Canny lass

Hopefully they are just having a practice-run on Ashington so that they get it right first time when they eventually get round to Bedlington.

One of my favourites is' tappy lappy' especially in the verb-form , 'he went tappy lappying up the street'. Has a lovely ring to it. I feel a pang of home-sickness coming on!

It costs nothing to ask in pubs and shops if they'd mind putting a few on the counter and Tourist information centres are Always a good idea. Keep up the good work.

Most universities have a newspaper library on microfilm.

Couldn't find any date but I know I've seen this earlier - much earlier, Malcolm. My Point about distribution in pubs, cafes and shops was more related to the need to attract people from outside of Bedlington. I mean, people visiting or just passing through  don't pop into the council offices do they - but they probably have a pint, a lunch or a packet of sweets etc. If they can also pick up a broschure then they know that it's worth coming back to the town with the family.

Sounds like a good Idea, Malcolm and I'm sure the terrier seats will be put to good use, at least on the up hill walk, and good luck with the electricity. It's a great venue for all sorts of things.

Thanks Malcolm!  That's great! However, I have to ask why are these leaflets tucked away in the Council Offices? It's not always open and maybe there aren't many who know about the leaflets or their whereabouts. Get them onto the counters in shops, cafes and pubs where they will be more easily accessible.

They are indeed Maggie. Thanks Bedlingtonian and welcome to the forum. My vote also goes to the Market Cross with Trotter's monument a Close second.

I'll bet they thought they were superstars on such a nice stage.

Thanks Brett! It's looking Lovely. It's a place with a lot of possibilities. I particularly like the 'mural'. A few of Malcolms park benches would look great alongside.

While on the subject of Front Street, I noticed some "Heritage Trail" signs on the walls of some Buildings (Excellent initiative!! We should be proud of our heritage and  Bedlington's got a great deal to offer). However, I only came across these 'by accident' as it were. Where do I find more information next time I'm in Bedlington - hoping to get in a longer visit next year when I finally shut up shop and become an OAP. Is there a brochure of some kind that outlines the trail, and if so where would I get one?

Pleased to hear it! I was well impressed with how Front Street looked during my "flying" visit in December. It had a nice homogenous feel to it with so many shop-fronts in the same style, matching lamp- and signposts and even matching plant containers! I'd love to see it now when Malcolm's got his hanging baskets up so get some photos up here please.

Nice pics Foxy. Thanks for thinking of us. Is that a new bandstand at Atlee Park?

... and from me too!

Hi Bedlingtonian. Welcome to the forum. Sorry i don't know any of these people.' I'm not old enough' - well that's my story and I'm sticking to it! There's many an old codger here who'll probably be able to help you identify some of them.

I wonder where they've hidden the en-suite? Pot under the bed perhaps?

It's the same Word Maggie. (Scandinavian origins: Old Norse  hald which became Modern English hold by way of Old English heald). Compare 'The fire's taken a hold' and 'hold on' - both implying that a grip is taken.

Bill Stafford had an Royal Navy background as well, so he and Mr Johnson certainly had lots to talk about over their pints in the Cherry- Tree. Is that pub still around?

A Little late but sincerely wished - Happy Birthday Adam.

Happy birthday Smudgeinthebudge.

Happy birthday Micky. Never mind how many Candles there are on your cake. There are things called fire extinguishers available these days.

Where at the Top End was that Paul?

Well done Keith! Now you've got the job leave the fishnet stockings at home and go for a 15 denier light tan stocking. Stockings, I reiterate, stockings NEVER tights!

Very good, Tonyg!

It played a great part as far as women go, Adam. Employing a married woman meant possibly having an employee who would be asking for maternity leave as soon as she was employed - or worse, taking time off to look after poorly Children who had to stay away from school for the day. One of the oddest questions I ever had in an interview was "what does your father do for a living?" RVI, Newcastle 1965. I never could work out how his job could affect my ability to study nursing.