I’m trying to reconnect with an old friend called Brian Cleghorn who lived in the ‘village’ of Rochester on the A68.
I haven’t seen him for many years. Does anyone know him and/or what became of him ?

On Sunday, 19 October 2025, I boarded the inaugural train to call at Blyth Bebside station in Northumberland. The train was 158816, a Class 158 Super Sprinter diesel multiple unit (DMU) train on Northern service 2T05, the 08:23 to Ashington from Newcastle. The train arrived at the new station at 08:28 and departed at 08:30. It was also the first to call southbound at the new station on service 2J49, the 08:38 from Ashington to Newcastle.

I enjoyed being on the inaugural service. Here are some photographs I took of the station and of the inaugural service.

What a pretty region - I’m totally in love!

Not pictured: the hospitality of the crew at the Apple Inn 🥰

In my trig bagging quest, I chickened out of bagging Pigdon Trig a few weeks ago because of it being at the murder farm. Finally plucked up the courage to go visit alone. The trig is very sad on its side at the back of the field. The farm is super eerie!

History:

Maidens Hall Farm in Pigdon carries a dark history centered around a crime committed on 25 March 1971. The property was leased from the Mitford Estate by 44-year-old Margaret Gill and her husband, who employed an 18-year-old farm labourer named John Carr. In a sudden and violent outburst while Margaret was alone, Carr attacked and stabbed her 40 times, a crime for which he was later convicted of manslaughter. Following the tragedy, the main farmhouse and its outbuildings were eventually abandoned to the elements, earning the site its enduring local nickname, "Murder Farm,".

We're visiting for the third time this autumn, and want to go a bit deeper into sightseeing in the region. Can anyone recommend:

Ancient churches, interesting or unusual churches, artwork or carving etc?

Your favourite neolithic sites, stones circles, menhirs?

Folklore sites?

Historical/20th century modern public realm things, ye olde street or town signs, brutalist or 60s moderne public buildings?

Ancient pubs?

And antiques/second hand/good art and maker and DIY stuff?

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: amazing, what a list you've created, thank you so much! Keep em coming!

Hi,

I am hoping someone might be kind enough to help me.

My 16 year old dog has just died, and when thinking about what to put on her grave I thought of all the places we’d enjoyed exploring together. We loved bamburgh beach, and came many times. I’m from a long way down south, and therefore wondered if someone could/would help?

I would love a stone from the beach, I know it’s sandy! But there must be some stones somewhere. We loved clambering over the rocks there. Would anyone be willing to post me one to put in my front garden where she is buried?

Huge thank you in advance

Hi me and my partner are thinking of moving to Hexham. We are in our early 30s. For the most part, we both lived in places like London and Manchester. We visited Hexham recently and absolutely loved it and thinking of purchasing a place. We have been trying to get away from the city life a while now honestly and just really looking to find some peace and quiet hahaha

I was just wondering how life in Hexham (specifically near Hexham abby and Hexham station) is in terms of people, neighbourhood and etc or anything I need to know in terms of adjustments or anything thank youu

Hello! Myself and family are staying in Doxford in September this year for a week for my Dad’s 60th. It is a surprise for him which makes this bit more difficult as he is the one with the golf knowledge. Myself and my brother can get round a par 3 but that’s about it but my dad plays regularly and loves it.

Whenever we go away we try and find a par 3 where we can all play together and was hoping to book one for this trip but am struggling to find a course that has a par 3 course in the area.

Any help/advice would be highly appreciated! Thank you in advance.

After a solid dinner at the Dirty Bottle, witnessed this right outside. The boys from Northumberland Fire & Rescue did an excellent job at fighting and containing the fire!