Stephen Waddington Archives : Northumberland communities

Local businesses use social media to put Rothbury on the map

Posted by Stephen Waddington on Mar 31, 11 01:05 PM in Bloggers

A group of pioneering businesses in Rothbury are using a social network called Twitter to promote their reputation and attract new customers.

The Coquetvale Hotel, Crown Studio Gallery, Harleys Tea Room, Lazy Grace, Linhope House, Priory Cottage, Potted History, Rothbury Family Butchers, Shepherd Walks and Tomlinson's Cafe & Bunkhouse, among others, have all created free profiles on the social networking site.

Twitter enables individuals and business to build a profile page and communicate with other Twitter users using short messages via either a computer or mobile phone.

More than 190 million people use Twitter worldwide. Users subscribe to messages from other individuals or business that they want to follow.

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First school creates inspirational natural garden for future generations of learning

Posted by Stephen Waddington on Sep 6, 10 04:53 PM in Schools

Harbottle Church of England Voluntary Aided First School has completed the initial development of a natural garden that is set to become an important learning environment for future generations of local school children. The project has been funded with the support of an ISIS Arts grant.

The garden, which has taken two-years to develop was planned by children and teachers involved in the schools' eco-school committee and its gardening club. The school took its inspiration from attending the Glendale Agricultural Society's Annual Children's Day.

The main features of the Harbottle First School natural garden are a dry stone wall and a native hedge, both traditional boundary features of the Northumberland landscape. Willow structures and wooden sculptures are planned for next year.

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Harbottle First School named top UK school

Posted by Stephen Waddington on May 11, 10 03:05 PM in Schools

Harbottle Church of England Voluntary Aided First School in Upper Coquetdale, Northumberland, has been rated as outstanding by an OFSTED report published today. The school ranks amongst the very best nursery and primary schools in the UK.

OFSTED inspectors spotlighted Harbottle First School's extensive curriculum, its exceptional care and guidance, and community relationships as the key to its success. Inspectors said that the relationship between the school and the local Upper Coquetdale community was a key factor in its overall effectiveness.

Pupils from Harbottle First School with headteacher Sue Joyner

The report commended the pupils for their motivation, excellent behaviour and awareness of a breadth of issues including healthy eating, physical activity and the local community.

According to the OFSTED report the success of the school is "in no small measure" stemming from "the outstanding drive and ambition of the headteacher, staff and governors" and its "exceptionally fruitful partnerships with parents and carers and others".

It "truly reflects its mission to foster Christian values and caring relationships".

Rev'd Sue Joyner, headteacher, Harbottle First School said: "In education receiving an outstanding report from OFSTED is the equivalent of winning a gold medal at the Olympic games. All our years of hard work have been recognised.

Crowds head to Alwinton for the final country show of the year

Posted by Stephen Waddington on Oct 10, 09 09:53 PM in Bloggers

Good weather ensured that the Alwinton Border Shepherds' Show was packed out by visitors on Saturday.

The show, which takes place against the stunning backdrop of the Coquet Valley, featured fell racing, terrier racing, Northumberland wresting, trade stands, industrial and horticultural exhibitions, sheep classes and a children's fairground.

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Rural watchdog calls on Government to bridge broadband divide

Posted by Stephen Waddington on Jun 24, 09 12:08 AM in Bloggers

The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) believes that digital technology is vital for the sustainability of rural communities and economies.

In a report published today it said that through the use of digital technology, rural communities can access services on a level playing field with urban counterparts, thereby reducing disadvantage and social injustice.

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Prospective Speaker opens Harbottle community children's Trim Trail

Posted by Stephen Waddington on Jun 16, 09 03:26 PM in Bloggers

Sir Alan Beith Local MP Sir Alan Beith opened the newly created Trim Trail at Harbottle C of E (Aided) First School on Friday in a celebration attended by pupils, parents, teachers and members of the local community.

Past pupils Ellen Packer, Theia Batchelor and Patrick Tailford who were all instrumental in the development of the project joined Sir Alan as guests of honour. Teachers and pupils from the school entertained guests with a music and dance presentation followed by speeches by head teacher Rev Sue Joyner and Sir Alan.