Last updated 15:42, Friday, 18 July 2008

FOLLOWING the open air meeting held at Tarset Castle last week, plans have been drawn up to define the process for its rescue from severe erosion and funding applications for the initial surveys to determine the full extent of work needed have been submitted.

Representatives from English Heritage, Northumberland National Park Authority, Tarset Archive Group (TAG), the owner, Dr Elizabeth Archibold, farmer Donald Moore, interested local residents and members of the press, marvelled at the superb location of the castle, affording long views up and down the North Tyne valley, up the Chirdon Burn to the south and the Tarset Burn to the North.

Standing two storeys high on its impressive earth mound, the castle must have been highly visible for many miles to travellers approaching from any direction – a powerful deterrent to anyone on mischief bent!

Tarset Castle is only one of almost 600 historic sites listed in the newly-launched report by English Heritage entitled “Heritage at Risk”.

In the North-East alone, the number of “at risk” buildings is more than 120.

It is good to see that there is enthusiasm in our own valley to ensure that appropriate action is taken to stop the rot before it is too late.

Thanks must go to the members of TAG for their timely intervention.

YOU are all invited to an open evening in Falstone village hall on Thursday, July 24, at 7.15pm. Don’t be put off by the fact that it is organised by the North Tyne WI!  Everyone – lads and lassies of all ages – is welcome to come and enjoy the entertainment being provided by Best of Fettle, a group performing Northumbrian music, poems and stories and the delicious supper being laid on by the ladies. There is no charge for this great night out, but a small donation would be appreciated.

FALSTONE village hall has its new door at last! Many thanks to Tom Richards who donated the door, to Mr Rae who fitted it and to Johnny Carse who painted it in a very fetching shade of dark green!