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Malcolm Robinson
The Christmas tree standing in the middle of the Market Place in Bedlington has just been subjected to a senseless act of vandalism. Whilst walking up the street last week, a group of our finest young ladies were seen by a couple to be trying to rip off the lighting strings. After remonstrating with these young ladies and asking why they were behaving in such a mindless way the couple reported their encounter so an inspection of the damage could be carried out. This has now been done and several strings have been damaged with the result that none of the lights in those strings work now. Great start to the festive period!
The point is that these lights along with the tree and other displays have all been bought by the parish ratepayers of West Bedlington who now face a possible extra cost for damages. That will undoubtedly include the parents of the very people who have caused the damage, as well as the rest of us of course! Hopefully the CCTV cameras in the Market Place will have caught the people involved and restitution can be sought once the culprits have been identified!
This beckons a further question concerning public Xmas lighting in general. Having just read a report which outlines the facts that in an age and an area where energy impoverishment is a real issue, agreements on carbon neutrality and energy price inflation are all factors can we really justify such displays of extravagant use of energy? No doubt the first council who takes this argument to its logical conclusion will be accused of unnecessary Dickensian austerity!
The report also mentioned the fact that whilst our rural areas in the North and West could well be in darkness soon the prevalence of criminality in the South East of the county could well be a reason why the lights stay on here. Maybe I should rejig the first two paragraphs"¦"¦"¦"¦"¦"¦
Malcolm Robinson

Sad Day.

By Malcolm Robinson, in News,

Whilst the You Tube video (
) the Bedlingtonshire Development Trust produced to promote the pride local people felt in their heritage has been universally acclaimed, and even shortlisted for an award in a national competition, it is now tinged with sadness. The person who took the Egyptian pictures of his friends alongside the Pyramids and the Sphinx, has been shot and killed in the recent pro-democracy demonstrations in Cairo's Tahrir Square.
Without knowing the full details of why this young, vibrant and fun loving life has been snuffed out the Trust would like to extend its sympathy to the family and friends who have been so needlessly effected.
Malcolm Robinson
The North of England Civic Trust, as part of Bedlington Townscape Heritage Initiative, is holding an event celebrating National Maintenance Week. This will take place at St Cuthbert's Church in Bedlington from 10-11.30am on Friday 25th November 2011.
Jonathan Foyle, of the BBC's "˜Climbing Great Buildings', Chief Executive of the World Monuments Fund Britain and patron of the North East Heritage Skills Initiative, is leading SPAB's 10th annual National Maintenance Week campaign. Together with Sara Crofts, SPAB Lethaby Scholar and Project Director of Faith in Maintenance, he will talk about the importance of regular maintenance of all properties, regardless of age, scale or purpose. Having enjoyed a bird's eye view of a number of the UK's most iconic historic structures, including their roofs and gutters, Jonathan is uniquely placed to discuss the importance of regular maintenance on National Gutters Day!
The programme will be:
· High level gutter cleaning demonstration by Heritage Consolidation Ltd from 10:00 "“ 10:45am
· Jonathan Foyle and Sara Crofts talk from 10.45 - 11:30am.
· Refreshments provided.
More information on National Maintenance Week from: http://www.maintainy...rg.uk/index.php
Or telephone 0207 377 1644 or write to SPAB, 37 Spital Square, London E1 6DY.

Malcolm Robinson
The Police have organised a Family Fun Day with the underlying message of road safety. The event will be held on the car park opposite the library. This is the one just above the Day Centre opposite Morrison's. It will take place 26th November from 11.00am "“ 3.00pm and promises to be a great day out for young and old.
Several of our own local groups and traders will be there and the guys at SNRG will be providing the music and presentations.
With free winter safety checks on vehicles, learner driver advice, a driving simulator as well as dodgems and a children's track ride, all ages will be catered for.
This promises to be a fun event so fingers crossed for the weather and well done to the Bedlington police who have taken the initiative and put this on for the community!
Download the poster for more information.........
event poster.pdf
Malcolm Robinson
The Bedlingtonshire Development Trust have produced a YouTube video which they hope goes viral. Aimed at promoting themselves and the Town the video uses the recent Bedlington Heritage Guide and has people standing in front of world renowned landmarks with a copy. They have people taking part in Italy to Egypt, from New York to Paris, from Switzerland to South America, from Japan to Germany and many other destinations in between.
Read the full article on the Journal website

Malcolm Robinson
After the success of the initial Bedlington neighbourhood online PACT (Police And Communities Together) meeting, Northumbria Police are holding another one on Thursday 24 November, 2011 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm.
This project is to allow members of the public to ‘speak’ to officers from the comfort of their own homes. This useful interactive tool allows people to raise concerns, ask questions and generally get to know and possibly influence policing policy.
To take part or just see what it is about, go to’
http://www.northumbr...nline/index.asp
BedlingtonTerriersFC
Despite falling behind to a 2 goal deficit, Bedlington Terriers fought back on their first visit to Heritage Park to win the game 3-2.
A early double by Johnson had put the hosts into the lead but 6 minutes before half time, Peter Snowden got his head to a cross by Tommy English to pull a goal back. On the stroke of half time, Richard Flynn got his head to another English set piece, this time a free kick to level the scores up.
The visitors took the lead after 62 minutes when another set piece from English was scored by Richard Flynn to turn the game around and put the visitors into the lead.
Thats how the game finished with Bedlington Terriers coming away with a deserved 3-2 win.
Malcolm Robinson
The Bedlingtonshire Development Trust has held their first computer training session working with UK Online. These free courses are for Bedlington residents who need a bit of help and advice to get the best value out of computers with particular relevance to the Internet. Seniors and the unemployed are the main targeted groups but the courses are open to anyone who wants them. It is hoped to run them every Monday 5.00pm- 8.00pm at the Salvation Army in Bedlington and include modules on opening e-mail accounts, internet safety and online searches.
The training is being delivered by volunteers within an informal atmosphere so no "˜techy talk' and learners can progress at their own speed. The Trust hopes to deliver additional training once interests have been identified by the learners themselves.
Anyone wanting more information or to enrol on a short course:
Phone 0797 008 5060.
Or e-mail"¦. bdt@bedlington.co.uk
Malcolm Robinson
THE LODGE IS NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN!
Last Saturday hundreds flocked to The Lodge, home to new social enterprise Leading Link.
Throughout the afternoon at the new community building in Bedlington, there were family activities demonstrating what will be on offer to the community and their families.
This included taster classes in Zumba and "˜Just Jhoom!', toddler sessions, proggy matting and "˜Knit & Knatter' sessions, a new breakfast cafe, sponsored bike ride in partnership with WatBike, art and woodcraft sessions, a mobile skate park, children's themed parties, acoustic music evenings and table top sales.
In addition, traditional fun day activities were on offer, including a BBQ, salad bar, cup cakes, balloon making and even a bear hunt!
The Lodge was then formally opened by Ian Lavery MP as he cut the ribbon, witnessed by the local families and schools alike.
He acknowledged in his speech how welcome the arrival of Leading Link is to the people of Bedlington and also urged the community to support the not-for-profit business and make use of the building's facilities.
Nick Bowen, former headteacher of St Benet Biscop High School, was invited to speak about what The Lodge means to the schools as he had supported the project from its inception. He represented not only the high school but the whole Northumberland Catholic Partnership of Schools who had integrated Leading Link's plans into their calendar as they all are so enthusiastic about the opportunities the Lodge will offer their students and families.
He said: "This is an innovative and unique approach to really link the school with the community and truly enhances St Benet Biscop's and partner schools ethos of being outward facing schools. I felt very proud on Saturday. We achieved and will continue to achieve great things"
The whole day was run by the Youth Ambassadors, a 50 strong group of trained young people who volunteer their skills and time to Leading Link.
Lyn Horton, manager of Leading Link, said: "They have worked tirelessly over the last 2 years to help raise the £130,000 needed to have this purpose built building for the benefit of everyone aged 0 "“ 120!"
"Some of them actually cycled the 21 miles, jumped off their bikes and manned the stalls and activities in the afternoon. They really are fantastic at what they do."
Other Youth Ambassadors, led by Jonny Hall, an ex-student of St Benet Biscop and now working for Leading Link, ran the entertainment marquee all day.
He added: "The Ambassadors' reputation is growing and they are superb role models for younger children. It is an absolute pleasure to be working with them."
Fiona Gray, co-chair of the Youth Ambassadors, was given this year's Choppington Champion award by Councillor Ray Butler on the day too.
Leading Link's main focus is to be the driving force of youth and adult involvement and leadership. They will be offering an adult volunteer course to run alongside the Youth Ambassadors which will include training on health and safety, first aid and skills training including art, drama, film and radio, cooking and sport starting this November.
If you would like to get involved in this course or want to know more about the activities and workshops, drop into The Lodge situated at the front gate of St Benet Biscop grounds or contact Lyn Horton or Julie Greener via email lyn.horton@leadinglink.co.uk, mobile: 07950 763613 or visit www.leadinglink.co.uk.


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