Last updated 15:27, Thursday, 02 October 2008

AT this time of year, the Heritage Centre at Bellingham is usually putting out the mothballs in readiness for its annual hibernation.

Not so this year; from now on, the centre will be open all the year round, alongside its new neighbour, the tourist information centre.

And that means the demand for volunteers to man the door at the centre will be greater than ever.

A familiarisation and training day was held yesterday, prior to the formal opening of the revamped centre by iconic television presenter and architectural buff John Grundy next Friday.

The official opening will be for invited guests only, but the following day, Saturday October 11, there will be a free day, when all and sundry can come and look round the wonders of the North Tyne and Redesdale over the past 150 years or so.

Although admission is free, donations will be welcome.

Music will be provided by Mike and Di Gibson during the afternoon.

There will be another open day on Wednesday, October 15, when those in the tourist business, such as pubs and B&Bs can pick up leaflets and posters.

The week ends with the jumble sale on October 18, postponed from the washed-out event from the beginning of September.

IT was sad to see the end of a farming era at Wood Park on Saturday, when Richard and Ann Bell held the farm sale to mark their retirement. They have had more than their share of tragedy, and everyone wishes them a long and happy retirement at Wark.

FOR a village which is a long way from the sea, Bellingham has a surprisingly high number of seafarers, and there was quite a gathering of old and not so old salts in Gibraltar the other day. Falklands bombing survivor Richard Armstrong, now with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, was in Gibraltar when HMS Northumberland came alongside.

Richard knew that Hillside neighbour Jeff Tilley was in the ship’s company, and made a point of seeking him out to show him the sights.

And who should they meet on their travels around the Rock but Navy nurse Cheryl Lindup and her younger brother, Graham, offspring of Ken and Margaret!

I am assured a wonderful time was enjoyed by all concerned.

ARGUABLY the best known Northumbrian piper on the planet, Kathryn Tickell, will be joined by her brother Peter for a special concert at Bellingham Town Hall on November 27. Wark born and now living locally, Kathryn plays concerts all over the world, so it will be nice to see her on home soil.

Perhaps the concert will go a little way at least towards paying the £6,000 or so bill for getting rid of asbestos in the town hall boiler room.

Book your seat on (01434) 220922.

A LOUSY year in the garden reached its natural conclusion on Sunday, when I cleared out the pathetic petunias and rotting busy lizzies which had spectacularly failed to bloom. That blazing sunshine was the final rude insult.