THE humble wheelbarrow has brought much fun and laughter to village life in the Tyne Valley for over 50 years. But the loads carried during many a summer in Haydon Bridge have had nothing to do with gardening. Villagers were onto a winner with the creation of a wheelbarrow race in the 1960s. And it continued to draw the crowds until two years ago, when it was cancelled due to safety concerns. At the time, organisers said changes to the layout of car parking on the village’s main street, Ratcliffe Road, meant the long-standing route was potentially too dangerous. But this week we look back at the history of an event which spanned the generations.
The re-opening of shops deemed non-essential has seen a surge of custom from last minute festive shoppers. Hexham was busy on Saturday. Car parking space in the town centre was at a premium, with people taking advantage of temporary easing of time limits at council car parks. It was clear that many residents have heeded pleas to support local businesses, with jewellers, book shops and other outlets helping people find gifts and household essentials. In Haltwhisle, shoe shop retailer John Bakewell praised shoppers who chose to support the high street instead of making online purchases. I think the coronavirus pandemic has made all of us more aware of local businesses, he said.