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Bl...dy papperazzi! Just like them to catch me in last year's frock!

Your correct Alan his office was as you have described. Next to his office going up the corridor was the lounge were they often held a late service (epilogue) this was done by the YM leader usually consisted of a Bible reading and a short prayer. I remember Owen Humble and there was another guy called Bill that did a lot of work behind the counter selling cups of coffee, Pepsi and the likes. The dark room was as you have indicated but it was further up the corridor. I was a member of the old stone building as well as the new building. It cost two and six pence a year (subs) in the old building but I can't remember what the cost was in the new building. A friend of mine who still lives in Bedlington may still have his original membership card. Next time I speak to him I will ask if he still has it, if he has I will try and get a copy and will post it on here. Great days, fond memories were did all the time go?

A photo from the 2021 Piper Awards ceremony last night :-

I was only ever in the new building.

Derick Ruddy was followed by John Bygate, 63 64 would be about the time he took over from Derick Ruddy. Derick Ruddy wore glasses and had his hair combed straight back I think he was going a bit thin on top. Both of them were in the new building.

Yes Denzel, villagey – as far as the feel of it is concerned. OK, I’ll grant you that, because of the gap site, the Market place hasn’t given me the best ’villagey feel’ in recent years but the main street i find quite pleasant with its shops and cafes and its proximity to Gallagher Park and Atlee Park gives me a feeling of being in the countryside with all its lovely, leafy woodland walks. On top of this, there are some nice stop-offs for enjoying a relaxing drink while, or after, doing the Heritage Trail – something which, in my humble opinion, ought to be developed and shouted about more. The ’villagey feel’ has, for me, been enhanced with the introduction of the present homogeneity in shop frontage, bus-shelters, flower-planters and railings. A very nice ’villagey’ touch, if i may say so. All in all, I find the main street to be a pretty little 'villagey' enclave in the greater picture of Bedlingtonshire, particularly when it’s decked with flowers during the summer months. Sometimes, living in a place can make us blind to its attractions.

The poll is now closed and this years Piper Award goes to @Canny lass who throughout this pandemic has kept us occupied with her weekly quiz and has done a load or family and historic research to help many members of the group.