ANOTHER BUSY year for the Northumbrian Association (NA), and I will give you a run-down on what has happened during the past year of 2009/10.

Gospel’s Campaign

   We have been campaigning for the Lindisfarne Gospels for 11 years now, and it has been slow, but steady progress.  Eventually other local organisations became interested in the campaign resulting with a Steering Committee being formed.  I would like to pay a particular tribute to the part Andrew Dixon (member) played in bringing together of the interested parties.  On the committee, I represent the NA as an equal partner, which has representatives from Durham Cathedral, Durham University, The Association of NE Councils and the Tourist Boards of Northumberland and Durham.  Without the NA’s initial campaign, I’m certain there wouldn’t have been a steering group, and further it’s my belief that we have made the difference.

   The British Library has agreed for the return of the Book on loan for a period of three months in 2013.  The exact site has not yet been decided, but will probably be Durham Cathedral.  Security will be very high and other precious artefacts will be displayed, some of which have never been on public display before.  When the Book was last in the North East in 2001, 17,600 people came to see them.  I am confident that this figure will be easily exceeded.

   Our aim of course, is for the permanent return to their spiritual home in the NE, and it will be interesting to see the strength of feeling when the time comes for the Gospels return to London.

   My thanks must go to the regional newspapers for their support in the ongoing campaign singling out The Journal and Newcastle Chronicle for the publicity and column inches (or should that be centimetres) that we have been given.

Writers’ Competition

   This was expanded last year to include two extra categories: one for ages 12 to 18 and an adult section.  Again, support was given by The Journal and their Culture magazine, creating coverage from as far as Teesside to Berwick.  There were many entries in all categories maintaining an extremely high standard, and culminating in an award ceremony held at the Washington Old Hall on the 14th October.

   The 11 year old category was won by Liam Office with Peter Mortimer, author and poet becoming ’writer in residence’ at Liam’s Spring Gardens Primary school where they produced a comedy play which Judith Robson was privileged  to witness.  The 12 to 18 category was won by Laurie Atkinson, a 14-year-old with an immense talent.  Rachael Barnwell won the Adult section with her poem extolling the virtues of our wonderful coast at sunset. 

 Hotspur Awards

   Presentation of the Hotspur Awards were also held at the same venue and evening as the Writers’ Awards, and proved a pleasant and successful  occasion.    The  corporate  award  went  to Durham County Cricket    Club  for  their  outstanding  achievement  in  winning  the  English  1st Division County Championship two years in a row and only after 16 years from joining Championship.

   Jane Ritchie received the individual award following a substantial investment of her own money into providing a venue for training of young people searching for jobs in the future.  These winners demonstrated ‘Bold Endeavour’.

Cuddy’s Corse Trail

   On the 20th March  (St  Cuthbert’s  Day), we  celebrated  by  walking  from Chester le Street to Durham.  This year, the weather could have been better, but although it rained for most of the walk, 85 people turned up and was considered a great day.  Refreshments were provided at Finchale Priory, for which our thanks once again must go to Northumbrian Water for sponsoring the cost of catering, and for their support, we are truly grateful.

   Our aim is to create a series of walks throughout Northumbria, connecting places where St Cuthbert’s Body and the Book were thought to have passed through before finally reaching the eventual resting place in Durham Cathedral.  This is a huge project, and we need help with this.  Currently we are in talks with the Ramblers Association who are interested in helping.  Chris Kilkenny and I are liaising with Pat Jackson (Ramblers Northern Secretary), with a view to progressing this.

   Durham County Council, as ever, have been supportive.  Last year we were awarded a grant towards the cost of creating the Cuddy’s Corse leaflet and way markers, which enabled us to produce it.  I am led to believe  that  if  we  wished  to  apply  again,  it  would  be  considered favourably.

St Cuthbert Banner Project

   Everything is in place to embark on the NA’s ambitious project to create a contemporary version of the original St Cuthbert’s banner, which was destroyed around the time of the Reformation in England.  An embroiderer, silver smith, wood turner and leather worker . . . all local craftspeople, are all ready to begin work, but until we hear as to whether our bid for funding has been successful, everything is on hold.

   The cost of the banner is expected to be in the region of £30,000.  I would like to thank Marion Bridgewood (Vice Chair) for the incredible amount of work she has done to get to where we are, and also to Chris Kilkenny for his research into the historical accuracy of the form of the banner.

   Finally, I would like to say something about the Northumbrian Association.  The NA is very well known and respected in the North East.  In my opinion, without our continuing pressure and high profile, the loan of the Gospels would not be taking place.  I personally enjoy the networking that is necessary to keep us in the forefront, and believe we punch above our weight.

   We are listened to when we publicise the Hotspur Awards, the Writers’ prizes,  St   Cuthbert’s  Walk  and  now  the  Banner,  which  has  the approval  of  Durham Cathedral.  What is not known however, is that we have very little income.  We are a charity.  What we have is generated from membership fees, and are grateful to Northumbrian Water and the Gillian Dickinson Trust for supporting particular events.  Our committee is forever hard at work, and I would like to thank them for their efforts over the past year.

    John Danby

  ANDREW DIXON first came to the North East in 1988 after a career in rock music, theatre and in local government..  From 1997 until 2003, he was Chief Executive  of  Northern  Arts,  and  from  2002  to  2005,  was  the Executive Director of Arts Council England.  Under his leadership, he helped transform the region in cultural terms, leading the development of the Case for Capital, the cultural investment costing £250 million, which helped in the delivery of major projects including The Sage, Angel of the North and the Baltic.

   In 2005, Andrew was appointed Chief Executive of NGI, overseeing the public/private partnership that promotes Newcastle/Gateshead as a world class place to live, learn and visit. 

   He led the bid to host the World summit on Arts and Culture.  This attracted 550 delegates from 70 countries, and was Programme Director. Andrew was Chair of the group which co-ordinated the bid to bring World Cup football to Newcastle.

   Other pursuits that Andrew was a member are: NE Economic Forum Steering Group, governor of Gateshead College and council member of Durham Cathedral.  He co-ordinated the forming of a Steering Group from local organisations, who are pressing for the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the North East and has found time to be part of Rock Group 55 Degrees, which raises money for charities.

   Andrew fits all the criteria for the Hotspur Award for Bold Endeavour, and has tirelessly promoted the North East.  

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BECAME  the panel’s  choice  for  the corporate Hotspur Award 2010, and clearly was a worthy selection.

   This year Teesside University was awarded the accolade of  ‘‘University of the Year’’ and the first modern university to win the Times Higher award.   It is one of the top five UK universities for widening participation Higher Education, having invested over £120 million into their campus.

   Teesside University is now celebrating 80 years of education and have just announced the launch of the 100th company through the Digital City Fellowship scheme.  Bold endeavour deservedly goes to Teesside University.

   Both awards will be presented at Washington Old Hall on the 13th October along with the Writers’ Awards. 

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House of Commons Dinner

June 2010

OUR THANKS once again go to. Northumbrian Water who sponsored  the  11th Northumbrian Association Annual Parliamentary Dinner in the House of Commons.

   During the formalities the Hotspur Awards were announced and the citations read out.  Following  on  from  that,  the  Northumbrian Association had presented an appeal for funds to finance the creation of the St Cuthbert Banner, and not in our wildest dreams, did we expect the response that it received.

   Before the appeal could fully get off the ground, we received an offer made by our President to cover the full cost of production for the banner, totalling in the region of £35,000.

   We  clearly  expected  to  pick  up  some  pledges  towards  its construction, but certainly did not anticipate the generosity that followed.   The Northumbrian Association extend their appreciation for the fantastic gesture made by John Cuthbert. 

    The St Cuthbert’s Banner will now go ahead immediately, and it hopefully should be completed in time for the Lindisfarne Gospels coming to the Cathedral for three months in 2013.

   We also have to provide a Liber Vitae, which will lie beside the Banner permanently and displaying the names of all those who have been involved or provided funds for this magnificent banner, which will be a permanent feature in the Cathedral, and used in celebrations henceforth.  For this Liber Vitae, we still require funds to produce, and for the service of commemoration and consecration.  For this, we are asking for donations and hope members of our Association will be generous.

   All pledges for this will be gratefully received, and cheques should be made out to the Northumbrian Association, and sent to: Marion Bridgewood, The Lodge, Whickham Park, Whickham, Tyne and Wear, NE16 4EH. 

EVERY  LITTLE  HELPS

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A   DISAPPOINTMENT

IT IS with regret that little interest in our venture for committee members to meet our members on the last  Tuesday  in  the  month  at  the  Bridge  Hotel  in Newcastle has not been successful.

   We  have  only  had  three  members  taking  up  the opportunity.  Our hope to receive members input has not materialised and we now reluctantly have cancelled further dates at this venue.

   However, should any member like to contact us, we would be pleased to hear from them.

 Call Gordon Sinclair on

0191 549 1964 or an

e-mail to sinclairgs33@hotmail.com

We would be pleased to hear your views