Northumberland communities - Seaton Delaval

Volunteer Fair

2012-02-28T15:14:48Z

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

The Gang's all here!

2012-01-25T14:42:43Z

The curtain is ready to rise for the Scouts performing in the Blyth Valley Gang Show, which is taking place between Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th February at The Phoenix Theatre in Blyth.

The family variety show features sixty four talented Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Leaders performing a wide range of musical numbers, packed full of song and dance, along with the traditional comedy sketches. This year the show includes a sunny and upbeat 'holiday' section, along with a majestic 'Fire' number. There is also a number based on eighties music and the scouts very own take on the Dr Who theme. The young people have been rehearsing and perfecting the show since October last year and can't wait to hit the stage at the Phoenix.

This year's performance is a very special one for the Gang as they are celebrating 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'.

Stu Bennett, one of the shows assistant producers said "The show features a mix of modern chart music, along with the traditional and better known songs. From Lady Gaga, The Black Eyed Peas and Adele, to the Gang Show classic 'On the Crest of a Wave', the show is suitable for all the family. You really don't have to be a scout to enjoy our show, so come along and see how talented young people really are'.

Robbie Leese, the shows Deputy Producer said "With it being our 20th anniversary show, we've got a special twenty years number, featuring the best songs from all our previous shows. The Cubs, who are aged between 8 and 10½, all took a real shine to this section of the show, and they can't wait to perform in a front of a live audience for the first time."

The show runs from Tuesday 14th February to Saturday 18th February 2012 at The Phoenix Theatre in Blyth. Performances start nightly at 7pm with the Saturday Matinee starting at 2pm. Tickets are £8 for evening performances and £7 for the matinee, available from the Box Office on 01670 367 228 or online at www.thephoenixtheatre.org.uk

Free Transport for community groups in Seaton Valley

2011-12-08T09:25:27Z

WATBus Community Transport has been awarded funding from Fair Share Trust to provide FREE mini bus use for community groups in the Seaton Valley area.

The project will offer a limited number of free bookings to any community group operating in New Hartley, Seaton Delaval, Holywell, Seaton Sluice or Seghill. If you run a community group in any of these areas and would like to make use of a mini bus for trips, away days, group activities or transport to venues contact Colin Hall at WATBus on 01670 522999 or email colin.watbus@yahoo.co.uk

Where does the wildlife go?

2011-11-07T14:03:08Z

Written by Kevin O'Hara, conservation officer at Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Where do they all go in winter? - Part 1

Recently I felt the first twangs of winter; the 'first frost' gripped my garden, the chickens came skidding out of their ark, and I had to break the ice on their drinking water. I really like those first days, when we still have some daylight left to enjoy the wonderful colours and smells. I take the camera and binoculars with me when I walk the dogs, keeping an eye out for winter thrushes or other visitors. The clocks have altered and we start the long haul of winter - not until February will some real light return to the sky, and warmth to the sun.

It is during these months that we wonder where, exactly, many of our resident wildlife species go to survive the coldest and wettest days of winter, especially those that are more delicate and less mobile.

We may have an idyllic mental image of a hibernating hedgehog (unless you're my terrier, Brock) cosily curled up under the garden shed, but other UK creatures avoid the chill in very varied and often surprising ways.

In the North East the weather is more variable than the rest of the country and our continental neighbours, upland birds such as red grouse, need only make temporary altitudinal movements, generally returning to higher ground once the snow relents. However, with snow lying longer on the hills they often move to the tops where drifting snow exposes the best feed.

Relief from the winter cold is also afforded by migration to salt water. For example, the kingfishers from the Blyth and Wansbeck disappeared over the last couple of winters, but I regularly saw kingfishers in the estuaries and along the open rocky shoreline.

The golden plover's breeding grounds in the Pennines seem remarkably empty after the birds leave together. They abandon the open moors to winter on the coast, some pushing as far south as Sussex and in extreme weather, over the channel to France.

The grey partridge is a highly sedentary bird and whilst I have been heartened by the number present in my local area this year, they will have a tough time in the open countryside this winter if it is a hard one again. This is why I keep banging on about good hedgerows and not flailing them to within an inch of their lives (plus maintaining a good field margin) - this is where these birds find shelter, food and warmth. Other residents, like the woodcock, whose numbers swell in the winter months with continental migrants readily make bad-weather-related movements. With great dependence on wetlands, most of our wildfowl and waders must constantly shift location in icy weather.

Amongst the species that truly hibernate to escape the winter cold, bats are the most well-known occupants of houses and other buildings; mostly roosting in the roof, but also sometimes (as in the case of my house), in the tiny spaces in the wall cavity. They will also roost under tiles, beneath lead flashing, in boiler rooms, cellars and service tunnels...anything that maintains a constant temperature and affords access to the outside world, and that replicates their natural hibernacula such as caves, trees and other enclosures.

I will be making the most of these last rays of light because I can't stand the dark winter nights. As a youngster it was a time for pranks and dares, but now health and safety, political correctness and a zero-tolerance society has put paid to nicky-knocky-nine-doors, apple bashing and dogging (the traditional pursuit of legging it through people's gardens unobserved, not the lewd public behaviour of some ex-football stars).

Besides, at 48 my days of out-running the local plod may have come to an end. I content myself with using my rowing machine in the conservatory whilst staring at the grey skies, shooting defenceless pigeons around my farmer friends' fields, days out walking my dogs (avoiding hibernating hedgehogs), and a bit of photography and writing.

Carers Information Day

2011-10-04T13:03:16Z

CVA Blyth Valley and Carers Northumberland are jointly hosting an event on Thursday 13th October 2011 from 10 am - 2 pm at Seaton Sluice Community Centre.

A day full of information from statutory and social care for all carers, including parent carers and young carers. There will be a chance to meet others in the same position as you - tired, worried or frustrated. A perfect opporunity to see what you can do, what's out there, what's available, but most of all a day which will be informative and fun, also enjoy a FREE pampering session.

For more information please contact Fiona Wardlaw on 01670 353623 or fiona.wardlaw@cvabv.org.uk

Beat rising utility prices and save money...

2011-10-04T12:56:33Z

Free event for community and voluntary groups

Groundwork North East has teamed up with Community Voluntary Action Blyth Valley to raise awareness of how communities can beat rising prices of utilities.

Rising utility costs are an area of key concern to many people. With the colder months looming and the central heating systems gearing up to spring into action there is no better time to look at the tools and support available to communities to tackle rising utility costs.

Groundwork North East has therefore teamed up with Community Voluntary Action Blyth Valley in running an event to help communities tackle these important issues. The event will be held at Seaton Sluice Community Centre where great strides have been made to reduce their bills and lower their Carbon Footprint.

The event will feature a range of activities and speakers on a variety of important issues including; paying for energy, reducing energy consumption in the home and community buildings, renewable energy generation and the forthcoming green deal, energy consumption of different appliances, reducing water consumption, how and what to recycle and much more. Information will be available on the support mechanisms available for communities. There will also be an opportunity to take away energy monitors and talk to the experts. Fresh pizzas will be available for lunch from a real stone baked mobile pizza oven with loads of delicious toppings on offer as well as hot drinks and fresh scones. Every person attending will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw.

Mark Huggins Green Communities Coordinator for Groundwork North East said "this event aims to give the local community valuable tools and information to beat the rising cost of utilities. We hope that those people who come along will then be able to relay this information to their own friends and families and other people in their local community."

Attendees will also get the opportunity to find out more about the support available from the Green Communities project and Groundwork North East's wider services and current projects at Community Voluntary Action Blyth Valley.

This FREE event will be held on Friday 14th October from 9.30 - 3.30pm at Seaton Sluice Community, Seaton Sluice, Northumberland NE26 4QX and is available to all community and third sector organisations. To book a place contact Gina Robson at Community Voluntary Action Blyth Valley on 01670 365783 or email gina.robson@cvabv.org.uk.

Free IT courses in Seaton Valley

2011-08-25T09:23:22Z

Sent in by Blyth Resource & Initiative Centre

Blyth Resource & Initiative Centre (BRIC) is providing FREE Basic IT courses in Seaton Valley thanks to funding received from the Tyne & Wear and Northumberland Community Foundation (Seaton Valley Fairshares).

The courses begin on Monday 12th September and will cover everything from how to use the mouse and keyboard to surfing the net safely.

Seaton Sluice Community Centre- Monday 12th September 10am - 12pm
New Hartley Community Centre- Monday 12th September 1pm - 3pm
Seghill Community Centre- Monday 12th September 10am - 12pm
Seaton Delaval & Holywell Community Centre- Monday 12th September 1pm - 3pm

To book for your free place or for more information contact Rachael Logue on 01670 353817.

View Blyth Resource & Initiative Centre September course list

Ronnie Campbell column: News Corp have destroyed trust

2011-08-03T16:00:56Z

Isn't it strange how despite what appear to be massive breaches of security, the illegal tapping of phones, the involvement of police in cash payments for information and whatever else, there is still a tacit acceptance of this being a high-level problem and somewhat remote from the ordinary people like us.

I can quite imagine if the papers involved had been the Morning Star or any other left-wing publication there would be a holy outcry for hangings and the disgrace and abuse of the media.

The vast majority of reporters do a good job and can be trusted even if at times we don't like what they publish. In the main it is truthful and has been properly researched.

The News of the World and its parent group News Corporation have now destroyed the legitimacy of the press and it is sad that so many reporters have been sacrificed because of the actions of a few.

Having said all that, I find myself thinking a bit further about the whole charade and how even now it is difficult to get straight answers to straight questions.

The Prime Minister is involved because he employed Andy Coulson and maintained close links with him even after he was sacked. That leaves question marks about his judgement.

This is in the same way in which the establishment are closing ranks and criticisms of the Murdoch web of media intrigue come through gritted teeth. I find it hard to pinpoint who has done what and where and when!

The fact is many of the parties involved have close links from university days, through publicity campaigns for political parties or even through the influence which can be exerted by people who get into positions of power and can make or break the future of organisations such as News Corp and the BSkyB bids.

While there may not be any question marks or any wrong doing, there is a nasty smell and this whole phone tapping scandal may only be the tip of the iceberg. Once we start peeling back the various layers we may even find deeper and more serious issues.
I hope not for the integrity of the bulk of the media, but I wish I could put my hand on my heart and say once this is sorted that will be it. But I can't. And until I can, I for one will continue to treat the national media - and especially anything to do with News Corp - with suspicion.

Was the world's strongest man a blacksmith from Blyth?

2011-08-03T12:17:20Z

William Carr was without doubt the most remarkable man in the history of Blyth.

Willie "Samson of England," was in his prime reputed to be the strongest man in the world.

Strongman William Carr

He was born on April 3, 1756, at Hartley Old Engine, half a mile from Old Hartley. Willie was the son of a blacksmith, who soon afterwards moved his family to Blyth to live.

For 50 years Carr attracted people from all parts of the country to gaze and admire his size and strength.

At the young age of 17, he weighed a remarkable 18 stones and stood 6ft 3ins.

He was said to be able to lift seven or eight hundred weights and could throw a 60lb weight either forward or behind him a distance of 24ft. By the age of 30 he had grown to 6ft 4ins and weighed 24 stones.

However, Willie was no lumbering awkward giant. He was a handsome man, perfectly developed and muscular, broad shouldered and deep chested, and as agile as he was strong.

Eventually, Willie followed his father into the blacksmith's trade and his power of working long hours without tiring put his services in great demand throughout the district. While at Hartley he worked to repair an engine for six days and five nights, putting in an incredible 132 hours without sleep.

Then after a night in bed he carried on with his work continuously for another five days and nights.

Willie Carr's great strength was matched by an equally fine character. He was never known to pick a fight or quarrel with anyone during his entire life and he was no bully.

Willie counted among his friends many from the country's gentry and nobility. He was a regular visitor to Seaton Delaval Hall, where Lord Delaval and his guests never tired of watching his feats of strength.

Up to the time of his father's death, Carr helped him in his blacksmith's shop at Blyth.

In 1818, Willie Carr reached the end of his active life. He suffered a stroke that partially paralysed him, and until his death seven years later on September 6, 1825, at the age of 69, he rarely left his bed. Willie left no sons and the family name died with him.

However, as late as 1862, several of Willie's grandchildren were still living in Blyth. They were the children of his two daughters. Their names being Fenwick and Simpson.

www.sixtownships.org.uk

Ronnie Campbell column: Providing quality elderly care must be our primary concern

2011-07-20T08:59:31Z

Blyth Valley MP Ronnie Campbell writes for the Blyth & Cramlington Extra

The current debate on care for the elderly is one that isn't going to end soon and nor should it.

The reality is that as our society grows older we will continue to face a growing situation where caring for the elderly becomes a higher and higher priority and some would say drain on our resources. Personally I don't call this need a drain; instead, I see it as a testimony to the success better standards of living and health care has been having.

The average life span of people in this country has increased dramatically over the last century and with progress being made, then this will only continue.

So how do we solve the challenges being put in front of us and how do we go about paying for these?

In recent articles from the right-wing press I continue to read about how councils should be providing 'bog standard' facilities in the form of care homes! Bog standard? What an absolute disgrace to describe the potential future housing and care needs of our older folk in such a shabby way as this.

We need local councils to be given the freedom and the finance to begin the task of providing high quality residential and care facilities for our aging society.

Once these high standard facilities are provided certainly allow some involvement by the private sector but beware and remember Southern Cross at your peril.

The private sector is there to make a profit and that profit comes at a cost to those who use the facilities.

The need to finance each of our later day needs is crucial and while I would seek a decent supply of council run and high standard care 'villages' instead of 'homes' - with a village being a broader mix of low level accommodation (bungalows) and flats - there is also a need for us to consider the costs of elderly care provision.

I think the local councils should be funding a higher proportion of this through local financing initiatives and central government support.

A national levy on pension funds and National Insurance can all go to helping fund these new style and inclusive facilities.

Video: Antiques Roadshow at Seaton Delaval Hall

2011-07-18T08:12:59Z

Quentin took this footage of crowds at Seaton Delaval Hall for the filming of the BBC's Antiques Roadshow.

View our gallery of pictures »

Your Photos: Antiques Roadshow at Seaton Delaval Hall

2011-07-18T08:11:35Z

Joan Walker had a great day out at the Antiques Roadshow at Seaton Delaval Hall last week and sent us this picture.

View our gallery of pictures from the event »

Share your videos and pictures by sending them to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk

Ronnie Campbell column: Council must rethink rent for caretakers

2011-07-06T10:00:38Z

Blyth Valley MP Ronnie Campbell writes for the Blyth & Cramlington Extra

I am just getting over the shock that has caused me to question the common sense or lack of it that emanates from those hallowed corridors of County Hall.

Yes I know I would criticise them but really the latest one has to be challenged and I sincerely hope that through the various channels it is challenged.

However I would hope that the tale I got from a disgruntled constituent also hits you the same way it hit me and when you consider the overall situation you, like me say enough is enough!

Now the lot of caretakers within schools has not always been a happy one and I for one think that in the main the caretaker's role within schools has always been one which has been underestimated and very undervalued.

Now the current arguments going on over single status has seen the caretakers' rents, and the agreements surrounding these, brought into the equation. Firstly let me clear a point - the rent-free status of caretakers is not that.

The rent payable has always been part of the caretaker's salary and there are other parts of the council where the same applies.

Put quite simply the employee (caretaker) in a tied house, because that is basically what it is, takes a lower salary and part of their salary has always been recognised as being the rent for the caretaker's house.

Now it appears that in the case of schools and in other parts of the council the corporate finance eyes have lit up and depending on which way you look at it either a pay cut is going to be levied on staff in these homes or they will be charged the rent due.

When you stop and read about how the wicked council staff are costing you a fortune think about a 25-30% cut in your income because that is what is being talked about here.

County Hall (Lib Dem and Tory unholy alliance) are scratching around and looking for savings and I like you applaud them for that, but give us a break; your staff have worked hard and lived with these property situations for years.

Get your hands off their homes or if you insist on them paying rent then put their salaries up to the level they should be to cover the cost of the rent.

It's about time that Jeff Reid and his cronies stopped the kicking and looked at helping some of their staff at a time when they need it.

A fair deal is all that is being asked for and I for one believe they should get this.

All The Fun Of The Fayre!

2011-07-05T13:10:52Z

Astley High School in Seaton Delaval is holding its Summer Fayre on Saturday, 16th July. The public event opens at 12 noon and runs until 3 p.m. Entry costs only £1 for adults and 50p for under-16s.

In return, a load of fun activities are on offer. These include a tug-o-war event, a crossbar challenge, tombola, face-painting, bingo, Zumba, a bouncy castle, and some gladiator jousting. There will also be plenty of food stalls, live music and a table-top sale.

Spaces in the table-top sale are each available for £10. To book a place, please contact Peter Cartwright on 0191 2371505 by Friday, 15th July.

Seaton Sluice Harbour Day

2011-06-29T14:52:22Z

A family fun day takes place early next month.

Seaton Sluice Harbour Day is on July 9, from 11am-4pm, and will be opened by Toon football legend Malcolm Macdonald.

It will be a fun day for all the family with rides, stalls, refreshments, music, ponies, StarWars characters, games and tombola, at Memorial Park on West Terrace.

Last year the Marine Corps took along an inshore lifeboat, and Red Seal Marine Rescue went as well as Seaton Valley community dance and Blyth Football Club who organised children's football on a portable pitch.