(by By Sara Janiszewska, Newcastle Magazine, January 16, 2026)
Northumberland Freemasons have awarded a £1,060 donation to Blyth Valley Samba, a well‑established community drumming group, to help provide new polo shirts for its volunteers.
The funding was granted through the Richard Henry Holmes Benevolent Fund, which offers support to small community organisations across Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside.
Blyth Valley Samba has been part of the local community since 1993. The group was founded by musician Keith Blackburn, who brought samba drumming to Blyth after being inspired by similar groups elsewhere. Over the years, the group has become a welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together through music.
During the Covid-19 lockdowns, sessions moved online, with Keith continuing to lead drumming via Zoom from his home, using an electronic drum kit. Sadly, Keith passed away before the group was able to reunite in person. After a period of inactivity, a small number of members came together to revive the group, which has since grown again.
Today, Blyth Valley Samba has around 25 members ranging in age from 12 to 85. The group rehearses weekly in Blyth and…
read more:
Blyth Valley Samba has been part of the local community since 1993. The group was founded by musician Keith Blackburn, who brought samba drumming to Blyth after being inspired by similar groups elsewhere. Over the years, the group has become a welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together through music.
During the Covid-19 lockdowns, sessions moved online, with Keith continuing to lead drumming via Zoom from his home, using an electronic drum kit. Sadly, Keith passed away before the group was able to reunite in person. After a period of inactivity, a small number of members came together to revive the group, which has since grown again.
Today, Blyth Valley Samba has around 25 members ranging in age from 12 to 85. The group rehearses weekly in Blyth and…
read more:
Today, Blyth Valley Samba has around 25 members ranging in age from 12 to 85. The group rehearses weekly in Blyth and…
read more:
