Bot

Join us once agan for Buskers and open mic night at Platform 1!! If you sing, play an instrument, or even just like to listen - we want YOU to come and support this fantastic night of local talent in Bedlington Station. This month's event will be Sunday 3rd September, with the bar open from 5pm, and music kicking off at about 6pm. Pints for players - get up and give us a song, and we'll give you a drink in return! Under 18's are welcome but MUST be accompanied by an adult. We've had some brilliant nights so far - help us make this one even better!

Residents are being asked to play their part in tackling under-age sales in the county. The sale of age restricted products happens throughout the whole of the year and Northumberland County Council’s Trading Standards Service carry out regular test purchasing exercises whenever it receives complaints. The sales usually centre around alcohol and tobacco but can include any age restricted product, including knives, solvents, fireworks and aerosol paints, e-cigarettes and liquids. Apart from the known health effects of some of these products, issues can arise in terms of anti-social behaviour when some of the products are consumed or abused. Currently there are few complaints being reported about the selling of age restricted to those under the legal age and the Trading Standards Service is asking anyone who sees or knows of shops selling age restricted products to report it to them so that action can be taken. Councillor John Riddle, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Resilience said: “If residents know of any people selling age controlled products to young people, especially if they are selling alcohol or tobacco from their own home, they should report this to Trading Standards. “If you are approached by a young person and asked to purchase alcohol, tobacco or e-cigarettes always refuse. Buying such items for under 18s can lead to a fine, fixed penalty notice or even a criminal record.” Any concerns regarding age restricted sales should be reported via email to tradingstandards@northumberland.gov.uk Any information will be held in the strictest confidence. People can also telephone 01670 623870 and ask to speak to the Trading Standards Duty Officer.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) is to take up the baton of promoting mental health awareness across the county. The Our Blue Light Torch relay is making its way across the UK’s emergency services and on Saturday, September 2 the baton will be handed over by bike from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to NFRS, along with colleagues from Northumbria Police. Our Blue Light started in the north west of England with the specific aim of raising mental health awareness across all emergency services including fire, police, ambulance, search and rescue, the Prison Service and the NHS. The arrival of the torch relay heralds the start of a week of NFRS awareness raising events in Northumberland, including a cycle ride, demonstrations of the service’s swift water rescue techniques and a walk from Craster to Bamburgh, which people are welcome to attend. At the end of the week the torch relay will pass to colleagues from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and will also make an appearance at the Great North Run. Station Manager Andy Davison from NFRS said: “Recent high profile incidents in London and elsewhere have really highlighted the work of the emergency services and the challenges and stresses we face on a daily basis. “While the service already offers a range of support to promote both physical and mental wellbeing, it’s important we continue to realise that mental health issues can affect everyone and this relay is a great way of getting the message out there.” Councillor John Riddle, Chair of Northumberland Fire Authority, added: “While working in the fire service is one of the most rewarding jobs, by its very nature it can be stressful. “Their health and welfare is an absolute priority and we are delighted to be involved in this torch relay and awareness raising events.” Anyone interested in joining the awareness raising walk on Thursday, September 7 can contact Andy Davison on (01670) 621186 or via andy.davison@northumberland.gov.uk More information on the work of the charity is available via www.ourbluelight.com

We have been planning this for a while now and are so delighted we have been able to make it happen. On Tuesday 31st October Hello Dolly will be hosting a very special Afternoon Tea and Tea leaf reading event. There are just 6 tickets available at £20.00 each, please note that due to the expected popularity of the event tickets will need to be booked in advance. Please contact Hello Dolly to secure your place, if you have any food intolerances please let Hello Dolly know they will be delighted to help you. More details to follow at the start of October. Thank you.

Up to 2,000 homes and businesses could benefit from funding to provide superfast broadband to more Northumberland communities. Through the iNorthumberland programme, Northumberland County Council and BT have agreed a fund of £2.2 million to bring the high-speed technology to some of the most expensive and technically difficult to reach communities in the county. The new iNorthumberland Community Broadband Fund works with a Community Fibre Partnership programme in which communities not currently in any fibre broadband plans can partner with Openreach, the local network business which is part of BT Group, to get superfast broadband in their area. These communities can now apply to use the new iNorthumberland fund, which can be matched by up to 50 per cent of additional private funding, on top of Openreach’s investment. If fully matched, the value of new broadband schemes could be more than £4 million. The fund will offer up to £2,000 matched funding per premise for a superfast broadband connection or up to £2,500 for ultrafast - with a maximum contribution available to a single community capped at £100,000. Each community will need to have a nominated person or organisation to apply for inclusion in the scheme. They will be responsible for getting a community fibre broadband quote from Openreach and also required to arrange payment of the community’s contribution to the scheme when the contract is agreed. Cllr Nick Oliver, cabinet member for corporate services at Northumberland County Council, said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to agree the funding for this scheme, and to get the ball rolling for a number of communities who are geared up to sign contracts, and get work underway. “We know that there is a high demand amongst households in these more hard to reach areas, and also that a number of businesses are struggling to sustain their current business models due to connectivity issues. “Securing schemes through this funding will help to increase access to services and allow greater adoption of digital services for rural residents. It will also help to grow the economy by both supporting existing businesses and encouraging new ones to become established in Northumberland.” By the end of this year the iNorthumberland programme will have delivered superfast broadband to 93 per cent of homes and business in the county - and it is envisaged that through this new community fund it could reach close to 98 per cent. These final premises are in some of the most rural and dispersed communities in Northumberland and providing connectivity to these areas has been both technologically challenging and costly. The iNorthumberland team has been working with BT, Openreach and local communities and groups across the county with a view to progressing with this scheme, and some communities are already gearing up to sign contracts. Some of the first communities set to benefit include Nunnykirk, Stanton near Netherwitton, Bolam, Pauperhaugh and Styford. Steve Haines, managing director of next generation access for Openreach, said: “It is great to be able to work with Northumberland County Council and communities from across the County to find a fibre broadband solution. “Openreach is committed to making fibre broadband as widely available as possible for households and businesses. The technology really does have the ability to transform the way people interact online.” Simon Roberson, BT’s regional partnership director for the North East, added: “This additional fund is quite literally going to help superfast broadband go that extra mile, reaching communities that would otherwise be unlikely to benefit from faster broadband speeds. This is fantastic news for Northumberland.” The iNorthumberland team will liaise with communities who have previously been in touch with the council or BT to support them through the process. Those who are interested will need to register with the iNorthumberland team, who will be able to provide support in completing documentation and starting the process. As well as the 50:50 funding option, there could be further opportunities for areas to become connected. In instances where Openreach cannot provide a quote under the criteria of the fund, there will be secondary funding within the scheme which could be used to seek alternative network solutions, such as fibre via a different network provider, fixed wireless or mobile 4G. The funding for the iNorthumberland Community Broadband Scheme has been made available due to efficiencies in the first phase of the iNorthumberland programme. iNorthumberland, a partnership between Northumberland County Council and BT, has already made fibre broadband available to more than 55,000 premises across the county. More than 40 per cent of Northumberland households and businesses able to upgrade to the new technology have already chosen to do so - a figure which is among the highest levels of take-up in the UK. BT was awarded the iNorthumberland contract in April 2013, whilst the second phase contract was signed in June last year. More than £29 million is being invested in the programme area by Northumberland County Council, the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) fund, BT and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). For further information and details of how to contact iNorthumberland visit www.inorthumberland.org.uk

A new event in Bedlington this weekend has attracted people who know their onions from across the country.

Arrests have been made following some vandalism by a group of youths in an area of Bedlington.

A man accused of causing the death of a Bedlington teenager as a result of dangerous driving appeared in court on Monday.

An evening to get together with friends or relax with like minded people. Indulge in some time just for you, relax and rejuvenate. The full program of the evenings events will be released at the end of August. We are just putting the finishing touches to the night over the next few days. Tickets for the event are £30, due to the popularity of the event we ask that the tickets are paid for in advance. Thank you for understanding. If you would like a ticket please message the page. Thank you so much. x

Fresh from their appearance at this year's Northumberland Live festival in Bedlington, Just SO perform their versions of popular songs by such artists as Fleetwood Mac, The Beautiful South, The Killers, Kings of Leon and more. With two vocals, killer harmonies, and their own arrangement of songs, this will be a fantastic night for everyone. Bar open from 7pm, Free entry, band on stage at 9pm. Children over the age of 12 welcome when accompanied by an adult.

Local band Percy and the Piglets play their own genre of music - self proclaimed, rockin' "porkabilly"! With banging bass lines, their set list is chock full of catchy, well known rock 'n' roll tunes, that will have everyone dancing. A night of fun guaranteed! Bar open from 7pm, free entry, band on stage at 9pm. Children age 12 and over welcome when accompanied by an adult.

Car tyres have been slashed in ‘revenge attacks’ following the death of a teenager in Bedlington . Police have urged the community not to take the law into their own hands as they revealed the 10 vehicles targeted were not involved in the fatal crash on Sunday. Bethany Fisher, 19, died in a crash on Victoria Terrace in the Northumberland town early on Saturday, reportedly after a night out celebrating her birthday. Despite the efforts of neighbours and paramedics, she died of her injuries before she could reach hospital. Jordan O’Donnell appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court on Monday in connection with the collision. Now Northumbria Police have asked the community to “come together at this difficult time and not take the law into their own hands” on their Twitter account.

Julliette Taylor, Royal International Miss International Role Model has set up an International Service Project as part of her reign as a role model. The project 'Operation Gratitude' gives back to first responders. The Old Police Station Bedlington are delighted to be hosting a Meditation and Mindfullness event on Sunday 8th October 1pm - 3pm for first responders and their family members. The event is FREE and tickets are limited to just 20 places. The event is open to anyone over the age of 18 years old who is either a first responder themselves or who is a family member of a first responder. The event is tailored to first responders to show how Meditation and Mindfullness can help to alleviate the stress that comes with working in these roles. To book your ticket please message the page. More details on the event will be released at the start of September.

Getting excited about the Tour of Britain coming to the county? Feeling inspired to go cycling - but don’t have a bike ? We’ve got the answer ! If you are over 18, live or work in Northumberland and would like to cycle more but don't have a bike - you can borrow one for just £25 a month. The Active Northumberland adult cycle loan scheme is a the perfect way to get back in the saddle without having the expense of buying a new bicycle. And with the school holidays underway, it’s a perfect way to enjoy Northumberland with the family. If after the month is up you would like to purchase the bike, you will be eligible to a discount which you can pay back over spread payments. Alternatively, you can purchase a refurbished bike through our cycling partner Watbike. Northumberland County Councillor, Cath Homer cabinet member with responsibility for leisure said: “ With less than a month to go until the Tour of Britain, the UK’s biggest cycle race passes through the county, excitement around the event and the sport is starting to build. “ Cycling is an activity that can be adapted for all ages and fitness levels. It is also growing in popularity. Many people are getting on a bike for the first time, and those who already cycle are cycling more often. We hope the arrival of the Tour and our bike loan scheme will inspire more people in Northumberland to cycle more often. ” Cycles can be loaned from Prudhoe Waterworld, Blyth Sports Centre or Concordia in Cramlington. To find out more log on to www.activenorthumberland.org.uk or call 01670 542222 . You will need proof of your address and photo ID to hire a bike. Watbike in Ashington also hire out bicycles for £25 for 10 days. Tel 01670 522111

A new, FREE online VIP club has been launched for people who want to get the inside track on the Tour of Britain cycle race which will be speeding through Northumberland in just two weeks time. Members of the Tour of Britain VIP Club will be the first to find out the latest race news, entertainment and view interviews while also being in with a chance of winning some great prizes. Those joining the group will have the opportunity to enter into a prize draw to win a 3 night break for 4 in one of Kielder Water & Forest Park’s beautiful lodges and VIP passes for the start and finish of the Northumberland stage of the Tour will also be up for grabs. On Monday September 4, the Ovo Energy Tour of Britain, the UKs biggest and most prestigious cycle race will arrive in Northumberland The county is hosting an entire stage of the race including an exciting start in the heart of Kielder and a dramatic finish on the coast at Blyth. It will pass through 28 communities covering 211 kms along its route through the county. Northumberland County Council has worked closely with race organisers Sweetspot, start sponsors Northumbrian Water and finish sponsors Blyth Town Council to bring the race back to Northumberland. It was last here in 2015. Northumberland County Councillor, Cath Homer, cabinet member with responsibility for leisure said: “There is a great amount of local interest in the Tour of Britain. Our VIP group aims to bring residents together to share stories, highlight community events and activities and enable us to provide all the latest information about the race and the route.” To claim free membership to the Tour of Britain VIP Club, visit nlandvip.club and join this free facebook group.

A man accused of causing the death of a teenager by dangerous driving has been remanded in custody. Jordan O’Donnell appeared in the dock at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court on Monday. The 20-year-old is alleged to have been driving a silver Ford Mondeo car when it crashed into other vehicles on Victoria Terrace, in Bedlington, killing 19-year-old passenger Bethany Fisher. O’Donnell, of Waverley Court, Bedlington, made his first appearance in court after being charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident. Wearing a grey tracksuit, he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the hearing on Monday. Because of the seriousness of the death by dangerous driving offence, no pleas were taken to any of the four charges.

A 20-year-old man has been charged with causing the death of Bedlington teenager Bethany Fisher by dangerous driving in an early-morning crash. Jordan O’Donnell of Waverley Court, Bedlington, is accused of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and failing to report a collision. Bethany, 19, was killed in the early hours of Saturday morning, reportedly after a night out celebrating her birthday. Despite the efforts of neighbours and paramedics, she died of her injuries before she could reach hospital. A second woman, who was also hurt in the crash, remains in hospital in a stable condition with what police say are “serious but not life threatening injuries”. Two other men, who were arrested on Saturday, have been released and will face no further charges.

A teenager was killed in a car crash while out celebrating her birthday. Tributes have today been paid to the 19-year-old, who has been named locally as Beth Fisher, as a neighbour told how he desperately tried to help after the smash. The nursery nurse was fatally injured when the car she was in hit several parked vehicles and a tree in Bedlington, during the early hours of this morning. Another woman was seriously injured and remains in hospital. Police have arrested a 17-year-old boy and two 20-year-old men in connection with the collision, which happened on Victoria Terrace. And today as officers continue to question them, on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, a dad has revealed how he tried to help the casualties om the aftermath of the smash.

A woman has died and three men have been arrested after their car ploughed into parked cars in Bedlington. The 19-year-old, who has not been named, died from the injuries she suffered in the crash early on Saturday, and another woman remains in hospital with “serious injuries”. Police have arrested a 17-year-old boy and two men, both 20, on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The fatal crashed happened shortly before 2am, when the car hit parked vehicles and a tree on Victoria Terrace. Officers investigating the crash say that only one moving car was involved, adding that the three male occupants of the vehicle are still in police custody. Northumbria Police has launched an appeal for anyone who saw the crash, or spotted anything suspicious, to report it to officers.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a teenager was killed when a car crashed into parked vehicles in the early hours of this morning in Bedlington.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a one vehicle collision in the early hours of this morning in Bedlington. The incident took place at around 1.50am on Victoria Terrace and involved a car colliding with a number of parked vehicles. A 19 year old woman has sadly died from her injuries. Another female has been taken to hospital with serious injuries. Three men, two aged 20 and a 17 year old, have been arrested for causing death by dangerous driving and are currently in custody. Police are appealing for witnesses and ask anyone who was in the area at the time and who saw anything suspicious to contact them on 101 quoting reference 125 190817 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Hundreds of flags will soon be flying over the streets and roads of Northumberland as the countdown continues to Britain’s biggest cycle race. Spectators across the county will have the chance to see some of the world’s top riders during the Northumberland stage of the 2017 OVO Energy Tour of Britain on September 4 which starts in Kielder Water & Forest Park and finishes in Blyth. To guide both riders and spectators, over 100 flags will line sections of the route, which passes through 28 communities and is more than 200km long. As well as the flags there will be over 130 boards, 36 welcome banners and 12 national Tour of Britain banners installed. County Council Highways staff are busy installing the flags on lamp-posts in the county, with all flags expected to be up any day. Northumberland County Council has worked with start sponsors Northumbrian Water, finish sponsors Blyth Town Council and race organisers SweetSpot to bring the race to the county - and excitement is mounting with just over a fortnight to go. All of the top five teams in the current UCI WorldTour rankings – Quick-Step Floors; Team Sky; BMC Racing; Movistar Team and Orica Scott – will be taking part in the race. Northumberland County Councillor Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for economic development, said: “With just days to go the excitement is really building and it’s great to see the infrastructure starting to appear along the race route.. “In 2015 the Tour of Britain gave a real boost to the local economy - to the tune of £2m - and we’re confident this year’s stage which is entirely in the county, will be great news for businesses in Northumberland. “With 115,000 people lining the route last time, many from outside the area, as well as live coverage of the whole stage on ITV4 it really is a fantastic opportunity for our communities to showcase everything that is great about this county.” David Hall, Head of Leisure, Strategy and Transformation at Northumbrian Water said: “We are counting down the days until the Tour of Britain comes to Northumberland and are busy readying Kielder Dam in preparation for the launch of Stage two. “We are proud to have such a prestigious event here in our county and to play our part in making it happen. It’s sure to be a fantastic day for all involved and something that will live long in the memory of those who get to see and experience it.” Councillor John Potts, Mayor of Blyth Town Council, said: “In 2015 when the cycle race came to Blyth the town was buzzing with excitement. Blyth Town Council is supporting the event again this year and hope the whole town gets involved in decorating the streets to show Blyth at its best. “The public will have great opportunities to see the cycle racers as they speed through the town and the last kilometre from Broadway to Waterloo Road where the race will finish will be truly exciting. “In addition, the velodrome, which will be situated at High Street car park, was very popular last time with children and adults alike. “This international event generates a huge amount of publicity which can only be of benefit to all of us. Come to Blyth to see the race.” Full Northumberland route details can be found at www.nlandtob.com

East Bedlington Parish Council is currently researching the area’s iron works and railway heritage. As part of this, old stories describe inscribed stones from local buildings, long disappeared, but which the local authority is trying to trace.

Join Christine for a hour as she takes you through this wonderful flowing form of gentle Yoga. Dru Yoga can help you to control stress, increase flexibility and build up core strength. The first class you attend is free, after that it is £5.00 per class. Please contact Christine on 01670 222735 to find out more and book your place.