Billy Bell- an outstanding local small business

After a considerable wait, I was finally able to present Billy Bell Fish, Game and Poultry in Haltwhistle with the Small Business of the Year Award for 2020.

The business was nominated, along with many other local small businesses, by local residents as part of Small Business Saturday, an annual campaign which aims to highlight the importance of small, independent businesses for our towns, villages and high streets. However, due to the severity of the pandemic last winter, the presentation of the award was unfortunately delayed.

It was therefore great to be able to meet Cameron Bell, who runs Billy Bell with his father Miles, to present him with this well-deserved award. Billy Bell is a really popular business on Haltwhistle Main Street, selling pies, fish and baked goods, and has really gone the extra mile throughout the pandemic, providing meals for vulnerable local residents.

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy in Tynedale and Ponteland and it is right to recognise the hard work they do for our local communities. Please do continue to shop local and support our local small businesses.

Congratulations to Miles, Cameron and their amazing team. 

The Queen's Hall is back and open to visitors!

Earlier this month the Queen's Hall reopened its doors to welcome back visitors ahead of a busy schedule of events and shows.

I visited the Queen's Hall earlier this year and met with Chief Executive Katy Taylor to discuss the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the venue, as well as to hear all about the refurbishments that were being carried out ahead of reopening. I know that the past year has been incredibly difficult for venues such as the Queen's Hall, and so I am delighted that, not only have the first events been able to take place, but that they have been such a great success. 

The recently announced autumn programme of events is packed full of a wide variety of events. From comedians such as Jason Manford and Chris Ramsay, music including Thank ABBA for the Music and a Candlelight Concert, and children's events including Stick Man, there is something for everyone!

It is fantastic to have the Queen's Hall open to visitors once again. I would encourage everyone to take a look at the upcoming programme of events and go along to support this brilliant venue.

https://www.queenshall.co.uk/whats-on

Cycle to Work Day

Thursday 5^thAugust is Cycle to Work Day, a day dedicated to encouraging commuters to leave their cars at home for the day and get on their bike instead.

There are so many advantages to cycling to work- it is cheaper than using a car, is great exercise and of course is much better for the environment.

You don’t have to be an expert to take part. Even if you have never cycled before, Cycle to Work Day is all about having a go.

Here in Northumberland we are so lucky to be surrounded by beautiful countryside and scenery. Whether you are an experienced cyclist or a complete beginner, I would encourage you to make the most of the weeks of summer and (hopefully) good weather ahead to get outside and try out one of the National Cycle Network’s, run by Sustrans, routes- 

https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/?location=null&routetype=null&distance=null

https://www.cycletoworkday.org