Durham County News Summer 2015

DURHAM County News

www.durham.gov.uk

Summer 2015

The magazine for people in County Durham

Get into the garden this summer .

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Inspiring exhibitions Spot scams Win a £200 shopping spree and great days out What’s On

WELCOME

to the summer edition of Durham County News

I’m sure many of you are already enjoying the lighter evenings that summer brings.

However, you might not be aware that 2015 is the International Year of Light.

Councillor Simon Henig, Leader of the Council

Here in County Durham businesses and researchers are at the forefront of light technology, using it to explore the universe and in pioneering healthcare treatments. Find out more about how we support this innovative work on pages 6-7.

Later this year, in November, we welcome back the popular light festival Lumiere to Durham. And there’s so much to enjoy in the run up to this big event. One of fashion’s leading lights, Yves Saint Laurent, is the subject of a ground-breaking exhibition at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle (page 8) and the popular BRASS festival returns in July (page 3).

I hope you enjoy reading Durham County News.

Coming soon... Guide to summer fun

Simon

Competition entries

Competition entries should be received by Friday 26 June 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

distributed 6-17 July

Page

4-5 8-9

Inspiring exhibitions - Style, revolution and heroism.

Page

12-13

Green Living

15

Spot and stop scams

Page

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

Audio

News

Page

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

Braille

Page

Five ways to fitness (without realising it!)

Large print

durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk 03000 268 059

19

Page

24-25

Secret gardens - have you discovered them?

Page

6-7

The forefront of light technology Page

10-11

Women who mean business Page

14

Meet our pest control team Page

16-17

Foster carers - Could you share the love?

Page

20-23

Local news pages

Page

26-31

What’s on this summer

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

Front cover: Summer is the time for glorious gardens! Enjoy our county’s secret gardens (pages 24-25), get fit in your own garden (page 19) and sign up for our garden waste service (page 13).

Clockwise from top left - Artistas del Gremio; Tredegar Town Band; Fun lovin’ Criminals

A brasstastic programme of events.

16-19 July 2015.

It’s become the sound of the summer.

From funked-up brass wafting through sunny streets to the more mellow moods of brass music spilling off stages. It’s this fun fusion of the new and the traditional that blows people away.

So celebrate, because BRASS is back from Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 July, and - as in previous years - it’s sure to be a blast.

Friday 17 July sees New York’s finest Fun Lovin’ Criminals perform an extra special headline set at the Gala Theatre.

It features all the hits from three decades of platinum-selling funk, soul and rock ‘n’ roll, from Scooby Snacks to Loco.

The enigmatic trio are joined by a specially-commissioned brass line-up, put together by FLC themselves.

Introducing a new classical strand for 2015, Dunedin Consort’s performance of Monteverdi’s Vespers (Thursday 16 July) and His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts (Friday 17 July) who both perform within the splendour of Durham Cathedral.

On Sunday 19 July, Gala Theatre hosts a spectacular concert featuring sets by two of the best competition bands in the world. Tredegar Town Band and Cory Band join forces with Durham’s Reg Vardy Band to form a one-off 80-piece brass ensemble. They perform the premiere of Pathways, a new work written by multi-award winning composer Lucy Pankhurst.

Festival favourite, Streets of BRASS returns on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July, with UK and international bands bursting onto the streets of Durham City.

And Big BRASS Bash tours to outdoor locations across the county; bringing larger-than-life entertainment to the heart of local communities.

All details correct at time of going to print.

Check the full festival line-up and book your tickets at www.brassfestival.co.uk BRASS 2015

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

www.durham.gov.uk If you need to phone us, call Customer Services

03000 26 0000 8.30am-5pm (Monday-Thursday) 8.30am-4.30pm (Friday) Out of hours emergency service available.

If you have a specific query, use one of our dedicated numbers: Streetscene, Highways and Street Lighting Enquiries

03000 26 1000

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.

Benefit Enquiries

NEWS Welfare Assistance

Our Welfare Assistance Scheme is there for you in times of hardship.

•

Daily living expenses help meet immediate, short-term needs that arise because of unforeseen circumstances, for example, direct payments to gas or electricity suppliers or prepayment card/vouchers for food and travel.

• A settlement grant can help residents remain in the community, or move back into the community, after a period in supported or unsettled accommodation. For example, someone leaving care or made homeless.

It includes access to standard household items such as beds, bedding, furniture and white goods.

Apply by calling 03000 267 900 or online at www.durham.gov.uk/welfareassistance

Discretionary Housing Payments

These stand-alone payments support tenants who need further financial assistance to meet their housing costs. Speak to your landlord or our Housing Solutions team on 03000 260 801.

Universal Credit

The government currently plans to introduce Universal Credit in County Durham in autumn 2015. More information will be available nearer the time.

03000 26 2000

Free advice hubs

Council Tax Enquiries

Advice in County Durham is offering two new free advice hubs.

03000 26 4000

Social Care Direct/Children’s First Contact service

03000 26 79 79

Families Information Service

0800 917 2 917

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

Fridays 1pm - 3.30pm at Durham Foodbank The Caretaker’s Cottage, North Road Methodist Church, Durham, DH1 4SG.

The first three Fridays in the month 10am - 12.30pm at Chester-le-Street Foodbank The Parish Centre, Church Chare, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3QB.

Advice includes welfare reform and benefits, debt, housing, employment, education, healthcare and mental health, relationships, and consumer issues. www.adviceincountydurham.org.uk or call 03444 111 444.

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@DurhamCouncil /durhamcouncil linkedin.com/company/ durham-county-council www.youtube.com/user/ DurhamCouncil instagram.com/durham_ county_council

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Help us run services

As mentioned in our spring edition, we’re going to have make more budget savings as the government spending squeeze is set to continue.

A number of organisations, communities and local councils are interested in working with us to run local services and keep them going. If you could help to run your local library, youth centre or other local service, please go to www.durham.gov.uk/communityassets

News

Well done Amy

Congratulations to gymnast Amy Tinkler who claimed the Senior British title recently.

In April she represented Great Britain at her first Senior European Championships. Amy (15), who was one of the youngest competitors, finished 6th overall. She is now in contention to be selected for the World Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow in October.

Amy, from South Durham

Gymnastics Club, trains for 30 hours per week and hopes to compete at next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Amy said: “I’ve had a fantastic start to 2015.

I need to continue to train hard to prepare for the world trials in September.”

Amy is one of 70 talented athletes receiving support through the Durham Institute of Sport. This partnership project helps the county’s most talented athletes achieve their potential by providing a range of support services.

www.durham.gov.uk/dis

Splashing out

Thousands more set to go SUPERFAST

A new outdoor water play area is sure to make a splash with families, right in time for the summer.

The paddling pool at Chester-le- Street’s Riverside Park is being replaced with a £250,000 splash pad, an interactive water feature for all the family. Perfect free family fun for the summer!

An extra 28,000 homes and businesses are to benefit from fibre-based broadband as the Digital Durham programme has secured an extra £9 million investment. This funding included £2.68 million from the Government’s Superfast Extension Plan, £4 million from BT, with the remaining investment from local authority partners. www.digitaldurham.org

Digital Durham

£200 of vouchers Dalton Park, the region’s biggest outlet shopping centre is giving one lucky winner £200 of shopping vouchers.

Dalton Park has all your favourite brands and all with up to 50 per cent off normal high street prices. There are chocolates from Cadbury and Thornton’s, pampering treats from The Beauty Outlet, Crabtree & Evelyn and The Body Shop, something sparkly from Chapelle jewellery, perfume and aftershaves from The Fragrance Shop, plus high street favourites M&S Outlet, Gap Outlet and Next Clearance and more. www.dalton-park.co.uk For the chance to win, tell us how much you can save on normal high street prices. ..................................

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

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

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

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

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

See page 2 for entry details.

Tick to receive future updates from Dalton Park q

News

5

SEE THE

LIGHT

We all take light for granted. Perhaps it’s because we can only see with our eyes a tiny fraction of the light that’s out there.

But light takes many forms like radio waves, microwaves, infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays. And it’s these kinds of light that are at the cutting edge of new technology; using light to communicate, improve health, light the unseen and illuminate.

That’s why the United Nations declared 2015 to be the ‘International Year of Light’ to help people see beyond the bulb. Here in County Durham businesses and researchers are at the forefront of light technology.

You can find out more at www.businessdurham.co.uk or follow Business Durham on Twitter and use #Light2015Durham

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Orcalig ht Lumier

Elephan e ta

by Top’l stic a Desig n

Healing light

A new £18m National Centre for Healthcare Photonics is being created at NETPark in Sedgefield. Photonics is the science of generating, controlling and detecting light. One of the fastest developing areas in healthcare is the use of light to diagnose and treat medical conditions and illnesses.

Illuminating experience

How better to celebrate the International Year of Light than with the return of Lumiere to Durham? Lumiere, the biggest light festival in the UK, which in 2013 attracted 175,000 visitors, returns 12-15 November.

PolyPhotonix, based at NETPark, is already working in healthcare photonics, manufacturing a phototherapy-based sleep mask to treat an eye disease caused by diabetes.

usin re B u t u F

Not only does the therapy treat the disease without expensive drugs, but it also preserves the sight of sufferers.

“

Dr Simon Goon, Managing Director of Business Durham which manages NETPark on behalf of Durham County Council, said:

The field of healthcare photonics is an incredibly exciting one, not just for the technologies that are being developed, but because of the impact these technologies have on people’s health and wellbeing.

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See the light

”

es gnat a M ess

Lu

The use of phototonics in healthcare is wide ranging, from wound, skin and cancer care to neurology and ophthalmology.

Ke m Gr yfra iere ou m pe es LA by PS

Planned to open in 2017, the National Centre, managed by CPI, will be one of the world’s most exciting places where businesses, academics, entrepreneurs and investors come together to develop new technologies using light to diagnose and treat medical conditions and illnesses.

Trip the light fantastic Thorn Lighting is a major employer in County Durham and makes modern, energy-efficient lighting for home, work and leisure.

Helping youngsters see the light The deep see

Visibility is everything when you are trying to capture stunning images underwater.

And Orcalight, based in Stanley, is helping renowned documentary makers capture stunning images through its pioneering diving lights.

Shane Newman, who founded Orcalight in 2013 after a career in industrial lighting, realised there was a huge demand for better underwater lighting for exploration, photography and videography.

With rapid advances in LED technology and the support and knowledge of Doug Anderson, the Bafta and Emmy award-winning underwater cinematographer, Orcalight pioneered the way in powerful new diving lights.

“

Shane said: Our equipment is currently being used by the Discovery Channel to film sharks in the United States; the Canadian Government to explore the sunken Franklin ship lost 160 years ago; and by the BBC to film the next instalment of Blue Planet, called ‘Oceans’.

Find out more at www.orcalight.co.uk and www.facebook.com/orcalight Centre for P

tion rocess Innova

”

The annual Future Business Magnates competition has challenged pupils at 24 secondary schools to come up with new ways of using light.

Now in its tenth year, the competition gives young people a taste of business and enterprise, inspiring a new generation of potential business leaders to believe in themselves.

This year’s theme is “Discovering, Detecting, Developing a Different Use of Light” and will encourage the teams to come up with a business idea that involves a new use of light.

“

Simon Goon, managing director of Business Durham, said: Since its launch in 2005, more than 1,000 pupils from more than two thirds of the county’s secondary schools have taken part.

The winners of the competition, organised by Business Durham, will be announced in July.

”

Enlightening us about space

Durham University’s Centre for Advanced Instrumentation is building instruments for major telescopes, enabling us to observe the universe in new ways. Capturing all kinds of light can help us understand distant galaxies and learn more about our own planet.

A love of space isn’t new to County Durham. Thomas Wright, the astronomer, who was the first to describe the shape of the Milky Way, was born in County Durham in 1711.

Goodbye window seats

Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) based at NETPark in Sedgefield, is working to use organic light-emitting diodes to create a whole new generation of windowless plane fuselages.

This will transform how you see your flight from inside the plane, and also help reduce fuel consumption significantly.

See the light

7

Inspirational

EXHIBITIONS Three inspiring exhibitions are looking at style, revolution and heroism this summer.

Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal 11 July to 25 October The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

“Fashion fades, style is eternal” Yves Saint Laurent once said.

Now you can see his vision first hand, as the exhibition presents fifty of his garments, and over 200 accessories, including some iconic pieces from the Russian Collection, the Mondrian dresses and the Tuxedo. A collaboration between The Bowes Museum and the Fondation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent, this is the first exhibition in the UK to present a comprehensive display of the French designer’s work and life.

The show will highlight the defining elements of his vision, and the significant influence it has had on fashion and the way we understand womenswear.

Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal will highlight the different eras and styles of his creative career.

Tickets are now available on www.ticketmaster.co.uk 01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

For Valour Until 2016 The DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery

The extraordinary courage of ten men is commemorated in ‘For Valour’.

These great acts of heroism during the First World War earned the ten men, who were either born in County Durham or served with the Durham Light Infantry, the Victoria Cross.

The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour “in the face of the enemy”. It is the only award that can be made to any rank.

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Inspirational exhibitions

All ten men performed extraordinary acts of courage, risking, and in many cases losing, their own lives in the process. Now you can discover the extraordinary stories that led to the presentation of the Victoria Cross to these men of Durham.

Open Wednesdays to Sundays all year 10.30am-4pm. Also open Tuesdays during school holidays and all bank holidays.

03000 266 590, www.dlidurham.org.uk

Celebrating the

Magna Carta Expensive wars, revolting barons, London lost. 800 years ago, King John faced crisis.

His solution? A great charter, sealed on 15 June 1215, which established for the first time that everybody, including the King, was subject to the law.

The Magna Carta became one of the most famous documents in the world. Whilst almost all of its clauses were deleted or rewritten within 10 years, it remains a cornerstone of the British constitution. Most famously, it gave all ‘free men’ the right to justice and a fair trial. At the time this applied to only a few people, but this core principle has been incorporated into other laws including the United States Bill of Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Did you know?

‘grea • Magna Carta means exist. four of the original still ly on t bu e ad m re we • Many copies gna Carta. The s three issues of the Ma the only known • Durham Cathedral ha 16 Bristol exemplar, is t charter’.

r 12 earliest, the Novembe rvive. su copy of this issue to ing to the rights 63 clauses; those relat l na igi or its of e re th her towns, • Only erties of London and ot lib e th , ch ur ch sh gli of the En glish law. men’; remain part of En and the rights of ‘free tice and taxes. th land ownership, jus • Many clauses dealt wi uldn’t be forced to remarry against her co It confirmed a widow wishes.

a Magna-ficient day out For the chance to win a family ticket to the Magna Carta and the Changing Face of Revolt exhibition, and a delicious cream tea at the Café on the Green for LiberTeas’, tell us which King sealed the Magna Carta. ...................................................................................................................................................

Name

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

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

Postcode

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

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

See page 2 for entry details.

1216 Magna Carta. Reproduced by permission of the Chapter of Durham Cathedral.

in Durham

Until 31 August

Magna Carta and the Changing Face of Revolt Palace Green Library Featuring the 1216 issue of the charter, this exhibition explores the charter as part of a long history of the contested identity of the citizen, stretching from the Wars of the Roses to the Occupy Movement of modern times. Plus a fascinating programme of activities and events. 10am-6pm daily.

A £7.50, C/Con £6.50. Book at www.ticketmaster.co.uk/magna_carta_2015 0844 844 0444, or at Palace Green Library.

Saturday 13 June

The Great Charter - Magna Carta Community Opera Durham Cathedral World premiere community opera composed

by Timothy Craig Harrison and Paul Hodgson.

Performances from local children, professional artists and the Durham Singers. 7pm. £6-£15. www.galadurham.co.uk 03000 266 600.

Sunday 14 June

LiberTeas’ Celebrate, debate and reflect on those rights people throughout history have fought for by enjoying a cup of tea with friends or your community. www.liberteas.co.uk Summer holidays

Fun for families Palace Green Library Fun Magna Carta events for all the family. 1pm3pm every day. Free ‘make and take’ activity, from crowns to coats of arms, quill writing to flag-making. Older children and family members will enjoy informal talks every Tuesday and Thursday 2pm-3pm. Free, no need to book. www.durham.ac.uk/palace.green/magnacarta

Inspirational exhibitions

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Women who mean

business

If women started businesses at the same rate as men there’d be a million more businesses in the UK. There are lots of reasons to start a business: fulfil a dream, top-up your income, exploit your skills or recharge yourself with a new challenge.

A new business can be big or small, work flexibly around domestic demands, and run alongside your day job if you choose.

We’re running workshops that can help you: • Draw inspiration from female entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses.

• Explore your own potential.

• Spot opportunities.

• Test and shape your ideas.

• Forge a network of buyers, funders, mentors and trade specialists.

Find out more about this support, including special ‘Women into business’ sessions at www.durhamcreatives.co.uk

Hats off to Ann

With her family having flown the nest, Ann Gill is busy tailoring a new career for herself.

Busy years raising two children and working as a receptionist and occupational therapy assistant meant Ann didn’t have much time to pursue her passion for sewing. Then Ann decided it was time for a change.

She signed up to study millinery, tailoring, pattern cutting and garment construction at Cleveland College

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Women who mean business

of Art and Design. Although she had never before thought she could study for a degree, she came away with a first and a previously undiscovered passion for making hats.

“The course really made me believe in myself and helped me gain so much experience, including costume making for film and theatre in London,” Ann said.

This experience has led to Ann designing costumes for CBBC’s Hacker and Dodge, and getting involved in constructing costumes for Metro Arena and Zoe Wanamaker in ITV’s Mr Selfridge.

With the support of her husband Graeme, Ann has set up her own business, Lilyann. She’s also had support from Durham Creatives, attending workshops on visual merchandising, generating ideas and identifying new trends.

“These free sessions are motivating and full of practical advice. As word has spread, I’ve been asked to make everything from bespoke dress-up costumes for nursery children to one-of-a-kind hats and fascinators and unique garments for weddings and everyday wear,” Ann added.

Find out more at www.lilyann.co.uk

Liz is turning the tide

Years of working in food logistics left Liz Reed with an appetite for being her own boss and being creative.

So when she left her job she tried a number of creative pursuits to see what inspired her. Keen on knitting and sewing since a young age, she was whittling at some driftwood when she came up with the idea for her driftwood friends.

“I love working with textiles and creating these little characters. Each one is different and I make the clothes to fit that specific doll. I use recycled materials and particularly like to work with well-worn denim and tweed.

“My dad makes furniture and my mum is a textile artist and I feel I have brought both their gifts together in these little characters! ” Now with galleries in Northumberland and Scotland stocking her work, Liz has taken the first steps to being a professional designer-maker. Durham Creatives’ sessions, supported by Business Durham, have helped Liz network, and meet other women at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey.

“I am just taking the first steps into starting my own business, but I feel so much happier now I work for myself. The support of Durham Creatives has been invaluable, being able to network and know where you can turn if you need practical advice,” Liz said.

Find out more at www.facebook.com/lizreedmaker www.lizreedmaker.co.uk

Where to go for help and advice

Business Durham - The first point of contact for all businesses in County Durham. 03000 261 261 enquiries@businessdurham.co.uk Free programme of workshops and support. www.durhamcreatives.co.uk Support and networking opportunities. www.enterprising-women.org

Teesdale WiRE - networking with like-minded business women. www.wireuk.org/Teesdale.html

One for the ladies!

We’ve teamed up with Durham County Cricket Club to offer a pair of tickets to their luxurious Ladies Day. For the chance to win, tell us what date their Ladies Day is taking place.

Enjoy cricket and pampering combined at Durham County Cricket Club’s Ladies Day. For their Royal London One-Day Cup match against Yorkshire Vikings on Sunday 2 August, they’re pulling out all the stops to sweep you off your feet.

As well as the sparkling play on the pitch, you’ll receive a glass of sparkling wine, enjoy a two-course grande luncheon, traditional afternoon tea and receive a House of Fraser gift bag. House of Fraser beauty therapists will also be offering beauty treatments, such as mini

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Name makeovers, plus there will be concessions for handbags and make up.

Dress to impress!

Tickets cost £70 from www.durhamccc.co.uk 0191 387 2815

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Tel

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

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

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

See page 2 for entry details.

Women who mean business

11

Green Living Durham to

bloom for Britain Durham City will be in full bloom this summer as a finalist in the national Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom competition.

The Durham in Bloom group at the launch.

Led by the Durham in Bloom group, the awards bring communities and organisations together to transform their public open spaces. Last year the city scooped Gold.

Judges will visit in August before results are announced

Are you involved in a project that celebrates great design, improves the environment or generates community spirit?

Then you could be honoured at this year’s prestigious Environment Awards.

Last year, 53 projects both large and small from across County Durham received recognition at the County Durham Environment Awards. And it’s now time to start getting your entries in for this year’s awards.

The restoration of Lartington Hall near Barnard Castle was commended last year as an Outstanding Project. Owners, John and Shona Harper Wilkes were delighted: “The restoration project at Lartington Hall was a long process

12

Green Living

in the autumn. Durham City will also compete along with 16 other towns and villages in the regional Northumbria in Bloom competition. www.durham.gov.uk/inbloom www.facebook.com/durhambloom

- a real labour of love - so to have industry experts recognise the work we had completed really gave us a sense of achievement.

“We wanted to reach the highest standards possible and this meant there were many days we thought we must be crazy as we juggled budgets, tried to find specialist skills, sourced rare materials and suffered setbacks. Entering the awards helped us see just how far we’d come.”

There are 12 different categories to enter • Built environment • Climate change • Community partnership • Craftsmanship • Greener business • Natural environment • Places and spaces • Schools and colleges • Volunteer group of the year • Volunteer of the year - under 18 • Volunteer of the year - over 18 • Waste management

The awards close on 24 July 2015.

To enter, go to www.countydurhampartnership.co.uk/ envawards or call 03000 265 545.

Recycle Week 22 - 28 June Shampoo bottles or toilet roll tubes, junk mail or aerosol cans; what’s the one thing you forget to recycle?

You already do a great job of recycling, but during National Recycle Week we’re asking you to find one more thing that you can recycle.

Recycling bins are for: tins, cans, cardboard, paper, plastic bottles and tubs and your recycling box is for glass jars and bottles only.

Double check what to recycle at www.durham.gov.uk/whatgoeswhere

Come along to chat to us during Recycle Week and make a pledge to recycle one more thing. Subject to availability, you’ll receive a free reusable shopping bag:

• Four Clocks Centre, Bishop Auckland, Monday 22 June, 9.30am-3.30pm • Asda Peterlee, Tuesday 23 June, 9.30am-3.30pm • Barnard Castle Market, Wednesday 24 June, 9.30am-3.30pm • Asda Stanley, Thursday 25 June, 9.30am-3.30pm • Asda Spennymoor, Friday 26 June, 9.30am-3.30pm • Consett Market, Middle Street, Consett, Friday 26 June, 9.30am-3pm • Durham City Market Place, Saturday 27 June, 9am-4pm

Keen to be green!

With the start of the growing season, now is the perfect time to join over 58,000 green recyclers who have subscribed to garden waste collections.

The scheme, offering fortnightly kerbside collections between March and October, is hassle free and environmentally friendly as all your garden waste is composted for reuse.

Vince Wallace (pictured) of Carrville, said: “We use the garden waste bin for grass cuttings, prunings, small branches and dead flowers. We subscribed because it saves us the time and trouble of bagging everything up and taking it to the household waste recycling centre. It also stops the car from getting dirty!”

You can subscribe to an annual collection service for £20 or a three-year collection service for £50.

Sign up at www.durham.gov.uk/gardenwaste or call 03000 261 000.

For garden waste collections in Teesdale, visit www.rotters.org or call 01833 690 022.

Not just BIG, enormous!

We were spick and span this spring, thanks to hundreds of volunteers.

The annual LitterFree Durham ‘Big Spring Clean’ campaign, supported by Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council, involved people taking part in organised litter picks.

• •

1,490 people volunteered 2,999 hours of their time.

1,549 bags of litter were collected at 147 separate events.

Find out about other campaigns at www.durham.gov.uk/civicpride or call 03000 261 000.

Walkies goes green

Go green when you ‘go walkies’ by pledging to become a responsible dog owner. The Green Dog Walker scheme is a friendly reminder to pick up after your pet. Members receive a badge and carry extra dog bags for others who don’t have them handy. Join at www.durham.gov.uk/greendogwalkers or by calling 03000 261 000.

Green Living

13

Life in the

RAT RACE

No rodent is too unruly, no pest too pesky for Julie Fletcher. Our only female pest controller, she’s waged war on wasps and cracked down on cockroaches for eight years. We joined Julie to see how she gets rid of unwanted guests.

Julie is up bright and early. In the summer, their busiest time, she can have up to 20 calls a day.

“Rats, bedbugs and cockroaches aren’t the stuff of every girl’s dream, but I love it. Every job is different and I love helping people,” Julie says.

First stop, routine checks to a large factory. Julie has 40 rat boxes, filled with a poisoned bait bag, to check and refill, plus keeping an eye out for other pest problems. She files her report saying what she found and advising on future pest protection.

“Having regular checks quickly identifies if there is a problem and reassures everyone that pests are being controlled,” Julie says.

Second stop is a home where a lady is sure she’s being bitten by bugs. Luckily it’s not bed bugs.

Julie takes samples for testing and reassures the resident they‘ll get to the bottom of it.

“Putting people’s minds at rest is all part of the job,” Julie says.

Off to school next.

There are insect monitors to check, electronic fly killers to service in the kitchens, and a rat bait station near the bins.

Off to a local home next where the resident keeps finding lots of flies upstairs. Julie finds that cluster flies have gathered in the loft.

A quick treatment with a chemical mist does the job.

The final stop is to investigate reports of rats in an open space for the Environmental Health team.

Julie doesn’t find an open nest, but rubbish that would provide food.

She reports back to the team who’ll decide whether to serve an We provide treatments for rats, mice, enforcement notice. bedbugs, cockroaches, fleas, moles, It’s the end of our day, but cluster flies, squirrels and wasps we haven’t seen a whisker at a one-off charge of £40.

Phone (domestic) 03000 26 1000 or of a rat, a sure sign the (commercial) 03000 262 550. team is doing a good job.

Julie says she’s not fazed by anything, but adds: “It’s rare to find a dead rat but “People are sometimes shocked when we do we send it for when a women turns up to treat burning so the poisoned animal pests, but I love my job!” can’t be eaten by mammals or birds of prey,” Julie says.

Pest problems?

Help stop fly-tipping

Do you use a ‘man with a van’ to get rid of household items? Do you know where it will end up? If it ends up fly-tipped, YOU could be prosecuted.

Ask to see their waste carrier licence. This licence means they’re registered to dispose of waste correctly.

www.durham.gov.uk/flytipping 03000 261 000 14

Life in the rat race

NEWS

Don’t get scammed

July is Scam Awareness Month, which aims to give you the knowhow to spot and stop scams.

Scams aim to cheat you out of your money, either by requesting cheques or asking for details of credit cards and bank accounts which can lead to identity theft and financial loss.

We’ve received 229 complaints about scams in the past year with four residents collectively losing £400,000 from postal scams.

To avoid becoming a victim of postal scams, join the Mailing Preference Service, a free register to stop unsolicited post. 0845 703 4599, www.mpsonline.org.uk Current online scams to look out for include:

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Copycat websites mimicking Government services. They trick you into paying hefty fees for renewing passports and driver’s licences.

Pupils from Red Rose Primary School celebrate a smoke-free play area.

Smoke-free play areas launched

The outdoor play area at Riverside Park, in Chester-le-Street, became the first of our 178 parks to become a smoke-free zone.

The Smoke-free County Durham Tobacco Control Alliance introduced the voluntary no-smoking code to reduce the harm caused by tobacco. As the scheme is introduced in more parks, multi-use games areas and skate parks, signs will be added politely asking adults to abide by the code.

Evidence shows that reducing children’s exposure to smoking makes them less likely to take up the habit themselves.

The voluntary smoke-free code covers areas which are fenced off and contain children’s3 play equipment, not general21/04/2015 parks and open spaces.

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Adverts for free samples where you only pay postage. Check the small print, you may be signing up for a recurring order with recurring payments.

‘Pop-up’ advertisements or emails advertising prize draws and lotteries.

Call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0345 404 0506 for advice on whether something is a scam or genuine. Report a scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, www.actionfraud.police.uk

Housing stock transfer complete

The transfer of our social housing stock to County Durham Housing Group has been completed.

The transfer saw ownership and management of 18,400 homes pass to the not-for-profit group made up of Dale & Valley Homes; Durham City Homes and East Durham Homes. The transfer will bring investment of £800m over 30 years - including 700 new-build properties within seven years.

Get fit for free this summer Get 3 months free when you take out an annual membership in June, July or August* Book an induction today: • Abbey 03000 266 443 • Meadowfield 03000 266 445 • Newton Aycliffe 03000 266 446 • Spennymoor 03000 261 161

• Chester-le-Street 03000 266 444 • Freeman’s Quay 03000 268 488 • Shildon-Sunnydale 03000 266 448 • Teesdale 03000 260 862 • Woodhouse Close 03000 261 322

*T&Cs apply. 12 month payment required upfront.

News

15

FOSTER CARING Make a difference become a foster carer

Every child needs love, care and stability. But for many reasons, not every family can give this.

That’s why the work of our committed foster carers is so vital.

They provide short-term care to help families get themselves back on track so children can return home.

And they provide long-term care where children still need love and support from their families but aren’t able to live with them.

At a time when a child’s world can feel like it’s falling apart, our foster carers are solid rocks of support and stability.

But we do need more people like them. And during Fostering Fortnight we would like people to find out more about fostering. We’re holding events where you can come along and find out more.

Monday 15 June County Hall, Durham, any time between 4.30pm and 6.30pm

Friday 26 June Durham Town Hall, Durham City, any time between 10am and 12 noon

About fostering

Fostering is fun, fulfilling and hugely rewarding.

Although it can also be exhausting and frustrating, most of our foster carers say it is the most satisfying and worthwhile job they’ve ever done.

Almost anyone can apply to become a foster carer. You don’t need any special qualifications, it’s your experience and outlook on life that’s most important.

You can be married, single or living together, male or female, of any race or ethnic origin, employed or unemployed, own your home or rent it.

What people don’t always realise is that there is a huge

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Foster Caring

amount of support available to you to help you care for a child.

Our foster carers work very closely with a range of other professionals, and our foster carers tell us they particularly value the advice and support from our clinical psychologist and team of therapeutic workers.

There is also a wide range of training to help you develop your skills and professional knowledge.

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

Share the love Sue and Paul’s story

Sue and Paul from near Chester-le-Street have been foster carers for eight years.

They have experienced most kinds of foster care, providing short-term fostering for teenagers, respite care, fostering brothers and sisters to keep them together and long-term foster care.

Sue told us:

“

My sister is a foster carer for teenagers and I could see how the young people who stayed with her changed and grew in confidence.

I thought to myself ‘there are so many young people out there who haven’t had the best start in life, through no fault of their own, what can we do to help?’.

Our kids had left home and I was working full time in retail and putting so much energy into that, and I thought to myself ‘if I put this energy into giving kids some security instead, I could really make a difference.’

”

fostering gives them the stability of family life until they reach adulthood but allows the boys to maintain links with their own family, including their grandparents who love having them to stay.

So Sue and Paul started fostering, firstly teenagers on long-term placements, and then brothers and sisters to keep them together.

Around 30 children have lived with them since they started fostering eight years ago. Then four years ago, it all changed again when two children came to stay with them.

“It takes time for the trust to build, but last year one of the boys said ‘thank you for looking after me, I am so pleased the judge said I have to live with you for the rest of my life because I would not want to be anywhere else.” Sue said.

“

They came to us for a short placement. They were no angels, but they were lovely kids who just fitted right into our family,” Paul said.

“We get so much support from the council’s fostering team. We can pick up a phone anytime and they support us 100 per cent.” Sue added.

He added; “we just took them into our hearts. We knew we couldn’t let them go, so we became their permanent foster carers.

Paul, who also works as a bus driver, said: “Permanent

Information for families

For many families, finding and choosing the right care for your child can be hard.

With the help of County Durham Families Information Service (FIS), Donna, a mum of two, found the solution that met her family’s needs.

When Donna’s previous childminder retired, Donna knew where to go for help. Having used the FIS previously to find out what’s on for toddlers in the area, Donna decided to visit FIS again to search for childcare.

Donna said: “The website was very easy to use, I found exactly what I needed”.

Everything you need to know about family life is just one click away! www.countydurhamfamilies.info

Paul said: “It’s not an easy job, but it is incredibly rewarding. In fact we don’t like to call it a job, because we love it so much.”

”

Back to nature...

Fancy getting back to nature, but too posh to pitch? Then you need glamping.

It’s the thrill of camping without the hassle!

Now you can enjoy a night in the wonderful Weardale countryside, at Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum.

They have three luxury yurts, complete with wood-burning stoves. Lapwing can accommodate up to 15 people. Plover and Curlew can accommodate four adults and two children.

News

Killhope will also be launching an e-newsletter, tick the box on the coupon to get their latest news and event information straight into your inbox.

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

Visit England Hidden Gem Accolade 2014

01388 537 505, www.killhope.org.uk For the chance to win a night’s glamping in one of Killhope’s yurts, just tell us where Killhope is located. .................................................................................

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

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

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

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See page 2 for entry details.

I would like to receive Killhope’s e-newsletter.

Foster Caring

17

NEWS

The biggest thank you of all

Some people do so much for others; give so much joy; raise so much money, that ‘thank you’ hardly seems enough. So it was with real pleasure that our Chairman rewarded 14 local champions who have done so much for their community.

Chairman, Cllr John Robinson, said: “There are so many unsung heroes in County Durham who do things for their community that can often go unnoticed. It’s wonderful that the Chairman’s Medal, our highest honour, can reward them.”

The winners were:

Tom Stoddart for his work with Mainsforth Cricket Club

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Derrick Robinson for founding the Tearaways youth theatre in Shildon

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Pelton Community Association

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Consett Salvation Army

Win Colman for her lifelong commitment to Guiding in Durham City

• • • • •

The Welfare Champions in East Durham

Geoff Appleton for 40 years as treasurer of Trimdon Village Hall

Susan Sadler for founding the charity Lifeline Community Action Mary Tribe for volunteering in the Deerness Valley Stanhope Open Air Swimming Pool

Durham at War Do you have a story to add to Durham at War? Log in and contribute to our First World War centenary website.

Share family stories, photographs and memories of people, places and

events in County Durham in 1914-18.

New stories are being added all the time, thanks to our volunteers. Try the diaries of Roger Stamp and George Thompson, and Colonel Morant’s memoir.

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News

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Hugh Stephenson for raising £200,000 for charities in Spennymoor Tina Parry for forming the youth café in Stanley

Gladys and Peter Stubbs for launching Farm Watch in Teesdale

Harold Wilsher for community work in Billy Row

Spennymoor did with their 2014 display.

To add events in the What’s On, email contactdurhamatwar@ durham.gov.uk www.durhamatwar.org.uk

For the chance to win a pair of adult tickets, simply name one of the bands at Hardwick Live this year.

Celebrate the summer in the company of your family and some of Britain’s biggest bands.

Headlined by legendary band, James, with appearances by very special guests Razorlight, plus 10cc, Embrace and more.

•

We’d like to hear from people working on war memorial research or commemorative exhibitions. When your exhibition is over did you know you can still share it online? Search for ‘Kate Maxey’ to see what

tickets for HARDWICK LIVE

On Saturday 22 August, the one-day Hardwick Live festival returns to the grounds of Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield.

The family-friendly event features three stages of live music and a host of activities for all ages, including a fairground.

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For the first time, the festival features a Discovery Stage, headlined by Britpop icons Cast, as well as a Dome, hosting comedy during the afternoon and DJ sets into the night.

Tickets, from £8 per child and £49 for adults, available now at www.hardwicklive.co.uk

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

Email

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

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

See page 2 for entry details.

Tick this to receive further information:

Dare to dance

From ballet to ballroom, dancing has never been more popular.

John Beaty is no stranger to its benefits. Now in his 80s, he has been running a tea dance at Bishop Auckland Town Hall for over 30 years. “It makes people feel great in a way that no other exercise can.”

FIVE WAYS TO FITNESS Change to a healthier lifestyle with some novel ways to shape up and workout without even knowing it.

Pack a picnic

Make the most of the sun and head to the park or beach for a picnic. Only this time, take a ball or Frisbee along for some high-energy games.

Dust off the cobwebs

Cleaning the house can be strenuous. And, while watching paint dry may seem relaxing, why not do a spot of DIY? You’ll be building shelves and muscles at the same time!

Tea dance regular Dorothy Clark told us how much she loves dancing. “Listening to music, learning new moves and meeting a lovely group of people means that dancing is fun and sociable.

That I get fit while doing it is an added bonus.”

Blow your own trumpet

Learning a musical instrument gives good vibrations to the soul, brain and body. Playing the violin for an hour can burn the equivalent calories as two glasses of wine.

Dig in to gardening

Mowing the lawn, turning soil and weeding are all good calorie burners.

No garden, no problem, allotments are a great alternative says Colin Hemingway who has a plot in Roddymoor Community Allotment. “I’ve gained new skills growing vegetables, fruit and flowers so it’s extremely rewarding and also keeps me healthy and active. It can be hard work but it’s worth the effort; imagine how tasty a salad is with freshlypicked produce.” www.durham.gov.uk/allotments

Five ways to fitness

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NORTH Durham £28,000 shared

A healthy eating project, community garden and cricket pavilion needing refurbishment were among eleven projects to share £28,000 following a public vote. More than 1,000 people took part in Chester-le-Street and District AAP’s It’s Up 2 U event.

Welfare Rights advice

Need benefits advice or unsure how to claim? A welfare rights officer is now available every Wednesday at the Tommy Armstrong Centre, Clifford Road, Stanley. A drop-in advice surgery takes place every Wednesday from 9.30am-12 noon and one-to-one appointments from 1pm-4pm.

Call in to make an appointment.

Pelton Plinth

The history of Pelton, from steam ships to a famous pigeon, has been immortalised on a specially made plinth. Created by North East sculptor Russ Coleman, the two-metre high plinth features nine granite sections. It was funded by money from housing developments.

Flood prevention

Work to protect Witton Gilbert from flooding finishes this summer. The village was badly affected when the beck flooded following heavy storms in 2012.

The council and the Environment Agency contributed to the £600,000 scheme.

20

North Durham News

Louisa Centre changes

Growing healthier

Growing your own food makes you feel great - as residents of Derwent Valley are set to find out.

Derwent Valley Area Action Partnership has teamed up with County Durham Food Partnership and Durham Community Action to help more communities grow their own food.

With a Tudor Trust grant of £60,000, the growing project will help residents to see the benefits of community gardening, including access to good food and better health.

03000 260 725

Work to bring services together under one roof is underway. The Customer Access Point in Front Street and the library in High Street, Stanley, are moving into the nearby Louisa Centre.

The work will also see improvements to leisure facilities at the Louisa Centre, the creation of a new aerobics studio and refurbishment of the gym and weights room.

Work is expected to finish next spring.

www.durham.gov.uk/louisa

Cock-a-hoop for croquet

Croquet Durham has moved to a new home - the Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street.

Try a free session where equipment and instruction are provided. You’ll need flat shoes. www.croquetdurham.org.uk 0191 386 4511.

Derwent Valley Diners A wheel help

Volunteers are helping older and disabled people in Stanley get out. Using their own vehicles, they provide a door-to-door service to help people go to social events or health appointments. Passengers contribute to the cost, from £1 to a maximum of £5.

01740 658 879.

Local volunteers are delivering tasty meals and providing company to older people who live alone, can’t get out or have difficulty cooking.

Derwent Valley Diners is a new initiative from the Derwent Valley Area Action Partnership and Age UK County Durham.

0191 374 6577.

SOUTH and WEST Durham Explore Teesdale

Get sporty this summer

Food festival

attracts 38,000 visitors

Foodies flocked to this year’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival, which attracted crowds of more than 38,000 people.

The annual event once again tantalised visitors’ taste buds by showcasing some of the finest produce from County Durham and the wider region alongside demonstrations served up by wellknown chefs.

A packed programme of sport is on offer for children and families looking to get out and about this summer.

Parklife will be running a wide variety of weekday and weekend activities at Hackworth Park in Shildon, Bishop Auckland Town Recreation Ground and Glenholme Park in Crook. With day and evening sessions of everything from archery to tennis, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. www.durham.gov.uk/parklife Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/parklifesports

Spennymoor honours

Norman Cornish Summer shopping

A weekly market has returned to Bishop Auckland for the summer.

Every Saturday until the end of August, traders are bringing a wide range of goods to the market place.

On the second Saturday of June, July and August there will be speciality events alongside the regular stalls.

The project is supported by South Durham Enterprise Agency, Bishop Auckland Town Team, Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland Town Council, Durham County Council and Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership.

Facebook: Bishop Auckland Market @BishopMarket on Twitter.

Celebrating the achievements of its famous resident, a blue plaque has been unveiled at Whitworth Terrace in Spennymoor.

It was here that internationally acclaimed artist Norman Cornish, who died last year aged 94, painted images of everyday life in mining communities.

The plaque has been jointly funded by contributions from Durham County Council, Spennymoor Town Council and members of Norman Cornish’s family.

From wild hay meadows and majestic waterfalls to bustling market towns and stunning castles, picturesque Teesdale has lots to offer visitors. Find out everything to see and do at www.exploreteesdale.uk

Health Buddy Service

Seeing a friendly face and having a chat can bring people lots of health and happiness.

The Pioneering Care Partnership’s Health Buddy Service offers just that to the over 50s, with trained volunteers providing regular home visits or help to attend local groups or appointments.

The scheme, funded through the East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership, is looking for patient and reliable volunteers in the Bowburn, Coxhoe, Trimdon, Fishburn or Sedgefield areas.

01325 321 234, www.pcp.uk.net

Teesdale drop-in advice sessions

For advice on housing benefit, concessionary travel or any other council service, call in to one of our drop in sessions on Thursday 18 June or Thursday 30 July.

• UTASS, (Upper Teesdale

Agriculture Support Services Ltd) 9 -11 Chapel Row, Middleton-in-Teesdale, 10.30am-11.30am

• Randolph Centre, Evenwood, 12 noon-1pm

• Butterknowle Village Hall, 1.45pm-2.45pm

South and West Durham News

21

CENTRAL and EAST Tell us what you think of Durham County News Take two minutes to fill in our survey and you could win £50 of shopping vouchers for a store of your choice.

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Milburngate Bridge major refurbishment Essential roadworks will take place on Milburngate Bridge in Durham City this summer.

Work starts on Sunday 12 July for about seven weeks. Most of it takes place in the school holidays, when there is much less traffic on the bridge.

However, it will still cause significant delays and congestion.

The work will be carried out 7am-10pm, seven-days-a-week. There will be one lane open in each direction and a footpath will also be provided. The bridge will be closed for a minimum of five nights between 8pm and 6am.

We’ll advertise dates and alternative routes nearer the time.

Milburngate Bridge takes the A690 over the River Wear and carries about 48,000 vehicles a day. A recent inspection found a number of problems which require essential work to help avoid any major repairs in the future. www.durham.gov.uk/milburngatebridge

The £3.4m restoration project to Seaham's historic North Pier continues this summer. For the next few months there will be limited parking spaces at the marina, while Slope Beach and Spiles car parks will be closed. Although fewer parking spaces will be available, there will be some extra parking at the weekends, and as the project progresses there will also be restricted access to the beach. It’s business as usual for local businesses and activities at the marina. www.durham.gov.uk/seahampier

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Pier restoration

Central and East Durham News

Durham

Inspiring youngsters

Sunderland Bridge improvement works

Essential roadworks to improve safety and reduce congestion are taking place at the busy T-junction of the A167 and B6300, near Sunderland Bridge. The current phase of the work lasts until October and involves building the new roundabout. Disruption includes: • temporary speed restrictions of 30mph on the A167 and B6300 • no right turn into or out of the A167 / B6300 junction, or into the Honest Lawyer pub • diversions for vehicles travelling north and south • the two bus stops outside the pub are temporarily shut www.durham.gov.uk/ sunderlandbridge

Wharton Park restoration

Wharton Park has now closed so work can start on its £3m restoration. It includes the creation of a new heritage centre and café, new play and fitness areas and restoration of the amphitheatre, battlements, Albert the Good statue, Way Sculpture and miniature car track. A successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid for funding has led to the restoration. The park is expected to reopen next May. Join the Friends of Wharton park at www.friendsofwhartonpark.org.uk

Durham Dash Safety in Durham City

We’re now halfway through a three-month breathalyser trial in Durham City. It’s just one of a number of new safety measures announced by Durham’s City Safety Group in the wake of recent drownings. As part of the trial, anyone believed to be intoxicated faces being breathalysed and refused entry at six popular venues.

Other safety measures include a full review of riverside safety by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA ); training on serving alcohol safely; a student alcohol awareness campaign and a guardianship scheme to help people get home safely.

Hundreds of children will race to Durham Cathedral when the Durham Dash returns this month.

More than 700 primary school children from Durham and Chester-le-Street will take part in the 550-metre race from Durham Market Place to the cathedral on Wednesday 10 June.

It involves Durham and Chester-leStreet School Sport Partnership, Change4Life and Durham Area Action Partnership. Visit www.durhamdash.co.uk

A new programme to get young people interested in museum work is being trialled

by Durham Cathedral. Young Curators will offer young people aged 11-16 years old the chance to go behind the scenes of Durham Cathedral’s library and collections. Taster days are being held on Saturday 27 June, Tuesday 21 July, and Wednesday 19 August.

Book on 0191 374 4070. www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/ whatson

Cheesy waffles for me

A group of young people is making sweet music, thanks to a Durham Area Action Partnership grant.

Based at Belmont Community Association, Cheesy Waffles is a group of young people aged 11-25 years with special educational needs that take part in a range of positive activities.

The grant has allowed them to renew stage and musical equipment to stage ‘Bugsy Malone’ this year.

Peterlee Bus Station improvements

Commuters in East Durham can look forward to better transport facilities with improvements underway at Peterlee Bus Station.

Following our purchase of the station in December, painting and decorating is now complete. New seating and bins are already in place and CCTV to provide greater security is currently being installed.

Central and East Durham News

23

SECRET GARDENS

Crook Hall and Gardens.

Raby Castle.

Roses are red, violets are blue, flowers are sweet and County Durham’s gardens are too.

Gardens are bursting full of colour at this time of year, making it the perfect time to discover some hidden gems.

Crook Hall and Gardens

One of the oldest houses in Durham City, the 13th century Crook Hall boasts idyllic gardens all with their own personalities. From the Shakespeare and secret walled gardens to the orchard and maze, there are enchanting features round every corner. www.crookhallgardens.co.uk

a family season ticket to Crook Hall and Gardens Follow in the footsteps of poets William Wordsworth and John Ruskin with a visit to the delightful Crook Hall and see what Alan Titchmarsh has described as ‘A tapestry of colourful blooms’.

For the chance to win, simply tell us in which century was Crook Hall built. . . . . . . .. . . . . ............ ......... ...............................

Name

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

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

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

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

See page 2 for entry details. Tick this to receive further information:

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Secret gardens

Durham University Botanic Garden.

Durham University Botanic Garden

Set in beautiful mature woodlands on the outskirts of Durham City, there are exotic plants from across the globe. Discover a species of tree that outlived the dinosaurs, meet some tropical bugs and explore the glass houses where it rains indoors. www.durham.ac.uk/botanic.garden

Eggleston Hall Gardens

This vibrant garden and nursery near Barnard Castle specialises in rare and unusual species of plants and flowers. Take a garden walk along winding paths that reveal a wide range of flora as well as a 16th century churchyard along the way. The garden is also home to an artist’s gallery and studio. www.egglestonhallgardens.co.uk

All the world’s a stage Eggleston Hall Gardens (R M Bellas).

Outdoor spaces will come alive this summer with a host of theatre performances. Take along a rug, a deckchair and a picnic for an unbeatable way to spend time with friends and family.

Crook Hall and Gardens Thursday 18 June Pride and Prejudice performed by The Pantaloons

Old Durham Gardens.

Sunday 2 to Monday 3 August A Midsummer Night’s Dream Tuesday 4 August Hamlet both presented by The Handlebards Gates 6pm, performances 6.30pm. A £12.50, C £10. 0191 384 8028, www.crookhallgardens.co.uk

The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 July The Merry Wives of Windsor presented by The Castle Players From 7.30pm. www.castleplayers.co.uk Durham University Botanic Garden.

Old Durham Gardens

The gardens have charmed visitors for over 350 years. Lying less than a mile from Durham city centre, the tranquil gardens can be reached via woodland or riverside walks and feature an orchard, walled garden and gazebo dating from the early 17th century. www.olddurhamgardens.co.uk

Raby Castle

Set in a 200-acre deer park in the heart of Teesdale, many of the original features remain in the castle’s 18th century walled gardens.

In particular, two fine 200-year-old yew hedges and an ornamental pond dominate the magnificent central garden.

The walls of locally handmade bricks were constructed with flues which, when heated, enabled sub-tropical fruits such as apricots to be grown. Of these, the White Ischia fig still survives in its specially built house, fruiting twice-yearly. www.rabycastle.com

Raby Castle Walled Garden Wednesday 22 July The Sorcerer’s Apprentice performed by Illyria Opens 5pm for pre-show picnics, performance 6pm. A £16, C £14.

Thursday 6 August Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream presented by The Handlebards Opens 6pm for pre-show picnics, performance 7pm. £10.

Friday 14 August Gilbert & Sullivan’s Iolanthe Opens 5.30pm for pre-show picnics, performance 7pm.

A £18, C £16. www.rabycastle.com

Auckland Castle Gardens, Bishop Auckland Saturday 8 August The Secret Garden 6pm. A £14, C £10, F £42. 01388 743 750 www.aucklandcastle.org

Scar Top, Barnard Castle Tuesday 18 August Pride and Prejudice 01833 638 212, www.chapterhouse.org

Out and about

25

WHAT’S ON June to August

Make the most of long days and balmy weather with wonderful walks and family days out.

Until Saturday 20 June Painted For Pleasure

by Trimdon Community Art Club Bishop Auckland Town Hall A range of media, techniques and styles in paintings by novices and professional painters.

Open: Mon-Fri: 10am-4pm, Sat: 9.30am-12.30pm. Free.

03000 269 524, www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk Until Sunday 21 June Common Grounds: Lace Drawn from the Everyday The Bowes Museum Sarah Casey brings to light hidden aspects of the museum’s Blackborne Lace Collection. 10am-5pm daily.

A £10.50, Con £9.50, C Free. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Until Sunday 5 July Mach Goes Commando - David Mach DLI Museum & Durham Art Gallery Explosive collages, prints and sculpture inspired by comic books.

10.30am-4pm Wednesdays to Sundays. Admission charges apply.

03000 266 590, dli@durham.gov.uk Until Sunday 27 September Prehistoric People The Bowes Museum Explore what life was like in the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages. Costumes, interactives and craft activities. 10am-5pm daily. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Saturday 13 June Super Swords Oriental Museum See magnificent head hunting swords and create your own fearsome weapon. 1pm-3pm. A £1.50, Con/C 75p. www.dur.ac.uk/oriental.museum

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What’s On

Mach Goes Commando - David Mach

Saturday 13 June Creative Writing: Writing Rocks!

Starts at Blackhall Rocks Picnic Area, Blackhall Colliery Countryside Service walk with Chris Robinson writer. 2pm, 3 hours covering 3 miles. £4. www.durham.gov.uk/countryside

Saturday 13 June Ingleton Village Fair and Classic Vehicle Show Ingleton Village Playing Field Around 150 classic vehicles. Event open from 1pm4.30pm but classic vehicles to arrive from 10am onwards. Food available in village hall. Free entry and parking. Proceeds to village hall and community projects. 01325 730 266, www.ingleton-classic-cars.com Saturday 13 June Siobhan Miller The Witham Two time winner of the ‘Scots Singer of the Year’ award and a recipient of a ‘BBC Young Folk Award’ with Orkney’s Jeana Leslie. 8pm. A £10, Con £8. www.thewitham.co.uk Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family.

Saturday 13 to Sunday 14 June Durham Regatta and Classic Car Rally, Durham Crews compete on the picturesque River Wear. A classic car rally runs alongside the Durham Regatta on Durham University’s rugby field at the end of Green Lane. Attracting around 200 cars between approximately 9am and 5pm. www.durham-regatta.org.uk Saturday 13 June at 7pm and Sunday 14 June at 2.30pm The New Victoria Centre, Howden-le-Wear Simon Gledhill, top international organist at the Mighty Wurlitzer. £7.

01388 762 467.

Sunday 14 June Bark in the Park 2015 Hardwick Park Bring your pooch, in aid of Butterwick Hospice.

01388 603 003, www.butterwick.org.uk

Every Monday Over 50’s Keep Fit 11am-12noon. £2.50.

Every Tuesday Ballroom Dancing 7pm-9pm. All levels £5.

Civic Hall, Front St, Stanley 01207 299 110, www.civichallstanley.co.uk

Sunday 14 June 20th Classic Vehicle Show Raby Castle 20th Bi-Annual Classic Vehicle Show and Vintage Rally, organised by Mark Woodward Classic Events 10am-4pm A £6.50, C £3. 01697 451 882, www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com

Every Tuesday Tea Dance Bishop Auckland Town Hall Enjoy an afternoon of dancing under the expert guidance of John Beaty. Includes a mix of sequence dances, with a dash of ballroom. All levels. 1.30pm3.30pm. £2. 03000 269 524, www.bishopaucklandtown hall.org.uk

Sunday 14 June Kids Spar Box Workshop Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum See Spar Boxes in our collection and be inspired to make your own creation. Booking recommended.

1.30pm, £8 per child. 01388 537 505, www.killhope.org.uk Sunday 14 June Local Collectors’ Day Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon Private collectors exhibit alongside the museum displays. 10am-5pm. Free.

01388 777 999, www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion

REGULAR Events

Saturday 13 June Paul Merton’s Impro Chums Gala Theatre, Durham Together with his world renowned Impro Chums, Paul creates a unique comedy show, based entirely on suggestions from the audience. 8pm.

A £21, Con £19. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk

Sunday 14 June Bees and Blooms Bowlees Visitor Centre A family friendly exploration of haymeadows, riverbanks and other wildflower-rich sites. Easy 3 mile stroll.

2pm-5pm. Booking essential, £3. www.northpennines.org.uk

Dates throughout the summer Get into golf classes Beamish Park Hotel Golf Academy, with Mark Rayson A range of beginners, troubleshooter and improver classes.

Book on 0792 775 4952.

Wednesday 17 June The New Rope String Band Bishop Auckland Town Hall Elements of circus and slapstick spliced with beautiful acoustic music from various world traditions. 8pm.

A £10, Con £8. 03000 269 524, www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk

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

Every weekend and during school holidays A Journey Through Teesdale Mini Golf Course, Scar Top, Barnard Castle 10.30am-6.30pm. £2 per round. www.barnardcastletown council.gov.uk

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WHAT’S ON

Wednesday 17 to Saturday 20 June Madness musical ‘Our House’ Park View Theatre, Chester-le-Street A fast, funny and moving story about love, families and life and featuring the songs of Madness. 7.15pm.

A £10, Con £9. 0191 388 3362, www.dryburntheatricalworkshop. ticketsource.co.uk Thursday 18 June Photography Evening Durham Cathedral Spend a summer evening with your camera inside Durham Cathedral.

6.30pm. £10.

Visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk to download a booking form.

Thursday 18 June Ebchester WI The Community Centre, Ebchester Meets on the third Thursday at 1.15pm. Speaker Anne Scott: ‘South America’. Stalls and tea and coffee.

Thursday 18 June Satin ‘n’ Steel By Amanda Whittington Gala Theatre, Durham When Karaoke singer Teena White meets veteran pro, Vince Steel, both their lives change. Belting songs and powerful emotion. 7.30pm. A £13, Con £12, Friends £10. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk

Save the date:

Heritage Open Days 10-13 September

Details available from mid-July. www.durham.gov.uk/ heritageopendays

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What’s On

Friday 19 June Hilarity Bites presents Comedy: David Longley, Tommy Rowson and MC Tony Jameson Bishop Auckland Town Hall 7.30pm. Advance £8, £10 on the door.

03000 269 524, www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk Saturday 20 June Crazy Canopic Jars Oriental Museum Make an ancient Egyptian canopic jar, complete with blood and guts!

1pm-3pm. 0191 334 5694, www.dur.ac.uk/oriental.museum Saturday 20 June Durham Blues Festival Gala Theatre, Durham Twelve acts on two stages across one great day of blues music.

Artists already confirmed include: Larry Miller, Erja Lyytinen, Starvin’ Sid, Mike Wyatt, Alex McKown, Garry ‘The Slide Guy’ Smith, Jack J. Hutchinson and Gary Grainger. 3pm-11pm.

Advance £28, £30 on the day.

03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk Saturday 20 June Military Talk: ‘The War Behind the Wire’ DLI Museum & Durham Art Gallery The Life, Death and Glory of British Prisoners of War, 1914-18. By John Lewis-Stempel, 2pm. £3.50 (plus admission). 03000 266 590, dli@durham.gov.uk Saturday 20 June The Day the Sun Stood Still: Midnight Solstice Walk Rowley Station Picnic Site, off A68, Countryside Service walk led by Countryside Ranger Charlotte Wilkinson. Starts at 11.30pm, 5 hours covering 11 miles. £4. Booking only, 03000 264 589.

Saturday 20 June Royal London One Day International - New Zealand Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground, Chester-le-Street 10.30am. www.durhamccc.co.uk Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June Durham County Vintage Collectors Society Annual Vintage Rally Mainsforth Recreation Complex, Ferryhill 10am-4.30pm. A £2.50, Con £2, C 50p.

For entry forms contact 07957 092 453.

Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June Traditional Crafts Weekend Botanic Garden Silversmith Les Howe and his wife Vivienne, an artist and card designer, demonstrate their skills. 10am-4pm www.dur.ac.uk/botanic.garden Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June An Introduction to British Beetles with John Walters Bowlees Visitor Centre Finding and identifying a variety of beetles in different habitats. 10am4pm. £10 per a day. 01388 528 801, www.northpennines.org.uk Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June Cab It! Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon Board the locomotive cabs on display.

10am-5pm. Free. 01388 777 999, www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion

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

Sunday 21 June Beamish Reliability Run Beamish, the Living Museum of the North See 100 vintage vehicles as they take on a 150 mile route through the northern dales! www.beamish.org.uk

Sunday 21 June Riverside Park Classic Car Rally in association with NECPWA Motoring Club Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street 10am-4pm. Spectator entry free.

Exhibitors must pre-register. www.necpwa.org (non-members are welcome).

Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 June Sunset Boulevard by Durham Musical Theatre Company Gala Theatre, Durham The northern amateur première of the show, which is filled with romantic grandeur, heightened by one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most sweeping and melodious scores.

7.15pm, Weds & Sat matinées 2.15 pm.

03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 June Night at the Musicals Civic Hall, Shildon The Tearaways Youth Theatre Group perform music from Wicked, We Will Rock You, Miss Saigon, Matilda, Mamma Mia and Hairspray. 7.30pm and Sunday matinee at 2pm.

A £5, Con £3. 01388 774 838.

Saturday 27 to Sunday 28 June Festival of 50s Beamish, the Living Museum of the North Dig out your 50s finery and rock and roll along to this fabulous celebration of all things fifties, including food, fashion, music and transport. www.beamish.org.uk Saturday 27 June Garden Fete Our Lady and St Cuthbert’s Church, Church Hill, Crook BBC news presenter Carol Malia opens the fete at 1pm. Grand Draw for £250, stalls, children’s entertainer. Free.

01388 762 724, www.ourladyandstcuthbertscrook.org.uk Saturday 27 June Armed Forces Day Consett and Blackhill Park Local acts and entertainers, carnival rides, pipe band, cadet band.

Organised by Royal British Legion Consett and District Branch.

11am-4pm. Free.

family fun at Beamish Museum We’ve got two family day tickets for Beamish Museum to give away.

For the chance to win, just tell us which decade they are celebrating in June. .............................................................................

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See page 2 for entry details.

Tick this to receive further information:

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

Saturday 27 June Joe McElderry - Evolution Tour Empire Theatre & Cinema, Consett X-FACTOR winner Joe McElderry is hitting the road with a brand new show after the sell-out success of last year’s nationwide tour. 7.30pm A £19.50. 01207 218 171, www.leisureworks.net Saturday 27 June Bishop Auckland Choral Society presents Elijah by Mendelssohn Bishop Auckland Town Hall Featuring Arthur Berwick, Elizabeth Woods, Kathryn Crowder and Mark Anyan with a 27 piece Orchestra.

Celebration for the 20th Year for Venera Bojkova as their Conductor.

7.30pm. A £10, Con £8, C £3.

01388 834 359.

Saturday 27 June Hazely Hush Walk Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum A free guided walk into Killhope’s woodland environment with the chance to see rare Red Squirrels.

1.30pm. 01388 537 505, www.killhope.org.uk Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June Power of Print Palace Green Library Create a special poster using their printing kit. 1pm-3pm. Admission: A £4.50, Con/C £3.50. 0191 334 2932, www.dur.ac.uk/palace.green Saturdays: 27 June, 11 July, 29 August Antiques Fair Red Lion, Front Street, Chester-le-Street Antiques enthusiast Brian Fairless brings a varied selection of items including silver, china, pottery, clocks, coins and angling. 9am-3.30pm. 50p.

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WHAT’S ON

Saturday 27 to Sunday 28 June The Big Appalachian Market Place, Durham and in local pubs Step This Way Appalachian dancers and the Bones Creek Band have invited 10 Appalachian dance teams and musicians from throughout the UK to take part in a weekend of music and dance in Durham. Showcasing old time American music and dance. www.stepthisway.org.uk Sunday 28 June 9 miles hard/long walk, Dawdon to Crimdon See your Durham coast at its best when the wildflowers and orchids are out. Ring 03000 268 131 to book your FREE place (places are limited for the return minibus back). 10.30am, approx 6 hours. No dogs. www.durhamheritagecoast.org Sunday 28 June With Love from Teesdale Bowlees Carpark Spend the day with artist Keith Palmer learning about landscape painting.

10am-4.30pm. £6, booking essential.

Natural England 01833 622 374.

Wednesday 1 July Pride & Prejudice Empire Theatre & Cinema, Consett Step back in time with Chapterhouse Theatre Company to meet Jane Austen’s most loveable heroine.

7.30pm. A £14, Con £12, F £42.

01207 218 171, www.leisureworks.net

Save the date: Saturday 11 July Durham Miners’ Gala 16-19 July, BRASS Check out page 3.

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What’s On

Thursday 2 July Durham Flower Club The Community Hall, Sherburn A Road to Discovery by Heather Curry.

2pm. Visitors welcome - £4. Annual subscription £25. 0191 383 0577.

Thursday 2 to Friday 3 July Hadaway Harry Gala Theatre, Durham A funny and poignant tribute about the life and times of Harry Clasper, the greatest ever North East sportsman.

Part of the Durham Miners Gala programme. 7.30pm (+2.30pm Friday).

A £10. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk Friday 3 July A CHOIR! A VOICE! Community choir concert Elvet Methodist Church, 8 Old Elvet, Durham An evening of well-known favourites!

8pm. Tickets at the door £10 (under 18 £6).

Saturday 4 July Medieval Day Scar Top, Barnard Castle Part of the town’s Richard III celebrations, Medieval music and re-enactments from 10am. Free. www.barnardcastletowncouncil.gov.uk Saturday 4 July Inspired by Hay Meadows Bowlees Visitor Centre Learn the techniques of painting in acrylics using palette knives.

10am-4pm. Booking Essential. £4.

01388 528 801, www.northpennines.org.uk/ Saturday 4 July Fancy Face Painting Botanic Garden Nature-inspired face painting. 11am4pm. Admission: A £4, Con £3, C £1.50. www.dur.ac.uk/botanic.garden

Saturday 4 July Den Building and Camp Fires Hardwick Park, Sedgefield Make your very own den and camp fire as a family. 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3pm. £8 per family. Advance booking required, 01740 621 505.

Saturday 4 to Friday 31 July Looking Back, Going Forward The Galilee Chapel, Durham Cathedral Durham Guild of Spinners, Weavers & Dyers demonstrate spinning and weaving with the chance for you to have a go. stoswalds@durhamguild.co.uk

Saturday 4 July ‘Stars and Stripes’ Annual Fete The New Victoria Centre, Howden-le-Wear Music from the Mighty Wurlitzer and the Super Perlee Street Organ. Teas, tours, stalls and games. 11am-2.30pm.

Free. 01388 762 467.

Saturday 4 July ‘If music be the food of love…’

St Brandon’s Church, Brancepeth An evening of music inspired by Shakespeare presented by Opera Nova as part of their Summer Concert Series. 7.30pm. £10 (over 60s £8).

01642 807 033, www.operanova.org.uk Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July Toy Fair Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon Trade tables, collectable toys, including model railways. 10am-5pm Free. 01388 777 999, www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion

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

Saturday 4 to Sunday 5 July Great Lumley Festival Festival of sports and culture lumleyfestival@gmail.com Sunday 5 July Bubble Run 2015 Hardwick Country Park, Sedgefield 5km of Frothy Fun in aid of Butterwick Hospice. Family friendly event. 11am. 01642 628 930, www.butterwick.org.uk/bubblerun Wednesday 8 July Jane Eyre: By Chapterhouse Theatre Company Gala Theatre, Durham One of the greatest romances of English literature. 7.30pm.

A £14, Con £12. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk Saturday 11 July to Sunday 25 October Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal The Bowes Museum The first exhibition in the UK to present a comprehensive display of the French fashion designer’s work and life. See page 8. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Wednesday 14 to Wednesday 22 July Knitted Bible Exhibition Barnard Castle Methodist Church, Scar Top Ever seen a knitted giraffe, whale or glass of wine? Exhibition of 33 amazing bible scenes. Mon-Fri 10am4pm and 6-8pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun noon-4pm. Free, donations welcome.

Thursday 16 July Ebchester WI The Community Centre, Ebchester Meets on the third Thursday at 1.15pm. Speaker Anthony Armstrong ‘Charles II, Earl Grey’. Strawberries and cream served.

Thursday 16 July Dunelm Flower Club Durham High School for Girls, Durham June Borrowdale from Worksop will give her demonstration of floral art titled “Spirit of Sherwood”. 7.30pm. Visitors welcome, £5.

a fabulously floral day out We’ve got four pairs of tickets to the Durham Flower Festival to give away, for the chance to win tell us which golden flower was famously celebrated in a poem by Wordsworth. .............................................................................

Name

Thursday 16 and Friday 17 July The Merry Widow Lanchester Methodist Church Lanchester and District Choral and Operatic Society present a costumed concert performance with soloists and orchestra. 7.15pm. £8. 01207 521 458.

Sunday 19 July River Ecology Killhope, North of England Lead Mining Museum Make dams and find river beasties.

1.30pm, £3 per child. 01388 537 505, www.killhope.org.uk Sunday 19 July Taste of Teesdale Festival Raby Castle Artisan food and drink from across the region. 10am-4pm. £6 per vehicle. www.tasteofteesdale.co.uk

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See page 2 for entry details.

Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August Durham Flower Festival Houghall, Durham City Wander by the fantastic horticultural trade and society exhibits. Enter one of the competition categories. Browse the specialist plants and sundries trade stands. Receive expert advice and information from the demonstrations and plant clinic.

10.30am-5pm. www.durhamflowerfestival.co.uk

Fake Festival tickets We’ve got a pair of adult tickets to the Fake Festival to give away, for the chance to win tell us the name of a Foo Fighter’s hit. ......................................................................

Saturday 8 August Chester-le-Street Fake Festival Riverside Park Three world-class tributes to the Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers & Blondie plus local supports - all inside a giant marquee with bar, food and outside entertainment zone. Book before July 8 to get a discounted price. www.fakefestivals.co.uk

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

Name Tel

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Address

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

Email

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See page 2 for entry details.

What’s On

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Join the thousands who have already signed up for e-billing.

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