This small village sits in the Coquet valley a few miles east of Rothbury, just south of the A697 between Morpeth and Wooler, surrounded by fields, wooded slopes and big views towards the National Park.

Where is Whittingham in Northumberland?

Whittingham is tucked away in the countryside east of Rothbury, on the route many people use to cut across Northumberland between Morpeth, Wooler and the Cheviots.

It is the kind of place that appears on signposts for walkers, cyclists and day‑trippers heading for the Coquet valley and the hills beyond, even if they have never actually stopped in the village itself.

How most people say it (and get it wrong)

On paper, Whittingham looks straightforward. Most visitors automatically sound it out as “Whit‑ting‑ham”, hitting every consonant and giving the final “ham” its full weight.

It feels logical if you are reading it off a map or a sat nav – but it is not how locals say it, and it is the quickest way to give yourself away as someone from out of the area.

The local pronunciation: Whitting‑jum

In Northumberland, the name is smoothed out into “Whitting‑jum” – effectively “WHITT‑in‑jum” – with the stress on the first syllable and the end of the word collapsing into a quick “jum” sound instead of a sharp “ham”.

The middle consonants are softened, the final “ham” all but disappears, and the whole word runs together much more quickly than it looks on the sign.

Why English place names drop the “ham”

It fits a wider English pattern where “‑ham” has worn down in everyday speech.

Guides often point to examples such as Nottingham – said more like “Nott‑ing‑um” than “Not‑ting‑ham” – to explain why names ending in “ham” don’t always keep that full ending.

Whittingham follows the same logic, just with a particularly Northumbrian twist in that soft “‑jum” finish that you hear up and down the Coquet valley.

How to sound a little less like a visitor

For anyone planning walks around Rothbury, a drive through the Coquet valley or a holiday in rural Northumberland, getting Whittingham right is an easy way to sound less like a visitor.

Next time you see the village on a signpost or in a route planner, skip the textbook “Whit‑ting‑ham” and go for the local version instead: Whitting‑jum.

It is a tiny change, but it is exactly the sort of detail Northumbrians notice – and appreciate

The ‘immaculate’ Asda store in Hale Barns Square will close its doors before being replaced by a Waitrose in autumn 2026

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A major UK supermarket chain is set to shut one of its ‘immaculate’ stores, with a rival food retailer poised to take its place.

The Asda branch in Greater Manchester is closing and will be replaced by a Waitrose.

Situated in Hale Barns Square, the site has been occupied by Asda since May 2024, having previously been home to a Booths supermarket.

The 15,000 square foot store underwent a full refurbishment during that time, and currently features a café, lottery, and parcel collection service, alongside a sizeable car park offering around 160 spaces.

Shoppers have previously praised the branch, describing it as “immaculate”.

Local Asda customers will now need to travel to either the Altrincham or Wythenshawe branches for their weekly shop.

An Asda spokesperson said: “Like all major supermarkets, we regularly review our store estate to ensure it continues to meet the customer needs and remains commercially sustainable.

“We’d like to thank our colleagues and the local community at our Hale Barns store and reassure customers they can continue to access Asda’s great value and products at our nearby Altrincham and Wythenshawe superstores, or online at asda.com.”

According to Altrincham Today, the store will undergo a full refit before reopening as a Waitrose in autumn 2026.

David Donovan, Waitrose Regional Manager, said: “Opening in Hale Barns is an exciting opportunity for Waitrose and we’ll offer the very best products and customer service for food lovers in the area.

“As part of this, we’re building a brilliant team and we look forward to welcoming them and our customers in the coming months. We’ll be sharing more details on our plans soon.”

Alun Jones, Waitrose’s Head of Physical Estate, added: “Growing our presence in the north is important to us and the Hale Barns store is a significant next step in our plan. Alongside our stores in Altrincham and Wilmslow, Hale Barns is a great fit for our brand.”

PIP recipients must notify the DWP before travelling abroad for more than four weeks or risk having their payments paused or stopped

The Department for Work and Pensions has issued guidance for claimants who are planning to travel this summer. July and August represent the peak travel period for Britons, with many jetting off to popular destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece for a sunny getaway. However, for those in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), there are specific rules that must be adhered to when leaving the UK.

Those claiming PIP are required to declare any changes to their personal circumstances. Alongside changes of address or carer needs, this encompasses which country they are residing in, particularly if that extends beyond four weeks. Should they neglect to notify the DWP of their travel arrangements, they risk having their benefit entitlement paused or stopped altogether, the department cautions. If you are departing the country for longer than four weeks, even for a holiday, you must inform the DWP.

You are required to notify the department of the date you are leaving the UK and the date of your return. Failing to do so could have a direct impact on your PIP entitlement.

The GOV.UK website states that you must contact the PIP enquiry line “straight away” if you plan to go abroad for more than four weeks. If you are considering travelling abroad this year, or are currently booking a holiday lasting longer than four weeks, contact the DWP with the relevant details at the earliest opportunity. You can do this by contacting the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433. The service operates from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

The benefit rose on April 6 by 3.8 percent in line with inflation, meaning those with certain disabilities or illnesses, including musculoskeletal conditions, are now receiving increased amounts, reports the Express.

PIP is typically paid every four weeks. There are two separate types of payments, both of which have higher and lower rates depending on an individual’s circumstances.

The daily living component is either £76.70 or £114.60, while the mobility element of the payment is either £30.30 or £80. Overall, monthly payments can reach as high as £748 following changes in April of this year.

Award durations vary, but the DWP has revealed the conditions where claimants tend to receive the longest awards. The complete list of the 12 conditions with the highest proportion of long-term awards, as identified by the DWP, is as follows:

• Visual disease — 68 per cent long-term awards (40,809 of 60,360 claimants)
• Neurological disease — 55 per cent (273,628 of 494,817)
• Hearing disorders — 54 per cent
• General musculoskeletal disease — 54 per cent
• Respiratory disease — 51 per cent
• Regional musculoskeletal conditions — 47 per cent
• Skin disease — 45 per cent
• Endocrine disease — 44 per cent
• Cardiovascular disease — 42 per cent
• Psychiatric disorders — 41 per cent (largest claimant group overall, with 1,523,811 recipients)
• Gastrointestinal disease — 34 per cent
• Malignant disease — 25 per cent (32,044 of 127,423 claimants)

Richmond Market Place will be transformed on Sunday (May 31) by the Little Bird Artisan Market, which will run from 10am to 3pm and feature a curated selection of independent traders from across Yorkshire.

Handmade goods will be on offer for visitors to browse and buy, including arts and crafts, ceramics, candles, photography, clothing, and artisanal food and drink.

Richmond is preparing to welcome visitors as the Little Bird Artisan Market returns to the town’s historic Market Place (Image: Supplied)

Jackie Crozier, managing director of Little Bird Made, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be back in the heart of Richmond this weekend.

“With the sun forecast to shine, it’s the perfect opportunity for families to get outdoors, enjoy the historic surroundings, and support small businesses.

“Whether you’re looking for a unique piece of local art, a handmade treat, or just a great atmosphere before the routine of the school run starts again, there is something here for everyone.”

Richmond is preparing to welcome visitors as the Little Bird Artisan Market returns to the town’s historic Market Place (Image: Supplied)

The market is designed to offer visitors a full day out, with organisers encouraging people to explore Richmond’s high street, its independent shops, and the wider town.

A day trip could also include visits to local landmarks such as Richmond Castle, Easby Abbey, or the scenic Richmond Falls.

The event is free to attend, dog-friendly, and accessible, making it suitable for all ages.

Carly Frame, owner of Wild Spore, said: “Little Bird Markets have been a fantastic platform for us to launch our small business from.

Richmond is preparing to welcome visitors as the Little Bird Artisan Market returns to the town’s historic Market Place (Image: Supplied)

“Their professional yet friendly approach has enabled me to build a strong customer base in various locations across North Yorkshire and allowed our business to grow.

“We are excited to be trading in Richmond on Sunday, and can’t wait to talk to visitors about all things mushrooms.”

Anyone interested in trading at future Little Bird Artisan Markets can find more information or apply for a stall by emailing info@littlebirdmade.co.uk or visiting www.littlebirdmade.com.

Updates and event details are also shared on social media by following @LittleBirdMade on Instagram or Facebook.

Wendy Iles has been found safe and well – but her poor dog Beau is still missing, with Valencia locals urged to be on the lookout for the elderly woman’s beloved springer spaniel

Missing Wiltshire woman Wendy Iles has been found, her daughter Louise has confirmed, after a frantic search turned up both her 68-year-old mum and her campervan, which is understood to had suffered a tyre blowout.

Still missing, however, is Beau, Wendy’s beloved springer spaniel. Louise confirmed the family is “still looking for my mum’s dog” in Spain.

Concerned relatives alerted police – both Interpol and back home in the UK – after Wendy vanished, and was last heard from at around 9pm on Sunday while in the Alfafar area, near Valencia. Louise said when she last spoke to her mum she was confused and the campervan she had been driving had been stolen.

The Wiltshire mum had been travelling from a residential area called Cumbre del Sol in and was en route to Caen in France to get the ferry back to the UK. Concerns were raised when Wendy never made her ferry connection.

Her daughter Louise raised the alarm with both European and UK authorities amid fears Wendy’s campervan and passports had been stolen after she failed to meet important travel connections and her phone was switched off.

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She failed to make the crossing on May 23.

Responding to questions on an expat forum about why she believed the vehicle had been stolen, Louise explained: “I am going with my last conversation with her where she was without the vehicle and had reported it stolen.”

She also expressed frustration at the difficulties involved in tracing her mother’s movements.

“British police will not track her bank transactions until she’s classed as high risk, and Spanish police will not search until 48 hours have passed,” she said.

Louise added that Wendy appeared confused during their last contact and had failed to arrive at a hotel she had recommended while they tried to resolve issues surrounding the camper van.

Officers attended Ogmore-by-Sea on Monday to move cars which had blocked the road as visitors battled for parking

Police were forced to move a number of cars which had parked illegally near a popular Welsh beach on Bank Holiday Monday. Officers attended Ogmore-by-Sea beach on the afternoon of May 25 to unblock the road.

The beachside car park was completely full on another scorching day in Wales, leading many sunseekers to leave their vehicles along the B4524 in a desperate bid to not abandon their beach plans. The police said the road was blocked due to “the number of cars”.

Some cars were cleared from the area while others were left with cautionary police tap in a bid to clamp down on unofficial parking measures.

A spokesperson from South Wales Police said: “South Wales Police was called to Ogmore-by-Sea car park at 2:30pm on Monday May 25 due to a road being blocked due to the number of cars.

“Officers assisted in getting the road clear before leaving the scene.”

One local wrote on social media: “The main river road from just before Portobello corner to the top cattle grid is a “Clearway” for safety reasons not to spoil people’s fun.. people need to start realising this ..”

Another person said she’d never seen the parking so bad. She wrote: “In all the years I’ve been going there or just driving past I have never seen it so busy even some of the big stone boulders had been moved to park on the grass.”

However, one visitor was less sympathetic to the police approach. They added: “It’s one day of sun and fun for families. Let’s ruin it for them. What’s wrong with people!? If you live by the sea guess what people will flock in hot weather.”

Monday broke the record for the hottest May day ever recorded with a new Welsh temperature record being set at 32.2°C in the afternoon at Hawarden Airport.

Beaches across south Wales were swarmed full of visitors and locals hoping to enjoy some of the baking temperatures during the bank holiday heatwave. Several business owners in Barry said the seafront destination was the busiest they’d ever seen it as they called for the police to increase their presence of particularly busy days.

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On Monday, May 25, emergency services were called to Gloucester Avenue in Whitefield.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said a seven-month-old girl was taken to hospital after falling ‘from a window’.

The injuries are “not believed to be life-threatening”.

Following this, a woman has been arrested on suspicion of child neglect.

GMP has not released any further information about the woman or her relationship to the child.

North West Air Ambulance Charity confirmed they were in attendance and that the incident took place on a private property.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has confirmed that Wales will not introduce a blanket ban on mobile phones in schools

Wales will not introduce a ban on mobile phones in schools, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has confirmed. After Australia introduced a social media ban for under 16s in January 2026, the UK government is weighing up several options to safeguard children and young people from the dangers of social media.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has confirmed that fresh measures for under-16s in England will be implemented before the end of 2026. However, Wales’ First Minister Rhun ap Iorweth has said his newly-formed Welsh Government will not introduce a blanket ban on mobile phones in schools.

Speaking at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Anglesey on Tuesday, May 26, Mr ap Iorwerth told BBC Wales that he would “facilitate schools to take the decisions that they feel are right to protect children and young people”.

He continued: “I don’t think of it in terms of a ban, I think about it as action on a number of different fronts.

“We will empower schools and school leaders to make decisions that they feel is right for pupils – many schools and school leaders have already taken those measures”.

However, he added that action “needs to be taken” regarding under-16s’ use of social media. The First Minister said: “The evidence is getting stronger and stronger.

“When you have evidence suggesting to you that the use of social media by children and young people can be as harmful as smoking tobacco, you take that very, very seriously.

“I am clear that action needs to be taken. It’s important though that it’s evidence based.”

The First Minister’s comments came as a UK government consultation on the impact of social media on children under the age of 16 draws to a close.

Meanwhile, the Conservative party say that Plaid Cymru need to commit to stronger action to protect under-16s in Wales.

Welsh Conservative shadow minister for education, families and constitution, Sam Rowlands MS, said: “Experts continue to warn about the harms of social media for children, with some comparing its impact to smoking.

“While the UK Government is acting on the damages that social media causes, the First Minister in Wales is dithering on restricting social media for under 16’s and has ruled out a Wales-wide ban on mobile phones in schools.

“The Welsh Conservatives say Plaid Cymru must go further and commit to stronger action to protect under-16s in Wales.”

Sturgeon’s ‘no comment’ response has been described as “standard advice offered on a regular basis in our jurisdiction”.

Nicola Sturgeon has defended her reported decision to give “no comment” answers to the police during her arrest.

In a statement issued by solicitor Aamer Anwar on behalf of the former Scottish first minister, he said the answer was standard legal advice. He rejected claims that the move hindered the investigation into SNP finances.

He said her position was “no different” to that set out on Monday around the criminal conduct of her estranged husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who admitted on Monday to embezzling more than £400,000.

“In relation to the advice tendered to Ms Sturgeon to make no comment, this was by her solicitor, formerly a very senior crown counsel at Crown Office,” the lawyer said.

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He said Ms Sturgeon said a “no comment” response was “standard advice offered on a regular basis in our jurisdiction” and that it was “deeply worrying” that Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay described her “right to silence” as a “tactic of organised crime”.

Mr Anwar said Ms Sturgeon later insisted on providing a “detailed written response” to Police Scotland questions.

“The idea that a highly resourced inquiry was hampered by a no comment interview is nonsensical,” he said. “Had there been any evidence whatsoever of criminality against Ms Sturgeon, there can be no doubt that this gold-plated investigation would have led to Ms Sturgeon being charged and prosecuted.

“To make it abundantly clear it was not the role of the First Minister to sign off accounts that was for the party treasurer.

“There appears to be an assumption that as FM, when Mr Murrell was busy buying multiple pens or pepper pots etc she was with him, Ms Sturgeon was not as unsurprisingly she was busy with other matters.”

Murrell, 61, was convicted at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, May 25. It is anticipated that he will receive a substantial prison sentence after he faced charges of embezzling hundreds of thousands of pounds from the SNP between August 2010 and January 2023.

He admitted using the party’s money to buy items including a motorhome and luxury goods, and towards the purchase of two cars.

The indictment included allegations that in 2020 Murrell used party funds to buy a £124,550 motorhome for his own personal use, and that he falsified accounting records in an effort to cover up his wrongdoing.

Sturgeon has denied all knowledge of the 10-year spending spree undertaken by her estranged husband.

Earlier, Sturgeon said she was “utterly appalled” that her former husband had used the party’s money for personal purposes. She accepted there would be a “political discussion in the light of what has happened” but the former First Minister said that for her this “has also been a profound personal trauma”.

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