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Just a heads up that there is a long overdue Gallery update coming in February. The way images are added is staying the same but there will be some fairly big improvements in how the images are presented to members. The main changes are the awful screen overlay is being removed and the overview page will be much better at highlighting images that are being commented on.

2nd load went off yesterday from the Community Centre.

I know it's earlier than normal but I keep thinking my PC might catch an omicron variant, 'Desktop Lock Out'. Stay safe. Eggy

Merry Christmas from the cold NE i wish everyone a healthy 2022

Wilf's here! It's officially Christmas! A very merry Christmas to you all. Stay safe and avoid Covid and we'll see each other in the new year. Meanwhile, I've said this before and it's worth repeating:

Have a good one Alan, Merry Christmas to every one and a Happy New Year

Billy Mcglen was my Grandad. I often (on what would have been his birthday) Google his name. This year I came across your post. It's nice to think he is so well remembered.

Wow!

Merry Christmas to everyone and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas to all.

Merry Christmas to everyone in this group from Bygone Bedlington:-

Happy to pay the necessary earlier this year to turn the old dilapidated building at West Lea Cemetery into a suitable base for the Friends of West Lea Cemetery. Instead of making their Xmas wreaths in their respective kitchens and having pine needles and holly all over their houses to pick up they can now use this. It took well over a year to sort out with the legals themselves taking for ever, but it been worth all the time and effort put into it. Anyone visiting the cemetery and the lasses are there just say “Hi”, I’m sure they will be pleased to chat and I know anyone wanting to join them in their quest to make this cemetery the very best it can be will be very warmly welcomed. And a big round of thanks for all the help off NCC cemetery staff!

Happy Christmas to you all Maggie

Following a long absence on this site I have just become aware of Derek's passing today, sad news indeed. A true gentleman respected by all who were fortunate enough to have the pleasure of his company.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY! Hope it's a better one than thi last one was! Cheers Bill.

@ShaunL Hi Shaun. Like you, I've come across this site by accident. I was a seafarer, and studied at South Shields. In 1974 I was parachuting at Usworth (before Nissan goth there) and managed to break my leg. After surgery at Sunderland Orthopaedic Hospital, part of my recovery programme was a spell at Hartford Hall. At the time I lived in Cramlington New Town, but was still admitted as a residential patient. I think it was your Dad at the time who had a VW Beetle, and was having trouble with his carburettor. One or two of us fancied ourselves as amateur mechanics, and spent a happy afternoon diagnosing and fixing the problem for him. I remember Joyce Miller very well: I was once invited round to her house for dinner, and gave her a Bohemia cut crystal fruit bowl and water jug in return (cheap as chips in Poland, and I had a house full). Very down to earth, and loved a good chat. She was a bit of a match-maker, though. One of the other residents was in for treatment for a broken neck, and somehow he managed to slip on a walk down to the river, and broke his wrist. He had a yellow Triumph Sprite, which he asked me to look after, since he couldn't drive. One of the junior physios was a lovely Canadian girl. I was 27 and single, so Joyce tried to fix me up with her by telling me to take her home one evening. Being naive, I assumed she only wanted the lift home for a chance ride in the sports car, so dropped her off like the gallant gentleman I was, and drove back to the hall. The next day Joyce gave me a right going over for not asking her out. Those were the days! For my sins, I ended up doing a second spell at the hall in 1975, after a further operation, and this time it all worked out OK, so I have some happy memories of that place.

Have a merry Christmas and happy new year to all.

https://www.northumberlandline.uk/post/bedlington-works

Merry Christmas to all my gud friends on wor great channel!...Nice ti see ye back Brian..mind aav been idle an aal...but aam chinkaplonka,it's looking after Cath full on noo,that limits time for me..nivvor mind,one thing a wud like ti remind ye aal...if ye get tipsy,keep ya phones switched off!!...aam a teetotaller,so aam fully aware constantly......aav had aboot a dozen scam texts and calls owa the last few months,more so this last few weeks..from Lloyds Bank..[supposedly!],Royal Mail wanting 2 quid for a parcel ti be redelivered..[nonsense!]Hermes,[same thing],and just last week and today,a text saying "I think you are in this Video"..beware that one,my marras have fallen for it,thinking it was from old Pit Marras,but it scans all your contacts....I dont know if this has been covered already,apologies if it has,better be safe than scammed! Cheers and all the best folks! Bill and Cath xx

Thank you kind sirs! I am delighted, honoured and humbled to receive this prestigious award. I coudn’t have done it without your help - and the help of Covid which gave me, and you, loads of spare time. There are a couple of others I’d like to mention and thank for their help along the way: My parents, who provided the raw material. The people of Bedlington and Netherton who moulded that material. Friends and colleagues around the world who made adjustments and amendments to the design. The many educational establishments who nurtured my thirst for knowledge. Esther at the corner shop. Tommy the milkman. The colliery pollis at Netherton. The next door neighbours, here and elsewhere. Santa Clause. The Witch of Wookey Hole. Moscardini’s coffee shop. Lidl’s. The staff of Keenleyside’s. The Swedish Government, for letting me in. The British Government, for letting me out. Bedlington YMCA. The Metropolitan Police Force. The Canadian Royal Mounties. The Toon Moor. Newcastle United FC. Morrison’s. SAAB motors. … and not forgetting: Robson’s the printers. Jack, the ice-cream man. Netherton Socail Club. Prestos, Market Place, Bedlington. Jimmy Millne. The French Onion Sellers. The Beano. The nr 48 United Bus. St Cuthbert’s Church. Doncaster Royal Infirmary. … and, last but not least, Old Uncle Tom Cobley (and all). Thank you once again kind people of Bedders.

Greetings and best wishes from Oz. (35 degrees here in Adelaide today). May you all have a wonderful and safe Christmas .

Merry Christmas,and a happy new year to all,if we get that far!! Hope to be seeing you all a bit more next year,past two years have been disastrous ,healthwise,with my Wife. The NHS have been absoloutely MAGNIFICENT ,between Wansbeck,The RVI,The Freeman,and The Mount at Morpeth,all the Consultants and Staff,all the way down the ranks,deserve medals,solid gold ones the size of dustbin lids! My Wife and me hope the NHS gets the Appreciation,and funding that it deserves Nationally. ALL THE BEST! Bill.

Merry Christmas Alan and to all of our friends, followers and families, and a safe and happy New Year.

Just to keep our friends overseas in the loop........

If the project comes off, and I should know better after next week, trees will be supplied.

Sometimes, of course, it’s a pleasure to meet up with people who do try and do the right thing! I know developers have a bad press and I know better than most that some do deserve it but once in a while there is an exception that proves the rule! Taylor Wimpy Homes are part of the build out at Fenwick Park and I have to say never shied away from my calls or emails! In my experience they tend to meet the problems head on and try to resolve them as soon as possible. Some are easier than others of course but………… Just as examples, their staff have helped with litter picking at West Lea Cemetery and the area manager donated a load of plants, again to the cemetery. A while back I was after a defibrillator for the new Playzone at West Lea and happened to mention this to them. A week or so later I had a message, I think we can let you have two, have to check first! Firstly they had to be overhauled and new batteries fitted then thoroughly checked out so it has taken some time. In the meantime NCC fitted a defibrillator to the PlayZone just a week or so ago. Upshot is that I took delivery of them yesterday morning and they will soon be winging their way to two local community groups! Thanks very much to the lads and lasses at Taylor Wimpy it’s all very much appreciated! (Pictured Steve Wall - Production Manager, Malcolm Robinson- NCC ward councillor, Charlie Arkless - Customer Relations Manager and Michael Coombs- Technical Director.)

East Bedlington Parish Council It’s time to shine a light on the people who make our community great! East Bedlington Parish Council is proud to announce the return of the Civic Awards 2026, and we need your help to find our local heroes. Do you know someone who goes above and beyond? Whether it’s a helpful neighbour or a dedicated volunteer, now is the time to give them the recognition they deserve. The Award Categories Not sure which category fits? Here is a breakdown of what we are looking for: Colin Parker Good Neighbour Award: For that special individual who is always there with a helping hand, looks out for those on their street, and makes their neighbourhood a friendlier place. Brian Richmond Sporting Achievement: Celebrating local athletes, team players, or coaches who have shown incredible dedication, talent, or sportsmanship over the past year. Apprentice of the Year: Recognising a hardworking individual who is making outstanding progress in their vocational training and showing great promise in their career. Volunteer of the Year: For an individual who selflessly gives up their time and energy to support local causes or help others without asking for anything in return. Volunteer Group of the Year: Celebrating a team or organisation that works together to make a positive impact on the East Bedlington community. Important Dates Nomination Deadline: Friday, 17th July 2026 Awards Ceremony: Saturday, 1st August (3pm – 6pm) All nominees and their nominators will be invited to attend this special celebration! How to Nominate Ready to nominate your hero? You can get in touch with the Parish Council via the following methods: In Person: Visit the office at 16-17 Station Street, Bedlington. Phone: 01670 828808 assistantclerk@eastbedlingtonparishcouncil.gov.uk Let’s celebrate the people who make East Bedlington a fantastic place to live. Get your nominations in today!

Historical factoids 23. Plessey Woods Country Park. When I was first elected as NCC Councillor, 9 years ago, I went down to Plessey Woods and spoke to the staff working there to see how it could be improved. It was about the only major ‘leisure’ asset I had in my ward. Back then it was mostly used by a few dog walkers and the staff said they had seen a steady decline in the numbers of people using the park. No wonder, it looked run down and starved of any investment! First job do something about the play offer there. There were only two ‘springers’ in the kids play park and I thought that was derisory! I lobbied the park management and the portfolio holder saying they were saying they were investing in NCC parks and while I could see investment going into others I think they forgot about one! I argued they have a sea side park at Druridge Bay and a lake park at Bolam and both were getting substantial investments. I said I think you have forgotten about your woodland park at Plessey! So that started to turn the tables a bit and I was offered some funding to put a new play park in and do some repairs to the walkways around the inside of the park. That, on the proviso I managed to increase visitor numbers. I agreed to the challenge but insisted all the monies taken in the parking machine to be used for further upgrades at Plessey Woods! So we saw the two springers ripped out and a new range of play equipment installed. I insisted some of the equipment was suitable for disabled children and I bought two all-terrain wheelchairs so everyone can enjoy the park. Once I had something there I put on some events to get people down and see what we had to offer. Visitor numbers started to increase so I asked for upgrades to the café saying it was going to be too small soon! This time I got a flat no! Covid hit and when we could go outside into the fresh air people descended on Plessey Woods en mass. So much so I had to sort out double yellow lines for the indiscriminate parking which residents down there were up in arms about and which was going on outside the park because the car park and the overspill car parks were full! I argued for a new extension to the car park and used the visitor numbers to justify it. That was agreed in about 6 months which is lightning fast for a council! I also suggested some ‘Hobbit Huts’ which could be hired on a daily basis and possibly some sort of crazy golf, but again all I got back was ‘negative wave’s man’! Just before Covid hit I worked on a scheme to install a national climbing boulder course in the park arguing this would bring in a whole new visitor demographic. I took it to the ‘gaffers’ again and blow me down with a feather they liked it! More on this later but in the course of around 5-6 years which seems the normal procrastination period for councils the prices jumped up to such a height that the 10 boulders I had specified was reduced to 3! I’ve since fought back to get the original one I wanted next to the play area for kiddies, so 4 boulders going in. I’m not about to bite the hand that feeds so……….. I also won the case for an upgrade to the café and like the boulders I’ve put my MLIS money into it to make it happen! Thankfully it was agreed to upgrade the toilet facilities there too. The only bits I’m not too happy about is the size of the kitchen, which is basally the same, and the glass atrium for the café which is basically facing the car park instead of the play area. Apart from those small niggles it’s all good stuff! So after many years of neglect (and I’ve been on several times about the broken play equipment which is now getting sorted) we will soon have a much improved and exciting park to visit on our doorstep. What I would like to see now is an enlarged and committed ‘Friends of Plessey Woods’ group formed so we can drive further improvements in this woodland park. If anyone would like to join please drop me a line. (Still think the Hobbit Huts is a good idea!)

Merry Christmas to everyone, and Happy New Year.

An honour and a great privilege to lay a wreath today at the Bedlington Cenotaph on this, Remembrance Sunday, on behalf of all residents in my Bedlington West Ward.

not at all. I have even got a paper hat which was worn by one of my uncles at the celebration

Miners picnic 1957

I've just come across this interesting site created by Derek Johnstone about those local lads who died fighting in the Great War (I don't know if this has been posted on this forum before). https://docplayer.net/152715054-Bedlington-soldiers-who-died-in-the-great-war.html

Happy new year everyone, Bill and Kath, wishing you both the best of health.

You might have missed this............https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/northumberland-line-rail-plans-approved-24342677

Well that was a heck of a meeting yesterday! Extraordinary meeting of full council to hear the findings of the Max Caller report into governance at NCC and the chief financial officer’s report into the International business NCC has. Some of us have been asking for quite some time about this International business NCC has and even why the heck we were involved in a healthcare operation in China when there is so much to do much much closer to home! Anyway here is the meeting. With only about 30 mins to read through the report we were allowed one question at each presentation; mine were asking if it was a systems failure or a personnel failure or both and secondly if we have hundreds of thousands of pounds sitting in a unused business bank account, that should be put to better use! It was really disturbing to hear the extent of both but I have to say I think we have seen two female officers who have shown remarkable professionalism and stoicism to get the second item before full council and I would like to thank them for that! The first shows just what some of us have been faced with when trying to get our jobs done! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUVNDwajSBY

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlnoWDHUrAQ&t=6834s

One day I will shock you and do the quiz .

Yes, those are clearly spammers. There are a number of things we do behind the scenes to prevent spammers being able to register but occasionally some get through. There's nothing to worry about however, all new members have their content and actions moderated until they are shown to be genuine members. If any spam content is posted it can also be reported. There are some automated actions so that if a number of people report the same content it is automatically hidden to be dealt with by a moderator.

Feeding the porkers pig swill was banned in the EU following that Food and Mouth outbreak in 2001. I'm not sure how many 'peelings' would be available at the gate these days, what with all the prepacked food folks consume now. Perhaps, we should all go back to preparing good, wholesome meals and leaving the scraps out for the pigs; it would also have the added benefit of reducing the number of fat folks waddling about (have I gone too far ... is that 'fat shaming'?). Way back I posted about the pig swill lorry collecting from Westridge School in the 60s and how the 1st year pupils would get dunked in the stuff by the big lads.

I see the Big'un has had her puppies..............

Ex-pats, how about planting a tree? Of course, we'd have to get Malcolm to do the digging - or at least delegate it to someone.

It's disappeared!!!! My fig leaf has blown away and taken all the silly badges with it! Thank you to whoever was responsible. normal service can now be resumed.