DCC Durham County News Autumn 2015

DURHAM

www.durham.gov.uk

Autumn 2015

County News The magazine for people in County Durham

Consett’s new leisure centre makes a splash

Your guide to Lumiere 2015

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Our huge ticket giveaway

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Autumn what’s on

WELCOME

to the autumn edition of Durham County News

We’re all counting down to Lumiere.

The fabulous festival of light, which weaves a nocturnal art trail through the city, is now a world-class event with the last festival, in 2013, attracting 175,000 people.

Councillor Simon Henig, Leader of the Council

We’re sure this year’s event will be another phenomenal success, and give the county a significant economic boost and great feeling of pride.

The autumn also brings the popular TakeOff Festival, Durham Book Festival and of course your last chance to see Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal. See pages 10-11.

As young people across the county return to school, I’m delighted to see the opening of the £44m Consett Academy and Leisure Centre, a flagship project in our regeneration of Consett.

(Pages 8-9). The new development will provide some of the best educational and leisure facilities in the country.

Competition entries

Competition entries should be received by Mon 28 September 2015 (unless the competition states otherwise). Pop your entries in one envelope (don’t forget to use a stamp!) and post to Durham County News, Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham DH1 1RH or drop them in to reception at any of our access points.

Durham County News is written and designed by Durham County Council, printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd and distributed by The National Leaflet Company and Royal Mail. It costs 16p a copy.

Contents

I hope you enjoy reading Durham County News.

Page

8-9

£44m development opens

Page

12-13

Bringing DLI history to life

18

Green Living

Page

Please ask us if you would like this document summarised in another language or format.

Audio

3-5

World-class Lumiere Durham is back

Page

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

Braille

Page

Local news pages

Large print

durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk 03000 268 059

20-23

Page

26

This Girl Can! Fun, friendship and fitness

Page

Simon

6-7

News and Regeneration round-up Page

10-11

Autumn’s finest festivals

Page

14-15

Children and young people Page

19

Discover our ‘Hidden Depths’ Page

24-25

It’s gorgeous up north

Page

27-31

What’s on this autumn

When you have finished with this magazine, please recycle it.

Front cover: Elliot and Evie Edworthy and Kirsty White soak up the atmosphere at Consett Leisure Centre.

LUMIERE 2015

The UK’s largest light festival, Lumiere returns to Durham 12-15 November.

Over four dazzling evenings, a host of international artists will transform the city once more in spectacular and unexpected ways.

Work on the festival has already begun. On page four, find out how people from across Durham and the North East have been getting involved.

The festival programme and ticketing information are announced in the middle of September, so head over to the website to plan your visit.

lumiere-festival.com

Lumiere Durham will feature artworks including the one pictured, Home Sweet Home

by Shared Space & Light. Images taken from project in Aylesbury, 2013-2014.

Lumiere

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Just brilliant Local residents have added their own creative flair to Lumiere.

This year, four of the artworks are from winners of the ‘Brilliant’ competition, which invited anyone from Durham or the North East to suggest a creative idea using light.

Meanwhile, students from Durham Sixth Form Centre have been working with artists based in New Zealand exploring some of Durham residents’ most treasured possessions.

Community groups have been on trips to the beach to collect sea glass for a light sculpture that celebrates the industrial past of East Durham (pictured).

Festival producer Artichoke has also asked people to share stories about the places they call home.

Find out more about these installations when the full programme is announced.

Festival Makers help Durham shine A professional photoshoot for your family at Lumiere and a framed print to remind you of a world-class night out.

Five runners up will also receive Lumiere goody bags.

For the chance to win, just tell us what the French word Lumiere means. ............................................................................................

Name Tel

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Address

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Postcode .........................................................................

Email

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See page 2 for entry details.

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Lumiere

Have you ever fancied going behind the scenes of a world class festival?

You can still be part of the volunteer army and help provide some extra sparkle at Lumiere.

Why not join Megan Lamb from Spennymoor? She was a Lumiere Festival Maker in 2013 stationed at the cathedral, answering questions, giving directions and helping the public to get even more out of the event.

Lumiere has the most fantastic atmosphere. It’s so Megan said: exciting seeing all the new light installations and I just love seeing everyone enjoying themselves. I like to think of myself as a helping hand and try to make sure other people can make the most of such a wonderful moment.

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No experience is necessary; you just need to be 18 or over, have a friendly face and to be passionate about Durham and Lumiere!

Volunteers will be expected to be available for at least two shifts during the event itself and there’ll be a couple of meetings beforehand.

You have until October 14 to sign up. Find out more by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/festivalmaker or call us on 03000 266 555.

LUMIERE 2015 Travelling to Lumiere

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Don’t risk missing the UK’s biggest light festival because you’re stuck in traffic.

450 spaces spaces Head to one of our Park & Ride sites instead. We have almost quadrupled the number of parking spaces available 4 across our five sites. We’ll have over ,600 Park & Ride spaces and regular bus services dropping you in the heart of the city. All for just £2.

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#LumiereDurham

Tens of thousands of people will be heading to Lumiere Durham this November so plan your journey.

A177

for up-to-date traffic and travel news, and Park & Ride spaces available.

We’ll also have the popular Park & Stride facility again at County Hall and the DLI. There are around 1,000 spaces for anyone who fancies a short walk down into the city.

Durham Railway Station is just a short walk from the city centre and there will be plenty of additional bus services available. These will be announced soon. Watch www.durham.gov.uk/lumiere for details.

On the afternoon and evening you are coming follow #LumiereDurham on Facebook or Twitter and we’ll keep you up-to-date with traffic and travel news, including which sites have spaces available.

All of these options will help you avoid the road closures which will be in place to make sure you can enjoy the festival safely. For road closures and lots more helpful traffic and travel info, see www.durham.gov.uk/lumiere

Lumiere is big business We all want to make this year’s Lumiere the best one yet for everyone, including local businesses.

Lumiere Durham in 2013 generated £5.8m in economic benefits for the region.

This included money spent by 175,000 visitors; more than 20,000 overnight stays; and contracts worth £500,000 placed with regional businesses.

For Lumiere Durham 2015, we’ve worked with festival producer Artichoke, Durham University and the Durham Business Improvement District to ensure this

year’s Lumiere brings maximum benefits.

Durham businesses have completed a Lumiere survey and attended free workshops offering tips on keeping things running smoothly during the festival.

A number of Durham companies (and some from further afield) have also very generously supported Lumiere by becoming sponsors of the festival.

Find out more at www.lumiere-durham.com

Lumiere

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

NEWS Universal Credit

www.durham.gov.uk

Universal Credit is a new government benefit which is being gradually introduced in County Durham from September 21.

If you need to phone us, call Customer Services

03000 26 0000 8.30am-5pm (Monday-Thursday) 8.30am-4.30pm (Friday)

It replaces the following benefits and tax credits with one monthly payment:

Out of hours emergency service available.

• Income Support • Income-based Jobseeker’s

If you have a specific query, use one of our dedicated numbers:

Allowance

Streetscene, Highways and Street Lighting Enquiries

• Income-related Employment

03000 26 1000

and Support Allowance

• Housing Benefit • Working Tax Credit • Child Tax Credit

Includes rubbish and recycling, street lighting faults, potholes, commercial waste, neighbourhood wardens, stray dogs, abandoned vehicles, pest control, street cleaning, litter and dog fouling, graffiti, fly-tipping, fly posting, parks, open spaces and cemeteries maintenance.

Universal Credit is paid to people who are working or out of work. There are no limits to the number of hours you can work a week to receive the benefit.

Benefit Enquiries

03000 26 2000 Council Tax Enquiries

03000 26 4000

Initially this will affect only new claims from single people without children and without mortgage costs who would previously have claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Social Care Direct/Children’s First Contact service

03000 26 79 79

Families Information Service

If you’re already claiming benefits, you don’t need to do anything. You’ll be advised when any changes will affect you. www.gov.uk/universal-credit

0800 917 2 917

NHS: if you need medical help fast, but it isn’t a 999 emergency

111

@DurhamCouncil /durhamcouncil

Do you know about credit unions?

Your local credit unions can help you save regularly, even just £1 a week. They can also help you access low cost credit, rather than use higher cost credit providers like payday lenders or high street weekly payment stores.

Find out more from The Prince Bishops Community Bank 01207 232 351 www.princebishopscommunity bank.org.uk or NEfirst credit union 0330 055 3666 www.nefirstcu.co.uk

Vote for local priorities

Vote on your local priorities at your Area Action Partnership (AAP) forum. It’s a great opportunity to influence how your AAP spends its time and money. All the forums this year are different. Some are part of community events and some are traditional forums.

To find out about your local event, contact your local AAP or check dates at www.durham.gov.uk/aaps

Secondary school places

linkedin.com/company/ durham-county-council

Parents are reminded the deadline for applications for a place in a secondary school in September 2016 is Saturday 31 October 2015. Apply online at www.durham.gov.uk/schooladmissions

www.youtube.com/user/ DurhamCouncil instagram.com/durham_ county_council

6

News

Regeneration ROUND-UP Aykley Heads

We’re exploring the possibility of vacating County Hall in Aykley Heads, Durham. This would pave the way for significant private sector investment creating between 2,500 and 6,000 private sector jobs on the site. We would expect a move of this scale to take four years.

In another boost to our plans for Aykley Heads, Atom Bank - which is based at Northumbria House in Aykley Heads got its official licence from the Bank of England. This will enable it to launch products and services to customers later this year and create at least 170 jobs in the county.

Hitachi

As we went to print, Hitachi Rail Europe opened their new train assembly plant in the county, creating 730 direct jobs with more in the supply chain. The facility will build new trains for the £5.7 billion InterCity Express Programme and regional commuter train services. More on the opening in our next issue.

Event boosts economy

Spectators at the Pearl Izumi Tour Series in Durham City in May spent an estimated £281,310. This included £33,000 on accommodation and £91,000 on food and drink.

The race attracted 12,500 spectators.

Future potential

An eco-friendly tap to guard against water waste saw its young inventors crowned Future Business Magnates.

The team from Durham Johnston School (pictured) battled 24 other schools to land the winner’s prize.

First University Technical College

The first University Technical College in the North East will open in Aycliffe Business Park next September. UTC South Durham (pictured top) is a technical school that will specialise in advanced manufacturing and engineering. It is supported by the University of Sunderland, Gestamp Tallent and Hitachi Rail Europe.

Get connected

County Durham businesses and charities may be able to get a free voucher worth up to £3,000 towards getting connected to faster broadband under the Go Digital Newcastle scheme.

0191 277 1625, www.godigitalnewcastle.co.uk

Imperial Hotel restored

The iconic, Grade-II listed Imperial Hotel in Stanley has been restored to its former glory.

We contributed a £20,000 Targeted Business Improvement grant towards work being carried out by leaseholder Camerons Brewery. We also advised the brewery on restoring the listed structure.

Landlords

Private landlords can join a new accreditation scheme which offers them advice, support, advertising of empty properties and reference checks as well as peace of mind for tenants.

Following a successful pilot in Stanley, our voluntary Private Landlord Accreditation Scheme is being rolled out across County Durham. www.durham.gov.uk/landlordaccreditation Regeneration round-up

7

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Getting active in autumn...

Multi-million pound development opens School is back, and so is top class sport, with the opening of a £44 million development for the people of Consett.

It’s a brand new start in a brand new building for around 1,700 young people as Consett Academy opens this month.

Residents have already enjoyed a summer of sport and leisure in the new state-of-the-art leisure centre, which shares the site with the academy.

The new Consett Academy and Leisure Centre is a huge milestone in our vision for the regeneration of Consett.

Consett Leisure Centre, which was funded by us and is operated by Leisureworks, has two swimming pools, an interactive slide, splash water features, café and group and family changing.

Other facilities include a 600 m2 Lifestyle Fitness gym offering the latest cardio-vascular and resistance equipment.

Three exercise studios will host a variety of classes including some exciting new ones such as Good to Glow from national fitness presenter and The Apprentice star Katie Bulmer-Cooke.

The centre also features three glass-backed squash courts as well as an eight court sports hall for badminton, football, gymnastics and other indoor activities.

Outside facilities include a 4G pitch and a multi-use games area for netball, football, basketball and other sports.

The new Consett Leisure Centre is a wonderful facility, which has been specifically designed to offer something for everyone. I’m sure it will be a great success with local people, said Cllr Maria Plews, our Cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning.

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Sport and Leisure

Our Cabinet member for children and young people, Ossie Johnson believes the joint Consett Academy and Consett Leisure Centre provide a fantastic shared resource for the local community with some of the best educational and leisure facilities in the county.

This is a huge milestone in our ambitious aims for young people and the wider community. The new facilities will transform teaching and learning.

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The development work has also included the relocation of Consett Football Club to a new ground, investment in Consett Rugby Football Club and enhancing the war memorial.

For details of leisure centre opening times and timetables, visit www.leisureworks.net, www.facebook.com/ConsettLeisureCentre or call 01207 218 151.

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Getting active in autumn...

fun

fab leisure prizes Try one of our gyms for free with a seven day pass.

Enjoy a free family swim at Consett’s new pool.

To enter, name any piece of gym equipment. .......................................................................................

Name ...........................................................................

Kathryn gives the thumbs up

Kathryn Elliott, 71, has been a regular user of the town’s former Belle Vue Leisure Centre over the last 40 years.

She was the first customer to use the Lifestyle Fitness gym at the new Consett Leisure Centre. She joined the gym in 1975 as a way to keep fit and active and hasn’t looked back.

The state-of-the-art facilities and equipment are fantastic - and you can look out at the lovely countryside while you are working out as well. It’s a wonderful community facility for everyone to use.

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Tel .................................................................................

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Postcode

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Email ............................................................................

See page 2 for entry details.

The kids are back at school, but that doesn’t mean an end to outdoor family fun.

Parklife continues with family games sessions on Tuesdays 5-6pm at Glenholme Park Crook; Wednesdays 5-6pm Hackworth Park Shildon; and Fridays 5-6pm at Bishop Barrington School.

Simply turn up.

Children £1, parents free.

Let’s all thrive this autumn This October we have lots to shout about with exciting new changes in council run leisure centres.

We’re launching a new thrive card. This offers you access to exclusive discounts on services at our leisure centres. The card will cost £5 and replaces all the different cards you previously used. Gym and aqualearn members will be issued with a new thrive card, simply collect yours from reception.

We’re tailoring gym memberships into three groups to make it easier to find one that fits with your lifestyle. Each group has different benefits, such as being able to access gyms and swimming at other leisure centres. We’re also offering a pay-as-you-go gym membership so you don’t have to commit to a 12-month contract.

Our new swimming membership will also mean you can enjoy unlimited swimming across our pools.

From 1 October, you will be charged the same for an activity regardless of which leisure centre you visit. Previously prices have varied. To see how this might affect you, pick up a guide at reception or ask a member of staff.

These changes do not apply at Peterlee, Seaham, Stanley and Consett Leisure Centres as these facilities are run by external partners.

You can find out more at www.durham.gov.uk/leisurecentrechanges Sport and Leisure

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A celebration of books

6-17 October

A magical world, filled with fun, mystery or adventure, awaits your child in the pages of a book.

venues across County Durham The North East’s biggest literary festival returns this October providing inspiration and entertainment for curious minds.

Highlights for 2015 include Bill Bryson, Vince Cable, Pat Barker, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Mary Portas, Caroline Criado-Perez and the announcement of the Gordon Burn Prize.

As part of our crime story strand we go inside Durham Crown Court to hear about some of the North East’s most notorious crimes.

Durham Book Festival is renowned for its new commissions. Festival laureate Sinéad Morrissey will be working with schools, Durham University and writing a new poem for Durham.

Book Festival tickets We’ve got pairs of tickets to Sean O’ Brien/Royal Northern Sinfonia, Mary Portas and Vince Cable, plus a copy of each book to give away.

To be in with a chance of winning, name a book in the His Dark Materials trilogy. .............................................................................

Name Tel

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Address

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Postcode ..........................................................

Email

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See page 2 for entry details.

Return by 29 September.

Tick this box to receive more information on Gala events:

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Festivals and Exhibitions

So if your family loves children’s books, join us for the Northern Children’s Book Festival Gala Day at Durham Town Hall on Saturday 21 November.

Man on the Moon, a brand new family theatre production adapted from the picture book by Simon Bartram, tours community venues, and Sean O’Brien’s new commission with composer Agustin Fernandez and Royal Northern Sinfonia premieres at Gala Theatre.

Broadcaster Lauren Laverne has been in residence at The Bowes Museum and will be reporting back on the Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal exhibition with fashion editor Laura Craik.

Join Durham Big Read in celebrating 20 years of the classic novel, Northern Lights, the first in the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman.

Durham Book Festival will be giving away 3,000 copies of the book in schools, libraries, hospitals and leisure centres. The festival culminates in a rare event with its author Philip Pullman.

Find out more at www.durhambookfestival.com

Organised by the twelve North East public library services, the Gala Day comes at the end of two weeks of activity where authors and illustrators visit schools.

Families can take part in creative, interactive sessions for early years up to 14 years old. This includes meeting the creators of their favourite books and getting involved in creative writing and illustration workshops, craft activities, and storytelling.

Go to www.northernchildrens bookfestival.org.uk to find out how to book your free tickets.

Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal

Legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent changed the face of fashion. Catch the magnificent exhibition of his work at The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle until 25 October. Be inspired by the UK exclusive exhibition and take part in a related event. There’s everything from knitting and millinery to design talks with fashion industry insiders happening in October. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk, 01833 690 606.

TakeOff Festival

Antarctica:

Mon 19 - Sun 25 October

17 October 2015 - 7 February 2016

TakeOff Festival is back for another year of bold, magical and innovative theatre for young audiences across County Durham.

Explorers, Heroes, Scientists As the temperature drops outside, Palace Green Library, Durham, is hosting three inspiring Antarctic exhibitions.

The Royal Geographical Society’s photographic touring exhibitions chart Scott’s ill-fated Antarctic expedition of 1910 and Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic expedition. A third exhibition looks at current work by Durham University researchers in Antarctica. www.dur.ac.uk/palace.green or call 0191 334 2932.

Antarctica images: on loan from Royal Geographical Society (with Institute of British Geographers).

For the chance to win a family pass to the exhibition, tell us if Antarctica includes: A.

The North Pole or B.

The South Pole

Name ...............................................................................................................

Tel .....................................................................................................................

Address ........................................................................................................... .................................................................

Postcode

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Email ................................................................................................................

See page 2 for entry details.

There’s something for everyone, from tiny tots to teens, with the best shows from around the world.

Enjoy a family day with lots of performances and activities in and around Gala Theatre, Durham, on Saturday 24 October.

Come along to a topsy-turvy town and meet the puppet residents of Octoville, become an artist in the colourful craft cave, and hear tall tales that will delight.

Not to be missed is A Mano at City Theatre, Durham, which tells a story of a small person’s desire to escape from the shop window of a tiny pottery shop.

a TakeOff Festival family ticket We’ve got a family ticket to the Family Day on Sat 24 October which includes tickets to see two shows of your choice (subject to availability), reserved places at all the free events plus a goody bag for the children.

For the chance to win, tell us the name of the topsy turvy town with puppet residents. ............................................................................................................

Name ...............................................................................................

Tel

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Whilst Wingate Children’s Centre hosts Under Foot, an interactive sound and movement performance.

For a full list of performances and to book tickets, see

www.takeofffestival.org.uk

Address ........................................................................................... ...............................

Email

Postcode ..........................

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See page 2 for entry details.

Festivals and Exhibitions

11

Bringing DLI HISTORY TO LIFE What was life like for a new recruit to the Durham Light Infantry?

How did your uniform feel and how heavy was your rifle?

What was it like to be the family left at home worrying about your loved ones and coping with crises?

We can’t ever really know.

But our DLI Museum Learning Support Officers do help bring these experiences to life for thousands of school children, youth clubs, guide and scout groups every year.

Carolyn Waterworth and Naomi Beeley, who between them have 42 years of teaching and museums experience, take the groups on their journey into the past.

Naomi says she loves bringing history to life and seeing how it really moves people.

You can read about WW1 in a book. But if you connect it with a local person’s story, see their photograph and their medals, then hold weapons and wear a uniform,that history will stay with you much longer.

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DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery

“We hope that every person taking part will learn from the past.

So much is still relevant today and can help children to look at their own lives, hopes and values.

“There is so much local pride in the DLI that it also gives a new generation a sense of pride in where they are from.

’’

The children hear about William Joseph Stones, a coal miner who at 23 and just 5’2’’ in height, had enlisted as a volunteer in Crook. He was arrested in January 1917 after an ambush in which his commanding officer was killed. Stones, whose previous bravery had been acknowledged, had wedged his broken rifle across a narrow trench to slow down Germans who were pursuing him.

He was deemed to have “cast away his arms” and was shot at dawn.

One of the most moving objects in the museum is a tiny uniform made for Captain Gerald Brian Chipchase-Roberts. When he was just three years old his father went to fight in France with the DLI. Like many boys, he wanted to be

just like his dad, so his mother Winifred made a miniature tunic, complete with Sergeant’s stripes.

In 1916 his father was killed but Brian still dreamed of being a soldier. At the age of 20 he became a captain in the DLI, just like his father all those years before. Sadly he too was killed, at Dunkirk in 1940. The little tunic reminds us of the sacrifices families made in WW1 and WW2 and still make today.

Carolyn and Naomi say they are still learning all the time too.

Questions that they can’t answer are passed on to their range of knowledgeable contacts. And lots

of pain-staking research goes into developing new workshops.

They are currently developing one about the Somme to mark the centenary anniversary of the battle, and a session that focuses on the lives of ordinary people during WW1 and WW2. They recently met the families of Belgian refugees who settled here and heard their stories.

So many of these stories are still so relevant today and need to be passed on to the next generation so they are not lost, Naomi said.

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To Let ’’

www.dlidurham.org.uk 03000 26 6590

a family DLI pass Enjoy the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery for a whole year for free. We’ve got an annual family pass to give away. Just tell us who was the tiny uniform made for. .............................................................................

Name Tel

................................................................

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Address

............................................................

.............................................................................

Postcode ..........................................................

Email

.................................................................

See page 2 for entry details.

Tick this to receive further information:

Your first choice for housing in County Durham

No bond

No admin fee

Accent Foundation

0345 678 0573

Durham City Homes

0191 301 8470

Dale and Valley Homes

0800 083 0333

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0800 587 4538

Cestria Housing

Derwentside Homes

0191 385 1900 01207 521 100

East Durham Homes Teesdale Housing

0800 032 0835 01833 694 400

www.durhamkeyoptions.co.uk Derwentside Homes

DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery

13

Children and Young People Innovation

Ever thought about adoption?

in Children’s Services We want all children to be happy, healthy and achieve their full potential.

To do this, we’ve been looking at how we can work differently to best support children, young people and families.

Part of this is to try and support children and their families earlier - giving them the direct help and support they need, when they need it, to reduce the number of Looked After Children and re-referrals we receive.

We’re creating new Families First teams. These are made up of social workers, family support workers and specialist workers who are based in One Point Hubs.

Three teams are already working in Peterlee, Seaham and Chesterle-Street and the remaining seven will be in place by February.

For you and your family this means your worker will have more time to build strong professional relationships with you to ensure you and your children get the support you need.

Some of the children waiting for adoption need special care to look after them, this could be with walking, talking or coping with their emotions. But one thing they all need is to become part of a family.

We can support you and offer you training to help you understand your child’s needs and how to care for them as part of your family.

Find out more: Information session on Thursday 24 September, 4.30pm6.30pm, at the Gala Theatre, Durham. Chat with adoptive parents and get questions answered.

Reduction in youth offending

Young parent support

County Durham Youth Offending Service’s new Youth Justice Plan shows that in 2014/15, 193 young people entered the Youth Justice System for the first time. This is an 8.1 per cent reduction since the previous year and a decrease of 82.9 per cent in the past seven years.

Holidays during term time

The number of young people committing first time offences in County Durham has fallen by more than 80 per cent.

It also means your worker will be based in your community with knowledge of local and New plan voluntary organisations that The Children and Families Partnership may be able to give you additional help and support has published a refreshed Children, Young People and Families Plan for County if needed.

Durham. Read their three-year vision at Call the First Contact www.countydurhampartnership.co.uk Service on 03000 26 79 79.

19 - 25 OCT 2015, 20 CO. DURHAM

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Children and Young People

Special families for special children

A programme for teen parents starts this month. The 20-week programme covers everything from self-esteem to sexual health, money management and job qualifications.

Contact One Point on 03000 261 111.

It’s the start of a new school term. To help your child get the most out of school they need to attend regularly. Please ensure holidays are not taken in school time.

Check term dates online at www.durham.gov.uk/schoolholidays

We have negotiated a holiday discount scheme with Hays Travel.

Families can get a 10 per cent discount off any holiday booked with Hays that falls within school holidays. Find out more at www.durham.gov.uk

DEPOSIITS FROM ONLLY Y £60PP FREE CHILD PLACES

BRANCHES THROUGHOUT THE REGION Call into your local branch T H E U K ’ S L A R G E S T I N D E P E N D E N T T R AV E L A G E N T

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haystravel.co.uk

Children and Young People

15

NEWS Safer Driving with Age

Hundreds of older drivers have taken part in our SAGE ‘Safer Driving with Age’ scheme . The scheme offers older drivers (55+) a driving assessment to help them to maintain their independence and safety.

The assessment lasts 45 minutes and will take place in your own car on a route you choose. Courses cost £15.

Visit www.durham.gov.uk/roadsafety, call 03000 268 173.

Terence Otter of Belmont completed our Safer Driving with Age (SAGE) assessment. During his career Terence held a variety of driving jobs and even delivered gold bullion to banks throughout London. Now retired, Mr Otter wanted an impartial opinion of his driving after he turned 80.

It really helped to have someone else point out what I was doing right and what I needed to work on,

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Inspirational learners

Congratulations to the winners of our Adult Learning and Skills Service Awards. Awards were handed out in five categories, including Individual Achievement Award for three learners who demonstrated overwhelming commitment to learning:

Anthony Milburn, 30, from Chesterle-Street, overcame personal barriers to complete a course in employability.

Rachel Mawson, 39, from Stanley, demonstrated outstanding progress while studying Family Learning.

David Walton, 31, from Bishop Auckland, discovered talents he didn’t know he had during a song writing and music course.

Our Adult Learning & Skills Service offers a wide range of courses that can lead to recognised qualifications and improve your confidence and skills. The service was graded as a ‘Good’ learning provider with ‘Outstanding’ apprenticeships by Ofsted in 2015.

Visit www.durham.gov.uk/adultlearning or call 03000 266 115.

16

News

A helping hand

’’

he said.

We’ve opened a new Independent Living House, in Spennymoor, where you can view and try out a range of equipment. This includes bath lifts, a stair lift, kitchen and dining aids and apparatus to help with dressing as well as equipment for people with hearing and visual difficulties.

Appointments available 10am-3pm, Monday to Thursday. To book, call 03000 265 667.

Join the LAF

Do you have an interest in the countryside? Do you regularly use footpaths and bridleways in County Durham? If the answer is yes, consider joining the County Durham Local Access Forum. The LAF meets around four times a year to discuss issues affecting the countryside and provide advice to a range of organisations. Email prow@durham.gov.uk, call 03000 265 331 or visit www.durham.gov.uk/laf

Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2015-18

The Health and Wellbeing Board has published a refreshed Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Read their three year vision at www.durham.gov.uk/jhws

Open water safety

We’re assessing rivers, lakes and other bodies of water on councilowned land to see if safety improvements need to be made.

We’ve identified 180 priority locations where we believe the risks are higher because they are close to parks, picnic areas and nature reserves where people use nearby footpaths. We will carry out assessments of safety measures at these sites first before moving onto lower risk sites.

One of the first assessments we made was at the Riverside Complex in Chester-le-Street.

It led to improvements in safety measures around the weir and the footbridges, better public rescue equipment and new safety signs.

At the same time, we’re working with schools throughout the county to reinforce water safety messages with kids. This work is being carried out by council staff, Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue and the Royal Life Saving Society UK, through a legacy set up in memory of Durham University student Euan Coulthard.

We need your help: We can’t always tell

the small, local open water areas where children like to congregate. If you know of open water sites where children play, let us know on 03000 26 0000. Although we can only carry out safety assessments on our land we can let other landowners know the risks.

Child’s play

Safe places to play are important for kids, so we’ve recently set out how we plan to invest in them.

We’re responsible for 176 of the 334 fixed play sites throughout the county. We’ll be retaining 151 of the parks and investing in a further 15 which are below the minimum standard, five will be transferred to local communities or councils as part of the Durham Ask and five, which are beyond repair, will be removed.

Through our Durham Ask we’re looking for communities who wish to take on responsibility for play parks or other services.

Find out more at www.durham.gov.uk/communityassets

Lilian’s a superstar

A Durham Cathedral guide has been crowned Visit County Durham’s Tourism Superstar 2015. Lilian Groves, 86, has spent 25 years sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge of the cathedral with people. Lilian will now go into VisitEngland’s nationwide search for an unsung tourism hero.

New chairman Cllr Jan Blakey, who represents the Coxhoe ward, has become the council’s chairman.

For her chosen charity, Jan selected the North East Autism Society, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary.

Cllr Edward Bell, who represents the Deneside ward, was elected as vice chair in August following the sad death of Cllr Robin Todd MBE in May. News

17

Green Living Green flags fly high

Fourteen of our parks, cemeteries and country walks are celebrating a ‘flagtastic’ success.

They were awarded Green Flag status for 2015.

These include six parks and two countryside sites, while six cemeteries/crematoriums were also recognised - the highest number held by any local authority in the country.

Managed by the environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy, the awards recognise high standards of maintenance, excellent management, good practice, conservation and community involvement.

Judges also assess how welcoming, healthy, safe and secure open sites are.

P Sacriston Cemetery, Sacriston P South Road Cemetery and Crematorium, Durham P Mountsett Crematorium, Dipton

Parks

Countryside sites

The Durham County Council sites awarded Green Flags are: P Annfield Plain Park P Hardwick Park, Sedgefield P Blackhill and Consett Park P Chester-le-Street Riverside Park P View Lane Park, Stanley P Bishop Auckland town recreation ground

Cemeteries

P Castleside Cemetery, Consett P Moorside Cemetery, Consett P Ropery Lane Cemetery, Chester-le-Street

P Hurworth Burn to Station Town railway path P Waskerley Way railway path

In addition, four sites owned by Ferryhill Town Council and two sites owned by Horden Parish Council were also successful in obtaining Green Flag status. This brings a total of 20 Green Flag sites in County Durham. www.durham.gov.uk/greenflags

Household waste recycling centre

opening times

Dramatic drop in fly-tipping

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

Report waste crime or fly-tipping at www.durham.gov.uk/flytipping or call 03000 26 1000.

9am-3.30pm every day: • Annfield Plain • Potterhouse Lane, Pity Me • Tudhoe • Seaham • Heighington Lane, Newton Aycliffe • Romanway, Bishop Auckland • Middletonin-Teesdale

Fly-tipping has reduced by a third thanks to ‘Operation: Stop It’ - our multi-agency campaign.

We’ve worked with Durham Constabulary, Crimestoppers and the Environment Agency since last November to educate and enforce against waste crime across County Durham.

Help reduce flytipping by using a registered waste carrier to get rid of household items like fridges/ fridge-freezers and washing machines. Recycle at your nearest household waste recycling centre free of charge. www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc

18

Green Living

10am-4pm Mon to Thurs and 9am-3.30pm on Sat, Sun and bank holidays: • Thornley • Coxhoe • Horden

9am-3.30pm on Sat, Sun and bank holidays only: • Hett Hills, Chester-leStreet • Stainton Grove, Barnard Castle

All household waste recycling centres are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For more information go to www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc or call 03000 26 1000.

Discover A

y, ington Collier Workers at Eas5/2] [ref. NCB 25/1

Our record office is literally a mine of information.

If you’re looking to find out more about your family’s coalmining past, then you need to discover its ‘hidden depths’.

Mining Durham’s Hidden Depths is an ongoing project to index the names of mineworkers using thousands of historical documents from the Durham Miners Association records.

Volunteers scour original documents looking for miners’ names and the mine they worked at, and index them. This means anyone searching for an ancestor can simply type their details into the online search and quickly see which documents refer to them and ask to see the originals or order a copy.

Some records are simple lists of workers' names but others give a surprising amount of detail about miners, their injuries and their dependents.

Volunteers have so far added 209,605 entries.

RICH SEAM

1906.

If you’d like to help keep our mining history alive by indexing these original documents at the Record Office, please get in touch on 03000 267 619.

If you’re researching family history, you’ll find Hidden Depths information at

www.durhamrecordoffice.org.uk/ Pages/MiningDurhamsHidden Depths.aspx

Margaret’s a mining marra

Margaret Warwick has indexed for Hidden Depths for six years and says she has learned so much.

It started when I saw an advert in the paper looking for people to be a mining marra. My father, grandfather and uncles were all miners and I used to go with my dad when he went to get his pay. He was a miner from age 13 until he was 66. So I felt Hidden Depths was a great project to get involved in.

‘‘

“Although all the documents are there for the public to see, nobody could read them all in the hope of

The Mainsforth Durham Miners Lodge banner at [ref. NCB 25/13/ Gala around the 1960s.

2]

finding what they want. That’s why this index is so important, it allows people to head straight to what they need.

“I’ve worked on records dating back to the mid 1800s and every week I find a little snippet of interest. I’ve read documents about the first time the Durham Miners Gala allowed the suffragettes to appear on the second balcony. And I’ve read about mining disasters. We all know what a horrendous job mining was but I’ve learned about the compensation given to families if miners were killed or injured. It was actually really generous for those times.

“This is the history of County Durham and it’s great to be making that history accessible to more people.

’’

Durham Record Office

19

CENTRAL and EAST Trophies to Trimdon

Durham City ‘growing’ for gold Durham City is ‘growing for gold’ in the large town category of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom competition.

Judges visited the city in August and results will be announced on 16 October. www.durham.gov.uk/ inbloom www.facebook.com/ durhambloom

Seaham Pier update

The two year, £3.4 million project at Seaham's historic North Pier, which will protect the town from coastal erosion, is progressing well. It’s on schedule for completion for winter 2015.

Disruption has been kept to a minimum for users of the Marina and visitors to the beach, with business as usual for the shops and attractions.

Work was necessary on the North Pier due to its poor condition and to restore its vital function of protecting both the harbour and Seaham from the risk of flooding.

Helping with job hunts

Eight Community Job Clubs are helping East Durham residents with their job hunt.

Supported by East Durham AAP, the clubs have been set up in local buildings, making it easier for those with transport problems. More than 200 people used the services in the first two months, getting support on writing a CV, improving interview skills and searching for jobs. The programme is co-ordinated by East Durham Trust and the clubs are in Peterlee, Shotton, Wingate, Wheatley Hill, Thornley, Seaham, South Hetton and Haswell. 0191 569 3511.

Young dancers from Trimdon, Fishburn and Sedgefield have swung, side-stepped and sashayed their way to glory at Blackpool Winter Gardens.

Fifteen young people from the Dance It, Live It dance school competed at the World Championships against 114 schools from across the globe.

The dance school received £2,800 of funding from East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership when local people voted to support it.

The school’s Kieran Price (15) was declared world champion and the school won 18 trophies overall.

The school then went on to compete at Wolverhampton at The ICON Championships and won a further five trophies.

Debt First Aiders

More than 115 people have been given first aid for their finances, thanks to a special project in East Durham.

Launched in March, the Debt First Aiders project has seen 20 volunteers trained to help their local community to manage debt or welfare issues. Their advice has benefitted a wide variety of people, including showing people on a low income how to manage their budgets, to helping people with a 20

Central and East Durham News

terminal illness to get the right benefits. They have also helped people find support from other local services, like the credit union, Citizens Advice Bureau and housing support.

To find out more, contact East Durham Trust on 0191 569 3511.

Durham

Sunderland Bridge work complete

Sheer Bliss

Local student Bliss Litliernhurnest is celebrating after her design for Durham City’s park and ride buses was chosen in a public vote. Bliss, 20, from Coxhoe, was one of a number of New College Durham students who submitted designs. The design will now be applied to all 10 of the buses on the routes in and around Durham City.

Work continues at Wharton Park Work is continuing on a £3 million project to rejuvenate Wharton Park in Durham City.

Give a cheer

Well done to youngsters from Durham Cheerleading Academy who competed against 350 teams in their first National Cheerleading competition. They came 12th in three categories.

The academy is based at Deerness Gymnastics Academy in Ushaw Moor. cheerdurham@outlook.com

The work, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, includes the creation of a new heritage centre and café and new play and fitness areas.

Existing features of the park will be renovated, including the amphitheatre, battlements and the miniature car track.

Work to improve safety and reduce congestion at a busy junction has been completed with the newly built roundabout officially opened.

The £1.8m project involved replacing the T-junction at the intersection of the A167 and B6300 at Sunderland Bridge, next to the Honest Lawyer Hotel, with a roundabout to increase safety and reduce congestion.

Greening Durham

Durham residents are being encouraged to grow their own.

Durham Area Action Partnership is funding a Durham Community Action project which helps local communities to plant community gardens, allotments and orchards. Part of this involved a community orchard planting day at Wharton Park when 15 apples trees were planted.

Call 03000 267 204 for details.

Pointing the way

Durham Pointers have been formally presented the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services.

The pointers, made up of more than 50 volunteers, provide A place to remember visitors with a warm welcome to, A new building where people can remember their directions around and loved ones in a private and peaceful setting information about Durham has opened in the grounds of Durham Durham Samaritans City. County Durham’s Lord Crematorium in South Road, Durham City.

Lieutenant Sue Snowdon Are you interested in volunteering It is home to two books of remembrance and an presented the award and with Durham Samaritans? electronic visual display unit. The building is open praised the volunteers for If you are, please contact Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm, Saturday 9amtheir enthusiasm and volunteerdurhamsamaritans 12pm, Sunday 10am-1pm and Bank Holidays knowledge. The project is @gmail.com from 10am-2pm. For enquiries visit supported by Durham AAP. www.durhamcrem.co.uk or call 0191 384 8677.

Work is due to be completed in spring 2016.

Central and East Durham News

21

NORTH Durham Managing money better

A scheme helping older and vulnerable people to save money on energy bills and keep homes warm is now available countywide.

Managing Money Better is a free advice service managed through Derwentside Homes and Prince Bishops Community Bank.

For advice, call 0800 124 4320.

Water, water everywhere!

Youngsters have enjoyed a glorious summer splashing around in Chester-le-Street. The new £250,000 splash pad at the town’s Riverside Park attracted thousands of visitors and kept boredom at bay over the school holidays. The splash pad will remain open weekends only whilst the nice weather continues, before closing for the winter. Check for updates on our website and facebook site.

Swing into action

Poster power

Play areas in Broompark and Waterhouses have had makeovers with Esh Village to follow shortly.

Mid Durham Area Action Partnership (AAP), Groundwork North East, local county councillors and parish councils are working together as part of the AAP’s play area development programme.

Pelton cemetery extension

Land at the rear of Pelton Cemetery, in Front Street, is being extended to provide much-needed burial space.

New memorial beams will be installed, as well as a new gateway entrance, roadways and footpaths.

Ropery Lane Cemetery, in Chester-le-Street, has reached its capacity for burials, although existing family grave plots can still be used. For enquiries call 03000 265 609.

22

North Durham News

Well done to Sophia Winship from St Benet’s RC Primary School in Ouston. Her winning design will be used on posters and reusable bags to promote recycling. Marmax Products Ltd donated a picnic bench made from recycled plastic bottles to the school.

The countywide school competition was part of our Bin it Right campaign. www.durham.gov.uk/whatgoeswhere

On the road

Save money and share your journey by joining the UK’s largest carsharing community for free. Chester-le-Street Area Action Partnership is encouraging local residents to sign up to the Liftshare scheme. There’s over 1,500 members in County Durham already seeing the benefits, which include access to vehicles for people without cars, cheaper travel and the chance to make new friends.

For more information, visit www.liftshare.com

Get set for

Chesterfest

Talented young musicians are getting ready to rock crowds at Chesterfest 2015.

Local bands and solo artists will be performing mainly indie and rock tunes on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September at Park View School in Chester-le-Street.

The festival for 11 to 25-year-olds is funded by Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnership and hosted by Park View Community Association.

1-4pm & 6-9pm. Purchase tickets (£1) in advance. 0191 388 1043.

SOUTH and WEST Durham Tasty treats are just the ticket

Hannah’s making waves

Young swimmer Hannah Featherstone is diving into the big league.

The Junior European Games took place in Azerbaijan recently with 16-yearold Hannah of Sedgefield 75 Swimming Club representing Britain following her outstanding performance at the British Championships.

Making a splash at the games, Hannah returned home with an assortment of medals, including two silver and two bronze.

Clubbing together

A community grant has provided a major boost to 14 local groups in the Newton Aycliffe area.

Groups ranging from sports clubs to art centres have benefited from funding of between £250 and £750 thanks to the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership. These include The Pop-In social club for elderly residents, which has received funding towards venue hire, meals and specialist board games for the visually impaired.

The new games are proving popular, especially with the club’s

oldest member 92-year-old Freda McGrath (pictured centre), who’s finding the larger edition of Scrabble much easier to use.

The Pop-In meets Mondays 2-4pm, St Elizabeth’s Church, Woodham Village.

Wheels to Meals

A service helping people to continue being independent is available in Weardale.

Wheels to Meals is provided by Weardale Community Transport and has a fully adapted mini bus, which can pick residents up at their door for shopping or lunch trips. Volunteers are also on hand to offer support. The service is a great way to keep in touch and make new friends. 01388 528 777.

Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon is home to a new café.

Offering everything from tasty paninis and salad boxes to delicious cakes and scones, it’s the perfect place to stop for a light bite. The café opens 10am-4.30pm daily. Find café news on Facebook www.facebook.com/ locomotionshildon

Mobile recycling centre set to continue

Weardale residents can recycle more household waste items as a mobile recycling centre is set to continue until 13 August 2016.

The recycling centre is opposite Sherburn Stone quarry, Frosterley and available on alternate Saturdays 9am - 12noon. Find a list of accepted items and open dates www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc or 03000 261 000.

Teesdale drop-in sessions

For advice on housing benefit, street lighting and other council services, call in to a drop-in session on Thursday 10 September or Thursday 22 October.

• UTASS, 9-11 Chapel Row, Middleton-in-Teesdale, 10.30am-11.30am • Randolph Centre, Evenwood, 12noon-1pm • Butterknowle Village Hall, 1.45pm-2.45pm

South and West Durham News

23

It’s gorgeous

UP NORTH

North Durham has so much to offer, especially when it comes to the great outdoors.

Photo: Sally Ann Norman

Mystery of the Pont Burn stones

Carved stones created to mark boundaries at a time when maps were rarely used are being re-erected along the Pont Burn stream near Dipton. Finding these boundary markers has been a bit of a treasure hunt as some were completely covered in landslip. The earliest stones are circa 1790 and carved with a letter P as they were placed along the edge of the Pontop estate.

Later Victorian era stones carry the initials CIC, which were for the Consett Iron Company who purchased land to the north of the Pont Burn and used the stones to mark their boundary. Around half of the stones have been discovered so far and form part of a woodland heritage walk.

For information on walks in the area contact 01207 571 088, www.pontvalleynet.co.uk

Derwent Reservoir

Walking, cycling and sailing are just some of the activities Derwent Reservoir has to offer.

Built in 1967 to hold back the River Derwent, the dam lets the reservoir fill with 11,000 million gallons of water - the equivalent of 44 Wembley Stadiums filled to the roof!

At 3.5 miles long and 30m deep, the reservoir is one of the biggest inland waters in England. www.thisisdurham.com

Pow Hill Country Park

Set in moorland overlooking the Derwent Reservoir, this park is a haven for some unique wildlife.

With picturesque walks leading through coniferous woodland to grassland and heather moorland, there is also a bog area created by water seeping downhill into basins and shadow valleys.

Those lucky enough may spot some of the local animals such as red squirrels, common lizards and adders. www.thisisdurham.com www.durham.gov.uk 24

Out and About

Waskerley Way

The Waskerley Way is a beautiful route through a varied landscape that passes over Hownsgill Viaduct, one of the most impressive railway structures in the North East. Stop and picnic at Rowley Station Picnic Area. The old Rowley Station that once stood here was dismantled brick by brick and rebuilt at Beamish Museum. For an online walks guide to this and other areas, see www.durham.gov.uk/walk4life

Photo: D Hewitt

Tanfield Railway

Did you know the world’s oldest railway is right here in County Durham?

Built in 1725, in its era Tanfield Railway was considered an engineering triumph. Today it is a hugely popular tourist destination thanks to its rich history, beautiful scenery and charming atmosphere.

Causey Arch

As well as the world’s oldest railway, County Durham also boasts the oldest surviving singlearch railway bridge in the world. Causey Arch was built to take coal to the River Tyne and carried over 900 horse-drawn wagons in its heyday.

A visit to this three-mile steam railway is just the ticket for an unforgettable ride on a vintage train. It also runs spectacular themed events from ghoulish Halloween ghost trains to trips on the Original North Pole Express. www.tanfield-railway.co.uk

There is evidence of its railway past; however, the area has now been reclaimed by nature. An ancient tree canopy, wildflowers and a wonderful chorus of birdsong can be seen and heard along the woodland paths. And, if you stand under the archway it sounds as though water is running over your head. www.durham.gov.uk

Also in the area...

Alun Armstrong Theatre

Named after renowned stage, film and television actor and local lad, the Alun Armstrong Theatre in the Civic Hall Stanley is home to a great variety of performances. See page 29 for a ticket giveaway.

Empire Theatre & Cinema

From children’s theatre to ballet, this lively venue in the heart of Consett has a wide range of fantastic shows for all the family. The cinema screens the latest blockbusters and 3D movies. www.leisureworks.net

Bowls to golf

Stanley Indoor Bowls Centre (www.stanleyibc.co.uk) is an internationally renowned indoor bowling centre whilst South Moor Golf Club’s moorland course (www.southmoorgc.co.uk) was designed by Dr Alister Mackenzie, who also designed Augusta National.

family tickets to the Tanfield Railway Ride on the world’s oldest railway and enjoy our proud railway heritage. We’ve got two family tickets for the Tanfield Railway to give away.

For the chance to win, just tell us the year it was built. .............................................................................

Name Tel

................................................................

......................................................................

Address

............................................................

.............................................................................

Postcode ..........................................................

Email

.................................................................

See page 2 for entry details.

Out and About

25

Feeling fit, HAVING FUN

It’s been an inspirational summer for women in sports.

With our county’s very own Steph Houghton leading the England Lionesses in the World Cup and the ‘This Girl Can’ campaign showing that real women sweat. But you don’t have to be at the top of your game to enjoy sport, many women love it for the fun, friendship and fitness.

Cycling’s a Breeze To see Janet Watts tackling the toughest cycling challenges, you’d never believe she once found getting in the saddle daunting.

But when Janet (pictured top) moved back to County Durham from rural Suffolk she found the traffic too busy to cycle. Then she came across Breeze - a supportive cycle network for women.

It was perfect, I liked that routes were organised and I’d be with other women. It’s a very friendly group and I was soon hooked,” Janet said.

“Joining Breeze gave me so much confidence.

I’ve gone on to do bigger challenges, including riding coast-to-coast in a day and I regularly bike to work. I‘ve lost two-and-ahalf stone and made new cycling friends.

‘‘

’’

Led by women for women, Breeze Durham rides are short, traffic-free rides. www.goskyride.com/ Breeze and www.facebook.com/ Breeze-network-Durham 26

Mums on the run

This Girl Can! Fun, friendship and fitness

Rebecca Embleton was keen to get fit but found it hard to get motivated.

Run for it

Mum of three, Kelly Collier started running in 2013 to get fit, and soon became hooked on the atmosphere at parkrun. parkrun is special.

The encouragement you receive and the inspiring achievements of others really motivate you.

In April I completed the London Marathon, which I’d never previously believed I was capable of.

Running has changed my life, Kelly said.

‘‘

’’

parkruns are free, fun 5km timed runs for everyone. They’re held at 9am every Saturday at: Blackhill and Consett Heritage Park, Blackhill Maiden Castle, Durham Hackworth Park, Shildon Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street Hardwick Park, Sedgefield

Register before you run at www.parkrun.org.uk

But once the chemotherapy nurse secured a place in the Great North Run for Macmillan Cancer Support she had all the motivation she needed.

Joining Durham Mums on the Run gave her the confidence and commitment she needed to make headway.

At Christmas I couldn’t run for 30 seconds, now I can run for two hours without stopping. I'm so proud of myself!

Rebecca (pictured bottom left) said.

Durham Mums on the Run is a free group which meets at 9.30am on Mondays at Maiden Castle, Durham.

‘‘

’’

New mums run with a pushchair and even some grandmas come along!

Sessions last an hour and include a warm up and cool down and coffee afterwards.

www.facebook.com/ DurhamMumsontheRun

Here’s the lowdown on ghouls, ghosts and great places to visit.

All Hallows’ in the Park, Auckland Castle.

Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November Halloween - Adventure Valley, Durham Half-term fun with ghastly tractor rides, gooey games and pumpkin carving daily. Also Friday 30 & Saturday 31 October, After Dusk Party with UV puppet show, ghost train, spooky roller disco and unlimited blood bath golf.

Prizes for best Halloween costumes. 6pm-9pm.Booking essential for evening events. www.adventurevalley.co.uk 28, 29 and 30 October Halloween Crafts - Bowes Museum 28th Witches, 29th Beastly Beasties and 30th Spells and Magic. Booking required. 10.30am-12noon or 1pm-2.30pm.

A free. C £4. 01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk 29, 30 and 31 October Halloween Evenings at Beamish Beamish Museum Come along in your creepiest costume for a night of terrifically terrifying tricks and treats. 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Ticketed event, not included in the Beamish Unlimited Pass. A £13, C £9. 0191 370 4000, www.beamish.org.uk

Saturday 31 October Halloween Happening with Jack Drum Arts Hamsterley Forest Myths, monsters and music are the ingredients for the night’s mayhem. Bring a torch and some courage.

5pm-9pm (20-minute intervals). £5, F £16. Booking recommended. 01388 765 002, www.jackdrum.co.uk Saturday 31 October Halloween Spectacular New Victoria Centre, Howden-le-Wear Phantom of the Opera with Mighty Wurlitzer music. 7pm. £7. 01388 762 467.

Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October All Hallows’ in the Park Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland Mischievous tales from the Zurbaran’s mixed with local fables all playing out along a dark trail through the castle’s eerie parkland. Sketches performed at 20-minute intervals.

Under 5s 5.30pm. 6.30pm (walks last 40 minutes). A £4, under 16s free. 01388 743 797, www.aucklandcastle.org Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October Halloween Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham 30 Oct - meet the wicked witches and the White Lady.

3pm-5.30pm.

A £7, C £5.

31 Oct - enjoy mulled wine, ginger cake and ghostly tales. 6.30pm-8.30pm. £9.50.

Pre-booking essential.

0191 384 8028, www.crookhallandgardens.co.uk

Saturday 31 October Halloween Party - Civic Hall Stanley Fright-night fancy dress, disco and party games. Booking recommended. 1.30pm-3.30pm. £5. Win tickets, page 29.

01207 299 110, www.civichallstanley.co.uk

Saturday 31 October Halloween Spooktacular - Bowlees Visitor Centre Get stuck in to some spooky crafts such as pumpkin carving.

11am-4pm. C £4. 01833 655 145, www.northpennines.org.uk Saturday 31 October Halloween at Killhope - Killhope Museum Ghoulish crafts and scary stories. C £4 plus entrance.

01388 537 505, www.killhope.org.uk Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November Ghost Train Locomotion, the National Railway Museum Shildon Halloween-themed activities. 10am-5pm. 01388 771 439, www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion

a family season ticket to Crook Hall and Gardens It’s not just at Halloween when Crook Hall and Gardens is bewitching!

To enter, tell us the name of the ghostly lady appearing this Halloween? ......................................................................................................................................................

Name

............................................................

Tel ...................................................................

Email

.............................................................

.........................................................................

Address

.....................................................

......................................................................

Postcode ...................................................

See page 2 for entry details.

Tick this to receive further information:

What’s On

27

WHAT’S ON

September to November

Bonfires, conkers, hedgehogs and Halloween all scream autumn has arrived. Celebrate our favourite season with some spooktacular events.

Sunday 13 September Music in the Gardens Old Durham Gardens See local music groups play in a beautiful setting. 1pm-4pm. www.olddurhamgardens.co.uk Sunday 13 to Saturday 19 September Trivial Pursuits City Theatre, Fowlers Yard, Durham Enjoy this comedy by Frank Vickery.

Sun 2.30pm. Mon-Sat 7.30pm. £6.50, Con £5.50. 0191 386 7085.

Monday 14 September to Saturday 24 October All We Are Saying Art Block, Seaham Exhibition on peace. Part of an international festival. Tue-Sat 11am3pm. Free. 0191 649 9431, Facebook: East-Durham-Artists’ Network.

Wednesday 16 September Folk: Kentucky Cow Tippers Bishop Auckland Town Hall The North East’s finest bluegrass band.

8pm. A £10 Con £8. 03000 269 524.

Wednesday 16 September Durham Choral Society Durham Johnston School Weekly rehearsals started Wed 2 Sept onwards - new singers welcome. www.durhamchoralsociety.org.uk

28

What’s On

Thursday 17 September and Thursday 15 October Dunelm Flower Club Durham High School for Girls Monthly meeting featuring demonstrations from floral experts.

7.30pm. £5. 0191 384 8983.

Saturday 19 September Beachwatch Blackhall Rocks Picnic Area Help clean up the beach.

10:30am-12:30pm. Free.

03000 264 589, countryside@durham.gov.uk

Tuesday 22 September Martin Taylor Gala Theatre, Durham A wonderful concert from the world’s leading jazz guitarist. 7.30pm.

A £15, Con £13, Gala Friends Free.

03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk Friday 25 September DAS Annual General Meeting Botanic Garden, Durham Durham Astronomical Society welcomes speaker George Gargett.

7pm. Also, 23 October, Thomas Wright Trophy Quiz. 7pm.

Members free, non-members £2. www.durhamastronomy.org or www.facebook.com/dasastro

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September Stone Age Life Palace Green Library, Durham Make a mini Stone Age house - you could even add some mini-animals.

1pm-3pm. www.durham.ac.uk/whatson

Saturday 26 September Scarecrow Saturdays Hardwick Park, Sedgefield Make a scarecrow to take home. 10:30am-12noon. £12 per scarecrow. 01740 621 505, www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September Autumn Steam Gala Locomotion, the National Railway Museum Shildon WW2-themed event. Guest locomotives include Sir Lamiel and wartime vehicles.

Free. 10am-5pm. 01388 771 439, www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion

Saturday 26 September and Saturday 31 October Monthly Dance Castleside Village Hall Mix of Modern and Old Tyme Dancing with a great variety of music.

Bring refreshments. Tea provided.

8pm-11.30pm. £5.

01207 509 253, 01207 504 198.

Saturday 19 and Friday 25 September A Choir! A Voice!

Gala Theatre, Durham Free taster session with the community choir on 19 Sept.

11am-12noon. Rehearsals begin 25 September for 12 weeks.

Ages 18+. A £8.50, Con £6.50.

0191 447 8130.

Saturday 26 September and Saturday 31 October Antiques Fair Red Lion, Front Street, Chester-le-Street Antiques enthusiast Brian Fairless brings a varied selection of items including clocks, watches, glass, silver, china, coins and angling.

9.30am-3pm. 50p.

Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family.

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September Steampunk Spectacular Locomotion, the National Railway Museum Shildon Calling all inventors, scientists, travellers and artistes to the grand exhibition of Victorian locomotive contraptions. Costume making workshops. Welding goggles, gowns, fob watches and finery are welcome.

10am-5pm. Free. 01388 771 439, www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September Hands-on Heritage Skills Beamish Museum Try your hand at a host of skills from the past - dry stone walling, quilting and much more. 10am to 5pm.

Event included in museum admission charge. 0191 370 4000, www.beamish.org.uk Saturday 26 September to Sunday 4 October North Pennines Walking Festival Explore the picturesque North Pennines AONB and celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the most popular trails, the Pennine Way. Easy walks to hard treks. www.friendsofthenorthpennines.org.uk Sunday 27 September Red Squirrel Awareness Day Killhope Museum Find out about native squirrels and hopefully see them too. C £3 (museum admission applies). 01388 537 505, www.killhope.org.uk Tuesday 29 September Photography Walk: Low Force & Winch Bridge Bowless Picnic Area Part of the North Pennines Walking Festival. 10.30am, 2hrs. www.northpennineswalkingfestival.org.uk

Wednesday 30 September A Wife or the Gallows and Other Telling Tales Bishop Auckland Town Hall Northumberland Theatre Company presents a new Northern Canterbury Tales for families. 7.30pm.

A £10, Con £8. 03000 269 524.

Wednesday 30 September Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas Durham Cathedral A special concert celebrating the 200th anniversary of Gurkhas in the British Army. 7pm. A £20, Con £15.

Gala Theatre 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk or 01969 663 551.

Wednesday 30 September to Saturday 3 October Blood Brothers Alun Armstrong Theatre, Civic Hall, Stanley Written by Willy Russell, this legendary show has a contemporary nature versus nurture plot. 7.15pm. A £12, Con £11.

01207 299 110, www.ticketsource.co.uk/astraents Saturday 3 October Interesting Indus Oriental Museum, Durham Budding archaeologists can find out about one of the oldest civilisations in the world and create a terracotta seal.

1pm-3pm. www.durham.ac.uk/whatson

Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family.

Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October Songwriting Weekend: Jez Lowe The Witham, Barnard Castle Two-day workshop with a songwriter and performer with close to 20 acoustic albums. 10am-4pm. £100.

01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October Dinosaur Zoo Gala Theatre, Durham A tyrannosauric treat direct from the West End. Interact with extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this imaginative and hilarious show. Fri 5pm, Sat 11am & 2pm, Sun 10.30am. £12.50, Danger Seats £15. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk

Halloween and theatre tickets The Civic Hall in Stanley is a venue for all occasions, from weddings and children’s parties to exhibitions and theatre. It also hosts a quiz night every Friday from 8pm. We’re giving away pairs of tickets to three events. To enter tell us who wrote Blood Brothers? .........................................................................

Name Tel

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Address

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Tick the show you’d prefer: Blood Brothers Susanne Gill Halloween Party

See page 2 for entry details.

Return by Friday 25 September.

What’s On

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WHAT’S ON Friday 9 October Singing for Sight Bowburn Community Centre An evening of singing and dancing with Blind Life in Durham. Pie and peas supper.

7.30pm. £7.50. 01388 763 501.

Saturday 10 October Tree Fu Tom Empire Theatre, Consett Join CBeebies star, Tree Fu Tom on a magical adventure in Treetopolis. 1pm.

A £12, Con £10, F £42. 01207 218 171, www.leisureworks.net Sunday 11 October Paws for a Cause Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street Take a stroll with your four-legged friend and raise funds for St Cuthbert’s Hospice. Walk 11am, dog show 1pm. £10 per dog. 0191 386 1170 ext. 5, www.stcuthbertshospice.com Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 October Durham Shopping Extravaganza Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham Start your Christmas shopping early.

Over 65 stalls from clothing and food to interiors and gifts. 10am-5pm Wed, 10am-4pm Thur. £4. www.durhamshoppingextravaganza.co.uk

Friday 16 October Totally Tina Empire Theatre, Consett Recreating the live experience of the queen of rock ‘n’ roll. A £16, Con £15.

7.30pm. 01207 218 171, www.leisureworks.net

Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October Gainford Folk and Beer Festival Gainford Village Hall Fri: Ceilidh with live band Cream Tees and other young artists. Sat: Concert with bands including Gegenforde and The Savage Myrtles. Beers from Gainford Community Brewery. 7.30pm11pm. £6 per day, two days £10.

01325 733 164.

Saturday 17 October Magnificent Manga Oriental Museum, Durham Explore the collection of Japanese Manga comics and create one to take home. 1pm-3pm. www.durham.ac.uk/whatson

Saturday 24 October Focus on Landscape: exploring water Bowlees Carpark Outdoor photography workshop.

10am-12noon. Booking essential.

Free, donations welcome.

Natural England 01833 622 374.

Saturday 24 October Bear & Butterfly The Witham, Barnard Castle Puppetry, live music and beautiful storytelling combine in this charming tale. Ages 4+. Part of the TakeOff Festival. 12.30pm. A £8, C £6, F £25.

01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October Diamond Deltics Locomotion, the National Railway Museum Shildon Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Deltic Prototype. 01388 771 439, www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion Sunday 25 October Meet the Animals Killhope Museum Animal handling session. Between 1pm and 4pm. C £3. Booking essential.

01388 537 505, www.killhope.org.uk

Thursday 15 October Audience with Susanne Gill Alun Armstrong Theatre, Civic Hall, Stanley An evening with medium Susanne Gill, as seen on the Discovery Channel.

7pm. Advance £10, Door £12.

01207 299 110, www.civichallstanley.co.uk

Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October Art Exhibition Lanchester Community Centre Own your own art. Annual exhibition of Lanchester Art Group with paintings for sale. A 50p, C Free. 01207 521 149.

Monday 26 October Werther: English Touring Opera Gala Theatre, Durham Sung in English, Werther is a tragic story of forbidden love - and rarely in opera is love’s destructive power felt so close to the bone. Ages 10+.

7.30pm. A £26, Con £24.50, Gala Friends £23. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk

Friday 16 October Plots and Spangles Exhibition Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland Guy Fawkes’ story comes to life in tapestry. Includes workshops and demonstrations. 10am-4pm. A £6, Con £5, C Free. 01388 743 797, www.aucklandcastle.org

Wednesday 21 October RSC Live: Henry V The Witham, Barnard Castle Live screening from Stratford-uponAvon by the Royal Shakespeare Company. 7pm. A £14, Con £12.

01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk

Tuesday 27 October Wild Animals - Family Fun Day Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle Meet friendly spiders, snakes and more from Jay’s Animal Encounter.

Lots of animal crafts. 11am-4pm.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies. 01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

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What’s On

Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family.

a pair of tickets to the Gala Theatre The Olivier award-winning English Touring Opera returns with the very best French operas Werther (26 Oct) and The Tales of Hoffman (27 Oct) told on an intimate scale, focusing on the extraordinary dramas they contain.

For the chance to win tickets to Werther answer this question: What language is the opera sung in? .............................................................................

Name Tel

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Address

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Saturday 31 October Jenny Eclair: How to be a Middle Aged Woman (Without Going Insane) The Witham, Barnard Castle Eclair puts middle age under the microscope and decides whether to laugh, cry or buy a dachshund! 8pm. £17.50. Cert 16+. 01833 650 930, www.thewitham.org.uk Sunday 1 and Thursday 5 November Bonfire Evenings Beamish Museum Fabulous fireworks and giant bonfire.

Ticketed event, not included in the Beamish Unlimited Pass. Bonfire 7pm, fireworks 7.30pm. £5. 0191 370 4000, www.beamish.org.uk

Postcode ..........................................................

Email

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See page 2 for entry details.

Tick this to receive further information:

Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 October Celebrate Science Palace Green, Durham Fascinating science activities for all the family. 10am-4pm. Free. www.durham.ac.uk/celebrate.science Tuesday 27 October to Saturday 28 November Wool and Wood Art Block, Seaham Exhibition using a broad range of artists’ skills.

Tue-Sat 11am-3pm.

Free. 0191 649 9431, Facebook: East-Durham-Artists’ Network Saturday 31 October Rug Fest & Open Day Bowburn Community Centre Exhibition of proggy and hooky mats, wall hangings, knitting, weaving and spinning. Craft and Cake stalls. Taster sessions in rug making. 10.30am2.30pm. Free. www.e-voice.org.uk/durhamrugmakers

Wednesday 4 November Derwent Valley Flower Club Blackhill Comrades Club Get festive inspiration at John Thexton’s All I Want For Christmas demonstration. 7pm. £7.

Thursday 5 November Mighty Wurlitzer Awards Night New Victoria Centre, Howden-le-Wear Hot supper included.

7pm. £7. 01388 762 467 Thursday 5 November Cestria Flower Club Park View School, Chester-le-Street Hortis Exportis is the theme of demonstrator Sean Murray’s masterclass. 7pm. £5. 0191 389 4730.

Friday 6 November Friday Night is Music Night Elvet Church, Durham Rotary Club of Durham Bede’s annual charity concert featuring the Durham County Wind Band and more. 7pm. £9, Con £4. Tickets at Gala Theatre or 0191 388 5821, 0191 386 6772.

Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family.

Friday 6 November Bishop Auckland Choral Society Bishop Auckland Town Hall A concert of light classical choral pieces and songs. 7.30pm. A £9, Con £6, C £3.

01388 834 359 or 01388 747 621.

Friday 6 November Seaham Fireworks Display George Elmy Lifeboat Way Marvel at the cracking fireworks. 6pm.

Free. 0191 581 8034.

Saturday 7 November Barnard Castle Firework Extravaganza Green Lane Primary School Dress as your favourite Harry Potter character to the magic-themed event.

Early evening Twinkle Show for children afraid of loud fireworks. www.barnardcastlemeet.com

Saturday 7 November Weardale Community Choir Frosterley Village Hall If singing brings music to your ears then enjoy an evening of World War 2 songs from Weardale Community Choir. The friendly and relaxed choir is always on the lookout for new members of all ages and abilities.

The group meets Thursdays at 7pm in St Thomas Church Hall, Stanhope.

07876 746 111.

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November Letters to Santa Killhope Museum Write a letter to Santa and have it delivered by his highly trained owls.

Crafts and traditional music. 11am3.30pm. Flying display 1pm-1.30pm (weather permitting). £5.

01388 537 505, www.killhope.org.uk

What’s On

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6-17 OCTOBER 2015 Inspiration and entertainment for curious minds Featuring Philip Pullman Bill Bryson Lauren Laverne Mary Portas Vince Cable Pat Barker Sean O’Brien Kate Saunders The Gordon Burn Prize And much more‌ Events for all across County Durham www.durhambookfestival.com Book your tickets at the Gala Theatre on 03000 266 600 or online at www.galadurham.co.uk