DCC Durham County News Autumn 2016

DURHAM County News

www.durham.gov.uk

Autumn 2016

The magazine for people in County Durham

Old traditions spark new beginnings

Win ÂŁ100 of shopping vouchers and dine out in style

. Cinema and festival ticket giveaway . Bumper What’s on

WELCOME

This autumn we are again asking local people to become involved in our budget proposals.

to the autumn edition of Durham County News

Councillor Simon Henig, Leader of the Council

Despite having to save more than £180 million from our budgets over the last five years, we are tasked with making further savings. In 2017 we must find a way to spend £29 million less than in 2016, even though demand for our services continues to rise.

Over the last five years we have found a variety of ways to innovate and to provide services more efficiently. But each year it becomes harder to find savings and not affect frontline services.

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So, this autumn, as we start to think about budgets for 2017, we are coming back to you with a set of new savings proposals and asking for your views.

Your feedback will drive our vision for the next three years and guide us as we set our budgets. Find out more about our proposals and different ways to have your say on pages 12 and 13.

16 14

If you are also looking at ways to make ends meet at home, read our feature on credit unions in County Durham on page 16. And don’t miss our feature on the revival of traditional crafts in the county on pages 6 to 9.

Simon Henig

9 9 Competition entries

Competition entries should be received

by Monday 26 September 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

Contents...

4-5

Page News Page

Page

When you have finished with this magazine, please recycle it.

10

Literature comes to life

Page

11

Fun for the young at TakeOff

Page

12-13

Help us plan for the future

Large print

durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk 03000 268 059

6-9

New revival of old skills

Page

14

Helping businesses grow

Page

16

Deal with debt and get savings savvy

Page

18-19

Green living

Page

20-23

Local news pages

Page

24-25

Discover our countryside walks

Page

26

Halloween high jinks

Page

27-31

What’s on

Front cover: Killhope’s Chris Askew forges ahead with his blacksmith workshop. See page 8.

A shining example The brilliance and buzz of Lumiere will once again brighten Durham.

We’ve asked Artichoke to deliver another spectacular Lumiere in our city in November 2017.

Lumiere 2015 saw 200,000 people visit the city over four magical winter evenings to see 29 awesome artworks, generating £9.6 million for the local economy.

Visually stunning artworks, like the whale in the Wear and the history of the universe projected on to the cathedral, ensured Durham kept pole position as the UK’s largest light festival.

“Lumiere was born in Durham and always feels like coming home.”

Helen Marriage

Our commissioning fee of £600,000 for the 2017 festival will unlock a further £500,000 pledged by Arts Council England, with Artichoke raising the balance through grants and sponsorship.

It’s money well spent considering the economic returns, says our Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, Cllr Neil Foster.

“It’s vital we embrace opportunities that deliver well demonstrated economic benefits and a lasting legacy. Lumiere has a proven track record for both and our partnership with Artichoke goes from strength to strength.”

Helen Marriage, director of Artichoke said: “I’m thrilled Lumiere has been recommissioned by Durham County Council for 2017. Lumiere was born in Durham in 2009 and, although we’ve produced the event in other places, Durham always feels like coming home.”

Lumiere

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Have you been inspired by Team GB’s Olympic success in Rio? Durham’s Jessica Eddie brought home a silver as part of the women’s coxed eight rowing team.

Fellow rower, Chester-le-Street’s Will Fletcher made his Olympic debut in the men’s lightweight double sculls. South Durham Gymnastic club’s Amy Tinkler shone as the youngest member of our women’s squad with a brilliant bronze for her floor exercise. Durham Institute of Sport supports the development of the county's talented athletes, like Amy. Find out more at www.durham.gov.uk/dis

You can get lots of information, and apply online for council services via

www.durham.gov.uk

Save time do it online

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.

@Alan Edwards/British Gymnastics

Report Apply Book Pay Comment

Feeling inspired to be fitter? For ideas, check out www.durham.gov.uk/sport

Peter Spurrier/Intersport Images

Inspiring sport

Contact us:

If you have a specific query, use one of our dedicated numbers: Streetscene, Highways and Street Lighting Enquiries

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.

Benefit Enquiries

03000 26 2000 Council Tax Enquiries

03000 26 4000

Social Care Direct/Children’s First Contact service

Consultation updates

County Durham Plan - Over the summer we’ve been talking to you about the County Durham Plan. Thank you to everyone who got in touch or came along to a roadshow. We’re busy considering all your comments and will consult again at the end of the year on the preferred options draft of the plan. www.durham.gov.uk/cdp

Gambling Act consultation - We’re reviewing our Statement of Principles and welcome your views. Visit www.durham.gov.uk/consultation before Monday 26 September.

Flood consultation - We’re consulting on the proposed Local Flood Risk Management Strategy for Durham. We’d like people, particularly those who’ve been affected by flooding, to have their say at www.durham.gov.uk/consultation by Monday 3 October or contact 03000 263 679 for paper copies.

We’re also consulting you on our budget. See pages 12-13 for details.

03000 26 79 79

Do it online

Save time

do it online More than 100 of our services are now online - so whether you want to report it, apply for it, book it, pay for it or comment on it - go to www.durham.gov.uk

Families Information Service

03000 26 99 95

Report Apply Book Pay Comment

Whether it’s from the comfort of your own home, on the go on a mobile device, or at one of our self-service points in our customer access points or libraries, it’s quick and easy to do it online.

@DurhamCouncil /durhamcouncil

You can now set up a personal account with us. The benefits are: 4 You don't have to keep filling in your personal details every time you contact us online.

4 You'll be able to check the progress of your request and you'll get feedback if you've reported any issues.

linkedin.com/company/ durham-county-council www.youtube.com/user/ DurhamCouncil instagram.com/durham_ county_council

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News

NEWS

Learning is for life

Get your autumn 2016 Adult Learning and Skills Service Learning Guide. Many courses are free and lead to nationally recognised qualifications. www.durham.gov.uk/adultlearning

Keep safe on bonfire night

The safest way to celebrate bonfire night is by attending an organised display but if you’re planning to enjoy it at home, follow these top tips.

g Buy fireworks from licensed suppliers and remember sales of bangers are now illegal. g Be alert - sparklers are five times hotter than cooking oil!

Meet our chairman

Cllr Edward Bell, who represents the Deneside Ward in East Durham, is a former sergeant with Durham Constabulary and England Rugby Union international. This year he will be raising money for two good causes, Dementia Durham and the North East Disabilities Resource Centre.

g Bring your bin in - you don’t want it being set on fire.

g Keep everyone back - around 1,000 people are injured by fireworks every year, not surprising when a rocket can reach speeds of 15 0mph. g Always follow the instructions on the pack.

Visit www.durham.gov.uk/fireworks to find your nearest display.

Report illegal fireworks sales to Trading Standards on 03000 261 016

Electoral register

You should have received a household registration form at your home so we can check the information held on the electoral register.

Please respond as soon as possible, even if there have been no changes. 03000 261 212, electoralservices@durham.gov.uk

Taste Durham this autumn

October will see a month-long celebration of the county’s food and drink with offers, events and special dishes to get your taste buds tingling. www.tastedurham.co.uk

Win £100 shopping vouchers, a meal for four at one of Dalton Park’s fantastic new restaurants and four CINEWORLD tickets!

It’s all getting very exciting at Dalton Park! Shop for all your favourite brands at up to 50 per cent off the normal high street prices; then head to one of the fabulous new restaurants that are now open. Choose delicious lunch or dinner at Pizza Express, Frankie & Benny’s or Prezzo, or opt for a tasty bite at KFC. Round off your day with a fabulous film at Cineworld seven-screen cinema, opening this September, and don’t forget the popcorn. Perfect! www.dalton-park.co.uk

MAKE A DATE

with

News

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DALTON PARK

For the chance to win a ‘DATE AT DALTON PARK’ name one of the new restaurants now open at Dalton Park: .................................................................................................................................

Name ....................................................................

Address .................................................................

Tel ..........................................................................

...............................................................................

Email .....................................................................

See page 2 for entry details.

Postcode ...............................................................

Tick to receive future updates from Dalton Park

Across County Durham, craftspeople are using centuries-old ways of working to create beautiful and unique items. But these businesses are not stuck in the past.

Timeless tradition meets thoroughly modern working Thanks to support from our Durham Creatives programme, they’ve been discovering how websites, blogs and social media can get even the most rural businesses noticed.

We went to find out how traditional crafts are being reinvented for modern tastes.

Weaving her magic There’s something timeless about watching Sheila Walton lovingly weave withies into a basket.

Willow working might be a truly ancient craft, but Sheila’s work has a modern twist, incorporating shells, driftwood and rope washed up on the beach.

A member of Northumbria Basketry Group, Sheila who lives in Stanley - creates baskets, platters, garden angels, lanterns and bird feeders from willow.

Sheila discovered her talent almost 20 years ago when she went to a green woodcrafts taster day. Growing more passionate about her hobby, she visited Sweden to learn about traditional wooden-based baskets and to Ireland to make contemporary baskets incorporating bogwood.

It was when Northumbria Basketry Group was commissioned to create a wicker nativity scene that Sheila thought there might be an opportunity to turn her hobby into a business.

My business has grown slowly and organically, a bit like a living plant, but courses organised by Durham Creatives 6

Heritage skills

including one just for women - have given me courage and more knowledge to run a business,” Sheila said.

See Sheila demonstrating her skill on Saturday 1 October at The Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope.

Sitting pretty When is a chair not just a chair?

When it’s a beautiful hide and seek story-telling chair that captures the colours and countryside of Teesdale.

This inspirational creation has been giving joy to children in The Witham at Barnard Castle all summer long. But last winter it was an unloved, unwanted plain old chair.

Behind the transformation is local upholsterer Glynis Manning.

To bring the chair together she used other local craftspeople. The seat - a wildflower meadow including Teesdale’s golden globeflowers - was created by a proggy rug maker. A needle felter crafted the tiny birds and animals that Glynis then inlaid into her own upholstery and stitching work.

Glynis said: “It’s wonderful to find the potential in any piece of unloved furniture and reinvent it so people fall in love with it all over again.”

Glynis learned her skills in modern and traditional upholstery four years ago as part of the North of England Civic Trust Heritage Skills Initiative. This included upholstering the seats for a 1937 Gresley carriage that was being fully restored by a heritage railway.

Two years ago, Glynis took the opportunity to start her own business and Hotch Potch House Upholstery was born. Now, with new premises behind the Witham, Glynis buys vintage furniture that people can have reupholstered to their own requirements as well as reupholstering customer’s own furniture.

Through our Durham Creatives project, Glynis has received one-to-one mentoring and attended workshops.

“Websites and social media are integral to businesses today and it was great to get help to develop this side of the business. I’ve also received advice on general business skills, marketing and funding opportunities.

This support is invaluable,” Glynis said.

Could Durham Creatives help you?

Durham Creatives has supported the creation of 80 new businesses in County Durham and helped hundreds of small creative businesses to grow.

Join their ‘Build a Business from Heritage Skills’ workshop on 11 October 10am-1pm at The Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope.

Learn to create or grow a business using your heritage talents or interests. Meet people who have built successful heritage-based businesses and get contacts for buyers, funders and mentors.

Book a place at www.durhamcreatives.co.uk/events

Heritage skills

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In our fast and furious modern world, there’s a genuine desire to slip back to older ways of working - even if it’s just for a day!

More people want to handcraft something truly unique themselves, either as a hobby or for a one-off experience.

Try your hand at age-old craftsmanship All fired up in the forge

Strippers and snippers

A smoking hot birthday gift led brothers Tom and Ollie Storr to learn a new skill.

It was the original recycling, sitting snipping and stripping old clothes to make hard-wearing and practical proggy rugs.

Guided by expert blacksmith Chris Askew they each made a metal fire poker with a delicate turned leaf at the handle.

Durham Rug Makers was founded in 2003 at Clayport Library in Durham and now, with over 50 members, also meets at Bowburn Community Centre. The group laugh together and learn together and keep this old tradition very much alive.

They headed to Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum, for a blacksmith’s workshop in the old forge.

Chris was drawn to blacksmithing firstly as a hobby and then as a business and now leads the workshops in the historic forge.

This forge would have been one of the first buildings to be created at the mine.

They would have made all the tools and metalwork for the mine in here. You can feel the history,” Chris said.

Tom said he and Ollie had really enjoyed the workshop. “We both like making things and have always enjoyed hands-on crafts like woodwork, so a blacksmithing course was right up our street.

“We not only learned the art of blacksmithing, but Chris brought the workshop to life with the role of the blacksmith through the ages. If you like finding out about history while learning a new skill - it’s a must!

Find out more on 01388 537 505, www.killhope.org.uk

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Heritage skills

Now it’s more of an art form as the beautiful colours of today’s textiles allow people to create vivid pictures and patterns in their rugs.

Cynthia Bolton, the group secretary, said: “Most people have memories of their mothers or their grandmothers making rugs in the old days. It was the original recycling. Now it’s a very affordable hobby as you don’t need lots of expensive materials or equipment.

Whereas once the rugs would have been made from dull-coloured clothes, now we produce bright, modern rugs that look great in any home.

Clayport Library - Mondays 10am-12 noon; Bowburn Community Centre - Wednesdays 10am-2pm. www.e-voice.org.uk/durhamrugmakers

Autumn heritage events

Various dates Heritage workshops Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle Workshops include making silk flower corsages, engraving glass, and creating shoe clips using feathers, fabric and ribbon.

01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Saturday 24 to Sunday 25 September Hands on Heritage Skills Beamish Museum Have a go at pole lathing, bread making, stone carving and corn dolly making. 0191 370 4000, www.beamish.org.uk

Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 October Heritage Skills Festival Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland Try a wide range of crafts and find out about the works planned for the castle over the next two years.

10am-4pm. Free. 01388 743 750, www.aucklandcastle.org Saturday 22 October Durham Rug Makers Woolcraft and Open Day Bowburn Community Centre Exhibition of proggy and hooky mats, wall hangings, knitting, weaving and spinning. Taster sessions. 10.30am3pm. durhamrugmakers@outlook.com

a traditional skills workshop Fancy trying pottery, woodwork, textiles, leatherwork, paint techniques, stonemasonry, stained glass or blacksmithing?

Auckland Castle is offering a range of hands-on workshops. And we’ve got a place on one of your choice to give away.* Led by professional craftspeople, the workshops are suitable for 16+ yrs and are running until 3 December. *Subject to availability.

01388 743 797, www.aucklandcastle.org/ events/categories/heritage-skills/ To enter, just tell us where Auckland Castle is located. .......................................................................................

Name ...........................................................................

Durham Business Information Exchange Over 50 organisations will help with funding, skills and apprenticeships; programmes to support the automotive, process, digital and creative sectors; and more.

Friday 16 September

Durham County Cricket Club, Chester-le-Street, 9am-noon Book online at www.businessdurham.co.uk/dbienorth

Tuesday 20 September

Tel .................................................................................

Address ....................................................................... ....................................................................................... .....................................

Postcode ...........................

Email ............................................................................

See page 2 for entry details.

Tick here to receive further information:

Xcel Centre, Newton Aycliffe, 9am-noon Book online at www.businessdurham.co.uk/dbiesouth Places are limited to two per company.

Try Tr y s swimming wimming

Boost your child’ child’s s swimming progress with a crash course during the holidays. www www.durham.gov.uk/swimming .durham.gov.uk/swimming

Swimming crash courses only £23 per week.

Heritage skills

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7 to 16 October

For a novel way to see literature come to life, look no further than Durham Book Festival.

Taking place at venues across the county, this year’s festival welcomes a host of talented writers, thinkers and performers.

HLIGHTS G I H L A V I T S FE

Writing the First World War: Pat Barker and Michael Morpurgo Two of Britain’s foremost literary chroniclers of the First World War talk about what draws them to this period at Durham Cathedral Nave (14 Oct).

Local author Pat Barker’s trilogy of novels began with Regeneration, and the final book in the series, The Ghost Road, won the Man Booker Prize for Fiction.

Michael Morpurgo has written over 130 books, including War Horse, which was adapted for the stage and a Steven Spielberg film.

For details of the full festival programme, visit www.durhambookfestival.com

An Evening with Anthony Horowitz Best-selling author Anthony Horowitz‘s works include the Alex Rider series, Sherlock Holmes and James Bond novels, and TV show Foyle’s War.

Anthony will talk about his fascinating career at Gala Theatre, Durham (12 Oct) and introduce brand-new crime book, Magpie Murders.

An Evening with Alan Johnson Labour party MP Alan Johnson discusses the third volume of his memoirs, The Long and Winding Road at Gala Theatre, Durham (13 Oct).

Songwriter in Residence: Kathryn Williams and Friends An exciting festival commission sees leading singers collaborate with exceptional writers on a songwriting project at Gala Theatre, Durham (15 Oct).

Magical adventure for young readers

Don’t miss the brilliant new production of Hey Presto! as it tours County Durham from Seaham to Shildon and Tow Law to Tanfield Lea, plus loads of places in between. In the lead up to the show, music and craft workshops will also be running. www.heyprestotour.com

festival tickets Big Read: Regeneration

by Pat Barker As part of the Battle of the Somme commemorations, Durham Book Festival will be giving away 3,000 copies of Regeneration to schools, libraries, universities and businesses in Pat Barker’s home county of Durham.

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Durham Book Festival

We’ve got pairs of tickets to Pat Barker and Michael Morpurgo, Alan Johnson, Anthony Horowitz, and Kathryn Williams and Friends, plus a copy of each book or album to give away. To enter, name a book in the Regeneration trilogy. .........................................................................................................................................................................

Tick the event you’d prefer:

Pat Barker & Michael Morpurgo Anthony Horowitz

Alan Johnson Kathryn Williams

Name ...................................................................

Address ...............................................................

Tel .........................................................................

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Email ....................................................................

Postcode

See page 2 for entry details.

Tick here to receive further information:

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TakeOff Festival 17 to 23 October Youngsters are set to have a blast at this year’s TakeOff Festival.

The country’s leading children’s theatre event returns with over 70 world-class shows in 22 County Durham venues.

AKEOFF T F O E T S A T A

Not to be missed is We Dance, Wee Groove at Gala Theatre, Durham (21 and 22 Oct), a very special dance experience full of music and imaginative play.

Photos: Lydia Fraser-Ward, Half Moon, Brian Hartley, Adam Robinson, Lewis Wileman.

Or you could go stargazing with an incredibly unusual cleaning lady.

Mavis Sparkle is a cosmic show full of magic, illusion, animation and laughter.

See all the action at Bishop Auckland Town Hall (20 Oct) and The Witham, Barnard Castle (26 October).

Other highlights include Molly’s Marvellous Moustache, a fantastical tale of a little girl who explores what it’s like to be a grown-up when her mummy makes her a very special moustache. Molly will be launching an expedition to the heart of the jungle, blasting off into space and creating incredible inventions at Civic Hall, Stanley (19 Oct) and Gala Theatre, Durham (21 and 22 Oct).

TakeOff tickets We’ve got a family ticket to see two shows of your choice (subject to availability). For the chance to win, name the girl with the marvellous moustache.

Discover the true stories behind some happily-ever-after fairytales at Greenfield College, Newton Aycliffe (20 Oct) or Clayport Library, Durham (22 Oct).

Hear the tale of Cinderella where she dies and becomes a zombie who falls in love with a vampire prince. And of course, the story of Little Red Riding Hood, the wolf-hunter who never leaves home without her shield and axe, in Fairytales Gone Bad: Zombie-rella/Blood-red Hood.

From street theatre and music sessions to face painting and crafts, the streets of Durham City will come alive with the fabulous TakeOff Family Day (22 Oct).

Over 15 shows will run throughout the day, including an interactive Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Durham Town Hall complete with cakes and treats, and some much-loved characters from Wonderland. Be prepared for games, dancing… and lobsters!

For a full list of performances and to book, visit www.takeofffestival.org.uk

Name Tel

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Postcode

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See page 2 for entry details.

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TakeOff Festival

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Help us plan for the future Over the last five years we’ve made huge changes to services and the way we work.

How government funding for County Durham is falling

But - and perhaps it might sound strange - we are hoping you won’t have noticed too many of them.

We’ve faced the largest challenge in our history saving more than £180 million as funding from central government has gone down year after year. In fact, we’ve had to save more than our grant reduction.

That’s because whilst funding has gone down, some of our costs (like energy and fuel) and demand for our services have gone up.

We have responded to this challenge in a variety of ways.

By streamlining services and finding new ways to work more efficiently we have tried to lessen the impact on you whenever we can.

And we’ve always worked to the priorities you set for us in our public consultations - to keep frontline services, to cut back office functions and to prioritise some services over others.

This is what has changed since 2011: Savings still needed for 2017/18 are

Funding from government has been cut

£185.9 million savings made

We have

by around 49%

2017 / 2018

£29.1 million

Savings still needed for 2017 to 2020 are

£64.1 million

2,109 fewer posts

Some of the ways we’ve made savings:

We have saved over

£5.5 million

We have saved

£756,000

through our street lighting energy reduction programme and we expect to save a further

£55million

in the next 25 years.

moving to fortnightly refuse collections, reviewing routes, introducing new waste contracts, and diverting recyclable litter.

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Budget

£2million

Saved almost by working with local communities to find better ways of running valued facilities such as leisure centres and community buildings.

We’ve reviewed grounds maintenance, saving

£1.9 million.

Including cultivating roadside wildflowers - good for wildlife and good for budgets.

But what next?

We can’t stand still. We need to continue to make savings, to innovate and respond to changes in people’s needs.

But each year it becomes harder to find savings and not affect frontline services.

So, this autumn, as we start to think about budgets for spring 2017, we are coming back to you for feedback on a set of new savings proposals.

How to have your say

Read our proposals and give your views from the comfort of your sofa at www.durham.gov.uk/consultation Pick up a leaflet and survey at one of our access points or libraries.

Come to your local AAP board meeting to hear our proposals and give your views. You must register before coming along by calling 03000 263 593 or emailing countydurhampartnership@durham.gov.uk Thursday 8 September Crook Civic Centre Monday 12 September Stanley Civic Hall

Wednesday 14 September Hazelwell Centre, Haswell

Wednesday 14 September Hamsteels Community Centre, Esh Winning

Wednesday 14 September Hamsterley Village Hall

Tuesday 20 September Durham City, venue to be confirmed

Thursday 22 September Civic Hall, Shildon

Thursday 22 September Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope

Where you come in

We’ve got three big themes to ask YOU about.

• What do you think of the changes so far?

• What do you think of our proposals for the future?

• What can you, your community or local organisations do to help?

Just as your feedback has guided us over the last five years; your views from this consultation will guide us in our future approach for the next three years.

So do have your say.

Thursday 22 September Kirk Merrington Village Hall, near Spennymoor

Monday 26 September Parish Centre, Chester-le-Street Tuesday 27 September Middridge Village Hall, near Newton Aycliffe

Wednesday 28 September Consett Salvation Army Hall

The consultation closes on Friday 7 October.

What you can do to help

We need to make the most of the money we do have. You can help.

• Bin it right - maximising your recycling and getting it in the right bin helps keep the cost of the service down.

• Help look after your neighbourhood - clean up after your dog and keep the street litter free.

• Consider whether your community could help us run a local facility, like a leisure centre, library, play area or open space. Check out www.durham.gov.uk/communityassets

• Set up a direct debit for a safe and hassle-free way to pay your council tax.

Budget

13

From cycling to recycling

Cool and quirky, Maddison’s has been a hit on Consett’s Front Street for the last ten years.

With recycled wood and coffee sack decorations adding to the boho vibe, the owners Paul Purvis and Heather Price have stamped Maddison’s with their own individuality, passion and creativity.

Keen to keep the business evolving and growing, Paul and Heather have worked with our Community Economic Development Team to identify new opportunities.

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Business

They successfully applied for funding through our targeted business improvement scheme in 2012, and when we improved the public spaces on Front Street last year we ensured cycle racks were located outside the café for their customers and visitors to the town.

So when Paul and Heather approached us this year to say they were keen to make more of their outside space and growing links with the C2C cycle network, we were keen to listen.

Their proposal to convert an unused yard into an outside dining area with secure bike lockers would make them a C2C approved stop-over and provide more dining space. We supported their plans with a contribution towards the costs because their business plans and vision were so strong.

Maddison’s success is already bringing benefits to the town. As well as employing ten staff, Paul is

passing on his chef skills to an apprentice. And by encouraging C2C cyclists off the cycleway they are encouraging spending in Consett.

Heather says customers love the outside space. “We could really see the potential outside but because we had recently invested in extending the kitchen, we couldn’t do it without support. We have always found the council very supportive of the business, so we took our plans to them and were thrilled when they said they could help.

“Customers absolutely love the outside space, they can bring in their dogs and they use it whatever the weather. And as word of mouth spreads, more and more C2C cyclists are finding their way to us, which is brilliant,” Heather added.

Find out about our retail business support by calling 03000 267 967 or email CED@durham.gov.uk

Health and wellbeing Something you need to tell us?

If a child under the age of 16 (or 18 if they’re disabled) is cared for by someone other than their parent or a close relative (like grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles) for 28 consecutive days or more this is private fostering. The law says you must tell us about this straight away.

www.durham.gov.uk/privatefostering

Important documents

Three important documents have been refreshed for 2016-19.

You can read them online.

Help for carers

The Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy is available at www.durham.gov.uk/jhws

The Children, Young People and Families Plan and The Safe Durham Partnership Plan are both available to read at www.countydurhampartnership.co.uk

News for those with sight loss

To Let

The County Durham Talking Newspaper has the latest news and features from our region’s papers - in audio format. Sent out weekly on CD or memory stick, it’s free to blind or partially sighted people.

0191 378 9051, www.cdtn.org.uk

Caring for

Thousands of unpaid carers carers in County Durham are providing care or support to a relative, neighbour or friend.

This can involve things like helping with washing, dressing or eating, taking them to appointments or keeping them company.

Find out about services that can help you at www.durhamcarers.info

Your first choice for housing in County Durham

No bond

No admin fee

Cestria Housing

0191 385 1900

Derwentside Homes

01207 521 100

Dale and Valley Homes

0800 083 0333

Durham City Homes

East Durham Homes

livin

North Star Housing

0800 068 0013

0800 032 0835

0800 587 4538

03000 11 00 11

www.durhamkeyoptions.co.uk Derwentside Homes

Health and wellbeing

15

Don’t pay over the odds

Weekly payment stores… you’re fired.

Credit unions... you’re hired.

Your washer has gone wrong and the washing is piling up.

It’s not worth mending so you need a new one fast. You could get one for £1,326 or exactly the same one elsewhere for £449.

Find out why at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=qex YQ4sBHdY

Which would you choose?

You might think it’s an obvious answer, but actually thousands of people across County Durham are choosing the first one and handing over hundreds of pounds more than necessary.

Why? Because they think it’s easier to get one from a weekly payment store.

Credit unions are not for profit savings and loans organisations that are run for the benefit of the local community. Like high street banks, their savings are protected by the Bank of England and they’re regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

But unlike high street banks, they can often help people with poor credit histories.

They offer simple ways to save - even if it is just a pound or two. And can offer loans of up to £500 when you join.

Credit union loans are much more affordable than weekly payment stores.

Let’s do the maths...

But there’s another choice. Your local credit unions, NEFirst and The Prince Bishops Community Bank.

Weekly payment store

Credit union

e.g: Washing machine £8.50 paid every week for 156 weeks.

e.g: Washing machine £450 loan

or

Total payment: £1,326.00

So…

yment Weekly pa store 8.50

@£ 156 weeks 0 6.0 = – £1,32 osting c e (for an it m £450).

n Credit unio £8.50

@ unt 156 weeks in their savings acco 0 = + £756.5 ed item. n + fully ow

16

Money-saving guide

Buy the washing machine outright from an established high street retailer for £449.

Pay back £8.50 per week to the credit union over 67 weeks to pay off the £450 loan.

Total payment:

£569.50

Or carry on paying for a further 89 weeks (156 weeks in total - the same as the high street lender) and build up savings of £756.50 as well!

What you mig h realise about t not s weekly paym ome ent stores

• You can just b e renting the item • It may not be brand new

NEWS Alan named Durham Tourism Superstar

Debt desperation to stressless saving

Auckland Castle park ranger Alan Anderson has been named Visit County Durham’s Tourism Superstar 2016.

Escaping the debt nightmare A Stanley resident found the answer to her debt nightmare by visiting her local credit union.

The award was run in partnership with the Northern Echo and the winner was chosen by public vote.

She wanted to consolidate her credit card and weekly payment store debt.

But having been turned down by high street lenders, she was desperate.

After a talk about her circumstances, her credit union felt able to offer her a consolidation loan.

She said: “I thought there was no end to my debts. Although I was paying above the minimum payments, the balance wasn't going down.

“With the credit union loan, I’m paying half what I was paying before, I am also managing to save. I can now sleep at night.”

Want to know more?

Watch this video at

www.youtube.com/watch? v=qexYQ4sBHdY

to find out more about how our county’s credit unions can help you.

Find out more Prince Bishops Credit Union www.pbcb.org.uk 01207 232 351 NEFirst Credit Union www.nefirstcu.co.uk 03300 553 666

Alan (63) has worked at the castle for 17 years. He was nominated by colleagues for his warm personality, knowledge, enthusiasm and dedication. Alan said: “It's unexpected but I'm delighted to win”.

Digital Durham

Faster fibre broadband

The first phase of the multi-million pound Digital Durham partnership has been successfully completed. More than 107,000 households and businesses can now access faster fibre broadband as a direct result of the programme. Work on the second phase is underway.

An additional £9 million investment will bring superfast speeds to 29,000 homes and businesses by December 2018.

A life-changing autumn for teenagers

We’re working with National Citizen Service (NCS) to make sure young people in our area get the chance to take part in a life-changing opportunity this October half term. Open to all young people aged 16-17, they’ll build skills for work and life, take on new challenges and adventures, and contribute to their community. NCS costs about £1,400 per young person to deliver, but government backing means no young person pays more than £50. www.ncsnortheast.co.uk 0191 247 4020.

Young people plan for emergencies

Young people have been learning about how their skills could help their communities during emergency situations like flooding.

Young firefighters, scout groups, police and air cadets who recently completed the Duke of Cornwall Community Safety Award attended Exercise Levantine, which was organised by our Civil Contingencies Unit in partnership with the County Durham and Darlington Local Resilience Forum at Bowburn Fire & Rescue Service Training Centre. www.facebook.com/ResilientDurham News

17

Green living

Ten green flag awards A terrific ten parks and open spaces in County Durham have been awarded prestigious Green Flag status.

The sites, which are owned and managed by us, range from parks and countryside sites to cemeteries and crematoria. They were given the national accolade by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

The awards reflect the high levels of maintenance needed to keep the sites looking good and the excellent standards in management and good practice.

Judges look at maintenance, conservation, community involvement and whether sites are welcoming, healthy, safe and secure.

County Durham’s tremendous ten are:

The pick of the bunch

From Bishop Auckland to Brancepeth, Consett to Cotherstone and Durham to Dawdon, we’ve been working hard to keep our beautiful county clean and green. We hope you’ve noticed!

Our clean and green staff, who amongst their other duties also pick up litter, collect on average 11,000 tonnes of litter each year, right down to tiny cigarette ends and sweet papers.

Their hard work, coupled with the wonderful wildflower display, left our verges looking picture perfect this summer.

P Blackhill and Consett Park

P Hardwick Park, Sedgefield

P Castleside Cemetery, Consett

P Moorside Cemetery, Consett

P Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street P Mountsett Crematorium, Dipton P Sacriston Cemetery

P Town recreation ground, Bishop Auckland P Ropery Lane Cemetery, Chester-le-Street P South Road Cemetery and Crematorium, Durham

In addition, four sites owned by P Ferryhill Town Council, two by P Horden Parish Council and one by P Seaham Town Council were also successful in getting green flag status. www.durham.gov.uk/greenflags

National Recycle Week Do you recycle shampoo bottles and aerosols? National Recycle Week returns 12-18 September and we’re supporting the theme ‘the unusual suspects’.

We’d like you to get thinking about how you can recycle more, waste less and take up the challenge of sustainable living.

For handy tips ‘like’ Facebook.com/recycleforcountydurham or visit www.durham.gov.uk/whatgoeswhere Over 1,200 dogs have been microchipped since the law changed in April. Don’t miss out on free dog microchipping, available until December.

#BeLikeChip

www.durham.gov.uk/microchipping 03000 26 1000

18

Green living

Durham in Bloom

Durham City has its sight set on being a double ‘champion of champion’. Judges from the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) regional Northumbria in Bloom and national Britain in Bloom competitions visited the city in July and August to assess its credentials as a contender in the ‘Champion of Champion’ category of both competitions. The accolade comes after Durham City won double gold in the large town category of Britain in Bloom in 2014 and 2015 and secured gold and overall category winner in Northumbria in Bloom.

RHS Northumbria in Bloom

Chester-le-Street and Stanley are hoping to repeat their ‘blooming great’ success in the regional RHS Northumbria in Bloom competition.

Chester-le-Street is representing the large town category after scooping a silver gilt last year and Stanley is entered into the town category after celebrating silver as a first-time entrant.

Seventeen community, town and parish council led entries are also competing this year.

Northumbria in Bloom results are announced on Wednesday 14 September and Britain in Bloom results on Friday 14 October.

www.durham.gov.uk/inbloom

Household Waste Recycling Centre

opening times

On 1 October, our household waste recycling centres will change to their winter opening hours.

9am-3.30pm every day: • Annfield Plain • Heighington Lane, Newton Aycliffe • Middleton-in-Teesdale • Potterhouse Lane, Pity Me • Romanway, Bishop Auckland • Seaham • Tudhoe

10am-4pm Mon to Thurs and 9am-3.30pm on Sat, Sun and bank holidays: • Coxhoe • Horden • Thornley 9am-3.30pm on Sat, Sun and bank holidays only: • Hett Hills, Chester-le-Street • Stainton Grove, Barnard Castle

All household waste recycling centres are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc 03000 26 1000

Green living

19

CENTRAL and EAST Durham Set sail for Seaham If you’ve been inspired by our Olympic medal winners in the water, then there’s an amazing new watersports centre coming your way at Seaham Marina.

Work is underway on the purpose-built centre. Once it’s open there’s going to be loads of outdoor activities to try, including kayaking and sailing. www.seahammarina.com

Leazes Bowl update

Roadworks to help traffic flow more smoothly through Durham City are almost complete.

The work carried out at Leazes Bowl roundabout includes new lanes and traffic lights, which will be synchronised with those at Gilesgate and Milburngate roundabouts to improve journey times.

The project has also introduced cycle and pedestrian crossings as well as dropped kerbs for better accessibility.

There’s also improved traffic signage and two new eastbound bus stops that are now set back from the road. $IWHU p

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Make a change

Are you bursting with ideas of how to improve your community? Then make those ideas come to life.

Jack Drum Arts is looking for young people to take part in the British Council’s Active Citizen’s programme. Meet like-minded people and learn the skills needed to affect social change in your community at Finchale College, Pity Me, Wednesdays from 28 September to 30 November, 3pm to 6pm. Develop ideas or invent new ones, then apply for funding to get them off the ground.

The programme is free and is open to 18-25-yearolds who are not in employment, education or training.

01388 765 002, www.jackdrum.co.uk

Important changes to bin collections

During the week starting 10 October, refuse and recycling collections (but not garden waste collections) will change for some households in East Durham and the Durham City areas. If your collection day/week is affected, you’ll receive a letter and new collection calendar. You can also find out your new collection details online by typing in your house number and postcode into the ‘My Durham’ section of www.durham.gov.uk or call 03000 261 000.

20

Central and East Durham news

Air quality action plan

Potential new ways to improve air quality in Durham City are to be explored.

After considering feedback from a public consultation, three new actions have been added to our action plan.

It’s Up 2 U

From new equipment for sports clubs to revitalising community centres, help decide which projects should benefit from East Durham Rural Corridor AAP funding. Hear about the projects and cast your vote on Saturday 26 November at the Active Life Centre in Coxhoe, 10am to 2pm. Age 11+. 03000 261 129.

These will see work carried out into the viability of giving low polluting vehicles reduced rates for residential parking permits; and extending park and ride routes and/or creating further park and ride sites.

Options for additional highway infrastructure will also be explored, with a view to potentially removing traffic from the city centre.

For more information www.durham.gov.uk/airquality or 03000 261 016.

Better for butterflies

New developments

Pupils at Easington Church of England Primary School and Easington Colliery Primary School have been busy enhancing the habitat of the Dingy Skipper butterfly, including growing Birdsfoot Trefoil, the only plant that the butterfly feeds and lays its eggs on.

Residents in Esh Winning can look forward to a packed programme of events and activities on offer at the new centre.

Funding for the project came from the Lottery’s ‘Reaching Communities’ fund, Mid Durham AAP, local councillors, County Durham Community Foundation and Cornsay Parish Council.

A rare butterfly will be winging its way to Easington thanks to the hard work of nature-loving school children.

East Durham AAP teamed up with Easington Collieries Regeneration Partnership and local councillors to secure Postcode Lottery funding for the project.

No more pan hands Easington Churches Together is celebrating a new arrival.

They are the proud owners of a new dishwasher, funded by East Durham AAP, to help wash up after the 75 meals they provide three times a week.

The revamped Hamsteels Estate Community Centre has opened its doors.

Down the road in Brandon, a new sporting hub is under development.

It will bring together local boxing, cricket and footballing clubs at Brandon Community Sports Club.

The clubs worked with our ClubDurham scheme, Sport England’s Inspired Facilities, Mid Durham AAP and local councillors to secure funding. In addition, local sponsors will provide everything from fencing to groundworks.

Central and East Durham news

21

SOUTH and WEST Durham Idea translates into success

Entrepreneur Justyna Hambly is talking the talk when it comes to running a successful new business.

Originally from Poland, Newton Aycliffe resident Justyna spotted a gap in the market for an interpreting and HR consultancy.

With support from the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership she’s gained relevant qualifications and help with start-up costs, and has now turned her dream into a reality.

Interested in starting a small business?

Find out about the Step into Business Scheme from South Durham Enterprise Agency on 01388 776 688.

For information on gaining qualifications through the Employability and Skills Fund call 01388 443 078.

New investment in Barnard Castle

One of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, Glaxo Smith Kline, has announced a £92 million investment in its Barnard Castle site. Cllr Neil Foster, our Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “We’re delighted that the construction of the new facility in Barnard Castle will secure the future of over 1,000 employees and reaffirms the support of a major employer in the area.”

Refurbishment work

Work is underway to improve spaces and reduce traffic speeds ahead of the construction of the new welcome building and observation tower at the entrance to Auckland Castle. It fits in with improvements elsewhere in Bishop Auckland, designed to complement the multi-million pound regeneration of the market place in 2011. The project will be carried out in phases, see www.durham.gov.uk/bishopworks for details.

22

South and West Durham news

Get crafty in Trimdon

Fancy trying a new hobby or learning a new skill? Creative over 6os can do just that with arts and crafts sessions on Thursday mornings at Trimdon Village Hall.

It’s funded by the East Durham Rural Corridor AAP and includes a hot meal.

03000 261 129.

Busy autumn in Newton Aycliffe

This September Greenfield Arts on Greenfield Way is offering a range of 10-week courses for adults, from yoga to beginners Spanish. 01325 379 048.

The Pioneering Care Centre on Carer’s Way is also running adult learning courses, including counselling and food safety. 01325 321 234.

Lighting landscapes

Upper Teesdale will be illuminated by a spectacular light installation this autumn. Acclaimed North East artist Steve Messam will transform whitewashed barns into unique artwork.

Three barns towards Low Force will be animated at night with wraparound projections of cascading water.

‘Waterfall’ will show over two weekends, 14 to 16 October and 20 to 22 October.

NORTH Durham Wheels to work

In rural areas, getting to work can be the biggest challenge. Stanley AAP, Chester-le-Street & District AAP and Mid Durham AAP are offering a wheely innovative solution.

Unemployed residents with a confirmed job offer can borrow a scooter for up to six months under their Wheels to Work scheme.

To qualify, residents must live within those areas, be unemployed and not have any alternative transport options available to them.

For more information, call 03000 266 144.

At the heart of Stanley

Earlier this year our customer access point, library, registration service and Stanley AAP moved into new premises at the Louisa Centre in Stanley. Bringing our services together makes them easier to use. Our customer access point is now all on one level and has better interview facilities, while the library has a great range of books, magazines and bookable computers.

If visiting the leisure centre and library use the main entrance. The customer access point has a separate entrance to the left of the main door.

Roadworks forging ahead

Good progress is being made on work at Villa Real.

The bridge has been demolished and the road foundation is in place.

Work is expected to be complete before Christmas.

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Friends of Riverside Park

Do you have any ideas for Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street, or would you like to be involved in its future?

Building on the success of the splash pad, the Friends of Riverside Park Group is looking for volunteers to help deliver some exciting new projects. Get in touch with Chester-le-Street & District Area Action Partnership on 03000 266 144.

Anniversary year for crematorium

Mountsett Crematorium, nestled on the outskirts of Dipton, has marked 50 years of service. A public open day and service was held to commemorate the anniversary.

01207 570 255, www.durham.gov.uk/ mountsettcrem

North Durham news

23

Step into this glorious season Starting to notice a crispness to the morning air and the change of colours from green to gold to orange to red?

Embrace these glorious golden days and head out into our beautiful County Durham countryside.

We caught up with four volunteers, who - as walking guides for our Countryside Service love the crunch of crisp leaves beneath their boots. They told us where they head to enjoy this spectacular season.

David and Fiona Eltringham’s valleys and vistas Rustic colours and amazing views make this one of our favourite walks for an autumn day.

The circular walk starts in Tow Law. It takes in the older parts of the town at about 1,000 feet up, dropping down the valley into Thornley, before returning uphill.

It’s full of splendid contrasts; from the historic industrial parts of Tow Law to the rural beauty of Thornley with its farm and hall. You encounter shades of the former coalfield and coke ovens and these contrast with the modern energy from the wind farms. As you emerge from Tow Law, there are wonderful views looking west along Weardale which often take people by surprise.

Join David and Fiona for this eight-mile walk on Tuesday 25 October. Or check out a walk guide from Tow Law to Thornley at www.durham.gov.uk/article/3677/Walks-inthe-countryside

24

Out and about

John Burgess’ wonderful waterfalls Even after 35 years of walking there, I never tire of Upper Teesdale with its ever-changing weather, light, colour and moods.

Visit County Durham

And in the autumn, a favourite walk of mine starts at Hanging Shaw layby along the B6277 from the Langdon Beck Hotel. It’s a quiet walk along the line of the old Teesdale road to Ettersgill and Dirt Pit; an exciting crossing of the historic suspension bridge across the River Tees and a great view of High Force. It’s a classic Teesdale walk; great vistas and a great sense of space.

Join John for this walk on Sunday 11 September, or head just into Teesdale to explore Cockfield Fell with John on October 23. Looking for a walk in the area? Download the four-mile High Force and Bowlees walk at www.northpennines.org.uk

Christine Robinson’s coastal colours As a writer, I like walks that are full of variety, colour and character to inspire me.

A favourite in autumn is along the Durham Heritage Coast.

Starting at Easington (parking at the old pit site which is now a nature reserve) you follow the footpath under the railway bridge, then take the coastal footpath along to the viaduct at the mouth of Hawthorn Dene. The path leads up to Beacon Hill to take in the panoramic views. From there, I walk a country lane that leads back to the carpark through the nature reserve.

The walk is roughly three miles and could be covered in an hour, but I like to take my time and be inspired by the scenery.

Join Christine for her ‘Wild words in autumn’ walk starting at Nose’s Point, on 8 October. Or find guides to heritage coast walks at www.durhamheritagecoast.org

Visit County Durham

Head out on a guided walk With more than 40 walks to choose from this autumn, our Countryside Service walks have something for everyone.

Discover your creative side with inspirational writing, art or photography walks; learn about the history and geology of our county; walk for fun or walk for better health. Whatever your reasons, there’s a walk for you, with distances varying from two-mile strolls to 11-mile hikes.

By walking with local experts, you can learn so much more about the county, as well as enjoying the camaraderie and chatter of walking with a friendly group.

Head to www.durham.gov.uk/countryside to see what’s on from now until March.

Out and about

25

Happy

n e e w Hallo Tuesday 25 October Spooooooky Magic – Family Fun Day The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle Drop-in fun, includes a magical magician and lots of themed crafts. 11am-4pm.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies.

01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

r some It’s time fo ouls and h g , s t s o h g ts. great even

Saturday 29 October Halloween Party Civic Hall, Stanley Join in the fun and games, includes hot dog and drink.

11am. £5. 01207 299 110, www.civichallstanley.co.uk Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October Ghost Train Locomotion, Shildon Get set for ghostly goings on.

Free admission. Train rides A £3,Con £2, under 5s free.

10am-5pm. 01388 777 999, www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion

24, 25, 28, 29 and 31 October Halloween at Beamish Beamish Museum Prepare for a fright night you’ll never forget.

6.30pm-9.30pm.

A £13, C £9. Booking essential.

0191 370 4000, www.beamish.org.uk/events/ halloween-evenings-at-beamish (subject to availability).

Thursday 27 and Friday 28 October Halloween Crafts The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle Be brave and take part in Halloweenthemed craft activities.10.30-noon or 1.30pm-3pm. C £4. Booking essential.

01833 690 606.

Friday 28 October Halloween Spooktacular Bowlees Visitor Centre, Upper Teesdale Halloween fun with pumpkin carving, face painting and creepy crafts.

11am-3.30pm. C £5. 01833 622 145, www.visitbowlees.org.uk Friday 28 October Happy Halloween Durham University’s Oriental Museum Celebrate with some Japanese spooky stories and monster crafts. Fancy dress encouraged! 6pm-8pm.

C £3 (Under 5s free). Booking essential.

0191 334 5694, www.dur.ac.uk/attractions Friday 28 and Saturday 29 October All Hallows’ Walk Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland A bewitching 40-minute walk filled with magical performances and mischievous tales. 5.30pm. A £6, C £4. 01388 743 750, www.aucklandcastle.org

29, 30 and 31 October Children’s Halloween Crook Hall and Gardens Meet the wicked witches and spot the white lady.

29 & 30 Oct 3.30pm-5.30pm.

31 Oct 4pm-6pm. A £7, C £5.

Booking essential.

0191 384 8028, www.crookhallgardens.co.uk Sunday 30 October Adults’ Halloween Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham Mulled wine, ginger cake, ghostly tales and appearances are some of the treats in store.

6.30pm-9pm. £9.50. Booking essential.

0191 384 8028, www.crookhallgardens.co.uk

tickets to Crook Hall We’ve teamed up with Crook Hall to offer tickets to both its adults and children’s events. To enter, tell us what date Halloween falls on. ..............................................................................

Name ...................................................................

Tel ...........................................................................

Address

.....................................................................

......................................................................................

Postcode Email

...................................................................

..........................................................................

See page 2 for entry details. Tick this box to receive information from Crook Hall.

26

Halloween Events

WHAT’S

ON

September to November

From The Cobweb Orchestra to pumpkin rolling, autumn’s line-up is bewitching.

Until Sunday 9 October Shoes: Pleasure and Pain The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle Stunning exhibition with over 200 pairs of historic and contemporary shoes.

01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Until Sunday 20 November The Butte de Warlencourt Battlefield Crosses The South Transept, Durham Cathedral As part of the Somme commemorations, this display reunites three crosses made in memory of soldiers from the Durham Light Infantry. www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/whatson Saturday 17 September The Giant’s Loo Roll Bishop Auckland Town Hall A giant, frightened sheep and a fantastic amount of toilet paper come together in this rip-roaring family musical. 2pm. A £10, Con £8.

03000 269 524, www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk Saturday 17 September Segga Rocks Sacriston Colliery Cricket Club The inaugural Segga Rocks promises to be a fantastic day out for music lovers.

Festival includes the Fu Fighters and Hawaysis. 1pm-10.30pm. £17.50 (£2.50 donated to Forever Eleanor charity). www.seggarocks.org.uk

Sunday 18 September Durham Rambling Club Pick up points around Durham Two walks, Kirkby Stephen via Pendragon Castle 9m, Kirkby Stephen to Wild Boar Fell 12m. Coach fare £12. www.durhamramblingclub.org.uk Sunday 18 to Friday 23 September Enter a Free Man City Theatre, Fowlers Yard, Durham A comedy by Tom Stoppard. Sun 2.30pm, Mon-Fri 7.30pm. £7.50 on the door or Gala Theatre. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk Monday 19 September Absolute Beginner Ukulele Course United Reform Church, Waddington Street, Durham Try a new hobby. 10-week course.

7pm-8.15pm. £54. 0191 386 2553, www.facebook.com/durhamcityukegroup Thursday 22 September and 20 October Dunelm Flower Club Durham High School for Girls Delightful demonstrations of flowers.

7.30pm. £5.

festival tickets We’ve got tickets to Segga Rocks to give away. To enter, tell us which band does tribute act Hawaysis cover? ..............................................................................

Name ..................................................................

Tel

Sunday 18 September Autumn Market Raby Castle, Staindrop Discover the best local food producers and craft makers.11am-4pm.

Normal admission charges apply.

01833 660 202, www.rabycastle.com

........................................................................

Address .............................................................. ..............................................................................

Postcode ............................................................

Email ...................................................................

Return by 14 September.

See page 2 for entry details.

Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family.

Friday 23 September A Choir! A Voice!

Shakespeare Hall, North Road, Durham Start of community choir’s 12-week term. A £8.50, Con £7, term in advance.

0191 447 8130.

Saturday 24 September Patrick Monahan, Martin Mor & Ria Lina Planet Leisure, Maple Way, Newton Aycliffe Triple headliners at the comedy club.

8.30pm. £5. 01325 310 989, www.hilaritybites.co.uk

Saturday 24 September The Cobweb Orchestra Ensemble Everyman Theatre, Spennymoor An evening of sophisticated and playful music. 7pm. A £5, Con £4, C £4.

01388 816 430, www.spennymoorsettlement.co.uk Saturday 24 September Charity Folk Concert Lanchester Community Centre With Martin Matthews and friends. 7pm.

Advance £5, door £6. 01207 529 286.

Saturday 24 September Horticultural and Produce Show Bishop Auckland Town Hall Bishop Auckland Town Council presents the best local growers and bakers.

Exhibits will be auctioned (2.30pm) in aid of the Butterwick Hospice.

11am-3pm. Free. Take part in the show 01388 609 852.

What’s on

27

WHAT’S ON Saturday 24 September Saturday Night Dance Castleside Village Hall Features Milburn Music. Also on Oct 29 with The Lyne Valley Accordion Band. 8pm-11.30pm.

A £5, Con £4.

Sunday 25 September Classic Car Day Beamish Museum A fantastic display of more than 300 incredible cars. Normal admission charges apply. 0191 370 4000, www.beamish.org.uk Sunday 25 September Pedal for Pounds Starts in Consett Willow Burn Hospice’s 30-mile charity bike ride. £10. 01207 523 900.

Wednesday 28 September How To Make A Killing In Bollywood Bishop Auckland Town Hall A musical comedy about best friends who quit their jobs and head to Bollywood in search of fame and fortune. 7.30pm.

A £10, Con £8. 03000 269 524, www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk Thursday 29 September County Record Office: Durham at War Website County Hall, Durham Find out what is on the website, how you can contribute and become a volunteer.

6pm-7.30pm. www.durhamatwar.org.uk Thursday 29 September Captain Flinn & The Pirate Dinosaurs: The Magic Cutlass Empire Theatre, Consett All aboard for an actionpacked experience with live music, puppetry and dastardly dinosaurs.

4.30pm. A £11, C £9, F £36.

01207 218171, www.leisureworks.net Thursday 29 September to Wednesday 9 November The Shapes of Norman Cornish Greenfield Gallery, Greenfield Arts, Newton Aycliffe Catch the latest Norman Cornish exhibition. Mon-Thur 10am-9pm, Fri 10am-4pm. 01325 379 048.

28

What’s on

Saturday 1 October Small Mammals in the High Force Area Meet at High Force Car Park, Upper Teesdale Meet the shy and secretive animals that live on the way to High Force. 2pm-5pm.

Free. Booking essential.

Natural England 01833 622 374.

Saturday 1 October Autumn Volunteer Day Harehope Quarry, Frosterley Help improve access to the quarry.

10am-3.30pm. Booking essential.

01388 528 599, www.harehopequarry.org.uk Saturday 1 October Charity Concert St Patrick’s Hall, Consett Durham Constabulary Brass Band plays in aid of Willow Burn Hospice. 7.15pm.

A £5, Con £4.

Saturday 1 October Pete Firman - TriX The Witham, Barnard Castle The UK's leading comedy magician’s astonishing new show. 14 yrs+. 7.30pm.

A £15.50, Con £13.50. 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk Saturday 1 October Celebrating 25 Years Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope Anniversary events and entertainment.

11am-4pm. 01388 527 650.

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 October Harvest Festival & Harvest Home Beamish Museum A weekend of harvest celebrations, includes Harvest Home spread at Pockerley Old Hall and ceilidh dancing.

0191 370 4000, www.beamish.org.uk

Sunday 2 October Monthly Craft & Food Market Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve Browse the many stalls and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. 10am-4pm.

Tuesday 4 October Stacey Kent Gala Theatre, Durham The American, Grammy-nominated vocalist showcases new album Tenderly.

7.30pm. £18. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 October Durham Shopping Extravaganza Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham 70 handpicked stalls. Wed 1.30-8.30pm, Thur 10am-4pm. £5. www.durhamshoppingextravaganza.co.uk Thursday 6 October Cestrian Flower Club Park View Community Centre, Chester-le-Street Floral displays. 7.15pm. 0191 389 4730.

Thursday 6 October and 3 November Durham Flower Club Community Hall, Sherburn Village Flower arranging demonstrations. 2pm.

Annual membership £25, visitors £5.

Friday 7 October Heidi Talbot The Witham, Barnard Castle Talbot delicately reworks traditional and contemporary material. 8pm.

Advance £14, door £16. 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk

Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family.

Friday 7 October An evening with Anton Edelmann & Gerard Basset The Undercroft Restaurant, Durham Cathedral Enjoy a fine-dining experience with the Savoy Hotel’s maitre chef des cuisines, and a master of wine and master sommelier. 7pm. £75. 0191 386 4266, www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/whatson Saturday 8 October Big Little Gigs The Witham, Barnard Castle A fun, live music experience for under 10s and their grown-ups.

2pm. A £5, Con £4, F £16.

Saturday 8 October Seriously Dead Alun Armstrong Theatre, Stanley Hilarious comedy starring Crissy Rock, Frazer Hines and Leah Bell. 7pm. £20. 01207 299 110, www.civichallstanley.co.uk Saturday 8 October Buttons and Beads Bowlees Visitor Centre, Upper Teesdale Join artist Caroline Mann. 10am-3.30pm. £35. 01833 622 145, www.visitbowlees.org.uk

Wednesday 12 October Summer Holiday Park View Theatre, Chester-le-Street Youth Connection Theatre Company presents this Cliff Richard classic.

A £10, Con £8. 0191 388 0366, www.youthconnection.co.uk

Saturday 8 October to Saturday 10 December BFI Film Academy Programme Crook Work with industry professionals and showcase your film at a cinema premiere event. 16-19 yrs. £20 (bursaries available).

01388 765 002, www.jackdrum.co.uk Monday 10 October Witton Gilbert Women's Institute Community Association Hall Birthday night to celebrate 69 years.

7pm. 0191 372 3207.

Wednesday 12 October Durham Organic Gardeners’ Association Bowburn Community Centre ‘From Plot to Pot’ talk by gardening expert Martin Fish.

7.30pm. Free. Non-members welcome.

Wednesday 12 October Derwent Valley Flower Club Dene Court Communal Room, Hamsterley Moon baskets and ribbon weaving workshop. 2pm. £4. 01207 505 576.

Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family.

Saturday 15 October Rock the Night Away with Rob Slater's Rock Choir Sherburn Village Community Centre Non-stop rock songs. Supported by Pittington Brass Band. Hot food available. 7pm. £3. 0191 597 9233.

Saturday 15 October Stories with Strings Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope Acoustic folk duo Fool’s Gold. 2pm.

01388 527 650.

Saturday 15 October Come and Sing Messiah with Durham Singers Elvet Methodist Church, Durham A workshop for singers of all abilities.

10am-4pm. £15. www.durham-singers.org Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour on Sunday 3 0 October.

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WHAT’S ON

Sunday 16 October Miss Saigon: 25th Anniversary Performance (15) Empire Theatre, Consett The legendary show is in cinemas for one day only. 3pm. A £16, Con £14. 01207 218 171, www.leisureworks.net Sunday 16 October Stand To Locomotion, Shildon Toy soldier show and trade stands.

10am. Free. 01388 777 999, www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion Sunday 16 October Mighty Wurlitzer Open Day New Victoria Centre, Howden-le-Wear Mighty Wurlitzer members play open event. All welcome. 2.30pm. £2.

01388 601 596.

tickets to the Mighty Wurlitzer

Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 October Frankenstein Gala Theatre, Durham Stunning new adaptation fuses ensemble storytelling, live music and stunning theatricality. 12 yrs+. 7.30pm. £15, Con £13, Friends £12. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October Toy Trains Locomotion, Shildon Relive your childhood and find out why you began to love trains. 10am-5pm. Free.

01388 777 999, www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion

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What’s on

Thursday 27 October Branagh Theatre Live: The Entertainer (12A) The Witham, Barnard Castle John Osborne's modern classic. 7.15pm.

A £14, Con £12. 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk

Monday 24 October Painting Glass The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle Join artist Linda Birch for a masterclass on glass in still life. Booking essential.

01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Saturday 29 October Pumpkin Roll Harehope Quarry, Frosterley Race against other teams for the pumpkin title 2016. 2pm-3.30pm. £2 per fine craft entered. Booking essential. 01388 528 599, www.harehopequarry.org.uk

Monday 24 to Friday 28 October Wizard School Hardwick Park Enjoy some bewitching fun.

10am-11.30am. C £6. Booking essential.

03000 262 899, www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark

Saturday 29 October Tim FitzHigham as Will Kempe, Shakespeare’s Stand-Up The Witham, Barnard Castle Incredible comedy show. 10 yrs+. 8pm.

Advance £12, Door £14. 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk

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Thursday 27 October Hey Presto!

Trimdon Station Community Centre Children’s show. 2.30pm. £3.

01429 882 200.

Friday 28 October Chariots of Fire Durham University’s Oriental Museum Explore the museum’s newest installation, a life-size horse-drawn chariot and craft your own. 1pm-3pm. Normal admission charges apply. 0191 334 5694, www.dur.ac.uk/attractions

We’ve got five pairs of tickets to the Mighty Wurlitzer’s open day on 16 October up for grabs.

To be in with a chance of winning, tell us what instrument the Wurlitzer is. .............................................................................

Tuesday 25 to Thursday 27 October Celebrate Science 2016 Palace Green, Durham A family event packed full of hands-on science activities. 10am-4pm. Free. www.durham.ac.uk/celebrate.science

Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family.

Saturday 29 October Celebrate Local Superheroes Locomotion, Shildon Find out about the work of real-life superheroes, includes demonstrations from emergency services. Hosted by Ron Hogg, Durham’s Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner. 10am-3pm. Free. www.durham-pcc.gov.uk Sunday 30 October Diwali, Hindu Festival of Light Durham University’s Oriental Museum Try fun crafts, listen to traditional Indian stories and sample Diwali foods.

First 100 children receive a free flower garland. 6pm-8pm. £1, Under 5s free.

0191 334 5694, www.dur.ac.uk/attractions Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 November Oliver Alun Armstrong Theatre, Stanley The musical that will leave you wanting more! 7.15pm Mon-Fri, 2pm Sat. Tue A £10, C £7. Wed to Sat A £12, C £7, F £35. 01207 299 110, www.civichallstanley.co.uk Friday 4 November Seaham Annual Firework Display Viewing from the George Elmy Lifeboat Way Marvel at the cracking display. 6pm.

0191 581 8034.

Friday 4 November The Battle of the Somme presented by Somme100 FILM Gala Theatre, Durham Filmed in 1916 at the actual battle.

Screening accompanied by Durham University Symphony Orchestra. 1.30pm & 7.30pm. A £10, Con £8, Friends £7.

03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk

Make October half term extra special with a trip to Killhope.

01388 537 505, www.killhope.org.uk

Saturday 5 November Otter & Salmon Walk Meet at Market Cross, Barnard Castle Join Durham Wildlife Trust and Tees Rivers Trust for a walk along the Tees. 10am. Booking essential.

0191 584 3112.

Saturday 5 November Family Den Building Hardwick Park Learn a new skill. 10am-11.30am, 1pm-2.30pm. F £10. Booking essential.

03000 262 899, www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark

Friday 4 November Friday Night is Music Night Elvet Methodist Church, Durham The Rotary Club of Durham Bede’s charity concert supports St Cuthbert’s Hospice & Marie Curie rapid response nurses. 7pm. A £9, Con £4, C £4.

0191 388 5821, 0191 384 2569.

Saturday 5 November St Cuthbert’s Hospice Family Fireworks Night Framwellgate School, Framwellgate Moor Colourful, music-filled display.

Gates 6pm, display 8pm. Advance A £5, C £3 (3-15), F £14. On gates £5. www.stcuthbertshospice.com

Friday 4 November Sing-a-long-a-Dirty Dancing Empire Theatre, Consett Join Baby and Johnny in a fun-filled screening where YOU are the star.

7.30pm. £15. 01207 218 171, www.leisureworks.net

Sunday 6 November Howard Beaumont at the Mighty Wurlitzer New Victoria Centre, Howden-le-Wear Top organist in concert. 2.30pm. £8 including cuppa. 01388 762 467.

Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family.

There’s so much going on at your local library this autumn.

With 39 libraries across the county, there’s bound to be one near you so why not pop in, pick up a book and speak to our helpful staff about what’s on offer.

What’s on

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