Hexhamshire Ruth Marlee Hello! Firstly, a big “thank you!” to Lynda White for writing the Courant Hexhamshire notes for as long as I can remember! Secondly, so that I can take over her task, I have set up an email account hexhamshirenotes@gmail.com and would welcome any contributions about local events or issues up to Friday evening the week before publication. Please understand that all items may be subject to editing as the total contribution is only 250 words! I edited the Hexhamshire Magazine for 10 years, so hopefully will manage this next challenge. On the subject of the ‘Shire Mag’, the March issue was a cracking production full of local interest and inspiration, all produced and circulated voluntarily. By the way, the annual subscriptions and advertising fees are due! (Please contact hexhamshiremagazine@gmail.com for advice on how to renew).
Whittonstall Christine Jewitt It has been an interesting few weeks in Whittonstall as the snow and wind arrived without mercy this month. It’s been some time since we experienced such a volume of the dreaded white stuff and having landed in great powdery quantities the swirling winds took no prisoners and simply gathered up the snow to create amazing drifts, re-blocking many of the minor roads which had only recently been ploughed clear. Trees fell and traffic was halted with only the brave venturing out for a few days. Happily, the snow is gone and better temperatures are coming with a hint of spring on the way.
Wylam
By Robin Piette Seen the pictures of Tom Birch’s Sunday service on February 7 in the igloo in his garden? Several of our pubs have set up pop-up, takeaway or click and collect for coffee, snacks and full meals – you can’t keep a good caterer down! Lovely post from Clare Overton: Wylam Brownies have designed posters and postcards to welcome people to Wylam as they get off the train (or to remind people of what a lovely place it is when waiting on the platforms). We are looking for a volunteer or two to choose our winning posters which will be made and displayed at the station. You might have an interest in railways, be a keen artist or designer or just love Wylam. Please let me know if you’d like to help. All the designs can be sent digitally so we are fully Covid safe. All the Brownies will have their designs made into postcards.
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Christine Jewitt Winter arrived with a vengeance during December. Christmas was a chilly and quiet affair with our normal celebrations curtailed by yet a further lockdown and the withdrawal of the previously planned easing of restrictions with the exception of Christmas day. The wretched virus made it impossible for us to enjoy our usual festivities although we were resplendent with Christmas windows and a multitude of lights to cheer up the dark and wintry nights. There were also some spectacular starry skies to enjoy. We planted a Christmas tree in the garden area and various residents donated decorations. Our lovely vicar, Helen Savage, kindly held a Covid compliant Christmas Eve Carol Service in the churchyard of St Phillip & St James. It was freezing cold however we rallied round and sang enthusiastically if not terribly tunefully. There was a great turnout and it was reassuring to see everyone! We enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies afterwards and all….. at a distance.