DCC Durham County News Summer 2019

Summer 2019

www.durham.gov.uk

Seaham Food Festival

Food and fun by the sea

Durham and TĂźbingen

Celebrating 50 years of town twinning Kick-starting careers

Support to help you on the right career path

BRASS is back!

Welcome

to the summer edition of Durham County News Our year of culture is now well under way and in this edition you can read more about the wide range of events and activities taking place around the county this summer.

There’s an overview of upcoming dates for your diary on page 15, with more detailed features on our brand new Seaham Food Festival on the opposite page and the return of the ever popular BRASS festival on pages 16 and 17.

Councillor Simon Henig, Leader of the Council

And if you want to get behind the scenes at our events by volunteering you can find out how on page 14.

This year marks 50 years of our town twinning agreement with Tübingen in Germany and you can read more about this long-running friendship and events to mark the anniversary on pages 8 and 9.

This edition also includes some helpful information on pages 18 and 19 for people wanting to get on the career ladder, as well as a feature on the support available for the thousands of carers who live in our county on page 10.

I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Durham County News.

Inside...

Pages 12-13 Fostering

Pages 4-7 News

Page 14 Volunteering

Page 15 #durham19 Summer

Front cover: Back Chat Brass perform at Durham BRASS festival.

If you live in the Durham County Council area and haven’t received a copy of Durham County News at your home address, please contact us.

To contact the editorial team, call 03000 268 059 or email durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk

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Pages 18-19 Getting into work

Pages 20-21 Green living

Pages 22-23 Out and about

Pages 24-30 What’s on this summer

Pages 8-9 Town twinning Page 10-11 Support for carers

Pages 16-17 BRASS

Simon Henig

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Seaham Food Festival

Food and fun by the sea John e Torod ay d Satur ne 8 Ju

Top TV chefs John Torode and Phil Vickery are set to head the line-up at a new summer food festival.

Taking place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June, the free Seaham Food Festival promises to bring fresh fare and fine flavours to the County Durham coast.

Visitors can expect fabulous traders and producers and mouth-watering demonstrations that are sure to get the taste buds tingling.

There will also be a generous serving of household names, with Masterchef’s John and This Morning favourite Phil topping the menu.

John will be taking centre stage to deliver some tasty cookery demonstrations and entertaining stories, while Phil will be sharing delicious recipes and his passion for good food.

The weekend will also include cookery demonstrations, live music and children’s activities, ensuring a fun day out for the whole family.

Even youngsters can get in on the baking action, making healthy and delicious snacks to take home in our fun Little Dots Dishes cookery sessions, while more than 100 traders will be selling delicious food, drink and some of the region’s best street food and craft beers.

Ph Vick il Sundery 9 Junay e

It is hoped Seaham Food Festival will enjoy the same success as Bishop Auckland Food Festival, which regularly attracts massive crowds and boosts the local economy.

Visit www.seahamfoodfestival.co.uk to find out all about the weekend’s fantastic events, workshops and classes.

You can also follow SeahamFoodFest on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest festival news.

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News

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Thomas Meek, Violet Wiecek, Eve Alderson, Andrew Hudspeth and Emi Gala from St Bede’s RC Primary School sign the pledge.

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Partners pledge to tackle single use plastics We’re continuing our work to eradicate single use plastics by signing a pledge with a number of our partners.

The agreement represents a commitment to significantly reduce, and work towards ultimately removing, the use of unnecessary single use plastics from the operations of all those who signed up.

The pledge was signed by Durham County Council, Durham University, Durham Constabulary, Beamish Museum, the Environment Agency, Northumbrian Water, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Durham BID, County Durham Housing Group, OASES, St Bede’s RC Primary School in Sacriston, Durham Community Action and the North East England Nature Partnership. More organisations across County Durham are being invited to join up to add momentum to the campaign.

Many of the partners have already reduced their consumption of single use plastics through a range of ‘early wins’ such as eliminating plastic straws and cutlery, reusing cups and taking every opportunity to recycle plastic.

Businesses and residents who are interested in signing the pledge should email wasteaware@durham.gov.uk Headteacher Eve Alderson and pupil Violet Wiecek from St Bede’s Primary School Sacriston featured on BBC’s The One Show to talk about their school’s plastic free journey. After the show, Easington-born presenter Matt Baker, also signed the County Durham Single Use Plastics Pledge.

News

Taking our message to Westminster Bishop Auckland Food Festival draws in record crowds again A record number of food fans descended on a market town for a two-day celebration of the region’s tastiest produce.

The 14th annual Bishop Auckland Food Festival attracted around 29,000 people to the town, boosting the takings of local businesses and more than 150 traders from County Durham and beyond.

This year, our event featured more traders than ever before.

Interactive workshops encouraged people of all ages to discover more about the delicious drinks and foodie treats on sale, while live music and children’s entertainment added to the feel-good atmosphere.

Hundreds of people enjoyed demonstrations by celebrity chefs and food personalities including BBC MasterChef co-presenter Gregg Wallace who said Bishop Auckland “may be one of the nicest, friendliest places I’ve been and you have got some cracking food out there.”

Hungry for more? There’ll be more celebrity chefs and tasty traders at Seaham Food Festival on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June.

Find out more on page 3.

We’ve been spreading the message about what makes Durham great by hosting an event at the House of Commons.

A delegation of business, cultural and education leaders were on hand to show investors and politicians how Durham continues to outperform other parts of the country in terms of economic growth and cultural ambition. Hitachi, UTC South Durham, business consultants Waterstons and Arlington, the developers of the Milburngate site, were among those demonstrating the benefits of doing business in Durham.

Guests were given a presentation on the facts and figures behind this confidence and a film, Powered by People, showcasing our initiative, showed all that Durham and its people can offer businesses who choose to set up and grow here.

The Auckland Project, Kynren and Artichoke, the organisation commissioned to present Lumiere, were also among the exhibitors showing the county’s fantastic cultural offer for both residents and visitors. And guests heard about events throughout our Year of Culture #durham19 including cycling event Vélo North, World Cup Cricket, Norman Cornish centenary celebrations and the 10th Anniversary of Lumiere which will light up the city this November.

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News

Emily is a national Tourism Superstar Beamish Museum’s Emily Hope is celebrating after being named national VisitEngland Tourism Superstar following a public vote.

Emily was among 10 finalists, making the shortlist after being crowned Durham Tourism Superstar in 2018.

Emily, visitor welcome and retail (gift shop) team leader, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to every person who supported and voted for me. I’m absolutely over the moon.”

Grants for groups in Newton Aycliffe A community centre has received a boost after being awarded a grant to install a brand new cooker.

Emily greets visitors with the warmest of welcomes and makes sure they have an amazing day out. As a Dementia Friends Champion she has trained more than 100 of the museum’s Dementia Friends.

Newton Aycliffe Youth and Community Centre was awarded £1,500 by Great Aycliffe and Middridge Area Action Partnership (AAP) to upgrade the equipment which is used by a wide range of community groups.

Michelle Gorman, managing director at Visit County Durham, said: “We’d like to extend our huge congratulations to Emily and Beamish Museum. From being named Durham Tourism Superstar to now receiving the national accolade, these awards provide an invaluable platform to recognise the people that make Durham such an incredible destination.”

The AAP also awarded £11,000 to fund activities for Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers in the Newton Aycliffe division.

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Among those to have benefitted is a volunteer-run lunch club which provides a hot meal once a week for around 30 older residents.

Groups have already been enjoying activities such as a dance workshop at Waddow in Lancashire, a trip to the cinema, a midnight hike and a camping trip.

What if… music can save a life?

A mental health charity supported by Durham Area Action Partnership is staging a pioneering music event.

Fourteen north east musicians have donated songs, all with a mental health connection, to a compilation album called ‘What If..?’ to offer hope to those who may be struggling with their mental health.

Craig Morgan, Durham AAP coordinator, said: “Durham AAP is proud to have supported RTProjects several times over the past few years. The work they do is really important to the wellbeing of local residents.”

The album, compiled by RTProjects, will be launched on Saturday 1 June, at Vane Tempest Hall in Durham University Students Union.

Tickets are on sale from RTProjects: 0191 384 9745 Email: rtprojects@gmail.com

News

Take a seat at Riverside Park Visitors to a County Durham park can now take a break on some brand new benches.

We have been working with the Friends of Riverside Park to install the new seats in the Chester-le-Street park.

Local artist Graeme Hopper created the functional art benches, which were funded by Chester-le-Street Area Action Partnership.

The Friends of Riverside Park have also worked with us on a range of other projects, such as restoring the gardens, which are now wheelchair accessible.

Uniting against hate crime We’re encouraging people to join us in supporting the Hate Hurts campaign, which aims to tackle hate crime.

Tenant Fees Act 2019 Changes to letting agreements intended to make renting more affordable are due to come into force at the beginning of next month.

From 1 June letting agents and private landlords will no longer be able to charge ‘move-in’ fees ahead of tenants taking occupancy of a property. Landlords who fail to comply could face a fine of up to £30,000.

Our Private Landlord Accreditation scheme supports landlords by keeping them updated with legislative changes such as this and helping them to find tenants for their vacant properties.

For more information, visit www.durham.gov.uk/housing

Hate crime describes a range of criminal behaviours committed against someone else because of their disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or some other perceived difference. It can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, harassment, assault and bullying, both online and offline, and damage to property.

If you witness, or are a victim of hate crime, call 101 or 999 in an emergency or visit report-it.org.uk Visit www.hatehurts.co.uk to find out more.

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Town twinning TU

50 years of friendship This year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of a town twinning agreement between County Durham and the German university city of Tübingen. We’ll be celebrating the long-running friendship with a programme of special events and activities.

Civic leaders from County Durham and Tübingen officially signed the town twinning agreement in 1969, although links between the two areas date back further.

The modern concept of town twinning began after the Second World War as a way of establishing links between different communities and cultures.

Our friendship with Tübingen is one of many County Durham has with towns, cities and regions across the world. View a full list of our twinned towns at www.durham.gov.uk/ internationalpartnerships Over the years, thousands of people from Tübingen and our area have taken part in a wide range of activities including exchange visits by schools, writers and poets, bands, choirs, apprentices and other groups and individuals.

Visitors from Tübingen at our County Hall, June 1967.

Activities have also included photography exhibitions held in both countries, events to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War and initiatives focusing on disability, the environment, identity and children’s rights.

Tübingen

Tübingen is part of the Baden-Württemberg region, which is located in the south west of Germany. The city sits above the river Neckar and is around 25 miles from the region’s capital, Stuttgart. It has a population of around 89,000.

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German Kultur celebrations On Thursday 13 June, we will be marking the golden jubilee of our town twinning agreement with Tübingen with a range of special events, with everyone invited to join us for live music, film, poetry, storytelling, food and drink.

Storytelling – Clayport Library 11am, 1.30pm and 6.15pm. Children and their parents and carers can enjoy a story read in German and English. Free to attend.

FREE

family outdoor event

Night of

German Kultur Thursday 13 June 5.30pm - 9.00pm Millennium Place, Gala Theatre, Clayport Library, Durham City

live music, film*, poetry, storytelling, food and drink * small charge applies for film screening

Celebrating 50 years of partnership between County Durham and Tübingen, Germany www.durham.gov.uk/Tubingen50 TU

Open air concert Martina Schwarz – Millennium Place 5.30pm. More than 200 children from schools around the county will be taking part in workshops with German singer and accordion player, Martina Schwarz in preparation for this special open air performance.

Toni Erdmann – Gala Cinema 6pm. This award-winning film will be shown in German at Gala’s cinema.

Toni Erdmann is a practical joker who tries to reconnect with his hard working daughter by creating an outrageous alter ego and posing as her CEO’s life coach.

As the film progresses, the daughter comes to realise that her eccentric father has a real place in her life. Admission £2.

NASUWT Riverside Band – Millennium Place 6.30pm. A performance of German-inspired music by the award-winning band that kicked off our town twinning celebrations in Tübingen in January.

Tübinger Saxophon Ensemble – Millennium Place 7.15pm. Nineteen saxophone players will give a memorable concert of works

by Edward Elgar, Gustav Holst and Georg Frideric Handel, among others.

Skerne – Millennium Place 8.15pm. This folk group from Trimdon has been travelling to our German partner city for 30 years, enthralling audiences with their music and sense of humour.

Catch them before they travel to Germany to take part in the City Festival in Tübingen in July.

More to come…

Throughout 2019, guests from Tübingen will play an important part in a number of special events, including: Sports exchanges Durham Johnston Boys’ Football Team will compete in an international football tournament against teams from Tübingen and its other partner towns in Italy and France.

Pupils from Willington’s Parkside Academy Cricket Team will run cricket master classes for a team of German pupils. The County Durham school team will challenge their German partners to a special game in Tübingen on Saturday 7 July.

Music A musical exchange visit will see members of County Durham Big Band performing for audiences in Tübingen, while youngsters from the celebrated Tübingen School of Music will visit County Durham to perform Bizet’s Symphony in C and a selection of works by Delius at a concert in Ushaw College at 7pm on Wednesday 19 June.

Meanwhile, Tübingen’s own Louisiana Funky Butts Brass Band will be in Durham for our annual Brass Festival (see pages 16-17 for more details).

Art and literature An exhibition by photographer Steffen Sixt, from Tübingen, will be on display at the Gala Gallery, Durham City, from Friday 10 May to Sunday 23 June, while County Durham artist, Chris Younger, will show his work in Germany in July as part of an artists’ exchange.

Admission to the Gala exhibition is free.

Tübingen writer, Dagmar Leupold, will also be among the invited authors taking part in a panel discussion at Durham Book Festival, which runs from Saturday 5 to Sunday 13 October.

University links Durham University’s Van Mildert College has offered its Bradshaw Fellowship to two German academics. Dr Nicolas Hübner and Dr Jessika Golle will spend the university’s Easter term with colleagues at the School of Education and will visit schools around County Durham examining approaches to early years’ assessment and observing teaching and learning styles in England. It is hoped that this will lead to further connections between the two universities.

Visit www.durham.gov.uk/tubingen50 to view the full programme of anniversary events.

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Support for carers

Support for carers National Carers Week National Carers Week takes place from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 June, with this year’s theme being ‘Healthy and Connected’.

A carer is someone who, without payment, provides care and support to a relative, friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help. If this sounds like you, there are a range of services available to support you. Being a carer can be demanding, and it is important that, in caring for others, you too receive help and assistance.

Support for adult carers

Support for young carers

Durham County Carers Support aims to provide a better life for carers with home visits, telephone support, and carer breaks tailored for each individual. Experienced staff can help carers navigate through the maze of support available and apply for welfare benefits.

A young carer is a child or young person who provides care to a family member due to physical or mental disability, substance abuse, life limiting/ threatening illness or learning disability.

This includes tasks from picking up medication and help with getting dressed to looking after younger siblings.

Carers can learn vital skills such as first aid, moving and assisting, autism awareness and ‘making sense of caring’ which breaks down jargon that can cause confusion. Importantly, the service allows carers to have a voice and feel listened to.

Balancing work and caring for someone can be stressful and difficult for both the carer and employer.

Information and guidance for employers is available, as well as support to help carers achieve their work/life balance. No matter how many hours you are caring for someone, Durham County Carers Support are there to give you the support you need.

Call: 0300 005 1213 Visit: www.dccarers.org

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The Bridge Young Carers Service supports young people, children and their families who have demanding caring responsibilities. Young carers can receive one-to-one time with care support teams and be put in touch with other young people like them through the young carer’s forum.

The Young Carers Service can also help with school support, as well as arranging breaks from care responsibilities.

Email: durhamyoungcarers@family-action.org.uk Call: 0191 383 2520 Visit: www.family-action.org.uk

Communities caring for dementia From Monday 20 to Sunday 26 May, it’s Dementia Action Week, a week uniting individuals, workplaces and communities in taking action to improve the lives of people living with dementia.

Gill Taylor, active member of Dementia Friendly Seaham.

There are 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia, including close to 5,000 over 65’s in County Durham, and someone develops the condition every three minutes.

The symptoms of dementia, including memory loss, mood changes, and problems with communication and reasoning, can leave many people living with dementia feeling isolated. That’s why the theme of this year’s Dementia Action Week is inclusion.

We’re working with the Alzheimer’s Society to create ‘dementia friendly communities’ across the county, where people with dementia can enjoy a better quality of life and continue to socialise, travel and take part in everyday activities.

There are already many communities across the county that have been awarded dementia friendly status, and since the beginning of 2019 the list has been extended to include Medomsley Village, Brandon, Meadowfield, Langley Moor and Lanchester.

Seaham and Blackhall are two of the most recent towns to receive recognition from Alzheimer’s Society as ‘working to become dementia friendly’.

Supported by East Durham Area Action Partnership, Dementia Friendly Seaham and Blackhall and Hesleden’s Dementia Friendly Community are working with people affected by dementia, local organisations, schools, businesses and local volunteers to make their communities places where people living with dementia feel included, respected and able to fully participate.

Dementia Friendly Seaham’s Gill Taylor, said: “We need to educate people about dementia; staff working for businesses such as shops and banks need more awareness too, so they understand that people with dementia might need extra time in a queue or at a checkout.

“Being dementia friendly is all about creating an environment that makes people feel welcome and included.

Good, clear signage can help, but it’s also about being patient with people who are prone to confusion and just having more consideration.”

Younger generations are actively involved too with schools across the area taking part in Dementia Friends information sessions.

Members of Blackhall & Hesleden Dementia Friendly Community Steering Group.

Caring for someone with dementia?

County Durham’s Dementia Advisor Service, which is run by the Alzheimer’s Society, offers support, advice and information for people with memory problems and their carers. Call 0191 389 0400 or email durhamandchester@ alzheimers.org.uk to find out more.

Did you know? ✓✓ All members of our customer access point team and all our taxi drivers receive Dementia Friends training. ✓✓ Reading Well for Dementia books are available in our libraries. The books help people to understand and manage their health and wellbeing using self-help reading. www.durham.gov.uk/libraries ✓✓ We run a supported swimming session which offers a safe and friendly environment for people who need extra help when coming to the pool, every Monday from 2.30pm to 3.30pm at Spennymoor Leisure Centre.

Sessions cost £2.80 for concessions and up to two accompanying carers can attend free. Call 03000 261 161 or email leisure-spennymoor@durham.gov.uk for more information. ✓✓ Durham Business Improvement District offers Dementia Friends sessions to Durham City organisations.

Call 0191 384 12 12 or email info@durhambid.co.uk for more information.

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Fostering

Be the reason they stay together Amber and Chloe were just 15 and 16 when they were taken into care. Two years on, the County Durham teenagers share their story.

“Our home environment was quite bad. My mum always said she was going to put us in care but we never believed her. We didn’t think it was really going to happen,” said Chloe.

“When they told us we were going into care, they said we were going to have to be split up because nobody was able to take two teenage girls together but I just told them there was no way that could happen, we had to stay together,” added younger sister Amber.

Our fostering team worked hard to find a foster carer who was willing and able to take in two teenage girls.

Finding a suitable family meant the world to the sisters.

“I know it sounds really cringy to say this, but I don’t know what I’d do without my sister,” Amber explained.

“When we were first taken to our foster carers’ home we were so nervous about everything. I could hardly eat at the table – I was worried that when I swallowed my food I would choke or it would make too much noise because my throat was so tight.

“Chloe was coming to me crying – we could cry together.”

Sisters Chloe (left) and Amber (right).

Chloe added: “She’s right. We were just taken to a house to stay with strangers. We’d never met them and we didn’t know what was happening. Having my sister there meant we could help each other through it. I couldn’t really have coped without my sister. I still can’t, it’s so much better being together.”

The girls stayed with their foster family for a year and a half, experiencing family life together.

Amber said: “We got used to things, our foster carers helped us learn to cope and tried really hard to include us in family life. We’d never eaten together round a table when we lived at home or been on a holiday – they took us to the Lake District which was so much fun, camping out and having more relaxed time as a family – we both loved that.”

When Chloe turned 18, the girls moved into a supported lodgings placement after special permission was granted for Amber to stay with Chloe. Ann, who they live with, provides board and lodgings alongside support to prepare the girls for independence.

Chloe said: “All of a sudden you have to get benefits and pay for things yourself, live on a budget, cook and clean.

I had no idea how to do any of that properly, especially the budget bit. I really struggled with that but Ann teaches us what we need to do and has helped us so much.”

...they said we were going to have to be split up because nobody was able to take two teenage girls together but I just told them there was no way that could happen, we had to stay together.

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Having my sister there meant we could help each other through it.

I couldn’t really have coped without my sister.

Amber added. “I absolutely love being with a supported lodgings carer, we have more independence and are learning about running a home. Ann gives us chores to do such as cleaning out the fridge or doing our washing.

She cooks and eats with us but we are allowed to do our own thing as well – it’s great.”

Why we need to keep brothers and sisters together Our strategic manager for looked after children, Karen Robb, said: “It can be very hard to find foster carers who are willing to take brothers and sisters, especially when they are teenagers, but when you hear from girls like Chloe and Amber, it brings home why it is so important for us to keep siblings together whenever we can.

“While having two or more brothers and sisters may seem like harder work, in reality, the children are often a support for each other. When children have lived through traumatic or difficult situations at home, they often develop such a strong bond - it’s a survival mechanism.

“Being able to stay with the brothers and sisters you love and trust can be of enormous value to a child, helping them to cope and adjust to what can be an exceptionally difficult time in their lives.”

Could you help?

One child comes into care every day in County Durham and the council is in desperate need of more foster carers and people willing to become supported lodgings carers for young people.

Both foster carers and supported lodgings carers are given full training and receive a paid allowance from the council. We also offer the unique Full Circle therapeutic service, which provides excellent support for young people and their carers, including the support of a clinical psychologist where needed. If you feel you could open your home to a child or young person in need, please get in touch: 03000 269 400 fostering@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/inourcare

for more information.

Come to a fostering information session: Thursday 16 May, 11am-1pm, Town Hall, Durham Saturday 18 May, 10am -1.30pm, County Hall, Durham

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Vo l u n t e e r i n g

Could you be a Festival Maker?

Get involved Saturday 1 to Friday 7 June is National Volunteers’ Week and a great time to find out about a range of volunteering opportunities available.

Many of our events and activities simply wouldn’t be able to go ahead without the generous people who give their time to help run them.

Volunteering can be a fantastic way to gain skills and knowledge, meet new people, and have great fun.

We’ve got a wide range of opportunities to suit lots of different interests, including chances to support: ★★ Festivals, sport and culture - volunteering in our museums, leisure centres and venues or helping to deliver walking, running and cycling groups and exciting one-off events. ★★ Libraries and local history - reading to children, becoming a digital buddy, crafting, delivering books to people with mobility problems or working in our archaeology team or Durham County Record Office.

We’re working with festival producers Artichoke to recruit volunteer Festival Makers to help make Durham shine.

Who are we looking for?

We want to hear from you if you’re over 18, have a friendly personality and a passion for the festival. We’re looking for people with different skills and life experiences - this could be your first time volunteering or you could be a seasoned pro!

What will you be doing?

Your role will include welcoming visitors to the city, directing people to the different installations and being the face of the festival.

What’s in it for you? ★★ Be part of the UK’s largest light festival ★★ Learn first-hand how a major arts event is run

★★ Children and young people - by becoming a school governor, befriending, driving and more. ★★ Supporting your local environment - litter picking, planting in a community garden or making a difference to our parks and countryside.

Visit www.durham.gov.uk/volunteering to find out more about the opportunities on offer, or pop along to our Volunteer Week event: Friday 7 June in Durham Market Place, 9am-3pm

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Lumiere returns to Durham from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 November and you could be part of it.

★★ Gain skills and experience to add to your CV

Find out more and sign up at www.durham.gov.uk/festivalmaker

Summer of Culture Residents and visitors to the county can look forward to a jam-packed programme of events and activities over the next few months as our Year of Culture gets into full swing over the summer.

Durham City Run Festival Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 July

Seaham Food Festival Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June

www.durhamcityrunfestival.com The festival kicks off on Thursday with 5k and 10k races around the scenic Durham City. Races take place on an evening, offering a unique running experience.

The Run Like a Legend iconic mile race takes place on Friday 26 July, celebrating Sir Roger Bannister, the first man to break the four minute mile. The evening will include a showing of the documentary Everest on the Track and a discussion of Sir Roger’s achievements on and off the track with fellow running legends Steve Cram and Paula Radcliffe.

Tickets are available from www.galadurham.co.uk On Saturday 27 July, Paula will host Families on Track, a new event encouraging families to exercise together and complete a 10k relay race.

www.seahamfoodfestival.co.uk Start the summer with a culinary feast by the sea. For more details, see page 3.

Flying Scotsman at Locomotion Friday 26 July to Monday 12 August

Durham Pride Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May Now in its sixth year, Durham Pride is the county’s chance to celebrate LGBT+ and promote diversity in County Durham. The main event, on Sunday 26 May, features a parade, family funfair, food, live entertainment and stalls. A new Sports Zone will be at The Sands on Saturday 25 May. Follow @Durham_Pride on Twitter or Facebook.com/DurhamPrideUK

www.locomotion.org.uk A chance to get a close-up view of the iconic locomotive and learn more about its amazing story through a range of family-friendly activities.

Durham Regatta Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June www.durham-regatta.org.uk Last year’s regatta attracted more than 1,400 competitors and 10,000 spectators to the city.

The regatta not only offers thrilling racing but also entertainment from bands and performers along with a great selection of stalls and local foods.

Vélo Sunday 1 September

Durham BRASS Friday 12 to Sunday 21 July

Durham Miners’ Gala Saturday 13 July

www.brassfestival.co.uk The county will once again welcome brass musicians from around the world when this much-loved festival returns. More details on pages 16 and 17.

www.durhamminers.org/gala Colliery bands, bold banners and bustling crowds bring Durham City’s streets alive during this annual event celebrating our county’s heritage and culture.

www.velonorth.com Starting and finishing in Durham City, Vélo is the only closed road cycling race in the north. This summer’s inaugural event includes 50 and 100 mile routes for up to 15,000 participants as well as community events and activities. County Durham residents can enjoy a £10 discount off entry to Vélo.

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BRASS

BRASS is back One of the region’s liveliest festivals is back with a bang this summer, showcasing the very best contemporary brass music from across the globe.

From salsa, swing and big band, to choral masterpieces and rock and roll, Durham BRASS will cater for all tastes and ages when it returns from Friday 12 to Sunday 21 July.

The event boasts an action-packed programme of concerts and street parties, which promises to transport people to different times and places by celebrating international cultures and the rich history and versatility of brass music.

The headline act for 2019 is Brighouse and Rastrick Band, who have performed at the highest level for over a century and achieved global fame with their recording of the Floral Dance in 1977. The band will entertain audiences at the Gala Theatre in Durham on Sunday 21 July at 3pm.

Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners will get the festival off to a stunning start when they return to the city on Friday 12 July with the world premiere of Promised Land. This adrenalin-fuelled, dusk expedition invites audiences on a brassy,

nostalgic trip to revisit the rush of old school raving and to pay homage to the diehard days of dance.

You will be instructed to call a phone number to confirm the party location in advance of the show, and must then navigate your way through the local landscape to a secret site for this rose-tinted flashback to a lost euphoric era.

Streets of Brass also returns this year with a talented and eclectic mix of street bands taking over Durham city centre for two days of free music and mayhem from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July. Thousands of people partied in the streets last year and organisers are pulling out all the stops to ensure 2019 is even better.

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The free alfresco fun continues at Wharton Park in Durham from 6pm on Saturday 20 July with the Big Brass Party.

Bring a picnic and prepare to bust some moves to live music spanning different genres but always with an infectious beat designed to get audiences on their feet.

Global Brass Live - Gala Theatre -

Those who enjoyed the Big Brass Bash events last year are also in for a treat, with details of exciting activities taking place in communities across the county to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Verdi’s Requiem - Durham Cathedral -

Other highlights include: 7.30pm. Featuring the talented and hilarious Austrian band Mnozil Brass.

Strictly Come Brassing - Gala Theatre

- Tuesday 16 July, 7.30pm. Join the Gala Big Band and talented dancers for a celebration of salsa, swing, ballroom, jazz and, of course, Big Band music.

Brass Oktoberfest - Durham Town Hall

- Thursday 18 July, 7.30pm. Experience the atmosphere of a lively Bierhalle and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Durham’s twinning with Tübingen in Germany with festival favourites Oompah Brass and the twin town’s very own Louisiana Funky Butts.

Saturday 19 July, 7.30pm. The Reg Vardy Brass Band will be joined by the Festival Chorus and a guest choir from Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas, for a thrilling concert in awe inspiring surroundings.

The festival will draw to a spectacular close on Sunday 21 July with Wharton Park Meets the West End from 6pm to 8pm. The free outdoor concert will see the Scottish Swing Orchestra and the Festival Broadway Chorus perform jazzy versions of musical theatre’s greatest hits.

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Cirque - Gala Theatre - Monday 15 July,

Friday 19 July, 7.30pm. Brass music and cutting-edge communication technology will collide when North of England champions NASUWT Riverside Band and Danish Brass Band champions Concord Brass perform a joint concert – despite being 560 miles apart.

Brass

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Careers

A bright future…

Are you about to leave school or university or are you unemployed and looking for help?

Support is available to help you get on the right career path.

Adult Learning and Skills Service A County Durham mum says a course run by our Adult Learning and Skills Service helped her get back on track during one of the most difficult times of her life.

Laura Robinson was just 25 with a new baby when doctors diagnosed her with cervical cancer. The young mum was admitted to hospital for an operation and just a week and a half later was given the all clear.

Then tragedy struck again when Laura’s dad died from a heart attack.

The run of tragic events combined with the pressures of being a new, young mum, were starting to take their toll and Laura began to feel more and more isolated.

She said: “I started to feel like I was ‘just a mum’, people would tell me I was more than that but that’s not how I felt. My confidence was getting lower every day. I knew I should be getting out of the house more, for myself and for Mason, but I just couldn’t.

“Then I heard about a family arts and crafts course run by the council’s Adult Learning and Skills Service at the East Durham Trust. I went along with Mason and we really enjoyed it.

“After that I signed up for an employability course which included first aid, risk assessment and food hygiene training. I did a confidence building course too – I would have never done anything like that before, but the people were so lovely that I kept going.”

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Now Laura is both a passionate voice for encouraging women to get their smear tests, and a volunteer with the East Durham Trust and helps at the food bank, the jobs club and an outreach project in Horden.

She said: “I’m still looking for work, Laura and Mason. but volunteering is so rewarding, I might be the only person some of these people come into contact with that day, so I love knowing I make a difference to them.

“I can honestly say that first course has changed my life. I’m part of a little family at the East Durham Trust now and I’m helping them set up a new family course on an afternoon so parents like me can learn with their kids – I could never have done this before and I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved.”

I could never have done this before and I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved.

Our Adult Learning and Skills Service runs a range of courses across the county, which could help you learn new skills, gain confidence and get qualifications.

Visit www.durham.gov.uk/ adultlearning or call 03000 266 115 to find out more.

Connor Thompson.

Earn while you learn From catering to civil engineering – an apprenticeship is a great way to gain qualifications, receive training in the workplace and earn a salary in a rewarding job role.

Apprenticeships provide you with the opportunity to learn something you enjoy.

Here at the council, we offer a wide range of opportunities with apprenticeships available in areas such as catering, accounting, construction and business administration.

Thirty-two-year old Gemma Rodgerson started her civil engineering degree apprenticeship with us in 2018.

Gemma combines one day a week studying at Teesside University with four days with her colleagues, either based at County Hall or out on site, working at various road network projects across the county.

Gemma said: “When I graduate as a civil engineer I will have four years of experience in my field as well as my degree, which is fantastic.”

Seventeen-year-old Connor Thompson works at the Gala Theatre, providing technical support for a variety of events while working towards a level 3 apprenticeship in technical theatre, lighting, sound and stage.

Gemma Rodgerson.

He said: “I get to interact with people in the industry and have already worked with numerous companies and individuals. Once the apprenticeship is over I will have done countless different jobs and will have worked alongside enough people to open future job opportunities.”

Twenty-year-old Jade Ray sees her catering apprenticeship as a chance to learn skills that will prepare her for a future career in the catering industry.

Jade splits her week between County Hall canteen and Wharton Park café, while attending Derwentside College for practical and theory-based learning. She regularly works with the head chef learning hands on skills including food preparation, cash handling, food hygiene and hospitality.

Jade Ray.

At the end of Jade’s apprenticeship in September, she will be fully qualified as a level 2 commis chef.

Jade said: “Apprenticeships provide you with the opportunity to learn something you enjoy. I’ve always been interested in cooking and my apprenticeship gives me the chance to work alongside experienced people. I hope this will help me pursue a career in catering.”

We are currently recruiting for apprenticeships to start in September.

Visit www.durham.gov.uk/ apprenticeships for more information.

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Green living

No bags in your recycling bin Did you know that if items are bagged in your bin they are not recycled?

Anything you place in your recycling bin should be loose and not in a black plastic bag, carrier bag or bag for life.

When items are placed in bags we can’t tell whether the contents are recyclable or not. This means we can’t recycle them as our contractors will treat them as contaminated waste.

Oliver Sherratt, our head of environment, and Jack Wilkinson from contractors Biffa,

Oliver Sherratt, our head of environment, said: pictured in front of unsorted recycling at the material recycling facility.

“A lot of our residents think they are helping us by using black bin liners and bags in their recycling bin, but the reality place clean is that if we can’t see what’s in there, recyclable items we can’t recycle the contents and all loose in the of your hard work will be wasted. recycling bin There’s also the chance bags will get caught up in the machinery.

“People might wonder why we don’t just open the bags, but the scale of the problem and the way the process works means that this just isn’t feasible.

“We’re really grateful to the people of County Durham who do a great job recycling, but we need to remind people how important it is to place recyclable items loose into the recycling bin after a quick wash and squash.”

Over the next few months a helpful reminder sticker will be added to all recycling bins across County Durham.

For more information visit Facebook Recycle for County Durham or www.durham.gov.uk/recycling

Kieran O’Leary and Katie Houghton, recycling assistants.

Bank holiday bins There will be no change to bin collections over the May bank holiday (week beginning 27 May) so please remember to put your bin out by 7am on your normal collection day.

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Littering fines for motorists Litter by our roadsides is an eyesore and damages the environment but new fines will help to keep our county litter-free.

For the first time, we will use powers to pursue drivers if we can prove litter was thrown from their vehicle.

Our neighbourhood wardens will be using dashcam footage to catch culprits in the act and issuing fixed penalty notices.

Our neighbourhood protection team is cracking down on litter from vehicles.

Drivers will also be held responsible if their passengers throw litter.

Dropping litter is an offence under the Environment Protection Act 1990 and anyone caught dropping litter can be issued with a fixed penalty notice of between £65 and £150. Anyone who fails to pay can be taken to court where the maximum fine is £2,500.

30 years of environment champions We’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of County Durham’s most prestigious environment awards.

A touring exhibition will celebrate 30 years of the County Durham Environment Awards, charting their evolution over the decades.

Barry Parker was the first person to use the new centre.

Revamped recycling centre opens A revamped household waste recycling centre has opened to the public, offering even more ways for residents to get rid of unwanted items in an eco-friendly way.

The awards, which are open for nominations now, celebrate projects that improve and enhance the environment through great design, environmental guardianship and community spirit.

For more information or to nominate, visit www.countydurhampartnership.co.uk/envawards or call 03000 267 147.

We’ve transformed Stainton Grove Household Waste Recycling Centre in Barnard Castle and it now features additional skips, a re-use shop to enable goods to have a second life and a trade waste facility for small businesses.

The centre will be open seven days a week from 9am to 6pm until October when it will switch to winter opening times of 9am to 3.30pm.

Find out more, including what can and can’t be recycled, at www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc

Young Firefighters Association, Sacriston were successful in the 2017 Under 18 Volunteer category.

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O ut a nd about

Choose a happy, healthy life No matter how old you are, how fit you feel or how active your daily life is, it’s important that you take the time to look after your wellbeing.

Ways to wellbeing Our Ways to Wellbeing programme helps adults access a wide range of events and activities.

Wellbeing is not just about exercise and activity but also about our happiness and overall quality of life; the choice of opportunities is wide-ranging.

From meeting new people and learning new skills to getting out and about, there are courses and activities to appeal to all tastes.

The new spring activity programme, which is available now, includes arts and crafts, getting active, mindfulness, gardening, reading groups and more.

Mum-of-three, Louise Porter, attended a Wellbeing and Mindfulness course through the Ways to Wellbeing programme.

She said: “I work full time and have three children, a husband and a dog. Life gets busy and quite often I am so

busy looking after everyone else, I forget to take care of myself. I wanted to grasp this opportunity to see if I could find ways to start taking better care of my mental health.

“I loved learning about all the different techniques that I could use in my daily life and it really helped to meet other people on the course who felt the same.

“Mindfulness has had a massive impact on my everyday life. It’s completely changed the way I approach and manage situations.

I would encourage anyone to try the Ways to Wellbeing programme, it’s really helped to make a difference in my life.”

Find out more about Ways to Wellbeing activities at www.durham.gov.uk/ waystowellbeing or call 03000 262 539.

Join us for some swimming pool fun Encouraging the kids to get active can sometimes be a difficult task but offering the chance to splash about in the water is a great way to go about it.

Our leisure centres offer a wide range of pool-based fun, from sessions to build your child’s water confidence to a cool inflatable challenge.

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our Splash Tots and Little Ducklings sessions include toys and floats for little swimmers aged five and under. And look out for our new Disney inspired swim sessions launching at the beginning of June.

Youngsters aged between two and six can enjoy weekly pay-as-you-go Ready, Sett, Splash sessions featuring instructor-led fun and games designed to build their confidence in the water. Or, if you prefer to create your own games,

Visit www.durham.gov.uk/swimming or download the thrive active app to find sessions near you.

Not a swimmer? Look out for our holiday crash courses, suitable for non-swimmers and beginners.

Park activities Get your little ones out-and-about for some fresh air and fun with our fantastic park events.

May half-term Friday 31 May, 10am-11.30am or 1pm-2.30pm Spring corner: The Tiny Seed

HARDWICK PARK Tuesday 28 May, 11am-3pm Marvellous Mermaids and Nautical Neptune £3 per child.

Learn about King Neptune who guards the Serpentine Lake. Make your own merman or mermaid craft and create a mermaid accessory or tremendous trident. No need to book.

Wednesday 29 May, 10am-11.30am Believe in Unicorns!

Thursday 30 May, 11am-3pm Fairy houses and magical kingdoms £8.50 per child.

Use your imagination and a range of materials to make a miniature magical place with artist Kay Henderson. Advance booking essential on 03000 262 899.

Tuesday 28 May, one hour time slots between 10.30am-3.15pm Block Parties Lego Workshop

£6 per child.

For ages 6 and over. Build the perfect den for a dragon and collect natural materials for a make-believe dragon tea party. You will then have the opportunity to celebrate all things fire-breathing by building your own woodland camp fire.

Spaces must be booked in advance by calling us on 03000 262 899.

Fridays, fortnightly until Friday 19 July, 1pm-2.30pm Let’s explore

WHARTON PARK

£4 per child.

Follow the hoof print trail to rescue the unicorn locked in the tower. Make a rainbow ribbon wand and a unicorn hat to take home. Advance booking essential on 03000 262 899.

Wednesday 29 May,1pm-2.30pm Dragon den building

£4 per child.

Hear the story of ‘The Tiny Seed’ by Eric Carle, take part in a planting trail and plant your own seed. Advance booking essential on 03000 262 655.

£4.50 per child.

For ages 4+. Get creative with over 35,000 pieces of Lego. Take part in games and challenges such as super hero building, vehicle building, tower building and a zip wire challenge. Advance booking essential on 03000 262 655.

Wednesday 29 May, 10am-12 noon or 1pm-3pm Robot building workshop £6 per child.

Re-funk your junk! Create a robot to take home using a wide range of recycled materials. All materials provided. Advance booking essential on 03000 262 655.

£3 per child.

Take your little explorer on a mini adventure.

These sessions are ideal for under 5s giving them the opportunity to get outdoors and explore the park. They will search for signs of plant and animal life, collect natural materials and take part in a range of other seasonal activities.

Spaces must be booked in advance on 03000 262 655.

BLACKHILL AND CONSETT PARK Friday 31 May, 1pm-3pm Bugs and Bees Fun family activity session organised by the Durham Wildlife Trust.

Places are free but must be booked by contacting Durham Wildlife Trust on 0191 584 3112.

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What’s on March to May

May to July

Binchester Roman Festivals Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July Experience life as a Roman with the Roma Antiqua re-enactment group. See demonstrations of archery, slingstaffs, and firing of the full-size replica of an artillery catapult. Visit the tented encampment and inspect the weapons, armour and equipment of Roman soldiers as well as the stalls of civilian traders and artisans.

Bank holiday Monday 26 August The Roma Antiqua return to Binchester to demonstrate fighting skills and weaponry with live combat displays. £7 for adults, £6 for concessions, £5 for children and free for those aged four or under.

01388 663 089 www.durham.gov.uk/binchester

Wednesday 31 July - Saturday 3 August, 7.30pm (and 2.30pm on Thursday and Saturday) Chicago: High School Edition by Gala Theatre Stage School Gala Theatre, Durham In roaring twenties Chicago, chorus girl Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap… until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie.

Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another Merry Murderess, Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the American Dream: fame, fortune, and acquittal.

This sharp-edged satire features a dazzling score that sparked immortal staging by Bob Fosse. £16, £14 concessions.

03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk

Kynren - An Epic Tale of England From Saturday 29 June to Saturday 14 September (exc. Saturday 3 August) Watch legends come to life in a thrilling tale told on an epic scale - 2,000 years in the making.

This multi-award-winning live action outdoor theatre spectacular takes you on a spellbinding voyage through history as seen through the eyes of Arthur, the son of a mining family.

New for 2019, experience the Year of the Viking.

Visit the new Viking Village pre-show and witness an epic ‘Viking-Attack’ full of new stunts. www.kynren.com

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GALA THEATRE, DURHAM

BISHOP AUCKLAND TOWN HALL

W hF ae ta’st uor ne M ay to J u l y EMPIRE THEATRE & CINEMA, CONSETT

English Touring Opera Two ambitious operas about giant personalities clashing over love and power in times of war.

Monday 13 May, 7.30pm Macbeth Tuesday 14 May, 7.30pm Idomeneo £29, £26 Gala Members, £15 restricted view, £49 for both.

Friday 21 June, 7.30pm Hilarity Bites presents: Comedy: Emmanual Sonubi, Jake Lambert, Louise Young and host Andy Fury Headliner Emmanual was hand-picked to support Jason Manford on his 2018 UK arena tour. £8, £10 on the door.

Thursday 23 May, 7.30pm Rocket Man A tribute to Multi-Grammy award-winning legend and superstar, Sir Elton John. £22.50.

Tuesday 25 June, 7.30pm The National Production Company presents: The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged) Thursday 6 June, 7.30pm Rhythm of the Dance: 20th anniversary tour

This fast-paced romp through 37 comedies, histories and tragedies will leave you helpless with laughter.

For ages 12+. £10-£12.

Thursday 6 June, 7.30pm and Friday 7 June, 2.30pm Catherine Cookson’s The Cinder Path

An exciting trip through hundreds of years of Irish dance and music, with award-winning dance champions and 25 dazzling costume changes. £24.

Wednesday 12 June, 7.30pm Susie Dent: The Secret Life of Words A journey into the curious, unexpected, and downright surreal origins of the words we use every day. £21.

Thursday 20 June, 7.30pm Lucy Worsley: Queen Victoria: Daughter, Wife, Mother and Widow An illustrated talk about the life, palaces, and rich colourful age of this woman who ruled a quarter of the globe. £20.

Friday 28 June, 7.30pm Eddi Reader

Celebrating 40 years as a live performer, from the traditional to contemporary. £24. www.galadurham.co.uk 03000 266 600

A story of Charlie MacFell and his relationship with a cruel and domineering father, his stormy marriage and a struggle to keep a dark secret. £22.

Wednesday 10 July, 7.30pm Where There’s Muck There’s Bras Stand-up poet Kate Fox presents a comic and thought-provoking show about the writers, scientists, sportswomen, politicians, protestors, musicians and other heroines who represent the grit, determination and spirit of northern women. £12. www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk 03000 269 524

A family ticket for The Very Hungry Caterpillar For a chance to win a family ticket, simply tell us: How many puppets feature in the show?

See page 2 for details of how to enter.

Friday 21 June, 7.30pm Magic of Motown 40 back-to-back hits, glittering costume changes and dazzling dance moves. £23.50.

Saturday 20 July, 1.30pm The Very Hungry Caterpillar Featuring 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle’s stories. £13.50, £11.50 under 16s, £46 family. www.empireconsett.co.uk 03000 262 400

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BEAMISH MUSEUM THE WITHAM, BARNARD CASTLE Friday 17 May, 7.30pm Queen of Rock A talented cast of 10 explore the intricate harmonies and sounds Queen were known for. £19, age 16 and under £17.

Sunday 16 June Beamish Reliability Run A motoring event for vintage cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles, beginning and ending at the museum.

Sunday 16 June Brass at Beamish

THE BOWES MUSEUM, BARNARD CASTLE Saturday 25 May to Sunday 13 October LEGO: Building The Bowes Museum See the museum’s 15 most loved objects including the Silver Swan recreated in Lego and have a go at making your own.

Museum admission applies.

Head down to The 1900s Pit Village to hear the best of the region’s brass bands battle it out.

Thursday 23 May, 2.15pm-4.15pm Art history course Join assistant curator of fine art, Bernadette Petti, to explore from the age of enlightenment to the spirit of romanticism. £10, booking essential.

Saturday 18 May, 8pm RANT Fiddles Meet four of Scotland’s finest fiddle players as they tour their unique brand of ‘chamber-folk’. £18, age 16 and under £16.

Saturday 8 June, 8pm Cara Dillon This extraordinary Irish singer has (according to Mojo magazine) “quite possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice”. £23, £21 in advance.

Wednesday 26 to Sunday 30 June Old King Coal Celebrating the North East’s coal mining heritage with banner parades and brass band performances.

Saturday 22 June, 7pm Durham Singers The fabulous Durham Singers perform English and French pieces in the splendid Picture Galleries.

Booking required. £18 adults, £15 Friends, refreshments included.

Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 July Festival of 50s Saturday 15 June, 7.30pm Reg Vardy Brass Band

Rock ‘n’ roll along to this fabulous celebration of all things 50s. Enjoy fantastic food, fashion and fun.

New music alongside the more traditional brass band repertoire. £10

Usual admission prices apply for all events.

www.thewitham.org.uk 01833 631 107

www.beamish.org.uk 0191 370 4000

A family ticket to Beamish Museum For a chance to win a family day ticket for four people, simply tell us: Where will the bands be playing during Brass at Beamish?

See page 2 for details of how to enter.

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Saturday 6 July, 7.30pm Janusz Plays Chopin Join celebrated international pianist and conductor Janusz Piotrowicz for an evening of solo Chopin music. £17.50 or £25 inc. wine. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk 01833 690 606

DURHAM COUNTY RECORD OFFICE

May is Local and Community History Month

Tuesdays, 6pm-7pm Deerness Valley Girls football training sessions

Monday 13 May, 6pm-8pm and Thursday 23 May, 10am-12 noon Branching Out: Guide to online sources Talk by an archivist focusing on online sources for research, including advice on where information can be accessed free of charge. Booking essential. £10.

Sir Bobby Robson Centre, Ushaw Moor Ages 6-15. Contact Anja on 07737 395 641.

Various days Cycle Durham Free weekly led cycle rides across the county. Bikes and helmets can be loaned free of charge.

Walk Durham Free weekly walks across the county.

Each walk is led by a trained walk leader, follows a risk assessed route and lasts between 30 to 90 minutes.

Thursday 16 May, 12.30pm-1.15pm Third Thursday Talk: Recusancy and Conformity: The Salvins of Croxdale, c.1500-1663 Historian Dr Margaret Harvey looks at how the Salvins of Croxdale preserved their estates and survived while many other families did not. Booking essential.

Free.

Introduction to Palaeography Perfect for family and local historians looking to get the most out of studying older documents, these sessions look at 16th and 17th century handwriting.

Thursday 16 May, 6pm-8pm and Friday 17 May, 10am-12 noon Week 3 – Secretary hand Thursday 23 May, 6pm-8pm and Friday 24 May, 10am-12 noon Week 4 – Court hand Booking is essential. £12.

Saturday 22 June, 10am-2.45pm ‘No Longer the Enemy’ - a talk Friends of Durham County Record Office mark the end of a research project about visits of groups of German children to Murton and Station Town in 1949. Email fodcro@gmail.com to book. www.durhamrecordoffice.org.uk 03000 267 619

W hF ae ta’st uor ne M ay to J u l y

REGULAR EVENTS

03000 266 555 www.durham.gov.uk/cycling www.durham.gov.uk/walkdurham

Sundays until 7 July, 10am-11am Wildcats Girls Football Centre Greenfield Community College, Newton Aycliffe Fun introduction to football. For girls Reception to Year 3. £2. 07939 045 242 www.nayfc.com

Wednesdays, 1pm-3pm

at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Stanhope

Thursdays, 6.15pm-8.15pm

at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Crook

Art class

For beginners, improvers and beyond. £7.50.

07551 972 424, www.susannaheath.com

First Thursday of the month except August and January, 7.15pm Cestrian Flower Club Park View Community Centre, Chester-le-Street £5. www.cestrianflowerclub.co.uk

Thursdays, 7pm Weardale Community Choir St Thomas’ Church Hall, Stanhope New members always welcome.

07811 221 151 Facebook: weardalecommunitychoir

YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY Discover a new world Did you know that every library in County Durham offers regular activities for all ages?

Toddler Time sessions for under 5s help develop creativity and literacy skills through storytelling, crafts and songs.

Join a Reading Group for adults and try new titles, make new friends and review books to inspire others or why not try a Get Creative session; bring along a project you’ve been working on, learn a new craft or pass on your skills on to others.

Libraries also offer a range of activities including reading events and arts and crafts sessions during school holidays.

Find out what’s on at your local library. www.durham.gov.uk/libraries

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Thursdays, 5.30pm-6.30pm New wildcats football class Framwellgate Moor School, Newton Drive, Durham For girls aged 5-11. Contact Anja on 07737 395 641.

MAY

Saturday 1 June, 1.30pm Wild food in spring

Thursday 16 May, 12 noon-3.30pm

Monday 27 May Classic and custom bike show

Friday 17 May, 12 noon-3.30pm

Durham Market Place Free. www.durhammarkets.co.uk

Durham Town Hall and

Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre

Durham Veterans Contact Point A drop in for Armed Forces Veterans to get advice and information and meet in a relaxed setting. Free. 0191 383 9452 www.facebook.com/durhamssafa

Thursday 30 May, 1.30pm Natural Explorers: Mini-beasts Harehope Quarry, Frosterley Fun in the outdoors. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. £6.

07807 002 032 www.harehopequarry.org.uk

JUNE

Saturday 1 June, 7pm A Weardale Rhapsody

Thursday 16 May, 1pm-4pm Summer of Music: Cobweb Gibside National Trust Symphonies by the likes of Tchaikovsky and Haydn in an 18th century landscape.

Admission charges apply. 01207 541 820 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside

Saturday 25 May, 10am-1pm An introduction to insects Bowlees Visitor Centre Free. 01388 528 801 www.northpennines.org.uk

Sunday 26 and Monday 27 May, 10am-4pm Peter Pan inspired event Crook Hall and Gardens Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and Captain Hook are flying over from Never-Never Land for a swashbuckling event with themed games, stories and a treasure trail around the gardens. £8 adult, £7.50 concessions, £5 child, free for under 3s. 0191 384 8028 www.crookhallgardens.co.uk

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Harehope Quarry, Frosterley Find out what is edible, what is poisonous and what to do with it. £15 per person.

Suitable for 13 years+. 01388 529 154 www.natureholiday.co.uk

Photo: Tom Banks

Tower challenge Durham Cathedral Durham Cathedral’s central tower reopens on 1 June. Climb the 325 steps to enjoy stunning views of Durham City. £5 adult, £2.50 child. 0191 338 7178 www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/visit-us

Tickets to Durham Cathedral’s Open Treasure exhibition For a chance to win a family ticket to see Open Treasure and its spotlight Vikings exhibition, simply tell us: When did the Vikings first raid Lindisfarne?

See page 2 for details of how to enter.

A family pass to Crook Hall and Gardens For a chance to win a family pass to Crook Hall and Gardens, simply tell us: Who wrote Peter Pan? See page 2 for details of how to enter.

Town Hall, St John’s Chapel Premier of a new work by composer David Jennings, performed, along with other works, by pianist Ken Forster and violinist Pamela Redman. Fundraising event for the Friends of High House Chapel to support the purchase of the Chapel by the Weardale Museum. £10, £5 under 16s.

Tickets from Cafe Maxine, St John’s Chapel, payment at the door or via www.facebook.com/groups/276376736346328 07936 926 199

Saturday 1 June, 7.30pm Paul Mayhew-Archer “Incurable Optimist” The Witham, Barnard Castle Debut stand-up show from the multi awardwinning co-writer of The Vicar of Dibley. Paul has Parkinson’s, but he’s still laughing. £14, £13 concessions.

01833 650 930, www.funnywaytobe.com

Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 June, 7.30pm and 2.30pm Tuesday matinee Carrying David Alun Armstrong Theatre, Stanley This one-man play reflects the highs and lows of Glenn McCrory’s drive and sacrifice to become the first world boxing champion from the North East, inspired by the love of his terminally ill brother David. £16.

01207 299 110, www.civichallstanley.co.uk

Wednesday 5 June, 6pm-9pm New Age Kurling Competition

Sunday 16 June, 2pm Merry Wives of Windsor

Wolsingham Community Sports Centre, Wolsingham Fundraising competition played by sighted competitors in blindfolds, in support of Blind Life in Durham.

To compete call 01388 763 501 or email blindlifeindurham@gmail.com

Old Durham Gardens Bring a chair or rugs to sit on and a picnic.

Free but donations welcome. www.olddurhamgardens.co.uk

Tuesday 18 June, 7.30pm Ferryhill, Sedgefield & District Flower Club Parish Hall, Sedgefield Sue Spencer demonstrates This is Me. £5.

07533 752 870

Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22 June, 7.15pm The Addams Family Friday 7 June, 12 noon to Saturday 8 June, 12 noon Run to the Sun Maiden Castle, Durham City 24-hour charity baton relay. Fancy dress, facepainting, cake sale, space hopper challenge and more. Free to watch. £12 relay entry, £3 children, £8 students / unwaged. 0191 384 9745 www.facebook.com/RuntotheSun

Park View Theatre, Chester-le-Street Everyone’s favourite kooky family, including Uncle Fester, Lurch and Pugsley, in a spectacular musical comedy. £12, £10 concessions and Wednesday performance. 0191 388 3362 www.dryburntheatricalworkshop.co.uk

A family ticket to The Addams Family For a chance to win a family ticket for Saturday 22 June, simply tell us: What is Gomez and Morticia’s favourite dance?

See page 2 for details of how to enter.

W hF ae ta’st uor ne M ay to J u l y Saturday 22 June Community fun days 11am-1pm at Gilesgate Primary School 12 noon-2pm at Richmond Park, Carr House Drive, Newton Hall 12 noon-2.30pm at Holliday Park, Langley Moor 12.30pm-2.30pm at Pelaw View Community Centre, Hilda Avenue, Durham Four free fun days, including BBQ, café tent, face-painting, giant inflatable, sports, games and more. www.kcd.org.uk/juneproject

Sunday 23 to Saturday 29 June, 7.30pm (Sunday 2.30pm matinee only) ‘Theft’ by Eric Chappell The City Theatre, Back Silver Street, Durham Trevor, Jenny, John and Barbara return from a night out to find their home has been burgled... but who and where is the culprit? And what uncomfortable truths might be revealed? £7.50, £6.50 concessions, Sunday and Monday.

Tickets: 03000 266 600 or www.galadurham.co.uk www.durhamdramatic.co.uk

Tuesday 25 June to Saturday 3 August, Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-3pm Exhibition: Trees and Denes Art Block, 74 Church Street, Seaham Multi-media exhibition focussing on trees and the denes of County Durham.

Free. 0191 649 9431 Facebook: East Durham Artists Network

Saturday 8 June, 10am-4pm 1940s day Bishop Auckland Market Place Free. 01388 609 852 www.bishopaucklandtownteam.org

Fridays 14 and 21 June, 1pm-3pm Creative Writing Workshops Greenfield Arts, Greenfield Way, Newton Aycliffe £25 for two sessions. 01325 379 048 www.greeneld-arts.co.uk

Sunday 16 June, 2.30pm Mighty Wurlitzer concert New Victoria Centre, Howden-le-Wear An afternoon of music with London Organist Andy Quinn. £9 inc. refreshments.

01388 762 467, www.netoa.org.uk

Friday 21 June, 5am-7am Photography morning Durham Cathedral £10 per camera, £7.50 student/under 18.

0191 338 7178 www.durhamcathedral.co.uk

Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 June, 10am-5pm Chesterfest 2019 Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Community festival with local food, music, family activities. Free.

Thursday 27 June, 7pm Jazz at The Lubetkin: Jambone & Friends The Lubetkin Theatre, Peterlee Featuring some of the outstanding young jazz musicians in the region. £5 over 18s, £1 under 18s. 0191 518 8269 www.lubetkinjazz.com

Friday 28 June 7pm Open evening flower demonstration Lanchester Community Centre Demonstration by Irene Parker with arrangements raffled on the night. £7.

01207 503 667

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Saturday 29 June, 12 noon-7pm Armed Forces Day Seaham Town Park, Seaham With parade, stalls and local bands performing. Free. 0191 581 8034

Saturday 29 June, 10am-3pm Local Superheroes

Friday 5 July, 8pm A Choir! A Voice! Summer concert

Locomotion, Shildon Free family fun day. Meet local superheroes from the police, fire and rescue service, mountain rescue, coastguard, council and more. www.durham-pcc.gov.uk

Elvet Methodist Church, Old Elvet, Durham Including jazz, vintage, pop and musical theatre. £10, £6 under 18s. Tickets on the door.

Sunday 30 June, 10am We’re going on a Bear Hunt!

Bright Woods Forest School CIC, Startforth A family friendly walk in search of the bear with activities along the way. Ends with a campfire and toasted marshmallows. £7, free for under 1s. 07399 575 252 www.facebook.com/brightwoodsforestschool

Sunday 30 June to Sunday 1 September, 10am-8.30pm Norman Cornish – The Portrait

Saturday 29 June, 10am-4pm Festival of food, drink and crafts Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham Check out local North East suppliers at this festival. £2 entry fee. 0191 384 8028 www.crookhallgardens.co.uk

Saturday 29 June, 11am-4pm Face painting Durham University Botanic Garden, Durham Have your face painted with flowers, butterflies, glitter or animals. 0191 334 2887 www.dur.ac.uk/botanic.garden

Saturday 29 June, 2pm-11pm Butterwick Hospice: Festival in the Forest Hamsterley Forest A fun packed day with seven amazing bands, bars, stalls, food and much more. £12, free for under 10s. 01388 603 003 www.butterwick.org.uk/events

Gala Gallery, Durham Self-portraits, images of the artist’s family and commissioned portraits and sketches of local characters. Free.

03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk

JULY Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 July, 7.15pm Whistle Down the Wind

by Chester-le-Street Theatre Group Chester-le-Street Community Centre, Newcastle Road £10, £8 concessions. 0191 388 3778 www.clstheatregroup.com

A sumptuous afternoon tea for four at Hotel Indigo Durham Afternoon tea, lunch and dinner are served at the prestigious Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill in the old Durham Council Senate Chamber, located at Hotel Indigo Durham. Special occasion dining is also catered for up to 60 people in the Grade II listed Victorian Council Rooms.

For a chance to win afternoon tea for four simply tell us: What dates does this year’s Seaham Food Festival take place on?

See page 2 for details of how to enter.

Hotel Indigo Durham, Old Shire Hall, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HL. Telephone 0191 329 3535 www.durham.hotelindigo.com

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Saturday 6 July Bubble Rush St Leonard’s Playing Field, Durham 5K of foamy fun. A fun run with a difference in aid of St Cuthbert’s Hospice.

To find out more or to register visit www.stcuthbertshospice.com

Saturday 6 July, 7pm Americana Night Scarth Hall, Staindrop Celebrating all things American, with live music and themed food. £12.

Tickets from ticketsource.com, Staindrop Post Office, Scarth Hall bar and community café. 07881 248 478, www.scarthhall.co.uk

Wednesday 10 to Sunday 13 July 7.30pm (Saturday, 2pm matinee only) Alice In Wonderland

by The Castle Players The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle A larger than life outdoor production. £3-£21. www.castleplayers.co.uk

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