Surf spectacular
National championship at Druridge Bay

A Dog's life
We have the best dog beaches - it's official!

Affordable housing
Dreaming of your own house?

Deer Ambler
Spring surprise

Everybody's talking
Community forum promotes our interests

Hedging bets
Doing what comes naturally

Saving wildlife
Making a river change its mind

RNLI station shop
Spend money and save lives

Amble slimmers
Get thin and save lives

Editorial
Supermarket snags and what's in this "life saving" issue.

Have your say
Letters and email, including photos

Improving Queen Street
Grants can give you an uplift

National 'Elf
Dress up as an elf and save lives

Veggie basket scheme
Disadvantaged people help community

Neighbourhood watch
Keeping an eye on your neighbours

Coquet High School Partnership
Expected drop in pupil numbers

Women's house building project
The house that Jill built

Artograffi
Easter fun

David's Diary
News from Amble Development Trust

Town council report
News update from the Town Council

Confessions of an addict
Harry gives up the weed

Age Concern Northumberland
...need people who are concerned

Chinese freeze affects Welfare
Snow stops take-away

Child Trust Fund
Invest in your child's future

Penny
New year Resolutions

Amble Churches Together
Thoughts for New Year

County Councillors report
Future developments

A tale of two thefts
You have been warned

The Peer Mentors
Students help each other

Residents get the hump over bumps
Calming the traffic?

Dirty wellies in a wine bar
Rural romance

Small skinny latte
Toddlers make their own coffee shop

Poetry corner
Safe to shore

Paddlers Paradise
New look play area

Snippets...
Local food, recycling, school numbers, welfare update

What's On
Including live music, Easter services, volunteering at Warkworth Castle and more.

Greetings from Aglaia
Message from a tall ship

Ray King column
Kevin Keegan takes over. "We all eagerly await"

Town Council Report

The winds of change have certainly blown through the Town Council recently! With the death of Mr Lawson, we advertised for two part time Clerks but before we interviewed for those positions our Cemetery Superintendent resigned to become a trainee Funeral Director. In the three years he was with us he helped to improve the West Cemetery. Thank you Roy- we wish you well in your new career.

Our new Clerks, Mr Anthony Spiers and Ms Elaine Brown, joined us, Mr Tony Waugh is now the Cemetery Superintendent and soon a new Cemetery Groundsman will be in position.

Sadly too, the Council is changing with the resignations of Amble West Ward Councillors Oliver and Walshe due to new work commitments. By the time this is printed we will know whether an election has been requested and if not, we will co-opt at the December Town meeting. Hopefully we will then be able to get on with the normal business of the Council.

The Conservation area status for Amble is going through the legal publicity process; the Belonging/ Characteristic Community Boundaries consultation has ended and we await any changes. We all feel not enough time and information was given and many still do not understand the importance of making the best choice to secure Amble’s future. This could be a vital stage in the way in which the new Unitary Authority will work and affect our town’s sustainability.

The Town Trail project is moving on with some grant funding secured; unfortunately we were unsuccessful in obtaining funding for a more detailed book to accompany the trail. The launch is planned for Saturday April 19th 2008. Mark it in your new diary as we want the whole community involved.

Amble’s Digital Photography Group’s hard work helping with the photographs for the leaflet and boards is greatly appreciated. Their photographs are magnificent. We often do not realise the tremendous talent right on our own doorstep.

We have held meetings with Alnwick District Council regarding services in Amble and have made suggestions for the next financial year on grass cutting, tree pruning, planting beds, street litter collections and litter and dog bin emptying.

It was disappointing not to have the War Memorial Clock repaired for Remembrance Day but wonderful to see so many on such a bitterly cold, windy morning. It is very sad that a few irresponsible individuals are displaying so much anti- social behaviour and obscuring the good others do. The police urge us to report every incident as it is only by compiling these statistics that they can prove a case for more police in the area. You can remain completely anonymous if you wish. The police do have limited resources but they do need to know who condones underage drinking, who’s doing things they should not- they need our help to stamp out the root causes.

Anyone out there who would like occasional manual work? We would like a list of people we could call upon for assistance with Cemeteries work when one of our employees is absent. Contact the Clerk for details.

Thanks again to the Christmas Lights’ band of helpers for our beautiful display brightening the dark winter’s nights and heralding the fast approach of Christmas.

May you all keep in good health and spirits enjoying a festive break in the company of your loved ones. By your hard work and dedication, may your hopes and aspirations for 2008 be realised.

Helen Lewis, Chairman, Amble Town Council
tel: 01665 714695