We're holding our very first Annual General Meeting on Thursday 2nd February from 7.30pm at the Allendale Inn, Market Place, Allendale.

It's a great opportunity to come and meet the members and find out more about the group's plans for 2012 - both in terms of organised fishing events, but also in terms of environmental projects designed to improve the river habitat on the River East Allen.

Starting from a spring up at Allenheads - England's highest village - the river descends through stunning countryside within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a great natural asset of the local area - although relatively un-managed and as such there is no shortage of projects and opportunities for volunteers to roll up their sleeves and get involved with carefully planned and coordinated river management works.

There is more information about the AGM on the club's website - www.allenvalleyanglers.co.uk

Written by Kevin O'Hara, conservation officer at Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Where do they all go in winter? - Part 1

Recently I felt the first twangs of winter; the 'first frost' gripped my garden, the chickens came skidding out of their ark, and I had to break the ice on their drinking water. I really like those first days, when we still have some daylight left to enjoy the wonderful colours and smells. I take the camera and binoculars with me when I walk the dogs, keeping an eye out for winter thrushes or other visitors. The clocks have altered and we start the long haul of winter - not until February will some real light return to the sky, and warmth to the sun.

It is during these months that we wonder where, exactly, many of our resident wildlife species go to survive the coldest and wettest days of winter, especially those that are more delicate and less mobile.

Big Lottery Fund and ITV, with the approval of Buckingham Palace, are helping to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Jubilee People's Millions projects will inspire, involve or improve their local communities. If you've got an idea that could breathe life into your local area and improve the lives of the people who live there, why not apply for a grant of up to £60 000!

Paul Lewis shared this picture on JournalLive of rocks in the River West Allen, south of Whitfield.

Upload your photos to JournalLive or send them to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk.

Angela Brown sent in this view from Carrshields down the West Allen Valley with the Cheviot Hills in the background.

Upload your photos to JournalLive or send them to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk to share them on these pages.

This photo was shared by Andrew McCann on our Northumberland Flickr group, who remarks that the knarled tree, standing within of a stone circle built by a local farmer, is showing the effects of being in a very exposed area.

Join the Northumberland Flickr group to share your photos or send them to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk

Community Wildlife is for projects that help people discover, enjoy and protect wildlife in their local area.

Now open to organisations including voluntary and community organisations, schools, town and parish councils, and statutory health authorities. Grants of between £300 and £10,000 are available.

There is up to £2 million available across the UK and organisations can submit applications before the three deadlines of 21 July, 22 September and the 24 November 2010.

For further details and to get an application form visit our website www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/communitywildlife, or call our helpline on:
0845 367 0610.
For more ideas for projects visit www.bbc.co.uk/wild

Blagdon Estate is opening its gardens once again for Macmillan Cancer Support on Sunday 27th June 2010.

You will get the chance to explore these beautiful gardens as well as enjoying activities from cricket to Fly-Casting. You can also listen to the brass band after wandering through a range of local product and craft stalls.

There will be a magnificent display from the Borders School of Falconry, where you will have the opportunity to watch a range of birds of prey fly, as well as the whole family being able to have a picture taken with them.

There are also activities suitable for children of all ages, including face painting, pony rides and much more.

There really is something for everyone so come along and enjoy this fantastic event while raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support at the same time.

Gates open at 10am and tickets are priced at £5 for adults, £4 for OAPs and £1 for children. For more information please contact Erin Richardson on 0191 2145444 or email erichardson@macmillan.org.uk

Registered Charity Number 261 017

Allendale Youth Project is holding an open day at the Village Hall and Park this Tuesday the 6th April. The event highlights include creative classes, archery and a graffiti project. Lunch is also included.

Sarah Harper, the project's key youth worker, has planned the day to give something creative and exciting to the village's youth to focus on in their Easter holidays. However, she is also keen for the day to showcase the exciting opportunities available to new and existing members of the project.

She commented 'I want young people in Allendale to come along and enjoy the day with us, it's a free event and it's all about giving them the chance to benefit from the funding we've secured, get creative, have fun and see what's possible when you join an organised group, We would love them to become part of the project long term'.

Sarah secured funding for the graffiti project from the High Sheriff Award and for the activities the Allendale Willow Fund has supported the event. BECKs Training, Allendale's local outdoor activity provider will be running an archery session in the park as well as a thrilling tree top climb. Cookery classes, team building games and an Easter bonnet making competition are also planned.

The event will run from 10.30am - 3.30pm and all young people aged 11+ are welcome to take part in the free event.

Report from Doug Robson of Hexham FC for the Hexham website

Despite the monsoon conditions on Friday, the four team tournament went ahead - as
part of the celebrations for the Allendale Club in the opening of their new Clubhouse.

Group A - Prudhoe Reds, Corbridge, Haltwhistle
Group B - Prudhoe Blues, Corbridge, Allendale and Hexham

Hexham won the Group B and were drawn to play 2nd placed in Group A in the semi
final.

Corbridge played Allendale in the first semi final which went to extra time where Allendale scored to win 1 -0.