What You Say#153
Thank you to those who saved my life
A very unusual thing happened to me four months ago. I was walking my dog as usual and apparently I fell off a cliff. I don’t remember anything about it until I woke up in the RVI hospital. Anne who found me called the rescue services. The rescue helicopter saved my life getting me quickly to hospital.
I can never thank them enough for what they did especially the helicopter. Anne who found me and her friend Julie are my guardian angels because they took my dog Candy and looked after her all those months and kept in touch. I would also like to thank the ladies in the coffee pod who organised the things I needed in hospital. I have met so many kind people who went out of their way to help me and I will be eternally grateful. The update is I had a blackout caused by my heart.
That is how I fell. I now have a pacemaker and back home with my dog.
Betty Robson, Amble
Only scrubland?
Further to the excellent article in The Ambler issue 152 written by Hugh Tindle entitled “Wildlife Wipeout”, could we draw your attention to the proposed fate of the many established trees and large shrubs growing on Braid Hill which are destined for removal by Northumberland Estates to build yet more flats and houses?
At the planning committee which approved this travesty on 24 October last year, the site was dismissively called “only scrubland”. Neither of the two Amble councillors was present at that meeting, and it was obvious that none of the other committee members had visited the site or even appeared to know where it was. The biased report submitted by the planning officer was simply accepted at face value.
Now that the trees and shrubs are in full leaf it is obvious that they must provide a wonderful habitat for birds and wildlife, habitat which is sorely lacking now that so many other green spaces have been obliterated in the pursuit of money.
No Decision Notice has yet been issued, due to procrastination over who has responsibility for maintaining the Gut culvert. Let’s hope that our newly elected councillors will be more proactive when other sites come up for development around Amble.
In the meantime, go and look at Braid Hill – is that really “only scrubland” ?
J & L Hayes, via email
Update: NCC have now issued a Decision Notice fully permitting development.
A thank you to outgoing councillors
I wanted to say a word of thanks to our outgoing Councillors. This local election has seen many changes with the departure of Terry Clark and Jeff Watson from the County Council and the retirement of Craig Weir, Helen Lewis and Kate Morrison from Amble Town Council.
Each of them worked hard for our town. During my own term as a Councillor, I worked with all of them, across politics and whatever differences we might have had.
Terry, like me, is a proud Labour man, but he also cares passionately about our community, responding to individual concerns and supporting local projects. Being a Councillor can be tough and the job seems thankless at times.
Some elections involve results that have little to do with the merits or otherwise of individual candidates and much more to do with feelings about national politics.
I know how many sacrifices are involved and the pressures that can bring – especially in the era of the keyboard warrior. Somehow “thank you” seems inadequate, but it is heartfelt.
Robert Arckless, via email
25 years of service to the community
As the political scene in Warkworth and Amble changes direction many people will be wondering what will happen next. For myself, as the wife of Jeff Watson, it will make a huge difference. I have shared a part of my life with you all for 25 years as Jeff’s priorities (no matter what your political creed) always took centre stage to enable him to make a difference to your lives. I am extremely proud of what he has achieved, as are many others who have kindly expressed their gratitude to him. It has been much appreciated.
Jeff Watson
As we move on with our lives perhaps, those of you who have recently moved here, having recognised the town’s attractions, might observe some of the things he was involved in such as; the Harbour Regeneration Project, including the Shopping Pods and Lobster Hatchery, bringing Morrisons to Amble, chief negotiator for the new car park behind Tesco, the new SEND school and JCS building and lots of infrastructure projects where he has donated money to support worthy causes over the years. His many roles include:
District Councillor for Warkworth and Amble for the previous Alnwick District Council
Chair for Warkworth Parish Council, member of Amble Town Council and Acklington Parish Councils
Trustee of Amble Drop In Centre for teenage children. (Their Mini Bus Driver for trips to Beamish)
Rotary Club Member
Amble Development Trust, County Council Representative
British Legion Chair Warkworth & Amble District
Northumberland Mayor 2021
Northumberland’s Armed Forces Champion representing the County at commemorations and events
Cabinet member responsible for upgrading all Northumberland’s Leisure Centres, Libraries, Archives and Culture.
Treasurer, Warkworth Harbour Commissioners
Amble and Warkworth have thrived under his stewardship. Big boots to fill for our new representatives. I hope that they will continue his work and provide the same level of commitment to the area going forward.
June Watson, via email
Acklington memorial unveiled
On the afternoon 10 May, I was honoured to represent my father at the unveiling of this memorial at HMP Northumberland.
The New Acklington Memorial
The memorial was erected by the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust. The short Service was attended by Representatives of the Trust. Squadron Leader Mike Roberts of RAF Boulmer. Dad served at R.A.F. Acklington 1939 in Uniform till 1947 then it closed in 1969.
A photo of Peter’s father when he was Officers Mess Caterer in the mid-1960s.
Peter Proctor Cannon, Amble
The Big Knit 2025
Thank you to everyone who spent time knitting these cute little hats. All together we have collected 1,137 and delivered them to Age UK in Ashington.
Hats delivered to Age UK by Co-op Funeralcare, Amble
Innocent smoothies will give 30p per hat to Age UK Northumberland, so that is a grand total of £341.10p. A big thank you to everyone who helped.
Co-op Funeralcare Amble
