Free in Weardale June 2020
www.wcng.org
Weardale shows are cancelled
Edition 2
Westgate’s weekly lockdown dance party
Dancing outside of the Hare and Hounds in Westgate
Wolsingham show is fantastically popular
UNCERTAINTY over the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic and the continuing need for social distancing means that the future of social and agricultural events all over Weardale is in doubt. All of Weardale’s main agricultural shows have now been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Weardale Show, held annually in St. John’s Chapel, was the first to announce that they would not be going ahead and would postpone until 2021. The sad decision was announced on the 10th May. This year’s show in August would have been the 151st Weardale Show. Wolsingham and Wear Valley Agricultural Society have also made the decision to cancel this year’s Wolsingham Show, with Stanhope Show cancelling in the same week. A press release from Wolsingham said “This is sad, but it seems clear the spread of the Coronavirus at large public gatherings poses a significant risk to health and we fully comply with the government’s guidance to defeat this disease. We feel that due to our large attendance it would be
impossible for us to enforce the 2m social distancing rule.” “The cancellation of this year’s Wolsingham Show was a difficult decision to make as we understand that the show is greatly anticipated by all members of the agricultural community and the tens of thousands of visitors that we welcome annually.” Hopefully the show will return next year on the 4th and 5th of September. The organisers of Stanhope Show had initially announced that they were continuing organise the show for this year and would reassess the situation at the end of June. However the decision to cancel for 2020 was announced on the 22nd of May. In a statement the organisers said “The safety and security of the general public, competitors, traders, visitors, attractions and committee members, at the show is of the utmost importance. The very nature of the show means that people come together to celebrate, to exhibit and spectate and given the requirements of social distancing, we would
Credit Wolsingham and Wear Valley Agricultural Society
not be able to guarantee that social distancing. We simply cannot and will not compromise the safety of anyone.” The next Stanhope show will now take place on the 11th and 12th of September 2021 Agricultural shows are a
key part of Weardale life and run throughout the summer, so the absence of shows in the Dale will be keenly felt this year. The shows are fantastically popular with thousands of attendees and boast an enormous range of classes and events.
WESTGATE residents are raising spirits during the lockdown by holding a regular dance party. Each Sunday during the lockdown at 7pm, residents have been outside and
dancing to their favourite tunes. Social distancing and safety is observed at all times, with residents maintaining the required 2 metres between each dancer.
Acts of kindness during lockdown By County Councillor Anita Savory OVER the lockdown period I have been aware of many acts of kindness, people looking out for family, friends, and neighbours, demonstrating a real community spirit. I was so touched by three generations from one family who are on lockdown doing their bit to help others. Lilian Peart, formerly from Weardale, now lives with her daughter Sharon Hogarth and granddaughter Sophie, in Bishop Auckland. What a team these ladies have been. They have spent their time selling items and every penny has been donated to local charities. The
recipients of their efforts are the Foodbank in Bishop Auckland and The Friends of Weardale Community Hospital, who received £100. The Friends are so very grateful for their donation and kindness. The trio also donated £200 to the Women’s Refuge in Bishop Auckland, another worthy cause supporting women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. The efforts of these three ladies will benefit many families. This is a real example of selflessness and generosity to others during these challenging times. Thank you to all the unsung heroes going the extra mile for others.
CORONAVIRUS
STAY ALERT
TO STAY SAFE Keep a safe distance from others Wash your hands the moment you get home
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