tomtom

My late father was a Freemason for many years, although not in Bedlington I have to say. He made tentative approaches to me on numerous occasions to see if I would be interested in becoming a member of the organisation.As he divulged very little if anything of the mysteries of Freemasonry I was not prepared to join anything that was enveloped in 'behind closed doors' activities. perhaps this is why there is a decline in membership as openess and transparency appears to be the new watchwords of today.

Well said Malcolm - roll on the Guilder, the Deutsche Mark and Franc - they used to make continental visits interesting - Oh and by the way, why don't we go back to closed borders?

Heard from a couple of sources that the Ridge Farm may be come an Indian Restaurant and the that the Dun Cow is to reopen as the Milfield - any one confirm?

Come on Wetherspoons - pull your finger out and come down hard on the trouble makers - we don't want this pub spoiled by a handful of morons who can't take their beer. I've been in a couple of times and could almost see trouble brewing. Any unsuitable behaviour in my presence and I'll be off like a lot of other people - so let's have a concerted effort to nip things in the bud - PLEASE!

I've just returned home after a visit to the Red Lion with my wife and I have to say that we both found the place just what we have always wanted in Bedlington. Although the place was very full and it proved difficult to get a seat, there was a very acceptable buzz about the place. Now before anyone gets on to me I know that this was the first night and it was bound to attract lots of people who were interested in seeing just what was on offer. Meals were doing a roaring trade and although we didn't partake in food a long look at the menu convinced us that they have their pricing structure and choice just right. As for liquid beverages, the selection of real ales was enough to make me very content and the price per pint even more content! Yes, I'll be back soon but next time I'll try earlier in the day and then later in the evening just to see how it's going to pan out. Best thing that has happened to Bedlington for a long time -all success to Wetherspoons.

I see that we are now likely to have to help bailing Ireland out of it's financial mess - who next, Portugal then Italy and what about Spain? Perhaps the ongoing EU debate in this forum is proving that we should not be a member of the EU after all. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Europe, in fact most of my holidays are spent in European countries and especially France - I like the culture and a lot of their lifesyle aspects but I always come back to the conclusion that we Brits are different!

Totally agree with you Merlin - this is the occasion that MUST be kept going. For many, many years I did Cenotaph parades with other members of the services but now I am just a bystander and a very proud one at that.

What a sad person you must be Mercuryg - can't you be a little more positive about the future success of The Red Lion. I really find your comments about 'old gadgies' frequenting the place somewhat offensive and I'm sure that lots of other folk will be agrieved.

Not being local to the area although resident for some years now I have often wondered as to where the actual site was of Netherton Colliery and is there anything left of the township that grew up around it. I've noticed the old preserved direction sign just outside of Nedderton village. When did the pit close down?

The photographs make the pub look great - the type of place that my family and I look forward to drinking in. At long last we are going to have somewhere nice to sit instead of having to travel out of Bedlington for our enjoyment. Every Wetherspoon pub I have visited up and down the country has been very welcoming and to agree with Mercuryg tends to attract a certain type of discerning customer.

Oh dear Monsta, you are quite upset about the EU - I wonder why.

If you want us to come out of the EU Pete - what is the alternative and who would we openly and successfully trade with. I suppose next you will be wanting us close our borders completely - no one else in!

Bonjour Monsta - je vois qu'il y a toujours quelques prejuges de se rapporter a nos amis d'un bout a l'autre du canal. Nous vivons au 21e siecle et avons ete des allies pendant de mombreuses annees maitenant. Si la poussee venait j'amais por pousser en qu'equipe vous fieriez - vous - le francais ou les americains?

In reply to Mercuryg, I remember when Wetherspoons opened the Fire Station pub in Whitley Bay - the knock on effect was to take away some business from other pubs in the town. I know this for a fact as when I lived down at the coast I saw it happening. The other pubs just couldn't compete on price and people soon got used to paying less for their pint at the Fire Station, consequently rightly or wrongly pub loyalties changed. Another thing, Wetherspoons normally have a cracking selection of beers on sale.

Thanks for the question Merlin - I believe the place is now run by the daughter of the original folk. Sorry I can't be more affirmative.

Had a really nice meal in the White Swan at Choppington recently - menu choice superb and reasonably priced. I liked this place very much and would certainly recommend a visit.

Thank heavens for tip offs and the vigilance of our security services. I wonder just how many people could be put off flying for ever when they read about things like this - it really makes you think!

Well we are all free to give an honest opinion of what is or what is not going to happen to the revitalised Red Lion - for Gods sake give Wetherspoons a chance, at least they have the guts to take on the place. I've tried all of the other pubs in town and care nothing for any of them, other than the North which is quite reasonable with normally a decent selection of beer. If I were the landlord or licensee of some of the nearby pubs I would be afraid - very afraid! - no body likes competition except the consumer.

How do you feel about the increase in the Overseas Aid budget when all other departmental budgets have been cut and what about the proposal from the EU for the United Kingdom to up their contributions! Should we really be members of the European Community - are we true Europeans? and do we get value for money - I think not.

Newspaper reports are that he is going to get £200,000+ a week making him the highest paid UK football player. How oscene is that! - at least I don't pay to watch morons like that kicking a ball about - alas, some people do though.

Not my cup of tea - prefer watching a good game of bowls! Always thought that most footballers were overpaid - some of them grossly overpaid - what is it they, brains in their feet!

Why in Gods name ask Ian Lavery to open the pub - I've never seen the man in Bedlington - come on Wetherspoons be a bit more progressive and lets have some person we all know!

Nice to see the Market Tavern with a fresh coat of paint and new signage - it looks great but what is it like inside - I went in there a few years ago and was not impressed.

The mind boggles - just more unecessary hassle with these d****d temporary traffic lights again. Let's hope that the road surface is relaid properly once the work if finished - until the next time!!

Fantastic news - very pleased for them and their families. It must have been a living hell for them in the early days of their ordeal.