South Tynedale Tour, Allendale Show and the Allen Valley Angling and Conservation Project

The Allen Valley Angling and Conservation Team

A wonderful day in South Tynedale, full of big clear skies, sunshine and lots of great people. Started off bright and early in Catton and then went to Allendale. Did a tour of all the shops and delivered my Annual Report all over town before having a cup of coffee in the amazing arts centre, The Forge, which Amanda and her team have set up up as a community interest company.
Then went on to the show which was great: full of local people coming together and working hard, both to put on the show itself and also trying to win prizes. I had good chats with the Lions Club, the Army, several of the energy companies who had trade stands, several of the Arts stands and generally caught up with many locals. As usual the dancing sheep were a big draw, whilst on the negative side one poor lad broke his ankle in the wrestling.
I was lucky enough to meet the prizewinners as the shows organisers asked me to hand out the trophies.
One final plug: the big prize for enterprise and Big Society must go to the lads at Allen Valley Angling and Conservation - check out their amazing web site on
http://www.allenvalleyanglers.co.uk/
Paul Frear and his team are doing a great job in revitalising the Allen River between Allendale and Allenheads. Not only are they doing a great job of conservation and environemental protection but they are also giving young [under 12s fish for free] and old the chance to fish for sea trout and salmon. I will definitely be there next season - a day pass costs only £14 - and thats a bargain to have a chance to catch a salmon.

Allendale Show and Ponteland Dinner

At the Allendale Show

Busy day in Haltwhistle, Allendale and Ponteland:
- early start coffee morning and get together in Haltwhistle, courtesy of Isobel James who threw open her house to her friends and neighbours.
- then on to the Allendale Show, which suffered from regular downpours but was a great success; got waylaid in the farmers beer tent, which was little hardship.
- then to Ponteland for an amazing sit down dinner for 60 in Darras Hall, organised by Roma and her team. Delicious food, and lots of chat. As darkness fell we were reduced to candlelight. Gave a short speech on how we need to do more to inspire people to vote for us - and that Labour losing the election is not enough; people need to be enthused by us rather than just put off the government. Everyone on great form as Newcastle United had won 3-0!