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A Bedlingtonian has made the national news headlines here in Sweden! When seven dachshund puppies became motherless after a dramatic birth an unexpected hero stepped in. Bedlington Terrier Zahara took care of the puppies and began to feed them as her own. When Max Ackberger’s dachshund didn’t survive the birth, the situation became acute for her seven puppies. Max looked to Facebook for help and made contact with Lena Westholm who lived in the same town. Lena¨s Bedlington Terrier, Zahara, was having a false pregnancy at the time and showing strong maternal instincts. The puppies were introduced to her and, despite some initial hesitation, she let the puppies start feeding. At first, Zahara thought it was a little scary but then her mother’s instinct took over. From then on, the puppies were hers. Just now the puppies are both bottle and breast fed but it is hoped that they will soon manage with only milk from Zahara. A true Bedlingtonian!! Well done Zahara. https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/vast/sju-taxvalparnas-mamma-dog-da-tog-bedlingtonterriern-zahara-over-och-borjade-dia

I was going through some old photos and documents belonging by my dad, when I found some funny caricatures drawn on the back of old mine documents. They were probably made by someone my dad worked with down the mine years ago. I hope the artist can be identified as they are very good. My dad is called David Robson, aka Davey and Mixer. He worked at Netherton Colliery in the late 60’s / 70’s then Bates, Ellington and possibly other pits around the 80’s and 90’s. The jokes centre around my dad and poke fun at him at work and for other things. I had to photoshop the phallus out of one drawing as it may offend someone. If anyone can shed more light on these drawings then I’d love to hear from them. Regards, Damian.

Thank you, the wife uses Facebook so I'll ask her to take a look. I'm sure he worked at Bates Colliery in the 80's, perhaps early 90's then went to Ellington Colliery after that. If other's worked there at the same time, then they would probably know each other. Damian.

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.)

@Mal Is there any organized instruction for the use of these defibrillators, Mal or is it up to an interested individual to find their own? My own experience here is that, while there are clear and concise instructions inside for its use, several users have never seen a defibrillator prior to the need for its urgent use and have had a tendency to panic at the scene.

Took my future wife there on our first date, and I had to travel from Wallsend whereas she came from Bedlington.