Survey of Belford 1995

SHOPS & BUSINESSES

Belford Craft Gallery, Visitor Centre & Singin' Hinnies Teashop

(Audrey Atkin),
2 Market Place,
Belford,
NE70 7ND
Tel: 01668 213888
Fax: 01668 213888

Open every day except Christmas day.
Summer 9.00am - 6.00pm
Winter 10.00am - 5.00pm

The shop employs the owner full-time; her husband, Brian part-time and two further assistants part-time, Claire Burgess and Sheila Smith. Sheila Hetherington and Sareth Atkin also assist occasionally.

Audrey concentrates her sales on locally made crafts and paintings. There is the output of the Belford Pottery run by her son, John Atkin and a wide variety of cards, books, maps, music etc. The teashop is used by locals and visitors, as is the photocopying and fax service. Audrey also runs an independent tourist information service for visitors, the only one in Northumberland.

During the season the shop is busy with tourists but local people and shoppers from the surrounding area call throughout the year. Day trippers come from as far as Durham and Edinburgh and many travellers on the Al use Belford as a regular place to break their journey. Hikers, climbers, birdwatchers and golf widows call all year round, particularly at weekends.

Sample Prices:

* prices from the snack bar of 1970

In 1970 each pound was divided into 20 shillings. Each shilling was divided into 12 pence. When decimal currency was introduced each shilling was worth 5 new pence. After a while most people dropped the words new pence and it became "P". For a while a half new pence was available but inflation soon made it irrelevant and it was withdrawn.

The business was started in May 1987 from these premises which were previously an antique dealer's run by Mrs Ashby (Yvette Lennox-Percy). Initially the shop was open to the public but later it was by appointment only. The business ran from 1972 to 1983. Prior to 1972 the premises were thoroughly and beautifully renovated.

Several changes have occurred to the premises. In 1990 the house (No.3) was separated from the shop and a flat built upstairs over the back of the shop. Audrey ran an agency of the Northern Rock Building Society from 1987 - 1992. Over the last 10 years there has been a major change towards payment by electronic machine by debit and credit cards rather than by cash or cheque.

Concerts of Traditional Northumberland Music to support Intermediate Technology and other meetings have been held regularly in the evenings.

The Teashop was rented to Martin and Ann Le Fevre on 18th October 1995.

Belford Interiors

(T. Alder),
19 - 21 High Street,
Belford.
Tel: 01668 213677
Fax: 01668 213677

Opening times: Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm

The owner works with 2 full-time and 1 part-time employees; Mrs H. Reed, Miss W. Miller and Mrs C. Campion. They sell curtain fabric and wallpapers plus a range of gifts relating to interiors. Private customers come from as far away as Edinburgh and Newcastle, Kelso and Hexham. A typical price for a curtain fabric would be £6.50 per metre.

Started in 1988, the business was initially run from a farmhouse in Longframlington.

Before Belford Interiors moved in, the premises were used as a bakery by a family who emigrated to Australia. The premises have since been converted to their present use as a soft furnishings supplier with an extensive workroom to the rear.

For many years the next door premises were a sub-branch of Lloyds Bank. This closed in 1987, its only claim to fame being that it was the most northerly branch of Lloyds Bank in England. For a short time a bread and sandwich shop occupied the property before it was incorporated into Belford Interior's business in 1995.

The Black Swan

Market Place,
Belford.
Tel: 01668 213266

Currently tenanted by Barbara and David Twiname, 'the Swan' is an important social centre for the village. It is host to several very active clubs and societies whose activities are noted in the social section below.

As well as drinks, the Swan serves meals and caters for bed and breakfast visitors.

The Chatton Gallery Shop

(Partnership: Robert Turnbull and John Fieldhouse,)
6 High Street,
Belford

This recent venture started on 29th April 1995. It has no employees and operates to a variable opening schedule. Many types of art are for sale: paintings, limited edition prints, lithographs, linocuts, etchings, ceramics, glass and sculpture. As a new venture they have still to establish their customer base. Items are on sale typically in the range £10 to £300.

Chatton Gallery has its base in Chatton where it has been established for three years.

Eyre

(J. W. Eyre),
18 - 22 High Street,
Belford, NE70 7NH
Tel: 01668 213237

Opening times: 7.00am - 5.00pm

This confectioner, tobacconist and newsagent has been serving Belford since around 1800. The present owner works it with 3 part-time assistants, Mrs Sprot, Mrs Bowmer and Mrs Keys. All regular customers are from the general Belford area with the usual smattering of visitors. As one of the oldest established shops in the town it is possible to compare directly with the previous survey for typical prices:

Hobby Horse

(M.I. McDonald),
16 High Street,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213515

Opening times: 9.00am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm

Two people work here part-time supplying fancy goods, haberdashery, embroidery products, kitchenware, floral arrangements, cards etc. It is almost true to say that it is easier to list what they don't sell. Since 1975 they have taken on an ever widening range of products to sell, mostly to Belford folk or those from nearby.

Since 1970, when the property was a storeroom and house, it has been converted to a shop. The 1970 chip shop next door has now been converted to a house.

Bluebell Farm and Caravan Park

(Partnership),
West Street,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213362
Fax: 01668 213362

The site was opened about 12 years ago and is run by the Carruthers with various others between March and December. They provide pitches for static and touring caravans as well as campers under canvas with a range of on-site washing and toilet facilities. They also sell bottled gas and postcards etc. The touring visitors come from all over the UK and abroad but the static pitches are mostly regular visitors from south Scotland and north east England.

Before the site was started by the Carruthers the farm was agricultural.

Maxie

(Mrs G. Nixon),
5B High Street,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213322

Opening times:
Tues/Weds 9.00am - 5.00pm
Thurs/Fri 9.00am - 6.00pm
Saturday 9.00am - 4.00pm

Glenda Nixon has run the business since 1st September 1992. She works full-time in the salon which employs Miss Tracy Smith full-time and Miss Angela Scott part-time. As well as their hair care service they sell tights, hair products, combs, brushes etc. mostly to regular local customers.

The previous owner of the salon was Mrs C. Dunn.

Over recent years the overheads of running the salon have increased dramatically while the recession has affected the frequency and type of service customers require. Customers express a preference for hair colouring today.

Some typical prices are:

John Dory Fish & Chip Shop & Launderette

(Partnership),
West Street,
Belford.

The chip shop opens from 11.00am - 1.30pm and 5.00pm - 9.30pm but access to the launderette, which is coin operated is much longer.

Kit and Alison Carruthers have run the shop which also has a small cafe attached since 1992. Their fish and chips are mostly for local people with a seasonal burst of sales for visitors.

Some typical prices are:

The 1970 prices are compared with those from JS & Service.

Prior to 1992 the shop was run from premises situated on the High Street.

T. H. Nixon and Sons

The garage is open from 8.00am to 6.00pm

This business, selling petrol and servicing motor vehicles employs two people full-time and one-part time. It started in the 1920's and serves people living in Belford and North Northumberland. The garage has been run continually by the family from the same premises but was badly affected by the new bypass which reduced trade.

Typical prices:

The Pine Shop

(Julia Wright),
7 West Street,
Belford
Tel: 01890 860380

Opening times:
Winter: Thurs, Fri, Sat, 10.00am - 4.30pm
Summer: Mon - Sat, 10.00am - 5.00pm

This business which came to Belford in July 1994 is run solely by the owner. As the name suggests, they sell hand crafted pine furniture alongside a range of dried and silk flower arrangements and small gifts. The shop serves the local Belford area and visitors from as far as Newcastle and Edinburgh.

Prices vary from £1.25 for a small flower arrangement to £800 - £1,000 for a large pine dresser. The business started in Wooler in 1993. Since 1970, the premises have also been used for Smart's shoe shop, then Marny's Wool shop. The present owner has had the premises fully decorated to suit her needs.

D.P. & C.P. Booth

(Partnership),
22 West Street,
Belford NE70 7QE
Tel: 01668 213285
Fax: 01668 213297
E-mail: 100524,[email protected]

Opening times:
Monday to Friday 9.00am - 12.30pm & 2.00- 5.30pm
Saturday 9.00am - 12.30pm

Until recently our chemist traded as E. Pawson. The business started in 1952 and currently employs one part-time assistant, Mrs P. Renner.

As well as dispensing medicines to residents of Belford parish, they sell vitamins, food supplements, toiletries, cosmetics, fragrances, baby requisites and photographic items.

Some typical prices:

As in 1970 the chemist still sells wines and sherries.

Formerly the premises were occupied by Ms I. Davidson.

Wm. Johnson & Sons (Belford) Ltd.

(Limited Company),
Old School,
Belford NE70 7NJ

Tel: 01668 213357
Fax: 01668 213357

Opening times: Monday - Friday 8.00am - 4.30pm

Johnson & Sons have been builders for over 250 years and became a Limited Company on 12th February 1958. They currently employ 15 full-time and 1 part-time workers on a wide range of building, construction and joinery work. They work within the Parish and a 50 mile radius.

Up until 1st December 1975 the registered office was No 30 High Street when it moved to the Old School House.

Changes since 1970 include the closure of the undertaking side of the business and many more employees living outside of the village. The whole industry is now governed by strict Government/EEC guidelines and regulations.

The Post Office

(Peter James Lawrie & Gillian Lawrie),
2 Church Street,
Belford NE70 7LS
Tel: 01668 213201

Opening times:
Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri, 9.00am - 12.30pm & 1.30 - 5.30pm
Wednesday 9.00am - 1.00pm
Saturday 9.00am - 12.00pm

The service is run by the owners who sell stationery, cards and small gifts as well as providing mail, licensing and cash services. They serve Belford and surrounding area but note that their customers are mostly pensioners and young mothers.

In 1970, the service was run by Mr and Mrs Stephenson then Mr and Mrs David Hall for a year. Mr and Mrs Gordon Spence took control for a further 13 years until the present owners started in May 1992.

1991 saw the biggest change when the sorting activities were transferred to Alnwick and Newcastle. The old sorting office now forms part of the shop premises. In the same year Royal Mail and Post Office Counters Ltd (POCL) were formed as two separate entities. POCL hope to introduce more computerisation in the near future. At this time the posting box in the wall was blocked up after a dispute with the owner and a new red post box was set up in the street. The Post Office has operated from the present premises since at least 1871.

Typical Prices:

Stylish

(K.E. Swinney),
54 High Street,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213211

Opening times: Tues, Weds & Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Thursday 9.00am - 6.00pm, Saturday 9.00am - 3.00pm

This hairdressing service was started by Ms Swinney in July 1993. She is assisted by Ms W. Irving in supplying a unisex service to the Belford District. The services and products supplied range in price from £1.50 to £24.00. Maxies hairdressers used to be run from upstairs in these premises whilst the lower floor was occupied by Ralph Greshon's Paint Shop.

Romaines

(Private),
19 High Street,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213538

Opening times: 8.00am - 5.00pm except Weds & Sat 8.00am - 12.30pm

Romaines butcher's shop opened in 1970 and sadly closed in June of 1995. It employed Ronnie, Mark, Adam and Peter Romaines with another branch at North Sunderland supplying private and business customers in north east Northumberland. They sold meat, pies, and latterly, bread. The business now operates from a mobile van.

Some typical prices are:

The 1970 prices are from the Redpath butchers. The premises were formerly part of the North Eastern Co-op Store. Since 1970 butchers have had to work with stricter health and hygiene regulations and have faced increased competition, losing customers to supermarkets.

The Salmon

High Street,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213245

The Salmon has been active in quenching the thirst of Belford folk since at least 1855 and is currently managed by Mrs Dana Tench.

Spar

(David Nixon),
13 High Street,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213471

Opening times: every day 7.00am - 10.00pm

The Spar shop, with its long opening hours, employs two full-time and five part-time staff and sells a widening range of papers, groceries and provisions. Starting in 1983, it was initially sited at 9 Market Place until 1994 when it took over the major part of the old Co-op building.

Typical prices are:

David cites many changes since he started trading, notably the long convenience hours and the introduction of Sunday trading. A more recent innovation has been the installation of the National Lottery terminal.

J.& M. Tait

(John & Mary Tait),
3 High Street,
Belford
NE70 7NG
Tel: 01668 213770

Opening times:
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 10.00am - 12.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.30pm
Thurs 10.00am - 12.00pm
Sat 10.00am - 12.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Presently Mary runs the shop on her own. She sells hardware, pet foods, gardening supplies, paints, fishing tackle, sodastream and plants to customers from Belford, Wooler, Seahouses and Bamburgh. The business started in 1984.

The premises were formerly occupied by Walter Willson. Mary herself started trading from 6 Market Place.

Some Typical prices:

For Mary the most notable changes have been in prices ... upwards.

Singin' Hinnies Teashop & Wholefoods Store

Martin & Ann Le Fevre
within Belford Craft Gallery

Not a new venture but a continuation of the teashop, formerly run by Audrey Atkin, with the introduction of a complementary range of wholefoods.

Walters

(Limited Company),
5/7 West Street,
Belford,
Tel: 01668 213202

Opening times:
Mon - Sat 8.00am - 10.00pm
Sun 9.00am - 10.00pm

Formerly named Walter Willson, the Belford branch of this national chain started in 1955 at No 3, High Street. It employs 3 full-time and 9 part-time staff on a site formerly owned by Renners Transport. It sells groceries, toiletries, wines, spirits and cigarettes to people from Belford village, Lowick, Bamburgh and Seahouses.

Some typical prices:

Like Spar, the biggest change has been to their trading hours. However, from the sample prices it is clear that many products have changed from Imperial to Metric weights and measures since 1970.

Willie Pat's

(William Patterson),
Market Place,
Belford

Opening times: Fridays & Saturdays, 9.00am - 4.00pm

Willie Pat started in the High Street in 1967 at number 34 and moved into the present shop in September 1981. He works by himself, selling second hand furniture and bric-a-brac to local people. It is the nature of his business to have a flexible pricing policy. It never hurts to make him an offer. Surprisingly the recent alterations to the Market Square have reduced his trade.

Willie was featured in the Autumn edition of the Northumbrian Magazine which named his shop the 'Belford Parliament', a place where the world is set to rights.

Association of Professional Foresters

(Private)
Rear of 7/9 West Street,
Belford NE70 7LD
Tel: 01668 213937
Fax: 01668 213555

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 5.00pm

The Association was formed in 1960 as a professional association for all those working in, or providing goods for the forestry industry. It covers the whole of the UK. It was originally based in Wiltshire and has one full-time and 2 part-time workers.

The premises occupied were previously used by Gilbert Birdsall and Noah Bray Studio. The premises have changed from agricultural and storage use to an office and workshop.

Allied Grain

(Limited Company),
Station Road,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213234

Allied Grain at Belford is an off-shoot of the main business situated at Lowick. Two people are employed to run the silos which are used for grain storage.

It is believed that the premises were previously owned by Kenneth Wilson.

Bell View Homes for Older People

(Northumberland County Council),
33 West Street,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213229

Bell View has operated as an elderly people's home since 1945, using the site of the earlier Poor Law Workhouse. In this modern support service the staff provide a safe, warm, clean environment for frail, elderly people who are no longer able to live alone at home. The residents come mostly from Belford and the surrounding areas such as Seahouses, Wooler, Lowick, Alnwick, Holy Island and some as far away as Newcastle and Rothbury.

24 hour care is provided by 11 full-time and 13 part-time staff. Caring for dependent, elderly people has recently been changed by the introduction of six principles of care which are aimed at enabling the residents to live as full a life as they wish.

Automobills

(W. Ackroyd),
Unit 2 Station Road,
Belford Industrial Estate
Tel: 01668 213264

Opening times: Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 5.00pm

Even though it should have been excluded owing to a starting date of 1st January 1996, any new businesses are welcome. This new venture carries out automotive repairs and servicing and was previously run from Beadnell.

The premises were formerly owned by K. Smith.

S.D. & J.E. Blackshaw

(Partnership),
Station Road,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213868
Fax: 01668 213868

Another new business started by the partners, John & Stuart Blackshaw in December to sell motor cars and light commercial vehicles. The premises were previously owned by A.J.K. Thompson, a mobile mechanic from Bamburgh.

Border Consultants

(Partnership)
Rear of 7/9 West Street,
Belford
NE70 7LD
Tel: 01668 213693
Fax: 01668 213555
E-Mail: [email protected]

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 5.00pm

Formed in 1989 the two partners employ 2 full-time and 2 part-time staff in their forestry management consultancy. They advise on tree planting and forestry management, selling trees, stakes, tubes etc. They also offer a fax/copying/printing service. Most of their customers are landowners in the North of England or South Scotland. The business started in Warenford and moved to Belford 19 September 1991, initially occupying part of the Reading Rooms.

The premises are shared with the Association of Professional Foresters

Belford and District Farmers Auction Mart Ltd.

(Limited Company),
Station Road Estate,
Belford
Tel: 01289 307569
Tel: 01668 213291
Fax: 01289 330551

Market Day: Thursday, 8.00am - 8.00pm

As well as the livestock mart at Belford they also run Berwick Auction Galleries. At Belford they sell prime fatstock; sheep and cattle and at Berwick, antiques, fine art and household furniture. In total five full-time and nine part-time staff are employed. The mart has been in business since 7th July 1916, serving farmers in NE England and SE Scotland and supplying to meat wholesalers in Scotland and England.

Typical prices fetched are £1.30p per kilo for cattle and £1.10p for fat lambs. The business has undergone major changes since 1970 due to metrication and decimalisation. Animals used to be sold in live hundredweights and quarters but now it is by the kilogram. Prices are bid in new pence rather than pounds, shillings and pence. The market is the basis for price setting in our capitalist system. It is in marts like this up and down the country that the costs of our food stuffs are determined; the Common Market notwithstanding.

Bearsports Outdoors

(Peter Clark),
Windy Gyle Centre,
West Street,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213289

Bearsports, is open everyday offering outdoor adventure activities such as canoeing,climbing, camping and wind surfing to people of 8 years and over. Daily and residential terms are available. Beach activity days are held at Beadnell beach during the summer and other activities throughout the year. The business is run by its director and qualified instructors.

Longstone Brewery

(Partnership),
Unit 1B,
Belford Industrial Estate,
Station Road,
Belford NE70 7DT
Tel: 01668 213031
Fax: 01668 213031

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.

The business was founded in 1991 and the partners, Anthony Hughes and Barry Grethe employ 2 people full-time and 2 part-time. Their cask conditioned ales are sold directly to outlets from Durham to Edinburgh and through agencies to Cumbria and the rest of Scotland.

Current price of a 9 gallon keg is £43.60 + VAT(17.5%) which gives a wholesale price of 71p per pint. In 25 years time I wonder if we will be quaffing our beer in pints or litres? The brewery was started in 1991 by Peter Darling and sold off in 1994. It ceased trading in late 1995.

Catchfact Limited

(Limited Company),
Station Road,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213212
Fax: 01668 213705

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 6.00pm; Sat., 8.00am - 1.00pm

Formerly Renners Transport, this large haulage company specialises in transporting grain nationwide. Established in June 1992, they employ 26 full-time and 2 part-time people.

Belford Golf Club

President. Dr Pawson
Chair James McDonald
Secretary Ali Gilhome
Treasurer John Smith
Club Professional Ali Gilhome

South Road,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213433

The Golf Club is a recent development but already has over 300 members who pay £145.23 for Adult membership and £35.00 for Junior. Their ages range between 9 and 85 years.

The course is a 9 hole par 72 and the facilities include a driving range and the obligatory licensed 19th hole.

Visitors are welcomed at the following rates-

Regular competitions are held: Mixed, Men's and Women's Open Matches plus "Captain's Days."

Robson Agricultural Engineers

(Private Business),
1A Belford Industrial Estate,
Station Road
NE70 7DT
Tel: 01668 213673

Opening times: Monday - Saturday, 8.00am - 5.00pm.

Operating from these premises since October 1983, Robsons have offered a repair and servicing service to local farmers for their agricultural equipment. One person is employed full-time charging by time and materials at an hourly rate of £15.00. The business closed at the end of the year.

Tarmac Topmix

(Limited Company),
Station Road Estate,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213839

Opening times:
Monday to Friday, 7.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday, 7.30am - 12.30pm

Tarmac Topmix took over the site which was previously owned by G.G. Birdsall in December 1989. It employs 3 people full-time - B.S. Delay, D.A. Farrar and A.R.K. Birdsall. They supply ready-mixed concrete to farmers and builders in an area ranging from Ingram and Brownieside to Coldstream and Eyemouth. Concrete comes in many grades with different additives for setting and plastisizers and antifreeze. A typical price would be £50.00 per cubic metre. The range of concretes sold and quality control demanded have both increased over the years.

Northumberland Vintners

(Private Business),
1 Clark Place,
Belford NE70 7LT
Tel: 01668 213510

Started in 1993, this one-man band sells wines to customers from Newcastle to the Borders. The wines range in price from around £2.99 to £12.99 a bottle.

Barclays Bank

(Public Limited Company),
5 Market Place,
Belford,
Tel: 01668 213316

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 3.30pm.

In 1970 the manager was able to supply with the following history of banking in Belford.

1880 North Eastern Banking Co.

1914 Bank of Liverpool

1918 Bank of Liverpool and Martins

1928 Martins Bank

1969 Barclays Bank

Unfortunately in present times the bank has to be circumspect about itself for security reasons but was able to reveal that the present premises were acquired in 1920 for the princely sum of £1,000 and were extensively altered in 1958/59.

Two full-time and 2 part-time staff supply banking and insurance services to private and business customers in the surrounding area. Banking has changed rapidly since 1970, with computers increasingly automating functions, leading to fewer staff in spite of increased business.

Coastal Grains Ltd.

(Co-operative),
Station Road,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213568
Fax: 01668 213609

Opening times: 8.00am to 6.00pm.

Since 1982 Coastal Grains has been taking combinable crops from member farmers in a 35 mile radius of Belford. The crops are sold to buyers from Norfolk to Inverness with about 10% for export. Six full-time and two part-time employees are supplemented by a further 8 casual workers during the summer months.

Some typical prices are:

Coastal Grains has always operated on this site on land purchased from English Estates. The business has grown sixfold since its inception with the erection of eight new massive storage silos on the site this year. In this period of growth, demand has grown for higher quality grains.

Blue Bell Hotel

(Private),
Market Place,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213543
Fax: 01668 213787

The Bluebell is open 365 days a year from 8.00am to 12.00 midnight.

Under the name Blue Bell a tavern has existed on this site since at least 1812. It is now a 3 star hotel offering high class accommodation to visitors. All the rooms have en-suite bathrooms and recently 2 extra bedrooms were created at the same time as the Belford Tavern was built out of an old stable block.

Back in 1970 the Blue Bell ran its own gardens and dairy cows to supply its guests but alas those days are past.

Even so, it takes 7 full-time and 21 part-time staff to run the business, supplying accommodation, food and beverages.

The customers come from all over the world as well as local people wanting a meal or drink or to hold a function. Back in 1970 there was a spate of filming in Bamburgh Castle and rooms were in great demand by the film makers in front of and behind the camera. This year's guests are less exotic and some of the prices they will be paying are shown below.

The Hotel was previously owned by Vaux Breweries.

Since 1970 the Hotel's rating has gone up from 2 star to 3 star. They have also gained both AA & RAC approval and an English Tourist Board rating of 4 crowns - Highly Commended. As mentioned earlier there are now 2 extra rooms, all en-suite and the Belford Tavern.

RMC Roadstone (Northern)

(Public Limited Company),
Cragmill Quarry,
Belford
Tel: 1668 213333
Fax: 01668 213022

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 6.00am - 5.00pm.

Taking over from McLaren's in 1985, the present operators of the Quarry continue to sell road building materials to road constructing companies. They also sell to local authorities who undertake a considerable amount of repair and maintenance directly, as well as shipping a considerable tonnage to their parent (Ready Mixed Concrete (UK) plc) for use in the south east.

Eleven full-time workers; D. Wilson, G. Tully, B. Baty (manager), J. Allan, R. Dickinson, A. Henderson, G. Renner, F. Allen, A. Sanderson, S. Allan & D. Dunlop; are assisted by two part-timers D. Tully & M. Pyle. Their usual business area serves customers from Newcastle to Haddington.

Typical prices for Single size stone range from £5 - £8 per tonne and bituminous materials from £14 - £23 per tonne.

Mr Baty observes that the major changes since 1970 were the takeover by RMC and working as part of a large multi-national company; the reduction in the workforce due to modern machinery and an increased output.

Gilbert Birdsall Building & Civil Engineering

(Partnership),
South Farm,
South Road,
Belford NE70 7DP
Tel: 01668 213433
Fax: 01668 213433

Three partners started the business in the 1970's and they now employ five full-time and one part-time staff. They sell ready mixed concrete to building and civil engineering works in the region. Customers are builders, farmers and private contractors.

A typical price for 4 - 2 - 1 readymix concrete delivered within a 10 mile radius would be £44.40. JCB hire is £13.50/ hour and other works are priced individually after inspection. The business was initially located on West Street before moving to new premises on South Road in 1980's. The ready mixed concrete business has had mixed fortunes, being dropped for a time then restarted in 1994.

Tollfield Farm Boarding Kennels/Cattery

(Partnership),
South Road,
Belford
Tel: 01668 213607

Opening times: 6.30am - 7.00pm

Sarah Norris and Peter Tansley started this business in October 1986. They board dogs and cats for people, usually within a 20/30 mile radius of Belford.

Typical prices are £3.50 per day for dogs and £2.75 per day for cats.

Before the Kennels were started the property was run as a small holding by Mrs Jobson.

L.H. & D. Williamson

(Partnership),
Station Road,
Belford
Tel: 01289 304441

Williamson Coal Merchants are based at 4 Lovaine Terrace in Berwick and the local depot is manned by Brian Hollewell. They are suppliers of solid fuels (coke and coal) to householders in the Belford and the surrounding areas.

Current prices are £4.50 or £5.30 for a bag of coal and £7.60 for a bag of coke.

Originally a coal business was run by the Station Master at Belford. After the station closed it was taken over by Williamson Bros. of Belford who were later taken over themselves by Williamson Partnership of Berwick.

The changes over the years have been to decimal currency and weights. Bags of coal used to be sold in Hundredweights (actually 112 pounds) but the metric equivalent is now the 50kg bag. Use of solid fuel has declined over the years with many households switching over to gas central heating.

Not forgetting ...

As is inevitable in a survey of this nature, not every avenue has been covered. Amongst those not previously mentioned are Bob Sim, photographer; Geoff Stafford, photographer and video journalist; Steve Newman, photographer and Maurice Octon, a photographer who also paints and does picture framing.

Andy Gilholme conducts a joinery and glazing business from Tollgate Cottage on the South Road. Shanks and Grieve (plumbers) are run from Bamburgh and Belford. John McClean still carries out electrical work, even though his shop has closed.

John Turnbull paints and decorates from McLaren Terrace. Numerous others offer bed and breakfast facilities. Straughan Fencing is run from Detchant. Two taxis operate from the village. Nigel Hogg runs a building contracting business from The Meadows. Derek Allan is a joiner in South Road.

We can only offer apologies for any overlooked.

Closed since 1970

William Tully: Monumental Sculptors, Builders & Joiners.

According to Mr John Tully, the surviving member of the firm it closed down in 1976 but once employed 25 men.

Robert Rogerson:Blacksmith, Detchant.

Mr Rogerson was the last blacksmith in the parish. He ceased to operate sometime after 1990.