In&Around Oct 2022

Looking to freshen up your home?

Weather it be something small, like changing the taps /cupboard door handles or a whole new kitchen or bathroom James Cornwell Interiors Ltd have you covered.

Quality craftmanship at an affordable price...

We o er refurbishments to fit your buget and requirements. We are working with ideal4finance.com

o ering a 0% finance* option making that dream home more obtainable. Why not speak to a member of our team about how you could possibly save up 20% o your new bathroom.

Satisfaction guaranteed...

At James Cornwell Interiors Ltd we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and carry extensive warranties on all of our work.

Come visit our showroom, we’re happy to guide you though or answer any questions that you may have.

Read what our customers’ have to say...

“We couldn’t be happier with the kitchen and the work carried out by your team, the quality and attention to detail is second to none. From the start every time we asked for something we got it with no questions asked, nothing was a problem, every job was planned and organised down to the finest detail. We asked for a wow kitchen and that’s what we have”

It’s the spooky season at last - our favourite time of year, and we have all of the freak-tastic features to go with it. Check out our Halloween feature on page 18, if you don’t believe just how much we adore this time of year! You could even jump ahead to page 46 for a recipe for Spiced Pumpkin Soup, to enjoy alongside a fantastic film release.

If you’re looking for a new release in the cinema, head on over to page 48 to catch our review of See How They Run. After all, it is the season murder mystery’s that have an edge of comedy to them. Of course, you can always find out about the local Halloween events, when you jump to the back (page 50), and see our What’s On section!

We hope you all eat, drink and be SCARY this month! We’ll see you in November, where we’ll be on the final run up to Christmas!

Care Connect provides an essential lifeline to vulnerable people across County Durham.

Care Connect is a friendly, local service that supports people of all ages across our region.

We provide a monitoring and response service to people’s homes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you’ve had a fall or feel unwell, at the press of a button you will be connected to our Control Room response staff. To find out more please call 0300 026 2195, email care.connect@durham.gov.uk or visit www.durham.gov.uk/careconnect

Contents Local News

Places To Go What’s on

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 2698.

24/7 support at the press of a button

For further information: 262 195

24/7 support at the press of a button

Our community alarm service helps give you peace of mind.

Worried about a loved one, but still keen to retain their independence?

Care Connect supports vulnerable people of all ages, providing a monitoring and response service to people’s homes 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering assistance and reassurance whenever it is needed. There is a charge for the service and this will be discussed upon enquiry. If you have a relative, neighbour or friend who is vulnerable or socially isolated, Care Connect could provide a vital service.

The service works by having an alarm unit with a pendant installed in the person’s home. The unit or pendant can be

pressed for assistance at anytime and this will place a call directly to Care Connect’s control room.

The service operates 24/7 so staff are always able to offer support and assistance, dispatch responders to someone’s home or contact the emergency services where necessary.

More than 11,000 households in County Durham are benefiting from the service, allowing people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

If additional support is required, numerous types of equipment called Telecare is available, including items for people at risk of falling, support for those with memory loss, or dementia, those

suffering with epilepsy, or those that are deaf or blind. If you don’t want an assessment of your support needs through Social Care Direct, don’t worry. You can always purchase directly from Care Connect

An example of the technology available is a fall detector, an unobtrusive device worn about the person which identifies a genuine fall and immediately alerts the control room so appropriate assistance can be provided.

For further information: 03000 262 195 care.connect@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/careconnect

Peace

Independence at home is very important, especially as we get older

Care Connect and response service provided by Durham County Council.

A lifeline unit is plugged into the home telephone point. The customer will receive a personal alarm pendant that’s worn around the neck or on a wrist strap.

If they ever need to raise the alarm, all they need to do is press that button and the service automatically knows who they are, where they live and will make sure the right help is sent to them.

Care Connect in three locations in County Durham, all which provide a 24-hour response.

Here’s what Care Connect customer Ken has to say about the service: “My wife and I use Care Connect often, as she has been falling quite a lot lately. I couldn’t be without them because they arrive very quickly. If it wasn’t for Care Connect my wife and I might be in hospital as we have nobody else. They help us tremendously, they are excellent”.

Our Telecare Responders love their job, like Andrea.

“I have real job satisfaction; no two days are the same! It does require flexibility and the ability to adapt to different situations, however it is a

“Every day I meet so many different customers who benefit from Care Connect. It makes such a difference to each of those individual’s needs - I think helping people remain independent at home with support is really important in our community and I have such a sense of belonging in my job because of this.”

How much it costs

From as little as £5.38 per week + VAT, you and your family could have peace of mind and the reassurance Care Connect provides. There is a one-off connection charge of £33.99 this will be advised at installation.

There can be additional charge of £3.17 per week + VAT if a SIM card needs to be installed in the alarm unit.

Additional features can be incorporated into your support package, at a small charge such as reassurance calls, weekly visits, additional or lost pendants and monitored smoke detectors. We also provide Telecare which are aids around the home such as fall detectors, epilepsy sensors, door and exit sensors. Rest assured, Care Connect will have an option to help.

Ward Investments secures 7 Durham retail units

A prominent retail parade in Durham has been acquired by a North East entrepreneur in a £3.5m deal.

Andrew Ward of Ward Investments has bought units 1-7 on North Road in Durham’s retail core. He will be taking control of 23,000 sqft of land that is currently home to Greggs, Hays Travel, Sainsbury’s and Bank of Scotland.

How was the deal negotiated?

The investment is said to generate a yield of 8.25% (an annual income of £311,000) and comes after Ward Investment’s acquisition of Merrington Industrial Estate in Spennymoor earlier this year.

Ward Investments partnered with Knight Frank, using them to broker the deal on the units. Dickon Wood, a partner at the latter company pointed out that the Sainsbury’s unit trades particularly well. He also pointed out that 80% of the current tenants in those units are low risk, and come with the potential to convert the upper floors of the buildings for alternative use, depending on planning permission.

Andrew Ward also added that this acquisition is the complete opposite to any of Ward Investments’ existing holdings.

Who is Andrew Ward?

The entrepreneur has developed an incredible portfolio in the Durham area, that includes development work and being the landlord of multiple properties. Ward Investments was set up to further diversify the property portfolio that Andrew had. It now includes industrial, retail, office, leisure and student accommodation across the North East.

Ward Investments has also been involved in a number of schemes across the North East. This includes a £28m student residential project, The Three Tuns, retail spaces and more! Right now, the North Road units contain one convenience food store, five retail units and a kiosk, and is part of the wider Riverwalk Shopping Complex.

A destination for beautiful eye wear in the heart of Durham City, Concept offers an integrative approach to seeing well and looking good. With the diagnostic components of an advanced eye exam and contact lens assessment, we can detect, predict and look after your eyes, before it’s too late.

Choosing the right pair of glasses is a process governed by our sensory experience of ‘what we want to say about ourselves’ in a world of shifting landscapes. Our quest for the right ‘look’ is cathartic poetry in motion. Discovering the ‘right frame’ can be an epic and transformative experience, and we have all the time, expertise and knowledge to help you do just that.

That’s why at Concept, we dispense for lifestyle.

Your summer jacket would not be practical for winter. Nor would your reading glasses be effective for driving, or indeed your Tom Ford’s on the squash court when contact lenses would be a safer option! By enabling you to have the right tools to meet your visual requirements with comfort and style. Different glasses for different needs is no longer a whimsical, elite preserve. It’s about recognising the wellbeing and functionality of our lifestyles.

The Concept Eye Care Programmes now offers more choice and is underpinned by affordability in an uncertain world. Each plan is bespoke to your needs. An intelligent interest free journey to help you purchase your favourite designer!

It also gives you unparalleled access to an advanced diagnostic eye examination for complete peace of mind. The time is now to simply take advantage of the benefits waiting for you.

Join our interest free care plan to enjoy the benefits of premier eye care and beautiful eyewear and lenses as often as you like from only £7.99 a month.

Well the answer could literally be under your own roof!

For many home owners, the loft is an underutilised area because it can be difficult and dangerous to reach. Durham based loft ladder installer Access4Lofts (whose slogan is ‘creating space the easy way’) can change all that, often in less than a day!

Access4Lofts provides a free survey and quote service so you can find out what is achievable with your loft area.

The majority of properties have an access hatch to the space in the loft. Access4Lofts create space the easy and affordable way. They can supply

For extra peace of mind, Access4Lofts is an approved Which? Trusted Trader which means they have been assessed by Which? and passed their stringent checks. For added confidence, they also have full public liability insurance, are DBS checked, and all work carried out comes with a Lifetime Guarantee. clutter? space?

and install a new loft hatch and a safe, sturdy aluminium loft ladder in your home in just one day! That means that your dark and dismal roof space suddenly becomes a useful storage area for all that family clutter. “My experience enables fitting the ladder and converting the access hatch, in double-quick time the space is accessible and I leave no mess behind” explains Adam Dovaston, Access4Lofts Durham.

“The lads were amazing! What a simple process, what’s more there was no mess and they left the kitchen spotless. Can’t recommend Dream Doors enough, the quality of finish is outstanding.”

Mrs Richardson - South Pelaw

“I wasn’t sure what they could do to my little kitchen, but what a difference a few days make. The guys never stopped and I’m so chuffed with how it looks now, it seems much bigger and a lot easier to keep clean. Thanks, from one very happy customer!”

Mr Lodge - Pelton Fell

“As our windows are North facing, I wanted it light and bright and that’s definitely what I got! Very punctual, professional and polite service, we would highly recommend”

Mr & Mrs Greenwood –Waldridge

We all know that October means one thing…the spooky season is in full swing! This month, we’re exploring the origins of Halloween, finding out how it used to be celebrated and comparing that to our more modern traditions.

It is widely thought that Halloween has roots in Christian beliefs and practices. It is a common Christian custom that the celebration of a major feast day begins at sunset the night before. Of course, the feasts of All Saints Day and All Souls Day we celebrated on the 31st of October.

The first people known to celebrate Halloween in some form were the Celts, over 2,000 years ago. They believed that this was the night where the ghosts of the dead returned to earth, so they dressed up in costumes and light bonfires to ward them off. This is still a practice we use today, but rather than scare off evil spirits, we’re trying to scare our friends and family!

Celebrations of Halloween continued in this fashion for hundreds of years, and started to become modernised once America had been colonised. The first incarnation of Halloween parties were introduced at this time, though they are vastly different from the parties that we know today.

Parties in Colonial America involved telling ghost stories and playing tricks - much like we do today. Upon the arrival of new immigrants in the 19th century, especially Irish fleeing the Potato Famine, celebrating Halloween was popularised

nationally in America. Trick or treating became the norm by the late 1800s and by the 1920s, Halloween was a secular holiday that focused on community spirit. Trick-or-treating was one of the most anticipated customs in the neighbourhood.

Looking ahead to the 1970s, Halloween films started to take over cinema screens, including the launch of the Halloween franchise, and various other slasher and horror films. This is a popular theme even today, as Hocus Pocus 2 was released only a week ago!

Halloween continues to be an important part of our yearly tradition, and we can’t wait to celebrate it at the end of the month!

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.

Hedgehogs are some of our most recognisable wildlife. However there are a number of ways they can get into trouble at this time of year. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and only come out at night. Generally, any hedgehog out during the day is in trouble and will need to be taken to a wildlife vet or rescue centre.

If you find an injured hedgehog scoop it up with both hands, wearing thick gardening gloves. Put it into a cardboard box lined with newspaper and give a small towel for it to hide under. You can offer it a small amount of dog or cat food in a shallow bowl, plus a non-tip dish of fresh water. DO NOT GIVE HEDGEHOGS MILK!

The Big Three Problems

1) Strimmer injuries – please be careful if strimming the edges of gardens etc and check for hedgehogs before starting. Leg and nose injuries can often be fatal for hedgehogs as they struggle to find food.

2) Injuries from garden tools – check compost heaps and leaf piles carefully before forking them over in case hedgehogs have taken up residence.

3) Bonfires – don’t light a bonfire without checking it for hedgehogs first.

Hibernation

Typically, hedgehogs hibernate from late December until late March. It is important they are not disturbed during this time, as this causes them to use valuable body fat. If you do accidentally disturb a hibernation nest, cover it back over with a thick layer of dry leaves and perhaps leave some food and water nearby.

Full range of veterinary services and treatments availableFull range of veterinary services and treatments available

Hedgehogs association with

Meet Peter Haney; Consett’s eco-friendly window and door fitter

Peter Haney is a leading manufacturer, supplier and installer of energy efficient windows, doors, composite doors, bifold doors and conservatory warm roofs.

As the only manufacturers in Consett, you can guarantee that when you choose to purchase your energy efficient items from Peter Haney, you know you’re choosing the best in the business.

With over 40 years of experience under our belt, it goes without saying that we know our stuff, and we are amongst the most experienced in our business. There isn’t a question about energy efficient doors and windows that we don’t have the answer to, or the ability to learn about.

As a family run business, we appreciate each and every customer who comes through our door and supports our local business. By keeping our business in the family, we work amazingly as a team, and strive to achieve the best results possible. We aren’t just connected by the

business, we’re connected by blood.

We offer free estimates before we complete any manufacturing work or installations, as well as offering a huge variety of styles. Call today and speak to us, so we can show you exactly how our products can help to upgrade the aesthetics of your home.

Peter Haney Energy Efficient Windows Ltd is proud to offer quotes via email, in person or over the phone, when you get in touch with us to book an appointment. You can reach us on 07808795677, or by email at peterhaney@sky.com.

MACCLESFIELD

My day

visit to Maccles eld, to visit the Silk Mill and museum, was planned for the 17th August, there and back in a day from home. e day before I was in London, when a major meltdown on the East Coast Main Line occurred at Biggleswade, blocking the line for eight hours. I ended up at Peterborough, by way of Cambridge and Ely, from where there were no trains going north, but there were trains to Birmngham and I reasoned I might as well forget about going home and head direct to Maccles eld, by way of Leicester and Derby. With no town centre Premier Inn, I elected to stay at the fairly new Tytherington Club. Waking up with a town to explore, before my appointment at 1400, I found a bus stop with only four buses a day into town and sampled the Little Gems 392 to the station where I picked up replacement tickets for my journey home that evening, the originals being in my o ce at home.

Maccles eld town centre is built, unusually, on a hill, and the bus station clings on to the hillside. I found a pub with the intriguing name e Cock in Treacle, the ne Victorian drill hall, and the art deco Picturedrome. My attention was also attracted to a big sign on a roundabout “Could your hearing problems just be EAR WAX? Safe and pain free micro suction technology”, it said. I found the clinic at Chestergate (close to the Georgian Town Hall) on the main shopping street, and went in for an immediate appointment. Ten minutes later, with a large blob of wax removed from my right ear (which I le with them) I had much better hearing. ere was a Sri Lankan

restaurant called Kandy, not open until the evening, unfortunately, and I proceeded down the hill to my destination. e Silk Mill complex is a museum and associated café, just along the street from the Paradise Mill which looks like it is set in the 1930s.

e Silk Museum reveals Maccles eld’s 300-year story as a global centre for silk production, textiles and design. It was a boom and bust operation, depending on the supply of foreign silk, and visitors can discover the unique collection of machines and learn about Maccles eld’s rich industrial heritage. ere’s a historic archive of pattern books and textiles, from which you can see how designs were created and then transformed onto silk on the Jacquard looms using card with punched holes to direct the looms, which system would be used in later years as the punched cards of early computer programming. e town exported much labour to Paterson in New Jersey, USA, to establish a silk industry there, e expert guides at Paradise Mill each o er unique insights, looking at all aspects of Mill life and silk production, from the beauty of the textiles, the social history and the global phenomenon of silk.

e Paradise Mill was used for high end short run silk production (e.g. men’s ties) by the rm of Cartwright and Sheldon whose o ces and machines can be seen. e Silk Muesum and Paradise Mill is open from Wednesday to Saturday 10-4, also on Treacle Sundays (the last Sunday of the month) 12.30-3.30, this being the day of the town’s colourful Treacle Market, giving rise to the pub name earlier.

Heading back to the station, I waited for my train on a wooden seat dedicated to transport campaigner and associate of mine Chris Dale (1948-2020). ree trains, but ve tickets of three types brought me back to Chester-le-street for £33.20 on split tickets, as opposed to £54.90 normal fare with a railcard, and I enjoyed half an hour overlooking Manchester Piccadilly station at Yo! Sushi, although the little conveyor belts of food have been removed post-pandemic.

A career in care offers a lot more than you might think

The County Durham Care Academy is your route to finding a rewarding career in social care.

With many different types of roles available and flexible hours to suit your lifestyle, social care can provide a wide range of opportunities.

The Care Academy have supported over 120 people into employment and offers free practical help and support to get you started in your career. All you need are the right values and behaviours and we will help you with the rest.

Alex Hogan, 23 is the 100th recruit to come through the Care Academy after taking part in a fast-track routeway programme Alex said: “I wanted to have a career in care so badly. The Care Academy helped put my mind at rest by providing answers to all of my questions about what working in the sector entails.

“I was a carer for my grandad for a year and talking to the staff made me realise I already had a lot of skills suitable for the role, but now I’ve been able to develop them with their support.”

Routeway Programmes

The Care Academy deliver routeway programmes into both children’s and adult’s social care which will provide you with a solid foundation for accessing a range of opportunities.

If you’re looking to work in or widen your knowledge of social care our Routeway Programmes are an ideal starting point.

Routeway into Adult Social Care

When: Starts on 7 November for six weeks

Delivered every Monday and Tuesday from 9:30am – 3.00pm

Where: The Louisa Centre, Front Street, Stanley, DH9 0TE

This routeway will help develop your knowledge of the responsibilities of adult social care workers, the diverse needs of the people using the services, and other important areas such as safeguarding vulnerable people and dignity in care.

As well as gaining accredited qualifications on subjects such as Level 2 Food Safety, Emergency First Aid and Elements of the Care Certificate, at the end of the programme, you will be guaranteed an interview with a social care provider.

There are no exams during the six week course, just assessments!

For more information on this routeway visit: www.durham.gov.uk/routeways

Alex Hogan

The Care Academy's 100th recruit

A local award-winning accountancy and business advisory firm has moved into new office premises following a year of substantial growth.

Robson Laidler has relocated 36 of its 105 staff to new 6200sq ft office space at Mains House, on Chester le Street’s Front Street, following a £180,000 office refurb.

The building, which is the former Gordon Brown Law Firm site, has undergone substantial internal renovation and features new collaborative working features such as an interactive media wall, silent office pods, standing desks for hot desking and agile working, a games room, dining area, showers, and bike storage.

The move will see the firm, which has taken on 15 new recruits in the last 6-month alone, increase its headcount further over the next 12 months, as it looks to meet growing client demand across the region.

Robson Laidler, which has a head office in Jesmond, Newcastle specialises in accountancy, tax and business advisory work for fast growing businesses. Under the leadership of managing director Graham Purvis the 102-year-old firm has reported a 13.5 % growth at the close of its last financial year and is on target to reach 15% growth in the current year with new business sale projections hitting £660k.

Operations director Nick Wilson who

across County Durham and the move to our wonderful new office space will provide a stimulating and collaborative environment for our staff so they can in turn provide the highest level of service possible to our growing client portfolios.

“We know from research that collaborative and creative working spaces enhance the employee experience, which motivates them to provide a better service to their clients.

“Our new space is full of additional perks and amenities to help our staff be fulfilled at work as we strive to be an employer of choice.

“The new office is also testament to the fantastic work our teams have put in to help us serve even more successful businesses in the region.

“Our growth plans are to continue building on this success by adding to

businesses and clients across the North East.”

Robson Laidler has also committed to creating a number of apprenticeship roles to help more young people get their foot onto the career ladder and supporting them through their Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) training.

Nick continues: “We’re committed to creating opportunities for local people and especially those looking to break into the industry, so it’s fantastic to see our trainee programme already proving a hit among A-level leavers, having taken on four already this year.”

Robson Laidler has also achieved B Corp certification, meaning it balances profits with purpose and was crowned the North East Accountancy Firm of the Year in June this year.

DISCOVERWHYNEWCOLLEGE

DURHAMISTOPFORT-LEVELS

T-Levels were only launched two years ago but New College Durham has quickly established itself as one of the best providers in the North East. This summer, the college’s T-Level students achieved an impressive 100% pass rate in all T-Level subjects.

It is the unique mixture of classroom learning and extended work placement that makes T-Levels special. These 2-year, industry focused courses were developed in collaboration with businesses to ensure they provide students with the skills employers want. Current T-Level subjects include automotive, business, early years, science, engineering, digital, construction and healthcare. One T-Level is equivalent to 3 A-Levels and can lead to work, further training or degree level study.

Grace Crawford-Hancox studied the T-Level Education and Childcare at New College Durham. She believes the work placement will prove

invaluable in helping her move into employment. She said:

“The best thing about the course was being able to learn not only in a classroom but also having the hands-on experience of going on a work placement in a nursery. This gave me the experience I need to progress as I now know what to expect when I go into that job role.”

On Tuesday 1 November, New College Durham has a dedicated T-Level section at its monthly Information and Advice Event so you can find out more about this exciting qualification. Head along to the Framwellgate Moor campus between 4.30pm and 6.30pm to chat with the college’s T-Level experts and learn more about the extended placement, employer links and progression routes.

You can explore the college’s real-life working environments, industry standard resources and amazing facilities on one of the guided campus tours. The Advice Support Careers (ASC) team are on hand to provide impartial careers advice and student finance information. If you have any support needs, you can speak to the Learning Support team about the range of help on offer. You can also enjoy a one-to-one chat with the college’s specialist teaching staff who can give you in depth information on A-Levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships and University Centre courses.

To secure your place and get faster entry on the day register now at www.newdur.ac.uk/events.

Get in touch the

DURHAM

Spiced Pumpkin Soup

Create a showstopper starter by serving this velvety spiced pumpkin soup in a hollowed-out pumpkin. It also makes an excellent lunch, served in bowls, with buttered bread.

20 mins to prep 60mins to cook serves 4 people

Ingredients Directions

1kg pumpkin or squash, cut into 4cm wedges and seeds removed, (see tip)

1 garlic bulb, halved horizontally, plus a couple of cloves to garnish

1 banana shallot, roughly chopped

1 red chilli, roughly chopped

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground cumin

Small bunch fresh coriander, stalks and leaves (to garnish; optional) separated

Olive oil to drizzle

500ml fresh vegetable stock (or made with a gluten-free stock cube)

160ml tin coconut cream

For the garnish

1 tbsp light olive oil

1 red chilli, finely sliced

1 banana shallot, finely sliced

Serving sugggestions

Hollowed-out pumpkin to serve the soup in (optional)

Step one...

Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. In a roasting tin, toss the pumpkin, garlic, shallot, chilli, spices and coriander stalks in a drizzle of oil. Season, cover tightly with foil and roast for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and roast for another 30 minutes until the pumpkin is tender and starting to caramelise.

Step two...

Scrape the pumpkin flesh from the skin. Discard the skin and put the flesh in a blender. Squeeze the garlic out of its skin into the processor with the rest of the veg from the tin. Add the stock and whizz until smooth. Add the coconut cream, then whizz again.

Step three...

Pour into a large pan and simmer over a medium heat for 10 minutes.

Step four...

For the garnish, heat the oil in a small frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the garlic cloves for garnishing, along with the chilli and shallot. Cook for 6-8 minutes until caramelised and starting to crisp.

Step five...

Season the soup to taste, then pour into the pumpkin (or deep warmed bowls) and garnish with the shallot, chilli, garlic cloves and coriander leaves, if using. Drizzle with a little oil and serve.

Craig Lenaghan Copywriter

Agatha Christie’s murder-mystery play The Mousetrap has run continuously in London’s West End since 1952, bar a break due to theatre closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ironically, this longevity has prevented a film version from ever being made, as Christie herself insisted on this only happening at least six months after The Mousetrap’s absence from the West End stage.

See How They Run circumvents this contractual restriction by telling a comedic, fictionalised story of a murder mystery linked to the murder mystery. In the 1950s, Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell) and Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan) are on the case after film director Leo Köpernick (Adrien Brody) is murdered at a London theatre staging The Mousetrap, which he had been set to adapt for the big screen.

Stoppard and Stalker interview various suspects — among them screenwriter Mervyn Cocker-Norris (David Oyelowo), theatre owner Petula Spencer (an underused Ruth Wilson) and film producer John Woolf (Reece Shearsmith). Woolf is one of several real-life ‘50s figures depicted, including Richard Attenborough (Harris Dickinson) and his wife Sheila Sim (Pearl Chanda), who were both in the original Mousetrap production.

However, while the abundant geeky references to aspects of Christie lore suggest that See How They Run is aimed at people with an encyclopaedic knowledge of whodunnits, these

same people are likely to see many of the story beats coming a mile off. These include the revelation of the killer’s identity, despite the script running up to this moment by industriously throwing in one red herring after another.

Ultimately, See How They Run is more interested in poking fun at clichés of the murder-mystery genre than springing too many surprises with how the murder plot at the centre of the film’s own story is unravelled. The problem here is that many of the barbs just aren’t particularly witty — such as when Cocker-Norris bemoans the narrative device of flashbacks only for one to then abruptly appear.

Where a lot of the film’s humour does come from is the chemistry between Stoppard and Stalker, with the former portrayed as insightful but world-weary and the latter as enthusiastic but naive. It’s a dynamic that might remind you of ‘90s animated TV favourites Pinky and the Brain, or grumpy geriatric Carl Fredriksen and excitable eight-year-old “Wilderness Explorer” Russell in the 2009 Pixar classic Up.

Ronan also gets a chance at some great physical comedy, such as when Stalker rams open the door of a suspect’s room only to be told straight away that a key to it had been left under a mat outside. Meanwhile, Tim Key is good value as the two sleuths’ superior, Commissioner Harrold Scott.

The amusing exchanges between See How They Run’s two leads largely make up for much so that it wouldn’t be Stoppard and Stalker turn up in further comedic detective of Agatha Christie.

Durham Book Festival

13th October - Various Times - Durham City Centre

This year's book festival will take place between the Gala Theatre and Clayport Library (and they’ll be livestreamed, so you can catch them at home). Once again, a wide range of thinkers, writers and performers will be at the festival and the winner of the Gordon Burn Prize will be announced. You can see a full itinerary for the festival here: thisisdurham.com/whats-on/durham-book-festival

Jason Manford: Like Me

19th October - 6pm - Gala Theatre, Durham

Jason Manford is making his way to County Durham, and bringing his critically acclaimed stage show, Like Me, with him. Packed to the brim with plenty of observational comedy and the best one liners Salford has to offer, Jason Manford will have you laughing until your sides hurt and grinning so much, you’ll think your face is going to split in half. Book your tickets for his show now: galadurham.co.uk

Halloween Wreath Workshop

24th October - 5pm - South Causey Inn, Stanley

Get ready for the big night by crafting a fresh Halloween wreath to hang on your door, and show off to all of the trick or treaters! Floral experts will teach you how to make a Halloween wreath using tons of creepy material. At the end of the workshop, the wreath is yours to keep and you could even make a day of it by having dinner, tea or a couple of cocktails at the South Causey Inn.

Call 01207 235555 to book your space!

Celebrate Science 2022

25th October - 10am - Palace Green, Durham

If you’re looking for a free and exciting activity for your children this half term, why not bring them down to Celebrate Science? Children of all ages are invited to carry out a range of amazing experiments, get hands-on in astonishing activities and even create their own inventions. Best of all, it’s absolutely free and there’s no need to book, just turn up on the day!

Chester-le-Street Ramblers

27th October - 10am - Civic Centre Car Park, Chester-le-Street

Do you want to make new friends and improve your health, all while enjoying the best bits of nature? Chester-le-Street Ramblers is definitely the group for you. Car share to the meeting points is available, or you can simply walk straight there. Lunch and coffee is available with every Thursday walk, and you can check when those take place via their website: ramblers.org/chester-le-street

Vane Tempest Hall: Halloween Ghost Hunt & Optional Sleepover

29th October - 8pm - Vane Tempest Hall, Gilesgate

Vane Tempest Hall is a Durham location that spreads fear among all who cross its path, and now you have the opportunity to spend the night there, and join in paranormal investigations. The experience team will lead you through various experiments and seances, as well as allowing you to have access to their range of paranormal equipment throughout the evening. Book your palace today: hauntedrooms.co.uk