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Message RESIDENTS’ NEWSLETTERISSUE 8SUMMER 2024Northumberland LineD Day& Events HMSBlyth

2Former Mayorwww.blythtowncouncil.gov.ukSince being re-elected as Mayor in May 2023 I’ve attended many engagements representing Blyth Town Council and our town. It’s difficult to pick out the highlights but a few spring to mind. Alongside the Council events I attended many superb events at our local schools, in particular Croftway, Newsham Primary, Bede Academy and Blyth Academy and the creativity of our young people never ceases to inspire me. The Friends of Crofton Field, in partnership with Headway Arts delivered a ‘first’ for Blyth with an exhibition about the former Crofton Mill Pit, part of which included the development of a new pit banner bearing the words ‘Strength in Community.’ I had the honour of surprising local resident Betty Madderson on her 100th birthday, hearing her wonderful stories about her life in Blyth when she was young. Back in June 23 I met a Ukrainian family at one of our events in Ridley Park. They hadbeen evacuated from their home near Kharkiv, and were being housed by a family in Blyth. A year on I bumped into the family who told me that the two children were happy in Blyth schools, the Mam and Dad had both found work, and the family had moved into their own home. A wonderful, uplifting story of this family helped by the outstanding generosity of a Blyth couple. Whilst there seems to be a never ending cycle of roadworks and construction, I’m optimistic that during 2025 we’ll finally start to see light at the end of the tunnel. I recently met the operator the ‘Market Pavilion’ in our town centre, and I was impressed by the enthusiasm and ideas on how the centre would work for everyone in Blyth, alongside Blyth 2025.I’d like to wish our new Mayor, Cllr Aileen Barrass every success in her term of office and sign off by quoting my colleague, Cllr Anna Watson who summed up my thoughtsperfectly when she said…’There is always something going on in our little town that can make you smile, even in this weather!’ Best wishes Warren Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to Councillor Warren Taylor for his outstanding work over the 4 years he has been Mayor. He has set a high standard that will be difficult to match.Now, let me introduce myself. I am Councillor Aileen Barrass, the newly elected Mayor of Blyth Town. I was elected as Town Councillor for Cowpen Ward in 2021 and have been elected as Deputy Mayor and Deputy Chair of the Environment Committee in 2023. My primary interests include the conservation and improvement of our local natural open spaces, Blyth is fortunate to have several beautiful natural and man-made areas that I am committed to preserving. I am excited about the next 12 months as your Mayor and am eager to serve the community to the best of my abilities.Best wishes AileenIn June, our Town Clerk, Joseph Hughes will be leaving the Council.Starting his career in the 60’s, Joe trained and qualified as an accountant. His career, then took him to being appointed as Deputy Borough Treasurer of Blyth Borough Council in 1971, which then became Blyth Valley Borough Council in 1974. Due to a successful career throughout this time, he was promoted to Borough Treasurer, retiring in 2002. After Blyth Town Council was formed in 2009 due to local government reorganisation, Joe was appointed as Town Clerk in 2016. His lengthy career and experience in local government has been invaluable to the town. We would like to thank Joe for all of his efforts and dedication to the Town of Blyth throughout the years and wish him the best of luck.New Mayor – Elected 9 May 2024Bidding Farewell

3Axwell Drive www.blythtowncouncil.gov.ukBlyth Town Council is pleased to announce that during an Environment Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 23 2024, the approval was given for a new play area to be built at Axwell Drive.This new play area will provide excellent facilities for children living in the area and will be a great asset to the local community.The old play area will be removed and the new equipment being installed is shown in the image, providing a range of activities forchildren including accessible items. There will also be an additional accessible swing (not shown in the image)The works are expected to begin in September 2024, with the completion date of the play area in late October 2024.For further information regarding the play parks provided and maintained by the Town Council, please visitwww.blythtowncouncil.gov.uk/playareasPlans for the construction of a new skate park at Ogle Drive are currentlyunderway. The members of the Environment Committee have agreed to build a state-of-the-art facility at its new location to cater to the needs of the Blyth community. To ensure that the project is executed smoothly, the Town Council is working with Silx, a Blyth based community youth organsiation and Shred the North, an organisation that actively promotes and facilitates skateboard activities in the North East of England.The previous skate park area will be cleared of equipment, and the ground will betransformed into an open space for children's play activities. The area will beappropriately marked out, including activities like hopscotch, to provide for adiverse range of recreational activities.For more information about the plans for the skate park please visit www.blythtowncouncil.gov.ukDuring December 2023 and February 2024, we asked for your feedback on areas and buildings to identify for protection through the Blyth Neighbourhood Plan. These included 31 sites that were proposed as local green spaces, 6 sites that were proposed as protected open spaces and 62 heritage assets.Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback. There was strong support for the identification of the green spaces, particularly Ridley Park, Newsham Pond and Meggies Burn. The Beach Bandstand, Boer War Memorial, Blyth Harbour Defence Post and the Library on Bridge Street were highlighted as being particularly important parts of our heritage. The feedback provided will help strengthen the reasons for the designation of these important assets.The draft consultation documents are still available to view on our website, there is also a more detailed update on the feedback from the consultation www.blythtowncouncil.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplan There will be another opportunity to input to the preparation of our neighbourhood plan later this year.Ogle Drive Skate ParkBlyth Neighbourhood Plan

4Blyth Town Carnivalwww.blythtowncouncil.gov.ukBlyth Town Carnival has awarded its annual carnival to be managed for the next three years by Blyth-based charity, Leading Link. With a wealth of experience in event coordination and a track record of consistent growth, Leading Link is well-positioned to develop and expand the carnival to new heights.Working closely with Blyth Town Council, Leading Link aims to strengthen its collaboration, combining forces, contacts, and expertise to enhance the overall experience of the carnival. The organisation’s community links with businesses, schools, community groups, residents’ associations, and their growing team of Young Leaders are crucial elements in ensuring the successful delivery and operation of the event.To rejuvenate the carnival experience, Leading Link proposes a new location due to major regeneration works in the town. This change not only brings forth fresh logistical challenges but also provides an opportunity to create a more engaging and expansive carnival. The introduction of themed zones, such as ‘food,’ ‘creative,’ ‘be active,’ and ‘challenge,’ will offer a diverse range of activities, providing something for everyone.With a plan to transform the carnival into a small ‘festival village,’ where the community can actively participate and enjoy various performances and activities.The theme for this year’s carnival is ‘The Pirates Takeover,’ featuring school children dressed as mini pirates, a parade with a 30-foot drivable pirate ship, and a lively atmosphere filled with smoke, chanting, and laughter.Despite ongoing works in the Market Square, they are committed to ensuring the continuity of the event to benefit both the residents of the town and thebusiness community.For more information, you can visit the Blyth Town Carnival Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BlythTownCarnivalBlyth Town Council has taken ownership of a new electric vehicle that will be used to help maintain the town's assets, such as play areas, bus shelters, and allotments. The van was procured through Northumberland County Council and will contribute in the aim of reducing carbon emissions in the town. Over the years, the Town Council has supported various environmental initiatives, including voluntary litter-picking activities, tree planting schemes, and gardening competitions to encourage the growth and development of gardens. The council has also worked with several community-based groups who has the same aims and values.“Everyone can contribute to reducing carbon emissions, no matter how small the changes are. Blyth Town Council is proud to be playing its part in these changes.” Kath Nisbett, Chair of Environment Committee. In the photograph: Kath Nisbett MBE, Chair of the Environment Committee, General Services Officer, David Clough (right), and Assistant General Services Officer Jason Russell (centre).Electric Van

5HMS Blyth www.blythtowncouncil.gov.ukHMS Blyth ship’s bell, battle honours board, and nameplate were handed over to Blyth Town Council (until a future HMS Blyth enters service) at a ceremony on Thursday, March 14, held at Bede Academy.Commodore Tom Knowles, Naval Regional Commander for northern England and the Isle of Man attended the event to hand over to Councillor Warren Taylor, Mayor of Blyth. The ship’s nameplate will be looked after by the 203 Elswick Battery while the board and bell will reside with the Town Council until a public display location is decided upon. During the evening there were performances by the Royal Marines Corps of Drums, Blyth Tall Ship Sea Shanty Singers, and musicians from Bede Academy. The evening was hosted by Bede Academy Blyth, who have their own cadets within the school with 3 cadets being promoted on the evening by Commodore KnowlesThe Blyth Town Council website features a Community Directory section where any community or charity-based organisation can add their details for free to promote what they do. Groups can also include social media links and logos to raise awareness of their brand and to help reach a wider audience. Residents can then use the directory as a search tool to find activities and groups that are of interest to them and find out more about joining in. For more information and to list your group, please visit www.blythtowncouncil.gov.ukWe have a history of shipbuilding in the town, having two submarine bases in World War One and World War Two. HMS Blyth last visited the town back in 2021 and it was visited by lots of people from the local community and beyond showing how much interest there is.The Navy also has long-standing links to Blyth, which includes the UK’s first aircraft carrier, HMS Ark Royal, and several more vessels being built there. The first HMS Blyth was a Bangor-class minesweeper launched in 1940.The Blyth Community and Voluntary Directory

6D Day www.blythtowncouncil.gov.ukOn Saturday 1 June, a commemorative event was held at Blyth Quayside to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The entire quayside was filled with activities, entertainment, community groups, and much more. It was a chance for the public to explore the Quayside and discover hidden gems that sometimes go unnoticed. The old Harbour Commission office building was open, and hundreds of people explored this historic building frozen in time. The RNLI had two impressive demonstrations on the water, thrilling the crowds with their skills, and the Williams II was open for the public to board. At noon, a moving parade of sail took place from Blyth Marina along the River Blyth, with each boat carrying a veteran from Blyth Submariners Association and The Royal Naval Association, Tyne Branch.There was various music to enjoy from the Baker Street Belles, Graeme Danby, Alice Johnston, Community Voices, Tall Ships Shanty Singers and an impressive solo set from 17-year-old William Robinson from Bede Academy. Blyth Valley Samba band gave everyone a chance to beat the drums and have a go at Samba Drumming, while the Blyth Battery Volunteers came out in force with Jeeps, vintage cars, and full military dress. Over 25 community groups were at the event showcasing the ways to get involved and join in providing opportunity to see what they get up to. If you would like more information about these groups, please visit the community directory on our website.

7Blyth in Bloom 2024www.blythtowncouncil.gov.ukBlyth in Bloom is a popular event that takes place annually,providing an opportunity for both novice and experiencedgardeners to showcase their skills and creativity. Whetheryou have a passion for plants or simply enjoy spendingtime outdoors, Blyth in Bloom is the perfect platform todisplay your gardening skills. If you're interested in participating, the closing date forentries is Friday, 5 July 2024. You'll find the application form onour website at www.blythtowncouncil.gov.uk/blyth-in-bloom. Additionally, if you know someone who deserves recognitionfor their gardening efforts, you can also use the same form to nominate them. Judging will take place w/c 22 July 2024 Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to share yourlove of gardening with the community and potentially wina prize for your efforts!The Town Council has an annual budget for Community Funding to support groups and organisations in the Town and to help them deliver activities and projects that benefit Blyth and its residents. The funding is split into two areas: Community Support Grants applied for the Council and Councillors’ Small Schemes Funding (each Councillor is allocated £1,000) and can be used at their discretion. The Community Funding Sub-Committee meets four times a year to consider applications for Community Support Grants. To apply for a Community Support Grant please visit our website or for councillor support please contact your local Councillor directly. (See back page for details)Community GrantsDate of MeetingTuesday 11 June 2024Tuesday 10 September 2024Tuesday 12 November 2024Tuesday 11 February 2025 Closing Date for ApplicationsTuesday 21 May 2024Tuesday 20 August 2024Tuesday 22 October 2024Tuesday 21 January 2025

8Blyth Food Bankwww.blythtowncouncil.gov.ukFinancial support will be given to help the charity toprovide essential support to people in need. £5000 hasbeen given to Blyth Food Bank to help provide services forthose who need it. To receive a food parcel residents need to be referred,which can be made by Northumberland CommunitiesTogether, Citizens Advice, schools, Blyth Job Centre, andother relevant agencies. Further information can be foundon the Blyth Foodbank Facebook page.People interested in supporting or volunteering at thefood bank can visit its Seaforth Street base any weekdaybetween 10am and 11am.The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is commemorating its 200th Anniversary this year, and the Blyth community has been participating in various events to celebrate this momentous occasion. The celebrations began with a Quiz night, followed by coffee mornings hosted by the Ladies Guild, and a delightful Song and a Scone event. To mark the festive season, the RNLI and Ashington Colliery Band held a Carol Service. The volunteer crew had the privilege of attending special services at Westminster Abbey and York Minster. Moreover, local schools were invited to participate in a Bi-Centenary poster design competition, which was the most recent event. Theywere also thrilled to be able to join in the commemorative event at the Quayside to recognise the 80th Anniversary of D Day. There are still some exciting events lined up including a virtual row event on Saturday 15 June at Blyth Live.To find out more about what they are up to and how to join them please visit their website www.rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/blyth-lifeboat-station or Facebook page www.facebook.com/blythlifeboat.RNLI 200th Anniversary

Northumberland Line Updatewww.blythtowncouncil.gov.uk9We’re getting closer to the opening of the Northumberland Line, as passenger services will return this Summer with trains running from Newsham to Newcastle and Ashington.When the passenger service starts, Northern Trains will be running two trains per hour on Monday to Saturday daytimes, with an hourly service on evenings and Sundays. Trains will run from Ashington to Newcastle Central Station with calls at Newsham, Seaton Delaval and Manors (hourly). Trains will call at Bedlington, Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park when construction work is completed.The line will have integrated fares with the Tyne & Wear Metro for customers using the Pop smartcard. Newsham will be in Zone C and that will give a single fare price of £3.40 by rail to Newcastle or anywhere on the Metro network. A day ticket for the same range of travel will be priced at £5, which is great value for money. Young people will also benefit from using the Pop Blue card as that will see a single fare of only £1 for anyone under 21 from Newsham to any station on the Northumberland Line or Tyne & Wear Metro. As well as the integrated fares with Metro, rail only fares will be available for peak and off-peak travel and these will also have the opportunity for discounts for railcard holders.More information on getting a Pop card or a Railcard can be found on these links:-https://www.nexus.org.uk/ticket-information/pophttps://www.nationalrail.co.uk/railcards/Work is progressing well with the station and bridge construction at Newsham and news will be shared soon on when the bridge will be opening.For more information, visit the Northumberland Line website at www.northumberlandline.uk or email rail@northumberland.gov.uk if you have any questions on the project.Ambitious plans to keep Blyth at the forefront of technology development in offshore wind have been given the green light, with ORE Catapult announcing news of an £85.6m investment from the UK Government to expand and upgrade its testing facilities at the National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth. The facilities have been designed to test blades up to 150m in length and drive trains up to 23 mega watts, which combined with ORE Catapult’s extensive expertise, will ensure that turbine manufacturers can accelerate their technology development in the UK with reduced risk and enhanced reliability for a new wave of larger, more efficient turbines. They will also support the growth of the UK wind industry and will generate inward investment and jobs for Blyth.Designs are well advanced with a view to commencing construction in the near future with both of the new facilities expected to be fully commissioned by 2028.ORE Catapult announces huge investment in brand new wind turbine testing assets in Blyth

10Energy Central Campuswww.blythtowncouncil.gov.ukWe have an exciting opportunity for a caterer to be based at the Energy Central Learning Hub. Your role would involve catering for staff and students during lunchtime on weekdays, excluding bank holidays. The dining area on the first floor will have basic facilities for food preparation, and the chosen contractor must supply any additional equipment needed. The menu should offer a variety of high-quality, healthy options to cater to all customers, taking into account both the content and affordability. Previous experience in catering services is required, along with a commitment to hygiene and cleanliness standards.Head over to www.energycentralcampus.co.uk to find out more! CREATING THE CLEAN ENERGY WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURECity & Guilds Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing EngineeringEmbark on a transformative journey with Northumberland Skills, tailored to propel your career in the dynamic elds of renewables, oshore energy and engineering. This study programme not only equips you with cutting-edge skills, it also unlocks doors to coveted opportunities with top employers and exciting apprenticeship training programmes.T-Levels in EngineeringReady to take your future to the next level? Gain invaluable skills, knowledge and industry experience with a T-Level in Engineering at Bede Academy. With courses developed in collaboration with digital employers, professional bodies, universities, and businesses, the content meets the needs of the industry and will prepare learners for the workplace.Accredited Training CoursesTraining division of the Port of Blyth, Port Training Services, oers delegates the chance to learn in safe, real-world environments, with both indoor warehouse and outdoor environments recreated. FEEDING THE CLEAN ENERGY WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME Energy Central Campus (ECC) is a unique partnershipbetween the Port of Blyth, Northumberland County Counciland the Oshore Renewable Energy Catapult, with a missionto create the pipeline of talent required for the expandingclean energy sector.Phase 1 of Energy Central Campus, the Energy CentralLearning Hub, is a new STEM education and vocationaltraining facility due to open in September 2024, developingenergy sector skills and aspirations among young people atschool and college, and adults re-training for new roles. Study with us!Facilities will include specialist electrical & mechanical workshops, classrooms, major regional STEM hub (STEM@EnergyCentral), digital skills training facilities, conferencing & events space for up to 250 people and an immersive Clean Energy Visitor Centre. The Visitor Centre is designed to celebrate the importance of the clean energy sector in the Northeast of England and in particular, around the Blyth Estuary, explain the importance of and innovation in, the clean energy sector and the science behind it, and highlight the signicant careers and skills development opportunities within the clean energy sector.

11Northumbria Connectedwww.blythtowncouncil.gov.ukInforming you and your communityWhat is Northumbria Connected?• Northumbria Connected is an easy way for you to send and receive messages from Northumbria Police• You decide on the updates you want to receive• A way for us to better understand your concerns directlyWhy join?• Northumbria Connected allows you to share your priorities, concerns and views with us directly• You will receive information that you want to receive from us on those matters that affect you and your communities most• Northumbria Connected makes Northumbria Police more accessible to you• Northumbria Connected allows you to share your feedback with Northumbria Police on how you think we have tackled the problem• Northumbria Connected allows you to create groups with other people in your area with the same interestsFixMyStreet is a map-based website and app that helps people in Northumberland inform their local authority of problems needing their attention, such as potholes, brokenstreetlamps, etc.Visit https://fix.northumberland.gov.uk or download the FixMyStreet app.How to report a problem1 Enter a Northumberland postcode or street name and area2 Locate the problem on a map of the area3 Enter details of the problem4 Confirm the report and Northumberland County Council will investigateWe're here to keep you safe and well. If you or anyone in your family identifies with any ofthe issues listed below and needs a bit of extra support please get in touch and phone theNorthumberland Communities Together Response Hub on01670 620015 9 am - 6 pm, 7 days a week or email NCT@northumberland.gov.uk.• Perhaps your financial circumstances have changed with reduced hours, redundancy or benefit.• Worried about winter bills or financial pressures, we are working with Citizens Advice Northumberland to connect and support families. • Feeling lonely, overwhelmed or struggling with mental health.If you would like to donate to Blyth Foodbank they are open Monday – Friday 10am - 11 am at 1 Seaforth Street, BlythFor more information on food parcels please contact Northumberland Communities Together or visit blythfoodbank.uk/contactWhat is Northumberland Communities Together?Fix My Street

By Post:Arms Evertyne HouseQuay RoadBlythNorthumberlandNE24 2ASEmail:info@blythtowncouncil.gov.ukTelephone:(01670) 361668Aileen BarrassCowpen07401 575675aileen.barrass@blythcouncillor.org.ukDaniel James CarrSouth Blyth07598 823256daniel.carr@blythcouncillor.org.ukAdrian CartieWensleydale07899 832434adrian.cartie@blythcouncillor.org.ukGrant DaveyKitty Brewster01670 369725grant.davey@blythcouncillor.org.ukKath NisbetCroft07762 743579kath.nisbet@blythcouncillor.org.ukJohn PottsIsabella01670 353790john.potts@blythcouncillor.org.ukJeff ReidPlessey01670 544113jeff.reid@blythcouncillor.org.ukMargaret RichardsonCroft07874 650818margaret.richardson@blythcouncillor.org.uk12You can contact the Town Council office by post, telephone or email.OfficeCouncillor Contact Detailswww.blythtowncouncil.gov.ukDesigned and published in partnership by Blyth Town Council and WidescopeMartin RobsonNewsham07496 677543martin.robson@blythcouncillor.org.ukSandra StangerPlessey07877 305541sandra.stanger@blythcouncillor.org.ukWarren TaylorWensleydale07581 099506warren.taylor@blythcouncillor.org.ukAnna WatsonIsabella07890 046540anna.watson@blythcouncillor.org.ukSusan DaveyKitty Brewster01670 369725susan.davey@blythcouncillor.org.ukBrian ErskineCowpen07393 605262brian.erskine@blythcouncillor.org.ukClifford HumphreyNewsham07890 062881cliff.humphrey@blythcouncillor.org.ukCaitlin Elizabeth JonesSouth Blyth07875 190761caitlin.jones@blythcouncillor.org.ukOpening Times:Monday - Thursday: 9am to 5pmFriday: 9am to 4.30pmWards Map