Out & About Magazine (North East) May 2021 Edition 59

Your FREE local interest & advertising magazine • May 2021 • Edition 59 Tow Law, Sunniside, Stanley Crook, Billy Row, Crook, Willington, Wolsingham & surrounding areas

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Inside this month’s edition: Years gone by • 2021 Summer Holidays • Crook’s proposed new pool

20 - 22 Church Street, Crook Telephone: 01388 765 259

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Advertising Prices Monthly advert price 1/8 Page £25 1/4 Page £45 1/2 Page £85 Full Page £150 Double Page £250 Front Page £150 Inner Front Page £180 Back Page £200 Reduced price on 3 month block bookings 1/8 Page £66 (£22 per advert) 1/4 Page £126 (£42 per advert) 1/2 Page £246 (£82 per advert) Full Page £405 (£135 per advert) Double Page £640 (£220 per advert) SCAN ME TO VIEW ALL BACK ISSUES 4

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Welcome to the May edition of Out & About, your friendly local interest & advertising magazine. It’s good to be back!

This month on page 6 we welcome Viking Ink Crook, a Viking themed tattoo studio at the top of Hope Street, check them out. On page 7 we welcome back the Weardale Slimming World Group who are starting their classes back up this month, ideal if you have gained a couple of pounds during the latest lockdown.

On pages 14 & 15 we have Willington based Gold ‘N’ Tan and Get Gorgeous. Gold ‘N’ Tan are advertising their fantastic new sun beds and Get Gorgeous offer a range of nail, lash and beauty treatments.

The Blue Stone Tea Shop is back on page 17 and reopening in May after the enforced break. They have a fantastic new menu including lots of new dishes plus the old favourites.

Needing a haircut? Check out page 19 where Cuts 4 Fellas in Crook have their latest advert, on top of their usual services they are now offering non-surgical hair replacement. Lastly on page 22 we have the Pooch Parlour Homeboarding & Doggy Daycare who have relocated so that all of their services are now under one roof.

Don’t forget to quote Out & About when replying to adverts & lastly we hope you enjoy this month’s edition.

BOOK YOUR ADVERTISING SPACE TODAY THE DEADLINE FOR THE JUNE EDITION IS FRIDAY 21ST MAY AT 4PM. No design fees if you don’t have your own artwork • Discounts on 3 month bookings • No VAT • Debit & credit cards can be taken in person at Ritchie Coatsworth Photography or over the telephone.

Please note: Payment is due at the time of booking.

Call us on 01388 417 337 or 07963 635 568 or email us at studio@rcphoto.co.uk DISCLAIMER - Whilst we take every care to ensure accuracy in this magazine, we regret that we cannot accept responsibility for any incorrect information. All adverts are accepted in good faith as to their accuracy. The copying of any material within this publication is strictly forbidden without the publishers consent.

Don’t forget to quote Out & About Magazine when responding to adverts.

VIKING INK CROOK Tattoo Studio

34 Hope Street, Crook, DL15 9HU Come and join us for a truly unique Viking themed Tattooing experience.

All styles of tattoos • FREE consultation

vikinginkcrook 07724 641 340 vikingink666@gmail.com

K.B. DECORATING SERVICES Quality decorating at affordable prices with over 20 years experience. All trade materials supplied and all work guaranteed.

No job too big or small • Free estimates Call Keith on 01388 607 258 or 07973 284 999 or email kbdec1@gmail.com

Good living for later living

ROOFING & HANDYMAN SERVICES

ALL ASPECTS OF PROPERTY MAINTENANCE NEW FLAT ROOFS IN RUBBER BOND, ROOF REPAIRS, RIDGES & CHIMNEYS POINTED, FASCIAS & GUTTERING SUPPLIED & FITTED, GUTTERS CLEANED OUT, PAINTING & DECORATING, EXTERIOR PAINTING 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

0744 304 2814 / 01388 329 932 MOBILE (anytime)

AFTER 5pm

SPOT CASH

FURNITURE & ELECTRICAL GOODS WANTED Household goods bought & sold suites, beds, wardrobes, tables, fridge freezers...etc

Call us on 07814 117 437

1 bedroom apartments available now

Tow Law, County Durham Stunning views

To find out more about our older people’s support service, call 0300 131 7985 or 07423 074 408 | www.homegroup.org.uk 6

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SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS WARD TIMBER LTD, ROGERLEY SAWMILL, FROSTERLEY, COUNTY DURHAM DL13 2QE Call us on 01388 528 362 or email sales@wardtimber.co.uk

Collection only PAINTING & DECORATING SERVICES Experienced Decorator

Free Quotes • OAP Rates • Insured

Call Alan on 0191 386 8534

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Years gone by...

Crook Town AFC in December 1987.

Image supplied by Joanne Collingwood.

Redmires Quarry workers taken around 1969.

Image supplied by Kevin Bowe.

Crook Police Horses on patrol in the 1970s.

Image supplied by Brain Coote.

Crook Girl’s Brigade in the 1950s including Marjorie and Cynthia Whitfield, can you spot them? Image supplied by Lynne Craig.

We URGENTLY need your old photos!!

We are running low on old photos of places & people from years gone by and would love to keep the feature going. Can you help? Due to the current social distancing measures we are unable to accept these in person for the time being.

Please email any old photos to: studio@rcphoto.co.uk 8

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We can add a radiator to any cold room.

We can also replace your old kitchen sink.

We can replace your bathroom.

We also replace old oil tanks.

We can replace your old bath with a shower.

We also install all types of oil boilers.

We specialise in new bathroom & wetroom installations • Power flushing • Vented & unvented cylinders • Replacement of taps, cold water tanks, showers & ball valves.

Call us on 01388 762 291 or 07583 124 830 Email: stevennorrisplumbing@gmail.com

CIS & Entertainment Industry Specialist Income Tax & Accountancy Professional 20+ Years Experience All aspects of Accounting Services including: • Bookkeeping Services • Payroll Services • Personal & Business Tax Returns • VAT (MTD Compliant Software) • Year End Accounts for: Sole Traders, Partnerships & Limited Companies Call into our new premises on New Road, Crook to see how much we can save your business.

01388 762 662 or 07920 764 699

Email: info@svarleyaccountancyservices.co.uk

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Crook Community Leisure: Moving Forward Stages 2 & 3.

For us at Crook Community Leisure it was great news that we could finally reopen in April. During the Lockdown there was a thorough cleaning of the premises with Covid 19 protections put in place, which included a one-way system, hand sanitiser stations and machines at appropriate social distances.

The trustees and staff at Crook Community Leisure would like to place on record our sincere thanks for your continuing support. Several of you volunteered to continue with your monthly subscriptions during the lockdown and whilst we very much appreciated the fabulous gesture, we decided not to accept the offer. Thank you for sticking with us, your support is extremely important to us.

Our plans for the future are continuing to take shape with a planning application having been lodged for the Affordable Rented Accommodation: The affordable, rental accommodation aimed at veterans, the disabled and the wider community has been through a Housing Needs Survey, out for consultation and has now been submitted in a planning application. CCL will be working with a housing provider on the project. All monies will be ploughed into providing additional facilities by way of additional space, offices, a swimming pool and a 3G facility suitable for football, rugby, hockey and other outdoor activities.

Our trustees are volunteers, none of the trustees receive or have received any payment

for their time or expenses, nor are any trustees paid a salary.

Crook Community Leisure were as disappointed as everyone when Crook was not mentioned in Durham County Council’s Leisure Transformation Plan which was initially published in January and presented to the AAP later in 2020. Not withstanding that County Councillor Andrea Patterson encouraged everyone to respond to the Leisure Consultation referencing that we needed a swimming pool in Crook.

Thanks to the resounding responses of so many people specifically requesting a swimming pool.

The amended Leisure Transformation Plan made specific reference to Crook in paras 25 & 26, “It is also important to note that not all of the leisure offer comes from the Council. For example, in Crook; Crook Community Leisure Centre has successfully provided a high standard of community facility, comprising a fitness and outdoor sporting offer. The Council continues to work to enable communities like Crook to develop leisure, sport and well-being activities and facilities to meet local aspirations. The Council will develop an integrated leisure strategy in 2021 to be

An artist’s impression of the proposed facilities.

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delivered thereafter. The approach will draw together the varied offer for leisure including active travel cycling and walking, parks and playing pitches.

County Councillor Carl Marshall has given Crook Community Leisure a letter of support for the swimming pool. County Councillors Andrea Patterson, Lucy Hovvels and Carl Marshall have actively supported Crook Community Leisure in our efforts.

We are also accessing funding streams. It is accepted that our plans are far reaching, an outline planning application has been submitted for the site becoming a leisure and learning hub, a centre of excellence for additional indoor facilities including a swimming pool and outdoor 3G area.

Gym with 25 pieces of state of the art life fitness machines

Working with local schools, local children will have more time for swimming lessons and be able to meet their learning outcomes.

Hopefully many will be able to walk to the facilities.

Functional training area with kettlebells, medicine balls, powerbags & TRX

Crook Community Leisure have fantastic staff and coaches and with the proposed expansion we will be able to offer significant job opportunities. The training hub will also facilitate sporting and other qualifications.

Personal training available

Once again, on behalf of the trustees we thank you for your support especially during this very challenging year. If anyone would like to discuss the plans, please contact Stephen at the centre who will be delighted to explain the proposals.

Stephen can be contacted at ste@crookleisurecentre.co.uk Finally, a huge thank you to our fantastic team of staff who are absolutely amazing.

Memberships start from £21 a month and include a full class timetable upon government guidance in May but we are hosting outdoor classes at 6pm weekdays and 9.30am on weekends.

There is free use of the running track plus the option of hiring our bikes for a small fee to utilise around the track, so bring your family and enjoy the summer at our outdoor facilities.

80 classes per month

Outdoor facilities including full sized football pitch & running track Function room available for hire Bar/Café area Open for over 90 hours every week Telephone: 01388 763 989 Email: info@crookleisurecentre.co.uk www.crookleisurecentre.co.uk Our facilities are also available to hire for parties, christenings, baby showers and much more. Please contact the centre for more information.

If you require any guidance in the gym programs are offered free of charge or if you are wanting to be more specific in your goals, we offer personal training from experienced and knowledgeable coaches.

Opening times are Monday to Friday 6am - 9pm, Saturday 7am - 5pm and Sunday 8am - 4pm.

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Looking forward to the Summer!

Coronavirus restrictions have been hard on businesses throughout the last year but perhaps the travel industry has been hit the hardest along with hospitality. We ask Tow Law based independent travel expert and agent Lorna Hardy for her take on it.

Hi Lorna, I would imagine that you’ve been hit especially hard since March 2020?

Covid has seen travel restrictions in place for almost 12 months now with many who chose to travel being caught out with quarantining and unable to get flights home. It’s been crazy with many highs and lows - it’s been very disheartening at times, but we are seeing light at the end of a very long tunnel... finally! I have ensured all of my clients were home safe, were aware of restrictions and I have avoided taking bookings to travel until I feel they will go ahead to prevent stress and worry for my clients.

I have spent the last 12 months working with no income, but my customers refunds, and amendments were my priority and I am glad to say all of my clients have now received what they were due and have holidays to look forward too in the coming later summer months and into 2022 and believe it or not 2023. I know that with many, including me so excited waiting for the day we can finally get away - booking trends have shown people are looking for something slightly nicer and more special due to the wait we have all had to endure... as the saying goes good things come to those who wait!

What’s your advice on Summer holidays this year?

My advice on travelling this year would be to look for UK breaks, maybe try out some of the cruises which have deployed to the UK to do British Isles itineraries. Liaise with a good travel agent (like myself) who is knowledgeable and will support you whether it goes ahead or not and has a Covid refunds and amendments policy in place so you the customer isn’t out of pocket and has peace of mind and confidence in who and where you have

booked. I do feel we will see European and far and away holidays resume this summer following a traffic light system. My advice... Do not put holidays off... have something to look forward too, support your travel industry and local businesses. Make enquiries now while the deals are around and before the rush... its coming! Bring on the holidays BOOM! How can people contact you?

I have been in the travel and holiday industry for over 20 years now and have been trading on my own with full licences (ABTA & ATOL) and 100% financial protection for coming up to eight years.

Some clients like the face-to-face service and enjoy the interaction, some like a quicker transaction with this in mind you can call me, email me or I offer a personal video holiday call from the comfort of your home to discuss and bring your holiday booking experience to life. Home booking visits are also on offer (when it is safe to do so again) you can contact me by emailing lorna.hardy@travelbyinspire.co.uk or by calling 07907 778 666.

You can follow my social media page (for up to date advice and special offers) www.facebook.com/travelbylorna I look forward to working with you all in the local area and for all things travel and holidays - I am your lady! Travel by Lorna at Inspire - Taking your holidays to places you never thought possible.

Book a holiday from Newcastle or Teesside and receive FREE airport parking by quoting OUT & ABOUT OFFER! 16

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All of our food is homemade

Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 9am - 4:45pm (Booking a table is recommended We are observing the 2 metre social distancing inside the tea shop & adhere to social contact restrictions. There is a covered terrace outside with seating. If you have any concerns regarding distance & Covid 19 please discuss these with us.

Masks should be worn when entering, leaving & taking away.

David, Paul & the Blue Stone team are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new on our reopening from 17th May. Our Take Away Menu is available on Facebook or please email us for a copy. Please ask about delivery for those shielding. FREE delivery in Crook.

DISABLED ACCESS • FREE WIFI • DOG FRIENDLY Restaurant GURU “Best Café in Crook 2019”

New Menu including lots of new dishes plus the old favourites Outdoor seating available in our covered terrace to the rear.

Donations for Willington Foodbank can be left with us.

5/6 Commercial Street, Crook, County Durham Telephone: 01388 768 754 Email: bluestoneteashop@gmail.com thebluestoneteashop BTeashop

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Years gone by...

The road towards Harperley Roundabout from Crook in 1984/85. Image supplied by Tony Johnson.

John Howcroft working at Pickfords.

Image supplied by Yvonne Grundy.

Crook Men’s Club Dinner Dance in 1963. Jock Errington is far left. Image supplied by Joanne Collingwood.

Crook Church Lads Brigade march down Hope Street in the 1970s. Image supplied by Brian Coote.

We URGENTLY need your old photos!!

We are running low on old photos of places & people from years gone by and would love to keep the feature going. Can you help? Due to the current social distancing measures we are unable to accept these in person for the time being.

Please email any old photos to: studio@rcphoto.co.uk 18

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Cutz 4 Fellas Staff (Left to right): Tracy (owner), Magda (senior barber), Sinead (senior barber), Ashley (manager), Toni (apprentice) & Jean (domestic help).

At Cutz 4 Fellas we offer modern & traditional haircuts.

Perms, beard trims, hot towel luxury shaves, ear waxing, nose waxing, non surgical hair replacement, OAP discounts, childrens car, child friendly in a relaxed atmosphere.

We have a wide selection of smell like aftershaves & perfumes. A vast range of male grooming products including Slick Gorrilla, Dapper Dan, Mon-Platin, Osmo & lots more.

We are now offering non surgical hair replacement systems which start at £600.

Contact us via Facebook @ Cutz 4 Fellas or call in and book your one on one consultation in our private room.

Introducing Toni our apprentice, every Thursday in May between 10am and 12noon we are looking for models for clipper cuts only (headshaves no. 1,2,3 or 4). Call in & ask for Toni.

MODELS HAIRCUTS WILL BE FREE OF CHARGE.

59 Hope Street, Crook, Co. Durham DL15 9HU

30% OFF ALL CANVASES: WHEN USING YOUR OWN PHOTO

Design & Print

Packages for Business @Ritchie Coatsworth Photography

Event Package £199 10 x A3 Posters, 20 x A4 Posters, 2 x A1 Poster and 5000 x A5 Flyers.

New Business Package £249 500 x Business Cards, 5000 x A5 Flyers, Logo design or a vector redraw and one month advertising in Out & About Magazine.

Vehicle Signage Small Van £125 • Transit Van £180 Large Iveco Type Van £220 Shop Header & Window Signage Prices start from £80

We now supply EMBROIDERY for all of your workwear needs!

Mug Printing £8 • T-Shirt Printing from £6.50 • Embroidery from £5 We can also print large format Canvases, Posters & Popup Banners.

Studio: 01388 417 337 • Mobile: 07963 635 568 Email: studio@rcphoto.co.uk

Call in and view the full range of flooring available and enquire about our free measuring and estimating service.

Laminate, solid wood, engineered wood, vinyl, luxury vinyl tile, artificial grass, carpet and rugs.

FRANK’S PRICE PROMISE If we can’t offer you a better like for like deal we’ll give you the flooring free.

20 - 22 Church Street, Crook Telephone: 01388 765 259

OFSTED REGISTERED CHILDMINDER Did you know that for working parents 30 hours funding can be split between a nursery setting and private childminder?

ALL EVENTS CATERED FOR

2 year old funded places available.

Telephone: 07942 592 646

07445 289 457

Platters from £10 Traditional Buffet prices start from £5 per head (Minimum 30 people)

Grazing Tables £15 per person (Minimum 6 people) Afternoon Teas from £12.95 per head

Weardale motor services is a family run business established in 1926 and are proud to operate a fleet of luxury coaches

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

After being restored to the highest standard, our 1949 Leyland Double Decker seats 65 and is affectionately known as: The London route master is a 1960 model fully restored, seats 64 and is known as: Both buses are stunning and make a wonderful addition to a very special day.

Our buses are decorated with cream flowers & ribbons, a colour accent can be added to match the theme of your wedding at no extra cost and the destination board can also be personalised with bride and grooms names

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01388 528 235

Fax 01388 526 080

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The Pooch Parlour Homeboarding & Doggy Daycare

Tel: 01388 764 511

NOW ALL UNDER ONE ROOF We have a fabulous enclosed outdoor play area for your doggies to play off lead. from handstripping & full groom to a bath only

www.thegreenbillyrow.co.uk

The Pooch Parlour, Crook Call us on 07881 588 354 or 01388 765 757 NOW MOVED TO DL15 9DR

The Green Billy Row, Billy Row Green, Billy Row, Crook, County Durham DL15 9TA

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Getting Married?

Get in touch today to secure photography for your special day.

Call us on 01388 417 337 or 07963 635 568 or visit www.rcphoto.co.uk for up-to-date pricing.

80 Hope Street, Crook, County Durham DL15 9HT

CCCCC 5 star rated wedding & portrait photographer “Picked up our wedding photos today and we are over the moon with them! Ritchie is such a lovely man and we felt so comfortable being around him and him sharing our day with us.”

Mia & Alex Robson, married in August 2019.

Studio Opening Hours: Monday: Appointment Only • Tuesday: 10am - 4pm • Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 10am - 4pm • Friday: 10am - 4pm • Saturday: Appointment Only

It is becoming more and more common for people to choose vehicles that isn’t the traditional style hearse for their final journey.

What would your final journey be made in?

There are Morris Minors, VW Campervans, Landrovers, commercial vehicles - buses, lorries and even a milk float, perhaps signifying a loved one’s career. For those who perhaps seek an alternative approach to the more traditional funeral transport.

Crook 01388 765 069 www.hardysfunerals.co.uk Willington 01388 747 747