his 24 rebounds, Callum also achieved his 4th quadruple double of the season as he added 25 assists and 12 steals.

Glenn Armstrong lead the game in steals with 14, every Knightflyer who played got at least 3 steals in a dominating defensive effort.

Adam Raine lead the improved YMCA Thunder in points with 12, and was 1 rebound shy of his second double double of the season, Calvin Craigen had his best game of the season with 10 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.

The Knightflyers will look to keep hold of the top spot as the team welcomes back Paul Hobson and Simon Pound, who are both in the RAF.

For further information about Aspire 2 Achieve, along with the complete league table, please visit http://www.aspire2achieve.org.uk

Blyth Pupils Encouraged To Learn True Value Of Money

2012-04-13T12:16:45Z

Blyth youngsters are being given the opportunity to learn a valuable lesson as they are encouraged to start looking after the pennies.

Pupils at Morpeth Road Primary School are being offered advice they can really count on by CUSEN as the Northumberland-based Credit Union introduces its School Savings Club to the youngsters.

The School Savings Club, managed by CUSEN with support from DAWN Advice, aims to help pupils to understand the importance of being financially savvy.

All children from the school are being invited to open a savings account and will be encouraged to regularly save at the school's collection point which will be open weekly and manned by parents.

Through the scheme parents will also be able to access free advice on personal money management, including guidance on budgeting and how to decrease expenditure, through financial capability sessions.

Maureen Levy of CUSEN said: "Unfortunately we live in a time when family finances are under so much pressure - the cost of living has continued to rise dramatically over previous years, while the level of income has remained much more static.

"With little savings to fall back on a huge number of people are struggling to cope financially and many of them are turning to high-cost borrowing to help make ends meet - more often than not this can make their situation even worse.

"Helping youngsters to understand the benefits of saving regularly and how best to manage their money has never been so important. The School Savings Club can also help support children to save for the things they want so rather than relying on, or even expecting, their parents to buy the latest toy or DVD that they want, they have their own money to pay for it themselves - helping to alleviate some of the strain on the household budget.

"In addition to the savings club any parents at the school who are concerned about their financial situation can be signposted for free and confidential advice."

Liz Chadwick, Chief Executive of DAWN Advice which offers free debt advice to Northumberland residents, has welcomed the School Savings Club and has urged more schools to get involved with the scheme.

She said: "A positive awareness of money management is something that can never be taught too young. Helping children to understand the value of money can begin as soon as they start learning basic mathematics and can then be developed as they progress through school.

"All too often it's not until debts start to mount up that people decide to learn how best to manage their finances. It has been estimated that there are 10 million Britons battling against debt and, nationally, the number of requests for free debt advice has soared by 10 per cent.

"Teaching children good financial habits at school from a young age can help ensure it is a lesson that they carry with them into their adult lives, and so we're absolutely delighted to be supporting CUSEN on this project."

Sheila Dixon, Assistant Head of Community at Morpeth Road Primary School, added:
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to offer this fantastic service to our children, so we can support them to become financially aware by regularly saving small amounts."

CUSEN (Credit Union for South East Northumberland) offers local savings and low-cost loans designed to prevent people from having to access high-cost credit agreements. In 2011 CUSEN saw a 39 per cent increase in its membership as more people chose to move away from high-street banking in favour of the Credit Union which only offers benefits to its members and surrounding community.

Schools interested in the School Savings Club should contact Maureen Levy at CUSEN on 01670 797 283 or email mlevy@cusen.co.uk.

Northumberland residents with financial concerns should contact the Northumberland Single Telephone Advice Line on 0844 4111 309 for free, confidential and impartial advice.

Springboard Project Launch

2012-04-12T09:45:38Z

Springboard is a new course for those who want to try a different pathway back into employment. It's about being creative, working together, finding out what you want to do and where you want to go, and giving you the confidence and motivation to help you get there.

Lack of confidence and motivation often arises from long term unemployment or from the combination of problems you face when trying to make the first step. Springboard will give you the chance to develop your confidence and also learn many new skills, all of which you can transfer to other areas and which will help you move towards your chosen goals.

The course is free of charge and will offer 15 people a unique opportunity to build the skills required to progress to further training or volunteering towards future employment.

Springboard will consist of 24 sessions running between 16th April and 26th June. The sessions will run from 10am till 3pm and will initially take place at St. Cuthbert's Church Hall, Blyth.

Workshops will include confidence building, communication skills, introductory IT, CV writing and more.

If you're over 18 and unemployed and would like to come along, please get in touch with Headway Arts on 01670 351962 or admin@headwayarts.co.uk

Supported by the European Social Fund, Skills Funding Agency, Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.

Please note: Attending this course will not affect benefits. Springboard is an optional course running from 8 to 12 hours per week maximum. If you have job interviews or appointments you are free to attend them.

More information:
Course Structure: Springboard Flowchart
Welcome note & dates
Flyer

Aspire 2 Achieve Basketball League March round up!

2012-03-25T12:58:46Z

The new look Blyth Renegades get first win against the YMCA Thunder!

The Blyth Renegades traveled to their old home court, Northumberland College, to take on the YMCA Thunder.

Both teams were looking for their first win, after losing their previous games against the League leading, Northumberland Knightflyers. Both teams also had new faces, hoping to make a difference for their teams.

The Thunder once again scored the opening basket on a 2 pointer by Conor Hakin, who finished with 5 points, but the Renegades quickly took control behind Adam Coxon's 12 first quarter points.

The second quarter saw the first ingame action for Liam Pickering and Calvin Gregen, with both players making an impact for their teams.

As the game progressed the Renegades pulled away with a commanding lead behind Liams 30 points and Adams 26 points to come away with their first win of the season.

Adam finished the game with 26 points, 26 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals and 3 blocks to take home the MVP vote, putting him joint first in league MVP voting with YMCA Thunders Joe Philips, Northumberland Knightflyers Callum Wingfield and LTU's Do

Both the Renegades and Thunder will next play the undefeated LTU.

The Northumberland Knightflyers lose their first game during an injury filled match up with LTU.

A injured and depleted Northumberland Knightflyers took to the court to play LTU in their first match up this season.

The Knightflyers had only 6 active players, 4 of whom were suffering from injuries, struggled from the field as LTU controlled the tempo of the game, forcing a more slower pace than what the Knightflyers would normally play.

Glenn Armstrong lead the Knightflyers in scoring with 14 points while Jake Watson pulled down 8 rebounds and added 8 steals to get the MVP vote.

Tomas Baguckas lead all scorers with 34 points and pulled down 19 rebounds while Donatas Aukstolis added 27 points for LTU. Tomas came away with the MVP vote for this game.

The Knightflyers and LTU will next play the YMCA Thunder.

YMCA Thunder give LTU an early scare as LTU continue to dominate the Aspire 2 Achieve league.

LTU traveled to Northumberland College in Ashington looking to continue their impressive winning streak.

With the Thunder only having 5 players and LTU bringing a full squad it appeared the game would be yet another easy blow out for LTU. The game started with 2 easy baskets by LTU before the Thunder woke up and scored the next 4 baskets to gain the lead.

While LTU pulled away as the game progressed the Thunder battled on, scoring a season best 48 points behind Joe Phillips' MVP game of 16 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals, while Adam Raine added 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Thunder.

As the game came to its conclusion LTU gave the Thunder a standing ovation.

LTU will next play the Blyth Renegades, while the Thunder will face off against the Knightflyers, both these games could be season changing games for all the teams.

Volunteer Fair

2012-03-08T14:26:25Z

Would you like to volunteer? CVA Blyth Valley and Volunteering Northumberland are holding a Volunteer Fair at:

Seaton Delaval and Holywell Community Centre, Elsdon Avenue, Seaton Delaval
Monday 19th March 2012 from 10:00 am--2:00 pm

Whether you want to learn a new skill, gain experience in helping you towards a future career, or you simply want to do a meaningful activity in your spare time, you can volunteer. Pop along have a cuppa and find out what opportunities are available in your local area.

Opportunities include:
Mini bus driving; Cooking for a lunch club; ICT; Photography; Publicity; General Admin; Lighting / backstage help; Pre-school Assistant; And much more ....

Volunteering can help you:
Make a difference; develop or learn a new skill; gain experience; meet a new challenge; explore new ideas; help someone else; make new friends; keep busy.

All Welcome. Transport to the venue may be available, please make any enquiries to:

Ann Broome at Wansbeck CVS, Tel: 01670 858688 / Email: ann.broome@Wansbeckcvs.org.uk

Aspire 2 Achieve start new Basketball club in Bedlington.

2012-03-08T11:19:01Z

Aspire 2 Achieve will be starting a new, independent Bedlington Basketball Club, based at St Benet Biscop, with the first session taking place on March 8th 2012.

Aspire 2 Achieve is a Northumberland based organisation whose prime purpose is to raise the awareness, confidence and productivity of youths in the area via the medium of sport and other various fun and challenging activities.

Aspire 2 Achieve aims to build self confidence, concentration and self-esteem in young people through the medium of Basketball and other activities.

All Aspire 2 Achieve sessions are delivered in a positive, fun, relaxed environment and aim to instil self-confidence, enthusiasm and determination in all participants, regardless of their ability.

Aspire 2 Achieve is made up of local sports personalities and local community activists, the young people taking part see how others have used sport to enhance their life opportunities.

Aspire 2 Achieve aims to put the new Bedlington club into the Aspire 2 Achieve Northumberland Basketball League, which aims to help players development around the region.
As stated before this club is totally independent and is not affiliated with St. Benet Biscop, but will use the schools facilities as a base for the new club.

Training will take place at the main sports hall each Thursday at 3:30pm - 5:30pm.

Scouts celebrate anniversary with a bang!

2012-02-29T20:41:49Z

Over the February half term over 60 youngsters from the local area took to the stage to present the Blyth Valley Scouts Gang Show. The Scouts put on 6 performances from the
14th - 18th February at The Phoenix Theatre in Blyth.

The Cubs, Scouts and Explorers performed a wide range of musical numbers, packed full of song and dance, along with the traditional comedy sketches. The show included a sunny and upbeat 'holiday' section, along with a majestic 'Fire' number. There was also a number based on eighties music, the scouts very own take on the Dr Who theme and a Lady Gaga spectacular.

This year's show was a very special one for the Gang as they celebrated their 20th anniversary. The first show was in 1992 held at Astley Community High School in Seaton Delaval. The scouts have performed every two years since then, providing great entertainment to the local community as well as giving young people the opportunity to take to the stage and 'tread the boards'. The show was granted national recognition by The Scout Association in 1998, meaning it is up to the standard of being called an official 'Gang Show'.

Stu Bennett, one of the shows assistant producers said "The show went exceptionally well, with the young people enjoying every moment of being on stage in front of a live audience. The gang had been rehearsing since October making sure the show was up to scratch, and they were all absolutely brilliant on the night."

Robbie Leese, the shows Deputy Producer said "With it being our 20th anniversary show, the Scouts performed a special twenty years number, featuring the best songs from all our previous shows. We'd like to thank everyone who came to see the show or supported us in anyway; the youngsters will remember their Gang Show experience for a very long time"

More information about the Gang Show itself can be found at www.blythvalleygangshow.org.uk

For more information on joining scouting in the UK go to www.scouts.org.uk/join

The Northumberland Knightflyers shoot 85% from the field to defeat the YMCA Thunder.

2012-02-17T13:34:02Z

The YMCA Thunder opened their season against the league leading Northumberland Knightflyers. The Knightflyers, who came into the game with a two game winning streak, came into the game looking to extend their winning streak.

The Knightflyers won the top off and quickly scored the games first basket, however the Thunder quickly scored the games second basket behind a turn around jump shot by Conor Hakin.

The Knightflyers have strugged throughout the last two seasons during the first quarter, however it seemed that the curse has been broken as the Knightflyers quickly took control of the tempo of the game as the first quarter ended with a 34 - 6 Knightflyers lead.

The Knightflyers continued to control the tempo of the game, however the Thunder kept on fighting and played a fantastic game of Basketball.

'Considering that this is the first time the Thunder have played and the team haven't trained since early December, the Thunder did fantastic. The team was missing some players which could have been a problem, however everybody played a clean, solid game of Basketball where there was no foul trouble on either team.' Said Knightflyers head coach, Alan Hoyle 'The Knightflyers came out strong and played hard throughout the game, regardless of the score, I am really proud of our team, we have had a rough ride to reach where we are now, but everything is coming together, we have a great team on and off the court, everybody knows their role within the team and played it to near perfection.'

Near perfection it was, collectively the Knightflyers shot an amazing 82% from the field.

'There is little you can do to stop a team when everybody has the hot shooting hand' said Isobelle Gibson, head coach of the Thunder 'But I am so pleased with the effort the Thunder put into the game, everybody played really well and it was a great starting point.'

The Thunder was lead by Joe Philips, who scored 9 points, whilst handing out 4 assists and pulled down 5 rebounds.
'Joe has been coming along to the Knightflyers session and it showed' Added Isobelle.

The Knightflyers were lead by Callum Wingfield. Callum scored a league high 52 points, while adding 13 assists, 13 rebounds, 11 assists and 12 steals. Jonny May and Jake Watson also had season highs for the Knightflyers with 17 and 24 points respectively, whilst Glenn Armstrong had a season high 14 steals.

'The whole team played great, there were very few mistakes from any of our players' Said Alan 'Every Knightflyer played fantastic, we crashed the boards, made our shots, our passing was fantastic, our defence was the best we have played this season. If we play like that every game, nobody will be able to compete with us.'

The Thunder will next face the Blyth Renegades, while the Knightflyers will play LTU.

For more information about Aspire 2 Achieve please visit http://www.aspire2achieve.org.uk

LTU defeat the Blyth Renegades.

2012-02-17T13:31:19Z

The Blyth Renegades hosted LTU for their third game of the season, and as with the last two games, the Renegades came out strong, taking the lead after the first quarter.

The second quarter saw a change in LTU, who appeared to suffer an injury in the first quarter, as the team came out strong and fought for every rebound on both ends of the court.

With the Renegades having a smaller team, LTU suddenly took control of the tempo of the game and started to cruise to a 30 point lead heading into the third quarter.

The forth quarter saw more of the same, with the Renegades only having two subs and then two players fouling out the Renegades fought hard and got LTU into foul trouble, but it was too little too late as LTU continued to dominate on both ends of the court, lead by Donatas Aukstuolis who scored a league high 37 points, to go with 16 rebounds while the Renegades were lead by John Paul Coxon, who scored a season high 13 points while handing out a season high 7 assists.

LTU will next face off against the league leading Northumberland Knightflyers, while the Renegades will face the YMCA Thunder.

For more information about Aspire 2 Achieve please visit http://www.aspire2achieve.org.uk

Creative Sessions for Disabled Children

2012-02-08T16:43:10Z

To celebrate the success of Aiming High with Disabled Children, Headway Arts will be running three fun days of creativity for disabled children and young people living in Northumberland.
Participants will work together to create a show to be performed to family and friends on the Thursday afternoon.
The "We're Aiming High" sessions will take place at Collingwood School, Morpeth, on Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th February from 10.30am to 3pm.
The sessions cost £5 per day, which includes a healthy drink and snacks. Transport through WATBUS can also be arranged when booking.
There are a few places left so if you would like to attend please contact Headway Arts on 01670 351962 or HeadwayT@aol.com. Places must be booked in advance, and participants should bring a carer or supporter if required.

Members of "Blast Off" creative sessions for disabled children and young people which run monthly on Saturdays - get in touch for more info!

Aspire 2 Achieve plans on taking the Olympic Festival in Alnwick to new heights!

2012-02-02T14:07:30Z

With just 176 days to go until the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Aspire 2 Achieve revealed some of their plans for the Olympics today.

'The festival in Alnwick to celebrate the Olympic Torch coming through the town is such a great idea' said Aspire 2 Achieve Co-Founder, Alan Hoyle 'And for Aspire 2 Achieve to be able to be part of the build up to this historic event is such an honour.'

Aspire 2 Achieve will 'tip off' all Olympic celebrations at 1pm, June 10th at the Willowburn Sportscentre in Alnwick with the Aspire 2 Achieve Olympic Activities Showcase, featuring the unrivalled Aspire 2 Achieve Basketball Programme along with Video Games Design, Fine and Gross Motor Skills Development, Greenwood Work, Brazilian Soccer, Street Dancing and much more. Also featuring at this event are the Hunter Theatre Arts Cheerleaders and the Daleks from the hit BBC show, Doctor Who.

At 2pm on the same day the Aspire 2 Achieve Northumberland All Star Game will tip off, featuring the best players in Northumberland, the game promises high flying, quality Basketball action! The All Star game is the first every All Star Basketball game which will be hosted in Northumberland.

Entry to this event will cost £2 per visitor and promises to start off Alnwick's Olympic celebrations in style.

'The whole day will be fun for the whole family, with all the different events we have going on, there will be something new for everybody to try, along with the cheer leading group and of course the Daleks and the All Star game, we are hoping to put on an entertaining show for people of all ages.'

On June 13th, at 7pm, once more at the Willowburn, Aspire 2 Achieve Basketball Clubs, the Northumberland Knightflyers, Blyth Renegades, L.T.U, YMCA Thunder, Sassco Lightning and Alnwick Warriors will take to the court to attempt to break two Guinness world records.

Taking place on June 14th, Aspire 2 Achieve will be at Alnwick Market Place to put on a special Basketball display, once again, a first for Northumberland. Players from the Aspire 2 Achieve Basketball League will be switching the hardwood for trampolines as the Aspire 2 Achieve Aerial Squad take to the air to excite the crowds with a dazzling display of high flying slam dunks.

Finally on June 15th the Olympic Torch will travel through Alnwick, does Aspire 2 Achieve have surprises left for this historic day? Stay turned.