One Darlington - March 2016

one

Darlington March 2016

An ingenious magazine for an ingenious town named the 7th best place to live in the UK

Working together for you Easter events page 4

Budget explained pages 19-23

Bright future for Borough page 24

New jobs page 25

Page 13

Contact the council STREET SCENE www.darlington.gov.uk/streetscene Tel 01325 405111 COUNCIL TAX www.darlington.gov.uk/counciltax Tel 01325 405555 HOUSING BENEFIT AND COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT www.darlington.gov.uk/benefits Tel 01325 405444

Bright future, bright lights The project to upgrade Darlington’s 11,884 street lights to more efficient LED lighting is well underway. Once complete the new lighting will shave £365,000 from the council’s electricity bill, and reduce our yearly carbon footprint by 1,938 tonnes.

As part of this work 4,053 street lighting columns which are more than 40 years old are being replaced with new ones.

The project is being largely funded by the Department for Transport, thanks to a successful bid for more than £5million to its Challenge Fund.

HOUSING AND REPAIRS www.darlington.gov.uk/housing Tel 01325 405333 HIGHWAYS, TRANSPORT, PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH www.darlington.gov.uk Tel 01325 405222

Before and after on Coniscliffe Road

Make your home Warm Up North Darlington residents are set to benefit from warmer homes and lower bills thanks to a free gas boiler replacement scheme from Warm Up North.

www.darlington.gov.uk customerservices @darlington.gov.uk Did you know we’re also on social media? Follow us on twitter @darlingtonbc and give us a ‘like’ on Facebook www.facebook.com/ darlingtonboroughcouncil __________________________ Have your say on the budget by emailing feedback@darlington.gov.uk for more information go to page 19.

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Households with old or inefficient gas boiler could have them replaced for free. The scheme is part of Warm Up North’s commitment to making the North East’s homes greener and warmer. Households may qualify for the scheme if they receive income related benefits such as Pension Credit, Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance or Universal Credit – and have an inefficient gas boiler. An ageing boiler can be inefficient and may make it difficult and expensive for people to heat their homes. A new boiler can save up to £340 a year in energy bills.

The scheme is open to anyone who qualifies, not just British Gas customers, and the company will do a free boiler survey to check eligibility. Both homeowners and private renters can apply.

Find more information on 0800 3164320 or visit www.warmupnorth.com/freegasboiler *Its free to call Warm Up North from mobiles as well as landlines.

Warm Up North record calls to improve their service to you.

Terms and conditions apply. To qualify, you must receive certain benefits and pass a free boiler survey. The offer is subject to change, withdrawal or availability. Terms and conditions can be found at www.warmupnorth.com/freegasboiler

www.onedarlington.org.uk

Showing that cares Welcome to Darlington One Darlington Welcome to the latest edition of One Darlington. It made sense that after being invited to be guest editor, I learned that this edition focuses on the finances of the town and its residents.

Recent weeks have seen announcements about the second round of local government budget cuts, the challenges this brings to the Borough and the difficult decisions that have to be made.

The reductions are clear and we need to ensure that the remaining funds are well spent with strong benefits. So we have arrived at a theme for this month’s edition of ‘every pound well spent’.

During times of austerity this has never been more appropriate.

Darlington has the benefit of a strong history of financial prudence. In 1856 a group of locals got together in the back room of Mrs Johnston’s Eating House on Church Row to create a Building Society.

160 years later, Darlington Building Society is thriving as one of only 44 building societies still operating in the UK. Every day we help local people to budget and save for their future and we stand beside the town and its people during these challenging times.

Colin Fyfe Chief Executive of Darlington Building Society

Inside this issue

5 Darlington Arts Festival __________________________________

The Borough is resilient and has attracted important investment in recent years as reflected by the recent arrival of CPI’s National Biologics Manufacturing Centre, the Central Park development and the Feethams leisure complex. See page 24 for more details.

6 Hospital at forefront

of research __________________________________

Economic growth has also continued to be strong; in a recent Royal Bank of Scotland growth tracker report Darlington was identified as the best performing economy in the region for the third consecutive quarter.

27 How adult social care

helps you __________________________________

So we have no need to stick our collective ‘heads in the sand’. We need to stand together as a community and ensure Darlington gets the best return possible for each £ spent.

9 Police welcome

special recruit __________________________________

28 Children’s Services latest __________________________________ 34-35 What’s on

One Darlington is published by One Darlington Partnership, Room 101, Town Hall, Darlington.

Email editor@onedarlington.org.uk. Design and production – Xentrall Shared Services.

Distribution – Swift Advertising NE Ltd. Tel: 0191 2653207.

The next edition will be distributed from 23 May. If you do not receive a copy by 30 May please call 01325 406420.

www.onedarlington.org.uk

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Have a cracking time this Easter Have some cracking good family times this Easter in Darlington. Take a look at what’s on offer – many of these events are free.

Check out our website www.darlington.gov.uk/events Look out for egg hunts, street entertainment and indoor fun at the library and Head of Steam. There’s even an Easter Panto to keep young ones entertained and an Easter fairground in the town centre from Sunday 26 March – Sunday 10 April.

Town Centre Events Easter Saturday 26 March Easter egg hunt – 11am–3pm. Join the hunt, starting at Joseph Pease Place and taking you through the Victorian Market Hall. There’s a chocolate prize for all who complete the hunt and the chance to win a giant chocolate egg.

Head of Steam Eggstraspecial Easter – Sunday 27 March, 11am–3.30pm. Egg hunt, face painting, miniature train rides, arts and crafts and lots more.

Look out for family fun arts and crafts sessions at the museum on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1pm–3pm, 25 March – 8 April.

175th Anniversary of York to Darlington Line - Wednesday 6 April - Wednesday 25 May. Browse this new exhibition.

Call 01325 405060 or visit www.head-of-steam.co.uk; email headofsteam@darlington.gov.uk.

Entrance fees apply in most cases.

Circus skills and face painting – 11am–3pm, Joseph Pease Place. Enjoy circus skills and face painting.

Punch & Judy – watch the colourful pair in one of three shows at the Cornmill Shopping Centre between 11am-3pm, plus face painting and balloon modelling between shows - all free.

Easter Monday 28 March Peppa Pig and George – look out for Peppa Pig and George in the Cornmill Shopping Centre.

Darlington libraries Throughout the Easter holidays children who visit Crown Street or Cockerton Library can take part in a free Easter egg hunt.

Get cracking – eggs given out whilst stocks last.

Jays Animal Encounters – Wednesday 30 March at Crown Street and Cockerton Library. Morning session at Crown Street from 10.30am-noon. Afternoon session at Cockerton from 1.30pm-3pm. Tickets £2.50, booking advisable.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears – free story and craft session for 5-9 year olds, Thursday 7 April, from 10am, Crown Street.

Contact Crown Street Library 01325 462034 or Cockerton Library 01325 461320.

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Civic Theatre The Wizard of Oz Easter Panto - Friday 8 & Saturday 9 April, Friday 3.30pm & 7.30pm, Saturday 1pm & 4.30pm. Starring comedy legend Bobby Davro and Dani Harmer (CBBC’s Tracy Beaker, Strictly Come Dancing) as Dorothy. There’s no place like Darlington Civic Theatre for family entertainment; so click those heels together and book your Easter panto tickets now.

Visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01325 486555.

www.darlington.gov.uk/events

Darlington Arts Festival

Darlington’s fourth annual Arts Festival will run from Thursday 21 April to Tuesday 31 May. This year it will be set off in full swing as it’s launched with the Darlington Jazz Festival, taking place from 21-24 April.

The festival, co-ordinated by Darlington for Culture, will take place at venues around the Borough.

This year’s varied programme includes: • A series of music events, including the Darlington Jazz Festival and other events ranging from rhythm ‘n‘ blues to folk • Literary events featuring readings, writing workshops and at least two book launches • Art-based events including exhibitions and workshops at various venues • A Hammer Horror Film Festival run by Darlington Film Club at the Forum music centre on Borough Road The Festival is supported by Creative Darlington, Darlington Borough Council, Cleveland College of Art and Design, Resilient Business Systems, Ephemeral Web Design and Humantics.

Find out more at www.darlingtonforculture.org

Saturday 7 May Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club 12.30-3pm. Tickets £10.

Return of Jeff Barnhart [USA] and John Hallam with their Mr Men Quartet to the club at St Augustines Parish Centre.

Jeff is an international USA originated pianist and raconteur who together with John Hallam the UK’s leading reed player are accompanied by Keith Stephen on guitar and banjo and Bruce Rollo on string bass, and occasional vocals.

A superb jazz quartet guaranteed to bring a smile to your face as you enjoy some classic Jazz renditions.

Darlington Jazz Festival Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 April There will be a host of events across the four days including an evening of Swinging Big Band music at Central Hall in the Dolphin Centre, featuring special guest, trombonist Dennis Rollins, on Saturday.

There will also be a jazz workshop at Crown Street Art Gallery and free performances around the town centre on Saturday including big bands, choirs and small combos.

Find out more at www.darlingtonjazzfestival.co.uk

www.darlingtonforculture.org

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At the forefront of research

Some of our research team celebrating their success

Darlington Memorial Hospital is home to a Centre for Clinical Research and Innovation which has an ever increasing portfolio of studies.

Professor Jerry Murphy, research & innovation director, says, ”The studies we are involved in range from those that are small scale and observational in nature, to large scale multinational clinical trials of drugs and medical devices.

“The pace of drug development in recent years could not have happened without the commitment from patients in Darlington and County Durham to support research and innovation by taking part in trials and studies. We are enormously grateful to them. I think most participants take heart from the contribution they make to the future of healthcare not only in the UK, but worldwide.”

“Each year thousands of our patients kindly volunteer to take part in these studies and because of the research this enables us to do, our patients benefit from some of the most cutting edge treatments available.

Nurses in the Centre for Research and Innovation were hot of the mark recently in recruiting the very first patient for a global study aimed at providing better information on the management and treatment patterns of patients with prostate cancer.

In fact, not only did they recruit the first patient to the study, they recruited the first ten patients!

“Our current portfolio of studies includes research into cancer, stroke, diabetes, cardiology, gynaecology, surgery, emergency care and ophthalmology. Doctors at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, and colleagues in partner organisations across the region, work with our team of clinical research nurses, clinical trials officers and data assistants to meet the understandably rigorous requirements.

Colleagues within our pharmacies and laboratories also work directly on research projects.

Jill Deane lead clinical trials research nurse, said, “To ensure the study is valid and relevant to patients in the future, studies are set up with a specific number of patients identified in advance; ideally this should be done as quickly as possible, to enable research to be published and ultimately be of benefit to our patients. So recruiting the first patients for a global study is quite an achievement and the chief executive of the National Institute for Health Research, Clinical Research Network, has written to the trust congratulating us on this.”

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www.cddft.nhs.uk

Working with you at home Investment in mobile working technology is enabling our community nurses and clinical teams to spend more quality time with patients in their homes.

The technology - small lightweight laptops, secured by encryption - allows clinicians to update and access community electronic patient records when they need them, where they need them, including in the patient’s home. They no longer have to travel to an office to update records and colleagues.

“Colleagues using the technology are noticing immediate benefits for their patients.”

Hospital case notes, diagnostic results and entries from other healthcare professionals, including GPs, can also be viewed via the laptops.

Nurses and clinicians can look up any concerns arising during the home visit and, ideally, resolve them at the time, rather than having to return to their office. They can also update records whilst they are with the patient.

www.cddft.nhs.uk

A patient told us…

“I will never forget the kindness and professionalism I am always shown when I get booked in to ward 14, Darlington Memorial Hosptial”

...another one said…

Emma Liddle, District Nurse, Darlington, at a patient’s home.

Sharon Morgan, North Locality Lead, Community Services, said: “Patients are increasingly cared for in their own home and this technology increases the effectiveness of these visits.

It also means that nurses and other healthcare professionals can see more patients in their working day, simply by cutting down on the frequency with which they return to their office base.

“Colleagues using the technology are noticing immediate benefits for their patients and themselves.

“Patient referrals between services can also be processed via the laptops which are helping us provide a more efficient, safer, consistent and coordinated approach to patient care in the community.”

“I can’t praise staff at Dr Piper House enough for their fast efforts as I would hate to think what would have happened if they hadn’t listened to my concerns.”

..and the food was…

“The food was very good indeed, the best I have had in any hospital to date and I regularly returned empty plates to the staff, having enjoyed my meal.”

Other teams are also adopting the new technology, on a rollout basis.

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Last call for nominations Time is running out to make your nominations for the Best of Darlington Awards 2016. This annual celebration of the hard work and achievement of individuals and businesses across Darlington gives you the opportunity to nominate someone you know who deserves special recognition.

Anyone who lives, works or studies within the Borough, or businesses who have a base here can be nominated. Shortlisted finalists across the 14 categories, along with their nominators, will be invited to the prestigious awards ceremony at Darlington College on 6 May where the winners will be announced.

Nominations can be made online by visiting www.onedarlington.org.uk/best-of-darlington or you can pick a form up from the Town Hall Customer Service Centre or call 01325 406420 to have one posted out to you – be quick though as the closing date for entries is Friday 25 March.

Best of Darlington 2016 categories:

The closing date for nominations is 25 March.

• Contribution to Sport Sponsored by Polam Hall School

• Vocational Excellence Sponsored by Darlington College

• Performance in Sport Sponsored by Darlington CCG

• Academic Excellence Sponsored by Queen Elizabeth 6th Form College

• Volunteer of the Year Sponsored by Durham Police and Crime Commissioner • Contribution to the Community Sponsored by Darlington Borough Council

• Exceptional Student Sponsored by The Forge, Teesside University • Contribution to the Environment Sponsored by Groundwork North East

• Young Person’s Contribution to the Community Sponsored by Sherwoods

• Contribution to the Arts Sponsored by Darlington Operatic Society

• Most Ingenious Sponsored by the Ingenious Board

• Business Contribution to the Community Sponsored by Mech-Tool Engineering Ltd

• Public Service Hero Sponsored by the Blue Light Services

• Bringing Success to Darlington Sponsored by Darlington Building Society

Thank you to our principal sponsors

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www.onedarlington.org.uk/best-of-darlington

Force welcomes first visually impaired recruit A student has broken new ground by being the first visually impaired member of Durham Constabulary’s workforce.

how a project should be started and that is something I can take forward into future employment.

Sidney, who worked as a computer programmer/ developer with the force, said: “My time with the force exceeded all my expectations.

As a visually-impaired person, I had some initial worries about the placement but any doubts I had were quickly washed away. Everyone was helpful and accepting. They showed me around and made sure my needs were catered for.

“Everyone I came into contact with, from the IT students in my team, across the board to the canteen staff were brilliant.

At lunchtime the canteen staff guided me over to a table and even gave Jamie his own water bowl.”

“Although working with someone who is visually impaired was a Sidney Tambin, who is in his final first for my colleagues, they were year at Northumbria University, willing to make any adaptations completed a nine month necessary and take advice from placement with the force’s IT me in the areas I could help with. department in September.

They checked to ensure the The 24-year-old, who is studying software I needed was working IT management for business, was properly and didn’t just leave me to get on with things. They also accompanied throughout by his wanted to learn from having me guide dog Jamie, a ten-year-old as part of the team. golden retriever.

Before starting his placement, Sidney was supported by the force as he addressed travel and technology issues. His application for a government ‘access to “I felt that I was treated really well work’ grant, available to disabled and as any other employee would people, was successful, and that be. I was given responsibility and funding contributed to travel and specialist equipment costs. the whole experience gave me a great impression of what to “From my perspective, it was expect in full-time employment. truly rewarding to get Sidney into “The placement gave me a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate and improve my skills in an equality-friendly working environment. It has left me with a greater appreciation of

www.durham.police.uk

the organisation. The process was at times very protracted as a result of negotiations with ‘access to work’, so eventually being able to welcome him to Durham Constabulary and hear

Sidney with Jamie

that he felt so included and valued is great,” said Jennifer Dixon, the HR officer responsible for progressing Sidney’s appointment into the force and his main point of contact throughout his placement.

During his time with the force Sidney used a computer with speech-reader software that converted text to sound, delivered through speakers. That gave him access to everything he required for his role, with the exception of graphics.

Sidney, who was born with the eye condition glaucoma, lives in Newcastle with his partner Chelsea Greeley. After he graduates from university in July of next year, Sidney hopes to secure work in software development and website design.

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Fresh thoughts on Darlington’s parks More than 200 volunteers have helped revitalise Darlington’s parks thanks to a successful development scheme.

In 2014 Darlington was the only North East town selected to take part in a £1m project funded through the Big Lottery, Heritage Lottery and Nesta to look at new ways of sustaining, supporting and developing parks and green spaces.

Darlington was one of 11 successful projects selected from 200 applications to receive funding.

Groundwork North East and Cumbria has delivered the pilot in partnership with Darlington Cares, Darlington Council and the friends groups of North Park, South Park and The Denes.

Throughout last year, members of Darlington Cares, the corporate social responsibility and staff volunteering scheme, including EE, Cummins, Darlington College and Department for Education, gave up their time to support a range of outdoor volunteering activities.

Work included the removal and installation of play equipment, the resurfacing of a bike track, revamping a boardwalk and cleaning community gardens.

Around 200 volunteers dedicated more than 800 hours to the project last year and their efforts were worth more than £18,000.

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Volunteers hard at work in Darlington’s parks

Simone McNeil, from Darlington Cares, said: ‘We were delighted when asked to be involved with this project. Volunteers really enjoyed the activities that were planned and delivered by Groundwork and were pleased to help the local community.

Activities towards the end of last year were even oversubscribed.”

Volunteering days and activities are being planned for 2016 at selected parks in the town. To find out more visit the Darlington Cares website www.darlingtoncares.co.uk

www.darlingtoncares.co.uk

Historic name will herald a new era for Darlington Civic Theatre A new name will herald the start of a new era for the town’s Civic Theatre.

Ambitious plans to preserve and regenerate the Grade II listed building have now been approved by Darlington Borough Council members and are now awaiting approval of funding by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

An artist’s impression of the ‘new look’ theatre.

If granted, the theatre will close at the end of May for work to begin, and will then reopen in the autumn of 2017 with its new name – Darlington Hippodrome – a reflection of its origins, as it opened in 1907 as the New Hippodrome and Palace Theatre of Varieties.

The scheme will deliver a restored Edwardian theatre with 21st century facilities with an expanded artistic programme. It will have improved access including two lifts, increased seating capacity, greater comfort for audiences, improved back stage facilities for visiting companies, a new education centre and a vibrant range of daytime learning and engagement activities.

At the same time a new children’s theatre - The Hullaballoon - is to be created and will adjoin the new-look theatre. It will be a partnership between Theatre Hullabaloo and the Council and is awaiting confirmation of funding from Arts Council England.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Transport, said: “This joint project will develop a theatre quarter in the Borough and I think it’s brilliant that we will return to the

www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

Theatre Director, Lynda Winstanley, with a model of the ‘new’ theatre

name Darlington Hippodrome. It will underline the newlyrefurbished theatre’s potential and most treasured aspects of this historic building.

“The project represents a major investment to deliver a theatre that customers and performers will enjoy and will ensure the theatre’s future for generations to come.

“It’s an exciting scheme that reinforces Darlington’s commitment to culture at a time when funding for such services is under great pressure.”

For more information about this exciting project log onto the website at www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk/blog

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Police and Crime Commissioner elections – have your say

On Thursday 5 May voters across the Borough will go to the polls to elect a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the Durham Police area, which includes Darlington, for the next four years.

The PCC oversees the running of local police services and holds the Chief Constable to account on behalf of local people. The role involves: • Securing an efficient and effective police service within their area • Setting the local budget, and raising the local policing precept from Council Tax • Deciding what the key priorities should be for the police in their area, and publishing a Police and Crime Plan that reflects this • The appointment, suspension and dismissal of the Chief Constable • Publishing an Annual Report.

PCCs may stand for a political party, however, they are expected to represent all the people in their area impartially and are required to swear an Oath of Impartiality before taking office.

A Statement of Persons Nominated providing details of those nominated to stand for election will be published on Friday 8 April online at www.darlington.gov.uk/pccelection

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Key dates Monday 18 April is the last date to register to vote in the PCC elections. If your name is not on the Electoral Register by this date, you will not be able to vote. If you believe that you are not registered, you can register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Alternatively you can contact the Election Team on 01325 406444.

Tuesday 19 April – 5pm – is the deadline to apply for a postal vote or a postal proxy vote for the PCC Elections.

Tuesday 26 April – 5pm – is the deadline to apply for a proxy vote (in person) for the PCC elections. A proxy vote is when you nominate another person to vote on your behalf.

To obtain a postal vote, postal proxy vote or a proxy vote (in person) contact the Election Team on 01325 406444.

Thursday 5 May is Polling Day. Polling Stations across the Borough will be open from 7am until 10pm to allow you to cast your vote. More information can be found at www.darlington.gov.uk/pollingstations

www.darlington.gov.uk/pccelection

Pictured (from left): Gareth Campbell, Operations Manager South Division, North East Ambulance Service and Keith Wanley, Area Manager, Operations Delivery County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service

Blue light services join forces to launch North East Emergency Medical Responder scheme The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) and the four Fire and Rescue Services based in the region are working together to save more lives as part of a six-month trial.

Specially equipped fire appliances, called Emergency Medical Response Units (EMR), are delivering emergency medical services when requested by NEAS. The EMRs are equipped with specialist kit including oxygen and an automated external defibrillator. Staff using the EMRs have also received extra training.

NEAS Director, Caroline Thurlbeck said: “Our ambition is to improve the survival rate for those people who suffer from a life-threatening illness or injury. The location of EMRs within local communities could mean they are nearer to the

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scene and can deliver lifesaving care in those first critical minutes of the emergency until an ambulance arrives.”

The trial is part of a review of the terms and conditions of firefighters by the National Joint Council for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services, looking at the current and future demands on the service and profession.

Keith Wanley, area manager for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We already save many lives through prevention work and by responding to fires and accidents, we hope that this additional support will provide early lifesaving care to help save many more.”

The trial will run until 30 June and will be monitored on a daily basis.

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Transforming the mental health of children and young people Recent headlines suggest the quest for a perfect online life is causing many teenagers to feel deeply unhappy.

ChildLine, the national charity, believes that many youngsters are dealing with fears and worries that didn’t exist 30 years ago and this is leading to an increase in mental health issues. Four of the top ten issues which teenagers contacted the charity about were linked to mental health including low self-esteem, self-harm, suicidal feelings and depressive disorders.

The Darlington Transformation Plan’s vision is to provide children and young people with a life free from poverty, ignorance, neglect, crime, harm, abuse and distress. The plan looks at how this can be achieved by working with local health organisations, councils, schools, youth justice and the voluntary sector, as well as the children, young people and their families.

Part of the plan looks at mental health and children. Young people and their parents have told us that we should all learn about common mental health issues at school and at work and that negative stereotypes should be challenged.

Around one in ten children aged five to 16 in the UK have a diagnosable mental health disorder, and in Darlington it is Over the next 12 months the plan has a number of aims estimated 1,145 children and young people including: are suffering. It is estimated that 595 of • Ensuring local children and young people, parents and these children are aged between five and carers have a voice 10 and 850 are aged 11-16.

• Promoting prevention and early intervention of mental health Darlington’s children and young people issues are our future and so working with Darlington Council, we have devised a plan • Improving experience and outcomes for the most vulnerable children and young people. to improve the emotional wellbeing and mental health of all children and young You can read the full Darlington Transformation Plan at people across the Borough. www.darlingtonccg.nhs.uk

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www.darlingtonccg.nhs.uk

Ovarian cancer – be aware Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women with around 7,100 women diagnosed each year.

It is most commonly found in women who have been through the menopause (usually over the age of 50), although it can affect women of any age. Different types of ovarian cancer affect different parts of the ovaries. Epithelial ovarian cancer, which affects the surface layers of the ovary, is the most common type.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be difficult to recognise as they are very similar to those of other conditions. However, there are early symptoms to look out for such as persistent bloating, pain in the pelvis and lower stomach and difficulty eating.

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you have been having them for a while, it’s important to see your GP. The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but certain things are thought to increase a women’s risk of developing the condition, such as age, the number of eggs the ovaries release and whether someone in your family has had ovarian or breast cancer in the past.

Screening is available for women who are at high risk of developing the condition due to a strong family history or inheritance of a particular gene. Clinical trials are being carried out to assess the effectiveness of screening in high-risk women and in the general population. The cervical screening test, which used to be called a smear test, is not able to detect ovarian cancer.

For more information about ovarian cancer go to www.nhs.uk

You’re invited!

Please come along and watch our governing body at work. Our next meeting is on 7 June, noon–3pm.

Hackworth Room, Community Safety Centre, Park Place, Darlington, DL1 5LR. If you would like to attend, please contact Glenda Lynn glendalynn@nhs.net

www.darlingtonccg.nhs.uk

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Changes to diabetes care If you have diabetes, you may see changes to the care you receive from April as NHS commissioners and clinicians in County Durham and Darlington launch new plans to help people keep well and live life to the full.

Following discussions with patients, carers and their families, more patients will be treated closer to home, rather than in hospital, and have greater involvement in the way they are looked after.

Diabetes is our fastest growing health threat with the number of people in the UK diagnosed doubling since 1996. It is estimated that by 2025 more than 5 million people will be living with diabetes. There are two types of diabetes, Type 1, more commonly linked to genetic factors that can be triggered by an infection and Type 2, which usually affects middle-aged and older people and is linked to lifestyle factors such as being overweight. If diabetes is not managed properly it can lead to serious complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and even amputation.

More help for patients with diabetes

Alongside NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS North Durham CCG, we have been listening to the experiences of diabetes patients, carers and their families. They told us they wanted earlier diagnosis and more support after diagnosis.

They also asked for more help to manage their condition, with earlier access to specialist care and greater involvement in decision making about their care.

These views, and those of clinicians, have helped develop a new model of care which is being launched in April to help people living with diabetes keep well and live life to the full.

Learning about faith Children and young people have been finding out about the many different and diverse cultures and faiths in Darlington.

Healthwatch Darlington hosted the interfaith event which celebrated different cultures with information, food and music. Faiths including Baha’i, Christianity, Judaism, Muslim, Rastafarianism, Humanism and Paganism were represented and information was shared on many other faiths. The event gave young people the ability to share ideas for shaping their local communities, helped them to make new connections and to learn how faith communities contribute to the wellbeing of society.

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Lots of services face reductions to funding in the upcoming months and Healthwatch Darlington wants to ensure your voice is heard and your experiences are not lost during these times of change. This includes the voice of children and young people. If you would like to share your experiences of health and social care services with Healthwatch Darlington please contact us on 01325 380145 or email info@healthwatchdarlington.co.uk

INGENIOUS VOLUNTEERS IN A MOST INGENIOUS TOWN

www.darlingtonccg.nhs.uk

Become a foster carer for siblings Darlington’s Family Placement Service is calling on more people to foster brothers and sisters who need to be looked after. Making sure we have enough families willing to care for sibling groups means brothers and sisters can remain together.

If you have spare bedrooms in your household and a real passion for giving a safe and stable home to local children, then why not consider fostering? You could make a real difference by providing a home for a sibling group of two or three children – giving them the opportunity to stay together as a family and to keep their family bond and identity strong.

Fostering is more open than ever to people from a Quote from variety of backgrounds; it doesn’t matter whether you Ofsted Report – are married or not, own your own home or rent. One of the biggest myths is that people 1 September 2015 who are single cannot foster, “Foster carers are recruited, trained and supported well especially siblings, this isn’t and receive a good service from the local authority. Carers true – we would love to hear receive regular supervision and training and they contribute from you.

People who become foster carers receive training to ensure they have the best preparation for welcoming children into their foster home.

Training continues to be available after you have been approved as a foster carer, along with support from a supervising social worker. Extra help from members of the Family Placement Service and other approved foster carers, via the Darlington Foster Carer Association, is always on hand.

Adopt, Foster Support

well to children’s planning and reviews.”

Darlington foster carer Carol, who has fostered for six years, said: “We made the decision to foster when our sons left home - we have now been fostering for six years.

“Our first placement was two sisters and after bringing up three boys it was a challenge - hair, ponytails, dolls and lots of pink girlie things!

We received great training and support from the Family Placement Service to help us in our fostering role.

“Our last three placements have been teenagers, which can be challenging as they can find it hard to trust.

“However, the fulfilment of helping young people far outweighs the challenges faced - I would recommend fostering, in particular teenagers”.

For more info call 01325 406120

children with

www.darlington.gov.uk/fostering

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Making the most of money to improve community safety

A special fund, operated by Ron Hogg, the Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, is helping projects which improve community safety and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

This year Ron has allocated £23,000 to the fund in Darlington which communities and organisations in the voluntary sector can apply to.

Ron is committed to supporting communities and the fund is one of the key ways in which he does so.

Last year, he asked the County Durham Community Foundation to operate the fund on his behalf. The Community Foundation adds an extra 50% from other sources to his contributions meaning that people in Darlington are benefitting from more and better community safety projects.

When he announced this arrangement last year, Ron said: “This is excellent news for the area as residents will benefit from even more community safety initiatives throughout County Durham and Darlington.”

The Community Foundation operates a wide range of funding streams, which means that they can direct people to a range of pots of money for different purposes. This means that if someone comes to them with an idea which the Community

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Safety Fund cannot support, they can often suggest a different source of funding.

The Community Foundation is very well-placed to decide which projects should be funded, and is able to operate independently from the Commissioner’s office. Its close understanding of small, locallyfocused organisations, and of the needs of small communities helps to ensure that the fund goes where it is most needed, and where it will have the greatest impact.

Barbara Gubbins, Chief Executive of County Durham Community Foundation, said: “The partnership means that groups who have a particular focus on safety and crime reduction initiatives are able to access additional funding. We have been able to increase the grant making total by 50% through match funding that we have available.

We have a strong working relationship with the PCC and his team.”

The latest data from Ron’s performance report indicates that drug and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour has fallen in Darlington over the past year.

A further round of funding will be available in 2016/17. For more information and application forms for the fund go to www.cdcf.org.uk

www.cdcf.org.uk

Budget proposals 2016 In this edition of One Darlington we are detailing our budget proposals so you can see how we plan to save £10.2m by 2020. The money we get from Government has been significantly reduced and we have to make some tough decisions to ensure we can continue to provide the most valued services.

KEY Government Grant/ Business Rates Council tax

As the diagram on the right shows, our income from Government (in green) has been reduced by more than 40% since 2010. We’ve raised Council Tax (in blue) to help bridge the gap but we still have a lot less money than in 2010.

In these pages we have tried to give you a sense of the challenges we face and the possible solutions. You can get more detail about all the proposals at www.darlington.gov.uk/budget.

2010/11

The budget papers contain many proposals which have been divided into:

Core offer – this is the minimum we must do to comply with

around 1,300 pieces of legislation and duties. Services in the core offer will continue but in the future they may look different to how they are now.

Cuts – these are the services we have had to stop or reduce to ensure we have enough money to pay for the core offer.

Futures Fund – once we have provided the core offer we will have around £2.5m for all other services. We have looked to see which services are most valued by residents and will deliver greater opportunities in the future for them. We want to know if you agree with what we included in the Futures Fund.

2014/15

We want to hear your views!

There are a number of ways you can get in touch: • Via the website www.darlington.gov.uk/budget • Email your comments to feedback@darlington.gov.uk • Post your comments to Budget proposals, Room 106, Town Hall, Feethams, Darlington, DL1 5QT • Come to the public meeting on Wednesday 16 March at either 2pm or 6pm at the Dolphin Centre

2019/20

The 6pm session will be filmed and posted on the Council’s website.

The deadline for comments is Tuesday 31 May. They will then be considered at a Special Cabinet Meeting on Wednesday 22 June and recommendations agreed to go before the full Council on Wednesday 29 June.

www.darlington.gov.uk/budget

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Core offer – what will stay

Despite the reduction in funding we still have £87.5m to spend, and many services to provide.

Many of the services will change, and standards will reduce as we deliver them differently to balance our budget. This is an overview of how we propose to continue to meet our duties.

Adult social care – we will continue to provide

care and support for around 4,000 people. We will make better use of new technologies to support people, which are more cost effective. We will ensure the whole care and support system can work to not only prevent the need for formal support, but maximise an individual’s potential by improving their independence and what they are able to do for themselves.

Children’s social care - We are developing

a new integrated early help offer, which will include children’s centre delivery for under 5s, early help, and Troubled Families. Working with partners we are transforming our approach, building on what works to target support at those children and families in greatest need. We are strengthening our area social work teams in response to the Ofsted improvement plan.

Registry Office - we will continue to register all

births, deaths and marriages.

Highways - we will continue to maintain the 546km of road, 305 bridges and structures and manage the road network including traffic control and meeting the needs of all road users.

Bin collection - we will continue to collect refuse and recycling at the current levels.

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Grass cutting - open spaces, verges and parks will be cut approximately every 30 days, compared to every 12-15 days. Sport pitches will continue to be cut as they are now.

Street cleaning – will continue but with

fewer sweepers and litter pickers and less frequent cleaning. Enforcement will be stopped.

Public Health - The Council will continue to provide more than 21 Public Health functions for Darlington, spending over £5 million on direct services for Darlington residents. This ensures that 25,000 young people and families in Darlington will have access to a Health Visitor and School Nurse, and more than 32,000 people identified at risk of heart disease receive an NHS Health Check and support to stop smoking and every woman in Darlington will have access to contraceptive services when needed.

Youth offending – we will continue to

provide supervision of children and young people who are subject to out of court disposals issued by Police and those subject to both community and custodial sentences imposed by the courts.

www.darlington.gov.uk/budget

Cuts – what’s changing

To bring our spending on our core offer in line with our resources we have to make £10.2m of cuts. This means we are unable to provide certain services. This is an overview of the proposed cuts and changes.

Children’s centres – It is proposed that

we review the early help services provided at children’s centres, moving towards one central children’s centre with outreach to communities.

These changes will be phased over the next three years.

Parking - charges are to be introduced for Blue Badge Holders in all off street car parks.

Public Health – the Health Hub in the

Dolphin Centre will close and we will no longer run Open Art sessions at The Bridge.

Charity funding - we will no longer be able to provide funding to organisations including Age UK, Citizens Advice Bureau and Groundwork.

Libraries – we propose to close Cockerton Library and cease the Mobile Library. The central library, currently housed at Crown Street, will be moved into the Dolphin Centre along with the Local Studies Centre. The housebound service will continue.

Town Centre - we will need to work with others

on a Christmas lights offer, the water feature will not be switched on in the summer and there will be very few flower displays.

New charges - there will be some increases in fees and charges such as burial fees and rents for allotments.

Staffing – our staff numbers will be reduced by approximately 180.

Hear more and have your say at The Dolphin Centre, Wednesday 16 March, 2pm and 6pm.

A complete list of all the proposals, along with full details, can be found online at www.darlington.gov.uk/budget

www.darlington.gov.uk/budget

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We have around £2.5m a year to provide non-statutory services for the Borough and have outlined a series of proposals we think add most value and are what people would want us to include, please let us know if you disagree.

£200,000 Crisis Support and Community Care Fund – to work with the main food bank and the voluntary sector to provide emergency support to people in real and urgent need.

£50,000 Financial inclusion – to work with voluntary organisations to help people to maximise their benefits, manage their money and avoid debt. £85,000 in 2016/17 then £200,000 a year for housing related support for vulnerable adults – this will include specialist provision for victims of domestic abuse.

Remodelled Dolphin Centre – a remodelled Dolphin Centre to include a

Mythbuster!

Futures Fund

library service, which will reduce running costs for both services. This would cost around £1.7m. A reduced Local Studies Centre service would also move into the Dolphin Centre.

£120,000 South Park – to maintain the park to existing standards. £125,000 School Crossing Patrols – to maintain the existing level of

service.

£100,000 Cultural Development – to provide an officer and some match

funding to ensure we benefit from Tees Valley Investment Strategy and can bid for Arts Council England and Heritage Lottery funding as well as support community based arts activity.

£350,000 Economic Regeneration Team – to ensure existing

developments are delivered, such as Central Park, and attract new investment to create business growth and job opportunities in the future.

£100,000 Festivals and events – to provide staffing and work with partners on events including a Christmas offer.

£80,000 Public Health activities – to maintain funding for Sports Development team to work with school children and community sports clubs.

Also, several one-off investments including: • £100,000 to support voluntary sector services • £20,000 to provide match funding to voluntary sector bids to the County Durham Community Fund • £50,000 to support an increase in volunteering • £50,000 for wildflower meadows which reduce the need for grass cutting.

Hear more and have your say at The Dolphin Centre, Wednesday 16 March, 2pm and 6pm.

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www.darlington.gov.uk/budget

You have no money but you’re building a cinema, a car park and restoring the Civic Theatre

All the books from all the libraries won’t fit in the Dolphin Centre

You’re closing the market in a Market Town

You say you have no money but you’re paying high wages to the Chief Executive and senior officers.

With all these increases, our Council Tax is one of the most expensive in the region

You’re letting me have my say but the decisions are already made

The cinema is a private development, being built on land sold by the Council. It is not funded by the Council. The Council made money on the sale of the land which went towards the building of the Feethams car park, which will make money in the future.

Funding for the Civic Theatre and the Hullaballoon children’s theatre is coming from a mix of grants, sponsorship and levy on tickets.

The floor space in the Dolphin Centre is comparable to what we have now. With clever redesign, and because we are moving the Registrar’s Office to the Town Hall, there will be space for the books.

We are not proposing to close the market. The indoor market needs a lot of investment and we don’t have the money. We are looking at different ways that the market can operate in the future.

There are 29 people earning more than £50,000 in the Council.

The cost of senior management has fallen by £2m over the past five years and will reduce by a further £0.25m over the next few years. Wages of senior staff are benchmarked against other councils. We need senior staff to help with the changes and bring investment into the town but we will look again at the situation in two years’ time.

Council Tax in Darlington has been one of the lowest in the region for a number of years. Even with increases the amount you pay is still a lot less than other nearby councils. Our Band D Council Tax for 15/16 is £1,263.34 (this excludes any parish precept or police or fire precept). The average North East Band D Council Tax for 15/16 is £1,351.74.

The proposals are based on what you have told us in the past, including previous consultations, public events, focus groups, complaints and comments.

We want to hear your views but we need alternative suggestions about how we can make these savings.

There are too many pen pushers in the Town Hall, the cuts are hitting those doing the real work

We have already cut back office staff and once services are reduced the support services behind them will be reviewed.

Although a lot of the work is less visible, back office staff are necessary to help provide and support front line services.

You’ve got no money but you’re choosing to pay for free bus passes

We are not choosing to pay for concessionary bus passes. By law, The Council must administer and fund the scheme which allows those eligible for bus passes to travel for free in the off peak period.

We are proposing to reduce our costs by removing the free pass given to companions of disabled users. There are currently 635 holders of these passes.

www.darlington.gov.uk/budget

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Bright future for Darlington With severe budget cuts around the corner some may think that all is lost in Darlington. However, with many exciting new developments happening across the Borough, bringing with them job opportunities, this could not be further from the truth.

Darlington has a proud heritage of invention, ingenuity and growth and is home to 5,000 businesses; many small companies sitting alongside bigger national and international firms whose influence spans the globe. Cleveland Bridge, Cummins, Nobia Magnet, Student Loans Company and Northgate PLC, for example, are all companies proud to name Darlington as their home.

We have the foundations in place for a thriving economy for the Borough. In two separate independent reports, Darlington was named as the best performing economy in the North East.

A recent recruitment and jobs fair in the town saw more than 700 jobs across many sectors on offer for local people. In the Town Centre, the amazing Feethams Leisure complex will bring hundreds more jobs to the town with a new cinema, more restaurants and new retail opportunities. This will attract more and more visitors to the town as well as encouraging them to extend their stay – even overnight in the new Premier Inn. The Civic Theatre, soon to be renamed ‘Darlington Hippodrome’, is being redeveloped along with a new theatre for children, The Hullaballoon.

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At Central Park, the recently opened Business Central is now home to around 25 businesses with many more using the centre for events and networking; taking full advantage of the excellent location and facilities on offer. The National Biologics Manufacturing Centre is now open and making its mark in the world of future medicines and there are plans for more facilities to join Teesside University’s The Forge and Darlington College.

You can see building work happening all over Darlington with manufacturers investing in Faverdale, new retail investments at North Road, Capita investing at Lingfield Point, and a number of investments at sites on Yarm Road.

Darlington is an attractive place to live – new houses are being built across the Borough to meet current and future needs. As companies relocate and expand here creating jobs, we need new homes for existing and new residents. Darlington really is a place where people want to be.

The sense of community is strong with groups such as Darlington Cares and One Darlington Partnership working to protect what is good about the Borough and help those who need it.

Over the years, The Council has changed and adapted the way it works and, although the next few years will see some radical changes, our aim is to ensure that Darlington and its people will continue to take advantage of opportunity, to thrive and be ingenious. We are a place to live, work and enjoy life.

www.darlington.gov.uk

Darlington showcases new jobs A host of new jobs are coming to Darlington this year, with employers offering a wide variety of roles.

New developments like Feethams and the North Road Retail Park are bringing jobs in hospitality, retail and leisure to the town, while established businesses such as Student Loans, EE, Deep Ocean, and Nifco are looking to fill jobs in sales, engineering and management.

Nearly 1,700 job hunters in the town were given a great opportunity to meet face-to-face with 15 employers at the Darlington Recruitment and Jobs Fair. Between them the businesses were recruiting for 700 jobs, 500 of which were based in Darlington. Also on offer was support including careers advice, business creation and further learning.

Tracy Thornton from Iceland said: “I was really impressed by the calibre of applicants who came to the event. We are recruiting for 30 positions and with such high quality it’s possible that we could fill most, if not all, with candidates we spoke to on the day.”

Cast your vote for VIBE AWARDS 2016 The Vibe Awards has been celebrating the very best of young people in Darlington for 20 years.

Nominations for this year’s awards close on Friday 22 April. We want you to nominate young people, aged 10-19, who have tried their best and made great achievements in the past year.

To nominate a young person visit www.clicktodo.co.uk or call Sarah Dent on 01325 406162.

Nominations will be shortlisted by a panel led by young people and special awards will go to the most inspiring nominees.

The categories are: contribution to the community; contribution to the arts; achievements against the odds in learning; achievement in learning and The Star Vibe Award.

The Vibe Awards, whose principal sponsor is Darlington Building Society, will be held on the 21 June at the Dolphin Centre Sports Hall. Other sponsors are: The Danny Brown, Darlington’s Member of Youth Parliament Northern Echo; Latimer Hinks Solicitors; said: “The Vibe Awards celebrate the good work young Darlington College; QE Sixth Form; people do, helping themselves and enriching other Sherwood’s Chevrolet; Darlington Borough people’s lives. They are a credit to themselves, their Council’s Children’s Services; Durham families, their schools and their friends”.

Constabulary and Darlington Lions.

www.onedarlington.org.uk

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News in brief Returning unwanted medical equipment If you have medical equipment, for example crutches or bath seats, from Medequip (formerly the Home Equipment Loan Service) that you no longer need, please return it so other residents can benefit. You can return equipment to Medequip at Unit 3 Beaumont Square, Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6XN or call 01325 524531 to arrange for someone to collect it from you. For more information visit www.medequipuk.com Credit Union success Thousands of residents are taking advantage of Darlington Credit Union. In 2015, 1,175 new accounts were opened and there were 5,749 members by the end of the year.

The Credit Union took more than £1.8m in deposits and granted more than £900,000 in loans. The not-for-profit organisation, based in Tubwell Row, provides a range of affordable financial services, encouraging saving as well as borrowing with reasonable interest rates. Later this year, it will start to offer current accounts, cash ISAs and online banking. To find out more go to www. darlingtoncreditunion. co.uk

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Pumping station open again to visitors Preparations are underway to open an important piece of the region’s industrial heritage to visitors.

Tees Cottage Pumping Station on Coniscliffe Road reopened to visitors in September last year following structural repair work funded by Inside the pumping station Northumbrian Water.

Volunteers will be hosting special open days on Easter Sunday and Monday (March 27 and 28) when visitors will get the chance to see inside the historic building including its fully working boiler, magnificent beam and gas engines which are still pumping water from the River Tees. There is also a blacksmith’s shop, miniature railway and tea room.

Chairman of Tees Cottage Pumping Station, Phil Doran, said: “I am delighted that the recent investment from Northumbrian Water means that Tees Cottage Pumping Station will be open for many years to come.”

For more information visit www.teescottage.com or follow them on Facebook (search for Tees Cottage Pumping Station). Opening times are 11am-5pm with last entry at 4pm.

Unlikely TV stars meet fans of their show Police Interceptors stars met fans of the show at an event in Darlington.

The road policing cops have attracted lots of interest since the show started in mid-September on Channel 5. TV cameras followed the traffic cops, dog handlers and police helicopter as they went about their duties during last summer.

Durham Constabulary officers Chris Lear, Ritchie Gatland and Ian Squire who have featured in the show, along with canine cops PD Kaizer and PD Lily, took time out to meet their fans on a busy TV stars meet their young fans Saturday afternoon in Darlington town centre.

Dog handler, PC Squire, said: “The programme is a great way to showcase what we do and we’ve had a very positive reaction. It lets people see the human side of policing and that we’re not robots. It’s also fabulous to meet the people who watch it.”

www.onedarlington.org.uk

Adult social care: helping everyone live independently in Darlington Adult social care is Darlington Council’s biggest area of spend, accounting for 34.2% of our budget. This year the Government has encouraged councils to raise Council Tax by an additional 2% on top of other raises to help fund Adult Social Care.

What is adult social care?

Most people will need the support Adult social care offers at some time in their lives, whether it be due to an illness, disability or caring for others.

Adult social care works with a range of partners including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, voluntary and independent organisations, housing, other council services and government departments to ensure the advice, information and support provided meets the needs of the individual. “Everything we do is directed at supporting people to maintain their independence and wellbeing within their local community”, says Suzanne Joyner, Director of Children and Adults Services, at Darlington Council. “The level of support required will vary for each individual but it is important that we work together to ensure our resources can be used effectively.”

Adult social care has three key obligations, that are detailed in the Care Act 2014: • ensuring a person’s well being is at the heart of every decision • giving carers the same rights to assessment and support as those they care for • focusing on prevention and delay, rather than only intervening at crisis point.

www.darlington.gov.uk

What do we have to do?

We have to: • Carry out assessments and provide information and advice.

More than 5,000 people contact us each year and around half go on to receive an assessment to determine what support may be required to maintain their independence and well being. This can result in support being provided to adults and carers • Safeguard vulnerable adults – individuals who may require additional support to keep themselves safe or free from abuse and neglect – in accordance with our statutory duties. We must work with other organisations to promote the well being of individuals and ensure their views and wishes are taken into account during what can be a complex area of work. We also have to undertake specialist work including Mental Health Assessments for which we employ approved mental health practitioners • Assess and review the needs of disabled children in preparation for them becoming adults • Support people to maintain their independence through reablement services – getting them back to optimum fitness after a period of illness or injury • Ensure there is enough choice and availability of services to residents who need support. Our work with the voluntary and independent sector as well as other organisations is key to helping us with this • Work to support people back to independence, to help them to remain in their own community safely. The use of assistive technology such as medications dispensers and adaptations are important in this.

Find out about the support available

Check www.darlington.gov.uk for information about what support may be available to you. Alternatively, you can call into Central House, Gladstone Street, Darlington, DL3 6JX or call 01325 346200, Minicom 01325 468504.

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Children’s Services improvements Following an inspection of Children’s Services by Ofsted last year, Darlington Borough Council has begun a major improvement journey.

The inspection judged some of our services as ‘good’, for example our fostering and adoption services. However, we were very disappointed that services for children in need of help and protection were deemed inadequate.

The Council now has an improvement plan in place to address the recommendations made by Ofsted, which will get us back on track, ensuring that all our services contribute to giving all children and young people in Darlington the best start in life.

• We have realigned resources in order to address social work caseloads, so that they are in line with national guidelines, enabling social workers to focus on more face to face work with children and their families.

• We have strengthened the management team and their day to day oversight of practice.

• We have reviewed quality assurance processes and introduced monthly audits, which will check practice and also monitor standards and continued improvement.

• We have put in place a programme of training to consolidate good practice and improve the skills of our staff.

• We are continuing the work in relation to our new IT system, which will be introduced later in the year, making recording and tracking of work simpler and less time consuming.

• We have improved our performance management processes, so that managers and staff are able to monitor and manage their work effectively.

Suzanne Joyner, Darlington Borough Council’s new Director of Children and Adults Services, said: “Our vision for children and young people in Darlington is that each and every one has the best start in life and my priority is to build on the work and improvements that are already underway.

“We have dedicated staff and, together with our partners, we aim to deliver the improvements required to deliver a modern, cost effective service, which is timely and of good quality.”

Over the coming months we will build on early improvements, reporting to a formal Improvement Board, its role being to assess and monitor progress and report back to the Department for Education and Ofsted.

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Suzanne Joyner – Director of Children and Adults Services

www.darlington.gov.uk

Spring offers opportunities to Move More outdoors Move More Star

This edition’s Move More Star, John Waddleton, was inspired to do just that by joining the Healthy Darlington’s Couch 2 5K programme, after reading about a previous Move More Star who had never run before completing the programme.

John has now successfully completed the ‘Couch 2 John Waddleton 5K’ programme, continues to run and has progressed onto the ‘5 2 10Klub’, to help him work up to running 10 kilometres.

We caught up with John to find out what he had to say about the ‘Couch 2 5K’ programme. “The ‘Couch 2 5K’ programme was fantastic – there was always a great atmosphere and the other runners and leaders were so motivational – I’d recommend anyone thinking about trying running to join – you won’t look back.”

Couch 2 5K

Ten week programme designed for beginners. Starts by alternating between walking and running small distances, slowly building up to run 5k.

Next programme starts: Tuesday 19 April - 6.30pm 7.30pm - from the Dolphin Centre (£20 for 10 weeks).

Wednesday 20 April - 6.30pm 7.30pm - from Eastbourne Sports Complex (£20 for 10 weeks).

5 2 10Klub

Ten week programme designed to help increase training and improve speed and stamina to assist runners run up to 10k.

Next programme starts: Monday 23 May – 6pm – 7pm - from Eastbourne Sports Complex (£20 for 10 weeks).

For more information, health tips and advice email movemore@darlington.gov.uk visit the Healthy Darlington Hub in the Dolphin Centre, or call 01325 406411.

The Hallé makes a splash in Darlington One of the UK’s top symphonic ensembles, the Hallé Orchestra, will be performing a special concert in the Dolphin Centre in June.

Now in its 158th season, the Hallé boasts a distinguished history of acclaimed performances around the world; award-winning recordings, radio broadcasts and educational outreach programmes.

The orchestra, supported by Hummersknott Academy Trust, will transport its audience to Broadway and Hollywood, with music including two works by Leonard Bernstein – Candide from the Operetta Candide, Mambo from West Side Story and music from Star Wars by John Williams.

The highlight will be Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings. When it premiered in New York in 1938, critic Olin Downes said Barber “achieved something

www.darlington.gov.uk

as perfect in mass and detail as his craftsmanship permits”.

The gala evening on Thursday, 23 June (7.30pm) will celebrate the three-year partnership between Durham Music Service (Durham and Darlington Music Hub) and the orchestra.

During the day the orchestra will also perform with 650 pupils from Darlington schools and be streamed live to local primary schools.

The events have been supported by local businesses and funding organisations, including Creative Darlington and Darlington Building Society.

Tickets, £10 and £5 concessions, are available from the Dolphin Centre 01325 406600 or www.healthydarlington.co.uk/dolphinevents

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Community at heart of regeneration

Red Hall photography group led by Peter Tate

The community is at the heart of the success of a multi-million pound regeneration of Red Hall.

“The Council commissioned Groundwork North East, and together we have been working closely with residents and local councillors to find out how they want to shape their An extensive programme of building work future. With ever increasing pressure on our budgets we to create new homes and refurbish existing can’t do as much, the community needs to take more responsibility for its own future.” properties has helped breathe new life into the area, but it is the efforts of local Lisa Locke, Groundwork NE programme coordinator, residents that will have the most important added: “Local residents have been telling us what they want lasting impact. and there’s been a host of new activities organised from photography to Christmas wreath-making and archery.

Councillor Veronica Copeland, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for “Through these activities we are looking to create selfHousing, explained: “There are some great sustaining groups.” things already going on – a school with an excellent record, a popular community Red Hall residents also receive a regular newsletter, centre, dance group and football team. We produced by Groundwork NE and the Council, which it is want to build on their success, encourage hoped the community will take over. It is also available online at www.darlington.gov.uk/housing/red-hall-regeneration/ them to work together and bring in other organisations to enable the community to If you want more information you can email create a brighter future for everyone. customerengagement@darlington.gov.uk

First phase of new council homes complete Tenants Vera and Philip Maven were among the first to move into one of eight newly-built flats at Deepdale Way, Red Hall.

The flats were the first phase of a scheme in which the Council is re-investing £20.1m of housing revenue funds and £3.2m from the Homes and Communities Agency to create 166 muchneeded, new council homes.

“We love it,” said Mrs Maven, who uses a wheelchair. “There’s plenty of space and it’s much easier for me in my wheelchair Cllr Copeland with tenants Vera and Philip Maven being on one level.”

Work on another 12 flats in Badminton Close is set to finish this month and is underway on more homes in Fenby Avenue, Lascelles Park, due for completion in August.

Anyone interested in renting council properties can log onto the website at www.darlington.gov.uk/housing or contact the Customer Contact Team on 01325 405333.

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www.darlington.gov.uk

News in brief Easter refuse and recycling dates

Mini Police hit the streets in Darlington

There will be no changes to recycling and refuse collections over the Easter holidays. Bins will be emptied as usual. Your refuse and recycling bins should be put out by 7am on the morning of colletion and brought in once they have been emptied. To check your collection dates go to www.darlington. gov.uk/streetscene or call 01325 405111.

Council Tax support

In November, the Council approved its Council Tax support scheme for 201617, to help those on low incomes pay their Council Tax. Following consultation with residents, we decided to keep the general principles of the scheme the same as in previous years, which means everyone of working age has to pay at least 20% of their Council Tax. For more information visit our website at www.darlington. gov.uk/counciltaxsupport

Join in the 10k

The annual Sherwoods Vauxhall Darlington 10k, junior 3k and family fun run will take place on Sunday 7 August. Last year saw record entry levels for a fourth consecutive year; proving the run, sponsored by the Darlington Clinical Commissioning Group, is one of the best in the North East.

To take part visit www. healthydarlington. co.uk/10k or follow us at Facebook/darlington10km.

www.onedarlington.org.uk

Mini police meet their new colleague, Dexter the sniffer dog

Pupils are proving to be a force to be reckoned with as they help the local constabulary maintain its reputation as the best in the country.

Four primary schools have joined forces for the official launch of Mini Police in Darlington.

Details of the pioneering project will be reported to the Queen by County Durham’s Vice Lord Lieutenant Alasdair MacConachie who claimed such innovations were one reason why Durham Police was rated the best force in the country.

Heathfield, Red Hall and Corporation Road primary schools and St George’s Church of England Academy, Middleton St George, joined the scheme, which is designed to promote harmony in the community.

Around 80 pupils, aged nine-11, will take it in turn to wear special Mini Police uniforms with pride as they work with the force to improve community safety.

Mini Police boys and girls will find themselves on the frontline when greeting royalty, helping police community safety officers tackle local issues and promote seasonal campaigns.

They will also be able to visit police headquarters in Durham, the police helicopter, Bikewise and Dogwise events, tackle community issues including parking near school, speeding motorists and dark nights safety and meet and discuss issues with Durham’s Chief Constable Mike Barton.

Mini Police co-ordinator Craig Johnson said: “The voice of a child has an amazing impact on the local community and offers an honest and insightful perception of what we are striving to achieve for everyone.”

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31

Clubs and societies If you would like your club or society listed on this page, please get in touch. We will include as many entries as we can. Listings are free.

Email your information to communications@darlington.gov.uk or call 01325 406058.

There is a web page on the Council’s website dedicated to local clubs and societies. Visit www.darlington.gov.uk/clubs

North Eastern Meccano Society was formed in Darlington in 1975 and now meets quarterly in March, June, September and December at The Dales Care Centre, Bedale, North Yorkshire DL8 1ER. It has around 100 members. Its annual exhibition will be held in St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, Darlington on Saturday 29 October. Other exhibitions include Beamish Museum (Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 April) and Locomotion Shildon (Sunday 29 & Monday 30 May). The club also supports the Great North Air Ambulance with a collection at most exhibitions.

Anyone is welcome to join – you do not have to own any Meccano. Juniors are welcome and only pay half of the annual adult subscription, which is £10 and includes a quarterly newsletter. The club is running a school’s challenge with 13 schools which culminates in a competition held at Locomotion Shildon. Contact jherdman350@outlook.com or fred_b_thompson@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.northeastmeccanosociety.com Darlington Traditional Brewing Group meets once a month in a member’s home to sample the host’s beers and to discuss general brewing matters. New members welcome, contact trevor@dfpa.co or visit www.dtbg.org/home

The Darlington Amateur Gardening Club meets twice a month on a Wednesday evening at Bondgate Methodist Church Hall. Experienced or novice gardeners welcome. Events include speakers, plant sales, visits to gardens, our own garden shows and meals out. Contact 01325 384918.

Darlington Orchestra meets Tuesdays (term time) from 7-9pm at Church Hall, St Thomas Aquinas Church, Darlington. New players of all ages, with a preferred playing standard of Grade IV and above, welcome. Contact 01325 718414 or email admin@darlington-orchestra.org.uk or visit www.darlington-orchestra.org.uk Darlington Harriers meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at Eastbourne Sports Complex at 6.15pm for a warm-up. We also offer strength and conditioning sessions at Darlington Arena on Monday evenings at 6pm. Members range from children in Year Three up to adults age 80 and above. The club celebrates 125 years with an allday event on Saturday 11 June. Contact Paul Cook on 07967 262095, email paul.cook@ee.co.uk or follow them on twitter @Dharriers Darlington Workers’ Education Association (WEA) offers courses for adults of all ages. Contact 01325 284122 or go to www.wea.org.uk/courses Darlington Probus Club meets at 10am on the second and fourth Monday of the month at Elm Ridge Church. The club is for retired or semi-retired professional and business men and women. The meetings include coffee and chat, a business session and an invited speaker (or a talk by a member). Lunch outings throughout the year.

Contact 01325 461835.

Darlington & District Talking Newspaper provides a free weekly recording of news and information to blind and partially sighted people, as well as others who cannot read a newspaper due to medical conditions. New members/volunteers welcome. Call 01325 465101, email dtnewspaper@outlook.com or visit www.darlingtontalkingnewspaper.co.uk

All information provided is correct at time of going to press.

32

www.darlington.gov.uk/clubs

Darlington business shines like a diamond

Centre manager Vanessa Wood and Director of Euro Superabrasives Ray Mason

A major exporter to ten EU countries has moved into Business Central at Central Park.

“There is a business community here, I regularly head down to the central atrium to network.”

Euro Superabrasives distributes synthetic diamond grit and powder products to a variety of industries including aerospace, F1 cars and Rolls Royce.

Vanessa Wood, centre manager, said: “To have a business on site which exports throughout Europe just goes to show that our town really is where it’s at.”

Currently turning over just under £1 million a year, Directors Ray Mason and Richard Lee decided to move to Business Central to accommodate growth.

Ray said: “Our products are used in wood and metal working as well as dental and optical equipment, the list is endless.

“The location of Business Central suits us, it takes me just eight minutes to get into the office and with Richard working mainly from home he can just jump on the train as and when he needs to.

www.onedarlington.org.uk

The North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) is working with Darlington Council to run Business Central. The £6.6m project has been supported with funding from the European Regional Development Fund and the Homes and Communities Agency.

For more information on the space available please call the team on 01325 526006 or visit www.businesscentraldarlington.co.uk

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33

What’s On! What’s On! There’s always lots going on in and around Darlington. Read on for more information on events and activities coming up soon. Visit www.darlington.gov.uk/events for more details.

If you have any events you would like listing in future editions, email communications@darlington.gov.uk or call 01325 406058. Listings are free and we will try and include as many as we can. Please note, deadlines for listings are around eight weeks before publication date. One Darlington comes out every other month.

Why not visit the website listing all that’s going on in your area – you can also add your own event or club – visit www.whatsonindarlington.co.uk or follow @darloforculture on twitter for more details.

MARCH

Carmen – Monday 21, 7.30pm, Civic Theatre. Sung in French with English subtitles. ______________________________________ Psychic Sally, Call me Psychic Tour – Tuesday 22, 7.30pm, Civic Theatre. Sally Morgan returns with her new show. ______________________________________ Ray Mears - Tales of Endurance – Wednesday 23, 7.30pm, Civic Theatre.

Be amazed and inspired by these tales of survival. ______________________________________ Card making for adults - Wednesday 23, 2.30-4pm, Crown Street Library. ______________________________________

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac World Tour – Saturday 26, 7.30pm, Civic Theatre.

With all the hits including, Black Magic Woman and Go Your Own Way. ______________________________________

Lego Exhibition: Explore the amazing world of Lego – until Saturday 30 April, Head of Steam. Check out Facebook.com/brickalleylug ______________________________________ Read Regional Event - Tuesday 15, 6.30pm, Cockerton Library. Meet authors Chris Killen (In Real Life) and Caroline Roberts (The Torn Up Marriage). Visit www.readregional.com ______________________________________ Of Mice and Men – Tuesday 15– Saturday 19, 7.30pm, matinees; Thursday, 2pm, Saturday, 2.30pm, Civic Theatre. Free post-show talk on Wednesday and a tour of stage and set on Saturday, 11am. Touch tour on Saturday, 1pm. ______________________________________

34

APRIL DEAR – Drop Everything And Read month - throughout April. Enjoy a range of quick reads and exhibitions at Darlington libraries. ______________________________________ Brian Carrick’s Algiers Stompers – Saturday 2, 12.30pm, St Augustine’s Parish Centre, Larchfield Street. Visit www.darlingtonjazz.co.uk ______________________________________ Darlington People’s Sunday Market – Sunday 3, town centre. Browse the stalls and bag a bargain. ______________________________________ Children’s miniature train rides – Sundays 3 April & 1 May, 10am–1pm, Hurworth Grange. Ride on steam and electric trains. ______________________________________

Pasha – it’s all About You – Monday 4, 7.30pm, Civic Theatre. Dance and music from the Strictly star. ______________________________________ Dial M for Murder – Tuesday 29 March– Saturday 2 April, 7.30pm, matinees, Thursday, 2pm, Saturday, 2.30pm, Civic Theatre. Tale of betrayal, passion and murder. ______________________________________

The ELO Experience – Tuesday 5, 7.30pm, Civic Theatre. With all the hits including, Living Thing and Mr Blue Sky. ______________________________________ First Wednesday Arts Network – Wednesday 6, 6-8pm, Forum Music Centre, Borough Road. An informal drop-in for people to share ideas about arts and culture. First Wednesday of every month. ______________________________________ The Good Old Days of Variety Wednesday 6, 2pm, Civic Theatre.

Starring Anita Harris and The Grumbleweeds. With comedy and live music. ______________________________________

Children’s Comedy Event - Saturday 19, 10.30am, Crown Street Library. Free and fun, for ages 3 –10 years. _____________________________________ Sport Relief Mile – Sunday 20, 10am, South Park. Raise money with a one, three or six mile run. Contact 01325 406417 or visit www.sportrelief.com ______________________________________

Open Mic night for authors - Thursday 31, 7pm, Voodoo Café/Cantina, 84 Skinnergate. A forum for writers to read their material. Contact deangriss@btinternet.com ______________________________________

Pottery Painting for adults – Thursday 31, 2-3pm, Crown Street Library. Booking essential. ______________________________________

175th Anniversary of York to Darlington Line - Wednesday 6 April - Wednesday 25 May, 10am-4pm, Head of Steam. ______________________________________

www.whatsonindarlington.co.uk

What’s On! The Searchers - Thursday 7, 7.30pm.

Civic Theatre. With hits Sweets For My Sweet and more. ______________________________________ The Afternoon Lectures: AGM followed

by The National Collection, a talk by Anthony Coulls – Thursday 7, 1.45pm, Head of Steam. Also History of Boiler Explosions by Ray State on Thursday 5 May, 1.45pm. ______________________________________

Hamlet - Saturday 23 April, 3pm & 7pm, Art Gallery, Crown Street Library. Celebrate 400 years of Shakespeare. Includes a small Tudor market and music. Tickets from Crown Street Library and Cornmill Box Office. ______________________________________ Dr Jago Cooper - The Lost Kingdoms of Central America - Monday 25, 7.30pm, Dolphin Centre. ______________________________________

The Wizard of Oz Easter Panto Friday 8 & Saturday 9, various times, Civic Theatre. With Bobby Davro and Dani Harmer. See page 4 for details. ______________________________________

Open Mic Night for authors - Thursday 28, 7pm, Voodoo Café/Cantina, 84 Skinnergate. A forum for writers. Contact deangriss@btinternet.com ______________________________________

CAMRA Beer Festival – Thursday 14– Saturday 16, Forum Music Centre, Borough Road. A festival of music, drink and food.

Visit www.darlo.camra.org.uk or www.theforumonline.co.uk ______________________________________

MAY

Flare Path - Tuesday 12–Saturday 16, 7.30pm, matinees Thursday, 2pm, Saturday, 2.30pm, Civic Theatre. Romance set in World War II. Free post-show talk Wednesday. For ages 12+. ______________________________________ The Mayor’s Ball - Friday 15, 6.45pm, Dolphin Centre. Raise money for charity at this international evening. Tickets, 01325 406971. ______________________________________ Jubilee Quartet – Sunday 17, 7.30pm, Central Hall, Dolphin Centre. Contact 01325 467163. ______________________________________ Darlington Jazz Festival - Thursday 21-Sunday 24. Big band music at Central Hall, Dolphin Centre on Saturday and jazz across the town including workshops, choirs and small combos. Visit www.darlingtonjazzfestival.co.uk ______________________________________ Darlington Arts Festival – Thursday April 21- Tuesday May 31. See page five for details. ______________________________________ DarlingtonOS presents Legally Blonde - Wednesday 20–Saturday 30, evenings 7.30pm, matinee Saturday 23, 2pm, Civic Theatre. Call 01325 244659 or book online at www.darlingtonos.org.uk ______________________________________ St George’s Day – Saturday 23, noon, Market Cross. Drink a toast to St George and receive a red rose. Meet Deefor the library mascot in the town centre. ______________________________________ World Book Night – Saturday 23, 4-5pm, Dolphin Centre. Library staff will be giving away freebies. ______________________________________

www.whatsonindarlington.co.uk

Phoenix Dance Theatre Triple Bill Wednesday 4, 7.30pm, Civic Theatre. Free post-show talk. ______________________________________

Easter Events – see page four for an “eggcellent” range of Easter events.

VENUE CONTACT DETAILS

Tell Me On A Sunday - Thursday 5, 7.30pm, Civic Theatre. With hit song Take That Look Off Your Face. Starring Jodie Prenger. ______________________________________ Russell Watson - Songs From The Heart - Friday 6, 7.30pm, Civic Theatre. ______________________________________ Dancing in the Streets - Saturday 7, 7.30pm, Civic Theatre. With songs from The Four Tops, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Ritchie and The Supremes. ______________________________________ North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group Exhibition – Saturday 7 MaySunday 3 July, 10am-4pm, Head of Steam. ______________________________________ Distinctly Delicious Darlington Festival of Food - Saturday 14 & Sunday 15, town centre. Visit www.distinctdarlington.co.uk ______________________________________ Let it Be - Monday 9-Saturday 14, 7.30pm, matinees Thursday 2pm & Saturday 2.30pm, Civic Theatre. Packed with more than 40 of The Beatles’ greatest hits. ______________________________________ Love Your Local Market - Saturday 21, 9am-5pm, town centre. Celebrate your local market with music and entertainment. ______________________________________ Vintage Vehicle Rally - Sunday 22, 11am3pm. Head of Steam. Vintage vehicles from across the region. Activities include mini train ride, arts and crafts, juggling and more. £1 per person, museum family members go free. ______________________________________

Civic Theatre

Website www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk Box Office 01325 486555

Head of Steam

Call 01325 405060 or visit www.head-of-steam.co.uk; email headofsteam@darlington.gov.uk.

Entrance fees apply in most cases.

Crown Street Library

Call 01325 462034. Contact the library for details of Bookstart sessions.

Cockerton Library

Call 01325 461320.

The Bridge

For details of what’s on at the Bridge visit www.thebridgedarlington.org.uk, Tel 01325 244174 or email info@thebridgedarlington.org.uk

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Council Leader’s Column

I appreciate that the budget proposals in this magazine, and available in full on our website, don’t make for easy reading. We have had to make some tough decisions in the past months to ensure we can continue to provide the services that we think are most valued by you, our residents.

This means we have retained the Dolphin Centre, a library service and aspects of the Borough’s heritage, alongside the essential services that protect the most vulnerable in our society.

Most people in the Borough do not use most council services but I know you care deeply about those services that you do use and, in some cases, rely on. It has been a juggling act as the money we get from Government has been reduced by £13m, which is a significant amount, but we have tried to ensure a core offer that has value for the majority of residents.

The reduction in funding from the Government amounts to a tax on local councils but it is important to remember that these cuts only affect local council spending, they do not affect the aspirations of the town.

Everywhere I look I see new private sector development and investment coming into the town, from the new cinema complex to Central Park, and as long as people continue to see a future for the town it will thrive.

Darlington’s biggest asset has always been its residents and, as we see services we have relied on being sadly cut, now is the time for us all to step up and think what we can do for our community, however large or small. By working together and helping each other I am confident Darlington will remain a great place to live, work and visit.

I want to hear your views on the proposals but it is important to understand that this is a realistic offer of services given the resources we have. Sadly we can only play the cards we have been dealt, not the cards we would like to play.

Cllr Bill Dixon MBE (@billdixondton) Leader of the Council

36

Ward surgeries Your local councillor is there to listen to you and find out about the issues that are affecting life in your ward. You can email, telephone or meet with your local councillor at regular ward surgeries. Find out more at www.darlington.gov.uk Emailing councillors If you wish to email your councillor their e-mail address is: firstname.lastname@darlington.gov.uk For example, if you wish to email Bill Dixon, type in bill.dixon@darlington.gov.uk The only exceptions are Andy Scott (Haughton and Springfield Ward), Anne-Marie Curry (North Road Ward) and Tom Nutt (Whinfield Ward), their email addresses are shown with their ward surgery details.

BANK TOP AND LASCELLES

Veronica Copeland (L) Tel 358530; Chris Taylor (L) Tel 243298; Wendy Newall (L) Tel 251574 – Cleveland Bridge Social Club – Sat 12 Mar, 9 Apr and 14 May – 12pm-1pm. St John’s Church of England Academy – Tue 15 Mar, 19 Apr and 17 May – 6pm-7pm. King William Street Community Centre – Fri 18 Mar, 18 Apr and 20 May – 5pm-6pm.

BRINKBURN AND FAVERDALE

Sue Richmond (L) Tel 351538 Brinkburn RA Club – Thu 3 Mar and 7 Apr – 6pm-7pm.

Richard Grundy (C) Tel 266314, Rachel Mills (C) Tel 482906/ 07534 285 614; Brinkburn RA Club – Tue 1 Mar, 5 Apr and 3 May – 6pm-7pm. West Park Academy – Wed 9 Mar, 13 Apr and 11 May – 6pm-7pm.

COCKERTON

Paul Baldwin (L) Tel 362690; Jan Cossins (L) Tel 241124; David Regan (L) Tel 495258 – Windsor Court – Tue 8 Mar, 12 Apr and 10 May – 10am-11am. Cockerton Library – Thu 10 Mar and 14 Apr – 6pm-7pm.

COLLEGE

Tony Richmond (C) Tel 351538; Ian Galletley (C) Tel 07507 904 109 – Abbey Junior School – Wed 9 Mar, 13 Apr and 11 May – 6pm-7pm.

EASTBOURNE

Roderick Crichlow (L) Tel 488173; Bill Dixon (L) Tel 486588 – Pilmoor Green Community Centre - Wed 16 Mar, 20 Apr and 18 May – 5pm-6pm. Firthmoor Community Centre – Wed 30 Mar, 27 Apr and 25 May – 3pm-4pm.

Kevin Nicholson (I) Tel 07791 807 629 – Firthmoor Community Centre – Thu 17 Mar, 21 Apr and 19 May – 1pm2pm.

HARROWGATE HILL

Gill Cartwright (C) – No Ward surgery held please contact Tel: 382276/07963 200893.

Marjory Knowles (L) Tel 265847; David Lyonette (L) Tel 464693 – Harrowgate CIU Ltd – Wed 9 Mar, 13 Apr and 11 May – 7pm-8pm.

www.darlington.gov.uk

in your area

Key: (L) Labour (C) Conservative (LD) Liberal Democrat (I) Independent

HAUGHTON AND SPRINGFIELD

Chris McEwan (L) Tel 283262; Andy Scott (L) Tel 253707, andrew.scott@darlington.gov.uk; Nick Wallis (L) Tel 488797 – Haughton Methodist Church – Wed 9 Mar, 13 Apr and 11 May – 7pm-8pm. Salvation Army, Thompson St – Wed 9 Mar, 13 Apr and 11 May – 6pm-7pm. ASDA Foyer – Sat 5 Mar, 2 Apr and 7 May – 10am-11am.

HEIGHINGTON AND CONISCLIFFE

PARK EAST

Cyndi Hughes (L) Tel 480975; Malcolm Wright (L) Tel 484374; Michael Nicholson (L) Tel 240750/ 07906 552 714 – St Augustine’s Parish Centre – Wed 9 Mar, 13 Apr and 11 May – 6.30pm-7.15pm. Forum Music Centre Wed 2 Mar, 6 Apr and 4 May – 6pm-7pm.

St Columbas Church Hall – Fri 11 Mar and 13 May – 6pm-7pm. The Coleridge Centre – Fri 8 Apr – 6pm7pm.

PARK WEST

Gerald Lee (C) Tel 314622; Paul Crudass (C) Tel 374537 – High Coniscliffe Church Hall – Sat 5 Mar – 10-11am. Heighington Village Hall – Sat 2 Apr – 10-11am. St Mary’s Church Hall, Piercebridge – Sat 7 May – 10-11am.

Bob Donoghue (C) Tel 352582; Heather Scott (C) Tel 468547 – 76 Carmel Road South – Fri 18 Mar, 15 Apr and 20 May – 5pm-6pm.

HUMMERSKNOTT

PIERREMONT

Alan Coultas (C) Tel 350453; Charles Johnson (C) Tel 463712 – Carmel RC College – Tue 29 Mar, Mon 25 Apr and Tue 31 May – 6pm-7pm.

HURWORTH

Joe Kelley (LD) Tel 266760 – Hurworth Grange Community Library, Hurworth Road – Thu 3 Mar and 7 Apr – 6pm-7pm.

Lorraine Tostevin (C) Tel 333382 – Hurworth Grange Community Library, Hurworth Road – Wed 16 Mar, 20 Apr and 18 May – 6pm-7pm.

MOWDEN

Bill Stenson (C) Tel 468249; Pauline Culley (C) Tel 07535 470 805 – Mowden Junior School – Mon 7 Mar, 11 Apr and 9 May – 6.30pm-7.30pm.

NORTHGATE

Eleanor Lister (L) Tel 254091; Sonia Kane (L) Tel 486754 – Corporation Road Primary School – Wed 2 Mar and 4 May - 6pm-7pm.

NORTH ROAD

Anne-Marie Curry (LD) Tel 07531 304 050, annemarie. curry@darlington.gov.uk; Fred Lawton (LD) Tel 467413 – St Thomas Aquinas Church, North Road – Wed 23 Mar, 27 Apr and 25 May – 1pm-2pm. Morrison’s North Road, Car Park Entrance – Wed 9 Mar, 13 Apr and 11 May – 6pm7pm.

Dawn Storr (L) Tel 07543 159 224 – Morrison’s North Road, Car Park Entrance – Wed 2 Mar, 6 Apr and 4 May – 6pm-7pm.

Bob Carson (L) Tel 240627; Stephen Harker (L) Tel 380039; Linda Hughes (L) Tel 07904 772 387 – Reid Street Primary School – Wed 2 Mar, 6 Apr and 4 May – 6pm-7pm.

RED HALL AND LINGFIELD

Ian Haszeldine (L) Tel 741508/ 07807 381 613; Lynne Haszeldine (L) Tel 493298 – Red Hall Community Centre, Headingley Crescent – Wed 9 Mar, 13 Apr and 11 May – 6pm-7pm. Heathfield Primary School – Wed 23 Mar, 27 Apr and 25 May – 6pm-7pm.

SADBERGE AND MIDDLETON ST GEORGE

Brian Jones (C) Tel 332820; Doris Jones (C) Tel 332820; Steve York (C) Tel 332025 – Sadberge Village Hall – Tue 29 Mar and 31 May – 6pm-7pm.

Dinsdale Court – 22 Mar, 26 Apr and 24 May – 6.15pm7.15pm. Bishopton Village Hall – Tues 26 Apr – 6pm7pm.

STEPHENSON

Jan Taylor (L) Tel 243298; Katie Kelly (L) Tel 260239 – Wesley Court Community Centre – Sat 26 Mar, 23 Apr and 28 May – 11am-12pm. Gurney Pease School - Wed 9 Mar, 13 Apr and 11 May – 6pm-7pm.

WHINFIELD

Helen Crumbie (L) Tel 462642; Tom Nutt (L) Tel 360953, thomas.nutt@darlington.gov.uk – ASDA Foyer – Sat 5 Mar, 2 Apr and 7 May - 10am11am.

MPs’ SURGERIES: Jenny Chapman MP will be holding surgeries at the Constituency Office, 40a Coniscliffe Road, Darlington DL3 7RG on alternate Fridays, 9.30am-11am.

Please telephone 01325 382345 for an appointment.

www.darlington.gov.uk

Phil Wilson, Sedgefield MP’s Constituency office, 4 Beveridge Walkway, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4EE is open to the public from 10am-3pm, Monday to Friday. For a dedicated surgery call 01325 321603 or email trippettp@parliament.uk.

one Darlington

37

Learning for Interest Courses Summer 2016 Course

Venue

Day

Start Finish

Date

Length

Fee

Photoshop

Crown Street Library

Mon

9.30

11.30

9 May

10 weeks

£60

Introduction to Family History

Foundations Shildon

Mon

10.00

12.00

9 May

5 weeks

£30

History of County Durham

Crown Street Library

Computers Next Steps

Carmel College

Mon

13.30

15.30

9 May

10 weeks

£60

Mon

18.00

20.00

9 May

10 weeks

£60

History of County Durham

Hummersknott Academy

Mon

18.00

20.00

9 May

10 weeks

£60

Intermediate Holiday French

Hummersknott Academy

Mon

18.00

20.00

9 May

10 weeks

£60

Beginners Italian Conversation

Crown Street Library

Tue

10.00

12.00

26 Apr

5 weeks

£30

Introduction to Family History

Hummersknott Academy

Tue

18.00

20.00

26 Apr

10 weeks

£60

Cookery for Entertaining

Hummersknott Academy

Tue

18.00

21.00

12 Apr

7 weeks

£63

Dressmaking

Carmel College

Tue

18.00

21.00

26 Apr

7 weeks

£63

Dressmaking

Hummersknott Academy

Wed

18.00

21.00

27 Apr

7 weeks

£63

Computers and Internet for Beginners

Hummersknott Academy

Wed

18.30

20.30

27 Apr

10 weeks

£60

Jewellery Making

Crown Street Library

Thu

10.30

12.30

28 Apr

10 weeks

£60

Family History using Ancestry

Crown Street Library

Thu

10.15

12.15

28 Apr

10 weeks

£60

Painting with Acrylics

Crown Street Library

Thu

13.30

15.30

28 Apr

10 weeks

£60

Home Furnishings

Hummersknott Academy

Thu

18.00

21.00

28 Apr

7 weeks

£63

History of County Durham

Longfield Academy

Thu

18.00

20.00

28 Apr

10 weeks

£60

Beginners Watercolours

Hummersknott Academy

Thu

18.00

20.00

28 Apr

10 weeks

£60

Cookery for Entertaining

Hummersknott Academy

Thu

18.00

21.00

14 Apr

7 weeks

£63

Computers Next Steps

Crown Street Library

Fri

10.00

12.00

29 Apr

10 weeks

£60

Teaching and Prep Courses Summer 2016 Course

Venue

Day

Start

Finish

Date

Length

Fee

Level 2 Certificate in Equality & Diversity

Distance Learning

Mon

-

-

18 Apr

12 weeks

£20

(Attend Coleridge Centre for enrolment)

Mon

-

-

18 Apr

12 weeks

£20

Mon

-

-

18 Apr

12 weeks

£20

Mon

-

-

18 Apr

12 weeks

£20

Level 2 Certificate in The Principles of the Prevention & Control of Infection in Health Care Settings

Distance Learning (Attend Coleridge Centre for enrolment)

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding the Safe Handling of Medicines

(Attend Coleridge Centre for enrolment)

Distance Learning

Level 2 Certificate in Common Health Conditions

(Attend Coleridge Centre for enrolment)

Distance Learning

Working with Children & Young People Level 2

Coleridge Centre

Mon

18.00

21.00

18 Apr

11 weeks £27.50

Training, Assessment and Quality Assurance (TAQA)

Coleridge Centre

Tue

18.00

21.00

19 Apr

12 weeks

£450

Level 3 Award in Education and Training (formerly PTLLS)

Coleridge Centre

Wed

18.00

21.00

13 Apr

12 weeks

£350

Learning & Skills

Places are limited and need to be booked in advance.

For further information please phone Learning & Skills on 01325 405601, email l&s@darlington.gov.uk or text 07816 677851

www.darlington.gov.uk/learningandskills

Family Learning Courses Summer 2016 Family Learning courses are fun, free and for all parents, Family Learning Workshops Summer 2016 grandparents and carers Course Title

Venue

Day

Start

Finish

Date

Length

Fee

Family Budgeting

Northwood Primary School

Tue

9.30

11.30

12 Apr

5 week

FREE

FREE

Family Learning Taster

St John’s Academy

Tue

13.15

15.15

1 Mar

4 weeks

First Aid

Mount Pleasant Children’s Centre

Wed

13.00

15.00

20 Apr

10 weeks

FREE

Fun with English

Corporation Road Community Primary School

Thu

9.15

11.15

14 Apr

10 week

FREE

Child Development

Dodmire Children’s Centre

Thu

9.30

11.30

21 Apr

10 weeks

FREE

Employability Skills

Coleridge Centre

Thu

13.00

15.00

14 Apr

10 weeks

FREE

Workshop Title

Venue

Day

Start

Finish

Date

Fee

Easter Arts and Crafts

Cockerton Library

Tue

10.00

12.00

29 Mar

FREE

Springtime Fun

Cockerton Library

Tue

10.00

12.00

5 Apr

FREE

Easter Arts and Crafts

Crown Street Library

Tue

13.00

15.00

29 Mar

FREE

Springtime Fun

Crown Street Library

Tue

13.00

15.00

5 Apr

FREE

Tour De Darlington

Coleridge Centre

Wed

15.30

16.30

23 Mar

FREE

Easter Arts and Crafts

Coleridge Centre

Wed

10.00

12.00

30 Mar

FREE

Springtime Fun

Coleridge Centre

Wed

10.00

12.00

6 Apr

FREE

Easter Arts and Crafts

McNay Street Children’s Centre

Wed

13.30

15.00

30 Mar

FREE

Springtime Fun

McNay Street Children’s Centre

Wed

13.30

15.00

6 Apr

FREE

Easter Arts and Crafts

Mount Pleasant Children’s Centre

Thu

10.00

12.00

31 Mar

FREE

Springtime Fun

Mount Pleasant Children’s Centre

Thu

10.00

12.00

7 Apr

FREE

Easter Arts and Crafts

Haughton Children’s Centre

Thu

10.00

11.30

31 Mar

FREE

Springtime Fun

Haughton Children’s Centre

Thu

10.00

11.30

7 Apr

FREE

Easter Arts and Crafts

Dodmire Children’s Centre

Thu

13.00

15.00

31 Mar

FREE

Springtime Fun

Dodmire Children’s Centre

Thu

13.00

15.00

7 Apr

FREE

Easter Egg Hunt

South Park

Sat

10.00

12.00

19 Mar

£1 per child

Children attending the above workshops must have an adult in attendance at all times. Places are limited and need to be booked in advance.

For further information please phone Learning & Skills on 01325 405601, email l&s@darlington.gov.uk or text 07816 677851

www.darlington.gov.uk/learningandskills

Learning & Skills also offer Apprenticeships, Diplomas and Study Programme, GCSE English, GCSE Maths and Functional Skills in English, Maths and ICT. For more details please phone 01325 405601.

Learning & Skills

Does your 2 year old attend an early years setting?

When your child is aged bet ween 2 and 2 years 5 months he/she will now receive a joint health and education review in their early years setting; nursery, playgroup, or child-minders home.

The integrated review, which brings together the individual 2 year old health and development review and the 2-3 year old education progress check, will take place at your child’s early years setting.

Who is involved? · The child · The child’s parent/carer · The child’s key early years person · Health visitor

What next?

Speak to your child’s early years setting provider – they will answer any questions you have, suggest ways to help you prepare for the integrated review and organise it for you.

For more information call Darlington People and Families Information Support on 0800 9172121 or email pfis@darlington.gov.uk

I’m getting my free childcare for 2 year olds in Darlington for up to 15 hours a week...

is your child?

You can check your child’s eligibility online at www.darlington.gov.uk/ childcarechecker - you just need your national insurance number, or call Darlington’s People and Families Information Support on 0800 9172121 with your national insurance number or e-mail pfis@darlington.gov.uk