As wonderful Captain Tom says 'Tomorrow will be a good day' - Morpeth Town Council
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FREE
Your FREE independent community magazine for Morpeth APR/MAY 20
M ORP E T H
HINTS ON STAYING
GROOMED, KEEPING
FIT, COPING WITH
HOME SCHOOLING
As wonderful Captain
Tom says ‘Tomorrow
will be a good day’
A SPECIAL ONLINE EDITION OF INSIDE MORPETH
inside Morpeth 1
VE Day 75th Anniversary Celebrations
STAY AT HOME
STREET PARTY! Friday 8th May 2020
DECORATE YOUR HOUSE RED,
WHITE AND BLUE AND ENJOY A
PICNIC IN YOUR FRONT GARDEN
Commemorate the end of WW2 by celebrating with your family, friends and
neighbours! Remember to respect social distancing and stay in your own garden
2 inside Morpeth
inside Morpeth 2
6 14 22
18
4
M OR PET H
WE WILL MEET AGAIN!
5 STAY HOME, STAY SAFE
Like so many other local businesses this is not
the time when we at Inside Morpeth can work
as we normally do to publish and deliver our 6 HOMEWORK CAN BE FUN
magazine around town. However, we have put
together this online edition and plan to continue
publishing this way until life returns to some
form of normality.
7 COUNTY’S VIRUS RESPONSE
8
So we are keen to hear your stories about how you are coping
with the current situation; perhaps you know someone who is FOOD BANK NEEDS HELP
going that extra mile to help those in needs; and we would also
love to see your photographs showing how Morpeth is marking
what has now become a Thursday 8pm ritual by clapping for
those at the frontline who are doing their best to look after us
and keep services going whilst complying with the Government’s 10 KEEPING IN CONTACT!
social distancing and lockdown instructions.
You can also get in touch with us if you are a local business and
would like to advertise with us in our online Inside Morpeth.
The best way to do all that is by email to ian-leech@sky.com
11 MESSAGE OF HOPE
leaving your contact details or post a photograph, and we will
return your calls as soon as we can.
12 TOWN’S DEFINING AREA
Ian Leech
14
Editor of Inside Morpeth
CLIMATE CHANGE TALKS
18 10 WAYS TO STAY FIT
Editor: Ian Leech, Tel: 07968 102 547 Email: ian-leech@sky.com Advertising: John Matthews Distribution: Katherine Brodie (TYD) 07540 804 069
Inside Morpeth is a community magazine published by Ian Leech Publicity Services. All rights reserved. Every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of material published in
Inside Morpeth. All information is accurate at time of going to press. The publisher does not endorse any advertising material published in INSIDE Morpeth. No parts of the
publication can be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher. INSIDE Morpeth c/o The Lodge, Carlisle Park, Morpeth NE61 1YD
TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE NEXT ISSUE CALL US ON 07968 102 547
inside Morpeth 3
Inside Morpeth
We will meet again!
As a nation we are living through extraordinary times the likes of which none of us have
ever known before. Perhaps the last time the country faced a crisis on a similar scale
was during World War II and even those old enough to remember the dark days of 1939
to 1945 recognise that what we are going through now is very different to life in war
time Britain writes Ian Leech Inside Morpeth Editor.
We are being challenged by an epidemic few moments when we stand together doesn’t mean we can’t still be there for
globally as well as within the shores of to Clap for the Carers, touches each and our readers. With the support of Morpeth
Britain, that has quite literally swept the every one of us emotionally and we know Town Council, More in Morpeth and
world on a catastrophic scale. Day by day our applause is genuinely appreciated Greater Morpeth Development Trust who
the number of people affected by covid-19 by those who sadly perhaps we took too have readily agreed to host an edition of
in Britain has been steadily rising as much for granted before this epidemic our magazine on their websites, Inside
sadly has the total of those who have began. Morpeth will appear on-line for the time
succumbed and lost their lives to being until we can print and delivery
Surely we will never do that again!
the disease. copies to the homes of all our readers
Over the past few weeks all of us have once again.
Tragically too many people from our own
quite rightly been asked to make what
community here in Morpeth and South So we hope you find something of interest
would have not so long ago have been
East Northumberland, have lost their lives to read in this first on-line edition, as well
unthinkable changes to our daily lives.
during the past few weeks and our hearts as information that will keep you up to
We have been instructed not to go out-
go out to all the family and friends who date, for instance, with what Town and
with the confines of our own homes for
have lost a loved one. Their grief must be County Council services are still operating;
more than one hour’s exercise a day.
unimaginable. how and where you can seek the help
We can’t go to what shops are still open Chancellor Rishi Sunak has promised
Our hospital doctors, nurses, porters,
for other than essential items and if we residents and businesses large and small;
cleaners, catering staff, paramedics and
do go out we must stay two metres or and also who is offering home delivery
ambulance crews have been doing a
six feet, away from the person nearest to services of food and meals around town.
heroic job to care for their patients, very
us. Millions of us have been told to work
often without regard to the risks posed to We intend to keep publishing on-line so
from home unless we practically can’t do
their own lives, and sadly far too many we would love to hear stories from you
that and have to go to our normal place
have paid the ultimate price for their about what you are doing to keep you -
of work, or are classed as key workers,
dedication to their duty. Equally, those and very likely your children - busy and
while many have had to temporarily close
looking after the vulnerable in care occupied at home; who has gone that
down their businesses, shut their cafes,
homes locally as well as nationally, have extra mile to help you when you have
coffee shops, pubs and restaurants to the
gone – and continue to go – beyond the needed it most; and we would welcome
customers who go there.
bounds of their normal duties to look pictures of your street paying tribute
after people they consider part of their All are draconian measures none of on Thursday evening to NHS and other
own families. us could ever have imagined a British key workers.
Government in a free society such as ours,
Every Thursday night millions of us These are indeed tough times and as the
would ever have imposed upon us, but
across Britain join together in our own Chancellor himself has said, perhaps even
which we are being told by medical and
communities and neighbourhoods to harder days lie ahead as we try to rebuild
scientific advisors are vital if we are to
show our appreciation for the work the economy, Yet as everyone from Her
halt the spread of covid-19.
they are doing, in that time-honoured Majesty the Queen downwards is saying,
way of clapping them. But it is not just Like every city, town and village we will get through them. We will emerge
the medical teams and carers we are in Britain, Morpeth is virtually from the dark days of this virus, perhaps
applauding, it is the many others from unrecognisable from the place it was a stronger in some ways with a continued
all walks of life who are selflessly trying matter of weeks ago – a busy market town determination to look out for one another
to keep our country going as normally as full of life and vitality. Now it is eerily in a way which is being so splendidly
possible. quiet and the streets are almost deserted demonstrated lately.
with shops, restaurants and bars, cafes
The policemen and women, the fire Businesses in Morpeth will re-open and
and coffee shops, hairdressers and gyms
fighters, our posties, our milkmen, the town will get back to normality
all closed and their owners wondering
transport staff, the delivery drivers
when – or indeed if – they will ever open Her Majesty ended her recent speech to
who are bringing food and supplies to
again! the nation by para-phrasing the words of
the homes of those confined indoors or
wartime singing legend Vera Lynn when
their gardens, because they are deemed We at Inside Morpeth have had to
she said: “We’ll meet again’ – words that
too vulnerable to step outside their own suspend normal publication and door-to-
ring true for each and every one of us.
properties and very many more. Those door delivery of our magazine – but that
4 inside Morpeth
Morpeth
Town Council
Stay at home and help
save lives says Mayor
Normally, when writing one her recent speech to the nation, and
of these articles, it’s a good reminded us in the words of the popular
wartime song, that once the lockdown has
idea to check back through the
conquered the virus “We’ll meet again”.
archive available on the Town
Council website, to see what The wartime generation knew a thing or
previous Mayors came up with, two about national struggle, coping with
as a prompt or starting point. rationing and the threat to loved ones,
while staying cheerful. We have all been
However, I don’t think I will
encouraged by the efforts of 99 year old
find any inspiration there for veteran Captain Tom Moore, whose efforts
the current unprecedented in doing 100 laps of his garden before his
COVID-19 lockdown situation, 100th birthday have raised millions for
the ramifications of which seem the NHS, with money still coming in!
never-ending in every aspect of
Many special events have sadly had to
modern life. be cancelled or put on hold due to the
I am writing this on day 24 of the need for social distancing, including
lockdown, when the government briefing the Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering
announced that it will continue for and the town’s plans to mark the 75th
another 3 weeks. Hard as it is to stay anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day
home, missing our friends and families, it on 8th May 1945.
Mayor Alison Byard says think about having a VE
does seem to be working to level out the Day home garden party The Friends of Morpeth Floral Clock plan
rate of infection and resultant demands
volunteer shoppers and prescription to have the clock planted up with red,
on the NHS, which saves lives.
collection. white and blue VE75 logo in time for the
Our high street was successfully celebrations have sadly been temporarily
Anyone who is struggling can also contact
bucking the national trend before Corona been put on hold at the time of printing.
Northumberland County Council’s
virus struck and it pains me to see our
Community Response Hub ‘Communities However, can I encourage you all to
local businesses closed. I hope they can
Together’ on 01670 620015, 9am – 6pm, 7 mark the contribution of Captain Tom
hold out until we can all return to
days a week. Everyone in Morpeth should Moore and his generation on this
support them.
be receiving a NCC ‘Northumberland important day by dressing your homes
I am however constantly grateful that News special COVID 19 edition’ newsletter, and gardens in red, white and blue and
I am locked down in a safe, green and with details of the help and advice having a picnic in your front garden for
friendly town like Morpeth, with plenty available, through their letterbox over the a VE Day ‘Stay at Home Street Party’ on
of room to get out for my regular next few days. the afternoon of Bank Holiday Friday, 8th
exercise run.
Although the Town Hall is closed, Morpeth May. Please send us photos on
I want to be sure that everyone in Town Council staff are still working from info@morpeth-tc.gov.uk.
Morpeth, particularly our elderly home and can be contacted on 01670 Finally, I would like to extend grateful
and vulnerable, can get help if they 514314. Your local councillors are always thanks to all those who continue to work
need it and am glad to say that our available for give help or information: beyond the call of duty, facing the risk
strong Morpeth and Northumberland
community have once again rallied Kirkhill to their own health, to keep us safe and
round. The Parish of Morpeth has a Jack Gebhard 07859 111 985 well fed: our NHS staff, pharmacists,
‘buddy’ system for 180 elderly residents, Emergency Services, carers, charities,
Morpeth North
whilst the Hollon Trustees have contacted Northumberland County Council
David Lee Bawn 07947 248 220
another 100 elderly ‘annuitants’ and the employees, delivery and retail staff and
Stobhill essential services. We can best support
Morpeth and Stobhill Isolation groups
Alison Byard 07963 306 549 and thank them by following government
have sprung up on Facebook to share
information and ask for help. Can I also ask that we all continue to advice to “Stay at home, protect the
check regularly on elderly or vulnerable NHS, save lives”.
In my own Stobhill ward, the Link
neighbours.
shop in Shields Rd (01670 519575) have Alison Byard
been doing sterling work, coordinating The Queen referred to World War II in Mayor of Morpeth
Morpeth Town Council, Morpeth Town Hall, Market Place, Morpeth NE61 1LZ
Call 01670 514314 email joanne.wilson@morpeth-tc.gov.uk or mayor@morpeth-tc.gov.uk or visit www.morpeth-tc.gov.uk
inside Morpeth 5
Home
Schooling
Homework can be a fun
‘replacement’ for school!
By Hannah Owens
It is a strange time to be a The Department of Education has write a journal or create a time capsule
school pupil right now, going compiled a list of online educational to document this period in time. They
resources to support children’s learning could do some research on significant
from seeing friends and
at home. These websites have been individuals: Who was Florence
teachers five days a week to identified by some of the country’s Nightingale and why are the new
sharing a ‘classroom’ with leading educational experts and offer a hospitals that have been built named after
siblings and parents, perhaps wide range of support and resources for her? Who is Captain Tom Moore? How
even an excitable dog who pupils of all ages. The list includes subject has history changed throughout his life?
really is eating the homework! specific resources which are currently
Promoting a little healthy competition to
being offered for free.
keep children motivated and engaged can
In a national effort to slow the spread of
My students have found White Rose Maths be helpful. In school, we sometimes use
Coronavirus, life has changed significantly
especially good; providing five maths reading and times table leader boards;
in a matter of weeks, with schools only
lessons each week for children from Year this could be replicated at home and even
open to children of essential workers.
1 to Year 8. Every lesson has a short video shared between families and classmates
As the initial chorus of “hooray for that demonstrates how to complete an over social media. Asking a reluctant
no school” fades and boredom sets accompanying activity. writer to write to a grandparent, teacher,
in, children are likely to feel confused friend or someone they haven’t seen for a
and perhaps anxious about what has From Monday 20th April 2020, BBC while it may give the tasks more purpose.
Bitesize will publish daily online Similarly, reluctant readers could be
disrupted their world. Parents and
lessons to help parents engage children encouraged to record reading and post
carers may find themselves increasingly
from Primary School age to Post-16. it online to extended family to celebrate
concerned regarding their child falling
The website offers a new TV channel, children’s achievements.
behind academically, facing the prospect
podcasts, videos, games and daily lessons.
of taking on the mantle of home schooling Despite this being an awful time, people
their children for the foreseeable future. Less formally, there are lots of ways to are pulling together: there are rainbows
cover the wider aspects of the curriculum in windows and we clap on our streets
Deep breath parents and carers! No one
at home and you can get creative with every Thursday at 8pm. Stay positive;
is expecting you to replicate your child’s
these! Cooking and baking links to Science don’t be too harsh on yourself or your
teacher or provide home schooling for
and measuring amounts and budgeting class. Your best will be enough.
a full school day. However, do establish
the ingredients requires Maths skills. It’s
some structure; find out what works for Hannah Owens
still all learning time and can be fun!
your family and set some realistic goals Teacher at Stobhillgate First School
and targets. Help is at hand, in addition Making learning meaningful and
Check out my Twitter @Oswald_Bear
to distance learning tasks that your purposeful, together with keeping
where I will be posting lots more ideas
child’s school should provide, there is an children motivated and engaged, can
for children to explore.
abundance of free online resources that be a challenge. We’re living through
can help. history and your child might like to
6 inside Morpeth
Northumberland
County Council
County’s ‘tireless’ response
to coronavirus pandemic
It’s true to say that we are living To support these efforts we launched
in an unprecedented crisis, Northumberland Communities Together,
to support our network of volunteer
certainly the biggest known groups, to make sure that help is targeted
to many of us in peacetime, as exactly where it is needed, and that the
the coronavirus (COVID-19) most vulnerable in our communities are
outbreak takes its grip across safeguarded and protected.
the world. I am acutely aware of the economic
impact this crisis is having on all our
I know this is an incredibly difficult
communities, and we are working on
and worrying time for all residents and
ways that the Council can help residents
businesses across Northumberland, and I
across the county, particularly those in
want to reassure you that we have plans most need.
in place to continue to deliver critical
services to the best of our ability following Our teams are also working flat out to
guidance from the Government. support businesses to help them access
key grants and loan schemes that have
Our frontline Council services are, and been made available by the Government.
will continue to be, challenged as this These financial measures to protect jobs,
outbreak develops, and we are working incomes and businesses are certainly
as quickly as possible, we all need to
tirelessly to respond and deal with welcome economic interventions in this
continued period of uncertainty. continue to support each other, and
COVID-19 - prioritising key services such
change our behaviour to help stop the
as children’s and adult social care, and
Please be assured there is hope for spread of this virus.
essential services which are vital to the future. We are working on a plan
our communities. for recovery, exploring every possible That is why it is so important that we
opportunity to support our residents follow the guidance from the Government
The response from residents and
and businesses to thrive and grow. and play our part. The decisions we make
businesses in Northumberland has
I’m confident we will come out of this today affect all of us.
been nothing short of incredible, with
stronger - stronger together.
communities coming together to support Peter Jackson
those most in need and at risk. However, to make sure we get there Leader, Northumberland County Council
Trust will play its
part in Morpeth life
Greater Morpeth Development rail travellers to have the best possible because of the coronavirus restrictions
Trust Doug Phillips had this facilities to start or end their journeys, which have also meant we have had
and up to seven small businesses will also to temporarily suspend our monthly
message for the people of the
be based in its refurbished offices. Community Cinema film shows.
town - ‘For more than a decade
our Trust has worked so hard “But we have completed much smaller “Just like everyone put their weight
projects such as restoring footpaths for behind the recovery from the 2008
to do our bit to make Morpeth a
walkers to enjoy often with the help of floods, I am sure we will all do the
better place for all of us to live same and work together to overcome
signage information telling them what
and work. they can see on their walks and we hope this current crisis.
‘We have been involved in big projects people are enjoying as part of their daily “But also like so many others, we will be
such as managing the revitalisation of one hour’s exercising. back when things return to some form
Morpeth Town Hall which is now not only of normality, making our contribution
“We are also proud of the way our annual
preserved for the future but is a modern to community life in Morpeth. In the
Picnic in Carlisle Park has become such
community hub operating in such an meantime, on behalf of the Trust I would
a popular event at the start of the school
historic building, and currently we are like to wish everyone in Morpeth well
summer holidays.
doing a similar job at Morpeth Railway and urge them to follow the Goverment’s
Station. The station that dates from 1846 “Sadly - like so many other events - Picnic guidelines to stay at home, protect the
has been given a new lease for today’s in the Park can’t go ahead this year NHS and save lives.’
inside Morpeth 7
Wansbeck
Foodbank
Foodbank still in
need of donations
The Wansbeck Valley foodbank is still operating Donations will also be taken at the foodbank warehouse on the
during the coronavirus crisis providing Northgate Hospital site.
a delivery-only service and perhaps not “Any tinned or dried food will be welcome but particularly tinned
surprisingly, its volunteers have seen a huge meat and fruit, jars of jam or other spreads,” she said.
increase in demand since the lock-down began. “There is also information about giving a financial donation on
The foodbank is a local charity set up to help prevent and relieve our website – wansbeckvalleyfoodbank.org – and a Just Giving
poverty or financial hardship by providing food parcels to those page on our Facebook page.”
in need, with the help and generosity of people in the Wansbeck
Valley area including, of course, Morpeth.
Around 60 volunteers collect donations from various local points,
so the service can issue foods parcels to people who have been
referred to them for help. A food bag contains provisions for a
minimum of three days.
During normal times Wansbeck Valley foodbank will supply
around 20,000 days worth of food at a value of £120,000 to local
residents in need.
Spokesperson Linda Fugill told Inside Morpeth: “At the moment
we are OK for volunteers as we are limiting the number of people
in our warehouse due to be able to observe social distancing.”
Linda said the service is still more than happy to receive food
donations which can be left in baskets at the following outlets –
Morrisons in Morpeth town centre, the Sainsbury Local Store at
Stobhill and the Co-op convenience shop at Loansdean.
‘We’re still here to help with legal
advice’ - Ponteland solicitors
A Ponteland firm of solicitors is Andrew Morgan, Jonathan Heslop, Nigel “Clients can contact us through our
reassuring clients that it is still Davison and Sarah Sinclair - say they telephone number, or by email and they
are still working remotely to look after can be reassured an appropriate partner
there to help them despite the
all their clients and keeping their legal or legal advisor will return their calls or
current national crisis because affairs up to date. emails as swiftly as we can.
of the coronavirus.
“Like so many other businesses and firms “That way we will continue to deliver the
Nicholson & Morgan have been giving we never imagined that we would have to level of services we have become known
local people legal advice for more than be working like this,” said senior partner for over the past 40 years. It is perhaps
40 years from their offices in Bell Andrew Morgan. a cliché but we will get through this
Villas, Ponteland. crisis and we look forward to resuming
“It is a situation affecting each and every
Because of the Government’s current our normal services just as soon as that
one of us, but our clients still need our
restrictions on trading and social is possible.”
services and we are doing all we can to
distancing the firm says its offices are make sure we continue to give them the Nicholson & Morgan can be contacted
closed until further notice. best legal advice and assistance we have by calling 01661 871012 or by email to
However, the four partners of the firm – always given them. law@nicholsonmorgan.co.uk
8 inside Morpeth
Hollon Trust
Morpeth charity continues
to care for those it helps
Councillor Andrew Tebbutt reports for Inside Morpeth on work being done by the
Hollon Trust to ensure its annuitants remain safe and well during the Covid-19 crisis.
The Trust was established by a former had been admitted to care homes and The Hollon Trust works closely with other
Lord Mayor of York Richard Hollon to another two or three had gone to stay organisations in Morpeth particularly
celebrate 25 years of marriage to his wife with relatives. the Wansbeck Valley Food Bank, Contact
Mary who originally came from Morpeth. Mental Health Group, Barnabas Safe
So far we have not needed to intervene in
He left a legacy to provide for an annual & Sound, Citizens Advice Bureau and
any major way, but it is early days and we
‘meat tea’ for local people who were also Churches Together. The Trust normally
will remain vigilant. We have reviewed
to be given a ton of coal and six pounds only takes referrals from ‘trusted
our financial arrangements so the Trust
of ‘good beef or mutton.’ To this day his colleagues’ such as those mentioned
is positioned to help if and when the
wishes are still followed out as Councillor
call comes. but will consider any application
Tebbutt writes below, although the coal
on its merits.
and meat gifts are no longer given. Nobody knows what havoc Covid-19
could cause over the next few months The Hollon Trust is, of course, best known
The Hollon Trust which is one of
but the Hollon Trust objective is simple in normal times for providing the annual
Morpeth’s oldest charities, has not
and that is: “To relieve distress and or Hollon Tea on November 5th each year.
been idle during the first four weeks of
restricted movement as a result of the hardship for anyone living in Morpeth.” The first tea took place in November 1880
coronavirus. Sadly, we cannot help people living and apart from three years from 2008 to
outside of Morpeth. 2010, it has been held every year since
We have nearly 100 annuitants all of including through the two World Wars.
whom are over 75 years old and living Most trustees for one reason or another,
in Morpeth. When the lockdown was are having to minimise social contact and In August the Trustees will be reviewing
announced by the Government we will be mainly self-isolating for 12 weeks, whether this year’s event can go ahead,
decided we would split the names but we are active on the telephone. Three which is when the invitations are
between our Trustees so we could ring are not so restricted and are very active normally sent out. Despite the event
around all of them initially to make sure ‘on the street’ particularly our Mayor being incredibly popular and its 140th
they were safe and had the support they Councillor Alison Byard and Kathryn anniversary, we are absolutely clear that
needed and to see if they would also Brown, community worker for the three we will not put our annuitants at risk if
welcome a regular call during the crisis. Morpeth Anglican Churches. Both Covid-19 is still a threat locally. There
trustees have contributed significantly is no pressure on Trustees to make a
I am pleased to say that our calls found all
to the magnificent volunteer effort right decision before then.
were initially happy they had the support
across Morpeth,
they needed, even if their relatives were You can contact me Andrew Tebbutt
prevented from visiting them. Suggested The third is Ava Da Costa our Youth
as the Hollon Trust Secretary, on
follow-up calls were also generally Representative, who has been active
(01670) 511631 or email
welcomed and they are starting now. and remains available to speak to any
andrew.tebbutt1046@gmail.com
But we also made sure they know how to young person who finds themselves in
contact us. Sadly, we found one or two difficulties.
inside Morpeth 9
Mental Health
Charity
Keeping in contact
with Contact!
By Rhona Dunn
Many of you will know about with varying degrees of mental health pay for it out of a neighbourly grant to
Contact Mental Health Charity problems. They really are needing our help us out, but this was not going to last
support at this time. long. However, Jack sorted it all out and
which has been around for
on his last delivery rang me to say he had
more than 30 years and is Since the lock-down began Mary Kendall,
left it on the step of one of our members.
well known and supported in another Trustee, and I have taken it upon
But when I rang them someone had
ourselves to telephone members every
the area. taken it!
two or three days to make sure they
Put simply, Contact is a drop-in centre are managing on their own. Many Jack was gutted but cheerfully went and
based in Morpeth for people of all of them are finding it very difficult as got some more food. The result was
ages and areas around South East they are used to being with us at Contact that Jack also got a donation towards
Northumberland. We operate four days a every day. Some do not understand Contact which was amazing. He really is
week and for many of the more than 100 what is happening while others are a tremendous example of the community
members we have it is like home, so when struggling financially. spirit in Morpeth. I also got an offer
we had to make the difficult decision of some food from Amble Food Centre
I say this because some of our members through a Rotary Club friend.
to close due to the problems of the
are on basic benefits and when the centre
coronavirus it was a huge blow to them. I am not sure where next week’s food
is open we help out by serving cheap
Not only were they going to lose all the lunches as well as providing food which is coming from but I am sure God will
activities that we put on for them such as we often get from Lidl and Marks & provide as he has done so far!
art, photography, creative writing, crafts, Spencer. Morrisons have also given us some food
mindfulness and many others but some but we have to top it up with necessities
I also have some emergency food which
of our members benefit from one-to-one to bulk it out. Councillor David Bawn
we try to keep in such as basics like tea
counselling and this could not happen. I posted a message on Morpeth Matters that
and coffee, long life milk, bread and
have managed to organise some telephone we are struggling and we have received
spreads and on occasions assist with an
counselling, however, which is working. some donations through our local giving
unpaid bill with help from the Hollon
page which is amazing and we have also
Our respite caravan is, of course, also Trust for which I am extremely grateful.
received another donation from Tom
closed and I am not sure that we will be This means that even though they are
Stewart of the Masonic Blood Bikes Group.
able to pay bills for this year if the current still getting their benefits they are not
situation goes on for a long time. getting any extras to help out with. So We are so grateful that people are
what to do? thinking of us during what is such a
However, our important mission is what
difficult time for everyone.
we are there for and that is to look after Jack Gebhard came to the rescue initially
our members who are vulnerable adults by offering to get some food and I was to Thank You - Rhona
Morpeth & District Chamber of Trade Vice Chair
Lee Richardson has this message for readers of Inside Morpeth
‘During these unprecedented remain open under the Government
times when we are all enforced lock-down, have done so.
encountering new challenges, ‘So I would personally and on behalf of
some greater than others and Morpeth Chamber of Trade members, like
some impossible to navigate. to extend great thanks to all key workers
up and down the country who work
‘Within Morpeth we have seen some great tirelessly care and provide for us.
adaptations allowing shops to provide the
same great services we are used to with ‘Morpeth Chamber of Trade continues
home delivery now an option for many to operate and has communicated useful
and social distancing operated effectively information to members as it has become
within stores. available. Should you have any queries
please email our secretary on info@
‘It is encouraging to see that those morpethchamberoftrade.com’
businesses that have been allowed to
10 inside MorpethMorpeth
Churches
Message of hope on behalf
of Morpeth’s churches
By Mike Willis, Minister at New Life Morpeth
We are certainly living in
interesting times. Who would
have thought that the whole
world would or even could
come to a virtual standstill
because of this virus Covid-19.
For myself, as a minister, we have lost two
dear friends due to this terrible virus, and
personally, my wife was seriously ill with
Covid-19. She needed to go to hospital
4 weeks ago, but thankfully was sent to
recover at home. She is now making a
slow but steady recovery.
Every time we turn on our TV there
is more bad news, and the thought of
lockdown continuing through most of
2020 is not a pleasant thought. And then,
we have some amazing stories of how
incredible people are – giving their
time, effort and money to help their
fellow citizens.
In Sept 2008 my first week as being a
church leader in the town, Morpeth
flooded. It was terrible and awful – the
suffering, and destruction that occurred,
but we came out the other side, and there
were so many good things that happened,
and it was amazing to see how our
community worked together.
I see it as my job to in some small way
try to bring hope – God’s hope: that we
hesitate to get in touch, and we are now daily time of reflection and devotion to
will get through this and emerge stronger
holding services on-line, and we would encourage those listening in,
better human beings.
be delighted if you wanted to tune in,
It is a time when we can spend quality and spend some time of reflection and Morpeth Church of England
time with our families, but also can be a worship together. Its YouTube channel is ‘Morpeth Parish’
time when we reflect on our own lives. I and there are daily reflections Monday
believe our lives are in God’s hands, and
He has a plan for us – a hope and a future.
Virtual services at to Friday at 8am, a Sunday parish service
at 10am, then a Tea Time Church at 4pm
He loves us so much that He sent His son
Jesus to rescue us, so that one day we will
Morpeth churches with story, prayer, song and craft.
spend eternity with Him in paradise, and Some details about how our local
Morpeth Baptist Church
today He offers us His peace, which is YouTube channel is ‘Morpeth Baptist.’
churches are keeping in touch with their
something many of us need at this time. parishoners whilst they have had to close
their doors.
Morpeth URC
My faith is something that strengthens me YouTube channel is ‘Morpeth and Area
each day, and helps me to make sense of a URC.’ Church also has two children’s
difficult situation. My hope and prayer is New Life Morpeth
videos each week and a Sunday service
that in this time of lockdown, you too can There’s a Sunday service online on the
experience the peace of God today. church’s YouTube channel ‘New Life
Morpeth’ which is also available on
St Robert’s Church Morpeth
We as churches are there for you. If there Updates and news available via the
its Facebook page. It is a time of worship,
is any way that we can help please do not Church website and Facebook page
communion and a short preach. Also a
inside Morpeth 11Morpeth
Heritage
Defining Morpeth’s
unique character
The findings of an in-depth study into what lies behind the
charm and character as well as the history and heritage
of Morpeth which added together make the town such
an attractive place to live, work and visit, have just been
published and what fascinating reading they make writes
Inside Morpeth Editor Ian Leech.
Edinburgh-based Land Use Consultants conservation area designation is all from Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire
(LUC) were commissioned last year by about celebrating and preserving the journeyed north to establish an Abbey
Morpeth Town Council to carry out an local distinctiveness of a town such as at Newminster along the river towards
Appraisal of the town’s Conservation Area Morpeth, as well as being a tool to help Mitford, which – as local author Bridget
that was first designated 40 years ago people understand and appreciate what Gubbins has recalled in books about
centring on the Market Place and routes is important about the place. Such a Morpeth published by Greater Morpeth
that radiate out from there up Newgate designation, it says, is not intended to Development Trust – became the most
Street to Bullers Green, through Oldgate discourage or prevent change, rather to important Cistercian Abbey in the north
to the River Wansbeck then along Bridge inform and actively manage change to east of England.
Street to St George’s Church. conserve and strengthen the elements
Then, in 1199 King John granted Morpeth
that positively contribute to the character
What is a tightly drawn Conservation Area a charter to hold a fair and market which,
of a town such as Morpeth.
boundary also extends tentatively across of course, became such an integral part
the River Wansbeck at Telford Bridge So what was it that made Morpeth eligible of local life particularly with regard to
to skirt around the foot of Morpeth’s for conservation area status in the first the buying and selling of livestock helped
Norman Castle taking in a small collection place? Report author Rosie Brady of by the fact that the town was so ideally
of buildings to the west of the bridge, LUC suggests some of the reasons in the located on the principal main north-south
before looping around to include the 19th Appraisal document which will be of highway along the east coast of England.
Century Courthouse, interest to many Inside Morpeth readers,
For centuries drovers walked their beasts
especially any residents new to the town.
Morpeth was at the forefront of declaring from as far away as the Scottish Highlands
conservation areas back in 1970 when For a start she looks at the history of to be sold in the town, and until as late
the then administering local authority Morpeth which she states lies roughly as the 1950s Morpeth remained one of
covering the town was Morpeth Borough at the centre of what was the Anglian the most important livestock markets
Council, three years after a Civic Kingdom of Northumbria stretching from in the country .
Amenities Act introduced the simple the Lothian Borders of southern Scotland
The 13th Century Chantry Chapel built
concept of recognising buildings and to the Humber.
on the northern bank of the river has
areas of historic interest and making
The story of the town dates back very housed everything from Morpeth’s King
provisions for the protection of that
nearly 1,000 years to the days when the Edward VI Grammar School that first
specific interest.
Barony of Morpeth was granted in 1080 began teaching pupils in 1552, to a local
It was recognised at the time that the to William de Merlay by William the government headquarters and a pop
importance of conservation areas Conqueror in recompense for his support factory and today it is still in use as a craft
centred on their distinct character and and services to the Norman invader. It centre, gift shop and tourist information.
appearance that may have developed over was likely that the first Morpeth Castle on
Other notable historic town centre
many centuries. Ha’Hill was built around that time.
buildings are the Clock Tower and the
The LUC Appraisal states that a Just over 50 years later monks Town Hall which was designed more than
12 inside MorpethMorpeth
Heritage
300 years ago by the great architect Sir day. In fact, the Appraisal document is The Appraisal, they say, will aid
John Vanbrugh who was also responsible supplemented by a Gazetteer which notes developers and planners by providing a
for Castle Howard in Yorkshire, the and comments on every single building in clear context for future developments in
magnificent Blenheim Palace and closer to the Conservation Area. the town centre and help keep Morpeth’s
home, Delaval Hall. identify and distinctiveness through its
The chestnut trees in the Market Place,
A short walk out of the town is the outside the Chantry and along Dacre current and on-going period of rapid
imposing Victorian railway station Street that were originally planted in growth. For instance, currently there
which has just undergone a £2.2 million the late 19th Century, together with are a number of sites that seem ripe for
renovation to give it a new lease of life the magnificent contemporary floral development including the Riverside
and make it fit for 21st Century rail travel. decorations on the town centre streets Leisure Centre due to be replaced by a
and in Carlisle Park, bring continued new centre at The Terrace, and possibly,
The River Wansbeck has, of course, been praise from the judges of the Northumbria in due course, the former post office and
central to the development of Morpeth and Britain in Bloom competitions, and sorting office in Oldgate.
running as it does through the very heart also make a welcome respite from the
of the town, with its banks providing more conventional urban street scene. Because the Conservation Area was
wonderful walks and open spaces tightly defined around the town centre
adjoining Carlisle Park which was opened The positive role heritage plays in
it does exclude many local buildings of
in 1929 when the Earl of Carlisle gifted the defining local identity and character
special interest, so the Town Council has
land to the people of the town. was recognised in the 2016 Morpeth
commissioned a second Appraisal phase
Neighbourhood Plan which noted that
Medieval buildings, alleyways and that will review the boundaries that were
the historic environment was an asset
burgage plots which shaped the town that needs to be conserved and set back in 1970, and that will be carried
centre can still be seen today while strengthened by the town, so much so that out in the coming year.
homes built in successive eras the Appraisal was required to support the “The document will be an essential tool
characterise the continuing development Conservation Area.
for ensuring that the historic character
of Morpeth within the boundaries of the
Morpeth Mayor Alison Byard and and charm of our town centre will
Conservation Area.
Councillor Nic Best who briefed me about be protected and wherever possible
The use of varied materials and styles the Appraisal, say they hope local people, enhanced, which is especially important
such as hand-made bricks – often robbed business owners and potential developers, during this period of rapid growth in
from earlier buildings – along with take the chance to read the report which Morpeth,” added Councillor Byard.
a developing range of roof coverings they say is a very readable document. “It
and windows, defines the nature of sets out how Morpeth has developed and Anyone wanting to view the Conservation
buildings and a changing architectural been transformed over many centuries Area Appraisal document can do so by
culture over the centuries, which as the and why we all believe that special contacting Morpeth Town Council or
Appraisal reports, continue to add to the characteristics of the town must be downloading it as a PDF from the Town
character of Morpeth town centre to this preserved,” they said. Council website – www.morpeth-tc.gov.uk
inside Morpeth 13Climate Change
Talk
Lessons to be learned from
Morpeth climate change talks
By Ian Leech
Perhaps it should come as no surprise that today’s younger
generations are among the most concerned about what sort
of world they will be inhabiting in the future because, after
all, they are the ones who are going to have to face up to
whatever challenges lie ahead over the next few decades.
Young people of today are so aware from
an early age that the far-reaching global
consequences of climate change pose a
very real threat to humanity which will
affect where people can live, work, grow
food and maintain a healthy, safe lifestyle.
Television broadcasts, press coverage and
social media reports over recent weeks
and months have vividly brought home
that message.
Take the bush fires in Australia, for
example, the ferocity and destructiveness
of which horrified the world by
devastating 18 millions hectares of
land and destroying 6,000 homes and
properties as well as claiming the lives
of more than 30 people and killing
an estimated one billion wild birds
and animals.
Elsewhere there have been frequent
reports of volcanoes, hurricanes,
typhoons and earthquakes as well, of
course, closer to home the overwhelming Glen Sanderson at the front delivering his speech about NCC’s response to the climate emergency
floods in the recent wake of Storms Ciara
and Dennis that ruined people’s homes
misery they had to endure for weeks and the oceans are being choked by millions
and businesses across large swathes
months afterwards. of tonnes of floating debris; the drive
of the country.
towards switching from petrol and diesels
Contrast that to last summer when
There were reports of major rivers to electric cars; the benefits of more
peaking at record-breaking levels while temperature records were regularly
recycling or upcycling; or the importance
in one part of Yorkshire a temporary lake being broken across England, peaking at of generating energy from wind or solar
formed that was said to be 80 percent of a Mediterranean 38.7C – the highest ever power are just a few of the issues that are
the size of Windermere, England’s recorded in England. concerning environmental activists – and
largest lake. It is more than just extremes of weather many of those same issues were discussed
that are concerning people the world and debated at a recent climate change
Fortuitously, Morpeth escaped those
over, however. The continued use of fossil conference right here in Morpeth.
most recent floods as the defences
installed after the River Wansbeck burst fuels by countries such as the USA, India The one-day event was organised by the
its banks in 2008 with such disastrous and China; the safe – or unsafe – disposal Three Rivers Learning Trust which is
consequences, did their job and kept the of waste including plastics as evidenced responsible for seven local schools – King
town dry, but many people and business by David Attenborough’s ‘Blue Planet’ Edward VI School (KEVI), the Middle
owners still remember only too well the series of programmes which showed how schools of Chantry and Newminster in
14 inside MorpethClimate Change
Talk
“We need to help prevent further
changes to the climate by making
changes to our lifestyles. Simple
changes that everyone can make
that will secure our planet for
generations to come.”
Morpeth and Dr Thomlinson in Rothbury, to give them knowledge and information which over the last six months has seen
and the First schools of Abbeyfields they can share that with others. some 2,000 saplings planted around
(Morpeth), Harbottle and Thropton school grounds.
“For example, if you think that most
Village.
households in Morpeth will know “There was an excellent response to the
Together they educate around 3,300 someone attending one of our schools as
conference particularly in terms of the
students and pupils as well an a parent, grandparent, family member or
employing more than 300 teachers number of young people attending and
friend then there is a real opportunity for
and staff making the Trust the us to take a lead on this.” the wonderful contributions they all made
second largest local employer behind to the day,” said Paul.
The conference generated some
Northumberland County Council
interesting debates and views – especially One positive outcome is that each of the
As local councillors Joan and Andrew from the young attendees – about what Trust school governing bodies has been
Tebbutt and KEVI educational consultant can and should be done, to minimise the charged with preparing their own climate
Sheila Clark told me, around 100 High impact on climate change. change actions plans which will be fed
and Middle school students and pupils
For instance, conference feedback listed into the Trust’s overall plan to deal with
attended the Town Hall conference
along with Northumberland County and issues such as greater use of public climate change issues.
Morpeyth Town councillors, farmers transport to cut down on car journeys - a
Also on the agenda will be another
and representatives of the NFU, the straw-poll has suggested, for example,
that only one person daily travels to KEVI climate change conference which this
Environment Agency, Morpeth in Bloom,
in most cars parked there. Conference time will be tailored towards then Trust’s
bus company Arriva, local businesses and
the University of the Third Age. delegates also wanted to see more First schools.
recycling or upcycling – perhaps handing
I also met with Three Rivers Learning Perhaps the last word should go to some
down school uniforms when they have
Trust chairman Paul Carvin to discuss been outgrown; turning the thermostats of the young people who attended the
the conference and, he told me: “We down on home central heating systems; conference and this is what some of them
believe that the climate change crisis is cutting down on the use of plastic bottles jointly had to say – ‘Climate change is
the biggest threat facing our world so we and cutlery in school dining halls and really important to us. It is our future and
will do all we can to reduce the impact we tuck shops; or using longer-lasting an urgent problem which will affect our
have as well as informing our students LED light builds rather than the more generation and all future generations. We
and others based on research and science. conventional ones which Trust schools
all need to care more and everyone needs
“We will work with others – taking the are already doing; and locally sourcing
to do their bit. Our gardening team is
lead if necessary – to address the climate more food to be cooked in school kitchens.
working together to plant more trees and
change crisis that we face. In addition Delegates also wanted to see more look at other solutions to CO2 problems…’
to taking a lead we hope to address the children and young people walking to
climate change crisis by speaking out at Year 10 Eco Gardener’s Group including
school if possible, rather than being
every chance we get – this Inside Morpeth Beth Marriott, Emma McCourt, Sam
driven and they were certain if cars are
feature will help us with this - as well as Hayles, Abigail Murray, Ami-Jane Green
waiting outside school gates than engines
ensuring curriculum opportunities are should be switched off rather than idling and Ilia Train.
taken to raise awareness and identify and emitting polluting fumes! Year 12 environmental students Georgia
solutions; involve our young people in the
challenges that lie ahead; and consider Initiatives such as ‘meat-free Mondays’ Gorbould and Masie Franco-Saunders,
what action we can take to make a have been introduced at KEVI although added: “In order to change public
difference at a local level such as planting as Paul Carvin said, the reaction was opinion we need to ensure Government
more trees around our school grounds. initially a strong backlash but he added: officials listen and change policies. We
“Students dealt with that and meat-free
“The County Council has declared a need to help prevent further changes to
Mondays are accepted as part of a normal
climate change emergency as has the the climate by making changes to our
school week.”
national government, so in a way we are lifestyles. Simple changes that everyone
trying to respond to that. As a Trust we All the Trust schools are fortunate to have can make that will secure our planet for
recognise the need to educate and engage plenty of open spaces around their sites
generations to come.”
with our students and pupils over climate which feature in curriculum lessons. It
change and we want to empower them also follows a programme of tree planting
inside Morpeth 15County Zoo
Zoo’s fundraising plea Help is at hand for
over Covid-19 shutdown
home workers
Northumberland’s only registered zoo just By Lee Richardson – Director
five miles north of Morpeth has been seriously Coast Technology Limited Morpeth
affected by the coronavirus crisis.
The zoo at Eshottheugh Farm – even if they haven’t been there The times we are living through are something
most people will know where it is because of the big yellow Beef
we never thought we would see. Each day we
Jerky van parked alongside the A1 at the end of the road on to
the site – has had to close to visitors which meant that it lost its
are used to being sat next to our co-workers
admission entrance fees overnight. exchanging chat and ideas and now although we
may be miles apart, that does not mean work
But as the owners say its 400 animals and birds from adorable
should not continue not in the traditional way
lemurs, a fluffy Canadian Lynx, meerkats, wildcats, capybarras,
racoons, donkeys, horses, goats and sheep to birds of prey to we are used to, but in a much more flexible way
name but a few, still need feeding and looking after every day. to keep productivity going.
So the zoo keepers have had to be kept on and not furloughed in Some of you may already be using great tools that are available
line with the Government’s scheme to help businesses survive to assist with home working, but just in case I have put together
until they can re-open again. a few bullet points set out below, about what some of the
technology leaders out there are offering.
The zoo had been planning to open a new restaurant at Easter
but that has also had to be put on hold until the coronavirus • Microsoft Teams allows organisations to communicate in real
crisis eases. time by instant messaging (privately or in groups) as well as
making internal video or audio calls with the whole team or
Many families still fondly remember the zoo’s early days on a one-to-one basis. Microsoft are currently offering this
when it was the Eshott Farm attraction, before it was granted service free of charge for six months. If you wish to take
its formal zoo licence in 2015. Since then it has continued to advantage sign up at https://bit.ly/coasttechteamsfree
grow in popularity as one of the county’s most unusual visitor
attractions, wildlife conservation and educational resource. • If you have staff currently working from home using their
personal computers, in partnership with TrendMicro we
With no admission fees to count on the owners have, however, would like to provide your employees with six months free
had to appeal for public support to keep the zoo going and, as access to Trends consumer internet security product Trend
curator Maxine Bradley says they have been ‘overwhelmed by Micro Maximum Security. To benefit from this simply sign
the generosity and response’ of so many people as well as other your company at https://bit.ly/coasttechfree-av and you
local businesses. “The support we have had has been amazing will receive a download link that you can share with your
and it really means so much to us,” Maxine has said. employees and colleagues
“We want to still be here when all this is over to provide a • We can offer a phone system that can be set up within hours
link between local people and wildlife they can’t see close-up rather than months, to show your existing landline number
anywhere else in the region.” on outbound calls and provide you with a number to have
There are a number of ways people can help the zoo during the your calls forwarded to. This lets your business continue to
current crisis. For instance, it has set up a gofundme page or run smoothly via apps on your employees’ mobiles. If you
people can make a donation, purchase admission tickets now would like to look at this option email info@coasttechnology.
that will be valid for when the zoo re-opens in the future, adopt co.uk and we will contact you with information.
an animal or book an ‘Encounter’ experience date giving visitors There are other solutions which can also benefit you – some
the chance to get up close and personal with its animals and are free, others are heavily discounted. If you are looking at
birds in the company of a knowledgeable zoo keeper. moving to a more flexible way of working please email info@
Readers can find out more information, visit coasttechnology.co.uk to arrange a free, no obligation 30 minute
www.northumberlandzoo.co.uk chat about the options that are out there to help you.
Community working together
Former Mayor Jack Gebhard Together initiative are really supplies, access to resources for other
the Morpeth Community Co- working around the town. essentials, as well as safeguarding
information for the most vulnerable and
ordinator for Northumberland “So if anyone wants to request or offer
‘at risk’ residents.
Communities Together, has help, the most efficient way is to register
with Northumberland Communities More information is available at
asked us to say that he has seen Together,” he told Inside Morpeth. www.northumberland.gov.uk/
at first hand how the national communitiestogether or by telephoning
The initiative is supporting residents,
‘Good Sam’ volunteering app groups and volunteers with practical (01670) 620015 between 9am to 6pm
and the council’s Communities advice and help for things like food seven days a week.
16 inside MorpethYou can also read
