The curtain is ready to rise for the Scouts performing in the Blyth Valley Gang Show, which is taking place between Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th February at The Phoenix Theatre in Blyth.

The family variety show features sixty four talented Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Leaders from Cramlington and the surrouding areas performing a wide range of musical numbers, packed full of song and dance, along with the traditional comedy sketches. This year the show includes a sunny and upbeat 'holiday' section, along with a majestic 'Fire' number. There is also a number based on eighties music and the scouts very own take on the Dr Who theme. The young people have been rehearsing and perfecting the show since October last year and can't wait to hit the stage at the Phoenix.

Over 400 scouts, explorer scouts and leaders from across Northumberland flooded to the countryside last Saturday (15th October 2011) for a huge scouting event. The scouts were taking part in 'Operation Twilight', which is a enormous evasion exercise, becoming more popular and growing in numbers each time, with record breaking numbers this year. The young people, from Blyth, Cramlington, Seaton Delaval, and the surrounding areas, met at St Mary's Church of England Middle School in Belford to register, have their kit checked and a quick safety briefing.

Daft as a Brush is a cancer patient transport charity that takes patients, free of charge, to hospital appointments in your area. Why not join us as a volunteer driver or companion. Visit our website at www.daftasabrush.org.uk or give us a ring on 0191 23 28 999 or drop us an email at info@daftasabrush.org.uk. We need you!

Scout Leaders with their awards and medals at the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre

On Thursday 24th February a number of Scout Leaders from across the Blyth Valley District had their long service and work recognised, with specials awards being presented.

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!

Messy Angels has now been running every Sunday at Mayfields Community Centre since 6th June. It is a family activity session run by Rev Lesley Dennis of the Open Episcopal Church. The craft activities are based around a bible story and there is story telling, action songs and singing. So far over 50 different people have attended and there is a regular group of about 20 that come together on a Sunday afternoon between 3pm and 4.30.

Rev Lesley said, 'I am pleased that people have enjoyed coming along to the sessions and we are looking forward to welcoming many more families.The sessions are free but we welcome donations as we are funded completely by donations. That is why Messy Angels is having its Summer Fayre on 29th August at Mayfields Community Centre at 3pm til 5pm to raise much needed funds so that it can keep going and serve the people of Cramlington. Everyone is welcome to come along'.

Every Sunday at Mayfield's Community Centre Brownrigg Drive Cramlington, local residents meet at 3pm til 4.30pm to enjoy creative play, storytelling and live music, followed by Sunday afternoon tea together. It is a new venture from The Open Episcopal Church which is proving popular with locals.
Rev Lesley Dennis started the activities session to help people explore some of the stories in the bible and to give people the opportunity of getting together and having fun.
So far there have been four sessions covering Joseph and his dream coat, Creation, Noah and the Ark and Jesus Light of the World.
The sessions are on every week and everyone is welcome.

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 21July, 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

A forum which works to improve life for Northumberland children with special needs is looking to recruit new members.

An appeal has gone out for more parents and carers to join the organisation and come up with ideas and suggestions to move its work forward.

The Northumberland Parent, Carer and Professional Forum aims to help families across the county which have youngsters with special needs.

This bank holiday weekend over 1000 scouts and guides had an adventure packed weekend braving the elements. The scouts came together at Beanley, near Powburn in Northumberland for the Medieval Marra Camp, the county's biggest scout and guide event.