Spring & Summer Newsletter, 2026
Welcome to our first Blagdon Bull newsletter of 2026. The daffodils are already starting to show and we are hopeful for a decent summer as there are lots of events to look forward to at Blagdon this year.
Dates for the Diary
Estate Coffee morning – Wednesday 25th of March, from 10am – 12 noon in the Clockroom.
An event for Blagdon people, past and present, which is organised by our tenants. This event provides an opportunity for people connected with the estate to drop in, have a cup of coffee or tea and a chat. Whilst there is no charge for the coffee morning, donations are welcome in the box provided.
Open Garden Events
Blagdon estate is a private estate but the gardens will be open to the public on the following dates for charity, between 1300 – 1600hrs (close). All proceeds go to the organising charity who run their own days at Blagdon.
For full details about the events and to purchase your tickets, contact the charities. https://blagdonestate.co.uk/open-garden-events-for-2026/
National Garden Scheme, Sunday 24th of May. https://ngs.org.uk/
St Oswald’s Hospice, Sunday 28th of June. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/blagdon-estate-open-gardens-tickets-1984773802873?aff=BlagdonEstateWebsite
Hospice Care, North Northumberland, Sunday 4th of October. https://www.hospicecare-nn.org.uk/
Music in the Walled Garden
In support of St Mary’s Church, Stannington, there will be a music event in the Walled Garden at Blagdon Estate, on Sunday 18th of July, from 1500hrs. The event is being organised by the church. To obtain tickets, click on the link here.
Open Farm Sunday
The event, organised by the Blagdon Farm will be held on Sunday, 7th of June. Further details will be published shortly and how to book your tickets.
Stannington Village Hall
In February, there was an excellent night of entertainment at the village hall with music and magic. Paul Innes, the magician amazed the guests and there was a pie and pea supper and a lovely, welcoming atmosphere. To keep an eye on events due to happen at the village hall, check out their website.
Upcoming events | Stannington Village Hall
Tickets are already on sale for the 16th of May event, The Baldy Holly Band – a night of Nostalgia and Rock n Roll, not to be missed! For tickets, contact: Malcolm & Christine Scott, Tel: 07525149815/07809901829. Email: Scott.fire1511@btinernet.com
Estate update
Blagdon’s maintenance team respond to emergencies and reactive repairs to properties and have been involved in a variety of different tasks so far this year. This includes a thermal efficiency project at a three bedroomed, single storey cottage, at Boghouse whereby insulation is being fitted, air source heating, etc and once completed, the cottage will be added to our list of properties to let. If any existing tenant, within the estate is interested in downsizing or a potential move to this cottage, email an expression of interest, including your reasons for wanting to move to Claire@blagdonestate.co.uk
The woods department staff have been felling, extracting timber and have already started cutting the grass as the weather is warming up nicely.
New Tenants at Blagdon
You might recall, we had some vacancies at the Old Kennels at Blagdon and we asked for applicants, on our waiting list to submit expressions of interest for those properties. The process was completed and we have successfully offered two new families the opportunity to live at Blagdon, which were accepted and the properties are being occupied. We hope the new tenants at Blagdon enjoy their new homes and we wish them much happiness living on the estate.
Advice and Reminder to Tenants
Gas & Oil Safety checks – Nicholson Heating Services carry out the annual servicing of gas and oil boilers on behalf of the estate. The safety checks are carried out annually and tenants are asked to make sure they return calls from Nicholsons, who can be contacted on Tel: 01670 730333.
Blocked Sewage Drains
Northumbrian Water are campaigning to “Bin the Wipes” as flushed wipes contribute towards 60% of sewer blockages in the Northeast. At Blagdon, we also experience the same issues, with blocked drains due to this problem. Please be aware and avoid causing huge problems in your home. Details of the NWL campaign can be found on the link: www.nwl.co.uk/binthewipe
Blagdon Estate Office, Opening Times/Reports of estate type repairs
The Blagdon estate office opening times are 9am until 1pm, Monday to Friday. Reports of estate type repairs should always be made by ‘phone to the estate office on Tel: 01670 789621 as we cannot guarantee a response to reports of repairs which are sent to email addresses. If there is no answer on the phone during the office opening times, there is a voicemail facility for you to leave a message. Staff will respond to all telephone messages as soon as possible and allocate accordingly and if out of hours, there is an emergency contact telephone number for Matthew Williamson, the Managing Agent for Blagdon.
Downloadable forms – tenants can now download standing order forms and permit to work forms from the estate website, and the application forms for the Ridley Family Charity are available to download.
Save the date, Friday 3rd of July 2026!
This year marks the 250th Anniversary of American independence and the estate is excited to announce we are having an American themed party night for Blagdon staff and residential tenants to attend. This is strictly by invitation only, which will be sent out in the next few months.
Blagdon Farm Roundup – an update from Fraser, the farm manager.
Spring is beginning to make its presence felt at Blagdon Farm as the land starts to dry out following a long and wet winter. With ground conditions gradually improving, it’s encouraging to see our wheat crops looking strong and healthy as they continue to develop well across the farm. Over the coming weeks, we’ll also be preparing to plant our pollen and nectar crops, which play an important role in supporting pollinators and enhancing biodiversity around the farm.
It’s also an exciting time over at the dairy as calving season gets underway. New arrivals are starting to appear, and the herd is doing well. As the weather improves and grass begins to grow, the cows will soon be heading back out to graze the fields, which is always a welcome sign that spring is properly on the way.
A reminder that you can buy fantastic beef directly from the farm, and if you’re visiting Northumberlandia, be sure to stop by for our delicious fresh milk and milkshakes.
We’re also looking forward to welcoming visitors to the farm for Open Farm Sunday on 7th June. It promises to be a great day out for all the family, with the chance to see the farm up close, learn more about how we produce food, and enjoy a fun day in the countryside.
We look forward to sharing more updates as the season progresses.
Wishing you a great spring and summer time.
Kind Regards, Claire
Blagdon Estate, Administrator