Andy Millne

Are you an over 60 Bedlingtonian? The government's swim4life initiative now grants you free admittance to local authority swiming facilities right up until the end of March 2011. Northumberland Councillor Isabel Hunter, the executive member for culture, says: "We would have very much liked to offer free swimming for under 16s too, but unfortunately it has not been possible because the grant from Government would not cover the costs." It is universally accepted that swimming is the best form of exercise. Because, whilst it uses every muscle in your body, the frame is fully supported by the water, and cushioned from the rapid stresses associated with pursuits like jogging. Several sources recommend a minimum of three hours swimming a week to maintain fitness. Over 60's in the town will remember "“ to a person "“ the golden days when Bedlington had its own swiming baths at Humford. A time when they didn't need to travel to Ashington, Blyth, Cramlington or Morpeth to swim. We all live in hope that the brand new local authority will give the town a fair slice of its leisure budget. Maybe some "positive discrimination" is now in order to redress the injustices and resentment felt in the town for decades of a shotgun-marriage with Ashington? Plans and promises we've had aplenty, but Ms Hunter: show us the real facilities, you know we're worth it!

Hundreds of Northumberland Bikers took to the streets of Bedlington today on their annual Easter Egg Run. Several hundred bikers took part in the event collecting Easter eggs to deliver to the local care homes and children's hospitals. What started as an event with around 30 bikes and a couple of hundred eggs has now grown to such an extent that thousands of Easter eggs are delivered with the help of people from all over the country. The run itself is not the only activity over the weekend, local bands, pubs and independent fundraisers all join in to help support the toma fund with late night partying at the Bebside Inn. Unfortunately the collected eggs will be delivered to the residents and staff of our regions homes and hospitals for the final time tomorrow. Increasing health & safety legislation, lack of support from local councils and inflating insurance costs have led to event founders Gordon Fitch, Paul Green and Wendy Sears being unable to continue organisational responsibilities.

Another local family business that's been there as long as anyone can remember looks about to shut its doors for the final time. J R Johnson's Footwear in the Market Place "“ synonymous for generations with Clarks Shoes "“ is reported by Bedlington.co.uk stalwart HP to be having a Closing Down Sale. At one time a thriving business with branches at all points North - even in alien Ashington "“ it will doubtless leave yet another boarded-up shop front on the Front Street. Proprietor Clive Johnson inherited the chain from his father at a time when Bedlington still had a thriving small-business community, and it's a matter of local amazement that he has bravely battled the odds for so very long.