Northumberlandcounty

Ben Shields, 37, of Haltwhistle was handed a suspended 12-week prison sentence for driving a Fiat 500 while disqualified on the A68 on 4 June. He also admitted driving without third-party insurance on the same date. At Mid and South East Northumberland Law Courts on 28 October, Shields was given a 32-month driving disqualification and ordered to pay £85 in costs.

Kate Bramfitt from Hexham was arrested during a protest outside the US Embassy in London on Saturday, October 31, organised by Defend Our Juries against the Government's ban on Palestine Action. She was detained alongside hundreds of others and charged under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act. Ms Bramfitt said she sat down with a sign at 1.30pm and was arrested at 10.40pm, released at 6am with bail conditions banning her from attending protests supporting Palestine until January 19.

Communities across Tynedale mark Remembrance Sunday each November to honour those who died in conflict. This year's Hexham service takes place on Sunday, 8 November, at the war memorial in Hexham Park, with a parade by the 3rd Royal Horse Artillery departing at 10.45am from Argyle Terrace and around 2,000 people expected to attend. The Mayor will read biographies of those named on the war memorial as wreaths are laid.

Internationally known opera singer Graeme Danby will join Hexham's Orpheus choir for a special concert at St Mary's Church on 14 November at 7:30pm. The programme will include arias from Mozart's The Magic Flute and Dvořák's Mass in D. Tickets cost £18, or £14 for students, with wine and refreshments available.

Tarset Village Hall is hosting a voting and prizewinning night for its second Tony Bell 100 Word Challenge on Saturday, November 14, where stories of 100 words or fewer will be read aloud and voted on. The area also has several other events coming up: St Peter's church is holding a Christmas Fair at Falstone Village Hall on November 28, featuring stalls, crafts and refreshments, with a competition to make Christmas decorations with a 'Natural and Sustainable' theme.

A Westminster MP has written a column reflecting on the importance of democracy and remembrance as the UK prepares for Remembrance Day and Bonfire Night. The MP attended the opening of the Speaker's Garden of Remembrance in Westminster and notes the scale of sacrifice made by the country and its allies in both world wars. Remembrance services across the constituency are described as deeply moving, with thousands expected to visit war memorials in towns and villages.

A £100 Household Energy Payment for Northumberland households in Council Tax bands A to D may be insufficient, Citizens Advice has warned. The charity said the money would provide 'breathing space' but not solve underlying high energy costs, with energy debt levels remaining exceptionally high. MP Joe Morris said 31,240 households in Hexham would benefit and defended the payment as a 'reasonable and fair response', but Citizens Advice raised concerns about using Council Tax bands, noting Northumberland's rural properties dependent on heating oil, LPG or solid fuel could fall into higher bands and miss out.

GRO Plant Studio has opened at South Acomb Farm in Stocksfield, offering houseplants, botanical gifts and an upstairs 'Plant Lab' for interactive workshops. Launched by Victoria Cox and her husband Mark, the shop features terrarium-making sessions, children's parties, creative classes and seasonal activities. The official grand opening takes place on Saturday, November 7, with special offers including half-price mini terrarium sessions for £6.

Queen's Hall Arts and Triple Treat Theatre have announced a new reimagining of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, running in Hexham from December 5 to January 2. The cast features Elijah Young, known for the BBC sitcom Smoggie Queens, County Durham actor and singer Jude Nelson, and Zoe Lambert, who previously performed in Queen's Hall's Red Riding Hood. Bob Nicholson, co-director and co-writer of the production, also stars.

Fashion retailer Accessorize is opening a new 5,167 sq ft store at Eldon Square in Newcastle on 13 November. The first 50 customers spending £35 or more will receive complimentary goody bags, and shoppers buying selected piercing jewellery will get free piercing services. Gift embroidery will also be available throughout the opening weekend.

Age UK Northumberland's Ultimate Smash Hits Daytime Ball took place at the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park on Thursday, October 8, bringing together guests for an afternoon of music and dancing to support people aged 50 and over. The event featured live music from the band Hip Operation, a silent disco and bingo, with fundraising activities including a raffle and live auction. Amy Whyte, chief executive of Age UK Northumberland, called it 'a wonderful celebration of music, laughter and community'. All funds raised will support the organisation's services including welfare advice, scam support and friendship calls.

Northumberland County Council is facing increased housebuilding targets and reduced local planning control under new Government policy, according to Corbridge councillor Nick Oliver. The Government has doubled the county's housing target, stripped councillors of planning powers, and proposed giving regional mayors authority over developments of over 150 houses. Oliver argues the changes are inappropriate for West Northumberland and risks losing local control over community development.

A Colombian national, Armet Cortes, has been deported from the UK after serving part of a three-year and eight-month prison sentence. He was part of a gang that stole £7,000 from a woman in Hexham in August 2024 by distracting her while she withdrew cash from a bank. The gang targeted 14 victims in total, stealing more than £63,000 using discreet distraction techniques at banks and building societies.

The Hexham Courant is publishing a First Class 2026 photo supplement to celebrate children starting school. The supplement will contain photographs of pupils from schools across the area and is available from Thursday, November 12 from local newsagents, supermarkets and the Newsquest Store.