Maggie/915

September History Walk 25th at 1:30 . Everyone to meet at the War Memorial I was going to post about this walk nearer the time. David Cowan is very knowledgeable about all things Bedlington . It should be an interesting walk . In the Shire we have so much history spanning the centuries . Sometimes the experts do not agree which keeps my interest . Last night a programme on Sir Walter Scott on BBC4 made reference to Border Tales . We are lucky to live in this area . So much inspiration for everyone . Maybe I am biased ..

Happy Birthday Foxy It’s great to survive to this great age !!!

Good to hear your news and views HPW. Swearing is so much a part of life now. I am afraid it is now used as expressive language and maybe has its uses in society . I do hate confrontation and personal abuse in any argument . Our lives in Bedlington gave us a unique perspective often using humour to express a different viewpoint .

Thank Eggy Sorted it was my fault putting HPW and not the full name !

I am indeed that ‘Maggie ‘HPW. i have tried to send you a personal message but the site says you do not receive messages . Gan Canny

Fighting talk HPW

No Alan we are still around In the Shire. The Photo is near the river Esk Midlothian . We are trying to sort out a mountain of ‘stuff’ collected over a lifetime . It is never ending . Energy and enthusiasm lacking . Must try harder .

Sounds interesting Canny Lass. The picture is a Granddaughter in Scotland. It is amazing how this year has given us fresh insight into all things. A sunset , a misty day , the seasons , the local walk suddenly seem more vivid . Maybe just me .

Merry Christmas to one and all. Have a healthy New Year

The Holy Mount today. I found no holly but there is evidence of a Ford in the river.

Born in Bedlington Dave Jenkinson.. This article was in the Sunday Times on the 7th June 2020.

Impressive research Canny Lass. A well deserved whisky after your write up on line.

Religions reused imagery and dates to celebrate their own particular celebration of what was considered worthy of worship. I am thinking of nature , the seasons , night and day plus the circle of life ( not just human). Mithras /Easter and eggs for example. Now sure where chocolate come into it all? If ‘Holy’ as a word comes later perhaps ‘Holly’ came first. In Scandinavia or Icelandic religion perhaps it was a sign of the eternal .

Just a quick investigation. Nothing compared to yours Canny Lass

Fantastic research Canny Lass

Imagine this poor family . The death of so many children is a tragedy.

I am not sure if anyone would be interested but I have a copy of the Evening Chronicle for the 7th May 1945. Here is a picture of the front page.

I will check the group out HPW. The two workmen were my Dads friends . Hope you and your family stay safe from this virus.

Good to hear everyone is safe. Isolation in Bedlington feels safe and easier than living in a city.

I think there was a church of some description before 1069. . The site is important . The Golden age of Northumberland and the rise of Christianity had many people believing and then going back to pagan ways . 1069 was the monks fleeing from the Normans. I believe the history of Cuthbert’s body being here in Bedlington starts before that date. Hence they return to safety . The church site is on higher ground . The river is nearby we have a holy mount. ( ok Hollymount now). No one can disagree because no one really knows. Again Bedlington says to me Bede town in honour of The Venersble Bede. Various vicars make reference to a time before 1069.. The service was by candlelight and in Latin . Very atmospheric .The ancestors have all left their mark in making the place special regardless of belief. ‘Honour those that went before us. There is a group called Show of Hands and they do a track called All Hallows’ Eve. Basically you light the lantern at your door and honour those that went before on Halloween . A better use of time than trick or treat and scaring your neighbours. Just go for the chocolate to remember. Being back in the Shire life gets busy. Even managed to get to the Gallowgate end to watch the Toon play the Palace..

Merry Christmas

12th December 1069.

Monday 25th will be a good meeting . John Grundy is giving the talk. Last month was excellent . A talk on Smail’s shop in Morpeth. There were a host of funny stories both from the talk and the memories of the audience. Living back in the ‘ Shire’ is very relaxing.

The programme for 2019/2020

The picture could be anywhere in the Shire. I wondered about the Cambois area or demolition on the Barrington Road. In the background there looks to be a chapel or church. Some houses behind seem to suggest the picture is taken on slightly higher ground. I put the picture on the Forum because someone somewhere might know these two men. It seems a shame to keep it in an old case when it could have significance to someone. One of the men may have been nicknamed ‘Flinty’, the other name may be Mc Cullock. I have no idea of the spelling. So long ago it is a Bedlington Memory but not a memoir.