Tiny Tales from our grown up villagers
Global pandemic and a national lockdown - probably not the best time to buy a Bed & Breakfast; gluten-free, organic panic, leaky shower, laundry. Crispy bacon, almond milk, vegan-friendly, soya. Lost keys! Muddy boots! Brown or white or soldiers? Deep breath, perfect poached eggs, ta-ra-a-bit, smile.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Ian & Jayne & Frankie
Early morning cycling in December. The peaceful hour before the village awakes. Cold. Before dawn. Before deliveries. Before the school bus. Before the (few) commuters and cars. But not before the Christmas lights and their warmth. Their silent greeting, their good morning welcome to neighbours, friends, community. Thank you Wylam.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Nicki
Christmas Day my Sheffield family zoomed, we all recited and sang. There were prizes. My son said “Mum, look in the TV cupboard”. Chocolate! On Sunday, a quiz with prizes - more surprise sweeties! On the 19th he had cooked me a Christmas dinner - left next day, having hidden the prizes.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Robin
Birthday imminent, Caribbean themed party for after lock down. Present
needed but what to buy her. Something hot and steamy she hinted. Knew
she loved her garden, more than me it seemed at times. So I ordered it, two
lorry loads of fresh hot manure, she will be so happy.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Pat
I've had a frequent handsome visitor who doesn’t care about lockdowns. Black and white with flashes of red, he comes for peanuts, and woe betide any other birds who think he’ll share them. In June he started bringing his red-headed youngster with him. What joy! Thanks, Mr Woodpecker.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Kathy
Civil twilight, frosty breath, tyres breaking puddled crusts. A thousand starlings steal their roost. With elevation, a different sound, different pace. Frost now hard as ice, breathing challenged. Down through woods, splash through the ford. Then race to the top. Sun breaks the horizon, brilliant light, summit crested. Wonderful draw.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by David
The bang in the dark cellar had frightened Peter, he poured another
brandy. And another. He missed his partner, the practical one. Inching down the
concrete stairs the sweet smell hit him, his feet felt wet. And then he saw
them – David’s ginger beer lay shattered, as his heart was.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Pat
In March, Dave set a trap of water and flour and caught wild Hagg Bank yeast. He gladly shared his bounty. This, 32 kilos of precious Wood Oven flour and time provided mental and physical nourishment. Dave’s sourdough met a sticky end. I replenished it. That’s the circle of loaf.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Mary
We stayed only a short time
The lights gave welcome
And our landlord the doctor was kind
We walked Hagg Bank
Every day with the dog
The river providing the song
And the tide the rhythm
To keep us steady
Through the covid lockdown
And the fun of moving house
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Mike
Walking towards Wylam,
St Oswin’s Clock strikes 6am.
Mask in readiness, the Spar
comes into view, rattle of
shutters let-go, light spilling
onto pavement.
Spray hands with
Sanitiser, nudge door
open with edge of sleeve,
safely follow
the one way system,
gather supplies to sustain
and cheer.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Cicely
2020 - the only year in the last 46 I’ve not been able to come home to Wylam. I’m fortunate to have a happy life overseas with a remarkably caring husband. Yet I sorely miss walks along the river, the warmth of village community, and the chance to hug my family.
Addendum (If you’ll allow me a few extra words): I’m still very angry they took George Stephenson off the five-pound note, by the way.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Michelle
Tiny Tales - from some of our younger villagers
2020 was the worst and best year. There was more family time, but less
friends time. Fewer meals out, but more pizza in front of the TV! There
were home-made pool parties, Christmas decorations went up early and
lots of Facetime calls. 2020 was definitely a year to remember.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Maddy
“Can you keep a secret ? The Dene is magical. I play with my friends. There are lots of trees but, there is a particular tree, it’s the willow tree. It’s where the fairies live. Some people believe in fairies, some people don’t. But in my heart…I do.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Esme
“One night at bedtime, it was cold on every turn. People were inside. The leaves were as cold as could be and as sparkling as a diamond. But there was a generous person, Matthew Haddon, who cleans the streets for the people of Wylam. His heart is a kind heart.”
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Finn
One of my favourite people in Wylam is Joseph. He is my cousin and he is 1 year old. He loves to have carries from me. Whenever I ask him what he had for breakfast he shouts “CAKE!”. He has a cheeky grin and I love him very much.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Martha
Ready for our walk
In our weatherproof clothes
Voting for our daily routes
Enjoying some fresh air while
Reflecting on the small changes
Seals, ducklings, herons and leaping fish
In all seasons, from new buds, to frosty trees
Dog walkers saying hello from a distance
Enjoying nature, friends and strangers.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Bertie
Wylam is a great place.
You and me playing games.
Lovely people walking around.
Amazing places to visit all around.
Meeting friends and family is great to do.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Emilia
Last year a magical day finally came. It was my birthday! I ran down stairs and saw lots of presents. It was still coronavirus but Wylam is still great. I love Wylam because everyone is so kind. I have a great school and great friends.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Isabelle
Molly is my loving dog. I always take her out for walks. Molly is an English Spaniel with white and brown fur. She is always there for me. She was 7 weeks old when we got her on September 25th 2020.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Harvey
Why I love Wylam, there’s lots of things to do.
You can play in the park or go to the shop.
Lucy, my school friend always cheers me up.
Amazing walks to do and great places to visit, like Stephenson’s cottage along the tack.
Moving around is limited everywhere.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Martha
We’ve gone on many walks since lockdown started. Clara Vale,
Horsley Woods, Hagg Bank Lake, Rift Farm and along the River Tyne.
I’ve loved watching the seasons change - looking out for nettles
whilst wearing shorts, the river getting low and still – good for
skimming! – ice lollies in the sunshine, wrapping up and drinking hot
juice in the cold, getting covered in mud, icy puddles and frost!
Whatever the season, Wylam is beautiful and I love living here.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Izzy
I love going on the track for a walk.
I love the park and the shops are very fun.
Wylam first school is really fun and I learn a lot.
I love my friends and teachers.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Elia
A new member of our family arrived in
August, a cute, furry hamster called Chip.
We now have fish (in a tank) and Chip (in
a cage) but we don’t eat them!
Chip likes to escape because he is in
lockdown and wants an adventure, like me!
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Geoffrey
Wylam is full of adventures.
Years change so quickly, yes they do.
Leaves are so colourful.
Adventures are hiding.
May is a good month for Wylam.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Maja
I love Wylam because it’s lovely and full of fresh adventures.
I have got a glorious family who live in Wylam.
Walks are jolly.
Lovely, nice times in Wylam.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Jake
In the lovely summer some beautiful fairy doors appeared. Lots of people went searching for them. Me and my family enjoyed finding them. I wonder how they got here and where they came from? The truth was that I actually put them out. Every month I have to clean them.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Annabelle
On the 26th November I got a beautiful black dog called Olive. When I get sad we go on walks together and she cheers me up to the brim. We go on adventures together all the time. It is brilliant, everyone is around us. Olive finds dead toads and birds.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Lucy
One day we made a hedgehog house in our garden. The house was made of bricks with cosy leaves inside and a metal roof. There was a small tunnel entrance with a little stick across so we could see if any hedgehogs tried to get in.
A Wylam Tiny Tale by Bertie