Great Northumberland- there’s so much going on!

There is never any shortage of fantastic events in and around Northumberland, and now there is a place where you can find out about everything that is going on in our local area. The Great Northumberland website was set up by Northumberland County Council last year, and now event organisers can promote their event for free on the website. All you have to do is visit the website below and fill out a form giving all the information about your event.

Whether you are promoting an event or just want to find out what is going on near you, the Great Northumberland website is a great place to go to keep up to date with local events. The calendar for the next month alone is full of events to suit all interests, so make sure to have a look so you don’t miss out!

https://www.greatnorthumberland.co.uk/

The Hexham Book Festival gets underway

The next chapter of the Hexham Book Festival got underway this weekend, but with more than a week still to go of literary events now is the perfect time to look at this year's programme to find the events for you! Writers including Michael Rosen, Kate Humble, Prue Leith and Benjamin Zephaniah are still to speak at events as part of the Festival, along with many, many more writers from a huge range of genres.

Tickets for the events can be booked from the Queen's Hall Box Office by calling 01434 652477 or online at www.queenshall.co.uk. There is still time to book your tickets so make sure not to miss out!

https://www.queenshall.co.uk/sites/default/files/HBF%20-%20Programme%20%282019%29%20-%20DP.pdf

Get your child vaccinated!

Yesterday I read the story of baby Alba, who was became seriously ill with measles last year just weeks before she was due to be vaccinated. The BBC report highlighted what the NHS has described as a ‘growing public health time bomb’- the increasing number of people who are rejecting vaccines. UNICEF says that more than half a million children in the UK missed out on the MMR vaccine between 2010 and 2017, and there has been a 300% increase on measles cases worldwide compared to last year. Thankfully Alba is now over the worst of her illlness, but these frightening statistics really do highlight the importance of getting your child vaccinated as soon as they are able to receive the MMR vaccine- babies usually receive their first dose around their first birthday and the second at three to four years old. Measles is an extremely infectious illness that can lead to serious health consequences, including lung and brain infections. The vaccine really is so important- please find out more about how you can protect your child below:

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/health-48039524

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/