Horden Together - Issue 6

CRT LAUNCHES COMMUNITY FRIDGE

Coalfields Regeneration Trust are excited to have opened a new community fridge that will be housed in their community asset, the CRT Horden Hub House. The fridge is a space that brings people together to eat, connect, learn new skills and reduce food waste.

Using the fridge, the local community can now share food, including surplus from supermarkets, local businesses, producers, households and gardens. The hub also provides free perishable goods that have been donated through the Neighbourly and FareShare scheme. This all helps to reduce food waste which is having a huge environmental impact around the globe.

The community fridge is freshly stocked and available from 10am, every Wednesday. If you would like to make use of the fridge or donate, please go along and visit the CRT Horden Hub House at Seventh Street, Horden, SR8 4LX.

DURHAM POLICE

VICTIM CARE & ADVICE SERVICE

HAVE YOU BEEN THE VICTIM OF AN ASSAULT, ROBBERY OR OTHER VIOLENT CRIME?

Support for victims - Our service specialises in providing support for anyone who has been affected by crime, helping them to cope, recover and thrive. If you have been the victim of a crime and need support, then contact our service.

The Victim Care and Advice Service can be contacted on 0800 138 2020 or contact us using our website www.victimcareandadviceservice.uk

PAPA JOHNS PLATE

Our women’s rugby team, the Valkyries, have reached a national semi-final! Having beaten two teams in the league above to get there the ladies would love your support. On the 24th March they will entertain Chester Devas in the semi final of the Papa John’s Intermediate Plate. Should the ladies be successful the final will be played at Sixways in Worcester, home to premiership side Worcester Warriors. The women would love your support at Eden Park as they keep the Horden flag flying. KO 2.30pm Eden Park, Eden Lane, Peterlee.

Horden lad, Robert Lodge who turns 17 in May, is looking for help to complete a project overseas, bringing safe water to an isolated village on the Burmese border.

Robert who is in training to become a retained firefighter, hopes to travel to Thailand this summer, far from the tourist resorts, he’ll be in the rainforest environment helping build much needed infrastructure to provide safe water. The Karen Hill Tribe Trust www.karenhilltribes.org.uk support remote villages who live a very hand to mouth life, growing their own rice to feed the community.

The project is close to the heart of Robert’s mam as she had the same opportunity 26 years ago. We caught up with Robert’s mam to find out more. “We went in the summer of 1998 and I remember being blown away that it was the world cup final in France and we didn’t even know who was in the final! These villages really are cut off from everything, no telly, no radio and the reason we were there, no running water. I remember the moment we turned the taps on for the first time and the children’s faces as they saw clean fresh running water for the first time will live with me forever. The fact Robert has the chance to take part in the same project is amazing, that there are still places without clean running water is unbelievable in this day and age. Taking part in this project at a young age taught me so much, about community and making a difference. If anyone in Horden can support Robert or works for a company that can help sponsor him to get him there, we’d really appreciate the support”.

You can donate by scanning the QR Code

HORDEN CALENDAR PICTURE OF SUCCESS!

In January 2023, Horden Residents Association (HRA) announced news of an exciting new project to raise the profile of, and acknowledge, the wonderful environment around and about us in Horden. People were asked to submit photographs each month of scenes in the village. These would be judged at a public event later in the year with the winning entries used to produce a 2024 calendar.

Horden Together caught up with the Chair of HRA who said “the response was magnificent with over 220 photos submitted. The entries were displayed in the Social Welfare Centre at a public judging event on 14th September. Over 190 people voted for their favourite pictures and front cover”.

“I had applied for a Horden Community Activator Grant from Horden Together, in partnership with East Durham Trust, to cover production of the calendars. We were thrilled to learn the application had been successful, enabling us to donate the monies raised from the sale of the calendars to Horden Banner Group. The calendar was launched at the HRA meeting in November and sold out on the night”.

Due to the sell out success HRA will be producing a 2025 calendar so get out there and take some wonderful images of Horden! Please email entries to Nancy Ganem Bond-Webster at nancygbw@gmail.com with your name and month the photograph was taken. Any queries can also be directed to this email address.

WELCOME

The sixth edition of Horden Together is being introduced by Natalie Glaister, Centre Manager at the Roseby Road Wellbeing Centre.

I have worked here since 2015, as a local resident myself I’m so proud of the services that we offer at the centre for our residents. Roseby Road is a vibrant multi-purpose community organisation, providing a wide range of services and opportunities for local people of all ages – from activities that cater for young to senior members, people with long-term health conditions, training groups, volunteering and craft activities. We provide a central hub for the local community of East Durham and in particular residents of Horden. One thing I love at the centre is our Tuesday Lunch Club, we welcome the public to join us for a chin wag and a delicious, healthy 3 course meal cooked by our amazing volunteers at a low cost.

Wednesday, we have our afternoon coffee and bingo session ran by Freda, which is a great way of meeting new people and having a bit of fun!

We work closely with local business like the NHS, Home Group and Slimming World; providing room hire and refreshments to attendees.

Through our relationships with other community organisations, such as Horden Together, we have been able to widen our centres presence and footprint in the area resulting in more members joining every month. On that note, please feel free to drop by for a chat about the activities we offer or log on to social media to see our Facebook page.

We look forward to meeting you all!!

GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE?

This newspaper is for and about you - the people of Horden. We need your help and input to make sure it reflects and grows with the needs of our community. Is there something you’d like to share - a news story, a regular activity, an event, a picture? Get in touch and we’ll do our best to get it featured. Email Horden.together@durham.gov.uk

PLEASE NOTE: All information has been given in good faith, please check with service providers for up-to-date details of events and offers. All images in this newspaper have been given by organisation partners in Horden Together with consent in the transfer of these images to us. Each organisation is the data controller of these images. Consent has been given in ‘all purpose and perpetuity’ to the photograph provider and sits with the original photographer or organisation consenting to share these images with Horden Together.

with Creative Youth Opportunities (based at Park House in Horden) on a year long project aimed at increasing kindness in our community … but in fact the project started long before that!

During the first covid lockdown, the group that was then based at Horden Youth and Community Centre, kept their sessions alive through online meet-ups and the staff delivering doorstep packs and activities to the young people… during this time the group decided that it would be nice to spread a little kindness and they made a plan to deliver packs to older people in the community… and Project Kindness was born! The young people expected to spread kindness and make others happy but as they evaluated the project they realised that carrying out acts of kindness made them feel happy too. This spurred them on to seek more funding to hand out more packs… again to older people in the community, then to the children at Cotsford Primary school… the group found the more acts of kindness they did, the more the kindness and in turn the happiness spread.

In September 2022 the group had moved to Horden Social Welfare Centre with plans to move into Park House on the horizon. They heard about a lady called Kelly Williams, through the power of social media, who was embarking on a kindness trip around the country where she would meet people, spread kindness and set up some kindness benches as places for the community to chat… the group made Horden one of Kelly’s first stop-offs and inspired by her vision and their own experiences they took on some social action work… first funded by #Iwill

ARTS CAFÉ UPDATE

IN HORDEN

they held afternoon teas in the Social Welfare Centre and in the Roseby Road Centre and created a series of postcards with a graphic designer with messages around making Horden a nicer, kinder place to live.

Following the success of this project Creative Youth Opportunities went on the secure funding from BBC Children in Need and the past year of kindness activities have been made possible with thanks to this funding.

Launched with an amazing community afternoon tea, that saw 60 members of the community served and entertained by local young people and a vintage singer they booked, since then the group have been working hard to develop their kindness plans and on February 19th this year they launched their Horden Kindness Movement.

The group want their acts of kindness to spread throughout Horden and for the ‘movement’ to be the catalyst that starts all members of the community being a little kinder to each other and a lot kinder to the village. Their plan to kick-start kindness is being driven by the challenge the group set themselves and the community… to carry out 6807 acts of kindness – the equivalent of one act for each resident of Horden. (source 2021 census)

The Kindness Movement launched Monday 19th February when the young people planned a craft sessions for children and an afternoon tea for adults in the community. They also visited to Langley Park Care Home where they delivered a piece of artwork, cake and gifts for the residents. You might

The latest exciting exhibition in the Arts Café opened this week, adding to its growing programme of exhibitions, events and workshops. Fantasy Turns to Reality is now open in the Arts Café, weekdays, 9am - 4.30pm, every week day until 2nd April. This exhibition features graphic art prints from David Scott, a designer and artist originally from Peterlee.

Drawing on influences such as 90s dance music & nightlife culture, the thrill and adrenaline of the fair ground, and the crash back to reality of life, David’s work champions acidic, fluorescent and lurid colours coupled with slogan centric typography, and it can all be found in his Fantasy Turns to Reality, his collaboration with No More Nowt. Showcasing a number of posters created during the lockdown eras, with a few ‘No More Nowt’ remix editions (created especially for the Arts Café), Fantasy Turns To Reality has one foot in a nostalgic past and another Nike Air Max looking towards a ‘what if’ future.

Additionally, participants will join artist Bethany Stead for A Class Act, a hands-on ceramic sculpture workshop series themed around ideas of class and socio-economic barriers. Bethany will deliver 6 workshop sessions exploring ceramic sculpture, ceramic relief and glazing techniques to produce a collaborative large-scale frieze artwork. Keep your eyes peeled for updates and an announcement for an exhibition soon!

If you would like to find out more information about what’s happening in the Arts Café, follow @nomorenowt on Facebook and Instagram, check their website: www.nomorenowt.org, or email ellen@nomorenowt.org No More Nowt is a Creative People and Places programme based in Peterlee, engaging people across County Durham to choose, create and take part in creative experiences where they live in ways that last.

EASINGTON WELLBEING & RECOVERY SERVICE

Homegroup fun and vibrant social groups are jam packed with weekly activities, courses, arts & crafts, guest speakers, free refreshments, advice & guidance, games and outdoor activities.

The Horden group runs every Thursday from 12.30pm -

3.30pm at Roseby Road Wellbeing Centre.

Adhoc support is also available to attendees for support around attending appointments and personal goals. Homegroup also deliver the Home Achievement Programme (HAP) which is an accredited learning and development programme.

The HAP group runs every Wednesday from 10am - 12pm at Horden Hub House.

HORDEN ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

17yrs Free

Danielle Parker School of Singing and Performance

5.30pm - 6.30pm Baby Ballet and Tap 2yrs + £4.50 6pm - 7pm Drama Class/ Audition Prep 6yrs + £4

Park House 6pm - 7.30pm Creative Youth Opportunities THURSDAYS

Salvation Army 9.15am - 11am Playgroup (term time only) Toddlers £2

Peterlee & Horden Rugby Club

Evening contact facebook page for times

Martial Arts Centre 4.30pm - 5pm Tiny Dragons 3 - 4yrs fee 5pm - 5.30pm Mini Dragons 4 - 6yrs fee 5.30pm - 6.15pm Chinese Taekwon-Do 6yrs + fee Horden Social

6pm - 8pm Girl Guides fee Army Cadets, Sunderland Rd 7pm - 9pm Army Cadets 12 - 18yrs fee

Martial Arts Centre 6pm - 7pm Childrens Kickboxing fee Horden Centennial Centre

6.30pm - 7.30pm Horden Ju-Jitsu Club fee SATURDAYS

Danielle Parker School of Singing and Performance

9am - 10am Performing Arts - Little Big Stars 3 - 6yrs fee 10am - 11.15am Performing Arts - Infants 7 - 9yrs fee 11.15am - 12.45pm Performing ArtsJuniors 10yrs + fee 1.15pm - 2.15pm Dance Tech Class fee

DAY TO DAY

MONDAYS

At-a-glance venue details and weekly activities for adults

Social Welfare Centre 9.30am - 11.30am Welcome Space – access to laptops, internet, snacks, and refreshments

FREE

2pm - 4pm Patchwork Group Fee

7pm - 9pm Andy’s Man Club – warm space, tea/coffee biscuitsMen’s mental health

Horden Youth & Community Centre 9.30am - 10.15am Seated Exercise FREE 10am - 1pm Warm Space FREE

12.30pm - 2.30pm Snowdrops (Breast Cancer Support) - second Monday of the month

Allotments (Home Group) 11.30am - 3pm Weekly Allotment Groupcontact Jen Davis07586 722067

Salvation

WEDNESDAYS

Hub House CRT 9.30am - 10.30am County Councillor Drop in (9.30-10.30am) First Wednesday of the month

10am - 12noon Minds Active Together Residents Group FREE

10am - 12noon Home Achievement Programme

6pm - 8pm Crochet Group and Build Guild - free cuppa

Salvation Army 6.30pm - 8.30pm Mally’s Man Group - warm space, tea/coffee biscuits –Men’s mental health

£1

Centennial Centre 11.30am - 5.30pm Welcome Space - free cuppa, snacks and chat FREE

Industrial

Seaview

12.30pm - 2pm Café and Entertainment £1.50

FREE East Durham

The Ark 10am - 12noon Coffee Morning –open to all Donation

Army 11am - 1pm Drop in £3.50 Centennial Centre 1 - 3pm Bingo and Domino Club – snack and hot drink provided 7.30pm - 8.30pm Horden Ju-Jitsu Club –Adults Fee TUESDAYS Roseby Road Wellbeing Centre 4.30pm & 6pm Slimming World 11.45am - 1pm 3 course lunch and friendship group £6 Salvation Army 6pm - 7pm Cameo Club – friendship group – tea and coffee £1 7.15pm - 9pm Band Practice Social Welfare Centre 9.30am – 11.30am Welcome Space – access to laptops, internet, snacks, and refreshments FREE Horden Youth & Community Centre 10am - 12 noon Clippy Mat Craft Group £2 10am - 12 noon Art Group £2 6pm - 7pm Pilates £5 Hub House CRT 2pm-3pm Humankind - SelfManagement Recovery Training (SMART) Recovery Group FREE Please check with venue in case of any changes Food ANDYSMANCLUB www.andysmanclub.co.uk THE ARK Sunderland Rd, Horden, SR8 4PF www.facebook.com/thearkhorden/ | 07891 401 638 COUNTY DURHAM DRUG & ALCOHOL RECOVERY SERVICE www.codurhamdrugalcoholrecovery.co.uk | 03000 266 666 ROSEBY ROAD WELLBEING CENTRE Roseby Rd, Horden, SR8 4RJ | 0191 5181160 enquiries@jcct.org.uk EAST DURHAM PARTNERSHIP Sea View Industrial Estate, Horden, SR8 4TQ 0191 586 8493 VENUE AND ORGANISATION DETAILS Image: Creative Youth Opportunities

Horden Youth & Wellbeing

Centre 12 - 1.30pm Community Café £3 11am - 1pm NEfirst Credit Union drop in Allotments (Home Group) 9.30am - 12pm Weekly Allotment Group –contact Jen Davis – 07586 722067

Centre 1.30pm - 3pm BINGO £2

THURSDAYS

The Ark 7 - 8pm Connect Group

Hub House CRT 1pm - 3pm Digital Drop In 1pm - 3pm Job Club Group

1.30pm - 3pm Walk Durham Walking Group - Join us for a walk and talk session ran by fantastic, trained volunteers from Walk Durham. Cuppa on completion.

FREE

FRIDAYS

Roseby Road 9.30am - 11.30am Care with a CuppaFortnightly from 26th Jan

Salvation Army 10am - 12noon Coffee Shop Drop In –Bacon Sandwich and Cuppa £1.50

Salvation Army 10am - 12noon Welcome Spacerefreshments FREE

7.45pm - 8.45pm Alcoholic Anonymous Group

Roseby Road Wellbeing Centre 1.30 - 3.30pm Home Group - Preventing isolation. Promoting good health and Mental wellbeing

Social Welfare Centre 1pm - 3pm CISWO Ladies Group Fee

6pm - 8pm Horden Parish Council Meeting – first Thursday of the month

6pm - 7.30pm Horden Residents Association - second Thursday of the month

FREE

FREE

Horden Youth & Community Centre 10am - 1pm Welfare Champion – benefit advice and signposting FREE

10.30am - 2.30pm Engraving FREE

1pm - 3pm 4ever My Child - Grieving Parents Support Group FREE

2pm - 2.45pm Dancercise FREE

Hub House CRT 10am - 12noon Homestay Drop inresidents can gain support on a variety of issues including housing, mental health support, debt, benefits and signposting

Horden Youth & Community Centre 10am - 12noon Horden Carers – second Friday of the month 12.15pm - 2.45pm Fab Club – 60 - 90 years ladies group Fee

Move County Durham 1.30pm - 2.30pm Gentle Walking Group –meet at Welfare Park gates (Horden Social Welfare Centre car park)

FREE

The Ark 3.30pm - 6pm Welcome Space – hot food provided FREE

Horden Library 3pm – 4pm Get Creative – adults FREE

Horden Centennial Centre 7.30pm - 8.30pm Horden Ju-Jitsu Club –adults Fee

HCWFC 3 - 5pm Football home fixtures £5

Horden Library 10.30am - 12.30pm Reading Group FREE

Centennial Centre 11am - 12.30pm Coffee Morning – Funded by volunteers mainly for congregation

54 Seventh St, Horden, SR8 4LX | 0191 447 3340

www.wellbeingforlife.net | 0800 8766887

www.durhammentalwellbeingalliance.org | 0300 304 5527

Dene St, Horden, SR8 4JY

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/horden | 0191 586 3208

Community

Yoden Road, SR8 5DP www.eastdurhamtrust.org.uk | 0191 5693511

Eden St, Horden, SR8 4LH www.hycc.org | 0191 586 3088

Seventh St, Horden, SR8 4LX

www.facebook.com/hordencentennialcentre/ 0191 587 3123

Seventh St, Horden, SR8 4LX | 0191 518 0823

ACTIVE MINDS TOGETHERNEW HORDEN GROUP

Horden Together caught up with Minds Active Together, a new residents group, that meet at Horden Hub House every Wednesday 10am - 12.

The group were formerly known as East Durham Active Men but folded because of Covid restrictions.

A member of the group, Carl, told us the group are hoping to take part in community projects, such as allotment and garden work, as well as some indoor activity.

Carl said, “this group has been put together to promote and support an active mind and body by creating a welcoming atmosphere to encourage conversation and getting outdoors to help in the community”.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in joining you can contact the group facebook page or pop down to the CRT Horden-Hub House on a Wednesday morning.

NEW TEAM MEMBER AT HORDEN TOGETHER

Hi readers, I’m Olly Cockrill and I’m the new Partnership Assistant at Horden Together. I am from Darlington and have recently moved back there after graduating from university in December. Though I have been spending my first few weeks in my new role learning about Horden and meeting as many residents as possible to be able to learn about the area and understand the work that is being done across the village. Outside of work, I spend my time playing a variety of sports, reading, watching films (cheesy 80s action flicks are my favourite), and going to live music events.

I’m looking forward to meeting more of you and learning more about this village and its important heritage!

Horden Community Welfare Football Club currently have six Junior Teams within the Junior Academy set-up. Comprising of an Under 7’s, Under 8’s, Under 9’s, two Under 10’s teams and an U13’s team with a membership approaching 80 school aged children. Due to adverse weather conditions and waterlogging on Welfare Park training field, training sessions have moved to an indoor facility at Easington Academy School and the 3G artificial pitch at East Durham College.

Training sessions take place every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening for the respective age groups. It is envisaged HCWFC will return to the training field when the weather improves and the return of lighter evenings.

The Junior Academy training and coaching sessions are delivered by volunteer FA Level 1 qualified coaches with support from volunteer sessional support workers. HCWFC are offering all volunteers the opportunity to obtain their FA Level 1 coaching

qualification, so if you are interested in joining as a volunteer or creating a new Junior Team then please do not hesitate in contact the club.

The club are hoping to increase the Junior Academy membership in 2024/25 to over 100 school aged children, and create additional junior teams, especially a girls’ team.

As a football club and charity, we are continually on the lookout for additional volunteer coaches, sessional support workers etc. If you are interested in becoming involved in the work, we do within our community then please do not hesitate in contacting us:

Horden Community Welfare Football Club (men’s section): rpcuthbert74@gmail.com

Horden Community Welfare Football Club (women’s section): hordencwwomen@gmail.com

Horden Community Welfare Football Club (Junior section): Hordencwu12@gmail.com

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY DROP-IN SESSIONS FOR PARENTS AND CARERS

Educational psychologists help children and young people with a wide range of different needs, such as, learning, communication and language, social and emotionalwellbeing, practical skills or being independent. They can help if, for example:

• You are worried your child isn’t talking enough.

• You struggle to know what is best to do when your child has a ‘tantrum’.

• You’ve noticed your child doesn’t play with other children much.

• Your child is always on the go and doesn’t sit still for any activity.

• Your child really struggles to be apart from you. If you’re concerned about your child, pop in to one the drop-in sessions, where one of the friendly team can offer advice, talk through your concerns and help you plan what to do next.

Drop-ins are running at Horden Family Hub the following days: 20 March 2024, 9.30am to 11am 3 July 2024, 2pm to 3.30pm

LIBRARIES ARE FOR EVERYONE.

Durham County Council have 39 libraries across County Durham, including Horden Library on Sunderland Road and Peterlee Library inside Peterlee Leisure Centre. Libraries are free to join, and books are free to borrow. Library members can also use the computers free of charge. Warm and welcoming spaces also operate during the following hours:

Horden: Mon 9:30-5pm; Fri 9:30-7pm; Sat 9:30-12:30pm.

Peterlee: Mon 10-7pm; Tues 10-7pm; Thurs 10-6pm; Fri 10-5pm; Sat 9:30-12:30pm.

For a full list of all libraries and their opening hours, please visit www.durham.gov.uk/libraries Libraries also have lots of free events and activities, including toddler rhyme times, school holiday activities, craft groups for adults, reading groups, local history groups and more. Contact your local library for more information or follow on Facebook: #CountyDurhamLibraries

FEED UPDATE

East Durham Trust saw one of the busiest winters for crisis support with over 4000 households receiving support across East Durham since October with over 9000 residents supported with food and energy. None of this would have been possible without the generous donations from local businesses, schools and residents. In December alone the trust received donations from 14 local residents, 10 local businesses, 9 schools and colleges, 7 church groups, 6 charities and 3 sports clubs. With cash donations of over £3000 and thousands of items of food donations East Durham Trust were able to support thousands of people in need over the Christmas period. The Trust would like to thank each and every person, organisation and business who donated to the foodbank. This has made a genuine impact on the lives of people across East Durham.

These donations alongside the Household Support Fund from Durham County Council provide vital support for people in need across East Durham, including those living in Peterlee.

With the continued cost of living crisis East Durham Trust need more donations. These can be cash donations either in person at Community House on Yoden Road in Peterlee or via the PayPal Giving link on the East Durham Trust website or physical food donations of the items needed by the foodbank. Even the smallest of donations can make the biggest difference in people’s lives.

www.eastdurhamtrust.org.uk

PARTNERSHIP EVENT ENCOURAGES MENTAL HEALTH DISCUSSIONS FOR TIME TO TALK DAY

Every year the Time To Talk (TTT) Day campaign takes place on the first Thursday of February. This year, Time To Talk Day took place on Thursday 1st February and the theme for the campaign was based on the idea that we often say we are fine, even when we aren’t, to avoid talking about our mental wellbeing.

Horden Together teamed up with residents and partners including Durham Stamp It

Out, Public Health, Horden Walking Group, CRT Horden Hub House and PCP to name a few for a Walk ‘n’ Talk Event followed by a cuppa and chat with our Stamp It Out Mugs! We would like to say a huge thank you to all of our partners for getting involved with Time To Talk Day, and helping us break down the stigma around talking about our feelings, emotions and mental health.

Run Peterlee food drive run to donate food to the foodbank

THE LITTLE VILLAGE THAT COULD

BY HORDEN RESIDENT, PAULA WOOD

The rediscovery and restoration of an old steam engine from Horden colliery captured our attention a few years ago. It was out of commission and in a poor state when discovered and saved. Someone had seen the value in it, even though it was in a very battered way after suffering collision damage when working for the National Coal Board. Many people wrote it off as a no hoper.

It reminded me of Horden itself, battered and bruised but still having value and many of us can see the potential in our village.

The 2023 report Healthy Happy Places made for sobering reading in parts, revealing that the people of Horden have greater risks relating to our health, happiness and security when compared to both our local area and the rest of England.

Importantly, the report also showed how we feel about living in the village, how we feel (the good and the bad) about the place and our hopes for the future. It also mentions that we need a citizen-led approach, which ‘recognises the gifts, skills and passions that individuals have to offer the community’ and highlights ‘the importance of relationships between people to come together and influence change’.

We know the history of Horden, the reasons for its struggles are many and complex, no one single thing or idea can improve life in the village, but it seems that in uncertain times our chances of success improve when we come together. Whatever our differences we all want to lead happy safe lives, full of hope for ourselves and the next generation and that makes us the same.

When we work with each other, we can make changes for the good of the village and ourselves.

The old steam engine is now again a working engine and one of the largest remaining artefacts from the colliery, hopefully, in time, the village can be restored to its former self with a united community.

The recent report suggested villagers leading the way for change and with that in mind we are asking do you have any ideas of how we could bring the village together? Please email Horden Together at Horden.Together@durham.gov.uk

You can access the Heart and Hopes of Horden Report by using the QR Code opposite:

SITTING WITH THE SEASONS

BY RESIDENT PAULA WOOD

The cold weather is still with us and after all the recent storms and it’s hard to imagine a time when there was heat in the sun and the flowers were in bloom.

January and February are months that can challenge even the keenest of gardeners, it can be a time for us to seek the familiar warmth of home. There is a joy to sitting in the cosy heart of your home and enjoy planning your next growing season but there is also satisfaction in enjoying fresh air in the garden. Imperceptibly the days have been getting longer and from the beginning to the end of February we’ll have almost two hours of extra daylight, meaning lighter mornings and longer evenings. As the days get longer flowers begin to appear, watch out for Iris, Snowdrops and Crocus. In the later part of February, the Daffodil begins to push up and display its green leaves ready to put on a beautiful show. It’s surely one of the most welcome sights to see and heralds the spring and the warmer weather to come.

For those who can brave the wind and cold there are still jobs to do in the garden this time of year, tools and pots can be cleaned and prepared for use in the spring and some trees can be pruned, branches and old leaves can be left to one side and become a home for beneficial insects and mammals alike, such as ladybirds and hedgehogs. For those of us seeking the comforts of home

there is an opportunity to sit with a cup of tea and see the birds in the garden, watch out for feathered winter visitors such as the Blue Tits and Robins, being indoors also gives us a chance to sort out seeds for the coming growing season.

Not all of us have gardens although it can be a surprise to discover that even a few potted plants can encourage birds and insects to a space, and even growing inside on the windowsill can be rewarding. No matter your garden situation or experience there are opportunities to get your hands dirty and get gardening in the village.

We have allotment sites in Horden, and although some have waiting lists, it is always worth putting your name down for the future. If you are interested in having a go there is a community allotment in Third Street, open to everyone, experienced gardeners or first timers, there’s always something to do and learn, just stop by and you’ll be welcomed.

Third Street Allotment is open every Monday 11:30am to 3pm and Wednesday 9:30am to 12. Alternatively, you can contact Jen on 07586722067 for more details.

image: Kate Rider

NEIGHBOURHOOD WARDEN REPORT

Neighbourhood Wardens talk Community Protection Notices

and the stages involved:

1. COMMUNITY PROTECTION WARNING

A written warning, known as a Community Protection Warning (CPW) will be issued, outlining what action is required within a set time. This is an opportunity to modify behaviour without any formal sanctions being taken.

2. COMMUNITY PROTECTION NOTICE

If there is a failure to take the actions outlined in the Community Protection Warning, a Community Protection Notice (CPN) can be issued. The CPN will give details of what actions are required within a set time. Failure to comply with the CPN may result in sanctions being taken.

3. BREACH OF COMMUNITY PROTECTION NOTICE

Failure to comply with a Community Protection Notice is a criminal offence.

HORDEN PROSECUTIONS:

Two cases were heard 5 December 2023 for failure to comply with a Community Protection Notice in relation to accumulated waste in yards and gardens. Both Defendants were not in attendance and were not legally represented.

The Magistrate dealt with the matters as follows:

Case 1 - Found guilty, fines and costs totalling £764.

Case 2 - Found guilty, fines and costs totalling £839.

HORDEN ENFORCEMENT:

A total of 98 legal notices were served in Horden for the period 1 Nov 2023 – 20 Feb 2024 including:

Notices served

17 Community Protection Warnings issued for Untidy Yards and Gardens.

14 Community Protection Notices issued for Untidy Yards and Gardens.

38 Section 79 Public Health Act Notices issued for Noxious Waste Accumulations.

29 Section 4 Prevention of Damage by Pests Notices issued to remove harbourage for rats.

CALLING ALL YOUNG POETS

Don’t miss this chance to showcase your poetic talent and win fantastic prizes!

To celebrate World Poetry Day, Horden Together are encouraging young people, aged under 16 years, to take part in a poetry challenge.

‘Horden Here and Now’ asks what would you want future generations to remember about your experience of being a young person in Horden today? This challenge aims to inspire young writers to create poems about what youth culture looks and feels like. The top three entries will be featured in Horden Library and the Horden Together Newspaper, and the authors will receive a prize. Poems can be written or typed and there’s no word limit.

You can submit your entry the following ways:

• email your entry to horden.together@durham.gov.uk

• post or hand deliver to Horden Together, Horden Social Welfare Centre, Seventh Street, Horden, SR8 4LX.

• send it via messenger to our facebook page ‘Horden Together’.

Terms and Conditions:

Entrants must be under 16 years of age. The closing date for entries is 10 May 2024. Entries entered after this date will not be considered by the judges. Each entrant may submit only one poem. Each poem must be the entrant’s own work.

Illegal lenders are preying on vulnerable members of our communities, but you can help put an end to this crime.

People in the community who loan money out to individuals and then charge massive rates to pay it back are LOAN SHARKS –NOT FRIENDS.

Loan sharks are a growing problem in your community.

Today, in Horden, many people who borrow money from a Loan Shark are now being threatened and trapped into endless repayments.

You may be concerned about a loved one who is struggling to pay off a debt.

No paperwork, threats and a debt that keeps growing? Don’t ignore the warning signs that this could be loan shark activity.

Shame and fear hold people in debt to loan sharks, and it is estimated that more than one million people are in debt to loan sharks in the UK.

The sooner we can identify and disrupt the loan sharks, the better chance we have at stopping them.

You can help keep your loved ones and community safe by reporting illegal money lenders.

The team can provide confidential advice and support.

Call 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk

NEW VOLUNTEERING PROJECT LAUNCHED!

East Durham Trust has received funding for an exciting new project to encourage and support volunteering in our area. This innovative project will see people given the chance to make a difference right where they live, as part of the Know Your Neighbourhood initiative. Rox Nicholl is the new Community and Volunteer Development Officer, in a role that is all about making it as easy as possible for you to find ways to help out in your local community.

Even things that feel really small can make a really big difference. Getting shopping for elderly neighbours, helping at Food Banks, planting trees, painting walls, looking after stray cats, making and answering phone calls and being there for all kinds of important moments in people’s lives, the possibilities are literally, endless. There are so many amazing opportunities to help others and give yourself a boost!

Did you know?

• There’s a volunteering opportunity out there for everyone - whatever your age or ability!

• Although volunteers aren’t paid, you may be able to claim back expenses such as bus fares.

• If you claim benefits, you can still volunteer - we will check and make sure you stay within the rules.

• Yes, some roles require special checks, but actually, it’s not as common as you might think. DBS checks are only needed for certain roles (normally dealing with vulnerable people), and the check is just about keeping people safe. (So that thing that may have happened when you were a teenager may not be a problem - but we can have a chat about it if you’re worried.)

• Volunteering doesn’t need to be a big commitment - you can help out in a way that fits in with you.

• We provide proper support, induction and training, and it’s easy enough to take a break if you want.

If you think you would like to have a chat about starting to volunteer, or if you volunteered in the past and are thinking of doing it again, please drop Rox an email on Rox.Nicholl@eastdurhamtrust.org.uk or phone (0191) 5693511.