The Parish Council is saddened by the death of Ali Simpson on Saturday the 19th of October 2019. Ali was a valued member of our community and member of the Parish Council for 25 years and was deputy Chairman and represented Newton Parish Council on the Embleton Joint Burial Board for much of that time. He took an active part in parish events, such as tree-planting, and was instrumental in the installation of the posts that protect the village green at High Newton from car parking.
He was always ready to help people, especially with things mechanical and electrical. He always had just the tool or fitting that was needed somewhere in his garage, even if it took a bit of finding. Many people will remember him from the days when we had fireworks on the beach in Newton Haven on the 5th of November and New Year’s night when he was firmly in charge of setting out the displays and lighting the fireworks. This was a job he took very seriously, never having a drink until the show was over!
Ali came to Newton in the early 1970’s to work at the tactical navigation beacon at Newton Point for the RAF. Rather than accept a posting away from the area he took up commercial fishing from Newton Haven and lived with his wife Jill in a cottage in the Square next door to the Ship Inn. Later he became the skipper of the University of Newcastle’s research boat, RV Bernicia, and was renowned for his resourcefulness in helping a generation of marine scientists carry out their work.
We will all miss Ali and wish to extend our sympathies to his wife Jill.