DCC Durham County News Spring 2016 by DCC Design and Print

DURHAM

www.durham.gov.uk

Spring 2016

County News The magazine for people in County Durham

Say cheese! Smiles all round as our fabulous food festival returns

Win ÂŁ400 of great days out, a spa break and much more

Bumper spring whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on

WELCOME

to the spring edition of Durham County News

In this, our first edition of 2016, we look forward to another exciting year of festivals and events across County Durham, detailed on pages 4-5.

4 13

Councillor Simon Henig, Leader of the Council

The year starts with Bishop Auckland Food Festival. Last year, more than 38,000 people enjoyed the weekend sampling fine food and drink from across the North of England.

As well as being an important date on the calendar for the town itself, the festival is also a highlight for the hundreds of local producers that go along. We spoke to three who told us how it boosts their business. See pages 8-10.

Spring also brings with it the new financial year. As our budgets continue to reduce we’ve been busy reassessing how they can be used to maximum impact. You can read more about our budget plans on pages 12-13.

Simon Henig

Contents...

Competition entries

Competition entries should be received by Wednesday, 6 April 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

Large print

durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk 03000 268 059

Page

4-5

From the finest footwear to sand between your toes, the best of 2016.

Page News

Page

6-7 8-10

Food, fabulous food!

Page

Children’s round-up

12-13

Page Reducing our budgets

Page

Grow your own!

16-17

Page From local to global – our county’s export success Page

20-23

Local news pages

Page

24-25

Go browsing in Barney

Page

26-31

What’s on this spring

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

Front cover: Food Festival promises to be ‘feta’ than ever with the help of Neil and Carol Peacock from Parlour Made cheese company. See page 8.

A mine of inspiration

If you’ve visited Killhope Museum before, you’ll know what a special place it is.

Lying high up in rural Weardale, in the stunning North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Killhope is the most complete lead mining site in Britain. And if you’ve yet to experience its delights, now is the time.

This spring, following two years of redevelopment work funded by £428,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £80,000 from the Arts Council and support from Weardale Area Action Partnership, the museum reopens with its brand new look.

New exhibitions and improved facilities such as the café have revitalised the visitor experience.

Whilst interactive exhibits and bespoke play equipment enable younger visitors to grasp Killhope’s heritage in a fun and hands-on way.

Some timeless pieces remain. Killhope’s iconic waterwheel still dominates the site. Whilst their knowledgeable and friendly staff will take you on a fascinating tour of the underground workings.

And once back on the surface, get dressed up in Victorian clothing or try your hand as a washerboy and see what minerals you can find. Killhope is open 25 March to 30 October, 10.30am-5pm daily. Check out their busy schedule of spring events at

www.killhope.org.uk Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Say hello to

2016’s

stellar line-up County Durham is firmly on the map when it comes to offering world-class entertainment. Visitors flocked in their thousands to make events in 2015 an outstanding success and put millions of pounds into the local economy. And 2016 looks set to be another bumper year of not-to-be-missed events. Somme 1916: From Durham to the Western Front 25 March to 2 October Kicking off a series of spectacular events to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, this commemorative exhibition at Palace Green Library honours the bravery of Durham’s men and women. See our back page for a round-up of Durham Remembers events.

a family ticket Somme 1916: From Durham to the Western Front explores the battle through the eyes of the people from County Durham who were there, and includes items from the DLI Collection. For the chance to win, tell us how many years it is since the Battle of the Somme. ..................................................................................................

Name ...................................................................................... Tel ............................................................................................ Address .................................................................................. .........................................................................

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See page 2 for entry details.

Postcode .....

2016’s stellar line-up

Bishop Auckland Food Festival 23 and 24 April Foodies can flock to the Bishop Auckland Food Festival. See page 8 for details. Heritage Coast Festival: Reach for the Beach 28 May to 5 June County Durham is blessed with some beautiful stretches of coastline. Celebrate its fascinating history at the first ever Heritage Coast Festival. There’s loads on offer from themed-guided walks to rock-pool rambles. www.durhamheritagecoast.org

England v Sri Lanka 27 to 31 May Emirates Durham ICG at Chester-le-Street will host its first Test match since England’s dramatic Ashes win in 2013. www.durhamccc.talentsport.co.uk Pearl Izumi Tour Series 31 May Watch the thrills and spills of professional cycling as riders put their skills to the test on Durham City’s tricky cobbles. www.tourseries.co.uk Wharton Park Join our celebration weekend on 28 and 29 May. Open Treasure Summer Explore Durham Cathedral’s previously hidden spaces in this new exhibition experience and discover 2,000 years of history. From the magnificent 14th century Monks’ Dormitory to the monastic Great Kitchen, find stunning treasures and medieval artefacts from the cathedral’s internationallyrenowned collections. www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/ open-treasure

Durham Miners’ Gala 9 July Remember the county’s mining heritage and see some spectacular marching bands and banners in Durham City. www.durhamminers.org Durham Regatta 11 to 12 June Crews from around the world will be competing on the picturesque River Wear. www.durham-regatta.org.uk Shoes: Pleasure and Pain 11 June to 9 October Exploring the agony and the ecstasy of footwear throughout history, Shoes: Pleasure & Pain is a major new exhibition at The Bowes Museum. Over 200 shoes will be on display, including pairs worn by the likes of Queen Victoria and footwear from designers such as Christian Louboutin. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Brass 14 to 17 July With outdoor extravaganzas, brasstastic collaborations and even its own fringe events programme, this year’s festival across the county will be the brassiest yet. www.brassfestival.co.uk Kynren - An Epic Tale of England 2 July to 17 September An action packed open-air night show of dazzling proportions at Auckland Castle. A thousand cast and crew present a storytelling journey of 2,000 years with mass choreography, pyrotechnics, spectacular light and water effects. www.kynren.co.uk

Flying Scotsman and the Shildon Shed Bash 23 to 31 July As part of a season of nationwide events marking Flying Scotsman’s return to the tracks, the magnificent steam engine will be joined by some special guests at Locomotion: Shildon. www.nrm.org.uk/ planavisit/visitshildon Heritage Open Days 8 to 11 September Discover hidden architectural treasures and see local history and culture come to life. New venues interested in taking part can contact 03000 267 133, heritageopendays@durham.gov.uk

TakeOff Festival 17 to 23 October England’s leading festival of theatre for children and young people will be sure to delight the county’s youngsters. www.takeofffestival.org.uk Durham Book Festival 7 to 16 October The book festival is back and promises to be bigger and better than ever with readings, performances and discussions from a host of household names. www.durhambookfestival.com Durham Christmas Festival 2 to 4 December Get into the festive spirit with carols at Durham Cathedral and over 150 quality craft, gift and food stalls on Palace Green. www.durhamchristmasfestival.com

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 Bowes Museum to be in with a chance of winning. ...........................................................................................................................................................................

Name .......................................................................... Address ...................................................................... .......................................................................................

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

Tel ....................................................................... Email

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See page 2 for entry details. Tick this box to receive updates and special offers from Visit County Durham:

2016’s stellar line-up

NEWS Registered to vote?

To vote in the Police and Crime Commissioner election on 5 May and the EU referendum on 23 June, you must be on the electoral register. To find out if you’re registered or to request a registration form, contact Electoral Services. You can register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

www.durham.gov.uk If you need to phone us, call Customer Services

The deadline to register for the Police and Crime Commissioner election is Monday 18 April. Anyone who’s listed on the electoral register can request to vote by post (deadline 5pm Tuesday 19 April) or proxy (deadline 5pm Tuesday 26 April). To apply, contact 03000 26 12 12 or email electoralservices@durham.gov.uk

03000 26 0000 8.30am-5pm (Monday-Thursday) 8.30am-4.30pm (Friday) Out of hours emergency service available.

Free Central Heating Scheme

If you have a specific query, use one of our dedicated numbers:

Are you living in a cold house in County Durham? You may qualify for a FREE central heating system from Warm Up North, a partnership of nine local authorities and British Gas.

Streetscene, Highways and Street Lighting Enquiries

03000 26 1000

To qualify you must: • Be a private homeowner, or have a private landlord if you rent. • Have a household income total of less than £26,000, including any benefits. • Your home does not have a central heating system or has electric storage heaters or has solid fuel with partial central heating.

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.

Visit www.warmupnorth.com/chf or call 0800 294 8073

Benefit Enquiries

03000 26 2000 Council Tax Enquiries

Danger: Loan sharks

03000 26 4000

Social Care Direct/Children’s First Contact service

03000 26 79 79

Seaham Hall.

Families Information Service

0800 917 2 917

Tourism awards success

NHS: if you need medical help fast, but it isn’t a 999 emergency

Durham’s Magna Carta exhibition, Beamish Museum, Seaham Hall and the Morritt Country House Hotel & Spa, were among the big winners at the annual North East England Tourism Awards. They all scooped gold awards. In total 16 Durham tourism businesses received awards.

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

News

Last year an estimated 310,000 UK households borrowed from a loan shark.

Loan sharks operate illegally and often resort to threatening behaviour when payments are missed. Victims often end up paying back much more than agreed, with some being charged as high as 131,000 per cent APR. We work with the national Illegal Money Lending Team who in 2015 helped 26,000 victims.

Report loans sharks on 0300 555 2222 or email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk

Digital Durham Satellite broadband help Could you get help to install satellite broadband? Grants of up to £350 are available towards the hardware and installation costs to get connected. You’ll still need to pay the monthly charge once broadband is set up. If you have speeds of 2Mbps or less and are not included in any current fibre broadband plans, visit www.digitaldurham.org/basic-broadband/

Noise nuisance

If a noise is stopping you from enjoying your home or damaging your health, our Nuisance Action team can help.

From domestic noises such as dogs barking continuously, loud music and DIY disturbances, to commercial noises Visit County Durham has been including music from pubs spreading word of our county’s attractions and loud ventilation from to encourage visitors from overseas. factories, we can provide They’ve taken part in a number of Northern advice and investigate if Tourism Growth Fund activities. This has included visits to the county by journalists, necessary. Last year we tour operators and travel trade dealt with over 1,900 noise representatives from the Netherlands, complaints. journalists from the US and Call 03000 26 0000.

Durham in the spotlight

The light fantastic

A surge in demand for Thorn’s lighting has seen the Spennymoor-based company take on additional staff.

Thorn Lighting has increased turnover by nearly 55 per cent in the past year, taking on 260 new employees.

23 Chinese tour operators.

Seventy-five of these new workers were employed and 19 existing jobs at the plant secured thanks to a £473,000 Let’s Grow Regional Growth Fund grant.

Business Durham, our economic development company, worked with Thorn to get the funding, which also bought new equipment. Thorn Operations Director Steve Nixon said: “We’ve seen continued growth right through 2015 and expect that we will still grow in 2016.”

The firm is a key supplier to local authorities across the UK, including Durham County Council, and to cities such as Oslo and Copenhagen.

Since 2010, Thorn has supplied more than 14,000 street lights to help us retrofit inefficient lights and cut maintenance costs. We estimate this has saved £800,000 in electricity and maintenance costs.

Visit www.businessdurham.co.uk/thornwembley to see Thorn Lighting’s project to replace the lighting solution for Wembley Stadium’s iconic arch.

Take advantage of FREE microchipping in County Durham.* (*T&Cs apply)

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

News

A deliciously good day out

A whole host of foodie fun is on the menu at Bishop Auckland Food Festival. The two day festival, on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April, will showcase some of the finest produce from Durham and the North of England, with over 150 hand-picked stalls.

The Tipple Tent is back. The pop-up restaurant sponsored by Sainsbury’s and Bishop Auckland College also returns; this time serving mouth-watering ‘burotis’ from an Indian Street Food Bazaar created by the Urban Rajah. Visitors will be able to get more hands on than ever before with masterclasses in charcuterie making, cheese tasting, chocolate making, knife skills, and wine tasting.

The festival will even set up its own ‘Ginstitute’ where gin lovers can create their own bespoke bottle.

For the children there’ll be pizza-making, fun with the Whalley Range All-Stars Pig, The Vegetable Nannies and The Liver Cottage Kitchen as well as the ‘Big Bish Bake-off’ cake decorating competition on the Sunday.

Bishop Auckland Food Festival

Serving up a treat

Businesses are busy preparing for the hottest event in the county’s culinary calendar. We chatted to three of the festival’s most local producers to see how it boosts business for them.

Sweet taste of success George Soppitt is hoping his stall will create a buzz with the crowds.

His South Durham Honey stall has been a hive of activity at the festival for the last two years. Possibly because his bees couldn’t be more at home in the grounds of Bishop Auckland Castle some of his 60 hives are kept there!

Other hives are moved around the county providing vital pollination services to farmers.

George explained: The bees start with oil seed rape and blossom, then work wildﬂowers to produce our wildﬂower honey. At the end of July I take them to Hamsterley and Bowes Moor to work the heather, this produces the pure heather honey.

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This passion for beekeeping started as part of George’s job teaching environmental education. Quickly hooked, he got his first hive, this soon expanded to 60. Now he and his wife Susan (with help from the bees) produce over 1,500 jars of honey a year. The beauty of our honey,” George explained, “Is that we know exactly where that hive was located. People really like that it is so local and pure.

‘‘

“It’s our third time at the festival and it’s always great. Chefs and shops owners come to try your products, so the festival has opened many doors for me. Mostly I like meeting our customers and chatting about bees all day - perfect!

’’

Cheese to please Neil and Carol Peacock are hoping this year’s festival will be a cracker for their artisan cheese company. Parlour Made, based at Mordon near Sedgefield, will bring their six delicious cheeses - three of which are award-winning.

But their love for food and farming starts way before the cheese parlour. Their herd of 280 Holstein and Friesians graze the lush fields around Mordon, then come into the parlour twice a day for milking. This fine, fresh milk travels just eight feet from the milking parlour to the cheese parlour next door. Neil explained: It’s quite rare in the cheese world for the milk to come from a single herd. But using our own milk has lots of benefits as the feed that goes into the cows gives the cheese a unique ﬂavour and consistency.

‘‘

The couple set up Parlour Made in 2011 as a way of diversifying the farm and realising their passion for producing something delicious from their milk. Carol said: We don’t use preservatives or additives, just traditional methods of cheese-making.”

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She added: “We’re so local to Bishop Auckland and our cheese has such great provenance that we felt our product fitted perfectly with the ethos of the food festival. We’re really looking forward to being there.

’’

Bishop Auckland Food Festival

A deliciously good day out

Real good ales Located just a stone’s throw from Auckland Castle, Black Paw Brewery hope they’ll be toasting another successful festival.

This independent microbrewery brews a range of real ales for discerning beer lovers, from the light, crisp citrus of Paragon Ale to the deliciously dark and full-ﬂavoured Dark Seam.

In 2010, Phil Whitfield, then an NHS manager, decided the time was right to take on that ‘now or never’ project. And so the Black Paw Brewery was born.

At this year’s festival you’ll find Black Paw serving in the Tipple Tent and selling bottles and gift packs in the Market Place. He’s hoping for sunny weather to perfectly match his seasonal, summer Gala Ale.

I’m really passionate about my product and one of the things I love about the festival is that you get to meet so many people who are also passionate about great food and drink. The atmosphere is brilliant with the whole of Bishop buzzing.

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Find out more at www.bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk www.facebook.com/bishfoodfest/, www.twitter.com/BishFoodFest #BAFF16

Enjoy a banquet and overnight stay at Lumley Castle Few hotels can match Lumley Castle for opulence and grandeur. This 600-year-old venue, at Chester-le-Street, has played host to kings and princes – and now you can follow in their footsteps. We are giving one lucky winner and their guest the chance to enjoy one of Lumley’s famous Elizabethan banquets, an overnight stay in an opulent bedchamber and a full English breakfast the following morning. 0191 389 1111 www.lumleycastle.com For your chance to win, tell us how old Lumley Castle is. ......................................... Name ....................................................................................

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

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

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Postcode

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See page 2 for entry details. The prize must be taken before 31 October 2016. Dates are subject to availability. Tick to be added to their mailing list:

Bishop Auckland Food Festival

Children and young people

slow to 20

Reducing traffic speeds around schools during drop off and pick up times improves safety and encourages walking and cycling. Last year we introduced part-time 20mph speed limits or zones in Bishop Auckland and Chester-le-Street. We’re currently consulting on Slow to 20 with schools and residents in Seaham and Stanley. Visit www.durham.gov.uk/slowto20 or for information on the consultation, visit www.durham.gov.uk/consultation

Stronger families

Our Stronger Families Programme helps families make real changes to improve their lives. Over the next five years the programme will work with an extra 4,330 families.

The Stronger Families programme aims to help families who would like support with issues such as children not attending school regularly; family members getting involved in crime; anti-social behaviour; or the affects of ill-health, domestic abuse or being out of work. By working with the whole family we believe we’re able to make a positive change for children. www.durham.gov.uk/strongerfamilies

Dyslexia catch up sessions

Dyslexia Action will be offering free catch-up sessions in April for young people with dyslexia aged 16-19. Following a grant of £374,847 from the Big Lottery Fund, the leading literacy and dyslexia charity will offer sessions to help young people get back into learning. Find out more at www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk

Help4teens.co.uk

Get careers information and advice on the go at Help4teens.co.uk. The website for young people aged 14-19 has been upgraded for use on smartphones and tablets. New interactive content includes a filterable map of places to learn with transport links, and Jobcentre locations. Find out about apprenticeships or download useful factsheets on creating CVs, filling in application forms and preparing for interviews.

Children and young people

Reducing our budgets After five years of cuts in government funding, we continue to face a huge financial challenge. Continuing to make savings

Since 2011 we have made £153 million in savings, with more than 2,000 posts lost.

Further reductions in government grants and funding mean we will have a further £104 million to save by 2020. We’ll have to make £37 million in savings in 2016-17 alone.

We’ll continue to reduce management and back office costs, but also face hard decisions over services.

Tough decisions

Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, said: It is critical that during the longest period of austerity ever experienced, we continue to invest in our infrastructure and protect and enhance our city and key towns to promote job creation and further investment.

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“Inevitably we are finding sustaining this level of investment increasingly difficult and with another £104 million in savings to deliver by 2020 we face many more tough decisions. But unless we target our limited funds where they will have maximum economic impact we will not be doing the right thing for our county’s future.

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How your council tax helps

We have had to make some difficult choices. One is to increase council tax.

Our increase of 1.99 per cent for council services means putting council tax up by around 34p per week or £17.71 a year for most residents.

In addition, the government has allowed councils to charge a further two per cent charge to help meet the increasing cost of adult social care. This Adult Social Care Precept will be around 34p per week for most residents. It will help pay for services that promote wellbeing and help people to remain independent in their homes for as long as possible, include home adaptations, assistive technology and aids, and home support.

Reducing our budgets

Spending wisely

In 2016 we’re planning to invest in important improvement projects, including investing in highways, traffic and travel improvements, and ﬂood prevention.

We’re also investing in service areas that we know are important to you, including:

• • • • •

Home adaptations to help vulnerable people to continue to live in their own home. Bringing empty homes back into use. Improving town centres. Boosting business start-ups. Maintaining our council tax reduction scheme to support those hit hardest by welfare cuts.

You can help

Every penny matters and you can help us to save. How?

• • •

Pay your Council Tax on time or sign up to Direct Debit to spread your payments over the year. Ditch the paper bills. Sign up for ebilling at www.durham.gov.uk/ebilling Do it online – request services in the comfort of your home at www.durham.gov.uk

ASKing you to help One way we’re saving money is by finding new ways to work with communities.

Where does the money go? We provide hundreds of services every day. We deal with 11,500

applications for school places every year.

Our Durham ASK urges communities to work with us to take over assets like leisure centres, libraries, play areas and open spaces. It allows local groups to safeguard the facilities that are important to them and manage them in a way to meet the community’s needs. Find out more by calling

03000 268 055 or at

www.durham.gov.uk/ communityassets

We make 480,000

New lease of life for Kingswood

We process more than 3,000

Behind the scenes, there’s also a new kind of vitality.

waste and recycling collections every fortnight.

planning applications and 3,000 buildings regulations approvals a year. We maintain 2,357

roads.

miles of

We supported 9,000

adults with care packages from April to December 2015.

At Kingswood nature reserve you can feel the springtime energy.

That’s because we’ve agreed to transfer the ownership of the woodlands to Coxhoe Parish Council and Kelloe Parish Council on a 30 year lease.

The plans have led to a burst of activity. Sixty-three volunteers have come forward and a new charity, the Kingswood Community Partnership, has been set up to manage the site.

Coxhoe Parish Council initially approached us to ask about taking on Kingswood Nature Reserve. Part of the reserve falls within the Kelloe Parish, so a joint venture was agreed.

Many other organisations, such as our Countryside Rangers, Durham Wildlife Trust, Forestry Commission, Houghhall College and The British Horse Society, have all agreed to help. And the Kingswood Community Partnership has received a Delivering Differently Grant of £1,600 from us to buy new outdoor equipment.

Future plans include getting young people involved, education activities, regular walks, and training for volunteers.

It’s brought the parish councils and local people together and shown us what partnership work can achieve,” said Carole Hogarth from Coxhoe Parish Council. “We’re so pleased it has had such a positive outcome.”

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“Durham County Council officers from all departments have been a tremendous help and support in bringing the project to fruition, Carole added.

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Reducing our budgets

Green living Easter bin collections

Please place your rubbish, recycling or garden waste bins out as normal on Good Friday, 25 March and week commencing 2 May (Bank Holiday). We will be working as usual to empty bins.

Find out your collection day by entering your house number and postcode in the ‘My Durham’ section of www.durham.gov.uk

Big Spring Clean is back! Our popular community clean-up runs every spring in partnership with LitterFree Durham and Darlington Borough Council.

The campaign encourages volunteers to take part in organised litter picks throughout County Durham and Darlington.

Why should I take part?

Litter not only blights the environment and makes areas look untidy; it also affects natural habitats and wildlife. Help make a difference to the place you live, work or visit.

When can I join in?

Every day until Sunday 17 April, community groups, residents, businesses or individuals can join in a litter pick. Please register your interest by emailing litterfreedurham@durham.gov.uk or call 03000 26 1000.

Further details: www.durham.gov.uk/ bigspringclean

Household waste recycling centres

From 1 April, household waste recycling centres will stay open longer for the summer months. Check centre opening times before you visit at www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc or call 03000 261 000.

Hett Hills HWRC Hett Hills HWRC will be open longer during the busy Easter holiday period to ease pressure at other sites. It will be open: Friday 25 March until Thursday 31 March: 9am to 3.30pm Friday 1 April: 9am to 6pm Hett Hills will return to its weekend only opening times from Saturday 2 April.

Good to know Already a keen recycler? A new campaign, running through the summer, aims to show how you can do more. Funded by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), we’re spreading the message about the national Recycle Now ‘Good to Know’ campaign. It focuses on those items in different rooms that you might not realise you can recycle. Look out for the campaign over the next few months.

Fortnightly collections from the kerbside Garden between spring and autumn waste collections Annual fee £20 Terms and conditions apply.

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

Green living

for County Durham

For collections in the Teesdale area, contact Rotters Composting

www.rotters.org 01833 690 022

Green living Composting made easy

Want to compost but don’t know how?

The Alt Group.

Growing appeal for community gardens

Community growing schemes are a great way to combine exercise and healthy eating.

The Durham Food Partnership is running Growing Durham to help support more communities to grow their own food, whatever the scale. Run by volunteers, projects come in all shapes and sizes, from planting fruit trees on public land for anyone to pick, to setting up raised growing beds for elderly people.

Growing Durham’s project coordinator Liz Charles said: Not everyone has time to look after a whole allotment but salads can grow in containers and tomatoes in hanging baskets too. The options are endless.

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Community gardens can provide fresh vegetables, a home for wildlife, and a place to meet new people, relax and unwind or learn new skills.

One area benefiting from the scheme is Blackhill in Consett where The Alt Group has brought community eating back. Last year a group of friends joined forces to offer free weekly meals at Blackhill Comrades Club. We believe that good food and good company enriches people’s lives and brings a real sense of community spirit to the area,” said Alt Group founding member Terri Lee-Shield.

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The group is now converting some of the club’s grounds into a community garden to grow fruit and vegetables for the meal. Terri continued: “I’m really interested in food and nutrition and wanted to share that knowledge. Plus, the garden will work as an extra piece of social space.

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Interested in setting up a community-growing scheme? Contact Growing Durham 01388 742 044, www.fooddurham.net/growing-durham Find out more about The Alt Group www.thealtgrp.co.uk

Find out all you need to know at a composting session on Thursday 5 May, 9am-noon, Durham University Botanic Garden. Not only is compost free, it also saves waste and is great for the environment.

Try out home compost bins at discounted prices 0844 571 4444, www.getcomposting.com Find out more about composting 03000 26 0000, www.durham.gov.uk/composting

Garden springs into action

Nowhere says spring like a garden bursting with colour and Old Durham Gardens is no exception. The Durham City oasis opens its doors to visitors again this month and promises to be more vibrant than ever. It has new and improved facilities, which Durham Area Action Partnership has helped fund, making this charming walled garden well worth a visit.

Do you have time to volunteer? Old Durham Gardens is looking for green-fingered residents to come along and help maintain the grounds. For volunteering opportunities and opening times, call 0191 386 5188 or visit www.olddurhamgardens.co.uk

Can you dig it?

Allotments are a great way to take your gardening to the next level. A plot is an inexpensive way of growing loads of fruit and vegetables and some even have space to keep small animals like hens. Renting one will also give you the chance to get to know fellow gardeners and share tips. For more information 03000 266 050, www.durham.gov.uk/allotments Green living

From local to global From local to global, more and more of our county’s businesses are finding success in international markets. In fact, the North East is the only UK region to consistently export more goods and services overseas than we import. In recent years Europe and the USA have been key markets. Recently there have been increases in exports to the Middle East and North Africa too. Machinery and transport goods are the most numerous and profitable export areas with £3.29 billion worth of exports in the first six months of 2015. The chemical industry also boasts £1.94 billion worth of goods and services.

But you’ll also find North East food and drink, automotive industries and manufacturing thriving on the international scene.

Andrea McGuigan from Business Durham said: “Those businesses already exporting say that having diverse markets has strengthened their organisation and given them opportunities to develop, innovate and grow.”

But it’s not just big businesses that are working the global market; an increasing number of entrepreneurs are finding export success. We caught up with four to find out more.

Drumming up international business One company making a noise internationally is Liberty Drums in Shildon. Their drums were recently endorsed by Asian music supremo Farhad Humayun, frontman of Pakistani rock band Overload. They’re now building custom drums built to Farhad’s specifications, using the highest quality woods from around the world. The sound of each drum will be engineered to suit his style of music. Andrew Street from Liberty Drums explained: “We know that musicians who use our drums love them. But we needed help to get our goods and services to a wider world market. “UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) worked with us to identify our best target customers and how to approach them. This has led to contracts in Turkey and the USA.”

Heading into international markets?

Business Durham is the economic development company for County Durham, delivering the environment for business and economic growth. This includes working closely with businesses to get them support from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC). Their business centres also offer ideal accommodation for businesses starting out or looking to expand. www.businessdurham.co.uk 03000 261 261. 16

Our county’s export success

Frustration to innovation When Personal Trainer Liam Sherriff launched his natural supplements business in 2012, he never dreamed that international success was in his sights. He launched Natural Nutrients, based in Sacriston, after becoming frustrated at the lack of more natural supplements in the UK. And with very few natural supplement retailers out there, international demand has grown. They’re now exporting to several EU countries such as Iceland and Luxembourg and are working with UKTI to get a foothold in the Middle Eastern market. Liam said: “We never considered we’d be planning Middle Eastern exportation three years down the line.”

Learning goes global One company is top of the class for exporting learning, with clients from Saudi Arabia to South East Asia.

Accessory success Innovative petwear has helped Accapi Group capture the international market. Founded by George Heydon and Andrew Geere, Accapi won the UK rights to distribute US dog accessory brand Ruffwear in 2010. Based at Tanfield Lea Business Centre, which is managed by Business Durham, Accapi began with just two employees but quickly grew to a staff of 12, plus eight international sales agents. This growth is due to their export success, with international business growing from 4 per cent of total business in 2012 to 66 per cent in 2015. Rapid growth led to their initial contract with Ruffwear being extended, quadrupling the value to £20m. Since then they’ve added two other brands to their portfolio, Kurgo and Planet Dog, with the rights to distribute these in 25 European countries. Andrew Geere, CEO, said: “We plan to make our brands globally known by continuing to strengthen the brands’ position in the European marketplace.”

Learning Curve Group, based in Bishop Auckland, is the most successful provider of blended learning in the UK and internationally, supporting over 100,000 students and 125 further education providers a year. They branched out into export last year when, together with their international partner Working Links, they created an information, advice and guidance course for 100 teachers in Saudi Arabia. This was followed by a Northern Powerhouse Mission to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and an exhibition stand through UKTI to attend a major international education conference in Singapore. This spring Learning Curve Group will travel to China and Poland to seek new export opportunities and develop their work in the US around apprenticeships. Learning Curve Group’s Justine Crozier said: “We’ve set great heights for achieving our international goals in 2016.”

Our county’s export success

Health and wellbeing Living with hearing or sight loss? Did you know our Adult Sensory Support Team can help you if you have hearing, sight, or dual sensory loss?

We have social workers with special communication skills who work with deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people. We also have rehabilitation workers with special skills to work with people who have sight loss and their families.

• Advice on specialist equipment • Rehabilitation training in everyday skills • Mobility training • Signposting to support groups and organisations

We can provide:

Adult Learning and Skills Service

You can make a referral on someone’s behalf or refer yourself by contacting the Sensory Support Team through Social Care Direct on 03000 26 79 79 from 8.30am-5pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am-4.30pm Friday

You can also send a text message to 07786 027 280 or email scd@durham.gov.uk

End of life planning

Just 36 per cent of adults say they have made a will, and only 29 per cent have let someone know their funeral wishes.

Learn new skills Find a new career %XLOG FRQÀGHQFH

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free!

03000 266 115

www.durham.gov.uk/adultlearning

This can cause extra heartache for loved ones left behind. Take these five simple steps: • Write your will • Record your funeral wishes • Plan your future care and support • Consider registering as an organ donor • Tell your loved ones your wishes

Talking about death isn’t easy but it is important to share your feelings with your loved ones. Get more advice at www.durham.gov.uk/endoﬂife

Durham Alliance Durham Alliance Community Care has six centres in the county offering fun, friendship and activities for older people. Find out more by calling 01388 748 431 or visit www.durhamalliance.com

Adult social care

NEWS Help write local history The search is on for people who took in German schoolchildren around 1949.

Many kind-hearted County Durham families opened their homes to youngsters who were suffering major deprivation post war, and now we want to preserve these stories for future generations. Not much is on record from this time, but what we do know is that children did stay in the Murton and Wingate/Station Town areas of the county, with some visiting again in later life.

If you or anyone you know has a story to tell, contact Friends of Durham County Record Office, c /o Durham County Record Office, County Hall, Durham DH1 5UL or email FODCRO@gmail.com

Ingrid Raabe - German visitor.

Don't miss out

A new approach to youth support

Youth provision in County Durham is currently delivered through youth sessions available to all young people. We’re looking at different ways of working so we can target our support more effectively to young people who need our help the most.

free play and learn for 2-3 year olds Some two and three year olds may be entitled to free ‘Play and Learn’ sessions at a nursery, playgroup, school or with a childminder.

To Let

We’d like your views. You can have your say until 27 April 2016 at www.durham.gov.uk/youthsupportconsult or ask at your local One Point Hub for a paper questionnaire.

Contact 03000 268 913

Your first choice for housing in County Durham

No bond

No admin fee

Accent

0345 678 0573

Dale and Valley Homes

0800 083 0333

Cestria Housing

Derwentside Homes

0191 385 1900

01207 521 100

Durham City Homes

0800 068 0013

livin

0800 587 4538

East Durham Homes Teesdale Housing

0800 032 0835

01833 694 400

www.durhamkeyoptions.co.uk Derwentside Homes

News

CENTRAL and EAST Durham Durham City traffic improvement works

Work on Gilesgate roundabout is now well under way, with the work at Leazes Bowl roundabout (next to the Prince Bishops car park) due to start around the end of March. We’re carrying out roadworks on both roundabouts to help improve journeys through the city for everyone.

Gilesgate

During April and May, overnight resurfacing work will take place Sunday to Thursday, 8pm to 6am. Closures and diversions will be in place during this time. www.durham.gov.uk/ gilesgate Twitter #gilesgate

Leazes Bowl

There will be an overlap of work on Leazes Bowl and Gilesgate. The most disruptive work will take place during off-peak traffic hours, weekends and overnight, although there will be some unavoidable delays. Work will continue until autumn 2016. www.durham.gov.uk/leazesbowl Twitter #leazesbowl

City bids to become champion of champions This year, Durham City will be competing in the national RHS Britain in Bloom ‘Champion of Champions’ category.

This ‘blooming great’ achievement will see us working alongside the Durham in Bloom group helping with environmental projects and improvements.

Theatre for all the family

An exciting programme of creative and cultural events is coming up in East Durham.

Arts group East Durham Creates is transforming community venues into performance spaces to showcase local talent and bring international artists to the area. This spring, families can enjoy lively and colourful productions by ARC Stockton. Chicken Licken and Meeting Mr Boom! will delight young audiences (and big kids too).

0191 518 5073, www.eastdurhamcreates.co.uk 20

Last year, Durham City won ‘gold’ and ‘overall category winner’ in the large town category.

www.facebook.com/durhambloom, www.durham.gov.uk/inbloom

Bridging the generation gap

Two young people are celebrating coming top of the class for their community work.

Brandon Carrside Youth and Community Project named Drew Watson ‘Young Boy of the Year’ and Reianna Bregazzi ‘Young Girl of the Year’ for their part in a scheme encouraging older people and youngsters to share knowledge and memories, and learn new skills.

Mid Durham Area Action Partnership has been running the Intergenerational Project for the past year and recently paired up with Age UK County Durham to support the scheme that has brought smiles and laughter to people of all ages.

Central and East Durham news

Building community spirit

Work is under way to transform a building into a community hub at the heart of a village.

Splash time

By summer, the revamped Hamsteels Estate Community Centre in Esh Winning will be open for business and holding lots of great activities and events.

A new inﬂatable will be creating a splash at Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre this Easter. Thanks to £5,676 funding from Durham Area Action Partnership (AAP), a large Aqua-run will be keeping kids entertained at the Durham City swimming pool. John Murphy from Durham AAP said: “Freeman’s Quay can now hold lots of family-friendly activities in the pool and attract more visitors. “I’m sure it’ll be a big hit with youngsters.” Kaye Stephenson, principal aquatics manager, said: “Swimming is a really important exercise that kids enjoy, and with the new Aqua-run children can have fun and keep healthy at the same time.” The Aqua-run will be set up for holidays and we will look to add it to future timetables. For ages 8+. www.durham.gov.uk/swimming

Reviving Wharton Park

Although the gates to Wharton Park are currently closed, local community outreach projects are still going strong.

As part of this, a beautiful hand-painted banner telling the story of Wharton Park has been unveiled. Pupils from Neville’s Cross and St Margaret’s primary schools teamed up with artist Emma Shankland to create the banner for the re-opening of the park this spring. The images are inspired by historic events held at Wharton Park, including Durham’s first Miners’ Gala in 1871. See the banner on display in the new heritage centre after the re-opening.

Citizen’s Advice County Durham needs YOU! Become a volunteer - learn new skills, gain experience and make a difference. For more details contact Lorraine.lord@cdcab.org.uk

Village histories at your fingertips

The history of Wheatley Hill and Thornley Village is now available to read in an easy-to-access atlas.

Pick it up free of charge from the Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre or Thornley Library.

For an electronic version of the full atlas or the summary visit www.wheatley-hill.org.uk

IT help

Need help navigating the internet or setting up your computer? East Durham residents can now call on a keyboard champion for advice.

Keyboard champions can meet at a place that suits you. Volunteer Tracy Stanley paid a home visit to Maureen Gilbert, but a community venue, nursing home or coffee shop is just as easy.

The project, funded by East Durham Area Action Partnership, has already supported hundreds of people with everything from online shopping to insurance price comparisons. To volunteer as a keyboard champion, or to benefit from the support, contact 0191 569 3511.

Central and East Durham news

SOUTH and WEST Durham We’re going on a bear hunt

Museum secures match funding

Families have been scouring Bishop Auckland’s shops and cafés for bears as part of a novel safety campaign. Once found, each teddy ‘bears’ a message to remind children to stay safe.

The bear hunt is being delivered by Durham Constabulary and has been funded by Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership as part of the Retail Crime Reduction scheme.

Get your running shoes on

The Bowes Museum is a step nearer reaching its £1m fundraising target after securing additional pledges of match funding. Now future donations will increase in value, so a gift of £10 becomes £100, thanks to its Catalyst Endowment Programme. To donate visit www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk or 01388 690 606.

Youngsters with get up and go can burn off some of that extra energy and have loads of outdoor fun. The 2k Sedgefield Junior Parkrun (4 to 14 year olds) takes place at 9am every Sunday in Hardwick Park.

Lottery boost for Scarth Hall

Display the barcode in your windscreen for free parking until 11am giving you plenty of time to grab a post parkrun coffee in the Tower Café. www.parkrun.org.uk/sedgefield-juniors/, www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark

A bustling community centre is set to get even better. Residents in Staindrop can look forward to a packed programme of services and activities at Scarth Hall following a £500,000 cash injection from the Big Lottery Fund. Plans are afoot to transform the village hall into a 21st century ‘hall for all’ offering everything from a cinema to IT training. Follow progress on the refurbishment www.scarthhall.co.uk

It’s free to take part but you need to register on the parkrun website before your first run and bring a printed copy of your barcode.

Megan Walker with Eve Galloway, Chair of TAP’s Children and Young People’s Task Group.

Megan gets sporty

Preventing teen suicide

Adolescence is a difficult time, when anxiety and stress can lead to depression.

Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership and Health Express are supporting the If U Care Share Foundation. This works with schools and the community to educate people on ways to improve emotional health and wellbeing and cope with mental-health issues. 22

Two young people are benefiting from sport apprenticeships created through Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP).

Megan Walker was the first to take up her training in September and is already making the most of her skills by gaining coaching qualifications in swimming and gymnastics.

Next, Megan will be starting a level 3 qualification.

South and West Durham news

Parklife

The popular programme of outdoor children’s activities kicks off again this month. See p27 for upcoming events.

Teesdale drop-in sessions

For advice on council services call in on Thursday 24 March. UTASS, 9 - 11 Chapel Row, Middleton-in-Teesdale (10.30-11.30am) Randolph Centre, Evenwood (noon-1pm) Butterknowle Village Hall (1.45-2.45pm)

NORTH Durham Protecting homes against flooding

Ground control to Major Tim

Science is taking pupils at Witton Gilbert Primary School on a space odyssey. Schoolchildren are expecting a very special delivery of seeds as part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Rocket Science Experiment, which teaches youngsters to think about how plants grow in space.

The rocket seeds were ﬂown to the International Space Station (ISS), where British astronaut Tim Peake is keeping them in microgravity for six months. When the seeds return in April, the school will grow them alongside seeds from Earth to find out if there are any differences. Leading scientists from the RHS and European Space Agency will interpret the results.

Follow the project at www.twitter.com/rhsschools #RocketScience and www.facebook.com/rhsschoolgardening

Burnhope lottery jackpot

New ﬂood prevention is in place in Witton Gilbert to protect homes from water damage. We’ve worked with the Environment Agency and local landowners to develop a scheme that will divert water away from houses.

The water, which would otherwise flow through the village and put properties at risk of flooding, will now flow to five basins that can store up to 1,000 cubic metres of rain water. It will help to protect 50 properties which were previously affected by flooding during severe weather.

North Pennines are out of this world

One of the UK’s most peaceful and unspoilt landscapes has been declared an official UNESCO global geopark.

This is the first new UNESCO programme in over 40 years and puts the North Pennines global geopark, one of six in the UK, alongside UNESCO’s world heritage sites.

With tumbling waterfalls and sweeping moorland views it’s no surprise the North Pennines has received this recognition for its internationally significant geology.

Stanley services update Work to relocate Stanley library and customer access point is nearing completion with both services set to open in the town’s Louisa Centre this spring. For updates go to www.durham.gov.uk/louisa

A brand new community centre could be on the cards for Burnhope residents. The project to rebuild the village hub is a step closer following a £35,124 boost from the Big Lottery’s ‘Reaching Communities’ fund. Mid Durham Area Action Partnership is supporting Burnhope Community Centre trustees through the final stages of a bid to build the new centre. The association will submit the application in July.

Support is on hand

Willow Burn Hospice Family Support team is there to support patients with a life-limiting illness, their families, friends and carers in the Derwentside area. 01207 523 902. The hospice in Lanchester runs sessions Mondays and Wednesdays. Mon 10am-noon Drop-ins for men Wed 10am-3pm Complementary therapies Wed 1-2.30pm Lymphatic drainage exercise class.

North Durham news

Browsing in Barney Whether you’re on the hunt for history and heritage; super shopping; or lovely landscapes, Barnard Castle will tick all your boxes.

Flatts Wood Wonderful in the spring when wild garlic, primroses and bluebells carpet the banks leading down to the beck. www.heartofteesdale.net

Shop ‘til you drop

Mini Golf, Scar Top

Treasure seekers will love the many antique shops, independent retailers and distinctive local products on oﬀer.

This 9-hole mini golf course depicts ‘A Journey through Teesdale’. www.barnardcastletowncouncil.gov.uk

There are shops selling home décor, second-hand books, designer clothes, jewellery, accessories, vintage and retro items, local crafts and gifts. Locally produced food can be found in the independent butchers, green grocers, bakers and specialist shops and at the monthly farmers’ market. Restaurants, cafés and pubs serve good quality home-made food often with local produce. One of these, Blagraves House, has played host to weary travellers for 500 years including (reputedly) Oliver Cromwell.

Relax and unwind

The Witham Enjoy music, theatre, film and comedy at The Witham. This community, business and cultural centre is also home to an art gallery and café bar. See our competition on page 28. www.thewitham.org.uk

The Garage at Greta Bridge has a fascinating past, transformed from an ancient stopping station into a first-class spa. You'll find everything you expect from a modern spa and more. Want your nails done? Step into the Paint Shop. Not firing on all cylinders? A full body MOT is just the ticket. Created with imagination and luxurious rural simplicity, The Garage spa looks forward to welcoming you. 01833 863 100, www.thegaragespa.co.uk

a morning at the spa

Cross Lanes Organic Farm Cross-Lanes is an organic café-restaurant complete with a children’s play area. It was commended in the Farm Shop & Deli Awards 2015. 01833 630 619, www.crosslanesorganics.co.uk

We’ve teamed up with The Garage spa to give away a morning Indulgence spa for two people. To enter, tell us where you find The Garage. ............................................................................................................................................................

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Out and about

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Please add me to the The Garage’s mailing list:

a day at The Bowes Museum One family can enjoy a day at the museum for free. To enter, tell us who founded the museum. ....................................................................................................

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What’s not to love about this impressive and Email ........................................................................................ charming French-style château, built in the late See page 2 for entry details. Tick to receive further 19th Century by John Bowes, and surrounded by information from The Bowes Museum: beautiful gardens and parkland? The museum houses a collection of European fine and decorative arts. Its iconic silver swan plays at 2pm daily. 01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Bowes Castle - The massive ruins of Henry II’s 12th Century tower keep, set within the earthworks of a Roman fort. 0870 333 1181, www.english-heritage.org.uk

Also in the area...

Barnard Castle, Scar Top

Raby Castle, Staindrop A dramatic 14th Century castle, home to Lord Barnard's family. Enjoy the castle, deer park, walled gardens and adventure playground. 01833 660 202, www.rabycastle.com

Set high above the River Tees, Barnard Castle takes its name from its 12th Century founder, Bernard de Balliol. Enjoy fantastic views over the Tees Gorge, spot Richard III’s boar emblem, or visit the ‘sensory garden’. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/barnard-castle/

Cockfield Fell - Wind-swept moorland marked by

Rokeby Park An architectural treasure, the house is known as the setting for Sir Walter Scott's ballad ‘Rokeby’. Open on selected afternoons from May to September. 01833 695 692, www.rokebypark.com

human settlement from the Iron Age to the industrial revolution, including flint arrow heads from 8,000BC and the earthworks of Medieval homesteads. www.thisisdurham.com

Eggleston Hall Nursery and Gardens - Known as the

Wetheriggs Animal Rescue Wetheriggs is a small family-run animal rescue centre. Open every day, the entrance fee helps to run the rescue centre. 01833 627 444, www.wetheriggsanimalrescue.co.uk

‘Secret Garden of the North’, the 4.5 acre gardens include winding paths along planted borders, a stream and a 16th Century churchyard. 01833 650 230, www.egglestonhallgardens.co.uk

Egglesburn Wood - Fantastic views over Teesdale and Mickle Fell, which at 788 metres, is the highest hill in County Durham. www.durham.gov.uk High Force and Low Force At Forest-in-Teesdale, see the 70 foot drop of High Force, England’s highest uninterrupted drop. www.highforcewaterfall.com

Egglestone Abbey The charming ruins of a small monastery picturesquely set above a bend in the River Tees. 0870 333 1181

Bowlees Visitor Centre Head to the visitor centre, situated in stunning woodland, near to the waterfalls. 01833 622 145, www.northpennines.org.uk For more ideas, check out www.exploreteesdale.uk Out and about

WHAT’S ON

March to May

We’ve got loads of fantastic activities to enjoy now that spring has sprung.

12, 13, 19, 20 March and 24 March to 3 May Lambing Time Hall Hill Farm, Lanchester Come and see the new-born lambs. Bottle feed the pet lambs and meet the fluffy Easter chicks. 10.30am-5.00pm. A £7.95, C £7.25, F £27.50. 01388 731 333, www.hallhillfarm.co.uk

annual family passes to Hall Hill Farm The award-winning Hall Hill Farm is a great day out for families. From tractor rides to crazy golf, and feeding lambs to donkey rides, there are loads of fantastic things to do. We’ve got two annual family passes to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, just name an activity on the farm. ..................................................................................................................................

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Saturday 19 March Rotary Club of Newton Aycliffe’s Model Railway Exhibition Youth Centre, Burn Lane, Newton Aycliffe Includes a Thomas the Tank Engine layout. 10am-5pm. A £4, C 50p, Con £3. 07870 210 269.

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From 19 March Mini Golf Course Scar Top, Barnard Castle Challenge friends and family to a round of mini golf. Every weekend and during school holidays. 10.30am-4.30pm. £2 per round. 01833 690 970, www.barnardcastletowncouncil.gov.uk

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Wednesday 16 March A Lindisfarne Gospel – The Alistair Anderson Band Durham Cathedral Revered folk musician Alistair Anderson composed A Lindisfarne Gospel in 2013 in celebration of the display of the Lindisfarne Gospels on the Durham World Heritage Site. 7.30pm. A £22, £18 & £14, Con £18, £14 & £10. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk Wednesday 16 to Friday 18 March Summer Holiday Empire Theatre, Consett React! Youth Theatre presents this popular show. 7pm. A £8, Con £7. 01207 218 171, www.leisureworks.net

The Mighty Wurlitzer New Victoria Centre, Howden-le-Wear Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 March Presenting two worldclass organists, Nigel Ogden and Joe Marsh. Sat 7.30pm, Sun 2.30pm. £8. Saturday 16 April Paul Roberts. 7pm. £8. Sunday 24 April Allstar Concert with a cream tea. 2.30pm. £7. Booking essential. 01388 601 596. Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May Nicholas Martin. Sat 7pm, Sun 2.30pm. £8. For £8 tickets: 01388 762 467, www.netoa.org.uk

concert tickets The North East Theatre Organ Association is celebrating its 30th anniversary with some musical extravaganzas. For the chance to win pairs of tickets to Paul Roberts or Nicholas Martin, tell us what type of instrument the Wurlitzer is. ..................................................................................................................................

Friday 18 March Hilarity Bites Comedy Club Bishop Auckland Town Hall Join local favourite Andy Fury as he hosts an evening with Steve Bugeja and cult Geordie comedian, Richard Morton. 7.30pm. Advance £8, door £10. 03000 269 524, www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk

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What’s on

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

Our music service is holding two events where County Durham children will showcase their skills. Saturday 19 March Durham Music Service Showcase Spectacular Sage, Gateshead Over 20 bands, orchestras and choirs featuring over 700 talented young musicians will be performing. Free concourse performances from 1.30pm. Hall 1 from 7pm. A £10, Con £8, C £6. 0191 443 4661, www.sagegateshead.com Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 April Darlington Jazz Festival This celebration of jazz music delivers a mix of local and national artists, and offers a variety of workshops and events. www.darlingtonjazzfestival.co.uk

Sunday 20 March Lambing Sunday East Durham College, Houghall Campus, Durham Spring is in the air and lambs are on their way. Come and meet the newest arrivals. 11am-3pm. A £1.50, C £1. 0191 375 4700, www.eastdurham.ac.uk

Saturday 26 March Durham Singers, Rachmaninov Vespers St Cuthbert’s Chapel, Ushaw College Experience the joy and beauty of a Russian Easter with this choral masterpiece. 7pm. A £12, Students & under 25s £10. www.durham-singers.org Sunday 27 and Monday 28 March Easter Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham Join the Easter Bunny for fun and games. Normal entry fees apply. 11am-3pm. 0191 3848 028, www.crookhallgardens.co.uk

Wednesday 23 March and Wednesday 27 April Lanchester Flower Club Lanchester Community Centre An interesting selection of flower demonstrations. 2pm. Friday 25 March Durham Astronomical Society (DAS) Meeting Botanic Garden, Durham ‘Why Do Astrophotography’ with guest speaker Paul Jenkins. Meetings also on 24 April and 22 May. 7.30pm. Non-members £2. www.durhamastronomy.org

Sunday 27 and Monday 28 March Castleside Art Club’s Annual Easter Exhibition Castleside Village Hall Features 200 paintings by local artists for sale. 10am-5pm. 20p. 01207 506451. Sunday 27 and Monday 28 March Chick Hunt Botanic Garden, Durham Easter chicks are believed to be hiding in the garden. Come along and see how many you can spot. 10am-4pm. Normal charges apply. www.dur.ac.uk/botanic.garden

Make the most of the outdoors this Easter with free family fun activities.

THE INCREDIBLES

GO PLAY

Family adventure days, 1-3pm, 3-8yrs Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.

Try out four different sports, 1-3pm, over 8yrs

29 March Bishop Auckland Recreational Park 30 March Hackworth Park, Shildon 31 March Glenholme Park, Crook

5 April Bishop Auckland Recreational Park 6 April Sunnydale Leisure Centre 7 April Glenholme Park, Crook

www.durham.gov.uk/parklife, www.facebook.com/parklifesports Parklife is delivered in partnership with Sport England and Change4life.

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

What’s on

WHAT’S ON Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 March Spring has Sprung The Bowes Museum See the wonderful daffodils, create a flower picture and decorate a plant pot. Drop-in sessions. Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies. 10.30am-4pm. 01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Friday 1 April Whitney – Queen of the Night Empire Theatre, Consett A magical rollercoaster ride through three decades of classic hits. 7.30pm. £21. 01207 218 171, www.leisureworks.net

tickets to The Witham Barnard Castle’s vibrant arts centre, The Witham, has a packed programme of music, theatre, film and comedy coming up in 2016. From arty holiday activities to laugh out loud comedy nights, there’s something for everyone. We’ve teamed up with The Witham for a ticket giveaway. To be in with a chance to win a pair of tickets to one of three shows, just tell us which County Durham town is home to The Witham. .......................................................................

Tick the show you’d prefer: Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar Flying Solo Rura Name

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Saturday 2 April Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar The Witham, Barnard Castle Join two of the most talented folk musicians in the UK. 8pm. Advance £10, door £12. 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk Saturday 2 April Wedding Fair Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham Exhibitors from cake designers to musicians will be on hand to help inspire brides and grooms. Goodie bags for the first 50 brides and 30 grooms. 11am-3pm. Free. 0191 384 8028, www.crookhallgardens.co.uk Sunday 3 April Wilderness Survival Skills Bushcraft essentials Hamsterley Forest Learn the basics for survival in a forest environment - shelter, fire, food and water. 9am-5pm. £25. 16+ (parental consent required for under 18s). Booking essential. 01388 529 154, www.natureholiday.co.uk

What’s on

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Email ................................................................... Return by 28 March See page 2 for entry details.

Wednesday 6 April Flying Solo The Witham, Barnard Castle This heart-warming one-woman show from Manjeet Mann asks the question of how easy it really is to leave home. 7.30pm. A £14, Con £12. 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk Wednesday 6 April Health Express Fitness 4 All Sunnydale Leisure Centre, Shildon Enjoy lots of fun activities from spinning to mini gym inductions and health checks. 1pm-4pm. Age restrictions apply to some activities. 03000 268 834, www.health-express.co.uk

Thursday 7 April and Thursday 5 May Cestrian Flower Club Park View Community Centre, Chester-le-Street Each month has a different floral theme. 7.15pm. £5. 0191 389 4730. Thursday 7 April and Thursday 5 May Durham Flower Club Sherburn Community Hall, Sherburn Village Flower demonstrations with visiting experts. 2pm. Visitors £5. Annual membership £25. Friday 8 April Robots The Bowes Museum See the robots on display before trying a variety of robotthemed crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies. 10.30am-4pm. 01833 690 606, www.thebowes museum.org.uk Saturday 9 April Witton Gilbert WI Community Centre (Cooper Hall) Come along to an open morning and find out about upcoming theatre visits, meals out, interesting speakers and more. 10am to noon. Saturday 9 April Spring Fair St Bede’s School, Lanchester Willow Burn Hospice is holding a funfilled day with tombola, raffle, craft stalls and homemade cakes. 01207 523 900. Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 April Marvellous Medals Palace Green Library, Durham Remember the brave men of the Somme by making a centenary medal. 1pm-3pm. Free. www.dur.ac.uk/palace.green

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

Saturday 9 April Singing Brass Lanchester Methodist Church Lanchester Brass Band and The Argus Singers will be providing an evening of music and song. www.facebook.com/lanchesterbrass or www.facebook.com/argussingers Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 April Northern Stage: Get Carter Gala Theatre, Durham Set in 1960s Newcastle, this stylish new adaptation of the classic noir thriller tells the story made famous in Mike Hodge’s seminal film starring Michael Caine. Age 16+. 7.30pm (+2.30pm Saturday). A £15, Con £13, Gala Friends £12. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk Friday 15 April Ladies lunch Beamish Hall Hotel Enjoy an afternoon of food and entertainment in the company of friends, all in aid of St Cuthbert’s Hospice. £36. 0191 386 1170. Saturday 16 April Mark Thomas: “Trespass” The Witham, Barnard Castle Stand-up, activism, a dash of journalism and a dollop of mayhem. 8pm. A £15, Con £13. 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk

Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April Horses at War Beamish Museum Part of The Great North Festival of Transport (7-24 April). Find out about the role horses played during the First World War. 0191 370 4000, www.beamish.org.uk Saturday 16 April and Saturday 14 May Antiques Fair Red Lion, Front Street, Chester-le-Street A varied selection of items including clocks, watches, glass, silver, china, coins, stamps and angling. 9.30am-3pm. 50p. Sunday 17 April Green Wood Turning Harehope Quarry, Weardale Learn the basics of the traditional turning of freshly cut green wood on the leg-powered pole lathe. 10am-4pm. £25. Booking essential. 01388 529 154, www.natureholiday.co.uk Tuesday 19 to Saturday 30 April Three Sisters’ Exhibition The Art Block, 74 Church Street, Seaham Exhibition open Tue-Sat, 11am-3pm. 0191 649 9431. Thursday 21 April and Thursday 19 May Dunelm Flower Club Durham High School for Girls Floral fun with expert demonstrators. 7.30pm. Visitors welcome £5.

Sunday 24 April Ladies Day Hardwick Hall Hotel Girly fun and frolics, includes a two-course lunch and lots of shopping opportunities in aid of Butterwick Hospice. 01388 603 003, www.butterwick.org.uk/ ladiesdayapril2016 Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 April Little Shop of Horrors Seaham Town Hall Classic show performed by Seaham Theatre Productions. 7.15pm. £8. 07999 353 428. Thursday 28 April The Gala Big Band Gala Theatre, Durham Hear the swinging sound of trumpets, saxophones, trombones and more performed by Durham’s own Gala Big Band. 7.30pm. A £6, Con £5. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk Saturday 30 April Photography Morning Durham Cathedral Capture the early morning light reflected on the cathedral’s magnificent interior. No flash, tripods welcome. Booking recommended. 5am-7.30am. £10. events@durhamcathedral.co.uk

Friday 22 April The Magic of Motown Empire Theatre, Consett Join the party as this scintillating show celebrates its 10th birthday. 7.30pm. A £22, Con £21. 01207 218 171, www.leisureworks.net Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April World Heritage Weekend Palace Green, Durham A fun weekend of family activities and tours to Celebrate Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. www.durhamwhs.com

Sunday 24 April and Sunday 26 June Photography Walks The Art Block, 74 Church Street, Seaham Contact the gallery for times. 0191 649 9431.

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

Sunday 1 and Monday 2 May Annual Orchid Show Raby Castle Featuring orchid nurseries, society displays, lectures and plants for sale. 11am-5pm. A £6, Con £5, C £2.50, free for season ticket holders.

What’s on

WHAT’S ON Sunday 1 and Saturday 14 May Treasures of Widdybank Fell Upper Teesdale (Cow Green Reservoir Carpark) See special flowering plants on this guided walk. 2pm-5pm. Natural England 01833 622 374. Monday 2 May Japanese Children’s Day Oriental Museum, Durham Celebrate with traditional carp-banner making and origami. 1pm-3pm. Normal admission charges apply. www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum Wednesday 11 May Local History Display County Hall, Durham The Friends of Durham County Record Office’s (FODCRO) evening of displays by local and family history groups. 7pm. Free. Wednesday 11 to Saturday 14 May 42nd Street Park View Community Theatre, Chester-le-Street 42nd Street is the definitive backstage musical - a show about a show - based on the novel by Bradford Ropes. 0191 385 7500

theatre tickets We’ve got eight pairs of tickets to see this Broadway bonanza. For your chance to win, tell us who wrote the book the musical is based on. .............................................................................

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See page 2 for entry details.

What’s on

Thursday 12 May The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars Gala Theatre, Durham Direct from London’s world-famous jazz club, The Ronnie Scott's All Stars take to the stage. 7.30pm. £17.50. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk

Friday 13 May Gentlemen’s Dinner Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham Sit back, relax and enjoy the entertainment while supporting St Cuthbert’s Hospice. £50, Table of 10 £500. 0191 386 1170. Saturday 14 May Buddha’s Birthday Festival Oriental Museum, Durham Celebrate Buddha’s birthday with traditional crafts, Asian food, a performance by a Korean drum group and much more. Noon-5pm. Free. www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May Hunger Games for Adults – it’s not just for kids! Harehope Quarry, Weardale A two-day survival challenge. Make a bow and fishing spear, develop hunting and tracking skills, master fire, shelter and camouflage, learn and use ancient healing skills. 9.30am-4.30pm. £70, plus £5 if camping overnight. Booking essential. 01388 529 154, www.natureholiday.co.uk 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.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Sunday 15 May Rob Beckett Gala Theatre, Durham Beckett’s back with a brand-new hour of funnies and he’s taking on the big issues like Kit Kats and flatbread! Star of BBC1’s Live at the Apollo, BBC2’s Mock the Week & Channel 4’s 8 out of 10 Cats. 8pm. A £14, Con £12. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk Monday 16 May Spring Birds in Upper Teesdale Widdybank Farm Gate, near Langdon Beck A magical tour, over 30 species of birds can be seen. 10am-1pm. Natural England 01833 622 374.

Saturday 21 May Durham Choral Society Durham Cathedral An evening of 21st Century music. Howard Goodall’s ‘Eternal Light’, Paul Mealor’s ‘Stabat Mater’, Giovanni Pergolesi ‘Stabat Mater’. 7.30pm. www.durhamchoralsociety.org.uk Saturday 21 May Art Exhibition Gainford Village Hall Annual exhibition returns. There’s still time for artists to exhibit. 10am. 01325 733 164, gainfordart@yahoo.co.uk Saturday 21 May The Witham, Barnard Castle Rhys James and Lloyd Griffith A chance to see two of the best rising talents try out material ahead of their Edinburgh Festival shows. 8pm. Advance £8, door £10. 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk

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

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 May Empire and Flag Weekend Beamish Museum Brass band performances, traditional displays and craft activities. 0191 370 4000, www.beamish.org.uk Saturday 21 May to Sunday 18 September From Temple to Home: Celebrating Ganesha The Bowes Museum A vibrant, colourful exhibition from the British Museum. 01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Monday 30 May Tuesday 24 May Rura The Witham, Barnard Castle Internationally renowned for their powerhouse mix of Highland pipes, fiddle, bodhran, guitar, whistle, flute, and vocals. 7.30pm. Advance £12, door £14. 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk

Saturday 21 May Introduction to Charcoal Making Harehope Quarry, Weardale Bring a packed lunch or food to cook over a fire. 10am-4pm. £15. 01388 528 599, www.harehopequarry.org.uk Sunday 22 May Rainbow 5k Fun Run Hamsterley Forest Walk, hop, skip or run through a spectrum of colour in aid of Butterwick Hospice. Free t-shirts and medals. 01388 603 003.

Durham Pride Durham City Paint the city rainbow bright and help make history in 2016 with the biggest Durham Pride celebration yet. Last year over 5,000 people took to the streets of Durham to celebrate the diversity of the LGBT community. Thanks to the turnout, we were able to donate £1,000 to support a samesex domestic abuse project in the county. www.durhamprideuk.org Facebook.com/DurhamPrideUk Twitter: @Durham_Pride

Friday 27 May Clue-dunnit? Undercroft Restaurant, Durham Cathedral Turn detective at this highly interactive murder mystery. 7pm. £35 including three-course dinner and drinks reception. 0191 386 3721, events@durhamcathedral.co.uk

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

Sunday 29 May Flower Power Plant & Gift Fair Raby Castle Featuring stalls from award-winning nurseries plus a hand-picked selection of gift and craft stalls. 11am-4pm. A £5, C free.

What’s on

A series of exhibitions and events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

Photographs courtesy of Durham Record Office

From interactive family experiences and new exhibitions, to a specially commissioned play and concert performances, all ages can remember the bravery and sacrifice of Durham men and women.

Somme 1916: From Durham to the Western Front Palace Green Library, Durham 25 March to 2 October 2016

Durham Hymns World premiere at Durham Cathedral, then touring 16 July 2016 to April 2017

The Fighting Bradfords Gala Theatre, Durham 8 to 17 September 2016

NEW: DLI Research and Study Centre Sevenhills, Spennymoor April 2016

World War One Experience Gala Theatre, Durham 21 July to 28 August 2016

DLI Medal Collection Barker Reading Room, Palace Green Library, Durham From October 2016

NEW: History of the DLI exhibition Palace Green Library, Durham Date to be confirmed

Battle of the Somme 1916 film Gala Theatre, Durham 4 November 2016

Butte Crosses at Durham Cathedral From July 2016

For more information on these events, and to sign up for email updates, visit www.durham.gov.uk/durhamremembers