Northumberland Music Festival Returns...

2012 Northumberland Music Festival Featuring “ Evenings with Opera North” 9th - 18th November 2012

Following the success of the first festival held in 2011, which attracted music lovers from across the UK, the second Northumberland Music Festival will feature a variety of concerts including Opera, Traditional, Brass, Classical Music and the ever- popular Gilbert and Sullivan. Highlights this year include Evenings with Opera North, Chetham’s School of Music, a Remembrance Sunday Concert with The Reg Vardy Brass Band, and Traditional Northumberland. The highlight of the Chamber Concert performed by the Liquid Architecture Ensemble is sure to be the Schubert Octet.

The concerts being held between the 9th and 18th of November will be performed in three of Northumberland’s grandest period houses, Eshott Hall, near Morpeth, Guyzance Hall, near Alnwick, and Doxford Hall, near Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Full details about all of the concerts can be found on www.nmfestival.com. Find us on Facebook/nmfestival and follow us on Twitter@Northmusicfest. For a brochure please telephone 01668283100

WOODHORN CALL FOR BUDDING SONGSTERS

Woodhorn Museum and Northumberland Archives has issued an appeal to musicians in the region to compose a song about Grace Darling, the 19th century sea rescue heroine from Northumberland.

The competition is open to any individual and group, and the song can be of any genre as long it relates to Grace Darling in some way. Up to six of the new songs will be broadcast during the three-week tour of a play about Grace Darling called, Amazing Grace, which will be performed at ten theatres in the region throughout October and November.

Grace Darling and her lighthouse keeper father lived on Longstone island when, in a storm on September 7, 1838, the SS Forfarshire struck the notorious Harcar rocks, a part of the Farne Islands and situated off the Northumberland Coast between Bamburgh and Seahouses. Of the 63 people on board, nine managed to escape in the lifeboat and headed to South Shields, while Grace and her father selflessly manned a coble to heroically rescue nine people stranded on the rocks.

Queen Victoria bestowed the Silver Bravery medal on Grace, and, after Victoria, she became the most well know woman in 19th century Britain. Sadly, the unwanted media attention forced Grace to become a recluse within a few month of the rescue and she tragically died of TB in 1842 aged only 26, four years after her heroic deed.

Woodhorn is home to Northumberland Archives which houses records of lasting importance to the county of Northumberland, including several relating to Grace Darling. Many of her letters and papers celebrating her legacy are housed at Woodhorn as part of the collection of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle and are available to view in our Study Centre.

Woodhorn Exhibition and Events Officer Liz Ritson explained: “We are delighted to be working with the playwrights Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood on this. The music can take any style as long as it’s original and comes in at under four minutes.

“Amazing Grace tells the story of Grace Darling through the eyes of a modern-day writer called Grace who wants to make a film about her famous namesake, so the song can have a modern context.”

The competition closing date is Friday, September 14, and the songs to be used on the tour will be announced soon after. Woodhorn will host a concert featuring the new songs on Friday, Saturday, October 6.

To enter, download an entry form from the Woodhorn website www.experiencewoodhorn.com/song-competition/ and send it with a CD of the Grace Darling song to Grace Darling Song Competition, Woodhorn, QEII Country Park, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9YF. Call 01670 528 080 if you require any further information.

Grace Darling to be brought to the Stage!

The story of the Victorian sea rescue heroine Grace Darling is to be brought to the stage.

Tyneside-based Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood, whose international and national stage hits include Dirty Dusting, Waiting For Gateaux, Maggie’s End and Son of Samurai, have penned Amazing Grace to celebrate the achievements of the first Victorian female heroine, who tragically died in 1842 aged only 26, four years after her heroic deed off the Northumberland Coast between Bamburgh and Seahouses.

Grace Darling and her lighthouse keeper father lived on Longstone island when, in a storm on September 7, 1838, the SS Forfarshire struck the notorious Harcar rocks, a part of the Farne Islands. Of the 63 people on board, nine managed to escape in the lifeboat while Grace and her father selflessly manned a coble to heroically rescue 9 people stranded on the rocks.

Queen Victoria sent £50 for Grace which was administrated by the Duke of Northumberland and three Bravery medals were bestowed on her by three separate Humane Societies and the RNLI. After Victoria, Grace became the most well know woman in 19th century Britain. The play will tell the story of Grace Darling through the eyes of a modern-day writer called Grace who wants to make a film about her famous namesake. Trevor Wood explained: “It’s a funny, modern take on a wonderful story and will appeal to everyone aged from 13 to 113. We want to celebrate Grace’s achievement whilst illustrating how the Hollywood machine can play fast and loose with the facts.

“Grace was the first working-class female celebrity – the Cheryl Cole of her time – and the play is a tribute to her achievement.” Amazing Grace will include film of some famous Northumberland landmarks and is being co-produced by Alnwick Playhouse with the support of Sunderland University.

Jo Potts, manager of Alnwick Playhouse, said: “Alnwick Playhouse is excited to premiere this new play based on and around Grace Darling. Her unique story is rooted firmly in the Northumberland landscape and deserves to be told.” Judith Hills, Associate Dean in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media at Sunderland University, said: “We are very excited to be involved in Amazing Grace. It’s a novel approach to fantastic story which I’m sure will make a terrific piece of theatre.”

The three-week north east tour will begin with a world premiere at Alnwick Playhouse on Wednesday, October 17, as follows:

Alnwick Playhouse: 01665 510 785 Wednesday, October 17; Thursday, October 18 (evening and matinee); Friday, October 19
Consett Empire: 01207 218171 Saturday, October 20 (evening and matinee)
Hexham Queen’s Hall: 01434 652477 Monday, October 22 and Tuesday, October 23 (evening and matinee)
Gala theatre (Durham): 0191 332 4041 Wednesday, October 24 and Thursday, October 25 (evening and matinee)
Hartlepool Theatre: 01429 890 000 Friday, October 26
Gateshead Old Town Hall: 0191 433 6965 Saturday, October 27
Customs House (South Shields): 0191 454 1234 Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30 (evening and matinee)
Blyth Phoenix theatre: 01670 367 228 Wednesday, October 31
Berwick Maltings: 01289 330999 Thursday, November 1 and Friday, November 2 (evening and matinee)
Playhouse Whitley Bay: 0844 277 2771 Saturday, November 3 (evening and matinee)

Tickets for Amazing Grace are on sale from the venues. For further information visit www.edwaughandtrevorwood.co.uk

My Spring Tynedale - By Derek A. Sim

Oh! To hear the curlew call, from field, and fell, and moor,
whose presence closes winter’s door, proclaiming spring for sure.
Her dainty call on silent hill, such music to my ear,
she brings the sun to melt the snow, and sweep the grey skies clear.
‘Tis March, the time that mad hares box; cock pheasants fight for hens,
and all of the wader’s congregate, on marshes, bogs, and fens.

The rooks return to nests of old, preparing for their brood,
the magpie hops along the hedgerows, scavenging for food.
The harvest mouse and vole emerge, from months of winter sleep,
foraging the farmer’s fields, stealthily they creep.
For hanging in the sky above, the kestrel eye’s his prey,
one unguarded moment, and he steals his quarry away.

The petrol coloured lapwing darts in acrobatic flight,
to watch this aerial fly-past… for me is sheer delight.
She swoops down low then climbs the sky, then tumbles out of sight,
she skims the moor then up again, windswept as a kite.
The hares run wild and random, like rags in the blowing wind,
as their place on the fox’s menu, they’re attempting to rescind.

Brilliant white and resplendent in his ermine winter coat,
another predator scours the land, the intrepid little stoat.
His favourite dish is rabbit, which he’ll corner before the attack,
he’s cunning and determined, pushing toward a cul-de-sac.
He’s fussy and discerning, and he only takes what’s best,
he drinks their blood then eats his fill, discarding all the rest.

High above, the buzzard soar’s, in effortless gliding flight,
he’ll take the remains of any meal, and devour with such delight.
He’s lazy and quite cumbersome, and prefers his meal prepared,
he’ll even consider road kill, no chase; already dead.
He’ll carry it off to feed his brood; who wait with mouth’s agape,
nestled amongst the poplars, high above the oil-seed rape.
Written by Derek A. Sim

Review: The Three Wheat Heads Inn, Thropton, Nr Rothbury

I have really fond memories of visiting The Three Wheat Heads Inn many years ago when I was a kid, we used to go regularly for Sunday lunch as a family in the 80's. It's strange what you remember with crystal clarity from your childhood, I remember the car park at the front and the panoramic view from the restaurant, but nothing of the food. So I had a quick chat with my mum before writing this review 'Why did we stop going to the Three Wheat Heads?' I asked her 'because it went crap' was her reply and she hasn't been back since the late 80's! She always did have a way with words and it just goes to show that it takes years to build up a good reputation, but just seconds to bring it crashing to the ground and that's what sticks.

I'm sure The Three Wheats Heads Inn has changed hands many times since I was last there, but what hasn't changed is that view. Oh what a view to behold, the Coquetdale Valley in all it's glory on a sunny day warms the soul and the restaurant uses this feature well. Large glass sliding doors open out to a garden area with seating and a little play area for the kids, you can't help but stop for a moment and just take it all in. It was a little overcast on the day we visited which was a shame as it would have been nice to show you this special place at it's very best.


On to the food, it was early Sunday afternoon and we hadn't booked a table in advance which wasn't a problem for the friendly lady who welcomed us into the restaurant. Had we been ten minutes later I don't think they would have been able to fit us in so I would recommend booking ahead. The carvery lunch comes in three sizes: small, medium and large so we promptly ordered two large meals and some drinks which were brought to our table. The large portion certainly lived up to it's billing. We were told we could go up to the carvery and we went for the 'bit of everything' option which consisted of beef, lamb, turkey, ham and roast pork with 8 roast potatoes, three home-made yorkshire puddings and stuffing! There was also a choice of three different types of gravy, one plain, one with mint added and one for vegetarians along with the usual array of condiments you would expect to see. Vegetables were brought to our table in a bowl, which I have never seen before in a carvery and did raise small concerns about wastage - I wouldn't have chosen to put all those veg on my plate.

It wasn't until we were up at the carvery that we saw there was a blackboard with a range of starters, which weren't mentioned when we arrived. As there was no menu given to us we had assumed that the carvery was all that was on offer and with a restaurant full of people they are potentially missing a lot of extra revenue here. Nevermind we thought, there was more than enough food to keep us going in front of us! All the meats were extremely tender and tasty with the roast potatoes being particularly good and the gravy (I had the plain) thick and rich.


Despite a really strong appetite we just couldn't get through all the lightly cooked vegetables that were brought to us, which as I mentioned earlier was a shame. A lot of effort has clearly been made by the current owners to make the restaurant a pleasant and relaxed dining area with modern furniture and fairly plain decoration, perhaps intentional to keep the attention on that view.


We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch (which was £9.95 for the large carvery) and had absolutely no room to even contemplate a dessert after such a gargantuan plate full. I've informed my mum that after her 25 year hiatus it's safe to go back to the Three Wheat Heads Inn. And so the long, slow process of building word of mouth and a good reputation is restarted and I wish them the very best of luck.


The Three Wheat Heads Inn's Scores
Venue: 4 out of 5
Ambience: 4 out of 5
Service: 2 ½ out of 5
Presentation: 3 ½ out of 5
Taste: 4 out of 5
Value for Money: 3 ½ out of 5



Overall Score: The Three Wheat Heads Inn have the advantage of an effortlessly beautiful location so it's hard not to recommend visiting for a Sunday lunch, or any other day of the week for that matter. The view will take your breath away, the front of house staff will welcome you and you will receive good, hearty food. It should certainly be on your list to consider for a good honest family meal. 3 ½ out of 5.

My scoring system explained: 1 = Poor, 2 = Average, 3 = Good, 4 = Excellent, 5 = Outstanding

Contact Details
The Three Wheat Heads Inn
Thropton
Nr Rothbury
Northumberland
NE65 7LR

Tel: 01669 620262
email: info@threewheatheads.co.uk

Web: www.threewheatheads.co.uk

Foodie Mecca in Central Northumberland

Parmesan crusted chicken with garlic roast potatoes

As a foodie it's really not difficult to get excited about a visit to The Running Fox in central Northumberland. For a start it's a great location nestled by the bridge over the River Coquet in the attractive Village of Felton and it's easy to see just why it has become so popular.

It's just over a year since Kris and Nev took over at 'The Fox' (as we have come to call it) and what they have achieved in such a short time should be celebrated! A real mecca for the foodie with their selection of artisan goods, innovative breads, cakes and other treats all beautifully displayed to tantalise the taste buds.

 It's become so popular in fact that it's advisable to ring ahead and book a table - whatever day of the week it is. We called in just before lunch on a Saturday and we were lucky enough to drop on a table that was booked for 1pm and again after that. It gave us plenty of time though to enjoy a simply fantastic lunch, a full English Breakfast (£5.50) and Parmesan crusted chicken breast with garlic roasted potatoes (£6.50).

Full English Breakfast

The pictures say it all really, the English breakfast is packed with top quality meats that belies the extremely reasonable price and beautifuly toasted bread (we requested not to have the black and white pudding normally included). The star of this lunch was the parmesan chicken, succulent, perfectly cooked and served with a wonderfully varied salad and potatoes. Just as impressive as the food quality is the welcome and service, there is a strong community feel with everyone chatting to each other as they come and go for their papers, daily bread and even bread to feed the ducks (which is free!). I can't imagine a more pleasant environment for a lunch with friends.

If you travel through or live in mid Northumberland and haven't called in at The Running Fox then you're missing out on a real foodie treat. It's just a mile off the A1 between Morpeth and Alnwick so you have no excuse really, just go!

River Coquet at Felton

Contact Details
The Running Fox, 2-4 Riverside
Felton, Northumberland
NE65 9EA

Tel: 01670 787090
http://www.facebook.com/therunningfox

Shrove Tuesday Football Match Exhibition & People’s Record of the Olympic Year

An extremely memorable, enjoyable and moving film has been made by a team from the Gallery Youth project and film maker Harry Henderson to celebrate Alnwick’s traditional Shrove Tuesday football match. The 15 minute film is called 'The Lads and Lasses of Alnwick: Shrove Tide Football 2012,' the words of the traditional toast made by the organising Committee in the John Bull pub after the match, which is captured in the final scene. It has been made as part of the People’s Record for the Olympic Year, along with a series of over 40 excellent documentary photos by Andrew Tunnard. Sound recordings for the film and a series of fascinating oral histories provided by participants have been recorded with the support of audio editor James Boyd. The film, photos and recordings will be at the heart of a new exhibition at the Bailiffgate Museum, opening on 4h May 2012. The exhibition will run until 29th May 2012.

The film includes footage of the rituals of the day and the match itself, from the ceremony in the castle with St Cloud’s students making pancakes for the committee, to the Duke throwing the ball from the Barbican and the procession to the pastures. It goes behind the scenes to reveal what happens in the committee tent where officials organise the match and includes interviews with young people taking part, both male and female, students from the St Cloud State Centre for British Studies and adult men and women who have been involved, including their opinions on the value of heritage and tradition to the community and the ongoing legacy for future generations. Finally it shows the ball being retrieved from the river, the presentation of medals and certificates and the toasts in the John Bull. In addition to the film, oral histories and the photographic record made during the 2012 football match, there will also be historic documents and photos from the past on display.

Work from an event at the Museum, produced by children from Alnwick South School and filmmaker Harry Henderson, will also form part of the exhibition. And photographer Andrew Tunnard will be talking about “The Representation of Culture and Heritage within Contemporary Photography” on Thursday 24th May at 7pm.

The film, documentary photos and oral histories will be uploaded onto the national website for the People’s Record Community Projects as part of the Cultural Olympiad Project, so this unique record of Alnwick’s Shrovetide football match will become part of a national archive for future generations. The People’s Record has been collecting stories of sporting events and projects across the UK in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games, funded by Arts Council England.

The Bailiffgate Museum would like to invite anyone who has a photo from any Shrove Tuesday match to bring it along, put it on the community display board in the exhibition and donate it to the Museum’s archives.