DCC Durham County News Autumn 2017

DURHAM County News

www.durham.gov.uk

Autumn 2017

The magazine for people in County Durham

Local people at centre of light creations

What do you love about our county?

Win! Theatre and museum tickets

Lumiere to brighten up Durham for the fifth time

WELCOME

The summer may be nearly over but there’s plenty to look forward to in the coming months including Lumiere and the Durham Book Festival.

to the autumn edition of Durham County News

Councillor Simon Henig, Leader of the Council

Lumiere is returning for its fifth outing this November and once again we’re working with leading arts charity, Artichoke, to produce a festival that will again illuminate Durham in spectacular and delightful ways.

Getting people from across the county involved is fundamental to Lumiere’s success and one of the many reasons it is so special.

We are passionate about making art accessible for all and in 2015, 860 children and young people took part in the festival’s community outreach programme – something we hope to build on even further in 2017. It is also particularly pleasing that this year will see an installation which illuminates the people behind so many of our vital services. You can read more about Lumiere’s community projects in our four page pull out.

In this issue, we are also launching an exciting new campaign, Celebrating Durham, that will help us shine a light on what an extraordinary and enlightening place Durham is. Over the next 12 months we will celebrate the people, places, stories, history and heritage that make our county a Place of Light – a fantastic place to live, work and visit. Find out more on pages 20 and 21.

I hope you enjoy reading the magazine and you can find more stories and videos online at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn

Simon Henig

Inside...

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Or write the answer, along with your name, address, telephone number and email on a piece of paper. Pop your entries into one envelope (don’t forget the stamp) and post to Durham County News, Durham County Council, County Hall DH1 5UF, or drop them into reception at any of our access points.

Entry closes on Friday 6 October 2017.

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To contact the editorial team, call 03000 268 059 or email durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk Please ask us if you would like this document summarised in another language or format.

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Wedding venues

10-11

Green living

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12-14

Children and young people

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20-21

Celebrating Durham

News

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Lumiere four page special

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Libraries

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Book Festival

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24-25

Halloween fun

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What’s on

Front cover: Harry Dobson enjoying the Supercube, by artist Stéphane Masson, at Lumiere 2015.

Making a splash in our swimming pools As we leave the summer behind, look forward to new pool sessions that are guaranteed to brighten up the darker days and nights.

New sessions for families and those wanting to get fit will be available in four of our swimming pools – Chester-le-Street, Newton Aycliffe, Peterlee and Woodhouse Close in Bishop Auckland.

For adults Brand new water based fitness sessions will be available later this year. The sessions will feature state of the art equipment including hydrorider aqua bikes (like spinning bikes) and trampolines and we’re one of the first in the region to introduce this type of session.

Angela Humble, aqua instructor at Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex said: “We’re really looking forward to leading the new sessions. They provide a fun, different and low impact way to get fit and will appeal to a broad range of our customers and fitness levels.”

For families The summer holidays saw the introduction of three new or improved family sessions at the same pools including aquafun, pool inflatables and ‘Ready, Sett, Splash’ our new water-based games featuring our early years character Brock the Badger and his friends.

Investment The new activities are all part of a £2m investment programme funded by us and Sport England that will also see improvements being made to the changing facilities at Chester-le-Street and Peterlee.

Find more details about all the activities and what’s on offer at your local pool at: www.durham.gov.uk/swimming Facebook/DurhamThriveActive Swimming

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News

Contact us: You can get lots of information, and apply online for council services via

New book celebrates sketches of much loved painter

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The work of Spennymoor’s beloved painter Norman Cornish will be celebrated in a new book.

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Behind The Scenes - The Norman Cornish Sketchbooks is a collection of sketches taken from the 269 sketchbooks uncovered in his studios. The portfolio will launch at Durham Book Festival next month and shows a range of photographs of his sketches, which were used as the foundations for his acclaimed townscapes, bar scenes and iconic people.

The book is available from www.normancornish.com and will also be available at the new Mining Art Gallery when it opens at Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland later in the year.

Durham Book Festival will also be paying tribute to Norman with a guided walk around Spennymoor and an event looking at his work. There will also be two days of events for local schools, with events from Mick Manning, Brita Granstrom and picture book maker Tim Hopgood, amongst others.

For more information on Durham Book Festival see page 23.

Social Care Direct/Children’s First Contact Service

03000 26 79 79

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03000 26 99 95

@DurhamCouncil /durhamcouncil linkedin.com/company/ durham-county-council /DurhamCouncil

Improved play facilities for Newton Aycliffe Young people in Newton Aycliffe will soon benefit from improved play facilities in the Cobblers Hall area. The new improved facility will cater for children aged 6-14 years of age and include new play equipment, a small multi-use games area (MUGA), improved access paths and landscaping.

It is expected the park, which is being developed and funded by GAMP, Great Aycliffe Town Council and ourselves, will be open next year.

/durham_county_council

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News

Key to symbols:

C Central Durham

N North Durham S South Durham

E East Durham

Expansion begins at science park Work has begun to expand a North East science park.

Construction has started on a new 1km road which will allow access to a further 26 acres of development land at the North East Technology Park (NETPark) in Sedgefield.

NETPark is already home to some of the world’s most innovative companies and this latest expansion could lead to the creation of around 1,400 jobs.

This £12.6m expansion, set to be completed by the end of the year, will allow additional space for research and development companies.

Watch a video at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn

A ten year strategy for NETPark hopes to see a total of 3,000 jobs brought to the area adding £400m to the region’s economy.

Boost for grassroots sport We’ve contributed towards a £600,000 project to create a new community sports hub in Chester-le-Street.

A refurbished artificial turf pitch, new clubroom and new changing facilities have transformed the former Roseberry Sports and Community College site at Newfield in Pelton.

Three cheers for volunteers!

Volunteers across County Durham came together to celebrate their hard work and successes over the last year, at the County Durham Volunteering Celebration.

The project also received a £293,000 grant from the Premier League and FA Facilities Fund, which is funded by the Premier League, The FA and the Government through Sport England and delivered by the Football Foundation, the country’s largest sports charity.

The event, which took place at Beamish Museum, recognised around 200 volunteers, showcasing the achievements of individuals and groups from across the county.

The event was organised by Durham Community Action and sponsored by the council, Banks Group, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Lloyds Bank, Office of Durham Police, Crime and Victims Commissioner and Beamish Museum.

To find out more visit www.durhamcommunityaction.org.uk News

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News

Victoria Cross hero remembered with day of commemoration Hundreds of people turned out to celebrate the homecoming of a Victoria Cross hero from our county, 100 years after he returned to his home town from the First World War. Durham Light Infantry Victoria Cross recipient Private Michael Heaviside returned to Stanley from battle on 12 July 1917.

He was given a hero’s welcome after crawling across No-Man’s Land under heavy fire to take water and first aid to a wounded soldier lying in a shell hole during the battle of Arras. He later risked his life to bring him back to the trenches.

His homecoming, recorded on film, was re-enacted on Stanley Front Street to mark 100 years since the event.

Beamish Museum provided costumes for local schoolchildren to get dressed up for the occasion and Craghead Colliery Band played for the procession which included Pte Heaviside’s grandson Norman.

Watch a video about this event at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn

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News

Happy birthday to Blackhall Library Children at St Joseph’s, Hesleden and Blackhall Colliery Primary Schools have joined in with 1950s themed celebrations at Blackhall Library.

Cllr Bill Kellett, chairman of the council, unveiled a mosaic created and given to the library in recognition of the library’s 60 years by pupils at St Joseph’s School.

Getting the best out of health and social care services

Shops and businesses to get a touch of TLC Owners and tenants of shops and businesses in need of tender loving care are being urged to apply for funding.

Before

Funds are available to support businesses in the Bishop Auckland and North Road (Durham City) areas of the county.

HealthWatch County Durham is a free service, which ensures families get the best out of health and social care services such as hospitals, GPs, dentists, opticians and nursing and residential care in County Durham.

For more information telephone 0800 304 7039 or visit www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk

It’s hoped the funding will improve After economic activity and generate investment in derelict, underused retail spaces.

The funding can be used for upgrades to windows, doors and signage or for plumbing, flooring or tiling. Any improvements which will encourage business growth will be considered.

Major schemes Up to 70% of cost up to a maximum of £20,000 Minor schemes Up to 50% of cost up to a maximum of £5,000 Match funding is required for the remainder of the works For further information on the funds available to businesses in Bishop Auckland and North Road, email tbi@durham.gov.uk

Pupils say no thanks to prison Pupils are getting a taste of what life would be like in prison as part of a project to deter them from a life of crime.

Spennymoor Area Action Partnership granted the Prison! Me! No Way! Scheme £10,000 to enable more than 450 local children to benefit from crime and safety awareness days and workshops, which see reformed prisoners visit schools to speak to the young people about prison life.

The No Way Trust has reached out to more than five million young people since it began in 1993 and this latest funding enables a series of sessions to take place with Whitworth Park School pupils.

Celebrating a new era for Horden and Peterlee Funding made available via the East Durham Area Action Partnership has enabled Horden and Peterlee Rugby Club to be turned into a vital community hub. A team of volunteers took on the work of transforming the clubhouse and a newly appointed community worker has enabled a wide range of activities to take place allowing the building to be used for both the rugby club and members of the local community.

Deerness Bridge Update Work has begun on a permanent replacement for the temporary Bailey bridge linking Ushaw Moor and New Brancepeth. For the latest information on this project visit www.durham.gov.uk/deernessbridge Watch a video at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn

News

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News Save money on bills this winter Free advice to help you save money on your energy bills and keep your home warm is available from the Managing Money Better Service.

An advisor can call to your home to help you reduce your energy bills by switching supplier or by finding a cheaper tariff, as well as helping you make your home more energy efficient.

They can also refer you to other services that can help with finances and debt.

To book an appointment call our Housing Solutions Service on 03000 268 000 or email warmhomes@durham.gov.uk

Licences for landlords Did you know if you’re a landlord of a house with multiple occupants (HMO) you could need a licence from us?

What is a HMO? Buildings are often classed as HMOs if they have three or more people sharing one or more toilet, wash hand basin, shower, bath or cooking facilities or if they have two or more households (individuals or family units) living in the building, including flats.

Do I need a licence?

A HMO must be licensed if the entire house or apartment is, or is within, a building consisting of three or more storeys and is occupied by five or more persons, forming two or more households.

Why should I get a licence?

We recently prosecuted someone who failed to obtain the appropriate licences for two houses she rented out to students – costing her more than £5,700.

For more information search ‘multiple occupancy homes’ on the council website.

Are you ready for Universal Credit?

A single benefit which replaces many of the current welfare payments is being fully rolled out across County Durham by the Department for Work and Pensions this autumn.

From October, Universal Credit will be phased in by Job Centre area, starting with Peterlee and Seaham.

The benefit is for most working age people, both in and out of work, who do not have enough money to live on.

It does not apply to pensioners or households with three or more children.

Universal Credit replaces Income Support, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit.

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It will mean big changes for anyone receiving Universal Credit as it will need to be claimed online and will be paid monthly in arrears into a bank account.

If you need help with your rent, you will no longer be able to apply for Housing Benefit as this will be paid as part of your Universal Credit payment. This will go directly into your bank account and you will be responsible for paying your rent to your landlord.

For more information visit www.gov.uk/universal-credit If you need help with paying your council tax you can find out about our Council Tax Reduction Scheme at www.durham.gov.uk/counciltaxreduction or call 03000 262 000.

The perfect match… for your special day With breathtaking scenery and a host of hidden gems, County Durham is the perfect place to celebrate your special day.

Whether you’re planning a big bash or an intimate family gathering for your wedding, our ceremony team are here to help.

They provide a dedicated service for people wishing to tie the knot with our Registration Service, guiding you every step of the way.

“These days, you can have almost any kind of ceremony, from a simple ‘I do’ in one of our register offices with a couple of friends as witnesses, to a more grand affair at a licensed venue,” explained superintendent registrar Anne Robson. “The only restriction is your own imagination!”

Almost anything goes, but remember that only registrars employed by a local authority can conduct a legal civil marriage.

If you’re planning a humanist or celebration wedding you must

have a legal ceremony prior to the event.

The choice of venue for taking your vows is very personal. Some people wish to marry in churches or places of worship but many couples choose to marry in one of our register offices, which can cater for up to 55 guests.

If you’re looking for somewhere out of the ordinary, there are over 40 licensed venues in County Durham. These range from historic castles and fabulous hotels to sporting venues and enchanting teepees at a country pub.

If you choose one of these it’s important you book your registrar as soon as possible, so that the team will be on hand to answer your queries every step of the way.

Having conducted wedding ceremonies for 30 years, Anne has helped thousands of happy couples.

“Your wedding is possibly the biggest day of your life and it’s always an honour to be part of such a wonderful occasion.

“So from booking the ceremony to giving legal advice on your nuptials, we always go that extra mile to make sure every couple has a perfect day to remember.”

For more information, call 03000 266 000, email theceremonyteam@durham.gov.uk or visit www.durham.gov.uk/registeroffices

The bride and groom Gordon and Kathryn Coates from Crook married this year at Aykley Heads Register Office.

“Our wedding day was amazing from start to finish,” said Kathryn.

“We chose a civil ceremony in Durham and the help we received before the wedding was invaluable.

Our wedding day was amazing...

“The ceremony was perfect and it was the most joyous day, made all the more exceptional by the ceremony team.”

County Durham Register Office

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Green living Guided Walks Feel the fresh air on your skin by joining one of our guided walks.

Discover County Durham’s beautiful countryside and learn about the history and heritage of the scenes. Tap in to your creative side with an art or photography walk. There’s a wide range of walks of all lengths and difficulties. Copies of the guide are available from Wharton and Hardwick Parks and a range of other council venues or download a copy from www.durham.gov.uk/countryside

Changes to bin collection days – Sedgefield, Teesdale and Wear Valley areas

Spruce Up-date

To help us make our bin collections more efficient, rubbish and recycling bin collection days will change for some households in the former Sedgefield borough, Teesdale and Wear Valley areas.

Various improvements have been carried out in ten local communities so far, with plans to improve areas in Ferryhill, Langley Moor, Aycliffe and Coundon by the end of the year.

If your property is affected, you will shortly receive a letter with a revised collection calendar.

Changes only apply to rubbish and recycling collections, the garden waste (council and Rotters scheme) is not affected.

Please continue to place your bins out for collection on your normal collection day until week beginning 9 October.

If you misplace your letter and calendar you can find out your new collection details online by entering your house number and postcode in to the ‘My Durham’ section of www.durham.gov.uk or give us a call on 03000 261 000.

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Green living

The Spruce Up team continues to make improvements across the county as part of a programme to ‘clean up’ and ‘green up’ front streets.

Operation Spruce Up involves a range of council teams, schools, organisations and partners taking part in activities to deep cleanse one town or village from each of the fourteen Area Action Partnerships (AAPs).

For more information visit www.durham.gov.uk/spruceup

Cleaner air in Durham Are you keen to improve the quality of the air you breathe? Visit www.durham.gov.uk/airquality for more information and for tips and advice on what you can do to help improve air quality.

Household waste recycling centre opening times Between 1 October and 31 March, household waste recycling centres will operate the following winter opening hours.

“When I’m recycled I want to be a

FOOTBALL

SHIRT ” Recycle all your plastic pots and give them a chance to be new stuff.

Recycling – what goes around comes around National Recycle Week is back, 25 September to 1 October!

See some of the amazing transformations and find out what everyday household objects can be recycled into.

Daily videos on our Facebook page will show the journey your recycling takes once it leaves your home. So like us to find out about aerosols turning into parts for mobile phones or a yoghurt pot becoming a football shirt. There’ll be daily competitions too.

You’ll never look at your recycling in the same way!

Facebook/recycleforcountydurham

9.00am-3.30pm everyday: Annfield Plain; Heighington Lane, Newton Aycliffe; Middleton-in-Teesdale; Potterhouse Lane, Pity Me; Romanway, Bishop Auckland; Seaham; Tudhoe.

10.00am-4.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am-3.30pm Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays: Coxhoe; Horden; Thornley.

9.00am-3.30pm on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays only: Hett Hills, Chester-le-Street; Stainton Grove, Barnard Castle.

For more information go to www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc or call 03000 261 000.

New rules for stray dogs Did you know it is now an offence to allow your dog to stray under the new Public Space Protection Order?

If you do allow your dog to stray, you could be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice or prosecuted.

What happens if my dog strays?

If a dog is found by a neighbourhood warden, it will be scanned for a microchip and returned to its owner. If the owner can’t be identified it will be taken to Stray Aid, our kennel provider based in Coxhoe. If the dog is not claimed within 7 days, it can then be offered for rehoming.

If your dog does stray and you’re unable to locate it, contact Stray Aid on 0300 999 4247, www.strayaid.org.uk/found

#FollowOurLead Be a responsible dog owner.

National Recycle Week 25 September to 1 October Watch a video at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn

Green living

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Children and young people

Preparing your children for school All three and four year olds, and some two year olds, can already get 15 hours free early learning in a nursery, pre-school playgroup or with a childminder.

The new 30 Hours Free Childcare scheme means working parents of three and four year olds could access an extra 15 hours per week, allowing them to increase their hours or get back into work.

Find out more at www.durham.gov.uk/earlyyears For more information on childcare or activities for children, visit www.countydurhamfamilies.info

Applying for a school place for next year Applications for primary and secondary school places open on Tuesday 12 September.

Apply online and find out more at www.durham.gov.uk/ schooladmissions or call 03000 265 896 for paper applications.

Applications close at midnight on 31 October 2017 (secondary) and 15 January 2018 (primary).

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Children and young people

Baby Room Project

puts county in the spotlight Thirteen of our nurseries have been praised for their ground-breaking work to improve the care and education of babies.

They’ve worked with Professor Kathy Goouch, a widely recognised specialist in the earliest years of education, care and early literacy on a research project into the quality of time devoted to close personal interactions with individual babies, as well as how songs and rhymes are used.

Professor Goouch from Canterbury Christ Church University said: “I was delighted to collaborate with the early years team and have been rewarded by their energetic, enthusiastic and insightful responses to the project.

“I am also impressed that this aspect of early childhood care is sufficiently important for Durham to commit resources, including time, to improving provision, demonstrating the commitment that the council is offering to babies and their carers in the region.”

Staff at the 13 nurseries looked at their own practice alongside international research and practice to see how it could shape what is done here in the county. This included the Scandinavian practice of babies sleeping outside during the day and how a similar ‘snuggle hut’ for babies could be introduced in our outdoor spaces.

Professor Goouch and the practitioners are now developing ideas around care and education of babies, which will be shared as the project develops.

Early years lead, Helen Nixon, said: “We are committed to providing children with the very best start in life and this programme illustrates our commitment to being a forward-thinking county, at the forefront of development and change where positive outcomes for children are concerned.”

Stop for the lollipop School crossing patrols help our children cross the road safely on their way to and from school. They also have the legal right to stop traffic to help anyone across the road, child or adult, whether they are going to school or not. Here are a few reminders of what to do when the school crossing patrol is on duty.

Drivers Where you see a school crossing patrol standing on the pavement: »» slow down and be prepared to stop if the patrol is displaying the sign upright »» you must stop when the patrol is in the road holding the sign upright »» failing to stop when the patrol is in the road puts lives at risk and is also an offence for which you may be prosecuted »» don’t drive off until all the pedestrians have crossed and the patrol has returned to the pavement »» do not overtake when approaching a school crossing patrol

Pedestrians »» »» »» »»

stand on the pavement, well back from the patrol wait on the pavement until the patrol instructs you to cross always cross in front of and not behind the patrol keep looking and listening while you cross

We occasionally have vacancies for school crossing patrols around the county. For more information go to www.durham.gov.uk/roadsafety or call 03000 268 175.

School road safety schemes We work with schools across the county to deliver a range of road safety schemes including:

20mph speed limits We are reducing traffic speeds around some schools from 30mph to 20mph to improve road safety and help create safer and healthier communities.

Bikeability Bikeability training in primary schools teaches children basic bike control skills and how to ride bikes safely on both quiet and busier roads.

Junior Road Safety Officers A minimum of two Year 5 and 6 pupils are chosen to be junior road safety officers for their school. Their job is to spread road safety messages by running competitions, speaking in school assemblies, creating a noticeboard and organising campaigns to improve the safety of their fellow pupils.

Watch a video at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn

Children and young people

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Make ordinary moments with Durham County Council

Could you foster a child?

Every day in the county at least one new child is taken into care. We are appealing for people to become foster carers to help us provide these children with loving homes.

Chris (pictured) and Leanne Coulson have provided long-term foster placements with us for ten years.

Chris said: “We’d had our daughter very young and we felt like there was a bit of a gap in our lives. We’d already had experience helping out a family member with their children while they were going through a rough patch, so we felt that fostering was something we would enjoy as a couple.”

older kids would have to look after the little ones because my mum was too ill to do it.

“Once I was fostered I got back on the right track.

Chris and Leanne chose to take me on when I was what some people would describe as a ‘difficult teenager’, they gave me a new chance. This is my home now but when I’m older, I want to meet someone and have a family of my own, then I definitely want to foster after that.”

“We wanted to offer a loving and stable home but not just as a stop gap, we wanted to offer children something permanent so we could nurture them and provide a life for them with some stability so we were delighted that we could do just that with the council.”

Brandon (pictured) was one of their foster children who has chosen to stay with them through the Staying Put programme, which allows a foster child to stay with their foster family after the age of 18, when the standard fostering arrangement formally ends.

He said: “Being fostered changed my life – I used to bunk off school all the time and when I was home us 14

Children and young people

If you could open your home and heart to a child in need, get in touch on 03000 269 400 or visit www.durham.gov.uk/fostering for more information.

Watch a video of one of our Foster carers at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn

ge pa l ur cia Fo spe

Andre Pattenden

16 – 19 November

This year’s festival includes The Umbrella Project by show makers Cirque Bijou, a colourful performance artwork that will pop up around the city. The mobile art installation of LED-lit umbrellas is supported by County Durham Community Foundation and East Durham Creates.

Keep up to date with our latest Lumiere news at durham.gov.uk/Lumiere #LumiereDurham Ticket and programme information will be available from mid-October Lumiere

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Shining a light on our hidden heroes Hidden heroes across Durham are set to share their stories with thousands of people as part of the UK’s largest outdoor light festival this November.

More than 50 public sector workers from services including the police, fire and rescue, refuse collection, education and the NHS are part of an installation named ‘The Common Good’. Video interviews of the participants will be screened onto Durham Miners’ Hall during the festival to highlight the important work they carry out on a day-to-day basis as well as shining a light on occasions where they have gone above and beyond.

Two of those whose stories will be lighting up the city are Barbara Tate and Mark Henderson, both Vulnerable Persons’ Advocates at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.

“We are very proud and excited to be part of this – what better way of reaching as many people as possible than Lumiere,” said Barbara.

“It’s an excellent way to promote the service and the job we do.”

Our volunteers in front of the Miners’ Hall, where The Common Good footage will be screened during Lumiere.

School crossing patrol Alan Hebblethwaite also volunteered to be part of this year’s festival.

He said, “It’s important to engage the community first of all and I hope people enjoy it.”

The installation was created by Shared Space and Light, who were also involved in Lumiere back in 2015.

“Our work focuses on revealing hidden stories and that is very much what we are doing here – giving a voice to people who maybe don’t get recognised as much as they should,” said Giles Thacker, one of the artists working on the project.

“People in the public sector are often in the background, but they are all very special people and in it for a very sound reason. They are giving themselves to the people and public and that deserves recognition.”

The Common Good is supported by County Durham Housing Group and Prince Bishops Homes.

Barbara Tate and Mark Henderson are filmed as part of The Common Good installation.

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Lumiere

County Durham Housing Group Chief Executive, Bill Fullen, said: “Lumiere is a phenomenal event; it looks spectacular and it brings so many benefits to Durham. As an organisation committed to supporting local people, businesses and the community we were keen to get involved.”

Charlotte Carpenter, Executive Director of Growth “One of the unique things in terms of Lumiere is that and Business Development at Karbon Homes, which a lot of the artwork is focused on local people. owns Prince Bishops Homes, added: “We’re “It’s so important to delighted to be a part of Lumiere this year. ...a lot of the artwork is feature the public as It’s always such an impressive event, and focused on local people. part of the artwork really harnesses the huge pride that everyone because they are the connected with this beautiful city feels.” inspiration for the festival and so they need to feel Louise Dennison, producer at Artichoke, said included in it – it’s their city and it’s an amazing thing meeting those taking part in the installation had to shout about.” proved a real inspiration.

Watch a video at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn

“Everyone is an artist” Local people are also at the centre of an installation by artist Hannah Fox, whose piece ‘Our Moon’ will be beamed onto Durham Castle during the festival and involves people from the age of six right up to 78.

“There were no criteria for people to get involved – it’s an all-encompassing piece,” she said.

“Something like this breaks down the borders between the ‘experts’ and the people – everyone is an artist really but few people are ever permitted to use that creativity and this is something that allows them to get involved.

County Durham youngster Will Kitson (9) has his features transformed for ‘Our Moon’.

“It is their city, their place, their castle wall.

Being part of it means they can feel affection and pride for the festival, it generates fun and they can really celebrate having Lumiere here in Durham.”

Those who volunteered for the project had their facial expressions captured, with the data collected then digitally brought together. The end result will see the ‘moon’ made up of these expressions and movements – an image which will gradually evolve over the course of the festival.

Ros Danson, Head of Business Development at EMG Solicitors which supports Our Moon alongside Durham City AAP, said: “We’re big fans of the Lumiere festival. It’s a real highlight in the cultural calendar and we’re so fortunate to have such a prestigious festival taking place on our doorstep in Durham. We’re over the moon to be supporting the event this year which is set to be the best yet!”

it’s an all-encompassing piece.

Lumiere

17

Make the most of your visit to Durham To make the most of this year’s Lumiere don’t forget to buy a festival programme, available from mid-October for £2. The programme includes a special Durham Bid Lumiere Loyalty Card valid for the duration of the festival, which gives you access to Lumiere discounts and offers from Durham businesses.

It’s unbelievably exciting to be part of it...

Amy-Rose Welch

Local artists’ work also in the spotlight Artists based in the region are also getting ready to showcase their work at Lumiere, including Amy-Rose Welch who is currently studying at New College Durham, another supporter of the festival.

Her design – a visual response to Durham Cathedral which will reflect the history of the building and create a sense of illusion when viewed from different angles – was one of five chosen as part of the festival’s BRILLIANT commissioning strand.

“The funny thing is that in 2009 I went to the first Lumiere with my mum and a couple of friends and I remember turning to them and saying ‘I don’t know how yet but I’m going to get my art here one day’ – and now it’s happened,” she said.

“It’s unbelievably exciting to be part of it, I couldn’t believe it and it hasn’t really sunk in yet.”

18

Lumiere

Celebrate the fifth edition of Lumiere To celebrate the fifth edition of Lumiere, Artichoke has commissioned some beautiful Lumiere souvenirs from T-shirts and tote bags to fun accessories. On sale from mid-October at the Gala Theatre and selected retailers.

Lumiere Conference As well as the full public programme of spectacular light installations, festival producers Artichoke are hosting a one-day conference in association with the council and the European Commission.

This year’s conference theme “Who are we and where are we headed?” will take a wider view of the cultural impact in the world today and what this means for the future. The conference takes place on Friday 17 November with tickets priced at £35.

See lumiere-festival.com for further details on the conference.

Fancy being a Festival Maker?

There are plenty of ways to be part of Lumiere, including becoming a volunteer Festival Maker helping to ensure the festival runs smoothly.

Anyone aged over 18 can volunteer to take part – visit www.durham.gov.uk/festivalmaker for more details.

Commissioned by

19

What do you love about your county, what makes it truly great? Is it our breath-taking landscapes, buildings, history and heritage? Is it our world-class cultural and sporting programmes including Lumiere, the Miners’ Gala, the Brass Festival and international cricket at the Riverside? Is it our enterprise and innovation - skills which helped forge the industrial revolution and which, today, support thriving business and technology hubs? Or is it simply the strength and pride of our people and communities?

Here are some thoughts from people you may recognise along with stories of just two of our shining spirits.

The Rt Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham “Durham’s people are passionate about their heritage, increasingly positive about their future and shine a light on what is possible in our world. It is a place where people make a real difference. From the technology sector through to the celebration of heritage and regeneration that is Kynren, Durham is a guiding light.”

Durham and England cricketer, Paul Collingwood “Durham is a very special place with hard-working, friendly people. What makes it unique is how warm the people are how proud, educated and welcoming they can be.”

20

Celebrating Durham

...Durham is a guiding light.

Sir Thomas Allen, international opera singer and Chancellor of Durham University “Durham University is a world top 100 university which buzzes with life and energy. To see some of the research that takes place here is mind-expanding.

“Music is my life – full of interest and cast with remarkable people and astonishing venues. But it is all measured against the standard set by Durham, and Durham wins every time.”

Ivor Stolliday, Chair of Visit County Durham “There is so much to celebrate in Durham; a county and a city with extraordinary heritage and history, glorious and unspoilt countryside, a dramatic coast and activities for everyone. Those of us lucky enough to live here can be proud of what we can enjoy, on our doorstep.”

Humble hero is little life saver A County Durham school pupil is being hailed as a shining example of heroism after rescuing a boy from drowning while on holiday.

Blake Stephenson (9) spotted the boy’s lifeless body at the bottom of a swimming pool and dived down to rescue him.

Blake said: “I prodded him with my foot to check he wasn’t just seeing how long he could stay down there, but he didn’t move. I knew I had to help him, so I dived down and pulled him to the top with me.”

Hero Blake with his dad David and Head Teacher Mrs Murray

Just weeks before this holiday, Blake was doing life-saving skills as part of his school swimming lessons.

Blake dragged the young French boy to the pool side where his mum and another member of the public performed CPR until emergency services arrived. Thanks to Blake’s quick thinking tests have shown the young boy will make a full recovery.

His dad David said: “We’re all immensely proud of Blake. He’s a strong boy for his age and a good swimmer and I think his confidence in the water was a real help in this situation.”

Blake’s headteacher from Kirk Merrington Primary School, Mrs Nicola Murray, said: “Just weeks before this holiday, Blake was doing life-saving skills as part of his school swimming lessons. It just goes to show how important these skills are, so that children can keep themselves safe around the water and help others if they get into difficulties. We’re all very proud of him.”

Watch a video at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn

Shepherd goes the extra mile A tour guide from Hall Hill Farm in Lanchester, who is also the Northern Young Farmer of the Year, has been named the winner of Visit County Durham’s Tourism Superstar 2017 award.

Richard Darlington, 26, who works as a shepherd as well as an activity leader on his family’s award-winning farm, was chosen through a public online vote. He was initially shortlisted for the award for his excellent customer service and for always going the extra mile to give every visitor to the farm a memorable experience.

At lambing time Richard can be seen lambing sheep and giving a commentary, much to the delight of the watching visitors, and also introduced sheep racing – the farm’s most popular event.

Richard said: “I’m very surprised but delighted to win this award. It’s an honour when a small attraction like ours gains recognition. I would just like to thank everyone who voted.”

...I’m very surprised but delighted to win this award.

Richard Darlington with his Durham Tourism Superstar 2017 award

Over the next year we want you to help us Celebrate Durham as we shine a light on what an extraordinary and enlightening place our county is – a true Place of Light!

Tell us why you love Durham using the #celebratingdurham Twitter @DurhamCouncil

Facebook /durhamcouncil

Instagram @durham_county_council

Celebrating Durham

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Did you know there are more than just books at your local library?

Every library in County Durham now offers regular fun activities for all the family If you are stuck in a reading rut and are looking to try something different come along to one of our Reading Groups for adults and make new friends as you read and review books.

You can also fire up your creative side and join the Get Creative group.

Bring along a project you’ve been trying to finish for ages, learn a new craft or pass on your skills to others.

We haven’t forgotten about the youngsters!

Durham Book Festival will run between 7-15 October this year and is set to be bigger and better than ever before.

It’s a packed programme – over 70 events with leading writers, thinkers and performers, will take place in venues around Durham City, with some specially commissioned pieces, to be premiered exclusively for festival audiences.

Please check www.durhambookfestival.com to download the full festival programme.

For the little ones we have Toddler Time – a fun event for under-fives to help develop their creativity and literacy skills.

We also offer a range of activities including reading events and arts and crafts sessions when the kids are off school.

To find out about regular activities in your local library visit www.durham.gov.uk/ libraries or pop into your local library.

How to book 03000 266 600 www.durhambookfestival.com Gala Theatre 1 Millennium Place, Durham, DH1 1WA

22

Libraries

The North East’s own David Almond is the award-winning author of the festival’s Big Read title this year.

Three thousand copies of his short story collection Half a Creature from the Sea will be distributed all over the county, at libraries, schools, prisons and businesses.

A perfect cross-over collection for children and adults, the magical and moving stories are all inspired by David’s Tyneside childhood and allow readers to imagine the North East as never before.

Faces from the stage and screen will be well represented this year: TV presenter June Sarpong will be talking about her new book, Diversify, which explores whether it is possible to live without prejudice, while Call the Midwife actor Stephen McGann will present a history of his family at Durham Town Hall.

The Gala Theatre will host appearances from Sir Tony Robinson, presenting his new memoir, No Cunning Plan, which reveals his journey from child-actor to comedy icon Baldrick in Blackadder, and Peep Show’s Robert Webb will talk about his new book How Not to Be A Boy.

Some of the most exciting names in fiction will appear in Durham, with appearances from best-selling novelists including Tracy Chevalier, Sophie Hannah and Kamila Shamsie, Roddy Doyle, and Alan Hollinghurst.

In response to the current climate of political change and upheaval, the festival programme includes events with Harriet Harman MP, festival favourite Chris Mullin will be looking at the political landscape and asking What Happens Next? and David Goodhart, whose book, The Road to Somewhere investigates the moral fault-lines that divide Brexit Britain.

A special festival commission will see writers Lionel Shriver, Alexei Sayle, Petina Gappah and Benjamin Myers respond to the extraordinary news cycle of 2017 and John Tomaney and Rachel Reeves MP will talk about the history of the Labour movement in the North of England.

Durham Book Festival

23

A better you starts here Celebrate National Fitness day on 27 September!

Join for only £5 between 27 and 30 September and pay nothing more until November 2017 www.durham.gov.uk/leisurecentrememberships

It’s time for ghouls, ghosts and great events…

Halloween crafts and monster fun this October at your local library: Barnard Castle Wednesday 25, 2pm-3pm Bishop Auckland Town Hall Friday 27, 10.30am-12.30pm Chester-le-Street Monday 23, 2.30pm-3.30pm Consett Tuesday 24, 11am-noon Crook Monday 23, 2pm-3pm Clayport, Durham Saturday 28, 2pm-4pm Newton Aycliffe Tuesday 24, 2.30pm-3.30pm Peterlee and Seaham Monday 23, 2.30pm-3.30pm Shildon Monday 23, 10.30am-11.30am Spennymoor Thursday 26, 10.30am-11.30am Stanley Friday 27, 2pm-3pm £1 charge per child and places are limited.

Contact your local library to find out more www.durham.gov.uk/libraries 24

Hardwick Park Halloween fun Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 October, 10am-11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm Hardwick’s Professor of Witchcraft and Wizardry shows you how to make the perfect elder wand, join a potions class and some spooky activities and games in our yurt, 6+, £6 per child, book a place 03000 262 899

Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 October, 11am-3pm Wizard School Family Trail, find the magical objects and solve the clues around the park to graduate from wizard school, 50p per trail Friday 27 October, 10am-11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm Woodland Trick or Treat, a Halloween quest among the trees, £4 per child, book a place 03000 262 899 Friday 27 October, 11am-3pm Spooky Crafts, arty fun in the education room, £3 per child Sunday 5 November, 11am-3pm Bonfire Night arty fun, drop in to the education room to make paper rockets and glittery sparklers, £3 per child

Wharton Park, Durham City Monday 23 and Thursday 26 October, 11am-3pm Drop-in Halloween arts and crafts session, £3 per child, adults free

Saturday 21 to Tuesday 31 October, 10am-4pm Spookfest, Down at the Farm, Houghton-le-Spring Halloween fun, £5.95-£6.50, www.downatthefarm.co.uk Monday 23, Tuesday 24, Friday 27, Saturday 28 and Tuesday 31 October, 6.30pm-9.30pm Halloween evening at Beamish £10-£14 (unlimited passes not valid), www.beamish.org.uk Tuesday 24 October, 11am-4pm Spooky Folk Tales, The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle Spooky stories with Adam Bushnell, free for children accompanying a paying adult, 01833 690 606 www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Wednesday 25 October, 10.30am-noon Halloween Crafts, The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle Halloween themed crafts, £4 per child who must be accompanied by an adult, 01833 690 606 www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Friday 27 October, 2pm-3.30pm Spectrum’s Spooky Halloween Event £3 per child, adults free, 01388 747 000 www.specrtrumleisure centre.com

Saturday 28 October, 2pm-3.30pm Pumpkin Pentathlon, Harehope Quarry, Frosterley £2 per pumpkin, 01388 528 015 www.harehopequarry.org.uk Saturday 28 October, 5pm-9pm Halloween Happening, Hamsterley Forest Meet at visitor centre, Jack Drum Arts present a scary forest walk with scenes and songs, (wheelchair and pushchair friendly), 5+, £6 each, £20 a family, book on 01388 265 002 www.jackdrum.co.uk

Remember, remembe r the 5th November… information on public firework even ts will be available on our website from late October, visit www.durham.gov.u k/fireworks Halloween events

25

Buckle up and get ready for this year’s

TakeOff Festival

TakeOff Festival, England’s leading children’s theatre festival, returns for its 30th year from 16-22 October with over 90 performances across 26 venues in Durham.

As part of this year’s programme, audiences can embark on a sensory journey through the seasons using poetry, sound and live instruments in Nest (for pre-walking babies) or join in the celebrations with The Party (for ages 3-8), a fast-paced, acrobatic circus show. Retrace Little Red Riding Hood’s path in the woods with two little ones (ages 3-8) as they play a game of ‘what-if’ and pretend.

The fun filled TakeOff Festival Family Day returns to Durham City on Saturday 21 October with over 15+ performances, street theatre, arts & crafts and other free event.

For the full festival line-up and to book tickets, visit www.takeofffestival.org.uk TakeOff Festival tickets To win a family ticket for a show of your choice, please complete the following: Which special birthday does TakeOff Festival celebrate this year? See page 2 for details of how to enter.

For under 5s...

The naughty gingerbread man runs amok in Mrs Claus’ Kitchen in this brand new Christmas production from The Gala Theatre.

4 December – 30 December £6.50–£7.50 Box Office: 03000 266 600 Book online: www.galadurham.co.uk 26

Coming up...

September to November

What’s on Every Saturday, 9.30am-10.30am and 10.30am-11.30am Family Roller Skating Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington £2, 01388 747 000 www.spectrumleisurecentre.com Every Friday from 22 September, times throughout the day A Choir! A Voice!

Shakespeare Hall, North Road, Durham Community choir for 18+, senior citizen group also meets, various abilities welcome, £7-£8.50 per session, 12 week term to be paid in advance, 0191 447 8130 Until Saturday 30 September, Tuesdays to Fridays 11am-3pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm All we are saying: Say it with flowers Art Block, Seaham Work by edan artists focusing on flowers to represent peace, free, Facebook/East Durham Artists Network Until Wednesday 27 September Mike Connell, In And Around Town exhibition Greenfield Arts, Newton Aycliffe Work depicting life in and around Newton Aycliffe, free entry to gallery 01325 379048, www.greenfield-arts.co.uk Saturday 16 September and Sunday 17 September, 10am-5pm Autumn Steam Gala Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon The Flying Scotsman will headline this year’s gala, cab access, steam train rides, trade stands and more, free, charge for steam train rides, 01904 685 780 www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion

Monday 18 September, 7.15pm Sedgefield Family History Group Ceddesfeld Hall, Sedgefield An 18th Century audience with speaker Lyn Lamport, £1.50 for non-members of Cleveland Family History Society www.sedgefieldfamilyhistory.com

Saturday 23 September, noon-3pm Horticultural and produce show Bishop Auckland Town Hall Annual showcase of local flowers and vegetables, free, 01388 609 852

Tuesday 19 September, 7.30pm Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club

Sedgefield Parish Hall Members free, non-members £5, 07533 752870

Thursday 21 September to Saturday 23 September, 7.30pm (Sunday 24 September, 2pm) The Tearaways Theatre Group present Our House, The Madness Musical Civic Hall Theatre, Shildon £3.50-£5.50, 01388 774 838 Saturday 23 September and Sunday 24 September, 10am-5pm 1940s Farm Beamish Museum Head on up to the 1940s farm, usual admission applies £11-£19, www.beamish.org.uk

Sunday 17 September, 2.30pm-5pm Young Organists Showcase New Victoria Centre, Howden-le-Wear See the Mighty Wurlitzer stars of the future, £8, 01388 762 467, www.netoa.org.uk

Beamish Museum

Sunday 17 September to Saturday 23 September, 7.30pm and 2.30pm Sunday And a Nightingale Sang by C P Taylor The City Theatre, Fowlers Yard, Durham WWII story set in Newcastle, £6.50- £7.50, tickets from Gala box office, Durham

See page 2 for details of how to enter.

Win a family day ticket (4 people) to Beamish Museum.

Question: Which event takes place at Beamish on 14 to 17 September?

Saturday 23 September, 6.30pm-7.30pm Organ recital with Stephen Maxsom of Grimsby Minster St Paul’s Church, Evenwood Free

Saturday 23 September, 8pm-10pm Robin Ince - Pragmatic Insanity The Witham, Barnard Castle First new stand up show in three years, 14+, £14, 01833 650 930 www.funnywaytobe.com Saturday 23 September and Sunday September 24, 10am-5pm Steampunk Spectacular Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon Enjoy a grand exhibition of Victorian contraptions, free admission, charge for steam rides, 01904 685 780 www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion Wednesday 27 September, 2pm-4pm Flower demonstration

by Rebecca Hough Lanchester Community Centre Woodland Wonders theme, free to members and £4 for visitors, 01207 503 667 Thursday 21 September and Sunday 24 September, 10am-11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm Story Explorers, The Magic Faraway Tree Wharton Park Crafts and play based activities for 2-5 years, £4 per child, book a place on 03000 262 655 www.durham.gov.uk/whartonpark Friday 29 September, 7.30pm-11.30pm and Saturday 30 September, noon-late (children until 9pm) Beer and Music Festival Scarth Hall, Staindrop Over 15 real ales and ciders and hot and cold food, www.scarthhall.co.uk

What’s on

27

September to November

What’s on Saturday 30 September, 10am-5pm Harvest Festival and Harvest Home Beamish Museum Celebrate with a harvest festival at Beamish, usual admission applies £11-£19, www.beamish.org.uk Saturday 30 September, 7pm-12am Almost Pink Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington Music event and disco, £6-£8, 07765 181603 Saturday 30 September, 1pm-11.55pm Music Festival Rof 59, Newton Aycliffe The SkaBeats, The Whodlums and Share the Darkness take to the stage, £8-£32 www.rof59.co.uk Sunday 1 October, 10am-5pm Shildon Vintage Vehicle Rally Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon Annual vintage vehicle rally, free, 01904 685780 www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion Tuesday 3 October to Saturday 28 October, Tuesdays to Fridays 11am-3pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm Landmarks Art Block, Seaham Edan artists interpret the subject of landmarks, free Facebook/East Durham Artists Network Wednesday 4 October, 11.30am-8.30pm and Thursday 5 October, 10am-4pm Durham Shopping Extravaganza Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham Charity shopping fair, now in its 29th year, £5 www.durhamshoppingextravaganza.co.uk

Thursday 12 October and Sunday 15 October, 10am-11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm Story Explorers Wharton Park, Durham The Three Little Pigs, storytelling, crafts and play based activities for 2-5 years, £4 per child, book in advance 03000 262 655 www.durham.gov.uk/whartonpark Thursday 12 October to Saturday 14 October, 7.30pm (Sunday 15 October, 2pm) C A T S Youth Theatre Group present Mamma Mia Civic Hall Theatre, Shildon £3.50-£5.50, 01388 774 838

Saturday 14 October, 7pm-9.45pm Mighty Wurlitzer concert with Damon Willetts North East Organ Theatre Association, Howden-le-Wear, £8, Children free, 01388 762 467 www.netoa.org.uk Saturday 14 October, 1pm Milkshake! Live Empire Theatre, Consett All singing, all dancing musical masterpiece, £12.50-£50, 01207 218 171 www.leisureworks.net

Saturday 7 October, 8pm-10pm Steve Bugeja - Summer Camp Scarth Hall, Staindrop The true story of Steve’s summer working at a kid’s camp in America, 16+, £10-£12, 01833 650 930 www.funnywaytobe.com Wednesday 11 October and Friday 14 October, 10am-11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm Funnybones Hardwick Park, Sedgefield Family fun session for children aged 2-5 years, £4 per child, book a place 03000 262 899 www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark

28

What’s on

Leisureworks Milkshake! Live Win a family ticket (4 people) to see Milkshake! Live on Saturday 14 October.

Question: Complete the name of this well-known Milkshake! favourite – Bob the... A: Builder B: Baker C: Badger See page 2 for details of how to enter.

Saturday 14 October, 8pm-10pm The Pajama Men, Pterodactyl Nights The Witham, Barnard Castle 16+, £13-£15, 01833 650930, www.funnywaytobe.com Saturday 14 October, 10am-3.30pm Autumn Volunteer Day Harehope Quarry, Frosterley Regular volunteering event, concentrating on access to the quarry, free, 01388 528 015 www.harehopequarry.org.uk Sunday 15 October, 10am-11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm Let’s Go Fly a Kite Hardwick Park, Sedgefield Design, make and test out your own kite, all materials provided, £4 per child, book a place 03000 262 899 www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark Sunday 15 October, 9.30am-4.30pm Wilderness Survival Skills - Bushcraft essentials Hamsterley Forest Learn the basics for outdoor survival with Bruce Ferguson, 16+, £30, 01388 529 154 www.natureholiday.co.uk Monday 16 October, 7.15pm-9pm Prisoners of the British with speaker Bernard Hope Sedgefield Family History Group, Ceddesfeld Hall, Sedgefield £1.50 for non-members of Cleveland Family History Society www.sedgefieldfamilyhistory.com Monday 16 October, 5.30pm-7.15pm The Catholics: The Church and its people in Britain and Ireland, from the Reformation to the present day Ushaw College, Durham, Public lecture with Roy Hattersley, free, Book a place 0191 334 1656 www.centreforcatholicstudies.co.uk

Tuesday 17 October, 7.30pm Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club Sedgefield Parish Hall, Sedgefield Members free, non-members £5, 07533 752870 Friday 20 October, 6pm-8pm Diwali special late night opening Durham University Oriental Museum Try fun crafts, listen to traditional Indian stories and sample Diwali foods, 75p-£3.50, 0191 3345694 www.dur.ac.uk/oriental.museum

Gala Theatre, Durham

Saturday 21 October to Monday 23 October, 11am-3pm Welly Walk Hardwick Park Collect your trail from the shop and test our crunchy, splashy and squelchy trail around the park, 50p per trail, www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark Saturday 21 October and Sunday 22 October, 10am-5pm Lanchester Art Group Annual Exhibition Lanchester Community Centre Exhibition and painting sale, 50p, 01207 521149

October

Giulio Cesare part I & II - English Touring Opera return with this celebrated opera of passion, revenge and crisis.

November

Mister Maker and The Shapes - this fantastic family show encourages everyone to sing, dance and make some noise.

Saturday 21 October, 8pm-10pm The Thinking Drinkers - History of Alcohol The Witham, Barnard Castle Enjoy five free drinks as these award winning professional drink experts definitively prove that alcohol has influenced everything that has ever happened, 18+, £14, 01833 650 930 www.funnywaytobe.com Saturday 21 October, 7.30pm-9pm Monteverdi 1610 Vespers: I Fagiolini and Durham Singers Durham Cathedral One of the great choral works of the Baroque, £10-£25, 07790 148062 www.durham-singers.org

Durham Singers

For the full programme or to book tickets please visit www.galadurham.co.uk or call the box office on 03000 266 600

Win a family ticket (4 people) to The Bowes Museum.

Question: When does The Clockwork Garden exhibition at Bowes Museum end?

See page 2 for details of how to enter.

Monday 23 October, 10am-4.30pm Painting workshop, Still Life in Pastel The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle £33-£35, 01833 690 606 www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Monday 23 October, 10.30am-4pm Silver Spiders The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle Spider themed crafts, free for children with a paying adult, 01833 690 606 www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

September

Launderette Sessions - Boutique music festival presented by Gala Theatre and the Old Cinema Launderette, various venues.

Private Lives - Noël Coward’s classic stage comedy of strong passions, stronger personalities and a battle of the sexes.

The Bowes Museum

Win two top price tickets to the Durham Singer’s concert with I Fagiolini at Durham Cathedral, to mark the 450th anniversary of the great Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi.

Question: In which year was Claudio Monteverdi born?

A: 1872 B: 1240 C: 1567 See page 2 for details of how to enter.

Friday 27 October, 10.30am-4pm Planting Tulips The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle Plant a tulip in the grounds before creating a watercolour painting, free for children accompanying a paying adult, 01833 690 606 www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Tuesday 24 October to Thursday 26 October, 10am-4pm Celebrate Science 2017 Palace Green, Durham Experiments and hands-on activities in marquee, free www.dur.ac.uk/celebratescience Wednesday 25 October, 2pm-3.30pm Family Roller Disco Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington £3 per skater, 01388 747 000 www.spectrumleisurecentre.com Wednesday 25 October, 1pm-3pm Wildlife Crafty Café Low Barnes Nature Reserve, Witton-le-Wear Wildlife and nature inspired crafts, £3 per child includes juice and biscuit www.durhamwt.com/events

What’s on

29

September to November

What’s on Thursday 26 October, 2pm-3pm Bounce and Soft Play Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington £3, 01388 747 000 www.spectrumleisurecentre.com Friday 27 October, 7.30pm Mad About The Musicals Empire Theatre, Consett Starring Britain’s Got Talent Winner Jai MacDowell, £22, 01207 218 171 www.leisureworks.net Saturday 28 October, 7.30pm Some Guys Have All The Luck Empire Theatre, Consett Celebrate one of rock’s greatest icons Rod Stewart, £20, 01207 218 171 www.leisureworks.net Saturday 28 October, 10am-noon Autumn Fair St Clare’s Church, Newton Aycliffe www.parishofgreataycliffe.co.uk Saturday 28 October, 7.30pm-10.30pm Jez Lowe and Steve Tilston Scarth Hall, Staindrop Two of the UK’s most well respected folk singers. £8. www.scarthhall.co.uk Wednesday 25 October, 2.30pm Don’t Dribble on the Dragon Alun Armstrong Theatre, Stanley £9- £35, 01207 299110

Sunday 29 October, 1pm-4.30pm Family Bushcrafts Hamsterley Forest Build a shelter, light a fire, cook a meal and make something to take away, bring food for a BBQ, 5+, £30 per family (2-4 people) £10 per additional person, maximum of two children per adult, 01388 529 154 www.natureholiday.co.uk Tuesday 31 October to Saturday 18 November, Tuesdays to Fridays 11am-3pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm George Browell and Karen Thompson exhibit paintings Art Block, Seaham Free, Facebook/East Durham Artists Network Friday 3 November, 8pm-10pm Nick Helm: There is nothing You Can Do to Me That I Haven’t already Done to Myself The Witham, Barnard Castle Join British Comedy Award winner and double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Nick Helm, 16+, £12, 01833 650 930, www.funnywaytobe.com Saturday 4 November, 10.30am-noon Coffee morning Low Barnes Nature Reserve, Witton-le-Wear £3 per person with all proceeds going to Durham Wildlife Trust, 0191 584 3112 www.durhamwt.com/events Saturday 4 November, 7pm The Cobweb Orchestra, Semiseria Choir and members of Durham County Youth Orchestra present Requiem Durham Cathedral £6-£10, Tickets from Gala box office 03000 266 600

Don’t Dribble on the Dragon Win a family ticket (4 people) to Don’t Dribble on the Dragon on Wednesday 25 October.

Question: Don’t Dribble on the Dragon is a great magical show; who designed the magic?

A: Dynamo B: Paul Daniels C: Derren Brown See page 2 for details of how to enter.

30

What’s on

Saturday 4 November, 10am-11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm Family Bushcraft Hardwick Park Create a den, learn how to light a fire and enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows, £12 per family www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark Wednesday 8 November, 7.30pm The Nutcracker Empire Theatre, Consett Presented by the National Ballet, £15-£19.50, 01207 218171 www.leisureworks.net

Bishop Auckland Town Hall September

The Avison Ensemble - Leading period instrumental group celebrates 18th century composer Charles Avison.

October

Three Musketeers - All for one and one for all! Join D’Artagnan and friends in their quest against Cardinal Richelieu.

November

DCN - DKO advert 24/04/2017

A Ship of Fools - Strap in as The Captain and Raoul take you on a playfully mischievous rollercoaster adventure.

Dick Whittington - Action adventure panto for the family with topical jokes, non-stop laughter and favourite songs.

For the full listings please visit www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk or call 03000 269524

Sunday 12 November, 5.30pm-7pm Dark Skies Gazing Harehope Quarry, Frosterley Discover the beauty of the dark skies of the North Pennines, not suitable for young children, £5 per person, £15 for family of four, booking essential, Wild North Discovery 01388 529 154 www.natureholiday.co.uk Saturday 11 November and Sunday 12 November

Remembrance events Local services will be held throughout the county.

Please check local newspapers for more detail.

7 12:53 Page 1

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0191 385 1900

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0800 068 0013

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01207 521 100

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0800 032 0835

livin

0800 587 4538

North Star Housing

03000 11 00 11

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23 November 2017 - 6 January 2018 Tickets: £6 - £17 (Family ticket £50 - £58) Box Office: 03000 266 600 Book online: www.galadurham.co.uk