DURHAM County News
www.durham.gov.uk
Summer 2016
The magazine for people in County Durham
Get set for fun as Wharton Park is unveiled
Training, apprenticeships and employment special
. Win a ÂŁ400 Durham VIP pass or luxurious spa experience
WELCOME
to the summer edition of Durham County News
Creating jobs and helping people into work are top priorities for the council. That’s why we’re working hard on a wide range of employment and training schemes. Find out more about these on pages 8-12.
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Councillor Simon Henig, Leader of the Council
Making our county attractive to investors is also vital if the county is to grow and prosper. We’re moving forward with the revised County Durham Plan, which sets out plans for development, including housing, jobs and shopping. We’re starting a new round of consultation and want you to be involved. Find out how you can on page 13.
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And, with this being the best time of year to enjoy our stunning coastline, find out more about the Heritage Coast’s very first ‘Reach for the Beach’ festival on page 26, and how much Seaham has to offer on pages 24-25.
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Simon Henig 26
Contents...
Competition entries
Competition entries should be received by Wednesday 1 June 2016 (unless the competition states otherwise). Pop your entries in one envelope (don’t forget to use a stamp!) and post to Durham County News, Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham DH1 1RH or drop them in to reception at any of our access points.
Durham County News is written and designed by Durham County Council, printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd and distributed by The National Leaflet Company and Royal Mail. It costs 16p a copy.
To contact the editorial team, call 03000 268 059 or email durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk Please ask us if you would like this document summarised in another language or format. Braille
Audio
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When you have finished with this magazine, please recycle it.
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What’s new at Wharton Park
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8-12
We’re working hard on jobs and training
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Fostering: change a child’s life
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Environment Awards 2016: celebrating the best
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20-23
Local news pages
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Hot events for summer
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We ASKed and Evenwood answered
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Have your say on the County Durham Plan
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durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk 03000 268 059
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Brass will blow you away
24-26
Days out: The coast with the most
27-31
What’s on this summer
Front cover: Children’s author Liz Million worked with youngsters from Framwellgate Moor Primary School to design our new Wharton Park guide for kids. See pages 6-7.
BRASS: It’ll blow you away
BRASS is back and it’s time to blow our trumpet as Durham’s annual festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with outdoor extravaganzas, brasstastic collaborations and even its own fringe events programme.
As ever, the festival will be a fascinating mix of modern and traditional.
Following their recent Grammy nomination, see why Hot 8 have received accolades across the globe in a funk-filled and energetic performance at Gala Theatre on Friday 15 July. Travelling from New Orleans, their jazz-infused funk and hip hop marching band music give an international edge to BRASS’s 10th anniversary celebrations
To mark the anniversary of a century on from the Battle of the Somme, Durham Cathedral will play host to The Durham Hymns on Saturday 16 July. This major new work features a community brass band and choir together with one of the region’s most celebrated choral ensembles, Voices of Hope. Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy has used the true-life stories and sacrifices of County Durham people as inspiration for her hymn lyrics. Well-known amongst brass fans, The Fairey Brass Band, give a classical performance at the Gala Theatre on Sunday 17 July. The band has been National Champions of Great Britain nine times.
And, in the greatest battle of the bands since Blur and Oasis; New York Brass and Oompah Brass go head-to-head on a fantastic party-in-the-park tour across County Durham. The grand finale in Wharton Park, Durham on Saturday 16 July will see all the streets festival bands come together for a mind-blowing performance.
a band! Win the chance to have one of our acts perform at your wedding, christening or simply a BBQ with friends in your garden. Follow BRASS online to enter. www.brassfestival.co.uk
BRASS
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Contact us: You can get lots of information, and apply online for council services via
NEWS Get set for a splashing time
www.durham.gov.uk
The splashpad at Chester-le-Street’s Riverside Park is now open on weekends from 10am to 6pm. It will be open every day during the May half term and summer school holidays (Saturday 16 July to Sunday 11 September). During busy times, we’ll be running a ticket entry system. Free timed tickets will be available to collect from the splashpad.
Save time do it online Report Apply Book Pay Comment
If you need to phone us, call Customer Services
03000 26 0000 8.30am-5pm (Monday-Thursday) 8.30am-4.30pm (Friday) Out of hours emergency service available.
Have your say
If you have a specific query, use one of our dedicated numbers:
We’re consulting on proposals to change the way people who receive Severe Disability Premium (SDP) are financially assessed.
Streetscene, Highways and Street Lighting Enquiries
The aim is to bring our assessments broadly into line with most other local authorities in the North East.
03000 26 1000
Includes rubbish and recycling, street lighting faults, potholes, commercial waste, neighbourhood wardens, stray dogs, abandoned vehicles, pest control, street cleaning, litter and dog fouling, graffiti, fly-tipping, fly posting, parks, open spaces and cemeteries maintenance.
This would mean new recipients of SDP who need non-residential care, would have the same assessments as people who do not receive the payment. People already receiving both SDP and non-residential care would not be affected. It will not affect the adult social care needs assessment undertaken by our social workers, who will continue to assess each individual and ensure they receive the care they need.
Benefit Enquiries
03000 26 2000
Have your say by Sunday 26 June at www.durham.gov.uk/consultation
Council Tax Enquiries
03000 26 4000
Changes to ‘taxi policy’
Social Care Direct/Children’s First Contact service
03000 26 79 79
Families Information Service
0800 917 2 917
/durhamcouncil
Find out how you can help your community at a special Volunteers’ Week event. Over 30 organisations are attending the Volunteers Fair at County Hall on Wednesday 8 June, 11am–5pm.
linkedin.com/company/ durham-county-council
There will be information stalls and short talks on a range of different volunteering opportunities.
@DurhamCouncil
www.youtube.com/user/ DurhamCouncil instagram.com/durham_ county_council
To find out more, call 01388 742 040 or visit www.durhamcommunityaction.org.uk
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News
Following a public consultation, there have been changes to the hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy.
Find out more at www.durham.gov.uk or call 03000 261 016.
Crufts winners
back microchipping campaign
They’ve won the world’s most famous canine show - and now they’re backing our drive to get dog owners to have their pets microchipped. Little Westie ‘Geordie Girl’ Devon and her owner Marie Burns from Tow Law won the highly coveted Best in Show title at Crufts 2016.
Now, the triumphant duo are backing our #BeLikeChip campaign, which tells dog owners about new legislation requiring all dogs over the age of eight weeks to be microchipped.
To find out about free microchipping events in County Durham, visit www.durham.gov.uk/microchipping or phone 03000 261 000.
Think before you get inked
Illegal tattooists may have cheap prices but you could pay the cost with scarring, infections and blood borne viruses, such as hepatitis B.
Walking back to happiness
Make the most of the summer by joining one of our walks. You can discover history, wildlife and even your creative side on a wide range of walks of all lengths and difficulties. www.durham.gov.uk/countryside
Introduce a Friend and enjoy an extra month free on your membership*
Unregistered tattooists, known as ‘scratchers’, operate illegally often in unhygienic conditions with poor quality equipment. They might also carry out underage tattooing.
As part of the ‘Catch a Scratcher’ campaign, our Environmental Health officers recently raided three properties seizing over 30 bags of equipment, including 15 tattoo machines and hundreds of needles. All legitimate tattooists are registered with the local authority in their area. There are over 90 registered tattooists in County Durham, find them at www.durham.gov.uk/tattooists.
Membership from £17.00 a month** Simply pick up a card next time you visit or speak to a member of leisure centre staff for more details. www.durham.gov.uk/leisurecentrememberships *Terms and conditions apply **Refers to a direct debit Group 2 or 3 concession membership.
Report illegal tattooing to 03000 261 016.
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Wharton Park in Durham City reopens this month following its £3 million restoration. Join us for a celebration weekend on 28 and 29 of May. The £3 million restoration was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Big Lottery Fund and the council. Find out more in our step-by-step guide to your new look Wharton Park.
A brief history of Wharton Park
• There has been a formal park at the site since 1858. • William Lloyd Wharton gave use of Windy Hill to the city in July 1858 making Wharton Park one of the earliest public parks in the region.
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This fantastic new Heritage Centre for visitors is situated at the top of the hill and can’t be missed. Its modern glass fronted café is a great place to relax and take in the views of the park. The Heritage Centre is also home to an education room which will be used by schools and can be hired for workshops. Look out for the miner’s banner created by Durham banner artist Emma Shankland with pupils from Neville’s Cross Primary School and St Margaret’s CE Primary School.
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• During WW2 air raid shelters were built in the park and land was given over to allotments.
Miniature car track and putting green
One of the park’s favourite features has been given a revamp. The miniature car track now has six new accessible vehicles which can accommodate a child and an adult or carer in the back. The new vehicles include three brightly coloured cars and three new trikes to choose from. The popular putting green has new golfing equipment.
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• Durham Miners’ Association held the first Gala in Wharton Park on 12 August 1871.
• Wharton Park was eventually given to the city in 1915.
Heritage Centre, Café and Education Room
Amphitheatre
Wharton Park’s Amphitheatre takes centre stage in the park and has been refurbished to host outdoor theatre performances, live music and dance.
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Community Garden
The Friends of Wharton Park have a dedicated community garden, managed and maintained by volunteers. At the centre is a mosaic by Newcastle artist Lorraine Udell depicting, among other things, a Davey lamp and the viaduct. Watch the garden evolve and get involved yourself. The Friends of Wharton Park will be at the celebration weekend so pop over and say hello.
Pick up a children’s guide Darlington based artist and children’s author Liz Million has worked with children from Framwellgate Moor Primary School to design a park guide for kids. It guides little ones around the park, tells them some of the history and has pages to colour in.
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Wharton Park
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Children’s play areas
The park now boasts two new children’s play areas. One, outside the Heritage Centre, can be enjoyed by younger visitors under the age of eight. It includes a seesaw, and miniature climbing wall, along with some accessible play equipment such as a ground level roundabout and accessible swings. The second play area is located on the lower level of the park next to the miniature car track. This is for older children, aged eight years and above, and includes a large slide, zip wire and space net.
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Outdoor gym equipment
If you are trying to get fit or keep in shape, head to the new outdoor gym next to The Way Sculpture. Equipment is free of charge. During our celebration weekend, an instructor will be on hand to show you how to use the equipment correctly.
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The Battery
The newly-restored Battery offers one of the best vantage points of Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle and is sure to be a favourite spot for visitors.
Sculptures in the park
Walking around the park you will see some familiar faces and some new ones. Albert the Good is back home in the park after a clean-up, so he will be standing over the park for many years to come! A new sculpture of William Wharton has been carved out of a tree taken down in the park. William will be located next to the Battery so he can enjoy the magnificent views of the city.
Celebration weekend
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May
Wharton Park will open its gates to the public for the celebration weekend on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May, 11am-3pm. Bring a picnic and enjoy the free entertainment on offer at the Amphitheatre and around the park.
Find out more about Wharton Park at www.durham.gov.uk/whartonpark and the Friends at www.friendsofwhartonpark.org.uk Wharton Park
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Working hard on employment DurhamWorks
Launched this spring, DurhamWorks is a new £17.04 million programme to get young people into work. The target is to support 5,830 young people aged 16 to 24 who are neither in employment, education or training by July 2018.
It’s a ground-breaking solution as it brings Durham County Council together with 16 external partners to provide a network of support.
Our top priority is to improve the local economy and get more people into jobs. Many people don’t realise it, but we’re at the helm of a wide range of projects that support people into training and employment. Read on to find out how we’re working hard to get the county working.
Through DurhamWorks, young people will get one-to-one engagement support to help them secure employment, education or training opportunities.
This new project builds upon the work of Generation NE, a £4.5 million employment programme for young people which has run in the North East region since November 2014 and has already helped 166 young people into work in County Durham. DurhamWorks has been funded through the Youth Employment Initiative, European Social Fund and various partners as part of County Durham’s EU Structural and Investment Funds.
Cllr Neil Foster, our Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: With youth unemployment an issue in the county it’s vital that the council continues to support the next generation into work, helping to grow the economy and prospects of the entire county. Email: durhamworks@durham.gov.uk Tel: 03000 262 930
Rachel’s dressed for success For Rachel White, taking an apprenticeship at The Dress Agency in Barnard Castle has been a tailor-made fit.
Rachel, who had a passion for fashion, had support from Generation NE. They helped Rachel organise car sharing and gave her work support throughout the first six months of her apprenticeship. Rachel’s hard work was rewarded when she won best apprentice at the Teesdale Business Awards in February.
The Dress Agency’s owner, Leah Hobson, said Rachel settled into the business really quickly: She was immediately liked by our clients and customers. She’s learning payroll and monthly book-keeping. We hope to offer her a full time position at the end of her apprenticeship. © Calico Images
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Employment Opportunities
Supporting people affected by welfare reform
Changes to welfare reform, like the spare room subsidy (or bedroom tax as it’s commonly known) and benefits cap are having a big impact on some residents. We’re supporting people particularly affected to take their first steps to working, or to consider self-employment. We’re using some of our welfare assistance fund for the scheme, which includes:
• Supporting employers who create jobs for people affected by welfare reform by subsidising wages by up to £2,000.
Higher Level Skills Programme
• Set up a fund which people can apply to if they need help to cover initial transport costs or need specialist equipment or clothing.
Following feedback from employers and training providers, we’ve developed a new programme that gives employers the incentive to upskill their staff and provide them with higher level qualifications.
• Paying for skills training so people can take up work opportunities when they come along.
To date, we’ve supported 625 people, with 284 of these going back into employment and 234 receiving skills training.
To compete for jobs and win work, we need to ensure County Durham residents have the right skills at the right level.
We’ll support the upskilling of any County Durham residents currently employed and aged 18+ by contributing to the cost of any level four qualification, including Higher Apprenticeship, HNC, Diploma, Certificate of Higher Education.
Employers will be able to apply to the fund for a grant to cover either 50 per cent of the training costs or a maximum of £2,500, whichever is lower.
Jordan detects a great future The first employer to access the Higher Level Skills funding was IBEX Innovations Ltd at NETPark in Sedgefield.
Jordan Hall started work at IBEX as an Apprentice Technician in May 2013, and was then employed full time.
Now, thanks to funding from the Higher Level Skills Programme, Jordan has enrolled on the HNC Instrumentation and Control Engineering Level Four course at Teesside University.
Neil Loxley, Chief Executive, said: Staff development is a key priority for IBEX, but can be a significant investment for an early-stage business, so we were really pleased to have received 50 per cent support towards the course costs.
Employment Opportunities
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Reaching your potential Karen can teach us all a thing or two Imagine swapping the running of a £14 million business and a team of 80 employees for becoming a teaching assistant.
No-one should let a lack of qualifications hold them back. Every year, our Adult Learning and Skills Service helps 9,000 learners to reach their potential. With courses available in over 100 community venues, they offer a wide range of programmes from informal tasters to Level 3 accredited programmes.
Free e-learning packages are also available for some courses and a mix of day, evening and vocational courses where you learn in the workplace are available. There are free English and maths classes, with courses ranging from entry level up to the equivalent of a GCSE.
The excellent success rates mean 98 per cent of learners leave having achieved their learning goals. With many saying it has improved their confidence, helped them get a job or progress in their career.
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Employment Opportunities
This is exactly what has happened for Karen Peters, and she loves every minute of it. Having worked in retail her entire career it was a shock for Karen, from Pelton, when she was told her role was being made redundant. So Karen thought the timing was right to follow her dream of working with children. It was now or never, or I suppose I had reached the point of no return in my career,” smiles Karen. “For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to work with children. I saw the Adult Learning and Skills Service had opportunities to train as a teaching assistant and there was no hesitation from me. Now I’m working at Pelton Roseberry Primary School and loving every minute of it.
April’s confidence boost Employability Training can offer a great first step for people who lack the confidence to go straight into work.
For April Drew from Ferryhill the benefits have been huge. April had tried courses previously but never managed to finish them. But when she started the Employability Training with our Adult Learning and Skills Service she felt differently.
I suffered from anxiety for a long time and found courses very stressful because there were so many people on them and I worried so much,” April explained.
“This course was so different. It was a really small group, held locally, and our tutor Gail was so supportive. Going every week has been really good for me and helped me conquer my anxiety. It’s given me a positive outlook for my future career. Call us on 03000 266 115. Visit www.durham.gov.uk/adultlearning
Getting on the career ladder with apprenticeships
We offer apprenticeships ourselves; we’ve taken on 65 apprentices across a range of our services since January 2015.
We also support local businesses to take on apprentices, offering incentives to recruit young people from County Durham.
Since the County Durham Apprenticeship programme started in 2011 we’ve supported over 700 companies to take on over 900 apprentices. With our
Apprenticeships can give the best of both worlds; on-the-job experience and training, as well as a salary and nationally recognised qualifications.
initial investment of just £100,000, the scheme is now a £1 million programme, funded by national grants and our local area action partnerships.
Teenage Parent Apprenticeship
Life is full of ups and downs, and one apprenticeship programme has been especially geared to help young people aged 16-19 who become parents. It gives them the support they
need to give their children the best start in life and contribute towards a successful future for their family.
Our Teenage Parent Apprenticeship Programme allows employers to access up to £3,000 towards the apprentice’s wages plus an additional £1,500 from the 16-24 AGE grant.
Contributions can also be made towards travelling and childcare costs to give young people the best chance of starting a career.
One in a million Apprentice Courtney Million has designs on a great future. Courtney is building a successful career with PR, marketing and design consultancy firm, LEC Consultancy in Peterlee. But Courtney wasn’t sure she could achieve her dreams when, just after completing her Level Three Subsidiary Diploma in Creative and Media at East Durham College, Courtney found out she was pregnant.
Following 18 busy months as a full-time mum to Ellie-Rose, Courtney decided it was time to return to her studies. She gained A levels in maths, English and psychology through a distant learning college and went to night class to study level two counselling.
Courtney explained her drive: I want to give my daughter the best possible life and be a positive role model for her. But I couldn’t find work because of my lack of experience, so this apprenticeship has been a great way to get a qualification and gain work experience. I’m now in an excellent position to build a successful future for myself and my daughter.
Interested in apprenticeships? Aged 16-24 and interested in an apprenticeship? Want to take people on and develop your business? Contact 03000 26 2009 or email employabilitycentral@durham.gov.uk Employment Opportunities
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Local solutions to get people working Each AAP has its own projects that it feels are most important for its local area.
Local challenges often need a local solution.
Some of the projects currently reaping results in the county include:
Our 14 Area Action Partnerships (AAPs) are all involved in innovative projects that support people into work.
• Supporting people to get training to help them into work; or offer training packages, such as in construction or security, to fill jobs available locally. • Setting up discretionary funds where residents can apply for small grants to help them overcome barriers to work, such as helping cover transport costs until the first pay cheque comes in. • Setting up projects that help people in very rural areas, such as innovative solutions to transport problems or developing rural skills through training. • Establishing job clubs to help people find job opportunities; and get support with writing CVs, applying for jobs and preparing for interviews. • Support budding entrepreneurs with enterprise clubs that inspire and mentor them; or offer businesses start up grants and support packages. • Pay for local young people to take on apprenticeships and then use their skills to benefit their community.
Our AAPs support a wide range of projects from supporting business start-ups to developing rural skills.
• Carry out skills audits with local companies to see the range and level of skills that are required by local employers. • Linking with schools, colleges and academies to inspire the next generation. This includes ‘Inspire’ days, bespoke careers advice and showcasing the amazing opportunities in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Find out more about what your local AAP can do for you and how you can keep in touch with their news at www.durham.gov.uk/AAPs
tickets to the fabulous
Fake Festival
Summer favourite, the Fake Festival is back on Saturday 6 August at Chester-le-Street’s Riverside Park.
We’ve got a pair of adult tickets for this year’s Fake Festival to give away. For the chance to win tell us the name of a Queen hit. .......................................................................
Featuring three world-class tributes to Queen, Arctic Monkeys and Stereophonics, plus local support acts - all inside a giant marquee with bar, food and outside entertainment zone.
Name .....................................................................................
Book before 6 July for discounted prices. www.fakefestivals.co.uk
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Tel ........................................................................................... Address
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Postcode ........................ See page 2 for entry details.
Employment Opportunities
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Tick to receive more info from Fake Festivals:
Get involved with the
County Durham Plan The County Durham Plan will set out how much development is required in the county, including housing, jobs and shopping, and look to place it where people want to live and where businesses want to invest. It will also consider the infrastructure needed to support new development, including schools, transport and green space. The plan will also include policies to encourage new businesses and grow our economy; protect and enhance our environment; encourage tourism; support rural areas and ensure good quality design. Why are we consulting? You may recall that following consideration by a government inspector, the Plan wasn’t accepted. We challenged this in the High Court and the inspector’s decision was quashed. This new plan sets out the issues we believe affect the future planning of County Durham and identifies options for how they can be addressed. We need to know what you think.
Are these the right issues? Do we take account of your needs and the needs of your community? Are the options the right ones? Are there others we’ve missed?
Talk to officers between 4pm and 7.30pm and share your views. Spennymoor, Town Hall Wednesday 29 June
Peterlee, East Durham College Thursday 30 June
Durham City, Town Hall Lantern Room Monday 4 July
Stanhope, Durham Dales Centre Tuesday 5 July
Chester-le-Street, Methodist Church Wednesday 6 July
Framwellgate Moor, Community Centre Monday 11 July
Shildon, Civic Hall Tuesday 12 July
Consett, St Patrick’s Hall Thursday 14 July
How to get involved Bishop Auckland, Town Hall The consultation documents will be available from 24 June for six weeks. Monday 18 July You can find out more about the County Durham Plan and let Sedgefield, Ceddesfeld Hall us know your views at www.durham.gov.uk/cdp. Tuesday 19 July Copies will also be available at local libraries and We’re our customer access points. also visiting the 14 Stanley, Civic Hall Area Action Partnerships, Tuesday 19 July If you can’t get online you can: so check their summer Crook, St Catherine’s • Pick up a response form from libraries meeting dates. Exhibition Community Centre • Write to FREEPOST SPATIAL POLICY boards will also be on display at Wednesday 20 July locations around the county. • Email cdpconsultation@durham.gov.uk Barnard Castle, The Hub See www.durham.gov.uk/cdp Thursday 21 July Your views need to reach us by 6pm or call 03000 261 908 for on Friday 5 August. Newton Aycliffe, Youth and details. Community Centre Monday 25 July Durham City Sustainable Transport Strategy Alongside the County Durham Plan we’re publishing a draft Sustainable Seaham, Town Hall Wednesday 27 July Transport Strategy for Durham City. This identifies ways to encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport. www.durham.gov.uk/cdp County Durham Plan
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A sizzling summer of events 1916: No Turning Back It’s 1916. Your country needs you, the army needs you… Join one of thousands of County Durham men in enlisting in the army, volunteering to fight for your country. Say goodbye to your family and get ready for war.
1916: No Turning Back is unlike anything seen before at Gala Theatre, Durham (Thursday 21 July to Sunday 28 August). This truly immersive experience will see the auditorium
transformed to vividly recreate the sights, sounds and smells of life for a First World War soldier.
Accompany a new recruit on his journey as he volunteers, trains for the front, endures the trenches, trembles under shell fire, attacks enemy lines, and eventually experiences a sense of loss, returning home a changed person. www.galadurham.co.uk
Flying Scotsman and the Shildon Shed Bash
If you like trains, then choo-choo-choose a trip to see one of the UK’s steam icons at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum in Shildon.
Following a decade-long £4.2 million restoration, Flying Scotsman will be appearing (23 to 31 July) as it was when British Railways retired it in 1963. Inspired by the famous ‘shed bashes’ of the ‘50s and ‘60s, when avid trainspotters would visit a railway shed by fair means or foul to see every locomotive in it, the event promises to give fans the chance to recreate the authentic ‘shed bash’ feel. There’s lots going on, with photography sessions, talks, trade stands and access to cabs. www.flyingscotsman.org.uk
Open Treasure
Durham City Run
Amateur athletes are getting set to run rings around the competition in a new road race.
Thousands of runners will tackle Durham City Run’s 5K or 10K routes on the evening of 20 July. We’re organizing the run in partnership with Olympic medal winner Steve Cram’s Events of the North.
The course takes in Durham’s iconic landmarks and offers excellent vantage points for spectators. Entry to the 10K costs £24 for unaffiliated runners and £22 for members of running clubs. The 5K costs £15 or £13 for club runners. www.durhamcityrun.com
Explore Durham Cathedral’s previously hidden spaces in this new exhibition experience and discover 2,000 years of history. From the magnificent 14th
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Events
This fascinating insight into the experiences of those who went to war is part of Durham Remembers, our programme of events commemorating The Battle of the Somme. See the full programme www.durham.gov.uk/ durhamremembers
www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/open-treasure
century Monks’ Dormitory to the monastic Great Kitchen, find stunning treasures and medieval artefacts from the cathedral’s internationally-renowned collections.
Shoes: Pleasure and Pain Hot on the heels of the exquisite YSL exhibition, The Bowes Museum has another fashion coup this summer. The museum is the only UK venue outside London to stage the V&A’s Shoes: Pleasure and Pain from 11 June to 9 October.
Take a step back in time and explore the agony and ecstasy of footwear throughout 2,000 years of history. More than 200 pairs will be on display, from some of the iconic names in shoe design, including Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo. Joanna Hashagen, the museum’s curator of fashion and textiles, said: As the shoes will be exhibited thematically, not chronologically, each section will be a visual cornucopia of different shapes, styles, materials and colours. They are presented as very beautiful objects, many telling fascinating stories. 01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England
An action packed, open-air night show of dazzling proportions at Auckland Castle.
From 2 July to 17 September, a thousand cast and crew present a storytelling journey of 2,000 years with mass choreography, pyrotechnics, spectacular lighting and water effects.
Be transported from myth and legend, through battles and conquests to inventions and celebrations in a surround-sound movielike experience. www.kynren.co.uk
Durham Deals Find great money-saving offers on attractions, activities, shopping, food and drink at www.thisisdurham.com/deals
a Durham VIP Pass The Durham VIP Pass, worth over £400, offers two people free entry or great discounts to some amazing attractions across the county. Tell us the name of a famous shoe designer whose work is in the exhibition at The Bowes Museum to be in with a chance of winning. .........................................................................................................................................
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See page 2 for entry details. Tick this box to receive updates and special offers from Visit County Durham:
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Events
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We’re finding new ways of working with communities to safeguard facilities and better meet the needs of local communities. Our Durham ASK urges communities and town and parish councils to work with us to take over assets like leisure centres, libraries, play areas and open spaces. Call 03000 268 055 or visit www.durham.gov.uk/communityassets
ASKing to work with you Durham ASKed and Evenwood answered Young and old are benefitting from a community facility which offers everything from baby weighing to luncheon clubs for the elderly. But exciting plans are afoot to make the building even more of a community hub. Last month a charitable foundation set up by Evenwood and Barony Parish Council took over the running of the Randolph Community Centre from the county council. The parish council chose to take on the centre through our Durham ASK programme to ensure the building was retained for the community in the future. We’ve agreed a long-term lease which will see important local services, like the House of Eden Nursery, our One Point service, health services, and Evenwood Powerlifters remain.
The building has always been at the heart of the community, firstly as a school and then as a children’s centre. Now the new charitable foundation is keen to introduce more activities, including fitness classes; young people’s activities; social events for the elderly, and an internet café.
Parish Council Chair, Cllr Barbara Nicholson said: “We surveyed local residents who said the centre is an important element of community life here in Evenwood and Ramshaw and the surrounding area known as the Barony. They want a place to socialise, learn and take part in activities.”
Parish Clerk, Martin Clark added: “We were closely supported by Durham County Council but it has taken many hours of work.
Although it felt like a courageous decision for a parish council to take this on, we would encourage other groups to engage with the Durham ASK.”
The surge of excitement and energy has already seen the centre make new links with partners to develop services. The main hall has also been named after Raymond Gibson, a long-standing pillar of the community, who donated money towards improvement works.
“We have a great opportunity here to improve people’s health, get people socialising and provide more activities. We’re very excited for the future,” Martin added. www.randolphcommunity centre.co.uk
Need help locating care and support? Answer a few simple questions on the new ‘My needs’ feature to find care and support services to help you.
www.durhamlocate.org.uk 16
Durham ASK
Looking for a life changing experience? Fostering changes a child’s life; and being a foster carer will change your life too. It’s not the easiest job in the world but it’s certainly one of the most rewarding. Because, at a time when a child’s world is turned upside down, foster carers provide care, understanding and stability. We have over 300 foster carers looking after someone else’s child while their parents or carers are unable to care for them. Sometimes the child will return to their family, other children face a more uncertain future and may need a permanent home.
If you’ve ever felt like fostering might be for you, now’s the time to find out more. Foster Care Fortnight is taking place now and we’re holding drop-in sessions where you can find out more: Saturday 21 May, 10.30am-1.00pm at County Hall, Durham Friday 27 May, 10am-12noon at Durham Town Hall Tuesday 14 June, 4.30-6.30pm at County Hall, Durham Check online at www.durham.gov.uk/fostering for more dates.
Mick and Bev’s fostering journey
It was a desire to make a difference that led Mick Boyle and Bev Parks to start fostering last year.
With Mick’s Mum and Dad and other family members all long-term foster carers, Mick had seen first-hand how a positive foster placement could help a child to a better future.
And with Bev’s daughter now grown up and left home, the couple decided that fostering would give them a new lease of life.
Mick explained: “It took a while to go through the process but we were approved last October. Then in November we received a call to ask if we could take three siblings on an emergency placement, we said yes, and within two hours they were here.”
Bev added: “It was a steep learning curve. Having three ranging from primary school age to teens is a challenge, but we love it. We’ve had a huge amount of support and ongoing training. And there’s always someone at the end of the line, 24 hours a day, so we never feel alone.”
“When the children first came we didn’t know how long they would stay but we understand placements can be long or short and our job is to give them care, stability and support during their time with us. Six months on, the children are still with us and we love them being part of our lives.” Mick added.
Is fostering for you?
Almost anyone can apply to become a foster carer. You don’t need any special qualifications, it’s your experience and outlook on life that’s important.
You can be married, single or living together; male or female; of any race or ethnic origin; employed or unemployed.
You’ll never be left on your own to cope. We offer professional support, on-going training and financial support.
www.durham.gov.uk/fostering or call 03000 269 400. Children and young people
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Green living Get your entries in for the Outstanding in 2015: Wear Referrals Veterinary Hospital, based in a brand new building at Bradbury, near Sedgefield, was judged to be outstanding.
Open for entries 3 June - 15 July
Every year, people find ways to make our county more beautiful, more sustainable and a nicer place to live, work and visit. For 27 years, this work has been recognised through the county’s Environment Awards. The awards, run by the County Durham Environment Partnership, celebrate projects that improve and enhance the environment through great design, environmental guardianship and community spirit.
So, have you made a difference to your local environment this year? If so, get in touch as the awards open for entries on 3 June.
There are 12 categories: Built environment Community partnership Greener business Places and spaces Volunteer group of the year Volunteer of the year - under 18
Climate change Craftsmanship Natural environment Schools and colleges Waste management Volunteer of the year - over 18
All projects or work must have been completed within County Durham.
Winning entries will be announced at an awards ceremony in the autumn.
For more information and to enter, go to www.countydurhampartnership.co.uk/envawards or call 03000 265 545.
Outstanding winner Dylan Etheridge won the volunteer of the year under 18 category.
The Big Spring Clean got BIGGER!
Spring came, and loads of you donned wellies and waterproofs and sprang into action!
Hundreds of volunteers from across County Durham and Darlington took part in organised litter picks as part of the Big Spring Clean.
The annual LitterFree Durham campaign is supported by us and Darlington Borough Council.
The 2016 campaign in numbers:
187 litter picks took place 2,581 people took part 2,478 bags of litter were collected 4,982 volunteer hours given
www.durham.gov.uk/bigspringclean or call 03000 261 000.
May bank holiday bins
Please place your rubbish, recycling or garden waste bins out as normal during the May Bank Holiday week (30 May). We’ll be working as usual to empty bins. To sign up to garden waste collections, visit www.durham.gov.uk/gardenwaste or call 03000 261 000.
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Green living
Volunteers take part in litter picks as part of the big clean-up.
Triple bid for bloom glory! RHS Britain in Bloom 2016
Could Durham City be a Champion of Champions? Following Durham City scooping double Gold in the Large Town category of the national RHS Britain in Bloom competition in 2014 and 2015, the city has been shortlisted to represent the ‘Champion of Champions’ category for 2016! Britain in Bloom judges will visit Durham in August to cast their eyes over the city’s entry. Watch this space!
Durham in Bloom launches its ‘Champion of Champions’ campaign at The Botanic Gardens.
RHS Northumbria in Bloom 2016
Durham City has also been selected to represent the ‘Champion of Champions’ category of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Northumbria in Bloom competition after winning Gold and overall category winner in 2015.
Chester-le-Street will compete in the Large Town category, having won a Silver Gilt last year.
Stanley will represent the Town category, having scooped Silver as a first time entrant in 2015.
Cestria Primary School and Chester le Street C of E Primary School pupils plant heather at the Riverside Park.
Be a little rotter We’ve teamed up with getcomposting.com to get you an exclusive offer on home compost bins and other great green products. 220 litre bins are available for £17.98 and 330 litre bins for £19.98. Order online at www.getcomposting.com or call 0844 571 4444 quoting reference DCC11L.
Pest problems? We provide treatments for rats, mice, bedbugs, cockroaches, fleas, moles, cluster flies, squirrels and wasps at a one-off charge of £40. Phone (domestic) 03000 26 1000 or (commercial) 03000 262 550.
The council-led entries, submitted with huge support from partners, really show how much pride people have in their local community.
And not to forget the other 17 community, town and parish council led entries. Good luck to all of them!
Results will be announced in the autumn.
Visit www.durham.gov.uk/inbloom Follow Durham City’s progress at www.facebook.com/durhambloom
Pupils from Greenland Primary School in Stanley plant flowers outside Stanley Civic Centre.
It’s ‘Good to Know’
We’re busy spreading the word about the ‘Good to Know’ recycling campaign.
The WRAP funded campaign reminds you which items you can recycle from all the different rooms in your home. After all, there’s loads of stuff you might not even realise you can recycle.
Look out for our message on buses or hear our advert on Smooth and Heart Radio and we’ve been visiting primary schools too. Come along and chat to us about how you can recycle more on: • Durham City Market Saturday 4 June, 9am-4pm
• Consett Market Friday 17 June, 9am-1pm
• Asda store, Spennymoor Friday 10 June, 10am-2pm
• Bishop Auckland Market Thursday 23 June, 9am-4pm
• Barnard Castle Market Wednesday 15 June, 9am-3pm
• Sainsbury’s store, Durham Arnison Centre Saturday 2 July, 9am-4pm
Green living
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NORTH Durham Seen the changes in Stanley?
Earlier this month our Customer Access Point, Library, Registration Service and Stanley AAP moved into new modern and light premises at the Louisa Centre in Stanley. This exciting development brings our services together in this important local hub and makes them easier for you to use. Our Customer Access Point is now all on one level and has better interview facilities, whilst the library has a great range of books, magazines and bookable computers.
Royal approval in Consett
A £44 million development combining cutting-edge education and modern leisure facilities has received a royal seal of approval.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester officially opened Consett Academy and Leisure Centre in March. During his visit The Duke toured the building, meeting students and local residents. He then travelled on to Barnard Castle to tour The Witham arts centre.
Party in the Park
Villa Real bridge update
Pack a picnic, get your dancing shoes on and head to Blackhill and Consett Park on Sunday 17 July.
Party in the Park promises to be packed full of music and entertainment, including face painting, bungee trampolines, rides and outdoor games.
Free shuttle bus from Consett town centre. 12noon-6pm. Free. 03000 260 725, Facebook ‘Derwent Valley Partnership – AAP’.
Learning about local links
Twenty primary schools in the Derwent Valley are being given the opportunity to explore links between the history of Durham Cathedral and Derwent Valley.
Derwent Valley AAP is working with Durham Cathedral on the project. It includes organised sessions around history, art and architecture and Durham’s natural environment. Schools will visit Durham Cathedral to discover more about the life of St Cuthbert and that of St Ebbe, who has strong ties to Derwent Valley, and to explore the woodlands and riverbanks. Call 03000 260 725, email dvaap@durham.gov.uk or visit Facebook ‘Derwent Valley Partnership – AAP’. 20
North Durham news
There have been unplanned delays to the work at Villa Real Bridge.
We hoped to have re-opened the bridge by now. However, as the bridge is in very poor condition, it will remain permanently closed to all traffic and pedestrians. Works to demolish the old bridge and construct the new replacement road began on the 25 April. It’s still business as usual in Leadgate for the shops, businesses and attractions.
Buses continue to be diverted via Front Street, Garden Place, Bradley Industrial Estate, New Watling Street and Werdohl Way. www.durham.gov.uk/villareal
Well done!
Volunteers have been recognised for their dedication to creating and maintaining wildlife havens.
The Heathland Heartland Project, a two-year Heritage Lottery funded scheme, involves restoring lowland heath around Stanley and Annfield Plain. Volunteers spend one day every week making urban fringe sites suitable for wildlife.
The group were awarded a ‘Caring for your environment’ certificate by the County Durham Environment Partnership, which is made up of various partners including Durham County Council.
SOUTH and WEST Durham Teesdale drop-in sessions
For advice on council tax, housing benefit, concessionary travel, street lighting or any other council service, call in to a drop-in session on Thursday 30 June.
Histories of the Horse Market
Do you have memories of the way Horse Market in Barnard Castle was in the past? Which businesses always seem to have been there? How has market day changed? Your memories are needed for a fascinating project to develop a historical walk booklet for children. This project is part of the Heart of Teesdale’s Trails through Teesdale programme. Children, families and local residents will be involved in developing the booklet.
If you have memories or photos to share, call Jude on 07766 485 188 or email theworddoctor@btinternet.com.
Delicious day out Around 30,000 hungry food fans headed to Bishop Auckland Food Festival last month.
The two day event drew huge crowds as families flocked to taste delicious dishes from more than 150 local, regional and northern food and drink producers.
Cllr Neil Foster, our cabinet member for economic regeneration, arts and culture, said: “It’s a great event with a fantastic reputation worth more than £700,000 a year to the county.”
UTASS, (Upper Teesdale Agriculture Support Services Ltd) 9-11 Chapel Row, Middleton-in-Teesdale, 10.30-11.30am
Randolph Centre, Evenwood, 12noon-1pm Butterknowle Village Hall, Butterknowle, 1.45-2.45pm.
Healthy living help
Wellbeing for Life provides free one-to-one advice and support on healthy living.
From giving up smoking and drinking less alcohol to being more active and eating healthily, trainers are on hand to create personal health plans. 01325 321 234, www.facebook.com/ CountyDurhamWellbeingForLifeService
Safe at home
A project that helps keep people safer in their homes has received a cash boost, thanks to the 3 Towns Area Action Partnership.
Grants available
£5,000 is available for projects which help young people in Crook, Willington, Tow Law or the surrounding area. Grants of between £200 and £500 are available from the 3 Towns Partnership Youth Forum. Applications must come from the young people in the group and can be for equipment, day trips, running costs, staffing, training or new projects for young people aged 0-19 years old. Contact 03000 267 539 or email threetownsaap@durham.gov.uk
Training grants Grants of £1000 per person are available for residents of Bishop Auckland, Shildon, Great Aycliffe, Middridge & Spennymoor to help pay for training to get them into vacant jobs. The grants have been made available from the local AAPs’ Employability Funds. For more information, contact Denise Hopps on 01388 443 078.
The Safer Homes scheme, a partnership project between County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Durham Constabulary and both Durham and Darlington Councils, received £10,000 from the AAP to continue delivering the scheme locally.
The money will buy equipment such as carbon monoxide alarms, fire retardant clothing and shed alarms. Call 0191 375 5561 or email saferhomes@ddfire.gov.uk South and West Durham news
21
CENTRAL and EAST Durham Pelaw Wood update
Work has started to stabilise the ground at Pelaw Wood in Durham City following a further landslip on the steep slope. We’re carrying out further investigations and have specialist engineers on site to provide advice. However, the slip will delay the completion of the works and the reopening of the path below the slip. www.durham.gov.uk/pelawwoodlandslip
Big clean up in Blackhall
Milestone for student housing scheme
A scheme to help students in Durham City find quality rented homes has signed up 100 properties in less than a year.
A big clean-up in Blackhall Colliery has left residents cheering.
The Durham Student Assured Housing Scheme was launched last June to improve the quality of private student accommodation by introducing a voluntary code for landlords.
The Community Action Team, which brings together local residents and a range of organisations to tackle environmental problems, dealt with 118 cases whilst working in the area.
So far, all properties that have become assured have been found to meet the scheme’s code of standards for safety, security and comfort. Durham City landlord, Brian Hill, praised the scheme: “The inspectors were very helpful, explaining reasons and options where upgrades were required.”
Local people told CAT their main worries, which the team then tackled. These included 94 build-ups of rubbish in yards, 40 of which were dog fouling.
Eighteen legal notices were served for environmental crimes and some emergency boarding up of properties was carried out. CAT is now working in Ferryhill South and Station and will revisit Horden next following their time in the area last year.
To find out more, call 03000 261 016 or visit www.durham.gov.uk/cat 22
The trial scheme, which is supported by Durham University and recommended by Durham Students’ Union, is set to run until May 2018.
www.durham.gov.uk/studenthousing
Abbey Leisure Centre celebrates 25 years Abbey Leisure Centre in Durham City has marked a quarter of a century. The centre is used by around 3,500 people each month. Stephen Verde, the longest standing member of the centre’s gym, was invited along to help staff mark the special occasion. He said: “I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since I became a member.” Stephen is pictured with Nicola Hayman and Paul Usher from the leisure centre.
Central and East Durham news
Funding for rural economy
£1.5 million of European funding is available for projects to strengthen the rural economy of the Durham Coast and lowland areas. A credit union has Projects that increase farm helped savers in productivity, boost rural tourism East Durham to hit or support small businesses and Hard-working volunteers are making the credit union a success. the £500,000 mark. farm diversification can apply for grants from The Durham Coast and East Durham AAP worked this NE First Credit Union to set up East Lowland LEADER programme. Durham Savers to help tackle poverty and discourage people from Running until 2020, the programme turning to loan sharks or high interest lenders in times of hardship. covers the east of the county and parts of As well as reaching the milestone for savings, the credit union has the south; including the coast line from also loaned out over £350,000. This is estimated to have saved Dawdon down to Blackhall, and lowland East Durham families over £2 million in interest than if they had areas such as Castle Eden, Coxhoe, opted for a high interest loan. Newton Aycliffe and Sedgefield. To find out more, call 03000 266 894 or visit www.durham.gov.uk/dclleader
Saving the day
Come for a cuppa
Leazes Bowl
The Leazes Bowl roundabout works in Durham City started on Monday 11 April and will last for approximately 25 weeks. Works will be carried out 7am-7pm, subject to some on and off-peak restrictions. We’ll aim to restrict the most disruptive work to off-peak hours, weekends and overnight, although there will be some significant unavoidable disruption and delays.
During part of the scheme the bus stops next to Leazes Bowl roundabout (at the end of Milburngate Bridge) will be closed and relocated to Claypath. There will also be disruption to the buses that take routes over New Elvet Bridge. Up-to-date information will be available on the Go North East and Arriva websites and at www.cartogold.co.uk/durham/ The works will be carried out in five phases. For more details about each work phase please visit www.durham.gov.uk/leazesbowl or follow #leazesbowl on Twitter
A student volunteer group is hosting afternoons of tea and cake for residents aged over 55. The next one is being held at St Oswald’s Church Institute, Church Street, Durham on Wednesday 22 June from 2-4pm. The tea parties are organised by Durham University Student Community Action and funded by our Durham Area Action Partnership. Call 0191 334 1797 or email teaparties.sca@durham.ac.uk
Run to the Sun
Keep the baton on the move at a 24-hour relay at Maiden Castle, Durham.
Run to the Sun has been organised by mental health charity RTProjects with Durham University’s Athletics and Cross Country Club. It starts at 12noon on Friday 10 June and runs right through the night, ending at noon on Saturday 11 June.
Now in its third year, ‘Run to the Sun’ is a great community event, and includes fancy dress, face-painting and cake stalls. www.rtprojects.org.uk Central and East Durham news
23
We do like to be beside
the seaside
There’s so much more to Seaham than sun, sea and sand. Stroll the streets and take in statues, super shops and stunning views.
Stroll down the promena de and enjoy spectacular views . Terrace Green has many delight ful shops facing it – bistros, coffe e shops, traditional sweetie shop and, of course, fish ’n’ chips and ice creams. On the green, see the ce notaph and the stunning sculpture 1101, known locally as Tomm y, by artist Ray Lonsdale.
pools , with its rock North Beach a long sheltered by is , e d ti w lo was at 1921 Seaham l ti n U . ll a w sea -bottle largest glass home to the r the in. Look out fo works in Brita aglass that's d se wave-polishe ith every tide. re w o washed ash nice rking plus a You’ll find pa at Seaham circular café rpark. Hall beach ca
won Small Hotel Five star Seaham Hall ’s North East of the Year in last year thin 37 acres of Tourism Awards. Set wi award-winning gardens, it boasts an restaurants. spa and two renowned r being the It’s famously known fo rious Romantic former home of noto in the 1920s was poet Lord Byron and ishment for used as a secret establ of which bottling whisky, much of s ended up in the hand Al Capone.
a Seaham Hall ishga experience for two Relax by entering the world of ishga Seaweed Indulgence. ishga has been developed on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, creating the highest quality of natural ingredients provided by the purest Scottish seaweed. Seaham Hall Spa’s ishga treatment will leave you feeling supremely refreshed and your skin beautifully nourished. We’ve teamed up with Seaham Hall to offer a spa experience for two, including arrival drink, two-course lunch in the Ozone restaurant and a 60-minute ishga massage or ishga facial. To enter, tell us where ishga was developed.
These ruined remains of a medieval pele tower are now a scheduled ancient monument.
One of the 20 oldest surviving churches in the country, this Anglo Saxon church has roots thought to date back to the 7th century.
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See page 2 for entry details. Valid Tues-Thurs, subject to availability until 1 Sept. Minimum age 18. Tick to be added to Seaham Hall’s mailing list:
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Out and about
Rare grasslands with unique populations of plants and animals, such as the Northern Brown Argus butterfly.
North Sea
The new Seaham Marina boasts a café with sea views, ice cream shop and pancake café. It’s County Durham’s only marina and was recently extended to offer 96 berths. www.seahammarina.com Call in at the East Durham Heritage & Lifeboat Centre in the original lifeboat house to find out more about the restored lifeboat George Elmy and East Durham’s industrial and maritime heritage. Open Thursday to Sunday 10am-3pm, entry free (donations welcome). www.eastdurhamheritagegroup.co.uk. Support their bid to erect a memorial by Ray Lonsdale (the creator of Tommy) to the crew and members of RNLI Seaham station.
Head to the Art Block, Church Street to see the work of East Durham Artists Network. Follow them on Facebook to see what’s on.
Seaham is on the 11-mile Durham Coastal Footpath. Discover spectacular grasslands, magical coastal denes and uncover the rich heritage that has shaped this coastline. Head to the Heritage Coast Festival: Reach for the Beach event from 28 May to 5 June, with themed-guided walks and rock-pool rambles. See page 26. www.durhamheritagecoast.org
Seaham
lifeboat , the Seaham 2 6 9 1 r e b to m In Nove a terrible storm in t u o t se y George Elm coble. The issing fishing e coble m a r fo h rc a se de th ulled alongsi crew of five p rescued four men and usly they and miraculo tainous seas n u o m g in tl a boy. Bat fety, but ay back to sa w ir e th e d a m r m the harbou just yards fro ck were stru entrance they e and wav by a gigantic A site of special scientific entire crew e capsized. Th interest and a seasonal e of the and all but on ued feeding ground for purple resc people they’d sandpipers and badlywere lost. The turnstones. boat was damaged life to t h g u nd tho taken away a 009, it ared. But in 2 nd bought have disappe ay a B for sale on e Now fully was spotted ritage Group. e H m a rh u D by East lace in the kes pride of p ta it , d re o st n. re lifeboat statio m a h a e S r e form
Heritage Coast
Durham
Seaham was attacked during both the First and Second World Wars. Limestone Landscapes has produced a three-mile walk where you can discover this history. www.limestonelandscapes.info
Out and about
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Reach for the beach
From Saturday 28 May until Sunday 5 June, events will be taking place along our coastline as part of the first ever Heritage Coast Festival.
Celebrating our Coast event
There’s never been a better time to make the most of Durham’s Heritage Coast.
Good old fashioned family fun at Seaham Marina on Wednesday 1 June, 12noon-4pm. Punch and Judy, circus skills, roving pirates, badge making, face painting, meet the RNLI volunteers, boat trips, guided walk and see the story of the George Elmy Lifeboat at the Marina Lifeboat House.
Rockpool rummages and Be a Ranger for the Day events.
Pirate Fun with East Durham
at Dalton Park on Saturday 28 May from 12noon-4pm. They’ll bring the sea to you! Meet cuddly sea critters; get your face painted, kids crafts and more.
Creates when you can join the pirates of Crimdon Dene for two fun-filled days of pirate themed arts activities and live performances on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 June from 10am-4pm.
Toddle round
Castle Eden Dene.
Free themed guided walks
all week with something for everyone. Geology, archaeology, wildflowers, photography, creative writing, local history, bird walks, doggy walk with free dog chipping. The programme includes the 26-mile River to River walk along the full Durham coastline from Sunderland to Hartlepool, definitely not for the faint hearted!
Kayaking taster sessions at Seaham Marina.
Get all the details at www.durhamheritagecoast.org or call 03000 268 131. 26
Out and about
Evening BBQ, Barn Dance and Poetry at the Barn,
Easington (free event, but you need a ticket).
Gramble at
Easington Colliery Local Nature Reserve, enjoy an amble, wildlife talk and pick up some rubbish, a bit like a real life womble.
Mini beast hunt at Castle Eden Dene.
Get on your bike with organised bike rides.
Superhero Beach Clean
at Red Acre Beach, Seaham.
Competition! Take a snap at
Reach for the Beach and send it to the Heritage Coast team – you might be a winner! The best pics will be included in the Heritage Coast’s 2017 calendar and you could win a prize. Email your photograph to
heritagecoast@durham.gov.uk and please state where the photo was taken.
WHAT’S ON
June to September
Discover the essential things to see and do this summer. Saturday 14 May to Sunday 25 September The English Rose – Feminine Beauty from Van Dyck to Sargent The Bowes Museum Major new exhibition featuring a newly acquired portrait by Van Dyck, alongside famous ‘English Roses’. 01833 690 606, www.bowesmuseum.org.uk Tuesday May 17 to Saturday 18 June The Coast Exhibition Art Block, Seaham Acre Rigg Primary School Collage exhibition. Tue-Fri 11am-3pm, Sat noon-4pm. Free. 0191 649 9431. Wednesday 18 May Organ Recital Durham Cathedral Performance by Jonathan Allsopp. 7.30pm. A £10, Con £8, Student £5. www.durhamcathedral.co.uk Saturday 21 May Introduction to charcoal making Harehope Quarry, Frosterley Learn the basics. 10am-4pm. £15. 01388 528 599, www.harehopequarry.org.uk Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 May Empire and Flag Weekend Celebrations Beamish Museum Brass bands, traditional displays, craft activities and a chance to learn more about Empire Day. 0191 370 4000, www.beamish.org.uk Sunday 22 May Rainbow Dash Fun Run Hamsterley Forest Join Butterwick Hospice’s colourful 5k/10k. Now with bubbles! 01388 603 003, www.butterwick.org.uk/rainbowdash2016 Wednesday 25 May The Fureys Empire Theatre, Consett Legends of Irish music, The Fureys make a welcome return. 7.30pm. A £18.50, Con £17.50. 01207 218 171, www.leisureworks.net Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family.
Friday 27 May to Friday 30 September Pitmen and Prelates Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland Features important works of mining art and previously unseen objects. 10am-5pm. Closed Tuesdays. A £6, C Free. 01388 743 797 or email enquiries@aucklandcastle.org Saturday 28 May Mighty Wurlitzer Annual Fete New Victoria Centre, Howden-le-Wear Stalls, games, tours and Wurlitzer music. 11am-3pm. Free. 01388 601 596, www.netoa.org.uk Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May Wharton Park Opening Celebrations Durham City Join in the festivities and see the newly restored park. www.durham.gov.uk/whartonpark Saturday 28 May to Sunday 5 June Wild West Week Adventure Valley, Durham Cowboy-themed entertainment. Includes panning for gold and a ball cannon shoot-out, yeeeee haaaaa! 10am-5pm. 0191 386 8291, www.adventurevalley.co.uk Saturday 28 May and Saturday 25 June Monthly 50-50 Modern and Old Tyme Dance Castleside Village Hall, Consett A warm welcome awaits everyone who enjoys dancing to accordion music. 8pm-11.30pm. £5. 01207 509 253, 01207 560 681. Sunday 29 May River Beasties Hunt Killhope, Upper Weardale Discover all the mini creatures hiding along the river. Wellies and change of socks essential. 1pm & 3pm. £3 (museum admission applies). 01388 537 505, www.killhope.org.uk
What’s on
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WHAT’S ON
Sunday 29 May Flower Power Plant & Gift Fair Raby Castle, Staindrop Packed full of plant stalls, garden accessories, tempting food stands and creative gift stands. 11am-4pm. £5. 01833 660 202, www.rabycastle.com
Monday 30 May Skerryvore Gala Theatre, Durham The award-winning seven-piece band brings its signature folk rock sound to Durham. 7.30pm. £17.50. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk
29, 30, 31 May and 1 June Fairy Tale Week Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham See fairy tale characters brought to life. Normal admission applies. 10am-5pm. 0191 384 8028, www.crookhallgardens.co.uk
Tuesday 31 May Pearl Izumi Tour Series Durham City Britain’s leading televised road race comes to the streets of Durham for its eighth season. Support activity includes police v fire service. From 4.30pm (race starts 7.30pm). www.tourseries.co.uk
free coffee every day for a year The picturesque Crook Hall and Gardens features a medieval hall, two walled gardens, a maze and much more. We’ve teamed up with Crook Hall to offer free coffee for a year for two people from its Garden Gate café. For the chance to win tell us how many walled gardens are at Crook Hall?
Wednesday 1 June Springtime on the Fells Hanging Shaws Carpark, Forestin-Teesdale A walk to see the spring flowers of Teesdale. 10am-4pm. Free. Booking essential. Natural England. 01833 622 374.
Wednesday 1 June Fantastic Founders – John and Joséphine Bowes The Bowes Museum Learn about the museum founders. Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies. 10.30am-4pm. 01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June Seussical The Musical Gala Theatre, Durham GTSS presents a magical musical perfect for the whole family. 7pm (+ 2pm Fri). A £12.50, Con £10, F £40. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk
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Sunday 29 to Monday 30 May Meccano Magic Locomotion, Shildon Be inspired by the wide range of static, mechanised and remote-controlled Meccano models. 10am-5pm. Free. 01388 777 999, www.nrm.org.uk/PlanaVisit/VisitShildon
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What’s on
Wednesday 1 June Stan’s Cafe presents Made Up Bishop Auckland Town Hall A heart-warming play about friendship. 7.30pm. Pay as you decide. Booking essential. 03000 269 524, www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk Wednesday 1 June European Geoparks Week Wild Wednesday Bowlees Visitor Centre, Upper Teesdale Find out all about the Teesdale of long, long ago on a guided walk and make fossils. 11am-3.30pm. A Free, C £3. 01833 622 145, www.visitbowlees.org.uk
Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June Georgian Fair Beamish Museum Enjoy the wonders of this traditional country fair, from extraordinary entertainers to traditional crafts and fine food. 0191 370 4000, www.beamish.org.uk Thursday 2 June and Thursday 7 July Cestrian Flower Club Park View Community Centre, Chester-le-Street Fantastic flower arranging. 7.15pm. £5. 0191 389 4730. Thursday 2 June and Thursday 7 July Durham Flower Club Sherburn Village Community Hall Delightful floral demonstrations. 2pm. Annual £25, Visitor £5.
Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family.
Thursday 2 to Friday 10 June Craft Sessions Durham Dales, Stanhope Get arty making paper flowers as part of the Festival of Flowers held at St Thomas’ Church. 9am-5pm. 01388 527 650. Friday 3 June Kids Spar Box Workshop Killhope, Upper Weardale Make your own spar box. 1pm & 3pm. Booking essential. £8 (museum admission applies). 01388 537 505, www.killhope.org.uk Saturday 4 June Colourama Aykley Heads, Durham Walk or run 5k with obstacles while being covered in colours. 2pm. Register 0191 368 1170 (ext 5), www.stcuthbertshospice.com Saturday 4 June Hand-Painted Ceramics Bowlees Visitor Centre, Upper Teesdale Illustrate a beautiful earthenware mini bowl. 2pm-4pm. £20. Booking essential. 01833 622 145, www.visitbowlees.org.uk Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June Family Bushcrafts Sleepover Hamsterley Forest Set up a tarp shelter, light a fire, cook a meal and sleep in the woods. 3pm-9am. A £30, C £15, F £60. Booking essential. 01388 529 154, www.natureholiday.co.uk Sunday 5 June Bark in the Park Hardwick Park, Sedgefield Butterwick Hospice invite dogs and their owners to take part in this idyllic walk. £5. 01388 603 003, www.butterwick.org.uk/barkinthepark Sunday 5 June Friends of the Garden Plant Sale Durham University Botanic Garden A wide selection of plants and seeds on sale. 10am-4pm. A £4, Con £3, C £1.50. www.dur.ac.uk/botanic.garden
Sunday 5 June It’s a Knockout Witton Castle Country Park, Bishop Auckland Butterwick Hospice challenges teams of 10 to take on some fun, foamy and inflatable games. 16+. £10. 01388 603 003. Tuesday 7 June Cooking Foraged Food Harehope Quarry, Frosterley Forage for wild ingredients and learn to cook outdoors. 9am-4.30pm. £32. Booking essential. 01388 529 154, www.natureholiday.co.uk Thursday 9 June Photography Evening Durham Cathedral Spend a summer evening with your camera inside Durham Cathedral. 6.30pm. £10. www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
Friday 10 June Aled Jones Cathedral Tour Durham Cathedral A special opportunity to hear Welsh singer Aled Jones MBE. 7.30pm. £19.50. www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Bumper ticket offer The Civic Hall Stanley is bursting with brilliant entertainment. We’ve got 10 tickets up for grabs to upcoming events. To enter tell us which actor the Civic Hall’s theatre is named after? ................................................................................
Tick the event you’d prefer: Hamlet Dance-a-thon West Side Story Name ................................................................... Tel
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Thursday 9 June The Mighty Wurlitzer Open Event New Victoria Centre, Howden-le-Wear Listen and play the fantastic Wurlitzer. 7pm-9pm. £2. 01388 601 596, www.netoa.org.uk
Wurlitzer tickets We’ve got five pairs of tickets to give away. For the chance to win, name the village that houses the organ. ...............................................................................
Name Tel
Saturday 11 June Making Military Models Durham University Palace Green Library Bring the kids to have a go at making an Airfix bi-plane. 10am-noon & 1pm-3pm. www.dur.ac.uk/palace.green
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Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family.
Friday 10 June Dance-a-thon Civic Hall Stanley Get your dancing shoes on. 7pm. £10. 01207 299 110, www.civichallstanley.co.uk
Saturday 11 June Sedgefield Day From games on the village green to science busking at NETPark, and from police quad displays to afternoon tea in Ceddesfeld Hall. 01740 621 273.
What’s on
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WHAT’S ON Monday 13 June Graeme of Thrones Gala Theatre, Durham An original and un-authorised parody of TV show Game of Thrones. 7.30pm. £18.50. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk Wednesday 15 June to Saturday 18 June Jesus Christ Superstar Park View Theatre, Chester-le-Street Dryburn Theatrical Workshop present Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s global phenomenon and rock opera. 7.15pm. A £10, Con £9. 0191 388 3362, www.dryburntheatricalworkshop.ticket source.co.uk Thursday 16 June Hamlet Alun Armstrong Theatre, Civic Hall Stanley Shakespeare’s classic retold through a modern day story of organised crime and small-time Geordie mafia. 2.30pm & 7pm. £10. 01207 299 110, www.civichallstanley.co.uk
tickets to a musical extravaganza We’ve got two pairs of tickets to the musical spectacular Jesus Christ Superstar to give away. For the chance to win just tell us who wrote and composed the show? ...............................................................................
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See page 2 for entry details.
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What’s on
Friday 17 June Alfie Moore, Scott Bennett and MC Will Duggan Bishop Auckland Town Hall Hilarity Bites presents a night of hilarious comedy. 7.30pm. Advance £8, Door £10. 03000 269 524, www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June Cab It! Locomotion, Shildon Climb aboard vehicles from the national collection. 10am-5pm. Free. 01388 777 999, www.nrm.org.uk/PlanaVisit/VisitShildon Saturday 18 June Fascinating Phoenicians Durham University Oriental Museum Celebrate the opening of a new exhibition on ancient Lebanon and create your own mini dig site. 1pm-3pm. A £1.50, Con 75p, C 75p, F £3.50. www.dur.ac.uk/oriental.museum 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 June A Midsummer Night’s Dream St Thomas Church & Durham Dale Centre Gardens, Stanhope Drama in the Dale presents an outdoor performance of this Shakespeare classic. 7pm. £8. www.dramadale.co.uk Sunday 19 June Father’s Day Sparkling Afternoon Teas & Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea Crook Hall and Gardens This gourmet taste sensation includes pork pies washed down with a lager, ale or tot of whisky. A £22, C £13. Booking essential. 0191 384 8028, www.crookhallgardens.co.uk Sunday 19 June and 14 August Classic Vehicle Show & Vintage Rally Raby Castle, Staindrop Displays of all types of classic cars, motorcycles, trucks, vans and vintage tractors plus auto jumble. 10am-4pm. A £6.50, C £2.50. 01697 451 882, www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com
Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 June West Side Story Alun Armstrong Theatre, Civic Hall Stanley See this spectacular musical. 7.15pm. A £12, Con £11 (Tue all tickets £10). 01207 299 110, www.ticketsource.co.uk/astraents Tuesday 21 June to Saturday 16 July Jac Howard: Sea Gear Art Block, Seaham EDAN art exhibition. Tue-Fri 11am-3pm, Sat noon-4pm. Free. 0191 649 9431. Thursday 23 June Hallé Orchestra Dolphin Centre, Darlington Durham Music Service presents two special performances. Afternoon show features 500 local school pupils, evening one includes Durham Youth Orchestra. A £10, Con £5. 01325 406 000, www.healthydarlington.co.uk/ dolphinevents Friday 24 June Frankly Sinatra Empire Theatre, Consett The world’s no. 1 Sinatra - Stephen Triffitt performs classics My Way, That’s Life and more. 7.30pm. £20. 01207 218 171, www.leisureworks.net Friday 24 to Sunday 26 June 1940s Weekend Barnard Castle Includes vintage vehicles, wartime re-enactors, vintage fair, ‘40s dance, live music and children’s fairground. 01833 690 970, www.barnardcastletowncouncil.gov.uk Saturday 25 June Elephant Dances The Bowes Museum Taking the current exhibition From Temple to Home: Celebrating Ganesha as their inspiration, dance company Fertile Ground performs Elephant Dances. 2.30pm. 01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family.
Saturday 25 June and Sunday 26 June Art Show Brancepeth Village Hall View and buy local artwork. Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm. £1 (free raffle entry). 0191 340 2357, www.brancepethcomm unityassociation.btck.co.uk/ Saturday 25 June Durham Dales Challenge Walk Wolsingham Tackle 30 or 16-mile routes. Refreshments at checkpoints and a well-deserved hot meal, badge and certificate at finish. 30m £14, 16m £12. 01434 606 851, www.sientries.co.uk Sunday 26 June Armed Forces Day Seaham Town Park Military parade with a variety of bands and attractions. 12noon-10pm. 0191 581 8034. Sunday 26 June Variations of Pointe Settlement’s Everyman Theatre, Spennymoor Germany’s JSLN Dance Company presents a triple-bill ballet, includes Stravinski’s Petrouchka and a comedy based on TV series ‘Allo, ‘Allo. 2pm & 7pm. A £12, Con £8. 01388 816 430, www.spennymoorsettlement/ purchasetickets.html Sunday 26 June The Mighty Wurlitzer New Victoria Centre, Howdenle-Wear Blackpool Tower Ballroom’s resident organist Phil Kelsall. 2.30pm. £10. 01388 762 467, www.netoa.org.uk Friday 1 July Summer Concert Elvet Methodist Church, Old Elvet, Durham Join A Choir! A Voice! To hear favourites from the world of musicals, pop, jazz and opera. 8pm. A £10, C £6.
date Save the
Saturday 9 July
Durham Miner’s Gala
Saturday 2 July Gyles Brandreth The Witham, Barnard Castle An uproarious magic carpet ride around the world of words. 8pm. £19. 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk Saturday 2 July Summer Fair Ushaw College, Ushaw Moor Stalls, raffles, tea, cake and Durham Brass Band performances. 11am-2pm. Entry by donation to St Cuthbert’s Hospice. www.stcuthbertshospice.com Saturday 2 July Wheels and Belts Killhope, Upper Weardale A talk on the workings of Killhope’s iconic Wheel and Jigger House. 2pm. Museum admission applies. 01388 537 505, www.killhope.org.uk Saturday 2 July Summer Fair Willow Burn Hospice, Lanchester A great day for all the family. 01207 523 900 www.willow-burn.co.uk Saturday 2 July to Sunday 10 July Festival of Flowers St Thomas’ Church, Stanhope A spectacular display celebrating ‘all things bright and beautiful’. 01388 528 337, www.stthomasstanhope.co.uk
Sunday 3 July With Love from Teesdale Bowlees Carpark Learn about landscape painting with artist Keith Palmer. 10am-4.30pm. £6. Booking essential. Natural England. 01833 622 374. Sunday 3 July Chaplin: The Charlie Chaplin Story Gala Theatre, Durham Featuring an all-star West End cast including Steven Arnold (Coronation Street), Nicole Faraday (Emmerdale). 7.30pm. A £20, Con £18, Gala friends £17. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk Saturday 16 July Edinburgh Fringe Shows Preview The Witham, Barnard Castle Funny Way To Be Comedy presents top political satirist Matt Forde, Graham Norton’s former gag writer Jo Caulfield, Phoenix Night’s Justin Moorhouse, and Edinburgh Fringe’s Best Newcomer 2015 Sofie Hagen. 5pm onwards. Individual tickets available, day pass £18. 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk
comedy show tickets Funny Way To Be Comedy is the home of comedy in Barnard Castle. We’ve got five pairs of day passes to the fantastic Edinburgh Fringe Previews. To be in with a chance of winning tell us which TV show featured Justin Moorhouse? .............................................................................
Name Tel
Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 July Toy and Train Collectors Fair Locomotion, Shildon Buy, sell, and swap model railways, die cast, cars and loads more! 10am-5pm. Free. 01388 777 999, www.nrm.org.uk/PlanaVisit/VisitShildon
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Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family.
What’s on
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