Christmas Exhibition for the photo group

Dark Skies in Northumberland

Stars and Milky Way over the North Tyne Bellingham

Christmas Tree time

Helicopter lifting trees out of Kielder.

Autumn leaves

Photography Exhibition

North tyne photography group at the Heritage Centre Bellingham Northumberland.

Kielder Marathon

Britain’s most beautiful marathon returns for fifth year
 

Image attached: World champion Steve Cram launches the 2014 Kielder Marathon weekend, with Northumberland County Council's Head of Leisure, Bruce Ledger, cyclist Kate Charlton and runners Richard Parker (L) and Martyn Barnes (R).

Image attached: World champion Steve Cram launches the 2014 Kielder Marathon weekend. Pictured with Councillor Val Tyler, Northumberland County Council's Head of Leisure, Bruce Ledger, cyclist Kate Charlton and runner Richard Parker.


Former British Olympian and world record holder Steve Cram has unveiled plans today for the fifth Kielder marathon.

This year, Britain’s most beautiful marathon, will take place on Sunday October 5 2014, and will once again follow an off-road route around northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, Kielder Water in Northumberland.

Hugely successful and popular with outdoor adventure enthusiasts around the UK and further afield, Kielder marathon returns with new headline sponsors, Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council.

Popular athletics commentator and event director, Steve Cram, said: “I’m delighted that we’re back for a fifth time, maintaining our long running title as ‘Britain’s most beautiful marathon’.

“This year I’m pleased to welcome on board our new partners, Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council. We very much look forward to working with them to continue developing the Kielder Marathon weekend as a real destination event for all active people across the UK.

“The star of the show continues to be Kielder Water, a perfect stage for the most beautiful running and cycling event in the UK.”

Councillor Val Tyler, policy board member for community infrastructure and culture at Northumberland County Council, said: “I can’t think of a more beautiful or inspiring place than Kielder to walk, run or cycle as part of a day out or holiday with the family.

“Kielder Marathon is going from strength to strength each year and I am very proud that Northumberland County Council is supporting Active Northumberland to sponsor this year’s event. We want to encourage more people to get active and experience the brilliant outdoors offer we have on our doorstep.”

The marathon has become a firm favourite in the racing calendar thanks to its spectacular setting and unique course. At approximately 26 miles long it is the ideal venue for the ultimate running challenge. Event organisers are expecting up to 3,000 runners to take part in the gruelling event.

The event will start and finish at Northumbrian Water’s Leaplish Waterside Park and be part of a whole weekend of activities for all ages and abilities, including the Kielder 10K which takes place on Saturday October 4. The other events are Kielder Run Bike Run relay and the Kielder Junior Races for children.

Last year a record breaking number of entrants took part in the Run Bike Run, which saw more than 200 bikes in use at the transition stations!

Maxine Mayhew, Commercial Director at Northumbrian Water, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to host this hugely successful event year on year, and in such a spectacular rural environment.
“Held over two days, the events of the whole weekend can give a boost to the local economy and showcase all that the region has to offer.”

Marathon places will be allocated on a first come first served basis – there is no ballot this year. Cost of entry is £37. Runners who deferred their place last year will be contacted separately. To book a place log on to the event website atwww.kieldermarathon.com. For enquiries telephone 0845 155 0236 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm).

Last year’s winner was champion Ceri Rees, who retained his title from 2012 with a winning time of 2hr 43min 55sec. The first female to cross the finish line was Victoria Nealon from Warwickshire with a winning time of 3hr 22min 41 sec.

The Kielder Marathon team is delighted to be working with Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council.

Bruce Ledger, Head of Leisure Services, from Active Northumberland, said: “Active Northumberland is proud and delighted to sponsor the 5^th Kielder Marathon.  

“We are keen to support and encourage the success of this great event as we are passionate about inspiring local people to live healthier and physically active lives.”

Northumbrian Water is once again hosting the event in Kielder Water & Forest Park which will be jointly organised by DS Media & Events.

THE EVENTS

Kielder 10K on Saturday 4 October 2014
Early Eagle price – book before midnight 18 April: £20 for affiliated/ £22 unaffiliated runners
General Grouse Price – from 19 April onwards: £23 for affiliated/ £25 unaffiliated runners

Kielder Run-Bike-Run on Saturday 4 October 2014
For individuals or teams of three – the marathon route in three stages. First, an 11k run, second a 26km cycle ride and finally 5km sprint.
Early Eagle price – book before midnight 18 April: £50 for individuals/ £70 for teams
General Grouse Price – from 19 April onwards: £60 for individuals/ £80 for teams

Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon on Sunday 5 October 2014
Early Eagle price – book before midnight 18 April: £30 for affiliated/ £32 unaffiliated runners
General Grouse Price – from 19 April onwards: £35 for affiliated/ £37 unaffiliated runners

Kielder Junior Runs on Sunday 5 October 2014
£8 for all age groups
The Osprey (880m race for children aged seven to nine)
The Roman Mile (1.48km race for children aged ten to twelve)
The Centurion (2.5km race for children ages thirteen to fifteen)

Notes to editors

Kielder Water and Forest Park, which spans 250 square miles, is home to the largest forest in England and the largest man-made lake in northern Europe. It was awarded the number one tourism experience in England by Visit England 2013, and the most tranquil place in England by the Campaign to Protect Rural England. For more information see www.visitkielder.com.

George Clarke in Kielder

Architect George Clarke will quite literally lift the lid on his extraordinary tree house project in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, to the nation on Thursday December 12 2013.

Over the last eight weeks, TV viewers have watched the Sky Den’s progress on Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces with much anticipation.

In Thursday’s episode (December 12) at 8pm, Sunderland-born George will finally reveal the finished design of his accessible tree house, sited at Calvert Trust Kielder within the award-winning Kielder Water & Forest Park.

Created in collaboration with designer William Hardie, the Sky Den features a triangular pod with a spectacular opening roof, revealing the darkest night skies in the whole of England.

Budding astronomers will be able to lie back and revel in the star-studded skies of Kielder Water & Forest Park which, together with Northumberland National Park, has just been awarded Europe’s largest Gold Tier Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Skies Association.

George’s project has ‘shaped’ up well – made up of another two pods, guests will be able to choose from viewing the forest inside the unusual circular shelter, heated by a wood burning stove, to relaxing in the square room with its innovative furniture they can pull from the walls to put together themselves.

Speaking about the Sky Den, George said: “We’ve never designed anything like it before. Its part tree house, part art installation and can offer a unique experience on a unique site.”

Calvert Trust Kielder, where the Sky Den is located, is a charity which helps people with disabilities to achieve their potential through outdoor activities.

Peter Cockerill, Calvert Trust Chief Executive, said: “This innovative and accessible amazing space goes against the usual expectations of a tree house and realises our vision of people with disabilities sharing in life’s opportunities.”

For more information about the accommodation, call 01434 250 232 or email enquiries@calvert-kielder.com

Northumberland gains Dark sky status

A patch of Northumberland's night sky has become the largest area of protected sky in Europe.

Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water and Forest Park have been granted dark-sky status by The International Dark Skies Association.

The status means the night sky is protected and lighting controls are in place to prevent light pollution.

In honour of the award the area will be renamed Northumberland Dark Sky Park later on Monday.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-25260186

Bellingham Show 2013

Soon to be The Bellingham Show take a look and come on up.
www.bellinghamshow.co.uk

Super fast broadband

We need more support for super fast broad band in Bellingham please fill in the no obligation form.
www.inorthumberland.org.uk/pledge

Hareshaw Linn in winter

Leek Club Show

Today saturday 8th is the Leek clubs show held at the Town Hall. Congratulations to Ant Gray 1st for his 2 leeks.

Kielder News

Kielder Forest Shop at Kielder Castle is closing on Sunday 30th September. Many products are less than 50% price. Good selection of gifts for everyone, but these are now going quick.

Kielder Castle will then be going through a period of change over 2012 winter, Dukes Pantry will be moving into the former shop and expanding their offer so to confirm its just the Forest Shop which is shutting not the Castle..Pop in and find out more... Alex MacLennan

Bellingham Show

A little rain in the morning did not stop the show or people enjoying the 170th Show here in Bellingham.

Great weather tonight over the north tyne.

Bellingham Show this saturday.

170th Anniversary year
9am-5pm entry £6 adults / OAP £4 / Children £2 / Babes in arms Free.

Falstone Show

Falstone Border Shepherds Show.

Emma Gray with Alfie
More Pictures HERE

Great views over Bellingham this week.

Cycling Routes

Bellingham has some beautiful quiet cycling routes. The routes range from 12-23 miles and take in some stunning scenic views of Northumberland National Park.
Clik here to download the maps. Cycling maps

Falstone Show

Falston Show this weekend 18th Aug. www.falstoneshow.com

Sunrise over the A68 towards Bellingham

Blue skies.

Blue skies over bellingham long may it last.

Northumberland sunset

We are having some great weather here in the North Tyne Valley with stunning sunsets.

The road to Bellingham

Heavy rain over the past weeks has caused flooding in some places on our rural roads.

BAA Fest

Walsh & Pound at The BAA Fest. Bellingham's folk festival.

The road to Bellingham

Spring lambs and mole hills

Flying Scotsman Rally

The rally came through Bellingham on its way up to Otterburn this sunday.

over 100 pre war cars on a 1000 miles rally from RAF Duxford to St Andrews.

Lambs Jumping

Spring has arrived here in the North Tyne.

Sunrise over Bellingham this week.