CHRISTMAS FOOD AND DRINK
Instead of joining the usual crush of shoppers for Christmas gifts, why not try something a little more imaginative? Whether it's a specialist item you're after, or the very best of food, there's plenty on offer to tempt you throughout Northumberland and Tyne & Wear.
LUNCH WAS A DAMP, OIL-STAINED EVENT
JOHN GRUNDY recalls his first encounter with the stately architecture of Chipchase Castle.
READY TO CHALLENGE NAPOLEON'S ARMY
PHIL HUNTLEY tells the story of how the Percy Tenantry Volunteers came to be formed.
SHADES OF AUTUMN
ALLAN POTTS captures seasonal images
IF YOU FIND YOURSELF AT WOODHORN
KEITH GREGSON reports on the new Northumberland Archive and Local Heritage Centre at Woodhorn.
AN AIRBORNE FLASH OF BRILLIANCE
Kingfishers have never been the easiest bird to spot: IAN KERR
provides some hints.
THE GREENING OF THE HAUGHS
VERONICA HEATH follows the transformation of an area of waste ground into a nature reserve.
THE BLACKETTS OF WALLINGTON
GLEN LYNDON DODDS looks back at a remarkable dynasty.
GROWING UP BY CANDLELIGHT
MICHAEL BASS remembers a wartime childhood at remote Thorneyburn rectory, in the rural North Tyne valley.
ADVENTURES OF A MODERN-DAY PLANT HUNTER
SUSIE WHITE interviews Lord Howick about the creation of the newly opened Howick Hall arboretum
FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROADS
You don't have to get muddy to enjoy a winter's walk in quiet countryside. Reader TONY HART offers an alternative strategy which keeps your feet on solid ground.
A VIEW WELL WORTH THE EFFORT
LEILA McDERMOTT arrived at the summit of Hedgehope breathless but triumphant.
A QUIET DRINK - AND A GOOD MEAL
This new country pub series begins by looking at two historic inns at Barrasford and Crookham.
ON ROE DEER WATCH DEEP IN THE FOREST
SUSAN BURKE searches for a secretive animal amid the vastness of Kielder Forest.
HERD INSTINCT WHICH AIDED CATTLE BREEDING
MALCOLM TAIT explains the link between a Northumberland castle and a prominent 19th century cattle breeder.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF W.W. TOMLINSON
STEWART BONNEY recently followed Tomlinson's journey up the Font valley from Morpeth to Longwitton to see how much has changed and how much has remained unaltered in 118 years.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...
A TASTE OF NORTHUMBERLAND by Veronica Heath
St David's Supper & Stilton Soup
A CHRISTMAS TREAT FOR ART LOVERS
Northumberland Art Tour 2006 Open Studios weekend
BOOK REVIEWS by John Watson
NEW VIEW
Chirapatre library extension is ready for use.
Castle's image lives on in new farm shop.
Print sales help Chillingham wild cattle.
Treasure Trail winners & solutions.
READERS LETTERS
WHAT'S ON GUIDE
