Fun for all and funds for charity

Aug 18 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

IT may have been a wet weekend but the hit-and-miss weather couldn’t dampen spirits across a fun-filled host of summer events.

Determined villagers battled through midweek rain to pitch the marquees at the annual Warkworth Show. For the first time a two-and-a-half km fun run around the historic castle in the Northumberland countryside went under starter’s orders attracting a decent turnout.

In fact the committee was so impressed with the idea, pitched by 11-year-old Morpeth Harrier’s runner Sarah Wilkes, that it’s set to become an annual addition to the line-up.

Chairman John Howie added: “It was a great day, the sun shone for us which was a bonus because the weather forecast said it wouldn’t.”

Meanwhile motorists marvelled at the sight of classic cars at Beamish Museum, County Durham, yesterday. The North East branch of the Morris Minor Owner's Club hosted their summer rally giving visitors the opportunity to see fabulously presented vehicles from yesteryear. Hundreds braved torrential showers to walk laps at Gateshead International Stadium for 20 hours over the weekend, raising around £12,000 for Cancer Research UK. The first Relay for Life took place overnight with teams of local people walking continuously to raise vital funds.

Emma Jackson, 29, from Byker, Newcastle, whose son Michael celebrated his fifth birthday yesterday following a leukaemia diagnosis in June, said: “The Candle of Hope ceremony was just overwhelming and there wasn’t a dry eye in the whole stadium.”

And families enjoyed the traditional sight of the Kirknewton Show and Sheepdog Trials.

Set against the magnificent natural amphitheatre of the Cheviots, it brought smiles to many yesterday as the sun broke out against the clouds.

Those who enjoyed the family day out included David Woods and his children Georgia, six, and three-year-old Eloise, who had fun watching the trials with their pet dog Bonnie.