Out & About Magazine (North East) January 2019 Edition 37

Your local interest & advertising magazine | January 2019 | Edition 37 Tow Law, Sunniside, Stanley Crook, Billy Row, Crook, Willington, Wolsingham & surrounding areas

OUT&ABOUT Magazine FREE

Cover image by Skyward Aerial.

outandaboutmagazinenortheast

Years gone by - pages 8 & 16 • Spotlight - page 12 • Community news - page 18

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CLUB STEAK CLUB chicken CLUB STEAK CLUB chicken Wednesday UNTIL 11 Wednesday UNTIL 11 TUESDAY UNTIL 11PM

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TAKEAWAY SERVICE AVAILABLE £7.10 Includes a drink

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chicken chickenCLUB CLUB CLUB FISH FRIDAY CURRY CLUB STEAK STEAK FISH FRIDAY CLUB CLUB CURRY Wednesday WednesdayUNTIL UNTIL1111 THURSDAY UNTIL 11PM

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£6.70 Includes a drink

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CURRY CURRY CLUB CLUB FISH FISH FRIDAY FRIDAY4 Church Street, Crook FOOD SERVED DAILY FROM 8AM TO 11PM THURSDAY THURSDAYUNTIL UNTIL1111PM PM

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Present this slip at The Horse Shoe Inn, Crook for a saving of 20% on the cost of meals & drinks for up to 4 people.

OUT&ABOUT Magazine outandaboutmagazinenortheast

Advertising Prices Monthly advert price

If you have a 3-4 year old child & are looking for a school place then take a look at page 6, Blessed John Duckett RC Primary School in Tow Law are holding an open day in January so take a look at their lovely early years unit.

1/8 Page £25 1/2 Page £45

On page 7 we have Thomas Wright House of Byers Green, they offer accommodation and also have a wonderful restaurant which offers a contemporary menu as well as afternoon tea.

1/2 Page £85 Full Page £150

Looking to shed the pounds that you gained over Christmas? We have Pilates Sessions with Russ Turner & Slimming World advertising on page 9.

Double Page £250 Front Page £150

The new year is always a great time to sell your home if you are looking to move, check out pages 10 & 11 to see what Venture Properties in Crook have to offer.

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)

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Happy new year & welcome to the January edition of Out & About Magazine, your friendly local interest & advertising magazine.

On page 17 we have Town & Country Cleaning who offer both residential and commercial cleaning, either as a one off or a regular service. Don’t forget to quote Out & About when replying to adverts & lastly we hope you enjoy this month’s edition, thanks for your support!

BOOK YOUR ADVERTISING SPACE TODAY THE DEADLINE FOR THE FEBRUARY EDITION IS WEDNESDAY 23RD JANUARY 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 ads@outandaboutmagazinenortheast.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.

Emeralds Little Gems Daycare Limited

Quality Childcare in Crook We Offer:Flexible child care for 0-8 years Open 7.30 - 6.00, 51 weeks a year Free 2 year old play & learn places Free 3 & 4 year education places We encourage developmental growth through a loving, safe and stimulating environment. Offering fantastic opportunities:

OFSTED Registered



Qualified, dedicated & experienced staff



Fresh, healthy, homecooked food



Outstanding outdoor facilities



Woodland Schools



Individualised learning for each child



Parent interaction mobile app

Come and see for yourself Arrange a visit

01388 767300

11 North Terrace, Crook, DL15 9AZ

crook@emeraldslittlegems.co.uk

ROOFING & HANDYMAN SERVICES

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS

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

WARD TIMBER LTD ROGERLEY SAWMILL FROSTERLEY COUNTY DURHAM DL13 2QE

0744 304 2814 / 01388 329 932 MOBILE (anytime)

AFTER 5pm

The Travellers Rest FREE Pool - Every Saturday 5pm-7pm Lose weight the mindful way & learn to change habits Every Tuesday & Saturday 1:30pm - 2:30pm £4 per session, includes FREE cuppa Live Entertainment Every Saturday Night

Call us on 01388 528362 or email sales@wardtimber.co.uk Collection only

The place to relax, unwind & enjoy

97 Wheatbottom, Crook DL15 9HB • Tel: 01388 762474

Active 3 to 4 year old learners wanted at

BJD’S EARLY YEARS UNIT Come along to one of our

Open Days See our lovely school in action between 9.30am - 11am and 1.30pm - 2pm

22nd January 2019 • 28th March 2019 18th June 2019 If you are unable to attend any of the dates please contact the school to arrange a visit.

All enquiries welcome.

Blessed John Duckett RC VA Primary School, Smith Street, Tow Law, County Durham, DL13 4AU Headteacher: Mrs S. T. McQuiggin Telephone: 01388 731 082 Email: blessedjohnduckett@durhamlearning.net www.blessedjohnduckett.durham.sch.uk 6

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

THOMAS WRIGHT HOUSE ACCOM MODAT ION & R ESTAU R A N T

Thomas Wright House is a restaurant with guest accommodation in a quiet rural setting close to Durham and Bishop Auckland.

We serve food daily from 12 noon covering lunches, afternoon tea, evening meals including a la carte and Sunday lunch.

Stay over with a choice of eight individually designed ensuite rooms, like our luxury Aquilla Suite with private outdoor hot tub and ‘in room’ dining. Perfect for a romantic get away.

NEW FOR 2019

LUXURY SUITE PHOENIX WITH DOUBLE SPA BATH Find Us On Facebook: @ThomasWrightHouse

High Street, Byers Green, County Durham, DL16 7PF | 01388 664716 www.thomaswrighthouse.com | enquiries@thomaswrighthouse.com

Years gone by...

Boxer Ginger Hauxwell, Tommy Rutherford, Raymond Rutherford & Boxer Jack Dawson.

Photo supplied by George Davies.

urch, ce at St. Thomas’ Ch A wedding taking pla ? one any ise ogn you rec Stanley Crook. Can

down the pit.

John Louth at work ire Louth.

Photo supplied by Cla

Thistleflat Colliery. Photo supplied

by David

Bromwell.

We URGENTLY need your old photos!!

The Helm Park Inn at

Tow Law.

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? Email any old photos to: ads@outandaboutmagazinenortheast.co.uk or drop into Ritchie Coatsworth Photography, 80 Hope Street Crook.

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

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 747 234 or 07973 284 999 or email kbdec1@gmail.com

sarahs mystical tarot

TRADITIONAL MOLE TRAPPER Covering the County Durham area.

Psychic Tarot Readings Personal 1 to 1 Readings Telephone & Group Readings Tarot Cards • Oracle Cards Crystal Ball • Spiritual Readings For more information call Sarah

Tel: 07491116957 118 Dans Castle, Tow Law, DL13 4AZ www.sarahsmysticaltarot.co.uk

Readings are for entertainment purposes only

PILATES SESSIONS B-INSPIRED B-ACTIVE

Monday: St. Cuthberts Centre, Church Hill, Crook: (BEGINNERS) 12 noon - 1pm & 6.15pm - 7.15pm Wednesday: Crook Cricket Club, Dawson Street: (BEGINNERS) 12pm - 1pm Thursday: Tow Law Community Centre, Ironworks Road: 10:30am - 11.15am Toft Hill Community Centre: 6.30pm - 7.30pm Friday: Hamsterley Village Hall: 6.15pm - 7.15pm

Ideal for back pain, pre & post natal.

Find out more by contacting Russ on

07951or 782 657 email

russturner40@gmail.com

12pm - 1pm classes are ideal for mature clients & beginners.

Bespokepilatesuk

Fully insured & qualified, 15+yrs experience for domestic, equine, local authorities & commercial customers throughout County Durham.

Call Martin on 07900 412 905 or email greengrassmolecontrol@gmail.com

l e be slim for with Tuesday

Crook Masonic Hall 8:30am, 10:30am & 12:30pm Tel: Angie 07713 859 151 5pm & 7pm Tel: Christine 07494 253 429

Slimming World

Wednesday

75-76 High Street Willington 5:30pm & 7:30pm Tel: Angie 07713 859 151

Thursday

Wolsingham Methodist Church 9:30am, 5:30pm & 7:30pm Tel: Barbara 07931 790 758

Saturday

75-76 High Street, Willington slimmingworld.co.uk 8:30am & 10:30am Tel: Angie 07713 859 151

slimmingworld.co.uk

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

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For a FREE market appraisal contact us:

Crook Venture P R O P E R T I E S

Tel: 01388 741174

Email: crook@venturepropertiesuk.com

www.venturepropertiesuk.com

Venture P R O P E R T I E S Sales agreed report. Data from 1 January 2018 to 30 November 2018 DL13 2 | DL13 3 | DL13 1 | DL13 4 | DL14 0 | DL15 9 | DL15 0 | DL15 8

Others (38 offices) Office 12 Office 11 Office 10 Office 9 Office 8 Office 7 Office 6 Office 5

Venture Properties

82

12 14 16

156

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Number 1 for sales in your area

18 19 20

121

24 33

35

Office 4

Office 2 Office 3

Insights brought to you by

Spotlight on Skyward Aerial This month we shine the spotlight on Andy Ditchfield of Skyward Aerial. Andy is one of the few people in the area that holds a PFCO qualification from the CAA for commercial drone operation.

Tell is a little about how you go into aerial photography/video?

Around 5 years ago myself and a few fellow musician mates got together to shoot a music video for a spoof Belgian Heavy Metal band called Vrötvig. The format of the production was to follow the star, Schönne Volkman (Tony Wright), as he left his home in Erps Kwerps (a real place in Belgium) on a journey of discovery.

As we didn’t quite have the budget to go to Erps Kwerps, we used my mates house in Wolsingham along with some pretty unconvincing CGI at Wolsingham train station.

“story”. The advance in drone technology over the last 5 years is nothing short of mind blowing.

My original Phantom had no live video feed or gimbal and although it did have GPS, it wasn’t particularly stable. Coupled with inexperience, the package didn’t make for great cinematic footage, even after butchering it to add a gimbal and soldering a video transmitter to the motherboard! What it did do however, is provide

I had the idea for the opening shot to be a crane shot, high above Erps Kwerps (Wolsingham!) descending to catch Schonne leaving his front door and since we didn’t have a crane, the only feasible way to achieve this was with a drone.

So I bought one.

We ended up using the drone, an original DJI Phantom which I still have, for all sorts of shots and by the end of the Video, I was totally hooked on it.

What sort of aerial photography do you enjoy the most?

Anything resulting in a captivating, cinematic

the ultimate in training aircraft. Investing in a new Phantom 4 brought stability, automation and a hi res video feed resulting in incredibly smooth cinematic 4k footage.

Utilised in the right way, drones can expand and enhance a story adding grandiose to just about any project. You wouldn’t necessarily think of property photography / videography as telling a story, but getting wide and high or shooting from angles not usually seen from the ground can do just that. I love using the drone at low level to replicate a steady cam moving through trees, or the slow rise of a crane shot.

I recently shot a Castle in Northumberland and

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although the view was breath taking enough from the ground, the footage from the Drone was spell binding, revealing some of the Castles structural history. It also showed some long mislaid ladders left on the roof of one of the towers, which was nice.

all I can to get myself out there.

There seems to be a lot of grey areas about who can fly drones and who can’t, what are the facts?

My primary goal over the next year is to expand my portfolio and am looking for a variety of work to accomplish this. As already mentioned, I’m especially keen on storytelling, so my focus is mainly on Corporate Video but I’d welcome any sort of aerial filming / photography project, including property, events and even the odd roof inspection here and there.

To be honest, anyone can fly drones. The scrutiny comes when you want to fly drones for profit, amusingly classed as “anything more than a pint” according to my PFCO course instructor.

Its worth noting that I can supply either raw unedited footage or I can combine with ground based filming and editing to offer a finished video ready to wow your prospective clients on YouTube or feature on your website.

The industry is, in the scheme of things, very new with constantly evolving rules and regulations. Currently, as a hobbyist, you can buy a drone and get out flying in your local park without any training or “licence”. Many do just this, oblivious to the fact that it is against the law to fly above 400ft (120m), to fly within 500ft (150m) of crowds or built up areas, or to fly your aircraft out of line of sight. A quick YouTube search will highlight these folks in their abundance.

Now I know that you also do other work as you’ve recently created a shiny new website for my photography business, what other stuff do you do?

As commercial operators, we’re trained to go through a thorough planning process prior to each flight to ensure any risks are as low as possible and the operation is conducted in a safe, considerate and legal manor. We take location, hazards, weather and permissions into account, research surroundings using standard, aviation and ordinance survey maps and conduct on site risk assessments for every job we do. In addition, all commercial operators carry compulsory specialist UAV insurance.

How do you see Skyward Aerial developing over the next 18 months?

Indeed, and by extreme coincidence I also cobbled Skywards website together!

Skyward Aerial was set up really to compliment my Graphic and Web design business as I often find myself building Websites which could benefit from some aerial imagery. Through www.dxps.com I offer bespoke website design, graphic design, 3D rendering and also large format printing, up to 1000mm wide, for beautiful framed aerial prints perhaps.

All in all, once you throw in a little video editing, I’ve become pretty much a one stop marketing material shop.

Contact Details Tel: 01388 766 501 or 07595 360 056 Email: info@skywardaerial.co.uk Visit www.skywardaerial.co.uk or www.dxps.com

A great question indeed as, having only set up commercial operations from October this year, I haven’t yet found my niche. I’m treading the boards the old fashioned way, knocking on a few doors, chatting with folk and of course my website (www.skywardaerial.co.uk) is slowly creeping up the google rankings, so am doing Don’t forget to quote Out & About Magazine when responding to adverts.

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Studio Opening Hours: Monday: 9:30am - 2:30pm, Tuesday: 9:30am - 3:30pm, Wednesday: Closed, Thursday: 9:30am - 3:30pm, Friday: 9:30am - 3:30pm and Saturday: 9:30am - 12:30pm

80 Hope Street, Crook, County Durham DL15 9HT Studio: 01388 417 337

2019, 2020 & 2021 wedding dates are going fast, so get in touch today.

Wow what can I say about the amazing photographs of our wedding from Ritchie.

He has been professional throughout the experience, from the initial contact, to meeting at our venue before the big day to then being there on the day itself.

On the day we hardly realised Ritchie was taking the photos and wow what an amazing story of our big day he has delivered. The quality of the photographs, the presentation in its own little wooden memory box, along with the memory stick with so many quality photos on. A huge thank you from us both.

Michael and Joanne Moore

Creative wedding storytelling packages starting from only ÂŁ349.

Email: studio@rcphoto.co.uk | www.rcphoto.co.uk Mobile: 07963 635 568

Years gone by...

Football Team Crook Juniors A.F.C. t in by Eileen Hall.

1948/49. Image sen

The River Wear in flood at Jubilee Bridge, Willington in 1990 with Denise and Steven Parker. Image supplied by David Parker.

Stanley United Ladies Bella Lyle, Ena Nellis, Doreen Lyle & Dorris Armstrong. Sent in by Ev Johnson.

Rachel Brown at their corner shop at 25 High Hope Street.

Mown Meadows Cricket Team in 1919. Sent in by Anne Thompson.

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? Email any old photos to: ads@outandaboutmagazinenortheast.co.uk or drop into Ritchie Coatsworth Photography, 80 Hope Street Crook.

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ELLIOT’S BAR & RESTAURANT 27 Commercial Street, Crook | Tel: 01388 765 975

The bar is open daily from 12 noon.

The restaurant is open Tuesday Friday 5pm - 9pm, Saturday 12 noon - 9pm and Sunday 12 noon to 4pm.

Every Sunday and Wednesday is carvery, 2 meats £6.95 and 4 meats £8.95 Vegetarian and children £5.95

GROUNDS GARDENING SERVICES For all your gardening needs

DEBBIE GROUNDS

Telephone: 07900 911 704 Email: grounds.gardening@yahoo.com No job too small

Town and Country Cleans

Gluten free is available on request.

Professional Residential & Commercial Cleaners Call us on 07903 730 955 or email townandcountrycleaning@hotmail.com

TS ED T-SHIR S I L A N O S PER Y £6.50 FROM ONL KENDS

rcdesignandsignage

TAG WEE R HEN & S O F T C E F R PE

Call us on 07963 635 568

PLANS DRAWN FOR PLANNING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS

PAINTING & DECORATING SERVICES Experienced Decorator

Free Quotes • OAP Rates • Insured

Call Alan on 0191 386 8534

TEL: 07840 256 420

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

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Community news St. Catherine’s Church needs a new roof!

Here are some of the things that happen in your church; Services, a quiet place to go, open office hours to arrange baptisms or weddings and to talk, someone to listen, dementia cafe, children’s worship, baptisms, confirmations, weddings, school visits, Mother’s Union, nursery visits, prayers, church fairs, concerts and nursing home visits. Also, as part of Churches together in Crook, St Catherine’s assist with many projects in the town such as hosting the Easter Journey for local schools, and assisting with the Summer Holiday Club and Half Term Club.

raise about £100,000, can you help?

“Don’t forget that your Parish Church directly links you with all who have worshipped and taken part in the life of the church in generations past… every time you attend a wedding, a baptism or a funeral or even walk into St. Catherine’s - you too are taking part in the life of your Parish Church. Please help now, so that future generations will be able to thank God for what you did to help sustain the ministry of St. Catherine’s in and around Crook” added Canon Vince Fenton.

For further information on how you can help raise the roof at St Catherine’s contact Canon Vince Fenton on 07577 542 766.

Did you know that as of November 2018 at St. Catherine’s, 13 couples were married, 45 people were baptised and Vince and Linda led 54 funeral services.

Are you one of the 200 people who attended our Christingle? Maybe you came to Epiphany, Easter, Harvest, Blue Christmas or Carol services? Do you come to remember loved ones at our Ribbon service?

This building is well used and well loved, it serves our whole community and we need your help to raise funds for a new roof. We need to

Slimming World Success 2019 sees the golden anniversary of Slimming World. Consultants Barbara Turnbull, Christine Rumbold and Angie Dinsdale work together as part of the Wear Valley team covering Weardale, Crook, Willington & surrounding areas. This year their members have seen some fantastic results, Laura Holliday is a member of the Crook evening group and is almost 6 stone lighter than when she started the class in January. Sandra Taylor joined Slimming World following a heart attack and has gone from a size 22 to a 14.

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Lastly Wolsingham barber Lauren Powles has lost 4 stone in less than 7 months since signing up to Slimming World.

Laura Holliday at the start of her journey and after her weight loss.

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

STEVEN NORRIS Plumbing & Heating We specialise in new bathroom installations • Wet rooms • Power flushing • Radiators replaced • Showers fitted • Gas & oil boiler installations & servicing • Outside taps fitted

Call us on 01388 762 291 or 07583 124 830 Email: thermalenergy@mail.com

Funeral Plans from your local, family run funeral director

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Crook and Willington’s only Family Run Funeral Service Specify your wishes with one of our Golden Charter Independent Way funeral plans, saving your family from making difficult decisions whilst relieving them of financial worries.

Protection against rising funeral costs Reassurance for your family – no uncertainty or difficult decisions

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Complete flexibility to choose the funeral you want

www.hardysfunerals.co.uk

Willington 116 Commercial Street, DL15 0AA | Tel: 01388 747 747 Crook 1 Belle Vue, DL15 9BP | Tel: 01388 765 069 *Vouchers distributed 30 days after your plan is taken out. T&Cs apply.