Daredevils zip along to high praise
The Mayor with organiser Emma Scott, radio presenter Jonathon Males, Penny Blyth - Jones, Lyne Horton and Juliet Adams. Keith Robertson
DOZENS of high-fliers took on a charity challenge in Morpeth on Sunday.
More than £8,000 has been raised for Oxfam, which linked with International Women’s Day, from the Get Together Zip Wire event at Morpeth Rugby Club.
After a 150ft-high mobile crane was put into position, more than 100 people zipped along 200 feet of wire during the morning and afternoon, with weather conditions ranging from sunny to snow showers.
There were added attractions for all ages at the venue, such as arts and crafts stalls and face-painting.
Refreshments were available at the bar and the balcony room was transformed into a vintage tearoom, where tea or coffee, scones and home-made cakes were served.
The main organiser of the event, Emma Scott, said: “We’re delighted that so many people turned out on the day – about 500 either took part or came along to support the zippers and purchase items from the arts and crafts stalls.
“Everyone who went on the zip wire, even those who were nervous beforehand, said they loved the experience. They felt exhilarated and proud of their achievement.
“It was great to see some people wearing fancy dress as well.
“For example, the male staff from Barluga were in drag and the women from the Corbridge Larder were in Pink Ladies outfits.
“It was a real community get together and we’re grateful to all the businesses who had people taking part or sponsored the event.
“Also, the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service brought along a fire engine and one of its officers went on the zip wire and he collected a lot of money from his colleagues.
“I would like to praise the efforts of La Bodega’s April Atkinson, who helped with the organising and hosted the after party at her premises, Sarah Sparham of Crafty Sheep for managing the arts and crafts stalls and Elizabeth Ayres, who was looking after everything else on the ground.
“I couldn’t have done it without them.”
She also thanked the event’s VIPs – Morpeth Mayor and Mayoress Mark and Lynne Horton, Penni Blythe-Jones, one of the main organisers of events to mark the 100th anniversary of Suffragette Emily Davison’s death, BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Jonathan Miles and Philippa Goymer from Sky.
Funds raised from the Oxfam Get Together events across the UK will support a range of projects helping girls and women in Africa.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Morpeth
Saturday 18 May 2013
Today
Heavy showers
Temperature: 7 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 7 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
