Local archive
Crime & Public Safety
Joe Brown, of Peth Head in Hexham, has received a 12-month community order after a woman reported seeing what appeared to be a gun near Newcastle’s Centre For Life. The item was later found to be a gun-shaped lighter bought on Facebook.
Business & Openings
The Fox pub and live music venue on West End Terrace in Hexham has reopened under new tenants Michael and Laura, following the departure of Robbie and Peggy Newton.
Sport
Hexham Auction Mart reported a strong annual October show and sale for native-bred cattle, with the champion Angus cross steer selling for £2,450. The mart also recorded strong demand across store lambs and cast sheep, including a £220 top price for Bluefaced Leicester lambs.
Crime & Public Safety
Joe Brown, 32, of Peth Head, Hexham, has received a 12-month community order after admitting possessing an imitation firearm in public. The novelty lighter, bought on Facebook, appeared to be a black handgun and left a woman shocked near Newcastle’s Centre for Life.
Traffic & Construction
The footpath at Hallstile Bank in Hexham has reopened after scaffolding was removed, but vehicles will remain barred while internal work continues following the collapse of the Hexham Ex-Servicemen's Club chimney.
Business & Openings
Hexham Auction Mart’s seasonal closing sale of specialist female breeding sheep saw 2,326 animals presented on 15 October 2026, according to Hexham and Northern Marts Livestock Sales Reports.
Community
A Northumberland assessment identifies theoretical capacity for 2,615 homes across 36 potential sites in Hexham, but the county council says the figures do not mean all the sites will be built.
Traffic & Construction Priestpopple
Drivers using the Priestpopple car park in Hexham now face charges of up to £5.99 for 24 hours, while owner Dysart Group prepares fresh plans for town-centre apartments on part of the long-derelict former bus station site.
Crime & Public Safety
An 18-year-old man has been released on conditional bail after being arrested on suspicion of burglary in Hexham.
Business & Openings
The Barrasford Arms has closed permanently, leaving the Northumberland village without a local pub and prompting discussion about its future.
Business & Openings
Hexham and Northern Marts held its Annual Prize Show and Sale of 246 Blackface Rams at Hexham Auction Mart on 12 October 2026.
Business & Openings
Hexham Courant readers welcomed the opening of El Bakes on Battle Hill, debated the proposed Rosebank oil field and shared memories after news that Kielder Castle is expected to reopen.
Culture
Hexham has been named the United Kingdom’s first designated Arts Town after more than 18 months of engagement and planning led by the Hexham Cultural Forum.
Crime & Public Safety
Kenneth Scott, whose financial services companies included offices in Hexham, has been ordered to repay £1,269,660 after a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.
Crime & Public Safety
Former accountant Kenneth Scott, whose Willis Scott group had offices in Hexham, has been ordered to repay £1,269,660 after a judge ruled that he benefited by more than £3.3m from tax fraud.
Business & Openings Bellingham
Independent Hexham business Hanji has moved into the former Bureau of Dreams gallery after owner Yvette Ja outgrew her first shop less than two years after opening.
Crime & Public Safety
Jordan Reynolds has been fined and banned from driving after pleading guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving when his Vauxhall Corsa crashed into a tree on Lowgate, Hexham, and caught fire.
Community
Paul Watson will complete the fifth and final race of his year-long GB Ultras 50 Mile Slam on Saturday, raising money for Little Troopers while reflecting on his late brother and his own experiences of military life.
Culture Corbridge
A look back through the Hexham Courant archives reveals how public services, farming, heritage, industry, war and archaeology shaped life across Hexham and the Tyne Valley over the past 150 years.
Traffic & Construction
Climate campaigners and Hexham residents hung banners from Bank Foot Road Bridge over the A69 on October 1, urging the Government to reject the proposed Rosebank oil field west of Shetland.
Traffic & Construction
Hexham Detachment of Northumbria Army Cadets has moved to the 1st Hexham Scout Group’s Hut on Maiden’s Walk after the Army Reserve Centre on Hencotes closed. The group says the relocation has affected lessons, equipment storage and its long-term plans.
Business & Openings
El Bakes, Eleanor Waugh’s new bakery and coffee shop at 4a Battle Hill, Hexham, attracted queues along the high street and repeatedly sold out of baked goods during its opening week.
Crime & Public Safety Bellingham
Roger Crosby, from Bellingham, has met the North East Ambulance Service colleagues and other responders who helped save his life after he collapsed at Byker Asda while buying lunch.
Community
Farmers in England are being invited to tell Parliament about their experiences of applying for the Sustainable Farming Incentive through an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee survey.
Culture The Sele
The Hexham Lantern Parade will return to Sele Park on Friday, November 13, with a free evening procession led by Northern Monkey Brass Band. Families can also make lanterns at free Queen’s Hall workshops during the October half term and in early November.
Culture
Hexham Old Gaol will host an Escape the Gaol Trail, Tales from the Gaol and a sensory-needs session during the October half term, as part of North East Museums’ Ways to Play programme.
Culture
Hexham Abbey has received a £5,000 grant from The Ouseley Church Music Trust to support its Choral Scholars and Chorister Supervisor across the 2026/27 and 2027/28 academic years.
Traffic & Construction
Hexham Army Cadets will hold an open evening at their new Maiden’s Walk base on Thursday, October 8, as they seek new cadets and adult instructors.
Business & Openings
Clean cattle recorded a stronger trade at Hexham Auction Mart on 6 October 2026, with a Charolais cross from Flotterton selling for 391.5p/kg.
Business & Openings Corbridge
Anne Ebdy, manager of The Boatside Inn at Warden near Hexham, is introducing Finnish dishes including Karelian pies, gravadlax and cured salmon alongside the pub’s regular menu.
