Why I Love Northumberland: Herb Carol

Posted by Journal Extra on Apr 22, 10 09:00 AM in News

Herb Carol Each week Journal Extra talks to someone from the county about their passion for where they live. This week Herb Carol of the Marine Support and Training Service answers the questions:

Who are you and what do you do?

I am Herb Carol and I am the chief staff officer at the Marine Support and Training Service, a charity based in Blyth. We are a uniformed, totally voluntary charity, and continue to provide training in seamanship, small craft engineering and operational support for our members who come from many different backgrounds.

How long have you lived in Northumberland?

I live within the boundaries of the 'old' Northumberland. I came here for a long weekend more than 20 years ago, fell in love with the place and the people, and never went back!

What is your favourite view?

Watching the sunrise from Druridge Bay.

What is your favourite building in Northumberland?

There is some magnificent architecture in Northumberland, which varies from the imposing Alnwick Castle to the Victorian splendour of Cragside, some of the old police stations and the old Blyth Harbour Commissioners building. Of all of these, I have to admit that my favourite is the Blyth Harbour Commissioners with the sweeping staircase and the wood-panelled walls of the board room.

What is your favourite Northumberland pub or restaurant?

One of my favourite pubs is The Keel Row, situated on the A192, just outside Seaton Delaval. They serve excellent meals and a number of real ales.

Keel Row pub near Seaton Delaval

What do you like the most about Northumberland?

Where does one begin without sounding condescending? First of all it is the people, without whom the county would be beautiful but sterile. As you can imagine, my initial experience of Northumberland was by being introduced to some of the residents of the county. Their 'can-do' approach was the first thing that really made a lasting impression.

What would you do to improve the county?

Ensure that sufficient homes are available to those who have been brought up in the villages. The young people cannot afford to remain where their ties are as they have to compete with city dwellers who can afford second or third homes in the rural villages. They have all but destroyed the village communities by leaving their rental premises empty when they do not have bookings! To improve things I would propose a charge of at least double the council tax on these homeowners.

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