The Northumbies
The ‘Northumbies’ are very special, sponsored awards made especially for Northumberland Day by hugely talented local fused glass artist, Helen Grierson www.helengrierson.co.uk (as pictured in the slideshow).
These stunning, handmade awards include references to both Northumberland’s flag, and its heritage and natural beauty, and reward those who have made an extra-special effort to celebrate the special county day.
2020 Northumbies Update
Given the unprecedented year we are having in 2020, it has not been possible to celebrate Northumberland Day as we normally would, which means that we are not able to offer our fabulous ‘Northumbie’ Awards this year.
These wonderful trophies, designed by glass artist, Helen Grierson as we note above, usually reward participants in Northumberland Day for their efforts in staging activity, whether that is in schools, around events, via food launches, through decorating premises and offering special things to do or by virtue of having done something fabulous within the community.
This year, we are focusing on prizes for offline competitions, doing what we can within the confines of social distancing.
Hopefully, our Northumbies will be back gracing trophy cabinets very soon. In the meantime, here’s who won what in 2019.
‘Northumberland Day Flag Challenge Northumbie’, sponsored by Catapult PR –Sonja Gregory, owner of The Hytte self-catering accommodation in Bingfield near Hexham
‘Best Designed Event’, sponsored by the Helen Grierson Glass Studio – The Craster Arms and Saltwater Café, Beadnell
‘Best Foodie Event or Initiative’, sponsored by Ken Bradbury – A Taste of Northumbria, Alnwick
‘Most Passionate Pub, Café or Tearoom’, sponsored by The County Day Company – Melanie’s Tea Room, in Newbiggin-on Sea
‘The Jill Bradbury Award for the Most Passionate School’, sponsored by Catapult PR – two winners (Newsham Primary, Blyth and Whittingham CofE Primary
‘Just the Ticket Award’, sponsored by Northumberland County. Council/Discover Our Land – Friends of Ridley Park, Blyth
Runners-up and winners of Hearts of Achievement for this category, sponsored by The White Swan, Alnwick and the Alnwick Rum Company – Hexham Racecourse and Smile Through Sport.
The Northumberland Day Tonic Award, sponsored by the Pilgrim Spirit Company – Ashington Rocks
Runners-up and winners of Hearts of Achievement for this category, sponsored by The County Day Company – Footsteps Northumberland and Lundgren Tours
‘The Best Community Award’ – sponsored by Northumberland County Show – Norham Village
Runner-up and winner of a Heart of Achievement sponsored by The Cookie Jar, Alnwick – Seahouses
The Peter Roberts ‘Above and Beyond’ Special Recognition Award, sponsored by Langley Castle – Ailsa Campbell-Shiel of Golden Gate Boat Tours, Seahouses
2018 winners:
Melanie’s Tea Room, Newbiggin
Headway Arts, Blyth
Beadnell Village
The Angel of Corbridge
Allendale Primary School
Taste of Northumbria (Alnwick)
Katie Archer, Beadnell Village
New & very special Helen Grierson designed ‘Hearts of Achievement’ were also presented to:
John Emery, organiser of Ashington Rocks
Kirkharle
Norham Village
George & Ailsa Shiel, Golden Gate Boat Tours