In&Around July 2020

Issue 180 - July 2020

WHAT’S INSIDE

Your favourite PRICELESS community magazine

Featured Articles 30

Raby Castle to be extensively renovated

Places to go: Rochdale

42

Raby Castle set for major revamp

34

Marketing in tough times

LOCAL JOBS COMPETITIONS LOCAL EVENTS We’re doing our part, are you?

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ISSUE 180 July 2020

READ ONLINE AT: www.inandaroundmag.co.uk

Welcome to the July issue of IN&AROUND! Yes, your favourite free community magazine is back, and as Durham, Chester-le-Street and Derwentside gradually emerge from the coronavirus lockdown, we’re pleased to be able to bring you a new helping of features and articles.

Those include our returning ‘What’s on’ listings section on page 46, albeit with a focus on online events as the region’s brick-and-mortar arts and entertainment venues still wait to reopen.

But if – like many of us here at IN&AROUND – you’re itching to at least start plotting out all of the places you might wish to explore this summer and beyond, our regular contributor Alex Nelson’s ‘Places to Go’ column on page 34 may be of interest. This month, he’s focusing on Rochdale in Greater Manchester.

Looking forward, though, many of us will be eager to make the most of attractions closer to home, once their doors swing open again. The medieval Raby Castle is one of our region’s true architectural treasures, so the major renovation plans for the Grade I listed structure (page 30) are more than a little exciting.

Bye for now, and we wish you a happy and healthy July!

Contents 08, 18, 30

Local News Places To Go

34

What’s on

46

Why Advertise?

When it comes to growing your business, promotion is everything. At IN&AROUND Magazine, we offer a range of advertising packages that put your brand in front of thousands of potential customers.

Our free magazine is delivered to over 20,000 homes and businesses across Chester-le-Street, Derwentside and Durham every month – and our readership continues to grow. With solutions to suit all budgets and requirements, from quarter pages to front page ads, we can help you make an impact. What’s more, with every order, we offer a complimentary design service to ensure that your messages are delivered in the most attractive and eye-catching manner possible.

Whether you’re launching a new product, running a promotion or would like to find out more about how IN&AROUND can work for you, call us on 0191 388 2844.

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THE TEAM

0191 388 2698 | hello@jakhq.com DIRECTORS Benjamin Kerry Joe Crooks MEDIA SALES Val Atkinson DESIGNER Tony Yip ACCOUNTS Victoria Scott

COPYWRITERS Gavin Lenaghan Craig Lenaghan CONTRIBUTORS Alex Nelson Places to Go

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COMPETITIONS Congratulations to the previous competition winners, all winners have been notified Winners will be selected at random.

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IN&AROUND MAGAZINE Unit 4, Station Road, Chester-le-Street DH3 3DY T: 0191 388 2844

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New holiday lodge park for people with disabilities to be built near Consett Hexham-based planning consultancy Hedley Planning Services has submitted exciting plans for a new holiday lodge park and farm experience centre to be built just outside Consett. The proposed development is intended to help ease difficulties of people with disabilities.

“As planners, we want to see the creation of exciting and rewarding schemes in the North East region that will leave a long-lasting legacy.

Woodlands Park Farm will undoubtedly have a significant impact for years to come.”

In England and Wales, a sixth of people have activity-limiting health issues or disabilities, The facility will be sited at Woodlands Park Farm while it is estimated that 14% of pupils in County in the County Durham hamlet of Knitsey and Durham’s educational system have special feature a range of amenities, including sensory education and disability needs. rooms and indoor play areas. Visitors will also be able to interact with farm animals, a practice Therefore, it is undoubtedly heartening news which research has suggested is especially that the accessible lodges outlined in the plans beneficial for people with special needs. will allow for not only bedrooms with up to four rooms but also dedicated car parking spaces The proposals call for up to 37 holiday lodges, accessible to people with mobility problems. including many built to accommodate families of which a member has special educational Woodlands Park Farm’s Ian Adamson expressed needs and disabilities (SEND). There are also his delight “that we have submitted a planning plans for an agricultural-style barn comprising application to bring our dream one step closer an art and craft room, a cafe and accessible to reality.” toilets.

He added: “We have a 12-year-old grandson Exterior parts of the site will let visitors interact with unique special needs and have seen at with farm animals, with a petting area reserved first hand how his challenging behaviour can be for smaller animals. If the current plans go modified by close contact with the animals on through, a nature trail will be added to existing our farm. woodland, while a 50-space car park and a “Our aim is to provide a quiet and restful drop-off/pick-up area for coaches will also be environment, where families can enjoy the constructed. beautiful countryside we have in the Vale of Hedley Planning Services director Joe Ridgeon Durham, no matter what the weather may enthused: “This is an exciting development that bring.” will contribute significantly to the wellbeing and life experience of hundreds of disadvantaged It is thought that a planning decision on these proposals will be reached in August 2020. and disabled people from across the region.

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Business Spotlight:

eso group

Who are ESO Group, how long have you been in business, and what are your primary goals?

In an extremely competitive industry the personal touch has been lost. As the company director I still involve myself with all clients within ESO Group and ESO Group is still in its first year of trading, although manage their circumstances accordingly. Every it is made up of staff who have been working in client has my direct contact details, which I am the industry for a substantial amount of time. Our available on 24/7, providing maximum support for main goal is to bring what experience we have when they need it most. across different sectors to one place, so a client has the best chance of receiving every saving option in How do you decide which renewable energy relation to energy costs. solutions will work for different clients?

What sort of process do you go through when auditing a client’s energy or water usage circumstances?

With regards to energy, we confirm the meter type and how much energy is being consumed and at what rate. This gives us a basic understanding of the current set up and is enough to indicate what products will reduce usage. If we have enough reason, we work with current and previous suppliers to collect past data usage. We calculate what has been consumed/spent against what savings could be produced via a new contract and/or renewable system implementation. Reports are then produced to present our findings. We are always keen to go on site visits to collect further data and discuss any options in more depth. However, how we complete the audit is always tailor-made to suit the client this is our biggest priority.

Are there any particular business sectors you specialise in, or could any business contact ESO Group for energy saving solutions?

We have a totally open door policy with any company. Businesses of all sizes are welcome to get in touch for assistance. We do manage a lot of Half Hourly meter and multi-site accounts due to the complexity of account management these clients require.

Why do businesses choose to work with you, over your competitors? What does your service involve in terms of client account management?

A clients’ current and historic energy data usage is the leading factor in this. When we establish this level and for what fuel, we can conduct an investigation from there. A lot of work goes into recommending an energy solution as we leave no stone unturned. We accurately calculate a clients’ current energy spend against any solution that we recommend, so you can see first-hand the real potential savings.

What are the most common things you come across that businesses in particular don’t understand about how to reduce energy costs?

I would say the benefits of choosing the best time to extend contracts. Just because you are in a contract does not mean you should leave it to your renewal to get extension quotes. Tendering and extending early can be massively beneficial to protecting costs.

A close second would be capacity charges. Half Hourly meter clients can be bamboozled by a lot of charges these meters carry, but tend not to be advised or educated on how these can affect expenditure. Managing and setting your capacity to suit the usage of the company can save businesses a lot of money over the term of the contract. Some clients are even being financially penalised on every bill for going above their KVA level, and are totally unaware that this can be avoided.

Evie O’Neil | Director www.inandaroundmag.co.uk | 11

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CANNON Conservatories Peter Jennings has been running Cannon Conservatories Ltd for almost 30 years. The business started out, and remains, a family enterprise, with Peter at the helm.

However over recent years we have seen so much diversity within the industry that this year we have rebranded to become Cannon Developments Ltd. We felt that customers and prospective business contacts saw us solely as a conservatory specialist which, naturally, is something we were very focussed on, and continue to deliver to those customers who want the more traditional home extension.

Yet, with the ever changing face of the times, we are finding that people are looking at more home improvements than ever before, rather than moving house. Garage extensions, orangeries, loft conversions, garden rooms and new kitchens to name but a few. We still pride ourselves on high levels of

personal customer service and satisfaction, by overseeing each and every job.

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Government to mull over plans for new Consett-Newcastle rail line, Prime Minister confirms While proposals for a new rail line linking Consett and Newcastle have been only tentatively put forward so far, they have been received enthusiastically by the Prime Minister. The PM revealed in the House of Commons that Transport Secretary Grant Shapps would report back to him about the scheme.

As well as awaiting definite approval from local and national government, the proposal has also left open the question of whether the new link will form part of the country’s main rail infrastructure or instead be an extension to the Tyne and Wear Metro light rail network.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the comment in response to a call by North West Durham MP Richard Holden for him to support plans for “a new rail line between Consett and the Metrocentre, connecting my constituency to the heart of the North East in Newcastle.”

However, the feasibility survey looks set to consider various potential options, while Mr Johnson explained to the Commons that the scheme was “entirely inkeeping with our infrastructure revolution.”

Mr Holden, the Conservative MP who supplanted Labour’s Laura Pidcock in the North West Durham seat at last year’s general election, has notified the Department for Transport with a formal “expression of interest” asking for construction of the new rail link to be considered.

If the Department indeed proceeds with the plans, it will initially hold a feasibility survey to investigate local transport needs, the bill for the project and how it would economically enrich the region.

Though the study alone could itself cost tens of thousands of pounds, 75% of its funding would be met by the Government’s new “Beeching fund”, which is aimed at helping to reopen former rail routes.

Mr Holden has reported spending months meeting up with local and national stakeholders to discuss the plans. Gateshead Council, Durham County Council, local councillors across the political divides, Transport for the North and various members of the Department for Transport have all been consulted.

18 | IN&AROUND

He also revealed that transport authority Nexus had looked at several ways in which the Metro, which the authority runs, could be extended to Consett’s benefit.

A Nexus spokesperson explained: “We are evaluating a range of possible options for future extensions of the Tyne and Wear Metro system.

“Feasibility studies are being carried out in order to identify route corridors with the best potential for Metro services.

“We would then need to present a detailed business case to the Government, demonstrating the economic benefits it would bring, in order to secure the funding needed.”

Mr Holden declared: “I campaigned on connecting and levelling up North West Durham and that’s exactly what I plan to deliver. I am delighted that we have reached a point where I could kick-start the formal process and, as I promised, will work with people of any political party and none to deliver for my community.”

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We quiz

Fairview Windows

“When should a homeowner start thinking about replacing a window or door?”

Apart from obvious signs, like leaking or warping, there’s lots to look for. If you start hearing more noise from outside, or can feel a draught, even when they’re closed, it’s time to replace. Equally, if the inside of the units are misted up or difficult to open, close and lock, they’re at the end of their lifespan. One thing often overlooked is if you have older, internally-glazed windows. If the beading holding the glass in place is on the outside, it can be a security risk. It’s easy for someone to pop the beading and remove the glass to gain access – definitely time to replace.

“What are the easiest-to-overlook ways of lowering energy costs simply with windows and doors?”

Look for A rated argon filled double glazing, as argon is a better insulator than air. New double glazing can be “Low E”, which means it lets in light and heat but reflects heat from inside back into the room. This can actually reduce heat loss by a further 20%.

“Your windows and doors are manufactured locally what are the benefits of this for your customers?”

Our customers are welcome to visit our showroom and factory and see us working. But the biggest benefit is the after care we can offer. Being local, if customers encounter

any issues with our products we can be straight there to put it right - no waiting around or trying to contact manufacturers far away. As well as a FENSA certificate and a 10 year insurance backed guarantee, we can also offer the peace of mind of knowing we’re on the doorstep.

“What would you consider to be the largest unfounded myths about uPVC doors?”

That they only come in white, and that they are old fashioned. We’ve recently seen a big increase in demand for coloured uPVC doors, in shades such as Anthracite Grey, Black and Chartwell Green. There are some really modern styles available now that rival composite doors for both looks and performance, and they typically cost less.

“What do you do to minimise disruption when installing a new window or door?”

We always work with the client to find a day and time that suits them.We don’t employ subcontractors – our fitters are employed by us and represent the Fairview Windows name.

We take care to ensure the mess is minimal and most importantly we remove all waste and old products, and clean up afterwards. The tidiness and consideration shown by our fitters has been commented on so many times by happy customers!

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Your alternative online weekly payment store!

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The Smarterbuys Store Limited is a company registered in England and Wales under the number 07526461 and with the Charities Commission under number 1144676, whose registered office is Greengates House, Amos Drive, Greencroft Industrial Park, Co Durham, DH9 7YE. Smarterbuys store is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority reference number 713746.

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Also selling Woodchips for Play areas, gardens etc

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Healthy Food

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Barista Coffee

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Classic car sales, servicing, spares and restoration

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The Beauty Loft

Find out more: We’re all on

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ChesteR-le-street’s newest specialist beauty studio Get the look you want, give our specialists a call!

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The Beauty Loft is Chester-le-Street’s newest salon, combining 4 fantastic hair and beauty businesses; Phoenix Hair and Beauty is a brand new and exciting hair and nail salon offering all aspects of ladies’ and gents’ hairdressing, specialising in bespoke colour services and gel/acrylic nails.

Luxury Lashes specialise in semi-permanent lashes ranging from nice & natural to full & fluffy, to meet any desired look. Take a look on Facebook or Instagram.

An established aesthetic company working throughout the North East for 7 years, MJO aesthetics offers all treatments including dermal fillers, line relaxing consultations and skincare treatments. A Registered Nurse and prescriber, Michelle has 35 years’ NHS experience and is a highly trained aesthetic practitioner.

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The Little Waxing Company 07852 497894

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Get A Quote - 0191 384 2779 Get Athewheelspecialist.co.uk Quote - 0191 384 2779

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Is your business ready to return?

We have a range of COVID-19 warning items ready for you to order, including : Roller banners Posters Floor vinyls PVC Outdoor banners

To enquire about our range of COVID-19 warning information materials, contact us on 0191 388 2698 or email hello@jakhq.com

High quality continental foods and beverages Our aim is to provide people from around County Durham with the opportunity to try quality international foods and beverages. We have a wide range of fresh products available, including cold meats and dairy products.

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Raby Castle to be extensively renovated to attract a “significant increase in visitor numbers Raby Castle has stood majestically for centuries in its rural setting just outside Staindrop. However, the medieval castle in County Durham could soon see a “significant increase in visitor numbers” if fresh, ambitious plans to renovate and enhance the Grade I listed structure and its environs come to fruition.

The plans include landscaping the site’s main walled garden, retaining such major historic elements as the yew hedges and water features. Meanwhile, spaces in the already open-to-the-public, Grade II listed Coach House will be used for interpreting Raby’s history and selling estate and local produce.

These are just a few selections from the raft of renovations and improvements lined up for the castle and its park and gardens. The project, as well as restoration work at Gainford Hall, will be funded through the introduction of a high-quality residential development at Gainford and Staindrop.

Raby Castle’s on-site riding school, meanwhile, will be repurposed as a venue for events and exhibitions, and the nearby Dutch barn will be reserved for various events, including seasonal markets. Other proposed developments include a new car park and, within the old tree nursery nearby, a new children’s play area.

“Raby has a long-established history of welcoming visitors, and the newly-designed spaces will continue this tradition.

Heritage architecture firm Donald Insall Associates has been tasked with refurbishing the Raby Castle buildings, while Luciano Giubbilei has been handed the responsibility of designing the Walled Garden scheme.

Alistair W Baldwin Associates has put forward a design for the wider landscape.

“The preparation of the application has been underpinned by a programme of community-focused engagement, with Raby’s design team sharing their proposals with residents, discussing them in person, listening to concerns and sharing the thought processes behind the designs.

Architect Ben Pentreath has drawn up designs for the dual housing schemes, which Raby Castle will develop directly rather than sell off to a housing developer.

Raby Castle says it has assembled a highly experienced team of designers to ensure a sympatheticallydelivered scheme of the highest professional standards.

“The proposals for the development at Raby Castle are far-reaching and will be phased to allow for staged development.”

Raby Castle’s head of leisure and tourism Claire Jones explains: “Our vision for Raby Castle and the wider Estate is to share our heritage and unique stories with as wide an audience as possible, generate significant growth in the local economy and expand our already active community engagement.

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Ms Jones continued: “Raby seeks to retain its current visitors whilst also attracting new markets by interpreting its fascinating history in new and accessible ways.

“Raby is proud to work with superb local producers including Breaking Bad, Brymor Ice Creams, McColl’s Brewery and the Lonton Coffee Company, and it is hoped that this network will grow as the Castle development evolves.”

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Places to go...

Bob Bonner of the Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum let us sit in the cabs of retired engines and blow the horn.

Rochdale, Greater Manchester visit to Rochdale in May 2019 was something of an experiment. I was trying to see whether this Places to Go column could translate to the small screen as a video, and travelled there via Leeds, Bradford and Hebden Bridge with a talented film-maker Cole Robinson of FilmIt. We made two movies in two days in Leeds and Rochdale, the latter chosen as somewhere not generally thought of as photogenic but a gritty north west town that actually proved very interesting.

We stayed overnight in the Premier Inn a couple of stops out on the Manchester Metrolink, whose yellow trams give the town a continental flavour. With my luggage receipts for leaving the cases at the hotel safely in my back pocket we started off on the tram into town. We had arranged first to meet Bob Bonner of the Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum who let us sit in the cabs of retired engines and blow the horn. Their oldest exhibit dated from 1741, a full hundred years before the Rochdale Pioneers founded the international Co-operative Movement in the town. We explored the replica shops over three floors and learned much of the development of the movement over the years.

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The Touchstone Museum and Art Gallery is a better than average town museum, featuring all sorts of specimens and stories about famous Rochdale people including Quaker politician John Bright, who was MP for Durham in 1843. His famous “Angel of Death” speech against war in the Crimea was re-used in the Gulf War of the 1990s. Another was singer Gracie Fields (1898-1979) who was a famous actress and singer, performing on stage and cinema. Opposite the museum is the grand and Gothic Town Hall which is open on some days for tours, but as we were filming we were only permitted to have a look at the impressive ground floor which can be seen in the video.

Hollingworth Lake was a nineteenth century pleasure resort, roughly equidistant from Littleborough and Smithy Bridge stations.

We took the train two stops to Littleborough for a quick visit to the Heritage Centre and Cherry Tree café, and then walked down to the lake which is an attractive stretch of open water with various forms of bird life.

Alongside the shore until we reached the turn for Smithy Bridge station, we found just before the station, and twenty minutes before our train - a charity shop and community café where a well-deserved cake and cup of tea was consumed. We walked down the hill to Smithy Bridge station and waited for the train. Noticing a commotion on the platform just as the train arrived, it We had spotted the campus of the sixth Form appeared someone had found our luggage College and Hopwood Hall College on the west receipts back in the café and ran down to side of the town, with an attractive training the station to reunite us. Something had restaurant. Forget stories of inedible food and made me turn out the contents of my back students pouring soup into your lap, this was pocket. That saved a lot of explaining back actually a very well presented establishment, at the Premier Inn where we picked up our and TripAdvisor has it scoring 10th out of 146 bags and headed for the train home. restaurants in Rochdale area. For a training restaurant, that really is a good score. We alexnelson@dunelm.org.uk enjoyed our lunch and set off for the railway www.nationalrail.com station for our afternoon excursion.

www.visitrochdale.com

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Saturdays

Durham Market Place

9am-4pm

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NEW Veterinary Practice in BIRTLEY

We opened our family-run, independent, veterinary practice in Birtley on the 16th March. We had a great first day with dogs; cockatiels and a boa constrictor. We have followed on with our first two cat spays and various other appointments.

We pride ourselves on providing affordable, quality, care while tailoring our treatments to your needs. Our vision is for every pet, owner and staff member to be cared for and valued through exceptional communication and service, today and every day.

We wish to bring back the family, community, feel to veterinary care by creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere from the moment you step through the door until the moment you leave with a healthy, happy pet. Our mission is to help you help your pets live life to the full with gold standard veterinary care from all the staff.

We would love you to join the Wrights' Vets family – please give us a call on 0191 410 9674 to register! We can be found just behind Durham Road by turning into Morrison’s and taking the immediate right turn (52A Durham Rd, Birtley, DH3 2QH)

52A Durham Rd, Birtley, DH3 2QH

0191 410 9674 www.wrightsvets.co.uk 36 | IN&AROUND

Call now to make an appointment

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COMPETITION CORNER YOU CAN WIN

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Send all entries to: Competition Department, Unit 4, Station Road, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3DY www.inandaroundmag.co.uk | 37

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Lanchester P H A R M A C Y

Did you know, we can help with the following:

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As your local pharmacy in the heart of the community, we strive to provide outstanding service to you and your loved ones. Our friendly, highly-trained staff are here to assist you with an abundance of knowledge and expert advice.

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Pneumonia, tick bourne, meningitis and flu vaccinations available at our pharmacy.

For more information call us on : 01207 520365 15 Front St, Lanchester, Durham DH7 0LA

FREE prescription delivery available www.inandaroundmag.co.uk | 39

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Why it’s important to keep marketing even when times are tough To say that 2020 has been difficult would be an understatement. Within a few months, the world has seen the coronavirus crisis become a pandemic, the economy descend into freefall and anger over racial injustice erupt into widespread protests.

All of this has had repercussions for businesses, many of which have been tempted to rein in their marketing spend. Paradoxically, however, crises like those of 2020 so far are occasions when preserving a strong marketing drive remains crucial.

What challenges does the current situation pose to your business?

React strategically, not rashly, to the challenges

Of course, some changes your business has probably made, like temporarily shuttering its bricks-and-mortar premises, enforcing social distancing measures and shifting employees to working from home, will have been government-mandated.

The best step forward right now isn’t necessarily to reduce your marketing activities; you should instead prioritise making sure you are pursuing the right ones.

Other changes, however, will have been born out of practical necessity. Many non-essential retail businesses, for example, will have transferred more of their operations to the online sphere - and may intend to keep them there while the risk of COVID-19 infection lingers.

However, seeing such necessities as your cue to slash your marketing budget could be at your firm’s peril.

One reason why is that, right now, your customers will be spending more time online - such as on your company’s website or social media pages.

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You should consider, for example, polishing your website and social media presence, including adding or updating any details of how you are working around COVID-related restrictions.

We can help you with these tasks, while our SEO and print services can help people to find your online outlets. Phone Jak HQ on 0191 388 2698 to learn more about how our agency can provide you with reliable digital marketing services when you especially need them.

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POP TOP LEISURE VEHICLES With the recent demand for leisure products in the UK and the need to have multi-purpose camper window vans that can be used as every day vehicles and for leisure trips, the PopTop Leisure Company presents a choice of new and used campervans for sale which are competitively priced to suit most people’s pockets. All our campervans are available to view at out North East showroom based in Birtley, County Durham.

As well as providing a range of converted campervans for sale, it is also possible to choose a van from stock which we can then convert for you based on our flexible range of conversion options.

We also offer a roof fitting service at our workshop in Washington, Tyne and Wear. You can visit our workshop in Washington, to discuss the supply and fitting of elevating PopTops and to see vehicles in mid conversion. You can also discuss a conversion of your own with our very own motor caravan converters.

Birtley Showroom: Portobello Road, Birley, Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham, DH3 2SN Washington Showroom: Unit51 Hutton Close, Crowther Ind Estate, Washington, Tyne & Wear, NE38 0AH I 0191 419111 Sale@nulite.com www.poptopcampervans.co.uk www.inandaroundmag.co.uk | 43

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Follow us

Drum Deli Revamp Drum Deli opened in February under the Management of Michelle and Nicky.

Great daily specials, fresh buns to make delicious sandwiches and hot meals serviced with a smile!

We are open from 8am serving breakfasts and breakfast buns, our lunch menu starts at 11am and we offer a selection of cold sandwiches and hot meals.

For those with a sweet tooth we have traybakes and cakes available and a selection of chocolate bars.

Social distancing measures in place!

Different Specials Served Daily

We also offer specialist coffees in conjunction with Rijo42.

Collections are available between 8-2 and deliveries from 9-1.30, give us a call on 0191 4922163 to book in advance.

Follow us on Facebook to keep updated

0191 492 2163

Call in or give us a call on

0191 4922163

2C Drum Industrial Estate, Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham, DH2 1AG

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NEW PRODUCT RANGE We are pleased to announce we now stock a huge range of fishing baits and accessories in BOTH our stores.

CONSETT STORE

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What’s on

July

Sunderland Stories Online Born out of last year’s Sunderland Stages Writers Project, the Sunderland Stories monologue programme has seen six emerging local writers’ stories performed by professional actors on video. Two stories from this series will break cover on www.sunderlandculture.org.uk in July: Catherine O’Neill’s Keep Granny’s Clock on 7 July and Thomas Kelly’s Nasty Pasties on 14 July, both at 8pm.

Saturday Night Live at The Stand The Stand Comedy Club, Newcastle A good laugh can provide us with a welcome distraction during the tragic circumstances of the pandemic, with even the Queen urging us to show “good-humoured resolve” in her April address to the nation. In this spirit, The Stand is online-broadcasting a live comedy gig every Saturday night from 8:30pm. Visit www. thestand.co.uk to learn what you can expect throughout July.

Great Run Solo: Virtual Running Challenge Online While the Great North Run has been cancelled due to the pandemic, the iconic half marathon’s organisers are letting charitable runners raise funds for the NHS remotely. On www.greatnorth. org, you can choose the weekly or monthly challenge, while junior runners aged 14 or under can run a mile in one go or 1K every day of a week. The joining fee is £10 per person.

Barney Voices The Witham, Barnard Castle With local venues like The Bowes Museum and arts centre The Witham having shut for the lockdown, what has life for Barnard Castle residents felt like during the pandemic? Local poet Meg Peacocke sought to capture the answer and arranged for 40 members of The Witham to vocalise her verse on the subject. The video of this poem, Barney Voices, features on www.thewitham.org.uk.

Meet & Make Online BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art Lockdown has freed up a lot of time for people to get creative, and you can easily continue in that vein this July thanks to BALTIC’s Meet & Make Online workshops. The artist-led sessions you can follow on video at www.baltic.art include Sophie Lisa Smith showing how to explore colour with recycled materials and Natalie Frost teaching how to make a wreath and castanet clappers.

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One Day You’ll be Older Too Arts Centre Washington Previously displayed alongside the exhibition Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing at Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, this collection of pencil portraits, delicately drawn by artist Andrew Tift and capturing some of Sunderland’s older residents, was lined up for display at Arts Centre Washington.

The pandemic put paid to that plan, but the wonderfully intricate pieces can now be viewed at www.sunderlandculture.org.uk.

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Venture P R O P E R T I E S

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www.venturepropertiesuk.com We are following all the latest Government advice making sure viewing and home moving are as safe as possible.

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