Puffing Billy Festival

Notice of meeting…

Photograph reproduced with kind permission of Beamish Museum. Photograph was taken at the Haugh Pit in the early 1860’s and shows Puffing Billy with the driver J. Carr (right) and fireman W. Greener (left). In the background are three buildings still standing today - the former school of 1854 (far left), Laburnum House (centre) and the Wesleyan Chapel of 1834 on the extreme right. Invitation to community groups In 2013 communities along the Wylam to Lemington waggonway will be celebrating 200 years since steam locomotives were used to transport coal from Wylam colliery to Lemington staiths on the River Tyne. These early engines were the cutting edge technology of the period. being the first commercial steam locomotives working on the adhesion principle. They helped pave the way for the future development of modern railways across the world. ‘Puffing Billy’ was one of these steam locomotives, built circa 1813 – 14, working for nearly 50 years along the waggonway. The engine survives today, almost certainly the oldest locomotive in the world and a fully operational working replica was built in Beamish and launched in 2005. A group of interested parties has begun to meet to discuss possible events to develop a programme for a Puffing Billy Festival which will include visits to and from Beamish Museum, involve the Puffing Billy replica, community events and an attempt to replicate the steam power that travelled down the lines with pupil power that will travel along the track way from Wylam to Newburn (along its original route). This group including, so far, representatives from Wylam Parish Council, Beamish Museum, members of local groups, members of the public, Northumberland County Councillors and officers and Newcastle City Councillors and officers would like to invite you to find out more and how you can get involved at an informal meeting on; Wednesday 16th January at 7pm Walbottle Campus, Hexham Road, Walbottle. Newcastle upon Tyne. NE15 9TP We all feel that this is a great opportunity to use this very significant anniversary to build on the many successful community events of 2012, foster cross community links and develop cross county links and are keen and excited to involve as many people and groups as possible. Please pass this on to other interested parties, come along, have a cup of tea, find out the ideas we have had and discuss any ideas of your own. If you would like to come along or have any questions then please contact;   Geraldine Starker Community Engagement Co-ordinator Beamish Museum          0191 370 4000 (ext 2080) geraldinestraker@beamish.org.uk Tom Martin Wylam Parish Council 01661 852025 tommartin1963@sky.com

Lindisfarne Gospels

 

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO DURHAM

Two of the region's top playwrights have been commissioned to pen a play to celebrate the exhibition of the Lindisfarne Gospels in Durham in the summer of 2013.

Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood, the Tyneside-based writers whose comedy work includes Dirty Dusting, Waiting For Gateaux, Maggie's End , Alf Ramsey Knew My Grandfather and the recent hugely popular Amazing Grace, will be adding a play about the history of the region’s famous manuscript and St Cuthbert to their canon of national and international hit plays.  A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Durham has been commissioned by destination management agency, Visit County Durham, with production partner Gala Theatre Durham, and will premiere in Durham on 2 July 2013.

Trevor Wood said: "We are really pleased to be asked to write this play. While we will have utmost respect for the subject matter we can assure everyone it will be very funny.  We have some amazing material to work with and there will be 1400 years of North East history crammed into one unmissable production."

Melanie Sensicle, Chief Executive of Visit County Durham said "Lindisfarne Gospels Durham will be a catalyst for a celebration of the region’s cultural and artistic heritage.  There will be a host of events around the region and one of the most exciting and original will be this play.   As the title suggests this is a lighthearted and fun performance which takes a humorous look at the story of the Lindisfarne Gospels, featuring St Cuthbert, St Aidan, the Venerable Bede, the Kings of Northumbria, 390 cows and of course the Viking invasion of 793.”  

Robin Byers, Programming and Operations Manager at Gala Theatre said:  “We are really pleased to have Ed and Trevor on board, as they are synonymous with the North East and have produced loads of successful and very funny plays, many of which have been staged at Gala.  We are delighted that A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Durham will have its first performance at Gala in July 2013 before embarking on a regional tour.”

The production is being directed by Gareth Tudor Price, former Artistic Director of Hull Truck Theatre Company.  Gareth’s numerous theatre credits include Bouncers, Every Time It Rains, Up on the Roof and A Big Day for the Goldbergs. 

The Lindisfarne Gospels and St Cuthbert Gospel, Europe’s oldest surviving bound book will be on loan from the British Library as part of a partnership with Durham University, Durham County Council and Durham Cathedral.  The Lindisfarne Gospels will be on show in world-class exhibition facilities on Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site from 1 July to 31 September 2013.   For more information on Lindisfarne Gospels Durham go to: www.lindisfarnegospels.com

Tickets for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Durham are on sale now.  Contact Gala Theatre box office on 0191 3324041 or book online at www.galadurham.co.uk

Seasons Greetings to all friends and members

The Badger again

A recent item in the newspaper about refurbishment of The Badger stated that the owner in the late 18th century had earned a vast fortune during the Napolionic wars by selling hair powder.

Someone has their wires crossed a little! The certificate above shows that Shafto Coulter paid Hair powder tax  in 1797.


Duty on Hair Powder Act 1795 (35 Geo. III, c. 49) was an Act of Parliament levying a tax on hair powder. It was repealed in 1869.

The Act stated that everyone wishing to use hair powder must, from 5 May 1795, visit a stamp office to enter their name and pay for an annual certificate costing one guinea. Certain exemptions were included: the Royal Family and their servants, clergymen with an income of under £100 a year, subalterns, non-commissioned officers, privates in the army, artillery, militia, mariners, engineers, fencibles, officers in the navy below commander, yeomanry, and volunteers. A father with more than two unmarried daughters might buy two certificates which would be valid for any number he stated at the stamp office. The master of a household might buy a certificate for a member of his servants which would also be valid for their successors within that year. The use of hair powder had been declining and the tax hastened its near death. In 1812 46,684 people still paid the tax, in 1855 only 997 did, and almost all of these were servants.

Christmas and "Pressed"

A timely reminder that tickets for the event on 13th December are available from the treasurer, John Angel at a cover charge of £8 per person. 

Meeting - Strategic Decisions at Flodden

 
The venue for the Meeting "Strategic Decisions at Flodden" on Thursday 15th November will be the Lounge at Ponteland Memorial Hall.  The venue has been changed as St. Mary's Church Hall is a Polling Station for the elections for Crime & Police Commissioner. The meeting will start at 7.45pm.

Talk to be given by  CHRIS BURGESS, Archeologist

Wheelbarrow Race Circa 1973

Where you there?

Spot anyone in the photo?  Let us know