MORPETH

Work is ongoing until the end of 2016 for the construction of a bypass. There will be various phases of daytime and night time lane and carriageway closures, with narrow lanes and a 40mph speed restriction in place.

TRITLINGTON

Traffic signals will be in operation north and southbound between 8pm and 6am for construction work. This will take place until Saturday, April 16.

BEAL

There will be traffic signals in operation north and southbound for resurfacing work. This will take place until Wednesday between 7pm and 6am. There will also be a 24-hour 40mph speed restriction.

A1 FURTHER AFIELD

NORTH BRUNTON, NEWCASTLE

There will be a carriageway closure northbound for resurfacing work. This will take place from tomorrow to Thursday, April 14, between 8pm and 6am, with a diversion in place.

LAMESLEY TO SWALWELL, GATESHEAD

Narrow lanes and a 40mph speed limit are in place while work is carried out to upgrade the section of the A1 past Gateshead. There will be a carriageway closure northbound between junctions 67 and 69 and southbound between junctions 69 and 68, taking place from Monday to Friday, April 10. All these closures will take place between 8pm and 6am, with a diversion in place. The project is due to be completed by early summer 2016.

JUNCTION 56 BARTON TO JUNCTION 51 LEEMING BAR, NORTH YORKSHIRE

There will be phases of overnight lane closures and full carriageway closures while work takes place to upgrade the road to motorway standards. There will also be narrow lanes and a 50mph speed restriction 24 hours a day. From Monday to Sunday, April 10, there will be a carriageway closure southbound between Scotch Corner and junction 51, and northbound between junction 50 and Scotch Corner. All these closures will take place between 8pm and 6am with diversions in place. The project is due to be completed by spring 2017.

OTHER ROUTES

A66 CUMBRIAN BORDER

There will be a 24-hour contraflow in operation east and westbound for resurfacing work. This will take place until Friday, April 15.

A66 SOUTH THORPE TO HUTTON MAGNA, COUNTY DURHAM

There will be a 24-hour contraflow in operation east and westbound for resurfacing work. This will take place from Saturday, April 9, until mid May.

Women who don't eat for at least 13 hours overnight after surviving breast cancer are at less risk of the disease returning, according to new research.

The study shows that those who didn't fast for 13 hours were at 36 per cent higher risk of breast cancer recurring and at 21 per cent higher probability of dying from the disease.

And there was a 22 per cent higher risk of dying from any cause among patients with breast cancer who fasted for shorter periods compared to those who fasted for 13 hours or more overnight.

Fewer fasting hours per night was associated with significantly less sleep and higher levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) - a measure of average blood sugar levels over a period of months.

Researchers say their findings are relevant to cancer prevention and control because elevated HbA1c and poor sleeping habits have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

A previous study found shorter overnight fasts were associated with worse blood sugar control.

And mice experiments found prolonged fasting during sleep can protect those fed a high-fat diet against abnormal glucose metabolism, inflammation and weight gain, all of which are associated with poor cancer outcomes.

The researchers suggested not having a late dinner or early breakfast could help stop other cancers returning too.

Catherine Marinac, a doctoral candidate at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, said: "Prolonging the overnight fasting interval may be a simple, non-pharmacological strategy for reducing a person's risk of breast cancer recurrence and even other cancers.

"Previous research has focused on what to eat for cancer prevention, but when we eat may also matter because it appears to affect metabolic health."

The study involved 2,413 women with early-stage breast cancer and without diabetes who were 27 to 70 at diagnosis and part of the Women's Healthy Eating and Living study between 1995 and 2007.

The research, published by JAMA Oncology, looked at invasive breast cancer recurrence and new primary breast tumours during an average of 7.3 years of follow-up, as well as death from breast cancer or any cause during an average 11.4 years of surveillance.

Women in the study were an average age of 52.4 and had an average fasting duration of 12.5 hours per night.

Other analysis indicates that each two-hour increase in nightly fasting was associated with lower hemoglobin A1c levels and a longer duration of nighttime sleeping.

Professor Dr Ruth Patterson added: "If future trials confirm that habitual prolonged nightly fasting improves metabolic health, this would be an important discovery in prevention that could reduce the risk of cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease."

The positive role of dogs will be highlighted to members of Ponteland U3A at their next meeting.

Christine Squires will present Dogs For Good (disability support) to the group on Wednesday.

The meeting takes place at St Mary’s Church Hall in Ponteland, at 2pm.

Visitors welcome. For information see www.u3asites.org.uk/ponteland or call 01661 822225.

Morpeth Camera Club

At the meeting of Morpeth Camera Club on February 23, members and friends enjoyed a lecture given by Life President Vince Rooker, who is celebrating his 50th year as a member of the club.

Vince’s interest in photography started during the Second World War when his father handed over the family Box Brownie, negatives and printing out paper to keep Vince out of his hair while he polished the local fire engine between the visitations of the Luftwaffe over Sheffield.

As an adult, on demobilisation from the RAF after National Service, his first foray into photographic clubs was a works club in Sheffield.

In 1966, Vince moved to Morpeth and joined the YMCA Camera Club and started entering competitions, his source of inspiration being the riverside, market traders, rural life and churches.

The audience enjoyed photographs of cyclists in the snow, action shots of rugby players, Blagdon opencast, Shire horses and beautiful interior shots of cathedrals and churches. Vince explained the problems of pre-digital times and his painstaking methods to overcome them.

In 1984 Vince became redundant and he and his wife embarked on a career taking wedding photographs. Examples were shown of lovely brides and candid shots of bridesmaids, and Vince entertained us with anecdotes.

His inspiration then came from travelling, firstly to Naples with colourful street scenes, buffalo and Amalfan coastal scenes, then Monte Casino, providing anecdotes of its wartime links, and on to Florida’s Cape Canaveral and Florida Keys, with Vince explaining the quirky lifestyle of the residents.

At the onset of the digital era, Vince’s first competition entry of boats among reeds won him an A3 Epson printer and he was approached by North West Water for permission to use it in their literature, which proved to be a lucrative introduction to this new technology.

With this new found digital freedom, or “jiggery pokery” as Vince described it, he did not hesitate to experiment, merging unlikely subjects together, resulting in mystical, eerie creations, sky replacements, colour popping and innovative use of filters.

There were images of wartime aircraft and modern jets, a howling wolf superimposed into a Yellowstone landscape and metallic looking sprites riding the waves.

Vince presented an extraordinary variety of his work, from images of France and multi-coloured rock patterns on the Dingle Peninsular to shots of microlytes, stunt riders, show jumpers, birds of prey and castles.

Vince then presented a selection of his acclaimed still life photographs — his creations of flowers and fruit before soft textured voile are second to none.

He said that photography has been a most wonderful hobby and he would gladly do it all again.

Chairman Glyn Trueman thanked Vince for giving the audience such a descriptive and entertaining evening. It was such a pleasure to see the wide variety of subjects.

Motoring law firm Geoffrey Miller found technology was responsible for distracting 57% of drivers - causing 1.4million drivers to swerve to avoid an oncoming vehicle and around 1.25million passing through a red light.

The firm warned that a rise in super-tech cars with in-car screens and complimentary Netflix subscriptions could make it harder for motorists to focus on driving.

Five seconds looking away from the road while driving at 30mph can result in a car travelling more than 50metres.

On the motorway, where a car is travelling at the national speed limit (70 mph), a car could travel 160metres while the driver's gaze is elsewhere.

Research also found a more traditional action, changing the radio station, is the biggest distraction for modern drivers - followed by looking at the satnav or a mobile phone.

They also found men are worse at concentrating on the road and more likely to look at their phone behind the wheel.

Jeanette Miller, managing director of Geoffrey Miller, said although technology has made driving easier and safer, super-tech cars create a risk for motorists.

She said: "Aside from the 'being in proper control' laws, there are no specific laws in place to deal with the distraction of having a huge computer screen in the driver's eye line as yet.

"Legislation has not kept pace with the latest developments in car manufacturing and policy-makers need to consider the implications of these new super-tech cars before they become mainstream."

More than 70 awards have been dished out to North East patients to recognise their artistic achievements.

Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (NTW), which provides mental health and disability services across the region, held the 4th Annual Koestler Awards.

The celebration took place at Northgate Hospital in Morpeth.

And among the honours to be distributed were four platinum awards, which were presented as part of the Koestler Trust’s national art competition.

Guests and healthcare staff attending the ceremony enjoyed a colourful slideshow of all of the winning artwork, along with musical entries that had also won awards.

NTW Chief Executive John Lawlor said: “It has been a joy to bear witness to such incredible artwork and achievement.

“Art can be such a healing force and contribute to our feeling of wellbeing, and it has been my privilege to meet our talented artists.”

Some of the judges’ handwritten comments were read out to the audience at the celebration, along with feedback from award-winning artists such as Turner Prize winner Jeremy Deller.

There was also a message from Grammy award-winning musician Hot Chip.

NTW Arts Project Manager Jane Akhurst spoke about the work of charity Outside In, which supports and promotes the work of artists who may find it difficult to otherwise access the art world.

The project runs an online gallery and presents exhibitions throughout the UK.

So far, five patients from Northgate Hospital have had their work displayed through the scheme.

The Koestler Trust is an art awards programme for offenders, secure patients and detainees.

Its Acting Director Sarah Grainger-Jones attended the Northumberland prize-giving ceremony.

The newly-launched passport is designed to be carried by walkers on the route who will collect stamps at businesses that they visit along the way. These businesses will be Welcome Ports, offering a warm welcome to walkers and able to provide advice and information about the trail and the local area.

Duncan Lawrence, who owns the Drift Café at Cresswell, said: "We are very proud to be the first business to sign up to this initiative. A walking route like this is so much more than a line on the ground and great scenery. The service and support that walkers receive from businesses along the way can make a real difference to the quality of their experience.

"Walkers are the perfect visitors; they generally arrive without a car and buy everything they need from local businesses. They leave only money in the local economy and their footsteps in the sand."

Iain Robson, from the Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership, which is behind the new initiative, said: "We think that the passport will become a treasured possession, a memento of the walk evoking memories of that friendly B&B, fantastic fish and chips or a lovely ice cream on a sunny day.

"Collecting stamps as they walk the route will become part of the experience for walkers and we hope it will improve their visit to Northumberland and increase the amount of money they spend in local businesses.

"Like cycling and birdwatching, people don’t have to pay to walk along the coast, but keeping the path and associated infrastructure in good condition does cost money. This scheme helps the businesses that benefit from the route to support its upkeep."

The Northumberland Coast Path was opened in July 2006 and since then thousands of walkers have completed the 60-mile route from Cresswell to Berwick, contributing millions of pounds to the local economy.

The launch of the passport scheme is part of a year-long celebration of the path’s 10th year. There is a new website – www.northumberlandcoastpath.org - and there will be events and guided walks during the summer.

The scheme will be rolled out to more businesses along the route in the next few weeks. Any business interested in becoming a Welcome Port should speak to Iain Robson on 01670 622660 or email coastaonb@northumberland.gov.uk

Despite being without the services of some of their leading athletes, Morpeth Harriers Senior Men still managed to win bronze at the Northern Road Relay Championships, at the weekend.

The event was held at Silksworth Sports Complex, near Sunderland on Saturday, and itwas actually a day of double glory for the club, as their Senior Women also medalled in their 6 Stage Championship for the second time in the club’s history, also taking bronze.

Back with the Morpeth Men, and they got off to an excellent start on the 6.5k two lap first leg, when Sam Hancox came home in fifth place, clocking 19m53s, only 21 seconds adrift of early leaders Lincoln Wellington, and only ten seconds outside the medals.

Whilst Lincoln Wellington led throughout the first five legs, a terrific battle raged for the minor medals between Salford, reigning champions Leeds City, Liverpool Harriers and Morpeth.

Morpeth progressed into fourth place on the short one lap 3.5k second leg, courtesy of Ian Harding, whose clocking of 10m55s was fourth fastest of the leg, and left him only a second or so adrift of third place Salford, with second placed Leeds City now hunting down the now well established Lincolnshire leaders.

There was no change in the lead on the long third leg; however Lewis Timmins for Morpeth had managed to overtake Salford with his clocking of 19m53s, taking him into third place, passing over onto the short fourth leg to Kevin Calvert. Calvert maintained a decent pace throughout, to hold on to third place, clocking 11m00s, but Salford were now beginning to home in further for a genuine medal challenge.

Salford’s fifth leg runner, managed to pass both Leeds City and Morpeth in quick succession, and Liverpool Harriers had also come with a strong challenge. Karl Taylor of Morpeth slipped back to fifth with his clocking of 21m12s, putting the team nearly a minute adrift of the medals.

Jordan Scott on the sixth leg, held on to fifth place throughout, as he clocked 11m16s over the short one lap.

Things were to change dramatically on the seventh stage for Morpeth, however, courtesy of Peter Newton, who ran what was to eventually emerge as the fastest Long Stage time of the day, and easily the fastest of the leg, when clocking 18m57s.

He pushed Morpeth back up into third place, drawing 41 seconds clear of fourth placed Lincoln Wellington.

As a tense battle developed between Leeds City and Salford at the front of the race on the short Stage eight, Morpeth’s Mark Snowball, making his A team debut, ran steadily to keep the team in third.

Meanwhile, Salford had restored their lead over Leeds City, by a margin of 13 seconds.

Matt Nicholson, who was running in his first Northern 12 Stage Relay for all of two years, succeeded in posting the seventh fastest time of the leg of 11m26s, putting his club just under a minute adrift of second placed Leeds, who in turn were 33seconds adrift of Salford.

Whilst Salford now drew well clear on the short Leg Ten, a new battle had developed behind them, as Leeds City just managed to hold on to second place, as Morpeth’s Andy Wiles chased them down.

By clocking the fastest time of the leg of 10m26s, he had reduced the deficit to a mere seven seconds, and was truly one of Morpeth’s performances of the day.

Another excellent performance by Morpeth’s Ross Floyd on the penultimate Leg Eleven, saw them finish only a mere two seconds adrift of Leeds City, with a fastest of the leg clocking of 10m29s.

Salford meanwhile had a good minute lead over Leeds City and Morpeth going into the final twelfth leg, which was again a short leg, and early leaders Lincoln Wellington were now nearly two minutes adrift in fourth place.

Chris Smith for Morpeth battled hard with Leeds City’s Michael Burrett, however just lost out for Silver at the finish line, despite posting a fourth fastest of the leg clocking of 10m59s, only a second slower than the Leeds man.

So Morpeth Harriers Senior Men had medalled in the Northern 12 Stage Championships for the seventh year in succession, albeit on this occasion it was bronze as the order of the day.

Morpeth Harriers Senior Women’s 6 Stage squad also enjoyed their share of the day’s glory, by winning a set of Bronze team medals.

Morag Stead ran well on the long Stage One, finishing tenth in 24m24s, which put them seventy three seconds adrift of early leaders Rotherham, who managed to hold the lead on the short Stage Two, whilst Josie Cram moved the Morpeth Women’s A team up to eighth, posting the eighth fastest time of the leg of 13m21s.

The short Third Stage saw big developments for the Morpeth Women’s A team however, as Laura Weightman got round the course in 11m07s, easily the fastest short leg time of the day, and one which saw her take her club up to third, and into the medals.

So at the halfway point in proceedings Morpeth were now only forty six seconds adrift of the leaders Rotherham, who were nine seconds ahead of second placed Leeds City.

On the long Stage Four, Rotherham fell back to second while Leeds City took command, courtesy of Northern Cross Country Champion and English National Cross Country Silver medallist Claire Duck, who ran the fastest Women’s Long Stage time of 22m01s.

Whilst Morpeth’s Emma Holt remained in third place throughout the fourth Stage, she had eaten well into Rotherham’s time difference, by finishing only a mere eight seconds adrift of them; however Leeds City had now drawn well clear.

Emma clocked the second fastest time of the fourth leg, with a posting of 23m11s.

Morpeth’s fifth leg runner Gemma Floyd tried to make some impact on the Rotherham margin, however despite clocking the Leg’s third fastest time of 13m18s, she couldn’t quite get to the Silver medal placing.

Whilst Leeds City drew clear on the sixth and final leg, Rotherham managed to maintain their hold on second place, despite Sarah Wilkinson’s valiant last gasp Morpeth effort, which saw her clock the fourth fastest time of the leg, which gave them the well deserved Bronze medals.

Morpeth Camera Club

Dave Phillips, a member of the Hartlepool Photographic and Digital Group, kindly agreed to judge the club’s 2nd Open Print Competition on Tuesday, March 1.

A landscape and wildlife photographer specialising in the Lake District and the North of England, Dave has been Competition Secretary for his club since 1989 and took up judging shortly after.

He enjoyed judging the competition, but said it was not easy when it came to choosing the highly commended photographs as there were so many contenders.

Among the 38 entries in the colour section there was a wide variety of images — lone walkers on a pastel hued beach, a solitary fisherman on a sweeping riverside, skeletal trees against stormy clouds, a study of rope and rusty chains, bluebell woods, and majestic Kelpies.

Dave explained that he was looking for composition value, interesting viewpoints and an image that tells a story and encourages speculation.

He gave highly commended awards to Glyn Trueman for Buzzard, Davy Bolam for Smoke Trails and Street Musician, and Paul Saint for Kelpies. Fifth place went to Vince Rooker for Pink Tulip, and fourth was given to Oil Cans with Steam by Glyn Trueman.

Ice Flowers by Davy Bolam came third, Storm over Walkworth by Chris Earl was awarded second place, and the winner was Chris Earle with Bronzed Angel, a stunning cropped photograph of the Angel of the North. Dave liked the fact that, although there was only a section visible, it was instantly recognisable; the texture and light quality made it stand out.

Thirty-two images in the Mono Section followed, which included an incoming tidal scene with rocks leading the eye to Dunstanburgh Castle, Manhattan skyscapes, an upturned boat with Holy Island in the background, a study of a dandelion seed head, graffiti, a Sutcliffe inspired sepia-toned scene of lobster pots at Beadnel, a cityscape of the Gherkin, a moody rural scene on a misty morning and a portrait of a smiling Sri Lankan girl.

In portraiture Dave explained that he needed to see a connection between subject and author. In monochrome photographs he expected to see a good variety of tones and textures, and said that good printing was foremost in his decision making.

Highly commended awards were given to Lionel Bryan for Graffiti and Bikes, Copenhagen, Misty Morning, and Abandoned Stables by Davy Bolam. Fifth place was given to Chris Earle for Sri Lankan Smile, in fourth was Peter Downs with Three Benches, third was Davy Bolam with Kremlin View down Moskva River, and in second place was Letting Sparks Fly by Glyn Trueman.

The winner was Chris Earle with Uncle Tom, a gentleman resting on a bench, which Dave admired for the detail in the face. He said Chris had captured the character of the subject and it had made him inquisitive due to its excellent storytelling qualities.

Chairman Glyn Trueman thanked Dave for his good, constructive comments and advice.

Morpeth Antiquarian Society

The lecture title, The Greys of Howick Hall, by Mr Peter Regan, attracted a large audience of members and visitors to the February meeting of MAS.

Peter’s talk lived up to all expectations — being informative, of local interest and beautifully illustrated.

The Greys have owned land at Howick since 1319 and lived there since the mid 16th century.

The previous owner of the estate was John Mautalent, whose lands were confiscated after he defected to the Scots at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

Howick Hall was built in 1782 by Willian Newton, of Newcastle, on the site of an old pele tower, for Sir Henry Grey, a bachelor. In 1809 the Hall was extended for the Second Earl by George Wyatt, moving the entrance to the north side and making a south terrace. The two quadrants were enlarged and the Bathing House added in 1813. The main reason for these extensions would appear to be to accommodate the Earl’s 15 children.

In 1926 the main hall was gutted by fire and was rebuilt to a design by Sir Herbert Baker, altering the north facade with a portico.

In 1967 the first Lord and Lady Howick left for Howick Grange, and the architect Philip Jebb altered the west wing for use as a family home by the Second Lord Howick in 1973.

The charity, Howick Trustees, was set up in 1979 to run the gardens, tea rooms and visitor centre, which opened in 2013.

The First Earl Grey, Charles, 1729-1807, was born in Falloden and was the younger brother of Henry, who had inherited both Howick and Falloden.

Charles, the Second Earl Grey, 1786-1807, entered the Lords in 1801 on succeeding to his father’s title.

Henry George, 1802-1894, was the Third Earl Grey and entered Parliament in 1826 and was MP for Winchelsea, Northumberland, North Northumberland, and then Sunderland.

Albert Henry George Grey, the Fourth Earl, 1851-1917, had many successful careers, being an MP, Administrator of Southern Rhodesia, Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland and Governor General of Canada. One of his children, Lady Victoria, was the grandmother of Joyce Grenfell.

It was the Fifth Earl Grey, Charles Robert, 1879-1963, Chairman of the Church Commissioners, who transformed the Howick Gardens.

His eldest daughter, Lady Mary Grey, 1907-2002, inherited Hawick in 1963. She married Evelyn Baring, the youngest son of the Earl of Cromer and their son, Charles Evelyn Baring, 1937-, Second Baron Howick of Glendale was a Director of Barings Bank, 1969-82, and created the Howick Arboretum.

Mr Regan elaborated on probably the most famous of these characters, Charles the Second Earl Grey, who in the 1790’s had an affair with Georgina, Duchess of Devonshire. Their daughter Eliza was brought up by her grandparents in Falloden and was an ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales and Sarah, Duchess of York.

On inheriting Howick Hall in 1801, Charles went to live there with his wife, Mary Elizabeth Ponsonby. A career politician, he was Prime Minister and Leader of the House of Lords from 1830-1834, and saw through the Great Reform Bill of 1832 and the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833.

It was for Charles that a Chinese mandarin blended a tea to suit the water at Howick, using bergamot to offset the taste of the lime in it. Lady Grey used it to entertain in London, and it proved so popular that she was asked if it could be sold to others and Twinings began to market it. Earl Grey tea is now sold worldwide, but the Greys did not register the trade mark and as a result they never received any money from its sale.

The lives of Charles and Mary’s children were very interesting, including Louisa who married John Lambton, of Penshaw Monument fame; General Sir Charles Grey, Private Secretary to Prince Albert and Queen Victoria; Admiral Sir Frederick Grey, First Naval Lord; Lady Mary Grey who married the First Viscount Halifax, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for India; Admiral George Grey; the Reverend Sir Francis Richard Grey, Rector of Morpeth who married the Earl of Carlisle’s daughter Lady Elizabeth Howard; Georgina who never married, but lived to the grand old age, for that time, of 99.

Allan Wade thanked Peter Regan for this wealth of fascinating information, which was greatly appreciated by all present.

A last word about the Greys — if you take a walk up Newgate Street, Morpeth, to St James’s Church, you can read the inscription on the gates commemorating the life and work of Francis Grey, Rector of Morpeth.

A series of celebrations will be held in Ponteland in the coming weeks and months to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Her Majesty’s actual birthday – Thursday, April 21 – will see a beacon lit at 7.30pm and a fireworks display on Coates Green, where a memorial seat will also be installed by the town council.

Mayor Carl Rawlings and Deputy Mayor Joyce Butcher will be visiting nursing and care homes in Ponteland on the day to meet residents sharing their birthday with the Queen and for the planting of a tree at Henderson Court at 2pm.

Events and activities in relation to the birthday are being organised by Pont Charity Group, Ponteland Bowling Club and Ponteland Methodist Church, among others.

In addition, Ponteland WI is marking the occasion at its annual coffee morning on April 9, at the Memorial Hall between 10am and noon.

A service is being held in St Mary’s Church at 3pm on Sunday, May 22, and at its March meeting, the town council agreed to host the refreshments at St Mary’s Church Hall afterwards.

There’s jazz on the menu at the next lunchtime concert at Morpeth’s St George’s United Reformed Church.

Back by popular demand will be a performance by The Virtuoso Jazz Trio, made up of George Macdonald on clarinet, James Birkett on guitar, and Tony Abell on double bass.

The concert takes place at the church in Bridge Street on Wednesday, April 13, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

Doors open at noon, and tea, coffee and biscuits will be available for the audience.

Tickets cost £3, available on the door.

NEWTON AYCLIFFE 5

MORPETH TOWN 0

Morpeth Town’s title challenge suffered a massive blow on Saturday afternoon after a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Newton Aycliffe in the EBAC Northern League Division One.

A hat-trick from Aycliffe striker John Campbell was accompanied by solo strikes from Mattie Moffat and Dennis Knight as the Highwaymen fell to just their fourth league defeat of the season.

A much changed side saw eight of the 11 who started the FA Vase semi final second leg against Bowers & Pitsea last month rested, and the hosts took advantage earl forcing two fine saves from ‘keeper Karl Dryden.

Morpeth struggled to create in the opening period, Dale Pearson with the best chance for the visitors, James Winter on hand to deny the young striker.

A five minute spell just before the break gave Morpeth a mountain to climb. Moffat opened the scoring in the 38th minute as he beat his man to a cross in the six yard box, guiding the ball past Dryden.

The second followed two minute later as a slip by Michael Hall allowed Knight to break free and fire across goal into the bottom left hand corner.

Worse was to come on 42 minutes when Moffat glanced a long ball into the path of Campbell who broke the offside trap before beating Dryden.

Morpeth started brighter in the second half with Taylor and Graydon (twice) being denied by the keeper.

As the game entered the final stages, two kicking errors from Dryden allowed Campbell to complete his hat-trick.

This was a game to forget for the Highwaymen, who have 16 games remaining.

MORPETH 22

DINNINGTON 16

Morpeth continued their recent run of excellent form by taking the points in a hard and close run affair against a Dinnington side who currently stand one place above them in the league.

The match really swung on a controversial decision mid way through the second half,but more of that to follow.

On a fairly gloomy afternoon at Mitford Road it was the South Yorkshire outfit that took the game to the home side as they dominated early possession,yet,as it has been the case throughout the season Morpeth’s well organized defence proved difficult to breach.

Yet on 15 minutes ,with what was almost their first incursion into Dinnington’s 22, Morpeth struck,seizing onto a poor opposition lineout Michie pounced on the loose ball making good ground before the ever reliable Armstrong crashed over in the corner,with Phillips unable to make the conversion.

Dinnington came straight back into the game with an unconverted try from from an attacking lineout making the score 5-5.

With both sides converting relatively simple penalty chances the teams turned round equal, with an 8-8 all score line.

The score line reflected the equality shown between the 2 teams.

Morpeth kicking towards the changing room end then took the play to Dinnington and 10 minutes into the second half Morpeth were awarded a penalty try ,given for a deliberate knock forward,after a charging run by centre Lynn,the decision which appeared controversial and ultimately proved vital for the home side, who then took a 7 point lead.

Dinnington however showed plenty of fight and after strong forward pressure,a quickly taken penalty from their fly half saw him diving over for an unconverted try making the score 15-13 in Morpeth’s favour ,moving into the final quarter .

Yet the game continued to move from end to end and Lynn again with another powerful run ,took the ball up,crashing over the Dinnington line with defenders on his back to score close to the posts.Phillips converted and secured the win with Dinnington adding a penalty in the closing stages.

This was not a classic encounter but another win is further testimony to the excellent character for the team who continues to improve week by week.

The scheme was unanimously backed by the authority's strategic planning committee this afternoon as even those councillors opposed to the move from Morpeth to Ashington could not find any significant fault with the plans for a five-storey office block.

Questions were raised about car parking and the possibility of former mine workings affecting the building, but officers assured committee members that these issues had either been addressed adequately already or would be via conditions attached to the approval.

Coun Trevor Thorne said: "Despite being against the move from County Hall, as a building and office block for Ashington, I think it's a landmark building and I think it will improve the town markedly. I feel there are no planning grounds to refuse it."

Coun Andrew Tebbutt agreed, saying: "I'm totally opposed to the move to Ashington, but on planning grounds, although I'm concerned about car parking, that in itself is not a reason to vote against the proposals."

The application is for a five-storey, grade-A office building and the provision of around 500 parking spaces at a site on Lintonville Road. The site is in Ashington town centre and forms part of the North East Quarter, which is a wider development scheme for the area that includes the new leisure centre.

The new headquarters is to be developed on a commercial basis by applicant Arch, 'with an aspiration of a lease to Northumberland County Council'. The new building would comprise office space for 910 work stations, a community drop-in centre, a double-height chamber and conference facilities plus meeting rooms, a café and central atrium space.

A committee report states: 'The proposed design of the scheme comes from an ambition to develop a highly-efficient building which would perform well both as a piece of civic infrastructure and as a modern, flexible office environment that is attractive to future occupiers'.

More than £32million of capital funding for the project – whose costs over a 35-year period are slated to be £38.5million – was approved as part of Northumberland County Council's budget and medium-term financial plan in February.

The principle of the move to Ashington and the capital expenditure allocated to it in straitened times have been the source of ongoing criticism, particularly from the opposition Conservative councillors, who describe the scheme as a '£40million white elephant'.

The council's Labour administration has constantly underlined that it is an invest-to-save project which will save the authority money in the long run, while forming part of a wider strategy to decentralise services, returning them to market towns.

However, the planning application for the building seemed to be less controversial, sparking just one objection from residents – which related to the replacement of the bus station, part of a wider infrastructure plan – and none from statutory consultees on issues such as highways, public protection, drainage and flooding.

Morpeth Town WI

Morpeth Town WI welcomed the Northumbria Blood Bikes to its monthly meeting in February.

Peter Robertson, Chairman, explained that Northumbria Blood Bikes is a charitable organisation established by local volunteers, and everyone donates their time and expertise free of charge.

Blood bikes, with their distinctive livery, emergency lights, and advanced motorcyclists, deliver urgent items such as blood, fluid samples, patient records and medication, free to the NHS at evenings and weekends, 365 days of the year.

They operate between hospitals and healthcare sites and laboratories in the North East of England.

The blood bikes also have 4x4 motor vehicles, which they also use on a regular basis.

The service means that money that hospitals would have spent on couriers and taxis can now be re-invested in patient care.

The group is always looking to increase the number of volunteers to help with administration, shift co-ordination, fund-raising, driving and riding the blood bikes.

Morpeth Town WI President Sarah Scarlet said: “It was a very interesting and informative evening and it gave us much more of an insight into the very important work the Blood Bikes does, even more so as volunteers give up their spare time and work unsociable hours.

“Our members thoroughly enjoyed it and appreciated very much that they were able to come to our meeting, give us a talk and bring along one of their bikes.

“We were very pleased to be able to give a donation of £100 towards such a worthwhile and potentially life-saving cause.”

The Morpeth Town WI group meets on the second Monday of the month at the Waterford Lodge, Morpeth, at 7.30pm.

It has an interesting and varied programme of talks, activities and social outings. WI members can also attend regional activities and events, which are wide-ranging to suit all tastes, age groups and interests, including craft classes, cookery demonstrations, competitions and social activities, such as trips within the region and beyond.

Membership has been growing locally and nationally with a renewed interest in joining the WI. If anyone is interested in finding out more about the WI, and wants to make new friends, learn new skills and be part of the local community, they are welcome to attend any of the group’s meetings.

The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) is the largest voluntary organisation for women in the UK, with more than 212,000 members in more than 6,500 branches.

Each WI is a charity, governed by the Constitution and Rules for WIs, and every WI officer is a charity trustee. This means there are some legal requirements, but guidance and support is always available from the federation and the NFWI.

The WI is based on the ideals of fellowship, truth, tolerance and justice. With its original roots in rural and agricultural communities, it now embraces the interests of women in both rural and urban communities. All women who are interested in the values and purposes of the WI may join, no matter what their views on religion or politics.

Northumbrian Water Group’s Managing Director, Lucy Darch, is to head up its new non-household retail business, called Wave.

She said: “I am very excited about being able to start up and develop a new business. I am determined to grow the new retail business and view us as a very strong contender.”

Northumbria Police has warned internet users to be on their guard against 'sextortion' after a spate of recent incidents.

In recent months, police have received reports of adults beingn lured into performing intimate acts in front of a webcam or sharing videos or images with people they have met online in chat rooms.

The recipient then threatens to blackmail the victim saying they will distribute the footage on social media sites and share with the victim's family and friends unless a substantial amount of money is paid.

Officers want to remind people to be on their guard and beware who they share content with online to avoid being lured into a compromising situation and exploited.

Detective Inspector Paul Stewart said: "Our advice would be don't say or do anything online that you wouldn't ever do in public or want to be seen in public - once something is online it is in the public domain and even though it might subsequently be deleted, others may have copied and shared it across the internet, even if you think it is just between you and the recipient this is not always the case.

"Be wary of who you speak to in chat rooms, even if you think you know them if you can't see the person at the other end they may not be who you think they are and it could be a very different person sat at the other end of the computer than who you think.

"Most importantly don't get lured into compromising situations with complete strangers where you could potentially put yourself at risk of being exploited and blackmailed, you don't know them and cannot trust them.

"These sorts of offences can have a huge impact on victims and we understand some victims may feel embarrassed but they can be reassured that officers will carry enquiries with the absolute sensitivity and we would urge anyone who has been a victim to come forward and speak to us."

People can contact police on 101, extension 69191 or via the Northumbria Police website, www.northumbria.police.uk where more information on staying safe online can be found.

Reports of sexual abuse or exploitation of a child can be reported to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre at www.CEOP.gov.uk or www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk

Rock On singing star David Essex has announced what may be his final concert tour and he's coming to Sheffield City Hall on Sunday, November 6

He said today: "I'm looking forward to getting back on the road with my band for probably my final concert tour, I'll be missing you”

Tickets for his I'll Be Missing You dates - full dates below - go on sale on Friday, April 8, at 10am. For Sheffield City Hall visit www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
The 21 dates in November, his first major tour in over four years, will see him perform much loved hits spanning over his entire 50 year repertoire.

David first shot to fame when he went to an audition for the London production of the musical Godspell and was chosen by enthusiastic US producers for the role of Jesus.

He received major awards and some ecstatic reviews which saw him lead a cast at the Roundhouse and then at the West End for two years.

Since then he has enjoyed a remarkable career that has combined concerts, records, theatre, composing, films and television with striking success.

He has written, recorded and produced albums that have sold millions of copies worldwide.

He’s also had twenty-three top 30 singles in Britain alone, including the Grammy nominated Rock On - which not only topped the charts in Britain and the USA but sold over one million copies.

Subsequent singles followed such as Lamplight, Hold Me Close and Gonna Make You A Star which made David a household name. Mayhem ensued throughout the UK, with crowds for his concerts resembling Beatlemania and traffic stopping whenever he appeared.

David has continued to this day to produce and write albums including 2013’s Reflections and has contributed to stage and screen with the likes of Silver Dream Machine taken from Silver Dream Racer, in which he starred.

Acting credits also include That'll Be The Day, its sequel Stardust, Traveller, The Guvnors, Black Prince and more recently BBC TV's EastEnders as the head of the Moon family. Theatre credits include outstanding performances in Evita, Boogie Nights 2, Footloose, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Aspects Of Love, plus his own musicals Mutiny! and All The Fun Of The Fair.

David is currently appearing at London’s Dominion Theatre in the stage version The War Of The Worlds as The Voice Of Humanity until April 30. This is the first time since he recorded on the original double album in 1978 that he has appeared with the production.

He has also written a bestselling poetry book, Travelling Tinker Man & Other Rhymes, plus two successful autobiographies, A Charmed Life and Over The Moon, the latter a number one Sunday Times Bestseller.

David is the only artiste in the world to have achieved success in all areas of entertainment and this new tour will celebrate just that. David is a unique talent who continues to break boundaries and has a success story that goes on and on and on.

For David Essex updates visit @DavidEssexNews and his official site at www.davidessex.com
For tickets - from10am on Friday, April 8 - visit www.gigsandtours.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk
DAVID ESSEX I'LL BE MISSING YOU 2016 UK TOUR DATES

Wed 02 Nov 16 Manchester Bridgewater Hall

Thu 03 Nov 16 Cardiff St David’s Hall

Sat 05 Nov 16 Nottingham Royal Concert Hall

Sun 06 Nov 16 Sheffield City Hall
Mon 07 Nov 16 Southampton Mayflower Theatre

Tue 08 Nov 16 Birmingham Symphony Hall

Thu 10 Nov 16 Leicester De Montfort Hall

Fri 11 Nov 16 Newcastle Theatre Royal

Sat 12 Nov 16 Hull City Hall

Sun 13 Nov 16 Glasgow Kings Theatre

Tue 15 Nov 16 Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Wed 16 Nov 16 Ipswich Regent

Thu 17 Nov 16 Southend Cliff Pavilion

Fri 18 Nov 16 Bournemouth International Centre

Sun 20 Nov 16 London Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Mon 21 Nov 16 Bristol Colston Hall

Tue 22 Nov 16 Oxford New Theatre

Thu 24 Nov 16 Stoke Regent Theatre

Fri 25 Nov 16 Harrogate International Centre

Sat 26 Nov 16 Blackpool Opera House

Sun 27 Nov 16 Wolverhampton Civic Hall

Acklington

March 29

North East Livestock Sales sold 102 store cattle and calves also seven ewes with lambs at their Acklington Mart sale.

Mostly commercial cattle forward, being a touch easier but quality types shown a very good trade.

Calves

Limousin steers 980, 900 Norwoods, Angus steers 720, 620 Rayheugh, Charolais heifers 990, 970, 895 Howick Seahouses, Limousin heifers 950, 795 Thornham Hill, 850, 810 Hazon House, Short Horn heifers 780 Rayheugh, Angus heifers 770, 710 Hazon House, 600 Rayheugh.

Cattle

Limousin steers 1100 Waterside House, Simmental steers 1040 Waterside House, 845 Brinkburn Hope, Angus steers 910 Brinkburn Hope, 890 White House Folly, Saler steers 885 White House Folly, Friesian steers 745, 650 White House Folly.

Sheep

Ewes and singles 92 Longhirst.

March 31

North East Livestock Sales sold 77 prime cattle including 12 cows and 936 sheep comprising 532 hoggs and 404 cast ewes.

Ewes

Trade still holding to a marvellous overall average of £87.

Texels 140, 139, 137 Low Hall, 140 Berryhill, 138 Embleton Steads, 131 Coatyards, 129 Middle Duddo, Suffolks 125, 124, 123 Low Hall, 120 Broom Hall, 114 South Ryal, Coatyards, 113 Shadfen, Beltex 122 Loanend, 118 Bellion, 117 Longlea, 115 Pasture House, Chev/Mule 105, 90 Routin Lynn, Mules 90 Middle Duddo, South Lodge, Pasture House, Black Face 86, 75 Angerton Broom House, 79, 74 Birchwood, 71 Routin Lynn, Llyns 94, 85 Thistleyhaugh, Easy Care 86, 75 Embleton Steads, Romney 79 Thompsons Walls.

Hoggs: Flesh and quality dearer.

Texel 112, 104 Howick Scar, 112, 105, 103.50, 102 Riplington, 110, 108, 105 St Margarets, 106, 103, 102 Earsdon East, Suffolk 112 Berryhill, 104, 103 The Peels, 103 South Lodge, 102 South Side, Charolais 100 South Bradford, 100 Earsdon East.

Texel 216p Embleton Steads, 213p Howick Scar, 207p White Hall, Cheviots 207p Doxford, 207p, 205p, 200p Hemscott Hill, Suffolks 206p Redsteads, 202p Doxford, Berryhill, Easy Care 205p, 200p Embleton Steads, Char x 205p South Bradford, 200p Pasture House.

Cattle

Lim hfrs 221.5p, 217.5p, 213.5p Low Hall, 215.5p, 209.5p Elyhaugh, 212.5p, 209.5p Blagdon Burn, Angus hfrs 209.5p Chibburn, Lim strs 214.5p Chibburn, 206.5p, 203.5p Whitemire, 201.5p Stamford. Lim strs 1408, 1395, 1386 Chibburn, 1372, 1303 South Acton, 1314 Blagdon Burn, 1303 Stamford, Sim x strs 1314, 1310, 1306 Chibburn, Char x strs 1300 Whitemire.

Cows: Angus cow 1000 (128.5p) Hazon House, 994 (133.5p) Chibburn, Short Horn 840, 830 (112.5p, 109.5p) Newham Hagg.