Hexham readers have been sharing congratulations for a local gym, warm accounts of care at Hexham General Hospital and praise for an award-winning Northumberland pub.
The responses were published by the Hexham Courant as part of its “Your Say” feature, which brings together reader reactions to recent stories from across the Tyne Valley.
Ferguson Fitness HQ recognised nationally
Ferguson Fitness HQ in Hexham was named a finalist at this year’s National Fitness Awards. The gym has been shortlisted in the Functional Training Gym of the Year category and will compete against finalists from across the UK.
The nomination prompted a series of messages celebrating the business. Berenice Groves wrote: “Well done really positive to hear of. Local business doing so well may you grow from strength to strength.” Suzanne Little described the gym as a “fantastic gym” and said the recognition was “well deserved”, while Lynn Porter called the nomination “a brilliant achievement”.
Rowing Boat Cottage also congratulated the team, writing: “Great news. A big well done from me Matty.. and from Sport Tynedale.”
Patients praise Hexham General Hospital
Readers also responded to the first instalment of a new monthly Hexham Courant column by Marion Dickson, an executive director at Northumbria Healthcare. The column prompted people to describe their own experiences of Hexham General Hospital.
Ann Dalgarno praised the care she received while undergoing chemotherapy last year, describing the hospital as “absolutely fabulous” and staff on the ward as “absolutely amazing”. Sarah Hallberg wrote: “Hexham General is an amazing hospital and all the staff I've come across have been excellent.”
Moira Raine called it a “fantastic hospital” with “brilliant” staff. Paula Routledge described it as “one of the best hospitals in the north east”. Maureen Betteridge focused on the atmosphere, writing: “The only one you feel comfortable in it doesn't feel like the bigger ones.”
Kirkstyle Inn wins pub award
There was further local recognition for the Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest in Slaggyford, which was named Best Pub for Food at the 2026 Great British Pub Awards.
Readers congratulated the team after the announcement. Fo Millais wrote: “Well deserved, congratulations!” Jenny Dodds added: “Beautiful food, well done”, while Dee Adams described the award as a “fantastic achievement”.
Ian Boyd shared his own recent visit, saying: “Great place. Kay and I were there for lunch yesterday with friends. Absolutely beautiful food, great wine and exceptional service.” Christopher Taylor summed up his reaction simply: “It's amazing, well done.”
Readers who want to share an opinion on the story or another issue can contact the newspaper at [email protected].