inside

Walks, talks and a chance to revel in

Morpeth’s heritage

Morpeth’s ‘golden’ olyMpic MoMent

Win With pizzaexpress

Your Free independent community magazine for Morpeth FReeAUG/SEPT 2012

Progress on Plans to cut flooding risks

Morpeth

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INSIDE Morpeth is a community magazine published by Ian Leech Publicity Services. For editorial call 07968 102 547. For advertising call John Matthews on 07751 156 160 or email ian-leech@sky.com. All rights reserved. Every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of material published in INSIDE Morpeth. All information is accurate at time of going to press. The publisher does not endorse any advertising material published in INSIDE Morpeth. No parts of the publication can be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher. INSIDE Morpeth c/o The Lodge, Carlisle Park, Morpeth NE61 1YD

Front coVer:

the day the torch caMe to Morpeth

Townsfolk turn out to share their moment of Olympic history

4

tiMe to talK aBoUt neW road plans

Your chance to comment on northern bypass road proposal

detailed plans

5

celeBrating oUr cUltUre rich heritage

Four full days of events to mark national Heritage Open Days’ celebrations

14

helping hands When yoU need theM Most

How Helen McArdle Care can help the elderly with a home service

24

Flooding deFences a step closer

Timetable of the flood protection construction work is revealed

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Why not MaKe a lUnchtiMe MUsical date

Midday church concerts that are hitting all the right audience notes

17rare Mix oF FestiVal WalKing

All you need to know to take a walk on Morpeth’s wild side!

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chance For a pizza oF the action

Enter our competition to win a meal for two at new PizzaExpress

18

hat a ‘Golden’ Olympics it has been for Britain and wasn’t it

great that Morpeth had its own ‘Golden’ moment when the Torch Relay brought the town to a standstill on its journey to London.

Despite the appalling weather the good folk of Morpeth turned out in their thousands to be able to say they were there when local history was made. Morpeth’s own Olympian Jim Alder was clearly delighted to be given the honour of carrying the flame through the town centre as our cover picture shows and wouldn’t it be great if local youngsters are inspired by the occasion to follow in his footsteps in future Games.

As Stevie Matthews tells us as she recalls her own Torch Bearing experience, the flame may no longer burn but the pride of Morpeth in the town’s Olympic moment will continue to do so for many, many years.

this issUes oUr contriBUtors

W

Ian LeechEditor of Inside Morpeth

Medi Parry Sanderson Arcade’s manager’s lastest local retailing news

Patrick Eyres Bin 21 owners’ wine column tips for the summer season

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Morpeth Town Council New Mayor Mark Horton writes his INSIDE Morpeth column

Mick Wood MW Design’s Creative Director of adds creative flair to INSIDE Morpeth magazine

Jim Alder proudly carries the Olympic Torch in Morpeth. Photo by Trevor Walker

More Inside...

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Morpeth’s moment to shine!

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Morpeth Town Council’s Stevie Matthews tells Inside Morpeth about the memories that will stay with her for ever from her ‘once in a lifetime’ moment as an Olympic torch bearer in Choppington.

‘Everyone played their own unique part and can all feel part of history the day the Olympic Torch came our way. The courage of everyone lining the streets on one of the wettest days you could imagine was as great as any Olympian – and they were all smiling. It was those smiles and cheers that greeted us Torch Bearers and they were inspiring, heart-warming and humbling.

We were the incredibly lucky ones to carry the Flame but were really representing the thousands who made it possible by their support and encouragement for giving us that honour for whatever reason. For me it was a history of extreme marathons and ultra-marathons mostly simultaneously raising money for charities, which Coca-Cola recognised. I shall remain eternally indebted to them.

Standing at the roadside waiting for another Torch Bearer to come into view it was hardly possible to stop trembling. Guided by our Metropolitan Police escort runners we ‘kissed’ torches and it is impossible to describe the many sensations I felt then. The realisation that this historic flame for world sport was totally dependant on me was beyond anything I could have imagined.

My generally very slow heartbeat had tripled! Trepidation, excitement, overwhelming joy – everything rolled into one – then I was off on 300 metres of cheering, waving and sharing this unique moment in time with hundreds of others.

It was the shortest run I have ever made but the most emotional and wonderful.

Another ‘kiss’ and I re-boarded the bus, hugging my fellow Torch Bearers and reliving all our ‘moments’ as we were presented with our Torch that will have pride of place in all our homes. This was the day we will always remember.

Since ‘that day’ my Torch has already been a guest at events as well as having invitations lined up for future appearances. The Flame no longer burns but the pride does and I am so happy the delight it brought me continues to bring pleasure to many others.’

Still burning with pride

During the consultation period, the Council will be meeting with the affected parties, residents, community and other interested organisations/groups to discuss the latest plans and to ask for feedback on several aspects of the £30m scheme. These include the options for crossing the proposed bypass at Fulbeck Lane, the proposed access routes for construction vehicles and the proposals for screening the proposed road.

Two public events have also been organised to provide the opportunity for people to look at the latest detailed plans, to ask questions and importantly to give the Council their views on the proposals.

These events will be held in Morpeth Town Hall on: • Thursday 23rd August between 11:00 am -7.30pm

• Tuesday 4th September 11:00 am– 7.30-pm

The plans will be available to view, during the consultation period, at County Hall, Morpeth Library and Morpeth Town Hall and online at the dedicated website at www.morpethnorthernbypass.org

Next Steps

Following the consultation, the County Council will compile a Consultation Report which will incorporate all the feedback and suggestions received during the

consultation period. The report will also include any changes that are made to the design resulting from these comments and outline the reasons why some suggestions may not have been included.

The Consultation Report will be made publicly available at County Hall, Morpeth Library and on the website.

The County Council will then submit an application to the Planning Inspectorate for a Development Consent Order (DCO) in the autumn. Should this be approved, the DCO would grant all the necessary permissions for the proposed bypass, such as planning, compulsory purchase orders and traffic orders. The County Council hopes to receive approval for the scheme during the Winter 2012/13.

Construction work would then begin on the bypass in Spring 2014, with completion in winter 2015.

For more information on the scheme, visit the website: www.morpethnorthernbypass.org or call: 0845 600 6400 or email: morpethnorthernbypass@northumberland.gov.uk

You can also follow Northumberland County Council on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NorthumberlandCC

Twitter: twitter.com/N_landCouncil

Northern by-pass consultation eventsBetween Monday 20th August and Monday 17th September Northumberland County Council will be consulting the public on the latest proposals for the Morpeth Northern Bypass.

An aerial view of the road’s route.

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In February it was announced that £9.3 million of Government funding had been secured for the scheme. This sits alongside a contribution from Northumberland County Council of up to £12 million. Since then the authorities have been working together to design the scheme in detail.

The scheme aims to reduce the risk of flooding from the River Wansbeck by storing water upstream of Morpeth, as well as building new flood defences in the town where none currently exist and improving existing flood defences where needed. The scheme will also reduce the risk of flooding from the three burns in the town (Church Burn, Cotting Burn and Postern Burn).

As part of the scheme the Environment Agency and Northumberland County Council are also assessing surface water flooding in the town and are investigating options to reduce the risk of this type of flooding.

They are also working with Northumbrian Water on flooding issues in Morpeth.

To help develop the design of the flood scheme the project team has been liaising with landowners, residents and businesses to gain their views and ideas. Back in July it held consultation events for the whole town as well as residents and landowners upstream. The Environment Agency and Northumberland County Council will continue to communicate and engage with people as they progress towards construction.

Together they are designing the sequence of the work to minimise disruption to the businesses and residents of Morpeth as well as the surrounding areas. They are also looking to minimise the impacts on local wildlife.

During the construction the existing standard of flood protection to Morpeth will be maintained.

The timetable for construction is subject to planning permission, but it is hoped that construction will begin early next year and be complete by Autumn 2014, depending on the weather.

Planning permission is currently being applied for.

If you would like more information about the flood alleviation scheme, you can:

Visit: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/morpeth

Email: northeast-newcastle@environment-agency.gov.uk

Call: 03708 506 506

You can also follow the Environment Agency and Northumberland County Council on Twitter: @EnvAgencyYNE @N_landCouncil

Work continues on a flood scheme for MorpethThe Environment Agency and Northumberland County Council are working in partnership to develop a flood scheme to reduce the risk of flooding in Morpeth.

Graphic illustrations of the improved flood defences along the River Wansbeck

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inside Morpeth

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Fred. Olsen now offers a Price Pledge when you book a 2013 cruise*. You can rest assured that you won’t lose out if the cruise price should fall. We’ll offer you benefi ts or a refund

to the same value, so you know your deal won’t be beaten – and you’ll get the best choice

of cruises and cabins too. The Price Pledge applies to all departures from 6 April 2013 onwards – but hurry, you must book by the end of September!

The drinks are on Fr

ed

HURRY! FoR tHe FiRst 100 bookings

on eacH cRUise onlY!

Call 01670 829922 to take advantage of these fantastic offers

Northumbria Travel, 82 Front Street East, Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 5AB Email: info@northumbriatravel.com www.northumbriatravel.com

*Early Booking Price Pledge applies to like-for-like Fred. Olsen packages. Excludes inside cabins, Grand Voyages, Grand Voyage sectors and Anchor Fares, which require full payment at the time of booking. The price difference shall be given either in the form of onboard spend, cabin upgrade, or a refund, at FOCL’s discretion. Offer starts 20/07/12, applies to departures from 06/04/13 onwards, cannot be applied retrospectively and closes 30/09/12 latest. **All inclusive upgrade offer covers selected beer, wines, spirits and soft drinks, subject to availability, and all meals. Tours, tips, premium drinks, medical facilities and other optional spend, during travel to the ship and while on board, are not included. Any additional expenditure will need to be paid separately. Offer limited to the fi rst 100 bookings on each departure. Offer applies to departures from 06/04/13 onwards, cannot be applied retrospectively, is not available on Grand Voyages and sectors, and closes 30/09/12 latest. Exclusions apply. Please see website for full terms and conditions.

Book now on any Fred. Olsen sailing departing 6 April 2013 onwards and we’ll give you a FREE upgrade to our new All Inclusive** package. You’ll get free drinks – selected beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks – included in the price, along with all meals, leisure facilities, daytime activities and live entertainment.

You’ll need to hurry though, as this special All Inclusive offer is only available on the fi rst 100 bookings on each sailing and ends September, if not before.

Call 01670 829922 to take advantage of this fantastic offer!

FREE UPGRADE TO ‘ALL INCLUSIVE’ – FROM FRED. OLSEN

BOOK 2013 NOW & YOU’LL GET THE BEST DEAL – GUARANTEED!

The drinks are on Fr

edT

HURRY! FoR tHe FiRst 100 bookings

on eacH cRUise onlY!

THE DRINKS ARE ON

FR

ED

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Newly announced all-inclusive deals; sailings to exotic and breathtaking locations; or enjoying the benefits of the company’s exclusive escorted cruises are all included among the great deals currently on offer from Northumbria Travel.

Take for instance the hot-off-the-press news from the Fred Olsen Line, one of the world’s leading and most respected cruise operators.

For the first time ever they are offering passengers all-inclusive deals covering selected beers, wines, spirits or soft drinks on board its ships, free of charge when making a booking with the exception of the company’s world sector cruises.

Travellers will need to hurry to get on–board, because the all-inclusive offers will only be available until the end of this September on the first 100 bookings on each sailing from April 6th next year.

As a further incentive the Fred Olsen Line is offering a price pledge promise to anyone booking a 2013 cruise by giving them the reassurance that they won’t lose out in the event of prices falling subsequent to them making their booking.

Fred Olsen will offer benefits or a refund to the same value and passengers will also get the choice of best cabins available and cruises as well. The Price Pledge offer applies to departures from April 6th 2013 and bookings must be made by the end of this September.

Northumbria Travel can reveal that the very popular ‘Black Watch’ cruise ship is being

brought back by Fred Olsen to sail from the Tyne next year to the Palaces of Stockholm and St Petersburg in June, then in July on cruises across the Arctic Circle to see the Midnight Sun, to Estonia and St Petersburg, around the fjords and coastal towns of Norway and finally to the Canary Islands.

The company is also now taking bookings for fully escorted fly-cruises shared by mother and daughter directors Beryl and Jane Gibson. On the 8th May 2013 Beryl is escorting a Viking River Cruise onboard the Neptune sailing along the Rhone and the Saone from Avignon to Chalon taking in the sights of Beaune, Vieux Lyon, Vienne, Tournon during which there will be 3 visits to UNESCO sites. In June 2014 Beryl will also be escorting passengers on a sector of Fred Olsen’s Balmoral liner’s world cruise, flying to Hong Kong to join the ship as it sails to Japan and Hawaii before returning via San Diego.

Northumbria Travel can also currently book travellers on Hurtigruten cruises into Arctic waters next year at a time when space agency NASA is predicting the most amazing Northern Lights’ spectacles for more than 50 years. Call 01670 829922 for the best prices available to see this natural phenomina.

All the deals can now be followed on twitter by logging on to the Northumbria Travel website www.northumbriatravel.com and following the twitter link

Cheers says Fred!Local cruise specialists Northumbria Travel currently have a wide choice of cruises for holidaymakers thinking of sailing the oceans or enjoying an increasingly popular river cruise along some of the great waterways of Europe and further afield through Asia.

Fred. Olsen now offers a Price Pledge when you book a 2013 cruise*. You can rest assured that you won’t lose out if the cruise price should fall. We’ll offer you benefi ts or a refund

to the same value, so you know your deal won’t be beaten – and you’ll get the best choice

of cruises and cabins too. The Price Pledge applies to all departures from 6 April 2013 onwards – but hurry, you must book by the end of September!

The drinks are o

n Fr

ed

HURRY! FoR tHe FiRst 100 bookings

on eacH cRUise onlY!

Call 01670 829922 to take advantage of these fantastic offers

Northumbria Travel, 82 Front Street East, Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 5AB Email: info@northumbriatravel.com www.northumbriatravel.com

*Early Booking Price Pledge applies to like-for-like Fred. Olsen packages. Excludes inside cabins, Grand Voyages, Grand Voyage sectors and Anchor Fares, which require full payment at the time of booking. The price difference shall be given either in the form of onboard spend, cabin upgrade, or a refund, at FOCL’s discretion. Offer starts 20/07/12, applies to departures from 06/04/13 onwards, cannot be applied retrospectively and closes 30/09/12 latest. **All inclusive upgrade offer covers selected beer, wines, spirits and soft drinks, subject to availability, and all meals. Tours, tips, premium drinks, medical facilities and other optional spend, during travel to the ship and while on board, are not included. Any additional expenditure will need to be paid separately. Offer limited to the fi rst 100 bookings on each departure. Offer applies to departures from 06/04/13 onwards, cannot be applied retrospectively, is not available on Grand Voyages and sectors, and closes 30/09/12 latest. Exclusions apply. Please see website for full terms and conditions.

Book now on any Fred. Olsen sailing departing 6 April 2013 onwards and we’ll give you a FREE upgrade to our new All Inclusive** package. You’ll get free drinks – selected beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks – included in the price, along with all meals, leisure facilities, daytime activities and live entertainment.

You’ll need to hurry though, as this special All Inclusive offer is only available on the fi rst 100 bookings on each sailing and ends September, if not before.

Call 01670 829922 to take advantage of this fantastic offer!

FREE UPGRADE TO ‘ALL INCLUSIVE’ – FROM FRED. OLSEN

BOOK 2013 NOW & YOU’LL GET THE BEST DEAL – GUARANTEED!

The drinks are o

n Fr

ed

T

HURRY! FoR tHe FiRst 100 bookings

on eacH cRUise onlY!

THE DRINKS ARE ON

FR

ED

If so Morpeth Bridge for All group can help you do so in a most convivial atmosphere. You will be challenged, make new friends but most of all have fun.

Starting September 24th the group will be running classes for beginners, players who wish to improve their skills and others who may be returning to the game.

Two supervised practice sessions will also be held every week. All tutors are qualified bridge teachers and members of the English Bridge Union Teachers Association.

Anyone will be made very welcome and further information including times and venues for classes is available from the Morpeth Bridge Club website www.morpethbridgeforall.co.uk or by calling Tessa Lee 0777 3889 597 or Aileen Cunningham 01670 513369

Here’s the deal!Would you like to learn to play the most intriguing card game in the world, improve or develop your skills?

Morpeth Town Council, Morpeth Town Hall, Market Place, Morpeth NE61 1LZ Call 01670 514314 email ednamtc@btconnect.com or mayormtc@btconnect.com or visit www.morpethtowncouncil.org.uk

Keeping you informed with the latest News from Morpeth Town Council

Time to get behind Morpeth

TownCryer!

As I write this I am looking out over a garden that has - and I’ve had to look twice - sun shining on it !

The last few weeks have been unbelievably wet and I am proud that over 200 people came out to support the Beacon Lighting on Ha Hill – even though it was cold and damp.

Then the Torch came through, on possibly the wettest June day I can remember, and many hundreds, if not thousands, turned out.

All the children were very enthusiastic in their support and flag waving. A press photographer told me that Morpeth’s turn-out was the best he’d seen!

It gave me great pleasure to meet children from our local schools in the Town Hall for something to eat (and to dry out) afterwards. They all told me it was day they would remember and I think that it was great opportunity for them to get them up close to Morpeth’s Civic History.

They were all impressed with the Mace Bearer and the role he serves in protecting me. I’m sure I heard one lad say “cool” when the Mace Bearer said he could use the Mace to defend me if necessary!

Morpeth is very fortunate to have such good schools filled with enthusiastic pupils and teachers.

Harking back to my comments in the last “Inside Morpeth” about supporting Morpeth.

Now that summer is here it is vital that Morpeth attracts as many visitors as possible over the next few months. To do this we all have to be positive – I really can not see the logic in generating negative headlines such as “Morpeth Roads Chaos” over the coming summer.

You can see from the pictures opposite, everyone enjoyed Fair Day and the town looked at its best with beautiful flowers and the colourful artwork on the Market

Place planters, designed by Morpeth School pupils and on the hoardings at Castle Square by our Viking visitors.

Morpeth Chamber of Trade is going to launch its “More in Morpeth” campaign and I urge all Morpeth residents to get behind it and support Morpeth businesses – not just on the High Street but up on Coopies Lane as well.

Please make visitors welcome – if someone appears lost, ask them if they need help or directions. If this summer’s visitors go away with good vibes about Morpeth they’ll be back here at Christmas.

I’m proud of Morpeth, its people and what has been achieved in the last decade. Morpeth is bucking the downward trends of other market towns and long may it continue to do so.

By Councillor Mark Horton, Mayor of Morpeth

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Morpeth Town Council

Morpeth Town Council

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Morpeth Town Council

Council Meeting Timetable - See noticeboards and website.

Meeting Timetable until 30th September 2012. All meetings will be held in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall. Committee meetings commence at 6:30pm and Full Council at 7:00pm, unless otherwise stated on the posters or website (If there is more than one meeting on the night, the commencement times will be half an hour earlier, and this will also be indicated on the Town Council noticeboards and website)

Full CouncilAugust - Recess26th September 2012

Planning and Transport CommitteeAugust - Recess5th September 201219th September 2012

Finance and General Purposes CommitteeAugust - Recess12th September 2012

Property and Asset Management CommitteeNo meetings until October 2012

Morpeth South Ward:MARK HORTON T. 01670 513758 E. mhcouncil2000@gmail.com

DAVID HERNE T.07980599471 E. dave4morpeth.south@hotmail.co.uk

DAVID PARKER T. 01670 516218 E. davidparker12@sky.com

PHIL TAYLOR T. 01670 503556 E. philtaylor.10cw@hotmail.co.uk

Morpeth Stobhill Ward:IAN LINDLEY T. 01670 515217 E. Ian.Lindley@northumberland.gov.uk

DEREK THOMPSON T. 01670 515419 E. Derek_Thompson@btinternet.com

MRS JEAN YANNAKOYORGOU T. 01670 513204 E. jyanna@btinternet.com

Morpeth Kirkhill Ward:

KEN BROWN T. 01670 515760 E. ken.brown1@talk21.com

ANDREW TEBBUTT T. 01670 511631 E. Andrew.Tebbutt@northumberland.gov.uk

ED HILLIER T. 01670 519599 E. edwardhillier@hotmail.com

Morpeth North Ward:DR NIC BEST T. 01670 517915 E. nickel@globalnet.co.uk

LES CASSIE T. 01670 516424 E. leshcassie@aol.com

MRS JO TANTAWY T. 01670 503027 E. J.Tantawy@tees.ac.uk

RICHARD THOMPSON T. 01670 510287 E. richard.thompson@wellway.uk.com

GRAEME TROTTER T. 01670 511377 E. graeme.trotter@ymail.com

MORPETH TOWN COUNCILLORS

Home addresses are available from the Town Council Offices or website

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Monday 24 September

Rothley Crags – Takes in Rothley Lakes, the old railway station, Codgers Fort and Rothley Castle. Grade – moderate, 6.1 miles approx 3.5 hours. Meet in lay-by at Rothley Crossroads on B6342 (NZ 043-896) at 10.30. £6.00

Heritage Hike – Past Ha’ Hill on to Mitford, Emily Wilding Davison’s grave, race course and grandstand before stopping off at Mitford Church Stable Room for tea/coffee. Grade – moderate, 5.4 miles approx 3 hours. Meet The Lodge, Carlisle Park (NZ 201-846) at 13.00. £6.00

Tuesday 25 September

Town Centre Heritage Walk – Explore the rich and varied history of Morpeth. Grade – fairly easy, 2 miles approx 1 hour. Meet at Turner Garden, Carlisle Park (NZ 200-856) at 10.00. Free

Health Walk – A short walk to introduce you to the benefits and enjoyment of walking. Grade – easy, 1.9 miles approx 2 hours. Meet at Riverside Leisure Centre (NZ 197-858) at 10.30 Free.

Wednesday 26 September

Whorral Bank to Bothal – Through ancient woodland past the Stephenson Viaduct, the Jubilee Well and the remains of a 15th Century Chapel and stop at Bothal Church for tea and coffee. Grade – moderate, 4.8 miles approx 3 hours. Meet at lay-by at bottom of Whorral Bank (NZ 203-864) at 13.00. £6.00

Nordic Walking Taster – Learn to use walking poles to enhance the benefits of walking and utilising the upper body muscles. Grade – easy, 1 hour approx. Meet in car park by Druridge Bay country park visitor centre (NZ 271-998) at 18.30. Free

Thursday 27 September

Elsdon to the Andes – From Elsdon to Gallow Hill then on to the alpaca farm. Grade – Moderate, 5 miles approx 3 hours. Meet in Elsdon car park (NZ 937-933) at 10.30. £6.00

Friday 28 September

Serpent’s Column – Walk starts at Edlingham with its 11th Century Church and 13-14th Century Castle, on to Lemmington Hall and then the Serpent’s Column. Grade – moderate, 5 miles approx 3 hours. Meet at Edlingham Village Church (NU 112-089) at 11.00. £6.00

Nordic Walking Taster – Another taster session using poles to propel the walker so they are working harder but feeling easier. Meet at Druridge Bay country park visitor centre (NZ 271-998) at 10.00. Free

Saturday 29 September

Shaftoe Crags – A walk through historic landscape, the site of Bolam burned to ground in 1584, Salter’s Nick, Shaftoe Hall and Shortflatt Tower. Grade – moderate, 8 miles approx 4 hours. Meet on green beside Middleton Village Hall (NZ 058-851) at 11.00. £6.00

Morpeth Town Trail – Learn more of Morpeth’s history on this walk. Grade – easy, 2 miles approx 1 hour. Meet at the Lodge, Carlisle Park (NZ 201-846) at 13.00. Free.

Sunday 30 September

Rimside Turnpike – Follow the Devil’s Causeway and the Rimside Turnpike to visit the Rimside gibbet and old Drovers’ pub. On the walk search for cup and ring markings. Grade – fairly strenuous, 9 miles approx 5 hours. Meet at New Moor Crossroads of A697 and B6541 (NU 099-062) at 11.00. £6.00

Owls, Hawks & History – An historic countryside walk and a visit to the bird of prey centre, Clavering Cross, an Iron Age settlement and a 17th Century strong house. Grade – moderate, 6.5 miles approx 4 hours. Meet at Trewitley Farm, Longhorsley (NZ 127-913) at 13.00. £6.00

Walking Festival - all the details

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Walks in the picturesque Northumberland countryside, along wooded river valleys or in an urban town centre setting with birds of prey and even exotic animals thrown in for good measure, make up the programme for this Autumn’s Morpeth Walking Festival.

From Bothal to the AndesThe 9th Walking Festival will be a rare mix!

The ninth festival of its kind organised by Greater Morpeth Development Trust, runs from Monday 24 to Sunday 30 September, and once again includes a varied, diverse mix of walks for people of all ages, abilities and interests.

The old favourites will be back but there are some exciting new additions this year to get Festival walkers out and about around the county. Take the walk that starts at Elsdon in the heart of the Border Reivers’ country for instance.

Naturally, walkers will stop to listen to the chilling tale about William Winters who was hanged in 1791 and suspended in chains from the gibbet that stands at nearby Steng Cross for the murder of a local woman, before making their way to the nearby Liberty Hill Farm where Debbie and Paul Rippon keep their herd of South American alpacas.

The couple last year gave up office jobs to take over the 220 acre Northumbrian hill farm where they are now rearing 65 of the animals for their fleece that can be knitted or woven into a variety of garments.

The couple and some of their animals, are regulars at local farmers’ markets including Morpeth, and they intend to gradually open up their farm as a visitor centre as well as running an on-line shop. The visit by the Morpeth Festival walkers will, however, be the very first organised trip to the farm so it is a rare chance indeed to meet these exotic animals at close quarters.

Or there’s a walk through the beautiful Northumberland landscape to the bird of prey centre at Trewitley Farm near Longhorsley. There walkers will discover how it has been granted charitable status to run a rescue centre for birds of prey and wild birds as well as keeping captive-bred, hand-reared birds mainly indigenous owls before watching a hawk flying demonstration.

That particular walk also includes a visit to Clavering Cross the site of a 14th Century blood feud, an Iron Age settlement and a 17th Century strong house. Other walks take in visits to ancient sites at Bolam, the

prehistoric enclosure of Slate Hill, Salter’s Nick, East Shaftoe, Shortflatt Tower, the Devil’s Causeway, the Rimside Turnpike and Gibbet as well as a visit to a drovers’ pub.

Closer to home there are walks following the Morpeth town trail; the woods from Whorral Bank to Bothal including a sighting of the Robert Stephenson railway viaduct; the route to Mitford past Ha’ Hill and on to the Wannie Line.

Organisers recommend that walkers should always wear comfortable, supportive footwear such as walking boots as well as going prepared for all weathers including rain, sun or a chilly wind, and take soft drinks on all walks and a packed lunch where advised.

Full details of all the walks, their costs and how to book them are available on the GMDT website www.gmdt.net/, or in a Walking Festival booklet available from the Trust at the Carlisle Park Lodge, or by telephoning (01670) 503866.

‘The series of walks we’ve organised will showcase how lucky we are to have such beautiful countryside, fascinating history and incredibly rich heritage on our very doorsteps’….Liz Young of GMDT

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Coming soon - a celebration of Morpeth’s rich cultural heritage!thursday 6 to sunday 9 september

Twenty six events – all of them free to attend – are in a packed four day Heritage Open Days’ (HODs) programme for local people to enjoy whilst celebrating the rich architectural and cultural traditions of Morpeth and its surrounding district.

Morpeth will once again play its part in England’s biggest and most popular annual event of its kind which last year attracted an astonishing one million visitors. The idea behind HODs is to give anyone and everyone access to buildings and places on their own doorsteps that are not very often open to the public, but which form part of the rich fabric of life in our towns, cities and villages.

Organised by Greater Morpeth Development Trust (GMDT) the annual programme has steadily grown year-on-year and is firmly established as one of the most popular and diverse in the whole of Northumberland thanks in no small way to the invaluable support and backing of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Others take place right across Northumberland with the support of the county’s network of Federation of Development Trusts and - like Morpeth - welcome visitors or all ages.

GMDT is the first to acknowledge that many of the events in its programme simply couldn’t or wouldn’t happen without the wholehearted support of a small army of dedicated volunteers, land and property owners who enthusiastically embrace the opportunities HODs gives local people to explore and delve into their district’s past.

This year there are tours, events, exhibitions, talks and demonstrations – all of which are free to attend. Some have limited numbers of spaces and may need to be booked in advance, so this INSIDE Morpeth special feature tells you exactly which they are and how to go about reserving your place to make sure you are not disappointed on the day.

If you need more information about the Morpeth HODS programme then simply call GMDT on (01670) 503866.

Walks & talks

Wallington Hall to Little Harle Tower. A 6.5 mile walk starting from Wallington Hall. Includes a visit to the private Little Harle Tower. Optional tea/scone stop at the NT café. For further information ring David Barker on 01670 515351. Date Thurs, 6th Sept Time 1.00 - 4.00 pm Starting point -The field car park, Wallington Hall

The Elsdon Murder Walk A five mile walk from the Winter’s Gibbet taking in many of Elsdon’s heritage sites. Includes a visit to the Raw, the site of the murder. Bring a picnic lunch. For further information ring David Barker on 01670 515351. Date Fri, 7th Sept Time 11.00 - 2.30 pm Starting point - The Winter’s Gibbet on the minor road from Cambo to Elsdon

Lynemouth & Ellington A guided walk with local historian and author Neil Taylor. Neil will reveal the mining and other heritage of this less well known part of Northumberland. Walk includes a visit to the Ellington Colliery memorial. For further information ring Neil Taylor on 01670 860213. Date Thurs, 6th Sept Time 10.00 - 12.30 pm Starting point - Lynemouth Resource Centre, Bridge Road, NE61 5YJ

Newminster Abbey An illustrated talk by local archaeologist Barry Mead. Discover the glories of this amazing abbey and what it looked like before Henry VIII got upset and pulled it down! Plus a handling session of artefacts excavated in the 1960’s (courtesy of Morpeth Antiquarian Society). Date Thurs, 6th Sept Time 2.00 - 3.30 pm Venue Morpeth Library, Gas House Lane NE61 1TA

Pompeii and Herculaneum “Quite simply the finest Roman archaeological sites I have ever seen.” This fully illustrated talk by archaeologist & GMDT’s Heritage Officer Barry Mead includes stunning mosaics and wall paintings.

Date Fri, 7th Sept Time 7.30 - 9.00 pm Venue Bedlington Station Residents Association, Station St, Bedlington Station NE22 7JN

Morpeth’s Time Team Meet local archaeologists Liz Young and Barry Mead and a special guest archaeologist from Shetland who will entertain you with stories from their digging experiences. Also, a chance

to see and handle a range of historic objects courtesy of Morpeth Antiquarian Society. Have you got something old and ancient that needs identifying? Bring it along and we will see if we can help! Date Sat, 8th Sept Time 2.00 - 4.30 pm Venue Morpeth Chantry, Bridge Street NE61 1PJ

churches

St James Church The Church was designed by Benjamin Ferrey, former apprentice to Augustus Pugin, and is based on the style of the Cathedral of Montreale in Sicily. Particularly impressive are the apse paintings and the fine Minton tiled floor in the Chancel. Date Thurs to Sun, 6th to 9th Sept Time 10.30 - 4.00 pm Venue Copper Chare, Morpeth NE61 1BP

St Mary’s Church The oldest church in the Parish and one of the best preserved medieval churches in Northumberland. The grave of the suffragette Emily Wilding Davison is in the churchyard as well as those of other notable Morpethians such as painter Joseph Crawhall and William Woodman. Date Thurs to Sun, 6th to 9th Sept Time 10.30 - 4.00 pm Venue St Mary’s Field, Morpeth NE61 2QT

St George’s United Reform Church - Spinning a yarn This lovely Victorian church is open all day and, between 10 and 1 pm when there will be spinning demonstrations. Date Sat, 8th Sept Time 10.00 - 4.00 pm Venue Bridge Street, Morpeth NE61 1PD

Mitford Church A lovely Northumbrian church with a 12th century bell on display that is believed to be the oldest in Britain. Date Sat, 8th Sept Time 10.00 - 4.00 pm Venue Mitford NE61 3PZ

St Andrew’s Church Bothal

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St Andrew’s Church Bothal A beautiful church which has the finest collection of medieval stained glass in Northumberland. There will be local crafts available to view and buy. Music will be played throughout, and guided tours will be available at selected times over the weekend. Guided tours of the grounds of nearby Bothal Castle available on Sunday. Date Thurs to Sun, 6th to 9th Sept Time 11.00 - 4.00 pm Venue Bothal Village NE61 6SW

castles

Morpeth Castle A rare opportunity to see inside the Old Gatehouse of Morpeth Castle, Carlisle Park that was built in about 1300. Also, traditional Northumbrian music will be played by members of Fligarishon between 11 and 2pm. Date Sun, 9th Sept Time 10.00 - 4.00 pm Venue Carlisle Park NE61 2PP

Bothal Castle Informal guided tours with archaeologist Barry Mead of the grounds of one of Northumberland’s hidden gems. Please note there is no access into the castle building itself. Make the most of your visit by going to the craft fair in Bothal Church Date Sun, 9th Sept Time 11.00 -1.00 pm & 1.30 – 4 pm Venue Bothal village NE61 6SL

exhibitions, Workshops & demonstrations

Sporting Morpeth An exhibition celebrating Morpeth’s sporting heroes and heroines, including displays on the Morpeth Olympic Games 1870-1958. Date Thurs to Sun, 6th to 9th Sept Time 10.00 - 4.30 pm Venue Morpeth Town Hall, Market Place NE61 1LZ

Past and Present: Newgate Street and Oldgate A photographic exhibition in shop windows showing how the town and its shops have changed over the years. A trip down memory lane. Date Thurs to Sun, 6th to 9th Sept Time 9.00 – 5.00 pm Venue Town centre

Art Workshops at The Chantry For children of any age! Have a go at making costumes which represent Morpeth’s old craft guilds. Workshop led by community artist Elaine Porter. Spaces limited so pre booking essential. Date Sat, 8th Sept Time 10.00 -1.00 pm

Venue Morpeth Chantry, Bridge Street NE61 1PJ Pre booking required. Call 07941 443296

Town Treasures Mayor’s Parlour and Council Chamber: come and visit the civic suite and see displays of Morpeth’s Treasures, some hundreds of years old. Not normally open to the public. Date Thurs, 6th Sept Time 2.00 - 5.00 pm Venue Town Hall, Market Place NE61 1LZ

Mayor’s Parlour: Meet the Mayor Come and visit the historic Council Chamber and Mayor’s Parlour. An opportunity to not only meet the Mayor but also see some of the town’s amazing treasures. Date Thurs, 6th Sept Time 5.00 - 7.00 pm Venue Town Hall, Market Place NE61 1LZ

Mat-making demonstrations Demonstration of traditional ‘hooky’ and ‘proggy’ mat-making by the Woodhorn Matters. Plus a small exhibition of work completed by members of the group. Date Sun, 9th Sept Time 12.00 - 4.00 pm Venue Morpeth Methodist Church, Howard Terrace NE61 1HH

Bowls! A weekend of bowling delights. Join us on Saturday for our bowling competition. Spectators welcome. On Sunday enjoy an exhibition in the Bowls Pavilion on the history of bowling in Morpeth: a chance to combine a stroll through this lovely park with an opportunity to discover some more unusual heritage! Date Sat & Sun, 8th & 9th Sept Time 10.30 - 4.00 pm (Sat), 10.00 – 4 pm (Sun) Venue Carlisle Park, Morpeth NE61 1LW

hods and sods!

SNAP! A celebration of the cultural diversity of the town, in this case the links between Turkey and Morpeth. A short presentation will be followed by a display of traditional Turkish dancing and the chance to sample some authentic Turkish cuisine

Date Sat, 8th Sept Time 10.30 -11.30 am Venue Morpeth Library, Gas House Lane NE61 1TA Pre booking required. Call 01670 503866

Busman’s Holiday: A Coach Tour of the Morpeth district Take a trip around Morpeth, Longhirst, Widdrington and Cresswell with local historian Neil Taylor. Includes a stopover at Longhirst Hall and Cresswell. Discover how much heritage there is on your own doorstep. Date Sun, 9th Sept Time 10.30 - 1.00 pm Venue Meet at Bay “A”, Morpeth Bus Station, Back Riggs NE61 6PB Pre booking required. Call 01670 503866.

Tommy’s Field: Allotments and the Community Find out more about the delights of “growing your own” and self sufficiency when you meet some of the allotment holders. And find out who Tommy actually was! Date Sun, 9th Sept Time 10.00 - 2.00 pm Venue Tommy’s Field, NE61 1JT (opp. entrance to St George’s Hospital)

The Drovers are Coming to Morpeth Town A chance to meet local author Bridget Gubbins and share in some of the highs and lows of George Robson’s experiences on the Drove Road from Coldstream to Morpeth. And enjoy a drink in the Black Bull at the same time! Date Sun, 9th Sept Time 12.00 -1.00 pm Venue Black Bull pub, Bridge Street NE61 1PE Pre booking required. Call 01670 503866

Collingwood House A rare opportunity to see inside the home of Admiral Lord Collingwood. But please note there is access to the main room only. Local author Andy Griffin will be on hand to tell you about the ‘Hero of Trafalgar’. Restricted access so pre-booked viewings (every 30 minutes) only. Date Thurs, 6th Sept Time 2.00 - 5.00 pm Venue Oldgate, Morpeth NE61 1QF Pre booking required. Call 01670 503866

Clock Tower, Morpeth Built in the early 1600s and containing the oldest original peal of civic bells in the Britain. It was even once used as the town’s lock up! Restricted access so pre-booked guided tours (every 30 minutes) only. Date Sat, 8th Sept Time 2.00 - 4.30 pm Venue Oldgate NE61 1AA Pre booking required. Call 01670 503866

Coming soon - a celebration of Morpeth’s rich cultural heritage!

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Morpeth Town Council

More events in...

If you are planning an event and would like it listed in our ‘What’s On’ pages contact Laura Robinson at Greater Morpeth Development Trust on (01670) 503866

Morpeth Farmers’ MarketsLocal produce on sale from local producers

Dates: Saturdays I September & 6 October Time: 9am – 2.30pm Venue: Morpeth Market Place Cost: Free to public; £20 for producers Contact: For stalls call 0790 005 2446

heritage open daysStep back into Morpeth’s past with a packed four-day programme of events and activities co-ordinated by Greater Morpeth Development Trust

Dates: Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 September Times: Various Venues: See Inside Morpeth Pages 14 & 15 for full details Cost: All free Contact: GMDT (01670) 503866

Morpeth community cinemaBack after a summer break with a star-studded cast in the comedy ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ featuring Judi Dench, Bill Nighy and Maggie Smith

Date: Friday 7 September Time: 7pm Venue: Morpeth Town Hall Cost: £5 Contact: For information and bookings call GMDT (01670) 503866 or Morpeth TIC (01670) 535200

Morpeth peace VigilAn hour-long vigil for peace. All welcome Bring your own banners and candles.

Dates: Tuesday 11 September & Thursday 11 October Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm Venue: Morpeth Market Place Cost: Free Contact: Nic Best (01670) 517915

afternoon tea talksThe popular talks are back after their summer break with Ken Irvine speaking about ‘Big Holes in the Ground’. Enoy the talk as well as jam and cream scones!

Date: Thursday 13 September Time: 2.30pm Venue: St George’s URC Cost: £2.00 Contact: Gillian Irvine (01670)

Morpeth lunchtime concertNew season begins with the well known Murray Family Trio – husband and wife David (piano) and Jennifer (clarinet) and their son Christopher (cello).

Date: Wednesday 19 September Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm (doors open Noon) Venue: St George’s URC Church Cost: £3.00 Contact: Gillian Irvine (01670) 515870

Morpeth Walking FestivalThe 9th Festival – organised by Greater Morpeth Development Trust – has more than a dozen walks for all wages and abilities, around Morpeth, Northumberland beauty spots and historic sites.

Dates: Monday 26 – Sunday 30 September Times: Various Venues: See Inside Morpeth Page 12 for full details Cost: Some free, some £6.00 Contact: GMDT (01670) 503866

Morpeth community cinemaRe-make of the classic John le Carre spy thriller ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ starring Gary Oldman, Colin Firth and Tom Hardy

Date: Friday 5 October Time: 7pm Venue: Morpeth Town Hall Cost: £5.00 Contact: GMDT (01670) 505866 or Morpeth TIC (01670) 535200

coffee Morning FairSomething on sale for everyone

Date: Saturday 6 October Time: 10am onwards Venue: St George URC Cost: Free Contact: Gillian Irvine (01670) 515870

Morpeth Music societyThe new season begins with a concert featuring the London Conchord Ensemble piano quintet playing Beethoven’s Trio Op. 44, Schubert’s ‘Trout Quintet’ and Dvorak’s Piano Quartet

Date: Thursday 11 October Time: 7.30pm Venue: Morpeth Methodist Centre, Howard Road Cost: £12 adult, £2.50 student, children free when with adult

Contact: Aileen Cunningham (01670) 513369. For tickets – Morpeth Methodist Centre or Tourist Information Centre

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Musical ‘oasis’ in midst of a busy day!

They were initially instigated by Morpeth Arts Trust but in 2006 with falling audiences and financial problems three volunteers took them in hand and changed the format and focus in an attempt to make them more popular and appealing to the people of the town.

Val Pope, my husband Ken and I decided to address the problem in an attempt to revitalise what has now become an extremely popular annual season of concerts.

Our aim was to make them a lunchtime oasis in the middle of a busy day for both local residents and workers as well as visitors to Morpeth, and as a result the present format was conceived.

Ken and I now run the concerts with the invaluable help of a dedicated team of helpers who man admissions and provide tea and coffee for members of the audience who are also encouraged to bring their lunch or snacks to enjoy while listening to the music.

This has proved very popular as well as encouraging a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and has developed rapidly among our growing audiences for whom the concerts have become a regular monthly event to be enjoyed.

At the same time we also realised there was a need for a platform for young, talented local musicians and initially students from local high schools and the Wansbeck Music Festival became regular performers.

Adult ensembles also took part in some of the concerts and as their popularity grew it became possible to attract and afford more established groups and professional artists.

Ken invariably is our accompanist while I deal with all the organisation and contacts.

We have been fortunate to have had performers from a number of musical academies including the Royal Academy of Music in London, the Royal Northern College of Music in Morpeth, Cheethams Music School and the Royal Scottish Conservatoire in Glasgow.

Our Lunchtime Concerts have also played host to the Virtuoso Jazz Trio led by George MacDonald, former Principal Clarinet to the Northern Sinfonia and Juliette Bausor the Sinfonia’s Principal Flautist.

Audiences now range from around 70 to more than 100 making ours one of the best attended lunchtime concert series in the North and the annual concert give by senior students at KEVI is always one of the highlights.

We have an excellent programme lined up for our Autumn Season and we are confident of a secure and successful future. Our invitation therefore is to come and join us and share in our lunchtime musical treats.

Details of all our concerts can always be found in the listings’ pages in INSIDE Morpeth.

The Wednesday lunchtime concerts at St George’s United Reformed Church – the church on the Bridge – have been a popular contributor to the arts and culture programme in Morpeth for many years writes Gillian Irvine.

Stait Photography

Tel. 01670 512 877 www.staitphotography.co.uk 4 Market Place West, Morpeth, NE61 1HE

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PizzaExpress Morpeth is offering a fabulous prize of a meal for two worth £50. All you have to do is send your name, address and daytime phone number to INSIDE Morpeth c/o The Lodge, Carlisle Park, Morpeth before Friday 31 August and the lucky winner will be contacted a few days later.

This popular PizzaExpress restaurant, based at Market Place, attracts diners from a wide area. It features a special interior design tribute to Morpeth’s famous botanist William Turner.

Said manager David Rutherford: “All our pizzas are handmade, prepared in an open kitchen. And we now have an exciting range devised by TV cook Valentine Warner.”

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It’s been all about blooms and saying it with flowers over the past few weeks as we welcomed judges from both Northumbria and Britain in Bloom to Sanderson Arcade.

This year the bus station is also up for its own individual award as the best kept, florally attractive bus station – so let’s hope the judges were impressed as we keep our fingers crossed for more ‘Bloom’ success.

From a business point of view work is well underway on the Curiously Wicked expansion plans to bring a delightful Edwardian tea room experience to Morpeth. The ambitious development will offer customers some delicious treats alongside the chocolate theme that the store has built up a reputation for, as well as morning coffee and afternoon tea.

Customers will be greeted by curtsying staff wearing traditional Downton Abbey-style outfits as they enter either The Snug or The Chocolate Room for a chocolate indulgence experience. This is something we really can’t wait for and with the big opening scheduled for the beginning of September we won’t have long to wait!

The Wool Room – a successful on-line retailer – will also be opening its first ever store right here in the Arcade at the end of August. The contemporary fit-out is now nearing completion and again we are very much looking forward to the opening of this fantastic store. The company will be selling high quality British Wool, bedding and blankets as well as beautiful soft furnishings and gifts that will be unique to the North East.

Remember to look out for the colourful flying sheep around

the Arcade in the build-up to the opening – they are not to be missed!

Continuing through August we will be welcoming back Summer Sounds performances with various acts every Saturday in the Arcade. Especially don’t miss out on the ever popular Jazz Men on August Bank Holiday Monday.

After the great success of the recent Hobbs and Frank Bird fashion show we are planning another later in the year involving even more of our stores. The show will be held in Barluga Morpeth in September where guests will be able to exclusively see this year’s trends for Autumn and Winter 2012.

September will also see the very first Sanderson Arcade Awards’ evening which will give retailers and businesses the opportunity to win an exclusive award for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the individual store and the town.

Shoppers will be asked to get involved in the event by choosing their ‘Retailer of the Year for 2012’. An on-line voting poll will be open to cast your vote and everyone who does so will be automatically entered into a free draw to win some fantastic vouchers from the Arcade. So get involved and tell us who your favourite retailer is.

With some fabulous new store openings, musical entertainment, fashion shows and an awards’ evening the next few weeks are sure to be some exciting ones for us.

For up-to-date offers and events at the Arcade visit www.sandersonarcade.co.uk or follow us on Twitter@sandersonarcade and like us on Facebook

Busy few weeks at Sanderson Arcadein her regular inside Morpeth column Manager Medi Parry exclusively previews exciting times over the next few weeks at sanderson arcade

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Models shown: Alto 1.0 SZ4 available at £7,785 on the road, includes customer saving of £1,560 (metallic paint available at £380). Splash 1.2 SZ4 available at £9,254 on the road, includes customer saving of £1,851 (metallic paint available at £399). Swift 1.2 SZ4 5dr available at £10,820 on the road, includes customer saving of £2,165 (metallic paint available at £399). Alto, Splash and Swift range official fuel consumption figures in mpg (L/100km): Urban from 40.9 (6.9) to 55.4 (5.1), extra urban from 56.5 (5.0) to 78.5 (3.6), combined from 49.6 (5.7)t to 67.3 (4.2). Official CO2 emissions from 131 g/km to 99 g/km.*VAT free offer on Alto, Splash and Swift range: Alto 1.0 SZ available from £5,995, including a customer saving of £1,200 to Alto 1.0 SZ4 A/T available at £8,335 including customer saving of £1,660 equivalent to VAT amount of previous on the road price of £7,195 (SZ) and £9,995 (SZ4 A/T). Splash 1.0 SZ2 available from £7,777, including a customer saving of £1,548 to Splash 1.2 SZ4 A/T available at £10,000 including a customer saving of £2,000 equivalent to VAT amount of previous on the road price of £9,325 (SZ2) and £12,000 (SZ4 A/T). Swift 1.2 SZ2 3dr available from £8,888, including a customer saving of £1,772 to Swift 1.2 SZ4 5dr A/T available at £11,660 including customer saving of £2,335 equivalent to VAT amount of previous on the road price of £10,660 (SZ2 3dr) and £13,995 (SZ4 5dr A/T). VAT Free offer excludes Swift Attitude and Swift Sport. For full details contact your local participating Suzuki Dealer. Offer subject to availability for vehicles privately registered between 1st July 2012 and 30th September 2012 from participating Authorised Suzuki Dealers only. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. All prices and specifications correct at time of going to print.

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Strong summer offers from SuzukiFollowing a very strong first six months of the year Blackshaws is pleased to announce further good news for new car buyers in the Morpeth area with Suzuki’s VAT free offers extended until the end of September as well as some very low deposit PCP’s available too.

The VAT free campaign has now been extended across all grades of Alto, Splash and Swift (except Sport). Alto SZ remains the lowest price new car on the market at just £5,995 together with very low costs of ownership including zero VED.

Suzuki Financial Services has extended its very popular PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) affordability offers until the end of September. They are aimed at buyers in the 18-35 category as well as those looking for a low deposit and low monthly payment option.

Taking an Alto SZ as an example, a down payment of £795 is followed by 42 monthly

payments of just £99 with the option to pay a final balloon payment of £2,314 at the end of the agreement to keep the car.

Moving up to the recently revised Splash mini-MPV and taking an SZ2 1.0-litre at £7,777 on PCP; the deposit is now just £812 followed by 42 monthly payments of £139 and an optional final payment of £2,725.

For a similar PCP on a Swift SZ2 three door at £8,888, the deposit is only £159 followed by 42 monthly payments of £159 and a final payment of £3,535. The latest Special Edition

Swift Attitude and award winning Swift Sport are also available on low rate PCP offers; the 1.6-litre Sport requires a deposit of only £1,335.

Suzuki’s highly competitive 0% APR three year Hire Purchase finance offers available on SX4 and Grand Vitara models will also continue until the end of September, both requiring a 50 per cent deposit.

For more information on all these offers visit www.blackshaws.net

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Local Vauxhall dealer, Davidsons of Morpeth, is celebrating this week after being awarded a prestigious Vauxhall Bodyshop of the Year plaque in recognition of being a top 10 finalist.

The Bodyshop of the Year programme operates on a points system, awarded across five key areas that are integral to running a successful approved bodyshop, including customer satisfaction, and Davidsons of Morpeth is one of only 10 Vauxhall dealerships in the country to win the prestigious accolade.

Alan Smith, Bodyshop Manager at Davidsons of Morpeth, comments: “We’re absolutely thrilled with this achievement and I would personally like to thank the team for all their hard work and dedication as well as our

loyal customers whose fabulous scores and comments helped us to secure this Bodyshop of the Year award.”

Faye Tait, Managing Director at Davidsons of Morpeth, says: “We’re all really proud of Alan and the team here at Davidsons; the Vauxhall Bodyshop of the Year award is a highly coveted accolade.

“It’s fantastic that the team’s hard work has been recognised by Vauxhall, and as we are so committed to achieving the highest results, we’ll be doing our very best to ensure that we score even higher next year!”

Stuart McInnes, Bodyshop Sales Development Manager, at Vauxhall, adds: “At Vauxhall, we recognise that Davidsons of Morpeth has gone that extra mile to help our customers, and this accolade really is a representation of the hard work that’s gone into their consistent top-quality standards and all round high performance.”

For further information about the retailer and for details of vehicles in the Vauxhall range and servicing offers, please contact Davidsons of Morpeth at Coopies Way, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 6JN. Alternatively, call 01670 512115 or go online to www.davidsonsofmorpeth.co.uk

Morpeth dealership wins national accolade

Left to right in picture: Tom Nash, Paint Technician, Paul McGill, Panel Technician, Alan Smith, Bodyshop Manager, Stuart McInnes,Vauxhall Bodyshop Sales Development Manager, Chris Cooke, Panel Technical and John Stoker, Paint Technician.

Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO 2 emissions (g/km). Vauxhall range (excluding Ampera): Urban: 14.4 (19.6) - 67.3 (4.2), Extra-urban: 27.4 (10.3) - 91.1 (3.1), Combined: 20.6 (13.7) - 80.7 (3.5). CO 2 emissions: 324 - 94g/km. Not available on Expression, ES, Vauxhall Tech Line models, Ampera or VXR8. Vauxhall Deposit Contribution not available on Corsa SXi or Mokka. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantee or Indemnity may be required. Finance supplied by either Vauxhall Motor Finance RH1 1SR or Vauxhall Finance, PO Box 6666, Cardiff, CF15 7YT. Offer applies to private individuals, Vauxhall Partners and small businesses 1-24 (purchase only excluding B2B). All other customers are excluded. Offers available on orders or registrations before 1 October 2012. *Term can be from 24 – 60 months. **Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty covers lifetime ownership of fi rst registered keeper, 100,000 mile limit. Terms and conditions apply. † Available on Astra Active 5dr (including Active Limited Edition). ^Customer deposit shown after deduction of Vauxhall Deposit Contribution. Metallic paint available at an extra cost.

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Providing a reliable and flexible home care serviceAs life expectancy continues to rise, many of us will begin to need assistance in our everyday lives to help us maintain our independence.Helen McArdle Care, a North East based care company, is currently operating a bespoke service in home care, to provide older adults with a range of services that are tailored to meet all of their needs.

At Home with... Helen McArdle Care utilise the experience of their Home Support Team to ensure that clients can rely on them for everything, from personal care, to shopping, to meal preparation and cleaning.

Clients can also access services in hair and beauty, DIY, decoration, gardening, day care and short breaks.

Thus giving them the peace of mind that At Home can always help with life’s challenges and their families and friends can relax in the knowledge that there is always someone to help out if they need a break.

At Home with... Helen McArdle Care’s

focus on choice and flexibility mirrors the personalisation agenda, the Government initiative to transform social care, which aims to tailor services around the individual rather than fitting the individual into existing services.

So even if you are funded by Social Services you can still access our services.

For a free, no obligation consultation or if you would like any guidance about how you may be able to obtain financial support towards the cost of care from At Home… with Helen McArdle Care, please contact us on 0191 461 8861.

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Book before the end of September and enjoy an introductory service on us!* Call 0191 461 8861 and Quote Inside Morpeth*Terms and conditions apply. A one hour service to include either personal care, domestic services, companionship or shopping.

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Time for tea and biscuits - and a helping hand

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patrick eyres proprietor of newgate street’s Bin 21, writes another of his wine columns for inside Morpeth.

We are at last seeing that move now and we have been trying a few whites that I am very pleased to have found. Spain, like most traditional wine growing European countries is well known for certain wines, such as Cava and Rioja.

However there is so much more to Spanish wine than this. Rioja can of course be red or white (not many people have tried the white, but please do as it is a great alternative to Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon) but outside the Rioja region is a rich and varied landscape producing a wide range of grapes and styles.

One of my current favourite wines comes from the Rueda region and is called Canto Rueda at just over £8 per bottle.

Headed by Eduardo de Iscar, this relatively new winery produces Verdejo wines using a very modern approach.

The region of Rueda has always produced fresh, aromatic white wines but

thanks to the modern techniques employed by Eduardo and his team, the Verdejo is now fulfilling its potential.

This particular wine is refreshing and wide, its palate leading to a citrus packed finish with hints of tropical fruit. The grapes are 80% Verdejo and 20% Viura. Definitely one to try this summer.

The other Spanish wine which I would heartily recommend is a little gem of a red.

Monasterio old vines Garnacha is a real find.

Made from the Garnacha grape (often used in Rioja) it has an abundance of blueberry and raspberry fruit and hints of cocoa that leads to flavours which last well and do not have the heavy tannins and dryness of some other wines in this price range.

At around £7.00 it is certainly worth a try. Enjoy while the summer warmth is here. Cheers!

Could summer be here at last?After the past few months of never ending rain and summer feeling more like Autumn the air once again feels warmer. Like seasons, drinking habits change through the year and where wine sales would have normally moved significantly into a white bias, red wine sales have been hanging on in there due to the poor weather.

inside Morpeth

27

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