A directory of new activities to do, see and inspire you in 2017

Sport

Blyth Spartans AFC

The famous FA Cup “giantkillers” play in the EvoStik League. Games usually played on Tuesday 7.30pm and Saturday 3.00pm.  Blyth Spartans are one of the most famous non-league football teams in the country. They play at Croft Park which has a capacity of 4,435 (556 seated). This was opened on the 1st September 1909 the first match being a friendly against NUFC where Spartans were defeated 4-2. It was extensively redeveloped in 2003.

For those that can't get to the ground there is exclusive match commentary on Radio Northumberland (www.radionorthumberland.com). The club was founded in 1899 by the 1st secretary Fred Stoker. He named the team after the Greek Spartan army in the hope the players would take some inspiration from history as they went into battle on the field of play. The team have become famous for their success in the FA Cup competition most notably in 1978 being finally defeated in the 5th round by Wrexham after a replay. Even in 2015 Blyth Spartans played Birmingham City in the 3rd round at home and were 2-0 up at one stage.

http://www.blythspartans.com

Blyth Rugby and Cricket Club

“A family oriented club in the heart of Northumberland”. Social Events are often held and a Beer and Cider Festival has become an annual fixture during August.

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/blyth

Bowling Clubs

Cowpen and Crofton Bowling Club

Free taster sessions are held during the summer months on a Saturday 10.00am - 12.00pm.

http://www.bowlsnorthumberland.com/Affiliated-Clubs-Mens/copwpen-and-crofton-welfare-bowling-club-cc-68.html

New Delaval and Newsham Bowling Club
http://bowlsclub.org/club/9428/

Central Methodist

Carpet Bowls

http://www.blythchurches.co.uk/

Blyth Golf Club

“One of the most mature, challenging and interesting courses in Northumberland. Situated on the outskirts of the friendly seaport of Blyth, the 18 hole tree lined parkland course with scenic water features, boasts some of the finest greens in Northumberland.”

www.blythgolf.co.uk

Blyth Town FC

“Established in February 1995, Blyth Town started as a junior football club with only 3 teams, growing with each year, we established a girls section in 1999 and in 2001 our oldest teams became seniors and that was the start of our adult section… we now have girls in the national squad. In December 2002 became the first ‘Community Club’ in the North East, which led, in 2007, to the Club receiving grant aid from The Football Foundation to build our own fantastic facilities in Blyth.”

http://blythtownfc.co.uk/

Blyth Running Club

Based in Blyth Sports Centre the club was formed in 1983 and is AAA affiliated. An annual Blyth Valley 10K road race is staged in April.

http://www.blythrunningclub.org.uk

Blyth Ridley Tennis Club

http://www.northumberlandsport.co.uk/play_sport/club_finder/blyth_ridley_tennis_club?menuid=53

 

Regent Snooker and Pool Club

https://www.facebook.com/Regentsnookerandpoolclub/

 

Entertainment and Arts

Phoenix Theatre

“Based in the town centre of Blyth, the Phoenix theatre is a fantastic arts resource complete with a 300 seat theatre space, rehearsal space, bar and foyer gallery. The theatre programme successfully combines both amateur and professional performances and attracts audiences from a broad area including North Tyneside and rural Northumberland.”

01670 367228

www.thephoenixtheatre.org.uk

Headway Arts

“Specialise in participatory arts, across art forms, offering people the chance to take part in highly inclusive, world class arts projects. Our exciting creative projects & unique training involve people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in the cultural life of their communities.” Headway are often responsible for the public art displays and carnivals that accompany town events.

http://www.headwayhq.co.uk/ http://www.blythtown.net/articles/headway-arts-89

Punch Drunk Comedy

“Live stand-up comedy event bringing the best international comedians to Blyth, Bedlington & Ashington in the 3rd week of every month.” They have featured the likes of Rhod Gilbert and Reginald D Hunter.

http://punchdrunkcomedy.co.uk/ http://www.blythtown.net/articles/punch-drunk-comedy-presents-reg-d-hunter-85

Mecca Bingo

“Bingo Hall, Restaurant and Nightclub” right in the centre of Blyth. Occasional Live Music acts.

http://www.meccabingo.com/bingo-clubs/blyth/

The Tavern

“Bar and Grill. Bands and Musicians” on many nights of the week. This venue has gained a reputation as one of the premier live music venues in the region, recently hosting acts such as Mark Morriss of the Bluetones, Paul Lamb and the King Snakes and Tom Hingley of the Inspiral Carpets.

Ross Teasdale: Background about The Tavern music venue:

The Tavern on Beaconsfield Street has always had a strong connection with live music, having played host to live bands on weekends since as long as I can remember in the mid-late 90’s until present day. They also had a long-standing popular buskers night on Thursdays for many years and the recent management have made live music the major attraction for what is becoming a favourite venue for punters & bands themselves. Vince Race was asked to be the band promoter for the venue by Manager Aiden Campbell and here is an insight about their history and passion for music…….

Vince has worked with live music since 2005, the love started with organising small free outdoor gigs around Northumberland helping original local bands, including beaches parties and gigs in fields in the middle of nowhere. Since then he has put on over 3000 acts, working with the likes of Biffy Clyro, Cage The Elephant, Little Comets, Reef, Paul Lamb & The King Snakes, 999, The Stranglers, Mr B, Mark Morriss (The Bluetones), Misfits, Pigeon Detectives to name a few.......He has had many successful nights and club nights in venues in Newcastle such as The Dog and Parrot, The Other Rooms, Digital Nightclub, O2 Academy and The Independent in Sunderland. However, the gigs he has enjoyed the most have been in his home town of Blyth, with a long running Indie club night ‘Modern World’ being one of his highlights from 2006-2010 - bringing the best bands from around the UK and Dj-ing to full crowds until 2am every week. Since then he has brought live music to lots of the pubs in the Blyth area including changing the Blyth and Tyne into a music venue in 2009.

Currently he is working with The Tavern in Blyth and loving every moment of it. He says “The support has been amazing and the atmosphere is one of the best around. We are selling out gigs all the time with big names and tributes plus great support every Sunday afternoon for the best Originals bands the UK has to offer.”

Bar Manager Aiden Campbell said he “first got into music listening to my brothers Punk records and some of my favourites at the time were The Dammed, Exploited, The Clash and of course The Sex Pistols. As I was only 4 years old at the time I was probably the youngest punk in Blyth! ....Later on I got into the whole Indie scene with The Stone Roses, The Charlatans and James being amongst my favourite bands. I have always enjoyed live music and I believe the only way to hear music is live at a great venue. From the moment we opened The Tavern we wanted to make it a great music venue for the people of Blyth. It's been hard especially early on when were trying to make a name for ourselves but we kept on persisting with it by putting on gigs every week.....Getting Vince on board was the key and his knowledge and hard work has brought some great bands from all over the country to our little home town. Hopefully with the support of the local community we can keep raising the bar and have many more amazing nights in The Tavern.”

http://www.thetavernblyth.co.uk/  https://www.facebook.com/RoxburyEventsPlanning/?fref=ts

Bebside Inn

Live rock music every weekend. Karaoke on Fridays.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bebside-Inn/164883466898729

The Mason’s Arms

Live Music and Buskers on Thursday evening. “Buskers night at its best, great sound, great bar pint for players friendly audience. Hosted by Keith and Robert Bradley.”

https://www.facebook.com/masonsarms.blyth?fref=ts

The Seahorse Public House

Open Mic sessions every Tuesday evening. “Hosted by Dave Cowan, P.A. and Mics are provided, Guitars are available for use or players can bring their own instruments. The standard set-up accommodates two vocal mics and two direct inputs for instruments. However more complex set-ups can be accommodated.”

https://www.facebook.com/groups/145690225632827/?fref=ts http://www.blythtown.net/articles/the-seahorse-open-mic-nights-83

Other Pubs and Venues with Regular Entertainment

Constitutional Club The Isabella Public House Blyth and Tyne Late Night Bar South Beach Club Waterloo Pub Olivers Bar Flying Horse Newsham Hotel Mr Ridley’s Cafe

 

Restaurants and Cafes

“There are more than twenty-five cafes and restaurants within Blyth, including a specialist sea-food venue, Mediterranean, Indian, Thai-Chinese, Italian and Greek restaurants, an ice cream parlour, and an art cafe. At least twenty venues have a 4 star or above rating on www.tripadvisor.com.”

Google Map and Directory

Fitness and Well-being

Blyth Sports Centre

Yoga, Agewell, BodyPump, Studio Cycling, CX Worx, Total Tone, Zumba, Pilates, Metafit, Body Blast, Tai Chi, Gym, Squash, Sports Halls, Spa and Steam Rooms, Aquafit, Swimming, Diving, Slimming Clubs, Fight Club, Soft Play and Play Group.

http://www.activenorthumberland.org.uk/leisure-facilities/blyth-sports-centre

Sporting Club of Blyth

5-a-side Football, Netball, Basketball, Gym, 3G Pitch, Sports Hall, Meta Fit, Steps Bums and Tums, Studio Cycling, Zumba Toning.

http://www.activenorthumberland.org.uk/leisure-facilities/sporting-club-blyth

Milly Performance Academy

“As well as Just Jhoom!, we have instructors qualified to teach many adult fitness classes such as Zumba, Metafit, Pound, Legs bums and tums, Boxercise, HIIT, Yoga Fitness, Bootcamp, personal training and Hula Hooping.”

Albion Way Studios

https://www.millyacademy.co.uk/

Blyth Barbells and Fitness

Gym.

http://www.blythbarbellsandfitness.co.uk/

Isabella Community Centre

Zumba, Zumba Tone

www.theisabellacentre.org.uk

 

Blyth Library

Knitting Group, Story and Rhymetime, Junior Reading Group. Talks are often held by established authors.

http://mylibrary.co.uk/libraries-list/blyth-library

 

Churches

There are nearly a dozen churches catering for most denominations in Blyth. Details of services and special events can be found on their joint site at the link below.

http://www.blythchurches.co.uk/

Children’s and Toddlers Activities

Central Methodist

Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Parent and Toddlers Group, Craft Club, Carpet Bowls, Ladies’ Tuesday Group.

St Cuthbert’s

Rainbows, Brownies, Choir

http://www.blythchurches.co.uk/

 

St Bede’s Parish Centre

12th Blyth Brownies

Thursdays at 6.30pm

077007570309

Sure Start

Activities and courses for children and their families.

http://www.blythvalleychildrenscentres.org.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQJRhbnx4Us&feature=youtu.be

Bounce

Indoor activity centre for children.

http://www.bounceblyth.co.uk/

Tots-Tums Fitness and Play

Tots-Tums Fitness & Play is a great way to engage with other parents with your kids. Anything from keeping fit, messy art classes & sensory room sessions. Family Discocise, Discocise Tots, Bump Babies and Toddlers, Messy Play, Buggy Walks, Family Boxercise.

https://www.facebook.com/Tots-Tums-Fitness-Play-786613294781585/?fref=ts

Isabella Community Centre

Youth Clubs, Princess Louise Nursery.

www.theisabellacentre.org.uk

Briardale Community Centre

Youth Club, Hand-in-Hand Preschool, Bright Beginnings

http://www.briardalecentre.org.uk/

Buffalo Community Centre

Divas Dance Class, Street Cheer and Skip

http://www.buffalocommunitycentre.co.uk/

Newsham and New Delaval Pavilion

Youth and Toddler Clubs

Blyth Library

Story and Rhymetime, Junior Reading Group. Talks are often held by established authors.

http://mylibrary.co.uk/libraries-list/blyth-library

Silx Teen Bar

“Silx Teen Bar is a multi award winning project that for the past 20 years has been providing young people aged 11-25 living in Blyth with recreational, educational projects, activities and positive interventions.”

http://www.silxteen.com/

 

Martial Arts

Hi Energy Martial Arts Academy

http://hi-energymartialarts.com/

Empire School of Boxing

Telephone: 01670 366523

Cowpen Road

Contact: Les Welsh - Head Coach

Welcomes everyone from the age of 8-40 years old, boys and girls, men and woman

Isabella Community Centre

Karate Club

www.theisabellacentre.org.uk

Buffalo Community Centre

Stryke Martial Arts

http://www.buffalocommunitycentre.co.uk/

Millennium Martial Arts

MMA Facebook Page

 

Dance

Limitless Dance

Specialise in urban, commercial and clubbercise

https://www.facebook.com/LimitlessDS/about/?entry_point=page_nav_about_item&tab=overview

 

Clubs, Organisations and Support Services

Territorial Army

203 Elswick Battery 101 Regiment Royal Artillery V, Cowpen Road, Blyth

Blyth Valley Radio Model Club

A well established club having one of the largest memberships within the UK flying model fixed wing aircraft and helicopters at Meggies Burn site.

http://www.bvrmc.uk/

Blyth and Tyne Model Railway Society

A long-established club. “The club have some 96 members ranging in ages from the youngest aged 14 and the oldest aged 85. The club caters for all model railway enthusiasts in all gauges. “

http://www.btmrs.co.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiusU-DK4oA

Isabella Community Centre

Tutored IT/Computer Suite, Tynedale WI, Slimming World, AGE UK Day Care Centre.

www.theisabellacentre.org.uk

Briardale Community Centre

Lunch Club

http://www.briardalecentre.org.uk/

Buffalo Community Centre

Croft Camera Club, Computer Drop In.

http://www.buffalocommunitycentre.co.uk/

 

Aquatic Activities

Blyth Community Rowing Club

“Blyth Community Rowing club was formed in 2014 as part of a town wide initiative to bring rowing back to Blyth after an absence of 50 plus years. As part of this members of the community built their own St Ayles Skiff and then a second one. The Skiff, named Crofton by local school children was launched at the 2014 Maritime Festival and since then she has joined other local skiffs from Amble, Alnmouth, Byker, Gateshead, Gosforth and Whitburn for recreational rowing and competition events.” A second skiff named Bebside has been built in a local school and launched in July 2016.

http://blythcommunityrowingclub.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/blythcommunityrowingclub/

Blyth Freshwater Angling Club

“We are a local friendly freshwater angling club based in Blyth. Our aim it to effectively manage, develop and protect all waters which are entrusted to the club”. Managing the facilities of Newsham pond and Meggies Burn Reservoir.

https://www.facebook.com/blythfac?ref=stream

Blyth Sea Angling Club

http://www.nesa.co.uk/fishing-clubs/BLYTH_SEA_ANGLING_CLUB.htm

Blyth Lifeguard & Swimming Club

A long established club  promoting swimming as a sport and life saving skills.

http://www.blsc.uk.com/  https://www.facebook.com/Blyth-Lifeguards-857740424312063/?fref=ts

Blyth Kayak Club

“Recreational Canoe and Kayak Club”

http://www.blythkayakclub.co.uk/  https://www.facebook.com/blythkayakclub/

Blyth British Sub-Aqua Club

“The club has been a part of bsac for over 40 years. We meet at the club house from 7:30pm every Monday and then have the use of Blyth pool at 9:00pm - 10:00pm.”

http://www.blythdivers.org/

Royal Northumberland Yacht Club

“Blyth Marina, on England's North East Coast, is home to the Royal Northumberland Yacht Club. Formed in 1890, it is dedicated to the 'sailing and improvement of yachts”.

www.rnyc.org.uk https://www.facebook.com/Royal-Northumberland-Yacht-Club-167498866611957/

Marine Support and Training Service

Offer full support and training in seamanship to anyone over the age of 14.

http://mstsblyth.org.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/blythmsts/?fref=ts

Go Hueys Surf Paddleboard and Kayak Hire

“Fanatic paddleboards, Swell surf boards and Tootega sit-on kayaks, including a couple of fishing kayaks.”

At the Dave Stephens Centre

http://gohueys.co.uk/

 

Musical Groups

Blyth Musical Theatre Company

“Blyth Music and theatre Company is an amateur musical theatre group. The company is based in Blyth Northumberland and has been formed for 51 years. The company also has a choir and a small group know as Melodia which performs local concerts.”

https://www.facebook.com/BMTCL

Beaconsfield Operatic Society

“An amateur group performing primarily in Blyth, Northumberland. Established in 1924, we perform a variety of concerts and musicals.”

http://www.beaconsfieldopsoc.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/Beaconsfieldopsoc?fref=ts

St Cuthbert’s Church

Choir

https://www.facebook.com/St-Cuthberts-Church-Blyth-350485641810/?fref=ts

Shaw Clark Project

Folk Rock Duo.

https://www.facebook.com/shawclarkproject/

http://www.blythtown.net/articles/shawclark-project-blyth-in-focus-69

 

Crafting Groups

Blyth Library

Knitting Group

http://mylibrary.co.uk/libraries-list/blyth-library

Isabella Community Centre

Hotch Patch Quilting Group, Crop Circle Craft, Ladies Wednesday Craft Group, Lacemaking, Wooly Weavers Spinning Group

www.theisabellacentre.org.uk

Briardale Community Centre

Craft Club

http://www.briardalecentre.org.uk/

Buffalo Community Centre

Art Group, Craft Group

http://www.buffalocommunitycentre.co.uk/

 

Community Radio

Radio Northumberland

Visit:

Beach and Huts

“The beach huts are situated on the main promenade in Blyth, Northumberland. They overlook a long strip of golden sand – popular with walkers, surfers, canoeists, sea anglers and families alike.

There are 20 beach huts altogether - 2 rows of 10. Each hut has a 'green' living roof and sits on a timber deck. The timber huts themselves are stained and painted in a variety of bright colours.

Each hut has a kettle and 2 deck chairs. There is also a terraced area to the rear of each beach hut.

The Dave Stephens Centre is a short distance from the beach huts where there are public toilets and some external showers.” The site is also served by the popular Coastline Fish & Chips and Ice Cream Parlour… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EBNZ1cZA-U

http://www.activenorthumberland.org.uk/leisure-facilities/beach-huts

Blyth Battery Museum

A coastal defence museum and heritage centre in Blyth, with regular events and re-enactments staged…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0zJSRzKHEk

www.blythbattery.org.uk

Seaton Delaval Hall

The 18th century grand mansion, built by Sir John Vanburgh,  of the larger-than-life Delaval family, resident landholders since the Conquest…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6tapRGbb4c

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/seaton-delaval-hall

Ridley Park

“The Park has well established formal gardens, wooded areas and secluded areas which prove popular with families and walkers who want to enjoy time out in the fresh air. A recent addition has been the development of wildflower areas on two locations which will provide a valuable haven for native flora and fauna in future years.

For those looking for refreshment while visiting the park there is a café offering food and drink throughout the year and during the summer an ice cream van is on site most days.

A further summer attraction in the park are the small fairground rides which operate most days (a small charge is payable for these).

There are regular organised events during the year led by the Friends of Ridley Park and other community groups which are publicised locally and in press where entry is free.

The Park offers a range of sporting activities including tennis courts and bowls as well as children’s play opportunities with specially designed junior and toddler areas at the southern end of the site.

One of the unique features of the park is a water play area installed in 2005 which has proved a great attraction for both the local population and those travelling from other parts of the North East.”

http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=16484  https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfRidleyPark/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVJNXKCoQTM [Kris Hodgetts]

 

Quayside

This much redeveloped riverside stretch is home to the RNLI shop, Tall Ship Project, Port Heritage Centre, Blyth all Weather Lifeboat Cafe and Maritime Museum, many grade II listed buildings, Blyth Boathouse “high class seafood restaurant and port heritage centre”, Community Rowing Club and the Commissioners Quay Hotel…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsjBp75-lo8 [Tall Ships Drone Footage]

http://www.blythboathouse.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/blythlifeboat/?fref=ts https://www.facebook.com/BlythTallShip/?fref=ts

http://www.blythtown.net/articles/quayside-heritage-trail-90

http://www.commissionersquayinn.com/

Town Centre

Setting for a shopping centre, amenities, art cafes, pubs, a former cinema now a popular late-night restaurant/bar and a venue for various festivals, fayres and events. “The town has also been renowned for its market days on Wednesday Friday and Saturdays. It is also home to the most recognisable high-street shops, including WH Smiths, Burtons and Top Shop among others, a monthly artisans market and an old-established jewellers and specialist cycle outlet. A brand new shopping venue has recently been opened in the former Co-op store right in the heart of the town.”

http://www.blythmarket.co.uk/ http://www.keelrow.co.uk/ http://www.frameworksblyth.co.uk/Welcome.html http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-wallaw https://www.facebook.com/J-Herron-Son-559835240725208/?fref=ts

Walks

The Blyth estuary is part of the Northumberland Shore Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and it provides important wintering grounds for shorebirds of both national and international significance.  The intertidal mudflats of the Blyth estuary provide important low water feeding grounds and high water roosting grounds for large numbers of overwintering waders. The Blyth estuary is also home to otters which can be seen feeding in the intertidal zone at low tide or loafing around in the water at high tide. Further upstream in the non-tidal zone there is the tranquil walk along the Ha’penny Woods.