DCC Durham County News Winter 2015 by DCC Design and Print

DURHAM

www.durham.gov.uk

County News The magazine for people in County Durham

Winter 2015

Have you discovered Durham’s creative quarter? £200 shopping spree and spa package competitions

. Huge panto giveaway . Christmas What’s On

WELCOME

to the winter edition of Durham County News Chairman’s Christmas message - Councillor Jan Blakey

Much of my work this year has been to meet and thank those who work tirelessly to help others, particularly those working with young people.

Councillor Jan Blakey, Chairman of the Council

These are people who are changing lives and making our county a better place.

The charity I am supporting whilst in oﬃce is the North East Autism Society. Founded by a group of parents whose children were diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition, it has grown to provide a wide range of support services, including opening a new educational centre in Newton Aycliﬀe this year.

It goes to show what amazing things people can achieve when they come together with vision and dedication.

Over the festive period, I would ask you to also think of others; to call on a neighbour, to help a local charity, to give the gift of your time to others. Even the smallest things can make all the diﬀerence.

Competition entries

Competition entries should be received by Mon 30 November 2015 (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.

Contents

I wish you all a merry Christmas.

To contact the editorial team, call 03000 268 059 or email durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk

Audio

News

Page

6-11

12-13

Connecting young people to great futures

Green living – make it a green Christmas

Large print

durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk 03000 268 059

4-5

Getting ready for winter

Page

Please ask us if you would like this document summarised in another language or format. Braille

Page

16-19

Local news pages

Jan Page

Health and wellbeing

Page

Children and young people Page

22-24

Discover Durham’s creative quarter Page

Curtain goes up on panto season Page

26-31

What’s on this winter

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

Front cover: The creative people of Fowlers Yard, see pages 22-24.

Puppy love Don’t let happiness turn to heartbreak this Christmas. If you’re considering getting a puppy follow our tips below. Complaints to the RSPCA from people who’ve purchased puppies in the county have risen by 500 per cent since 2010.

We’re working with the RSPCA and Durham Constabulary to tackle problems caused by unlicensed and dishonest puppy traders who have little thought for animal welfare and the heartache caused to buyers.

Do:

Don’t:

7 7

Michael Yeadon and Ian Bousﬁeld from Durham County Council join PC Vicky Coxon and licensed breeder Anne Allison, who is supporting the campaign.

ate or e/breed certific re ig d e p e th ck 3 C he gistration. Kennel Club re all n certificate o ti a in cc va e 3 Ask for th r eight weeks should have one. puppies ove ents if terinary docum ve re a re e th 3 Check a docked tail. the puppy has m rochipped - fro ic m is y p p u p 3 Check the ll breeders by law must ensure ith April 2016 a ed. A sticker w p ip ch ro ic m puppies are ded. should be provi a chip number licence. the breeder’s e se to sk A 3 perwork is if any of the pa y a w a lk a at the W 3 or indicates th ke fa s k o lo , g n missi the UK. e from outside m co s a h y p p u p . within 72 hours ck e ch t ve y p 3 Get a pup

Don’t take a child with yo u to buy a puppy.

Don’t hand o ver personal deta your address or ils before ch ecking the puppy’s documentati on . 7 Don’t leave with the puppy b not the pape ut rwork. 7 Don’t think a hig h price is a guarantee o f good breed ing practices or animal welfa re.

See www.durham.gov.uk/buyingapuppy where you will also find a list of licensed breeders.

Report animal welfare concerns to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

Are you a dog owner? From April 2016 all dogs must be microchipped. www.durham.gov.uk/microchipping or call 03000 26 1000 for places to get your dog microchipped. Puppy love

NEWS

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

03000 26 0000 8.30am-5pm (Monday-Thursday) 8.30am-4.30pm (Friday)

Blooming brilliant

Green ﬁngers turned to gold and silver for ﬂoral volunteers in the prestigious RHS Britain in Bloom and Northumbria in Bloom competitions.

Out of hours emergency service available. If you have a specific query, use one of our dedicated numbers: Streetscene, Highways and Street Lighting Enquiries

Durham City scooped Gold in the Large Town category of the national Britain in Bloom competition, representing Northumbria. Volunteers dedicated more than 13,000 hours to make the city altogether greener.

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.

To achieve Gold status, entries are classed as outstanding and must demonstrate exceptionally high horticultural excellence, community involvement and environmental responsibility.

Benefit Enquiries

03000 26 2000 Council Tax Enquiries

03000 26 4000

In Northumbria in Bloom, the city also won Gold and was overall

Social Care Direct/Children’s First Contact service

03000 26 79 79

winner in the Large Town category, with Chester-le-Street scooping a Silver Gilt and Stanley securing Silver in the Town category as a ﬁrst time entrant.

Many other town and parish council and community-led entries also achieved great success.

Cllr Brian Stephens, our Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: We’d like to thank all of our partners and volunteers, who have worked so hard. It’s excellent to see everyone’s eﬀorts recognised regionally and nationally.

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

a spa package and delicious dinner

Families Information Service

0800 917 2 917

The opening of the multimillion pound Spa at Ramside, at Ramside Hall Hotel, has brought some of the best facilities in the country to County Durham. Five fabulous pools, a sleep sanctuary, 14 treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art gym - you name it, the spa has it! www.ramsidespa.co.uk

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

111

@DurhamCouncil

One lucky reader and their guest can enjoy a twilight spa experience and a delicious two course dinner in the Asian Fusion Restaurant. To enter, tell us how many treatment rooms there are. ......................................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

I’d like to receive updates from Ramside:

News

See page 2 for entry details.

NEWS Hitachi Rail opens Hitachi Rail has celebrated the return of rail manufacturing to its British home in County Durham.

We joined key delivery partners Merchant Place Developments and Shepherd Construction at the official opening of the £82 million rail vehicle manufacturing facility in Newton Aycliffe.

It will be Hitachi Rail’s primary European facility for train manufacturing and is where the Government’s new InterCity

Express trains for the East Coast Main Line and Great Western Main Line, and AT200 commuter trains for Scotland, will be manufactured.

Hitachi Ltd Chairman and CEO, Hiroaki Nakanishi, welcomed the Prime Minister David Cameron along with over 500 invited guests to the opening ceremony.

Council chief executive

In January 2016 the council’s chief executive, George Garlick, will retire after more than seven years in the job. Terry Collins, the council’s current Corporate Director of Neighbourhood Services is chief executive designate to succeed George.

Electoral register

You will have received a letter asking you to check the information held on the electoral register. If you’ve not yet responded, you must do so by 30 November 2015 to make sure your details are included in the 2016 register. It is important to respond even if there have been no changes. 03000 261 212 electoralservices@durham.gov.uk

Forums

Area Action Partnership forums are taking place throughout November and December. Come along and inﬂuence the work of your local partnership. Find the date and venue of your local forum at www.durham.gov.uk/AAPs

Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, attended. He said:

Hitachi being here is really positive for local people and a vote of confidence in the North East economy.

Find Hitachi Rail’s current jobs at www.hitachirail-eu.com/careers

Lumiere

12-15 November The UK’s largest light festival, Lumiere, returns to Durham 12-15 November.

Make sure you are in the know before you go.

If you don’t have a ticket, don’t worry. More than 20 of the 30 artworks, including some of the most spectacular installations, will be located outside the ticketed area and can be visited without a ticket at any time between 4.30pm and 11pm. You only need a ticket to visit the artworks in the central area between 4.30pm and 7.30pm, not after 7.30pm. Lumiere is extremely busy and it’s likely that you will face big queues on any day at any time, whether you have a ticket or not.

Plan your journey by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/lumiere

We’ll have over 4,600 park and ride spaces available with regular buses running until 11.30pm. £2 per person.

We’ll also have Park & Stride facilities at County Hall and the DLI with 1,000 spaces for people who fancy the short walk into town.

Follow #LumiereDurham on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date traﬃc and travel news and Park & Ride spaces available. www.lumiere-festival.com

News

Winter Wonderland There’s a lot to love about winter; the frost nipped air, digging out your jumpers, eating soups, casserole and hot puddings. Here are six ways you can make the most of winter in County Durham.

Get your skates on

There’s nothing as nice as a spin on the ice. Show off your skills at the atmospheric Beamish Museum real ice rink with its traditional Edwardian festoon lighting and fairground organ music. Open weekends and school holidays until 28 February. www.beamish.org.uk

You can also take to the ice at Auckland Castle’s outdoor ice rink. www.aucklandcastle.org

Tree-mendous fun

Make choosing your tree an event in itself. Raby Castle, near Barnard Castle, has a long tradition of growing Christmas trees. Take the family along to pick out a freshly-cut Raby Estate’s real Christmas Tree before heading into the Christmas shop, then to the cosy tearooms for hot chocolate. www.rabycastle.com 01833 660 202

On Saturday, 5 December you can head to Hardwick Park, Sedgefield, to help decorate their Christmas trees by making natural decorations. www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark

Winter wonderland

Escape to the country

Carpets of fallen leaves will soon be tinged by frost and sprinkles of snow. There’s beauty in every season, so don’t be tempted to hibernate.

Get out with our Countryside Service and find out more about the history, wildlife and geology as you walk. The new programme of winter walks is online at www.durham.gov.uk/countryside. It includes a 10-mile walk on the Waskerley Way on Boxing Day to burn off those Christmas calories and an eight mile leg-stretch from Broompark picnic area on New Year’s Day. You can spot the seaside and snowdrops with Durham Heritage Coast on Sunday 21 February. They’ll be walking the five miles from Easington Colliery to Hawthorn Dene. 03000 268 131.

Duvet days

Okay, we know you can’t snuggle under them, but these are quilts like no other! Check out Quiltscapes and Quiltline by Pauline Burbidge at The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle from 28 November to 10 April 2016. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Dark matters

Dark nights are inevitable, so embrace them with a spot of stargazing.

The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has more nationally recognised Dark Sky Discovery Sites than any other part of the UK. And Hamsterley Forest is a Milky Way class Dark Sky Discovery Site, which means its skies are dark enough for the Milky Way, 2.5 million light years away, to be visible with the naked eye. Find out more at www.thisisdurham.com/dark-skies/ Hamsterley Forest is running stargazing events in association with astronomer, Simon Rowland. On 13 December, you can check out the Geminid Meteor shower where up to 120 meteors per hour may be seen. www.forestry.gov.uk/hamsterleyforest 01388 488 822.

Need some help? Head out with an expert. The North Pennines AONB Partnership has launched a new programme of stargazing events, including a Dark Skies Evening at Langdon Beck Hotel in Upper Teesdale on Friday 4 December. www.northpennines.org.uk

And learn more about the skies with Durham Astronomical Society. www.durhamastronomy.org

Festive fun

Enjoy a truly festive experience at Auckland Castle’s Christmas Market from 20-22 November, take part in their seasonal workshops and events or wrap up warm for some festive fun on their outdoor Christmas Skating Rink from 20 November - 3 January. 01388 743 797, www.aucklandcastle.org

Enjoy Christmas past at Beamish Museum with truly traditional sights, sounds and delicious tastes. Weekends from 14 November to 20 December, plus 21, 22, 23 & 24 December. www.beamish.org.uk

Crook Hall and Gardens in Durham brings together the best of Christmas traditions when children can meet Father Christmas, his elves and Frosty the Snowman and adults can enjoy carols, mulled wine and mince pies. www.crookhallgardens.co.uk

Traditional experiences on offer at Beamish Ever thought of trying your hand at a new, ‘old’ skill? Tram driving, proggy mat making, dry stone walling, corn dolly making? A whole range of fascinating traditional experiences, from full days to half day sessions, are now on offer at Beamish Museum. Led by museum experts, they make a perfect gift for someone special. Find more information at www.beamish.org.uk/whats-on/traditional-experiences

a traditional experience at Beamish* Two lucky winners can take part in one of the following four courses - Baking Day, Dry Stone Walling, Proggy Mat Making, Have a go at Driving a Steam Engine. For the chance to win, tell us the name of the Georgian old hall at Beamish. ...................................................................................................................

Name Tel

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Address

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

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*Subject to availability. Participants must be 18 years or over (21 years for steam engine driving). See page 2 for entry details.

Winter wonderland

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready for the winter weather, are you?

Severe weather warning page

Keep informed of the latest weather updates generated via the Met Office Weather Widget at www.durham.gov.uk/weatherwarnings

Heading out in wintry weather?

Plan your journey at www.durham.gov.uk/winterroads

Snow and ice

We pre-salt around 1,700km of road to prevent ice and frost forming. If heavy snow falls, we will clear main routes first to keep public transport running for as long as possible. To find out our priority routes, visit www.durham.gov.uk/winterroads

Salt bin refills - Salt bins are for gritting roads and footpaths. If a salt bin near you needs refilling, or report it online at www.durham.gov.uk/saltbins quoting the number on the top or side of the bin, or call 03000 26 1000.

Flooding

Severe ďŹ&#x201A;ooding can happen throughout the year, for information on how to prepare and protect your property visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk or www.metoffice.gov.uk for flood warning information.

Sandbags - To request sandbags to protect your property or to report flooding, go to www.durham.gov.uk/sandbags or call 03000 26 1000. There is an out of hours service.

Potholes

Potholes can occur at any time of the year, but they tend to be more of a problem during the winter. We do inspect and maintain highways, however, you can report potholes at www.durham.gov.uk or call 03000 26 1000.

No parking on grass verges

Please be aware of the damage caused by parking on grass verges, especially during the winter months, as it can cause extensive damage to both council-owned and private property.

This winter

Festive period closures New depot at Wolsingham

We’ve been making changes to the depot at Wolsingham, one of our key depots. Old buildings have been replaced with new facilities for highways staff and to accommodate the winter vehicles. This complements the 5,500 tonne salt barn we finished last year. This depot provides salt and gritters for the Weardale routes, also houses two snow blowers and is now ready for even the most extreme snow conditions. Sign up to Twitter or Facebook

We’ll send you information on 4 Weather warnings (snow/ice/flooding) 4 Winter service information: #twittergritterNE 4 Service disruptions and closures 4 School closures 4 Events 4 Job vacancies 4 Council news

/durhamcouncil

@DurhamCouncil

Join the thousands already in the know.

Over the festive period, there will be changes to our services that you need to know about…

Most of our public-facing council buildings will be closed over the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Customer access points will close at 12.45pm on Christmas Eve and will reopen at 8.30am on Monday 4 January 2016.

Leisure centres and libraries - opening times may vary, so it’s best to call into your local leisure centre or library (or visit the website) before Christmas to check opening times.

Children’s centres will close or have restricted opening times over the Christmas period. It’s best to call into your local centre before Christmas to see whether or not they’ll be open. Day centres for adults will remain open, except on bank holidays.

Register offices will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and will close at 12.45pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Please note, the offices below will be open between Christmas and New Year but will operate on an appointments basis only. Phone 03000 266 000: Bishop Auckland, Aykley Heads (Durham), Barnard Castle, Chester-le-Street Travel Response Centre - the pre-bookable transport service to hospital appointments will remain open for telephone bookings. Other booking services are closed from 12 noon Christmas Eve until 8.30am Monday 4 January. 03000 269 999

Visit www.durham.gov.uk/festive for more information and updates on our services.

Keep your water pipes cosy to avoid bursts and save money

Useful numbers:

Emergency out of hours number 03000 26 0000

To find out more, visit: www.nwl.co.uk/btf @nwater_care

24/7 automated payments line 0300 456 2771 (debit/credit card)

This winter

Scams, fakes and winter crime

Safe and secure

Dark nights are upon us, so make sure you’re a leading light when it comes to home security.

County Durham is a safe place to live. Help keep it that way with our top tips to keep your home and property safe:

Beware of Christmas scams Christmas is an expensive time and the promise of a cash boost can be a welcome relief from the bills.

Make your home look occupied after dark by fitting automatic timers to lights.

Scammers use this to get you to part with your money, whether it’s a knock at the door, postal scams, the internet, emails or text messages.

Be cautious of claims you’ve won a prize if you haven’t entered a competition. Be wary of websites that lure you with the promise of free trials of products, such as cosmetics and slimming tablets.

These often require an advance payment, money transfer or providing your credit card details and you could be trapped into a recurring subscription charge. For advice, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

Check windows, doors, garages and sheds are locked and valuable items are stored securely.

Install an alarm.

Keep doors and windows locked, even when you’re home. Don’t leave valuables on show or within easy reach of doors or windows.

Remove keys from view and don’t leave them in the lock or near the door.

Don’t advertise expensive gifts by leaving boxes outside for recycling (put them inside your bin or take them to a recycling centre).

Avoiding festive fakes

Don’t be conned into buying festive fakes. Counterfeit goods such as designer clothing, handbags, watches, perfumes and toys are often poor quality and can be unsafe due to the lack of safety testing. Cut-cost tobacco products and ‘bargain booze’ can be dangerous and far from a victimless crime. Report fakes to the Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

Protect property with Smartwater and register valuables for free on www.immobilise.com Join Neighbourhood Watch.

Ask for ID before letting anyone in your home. www.durham.gov.uk/homesecurity

£200 of shopping vouchers Dalton Park, the region’s biggest outlet centre is giving one lucky winner £200 of vouchers to help with the Christmas shopping. Whether it’s a gift for a loved one or a treat for you, you can have it all at Dalton Park this Christmas with fantastic seasonal savings of up to 50 per cent off all your favourite brands. Pick up tasty chocolates from Cadbury and Thornton’s, socks and shirts from Jeff Banks and Moss, perfume and aftershaves from The Fragrance Shop, plus high-street favourites M&S Outlet, Gap Outlet and Next Clearance. With free parking and late night shopping until 8pm weekdays in December (up to 23 Dec).

For the chance to win, name a store at Dalton Park where you can pick up chocolate treats. ............................................................................... Name ...............................................................

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

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

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

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

See page 2 for entry details.

Scams, fakes and winter crime

Tick to receive updates from Dalton Park q

Keep well this winter With winter on its way, there are lots of things you can do to help you and your family keep warm and well during cold weather.

Keep your home warm

Stay healthy

4 Try to keep the temperature above 18C (64F) in your bedroom overnight. You can also use a hot-water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same time) to keep warm in bed.

4 Eat well - make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly.

4 Heat your main living room to around 18-21C (64-70F) and the rest of the house to at least 16C (61F) during the day.

4 Draw curtains at dusk and keep your doors closed to block out draughts. 4 Check if you qualify for a grant to have insulation fitted and are on the right energy tariff.

4 Have a supply of prescription drugs and other medicine your local pharmacy may be able to arrange delivery.

4 Keep moving. Any activity will help keep you warm. For more ideas to stay healthy this winter, visit www.nhs.uk/staywell

Knock next door - be a good neighbour

4 Please check older neighbours or relatives are safe and well. Make sure they’re warm enough and have stocks of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out during very cold weather.

If you’re worried about a relative or elderly neighbour, ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 169 6565.

Don’t forget your flu jab

4 Don’t put off getting the flu vaccination; if you’re eligible get it now. It’s free because you need it. The flu vaccine is recommended for:

• All pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy). • Anyone over 65.

• Those in long-stay residential care homes.

• Healthy children aged 2, 3 and 4 years and school years 1 and 2 (ages 5-7 years) via a nasal spray.

• Anyone over six months old with a lowered immune system due to disease, or a long-term health problem such as diabetes, a chest problem or breathing difficulties, a heart problem, kidney or liver disease, a problem with the spleen or if the spleen has been removed, or a neurological condition. • If you live with someone who has a lowered immune system, you may also be eligible for a free vaccination.

Health and wellbeing

Connecting young people to Chapman Brown Photography

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is one of the most exciting and rapidly expanding fields of work today. Across the county, education-providers and businesses are making valuable connections. This will give young people skills, knowledge and passion for successful careers in STEM and give businesses a skilled workforce for the Did you know? future.

Manufacturing, engineering and technology is a major part of County Durham’s economy and accounts for 20 per cent of the county’s business revenue.

NETPark’s university challenge

The innovative businesses based at NETPark, Sedgefield have nearly 160 active collaborations with universities. There’s an average of seven collaborations per company, including 10 with Cambridge, seven with Manchester and 22 with Durham. Simon Goon, managing director of Business Durham said: “NETPark is translating first-class research into products that have real social impact.”

Engineering great futures

From setting up a video conference with a NASA astronaut to organising a murder mystery drama, there’s no such thing as a typical working day for Catherine n ow Br Purvis-Mawson. an phy pm gra a C h h oto P

Catherine’s role is to promote science, technology, engineering and maths roles to the pupils at Framwellgate School in Durham. 12

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

She’s just one of a handful of people in the UK employed solely to lift the science, technology, engineering and mathematics aspirations of young people.

She also sets up innovative projects to develop pupils’ enterprise skills, such as decision making, problem solving and strategic thinking. One project was a whodunit where only solving the maths problems could help you solve the crime.

Other STEM initiatives in school include science busking - inspiring short science demonstrations, and the popular internship scheme that links students with businesses.

“I set up a Skyping session with a NASA astronaut called Dr Thomas Marshburn, a physician on the International Space Station. More than 150 watched the session and around 20 pupils got to ask questions. It shows young people the opportunities within STEM and raises their aspirations,” Catherine said.

Read more about Catherine’s work at www.worksmanagement.co.uk

GREAT FUTURES

STEM events for North Durham

Projects to support young people into the STEM sector are being developed in the north of the county. Derwent Valley, Mid Durham and Stanley Area Action Partnerships are to support and work with local schools, colleges, universities and businesses to develop inspiring STEM events for young people, starting later this year.

The science, technology, engineering and maths events will be designed to show young people the exciting opportunities in this field and give them the skills and experience to compete for jobs. Rosemary Morris, Chair of Employment, Education and Training Task Group for Derwent Valley AAP said: “The north of the county has many local businesses linked to these skill areas and we’re keen to see our young people introduced to the wide variety of exciting local work opportunities.”

Taking the STEM challenge

From robotics to vehicle building to creating police-style E-FITs, no challenge was too tricky for a group of talented youngsters from County Durham. They took part in the County Durham Gifted and Talented Science and Technology Challenge Day at New College Durham in the summer. The event was designed to inspire year 8/9 pupils with a passion for STEM subjects.

Building futures

Work started this autumn to build the new University Technical College South Durham in Newton Aycliffe.

The £10m UTC South Durham will focus on teaching STEM subjects and advanced manufacturing to young people age 14-19, with students gaining general and technical qualifications in a business-like learning environment.

Founding members Hitachi Rail Europe, Gestamp Tallent and the University of Sunderland met with the new school’s Principal Designate and local supporters to officially mark the start on site

Tom Dower, Principal Designate, said: “UTC South Durham will specialise in advanced manufacturing and engineering, sectors vital to the future of the region and ones where we have marked skills gaps.” The school will open next September. www.utcsouthdurham.org

Did you know? Over 1,700 young people have taken part in Future Business Magnates (FBM) - Business Durham’s schools enterprise competition. The 2016 competition was launched on 5 November. The 2014 FBM winners Belmont Community School developed an app to prevent cyber bullying - which they’ve since sold to google. Who can tell what the next generation of FBM entrepreneurs will do?

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

this Christmas 30 per cent more waste is produced at Christmas and much of it can be recycled, so please ‘bin it right’.

Don’t bag items in your recycling bin and box as we need to see the contents. Wash and squash to remove food waste and save space.

In your blue-lidded recycling bin

Paper and magazines including plain wrapping paper with sticky tape or bows/tags removed, plain cards, envelopes, cardboard packaging, drink cartons, aerosols, drink cans and food tins including sweet and biscuit tins, foil, all plastic bottles, yoghurt pots and plastic margarine, butter and ice cream tubs.

In your recycling box

Glass bottles and jars. No lids.

Extra recycling can be placed in clear plastic bags next to your recycling bin. Please do not place any recycling in black bags. Always keep glass separate. Please don’t leave large cardboard boxes loose next to your bin as they cannot be collected for recycling if wet. Household waste recycling centres accept large

flat-packed cardboard and hard plastics such as toys. www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc

In your rubbish bin

Items that can’t be recycled. Foil wrapping paper, paper with sticky tape, tags and bows, cards with glitter, foil and bows, plastic packaging e.g. from toys, polystyrene, bubble wrap, plastic wrapping and film, ribbon, wire/ties from toys, nets from fruit and veg and leftover food waste. Other items include black plastic food trays, black plastic bags, nappies, used kitchen roll and pet waste.

www.durham.gov.uk/whatgoeswhere

Garden waste collections

The garden waste collection service will resume next spring. Information about the service, including subscription details, will be available later this year. If you subscribed to the service for three years you’ll receive your bin sticker and calendar for 2016 collections in the new year. www.durham.gov.uk/gardenwaste 14

Green living

Real Christmas tree collections If you’d like your real Christmas tree collected free of charge, contact us on 03000 26 1000 before Friday 8 January 2016. Or take your Christmas tree to a household waste recycling centre (all sites closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).

www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc

Christmas and New Year bin collections Bins will be emptied as normal up to and including Thursday 24 December.

Over Christmas and New Year, the following changes will apply: Normal collection days

Revised collection days Christmas

New Year

Tuesday

Collection as normal 22 December

Collection as normal 29 December

Wednesday

Collection as normal 23 December

Collection as normal 30 December

Thursday

Collection as normal 24 December

Collection as normal 31 December

Friday

Bank Holiday Monday 28 December

Monday 4 January 2016

(where applicable):

Normal collections will resume from Tuesday 5 January 2016. Check your normal collection day by entering your house number and postcode into the ‘My Durham’ section at www.durham.gov.uk

There will be no bulky collections between Monday 21 December and Monday 4 January 2016.

NEWS

New rules for landlords

Are you pest protected?

New rules around smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are now in place for landlords of private rented properties.

With the cold and damp weather setting in, rats and mice may be looking for somewhere warm for the winter. We can clear them from your house for a one oﬀ payment of £40. Call 03000 26 1000. www.durham.gov.uk/pestcontrol

All private rented properties must have at least one smoke alarm installed on every storey used as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room where a solid fuel appliance is used. Landlords in breach of this could receive a fixed penalty notice and fine if the work isn’t carried out. Tenants with concerns can call 03000 261 016.

Warm Homes Discount Scheme

Look out for a letter from your energy provider. It might save you £140.

Between now and January 2016, if you’re eligible, your energy provider will write to tell you about the government’s Warm Homes Discount Scheme. This gives you a £140 discount off your electricity bill.

Headstone testing

People who get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (even if they get Savings Credit as well) are automatically eligible. Some other vulnerable people may also be able to apply.

To Let

If you haven’t received your letter by January, call 0345 603 9439 or visit www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme/eligibility

We’re carrying out ongoing memorial headstone inspections to make sure our cemeteries or closed churchyards are safe. Call 03000 265 609. www.durham.gov.uk/headstonetesting

Your first choice for housing in County Durham

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0800 083 0333

Cestria Housing

Derwentside Homes

0191 385 1900

01207 521 100

Durham City Homes

0800 068 0013

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0800 587 4538

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01833 694 400

www.durhamkeyoptions.co.uk Derwentside Homes

News

CENTRAL and EAST Durham

Down to the FINAL

More on offer in Peterlee

A community can enjoy more activities thanks to funding for renovations. Peter Lee Memorial Methodist Church received £12,500 to restore the main hall and toilets, which are part of the community rooms. The funding was provided by local councillors via East Durham Area Action Partnership.

Call in Thursdays 9am-12noon to find out about the activities on offer.

Tackling food poverty

A new fund aimed at tackling food poverty in East Durham has launched.

Well done!

East Durham Rural Corridor AAP has received Investing in Children Membership for work engaging children and young people.

The Access to Food in the Community Fund, launched by The East Durham Area Action Partnership, supports groups providing vital healthy eating services. Lunch clubs, breakfast clubs and community cafes can apply for funding to set up new clubs or improve existing ones by replacing kitchen equipment.

03000 262 054, email eastdurhamaap@durham.gov.uk

A community centre in East Durham, which was successfully taken over by volunteers, is in the running for a £5,000 prize in a national competition.

The management of Macrae House, in Murton, was transferred by Durham County Council to community volunteers as part of our asset transfer programme in 2013. The move enabled the centre’s management committee to increase the number of people using the building - from six to 150 each week - by ensuring the activities on offer were what people wanted.

Macrae House is one of six projects in the country to reach the final of the Carnegie UK Trust’s Enabling State challenge and in doing so has already won £5,000. They find out on 25 November if they’re the overall winners.

Lottery cash windfall

A village’s dream of a new community centre has been made a reality, thanks to a huge cash windfall. The Hamsteel Estate in Esh Winning received a £483,348 grant from the Lottery’s ‘Reaching Communities’ fund to rebuild their community centre. It is the only project in County Durham to receive funding from this Lottery scheme. Further funding came from the Mid Durham Area Action Partnership, local councillors, County Durham Community Foundation and Cornsay Parish Council.

Pelaw Wood landslip restoration project

Work is under way to restore an area of Pelaw Wood following a landslip. There are a number of path and road closures, however, the public will still be able to gain access during these essential repair works, which are due to run until spring/summer 2016. For more information visit www.durham.gov.uk/pelawwoodlandslip

Central and East Durham News

SIX

One stop charity shop

Brother and sister act A brother and sister have joined forces to keep children safe on one of the busiest school crossing patrol points in the county, Neville’s Cross Bank in Durham. Siblings Peter and Lisa Hope are our only sibling lollipop patrol duo.

Durham Student Assured Housing Scheme

A new scheme has been launched that will help students in Durham City find their next rented home. The Durham Student Assured Housing Scheme aims to improve the quality of private student accommodation by introducing a voluntary code for private landlords. The scheme, which has been recommended by Durham Students’ Union and is supported by Durham University, will initially run for three years until 2018. www.durham.gov.uk/studenthousing

Durham Dyslexia Support Group

Durham City air quality consultation

In some areas of Durham City, levels of air quality pollutant have exceeded the national air quality standard.

The source of this pollution (nitrogen dioxide) is from vehicle exhaust emissions and these areas have been declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). Air pollution occurs in many towns and cities, in fact more than 600 AQMAs have been declared across the UK.

Opening of Dementia Centre of Excellence Our Chairman Cllr Jan Blakey opened the Dementia Centre of Excellence, based in the Robin Todd Centre, in South Hetton. The project was supported by the East Durham Area Action Partnership.

The Cards for Good Causes pop-up shop has returned to Alington House, 4 North Bailey, Durham. Support your favourite charities all under one roof. Open 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday until 16 December. www.cardsforcharity.co.uk

An Air Quality Action Plan has now been developed to improve the air quality across the city. We’d like your views on the proposed actions before they are finalised. Visit www.durham.gov.uk/ consultation and complete the survey by Monday 14 December.

A new group has been set up to help and support children, parents and adults with dyslexia. Email them at durhamdyslexic@gmail.com

Music Courses in Durham

An Absolute Beginner Ukulele Group for adults (Tuesdays 67.15pm) and an Improver Guitar Group (Tuesdays 4-5.30pm) starts this January at Antioch House, Durham. They run for 10 weeks from 12 January for £54. Call 07939 166 806 or visit www.facebook.com/ durhamcityukegroup

Hug in a bag

A charity for women recovering from breast cancer is bringing its support to University Hospital North Durham. Hug in a bag was set up by three North East women who met in hospital following their treatment for breast cancer. Working with local Macmillan breast care nurses, they’ll be giving out thoughtful but useful gifts to ladies. www.huginabag.com

Central and East Durham News

NORTH Durham slow to 20 for safer streets

Can you dig it?

Green-fingered residents are being encouraged to grow delicious fruit, vegetables and herbs for their community. Derwent Valley Area Action Partnership has teamed up with Durham Community Action on the Growing Durham project to make it easier for people to get their hands on fresh produce. Community growing schemes can be anything from a group getting together to plant fruit trees on public land for anyone to pick, to a person setting up raised beds for families or older people, or even starting a social enterprise. The options are endless. Growing Durham can help you find growing spaces and support you with ideas, funding, networking and advice. Durham Community Action would love to hear your ideas about this Food Durham (part of the County Durham Food Partnership) project, contact 01388 742 054.

Seating revamp for Stanley theatre

If you’re heading to the Alun Armstrong Theatre in Stanley Civic Hall this Christmas be prepared for an even better experience than usual. You can now sit back and relax on the new auditorium seats, which have replaced the old 1960’s ones. The modern seating area got the seal of approval from the theatre’s namesake, stage and screen actor Alun, who tried it out on a recent visit.

Motorists will soon be driving slower on roads near schools.

Streets around 33 County Durham schools have been identified as having child accident rates of twice the county average. To make our roads safer, the Slow to 20 campaign is introducing 20mph speed limits in these areas over the next few years.

The first school to see the slower driving restriction put in place is St Cuthbert’s RCVA Primary School in Chester-le-Street. www.durham.gov.uk/slowto20

Christmas in Consett Friday 4 December Middle Street, Consett, 4pm-6pm

Enjoy some cracking entertainment in Consett this Christmas.

From balloon modelling and snowflake stilt walkers to carol signing and Santa, it promises to be an unforgettable evening of free festive fun, leading up to the lights switch on at 6pm.

For some added merriment, there’s a Christmas Jumper competition. Wrap up in your favourite festive sweater to be in with a chance of winning a family ticket to Jack and the Beanstalk at the Empire Theatre. Contact the Derwent Valley Area Action Partnership team for more details on 03000 260 723 or dvaap@durham.gov.uk

Are you looking after someone else’s child? This may be Private Fostering. For more information and support visit, www.durham.gov.uk/privatefostering 03000 26 79 79

North Durham News

SOUTH and WEST Durham

Centenary celebrations

The Women’s Institute (WI) has brought communities together for 100 years. Dedicated members of the WI kept this community spirit ﬁrmly in place as ﬁve local groups teamed up to celebrate this centenary year.

It’s raining team spirit

Knowing what to do in a severe weather emergency is a breeze for one group of young people. Shildon’s St John’s Church Youth Group, ‘Teen Spirit’, took part in the UK’s first Rainworks project to find out exactly what to do in planning for and during an emergency, such as using sandbags to protect the home from floods.

The group also got creative, stencilling ‘Today’s Weather: Rain’ in waterproof spray on the pavement outside the Shildon Alive Hub, Church Street, which will appear when it rains.

Community groups interested in Rainworks should contact 03000 264 264 or email ccuenquiries@durhamdarlingtonccu.gov.uk

Save energy, earn rewards

Help save energy and gain rewards for your community at the same time.

Northern Powergrid is looking for Weardale groups, clubs and good causes to get involved in the Activating Community Engagement project and make small changes to how and when they use electricity.

Weardale Action Partnership provides support and funding to the groups.

In return, those taking part have the chance to win money for a community group, such as a sports club or local charity.

Visit www.npg-ace.com and register at the GenGame website.

Support for YOUNG CARERS More young carers will get the help they need thanks to funding secured for a part time counsellor.

Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership (BASH) has been working with Family Action - The Bridge Young Carers Service to improve support for children and young people with caring responsibilities in the local area. For more information, contact 0191 383 252o or www.durham.gov.uk/youngcarers AAP Coordinator Andrew Walker with members of the Family Action, Bridge Young Carers team.

Following tradition, women from Weardale, Wolsingham, Frosterley, Stanhope, Westgate and St John’s Chapel institutes began the festivities by singing the WI’s anthem Jerusalem. There was also a cake cutting with each institute’s longest serving member taking part.

Pool closures

The swimming pools in Spennymoor and Newton Aycliﬀe leisure centres will be closed for essential maintenance work this winter. Spennymoor from 1 November to 20 December Newton Aycliﬀe from 16 November to 7 February

Please speak to the leisure centre team for more information on how we’re helping you during the closure.

For more information visit www.durham.gov.uk/swimming

South and West Durham News

Health and wellbeing The impact of alcohol on individuals, communities and policing Dealing with the consequences of excessive drinking costs County Durham and Darlington around £212 million each year – and we’re all paying the price. Tackling the harm caused by alcohol is one of the key areas Ron Hogg, Durham's Police and Crime Commissioner, is focusing on in his Police and Crime Plan. With the festive season approaching, he’s reminding communities of the impact of excessive drinking. Alcohol is a factor in a large proportion of crime. For instance, 25 per cent of violent crimes are alcohol-related” said Ron. “It increases demands on the police, causes longer waiting times at A&E, and affects health and relationships.

If you have questions about the impact of alcohol, visit: www.balancenortheast.co.uk Find out more about your PCC at www.durham-pcc.gov.uk or search for Durham PCC on Facebook and Twitter.

“Frontline police officers see the drinking culture, price and availability of alcohol as a root cause of many of the problems they deal with, from domestic violence to shoplifting and drink driving. I encourage you to be aware of your limits over the festive season, drink responsibly and make arrangements to get home safely.

Just Beat it!

Just Beat It! is a very successful support programme that helps people to reduce their future risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Crawl, butterfly, breast stroke. Fast lanes or simply splash about. YOU choose your style and now YOU choose your pool.

With our multi-site swimming membership, you get 12 months swimming at all six of our leisure centres with pools. Check out our new range of memberships with both contract and non-contract options.*

New

Membership

www.durham.gov.uk/leisurecentrememberships

*All memberships detailed are for age 16 years and above.

Health and wellbeing

Other beneﬁts include weight loss, a healthier diet, and being more active.

Find out more at www.impact.cdd.nhs.uk/IMPACT/ including which pharmacies can help you to assess your future risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and then support you to register for Just Beat It!.

Free classes

Free maths and English classes are running in your area now.

Courses range from entry level up to the equivalent of a GCSE. Courses are also available in Information and Communication Technology, Teaching Assistant Qualifications, Employability Skills, Community Learning, Family Learning and more.

03000 266 115 www.durham.gov.uk/adultlearning

Children and young people Are you a dad or male carer looking after a child aged five or under?

Male role-models play a crucial role in a child’s life. So our children’s centres are there to help you make the most of your time together.

Their range of services, many of which are free, includes:

Play sessions, trips and activities.

Parenting programmes, support and advice.

Training courses to improve your English, Maths, ICT, cookery, first aid, and managing money. Book and toy loan schemes, sensory rooms and equipment.

free play and learn for two and three year olds

Your two or three year old may be entitled to up to 15 hours of free childcare a week during term time, or 11 hours a week, 50 weeks a year at a local nursery, playgroup, or with a childminder.

Groups and events specifically for male carers.

Find out more at 03000 261 111 or visit www.durham.gov.uk/ childrenscentres

To be eligible, they must live with a parent who receives certain benefits; or be looked after by their local authority; or have left care through special guardianship or an adoption or residence order.

Alternatively they must have a current statement of special education needs or an Education, Health and Care plan or receive Disability Living Allowance.

Check if you are entitled at www.durham.gov.uk/earlyyears, pick up an application form from your local children’s centre, or call 03000 268 913.

Volunteering Becoming a children’s centre volunteer is a great way to learn new skills and gain experience in a working environment. Contact 03000 261 111.

Starting School

Will your child be 5 on or between 1 September 2016 and 31 August 2017?

If so, you need to complete an application to tell us which school you would like your child to attend from September 2016 by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/schooladmissions You will still need to apply even if your child already has a sibling at the school.

The application process also includes applying for a place in a junior school for an older child.

The deadline for application is midnight on 15 January 2016.

03000 265 896

Children and young people

A CREATIVE CORNER Studio6 Fowlers Yard, with its wooden shutters and swinging signs, was once used for stabling and warehouses. Now it’s a creative hub, owned by Durham County Council and rented to local artists and craftspeople.

Working from her studio overlooking the Wear, she illustrates science and health books and produces local sketches which are displayed downstairs.

I worked in London but my heart was telling me to return to Durham and when I found this space it was perfect, so quirky.

7 6 5 City Theatre

to Market Place

Coffee House

ver Stre et Bac

k Sil

River

Wander into The Woolly Workshop and you’re likely to find Alyson spinning yarn or running workshops.

Fashion and textile designer Alyson Mason opened the shop 18 months ago to coincide with a rising interest in knitting. Alyson’s needle-felted art workshops and alternative knitting workshops are proving very popular.

to Durham Market, Clements Wharf & Walkergate

People are rediscovering knitting as a way to relax and create something unique, Alyson said.

Cottage2

Utterly one-off, that’s what you can expect at Paintbox Furniture. Because the owner Michael Austin never creates two pieces of furniture the same.

Michael’s passion is for 3 ‘ 0s and ‘40s furniture that needs love and vision to bring it back to life.

Michael uses a range of skills to update the pieces, include painting, upholstery, decoupage and stencilling.

I love getting the best out of the piece of furniture, and then I wait for the right owner to turn up. There will always be someone who says ‘that’s just what I’m looking for’. A creative corner

Cottage1

rd Fowlers Ya

How do you find this hidden gem? The old steps next to Superdry, the back doors of the Market Hall, or the steps next to Milburngate Bridge all take you there. www.fowlersyard.com

The workings of the human body and the beauty of art aren’t the most obvious bedfellows, but Juliet Percival combines them with great beauty.

Silver Street

Seconds from the bustle of Durham City’s Market Place is a haven of quiet creativity.

Cottage1

Cottage2

a Fowlers Yard goody bag, packed with treats from the Fowlers Yard folk To enter, tell us in which city you’ll find Fowlers Yard. ....................................................................................

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

Postcode

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Email ......................................................................... See page 2 for entry details.

Studio7

Hill Island Brewery has been making beer at Fowlers Yard for the past 10 years. Find out more at www.facebook.com/hillislandbrewery

Studio5

From advertising and commercial work to weddings, family portraits and creative studio photography, Steven Landles captures it all through his lens.

Studio4

Learn the practical and creative skills behind the art of photography at one of Steven’s beginner, intermediate or advanced one-day courses (£75, lunch included).

The people, streets and landscapes of the North East inspire this artist to create artworks with humour and passion.

Photography has changed lots in the 12 years since I’ve been based at Fowlers Yard. What hasn’t changed, however, is my love of preserving special moments in time.

Studio3

Just one of four Royal School of Needlework satellite teaching centres in the UK can be found at Fowlers Yard.

At Chrissie Morgan’s eclectic studio you can watch how she produces her intricate woven tapestries, commissioned portraits and landscapes in pastels, acrylic and oils.

Chrissie said, Durham is a wonderful place to live, work and paint.

Paintings, tapestries, portrait vouchers and greeting cards are for sale in her studio.

Tracy A Franklin trained and worked at the Royal School of Needlework before becoming a Specialist Embroiderer. She’s also head embroiderer for Durham Cathedral. Colourful silks line the shelves, and needlework students can often be found eagerly learning from Tracy. This school allows people in the north to learn with the Royal School of Needlework without having to travel to London, Tracy said.

Studio1

A calm place to create, but easy for clients to get to; that’s what makes Fowlers Yard perfect for jeweller Andrew Ashcroft.

Andrew, owner of The Croft Workshops, specialises in designing and creating individual jewellery. Most of Andrew’s work is commissioned but a range of contemporary jewellery is on display for passers-by.

Andrew said: It’s great to design jewellery with a client; bring it to life in my workshop, and know they’ll always treasure it.

Studio2

Atmospheric etchings capturing shadows and light give way to the hustle and bustle of Anja Percival’s printmaking workspace behind.

She draws on to copper sheets using wax, then uses acid to roughen up the remaining exposed areas, creating surfaces to which ink can grip; so the images can later be transferred to paper in a printing press. Anja said: Once people have found Fowlers Yard they tend to come back. It’s a lovely place to be.

MORE OVER THE PAGE...

A creative corner

A CREATIVE CORNER

Shop local this Christmas

City Theatre

The best things come in small packages, and that certainly applies to the City Theatre. With just 72 seats, the intimate space is home to Durham Dramatic Society, which performs five plays each year. The theatre may be small but the productions are larger than life. Thanks, in part, to the wonderful costumes. While some are vintage finds, members of the group often turn to their dressmaking talents to create elaborate outfits from all kinds of items, curtains included.

Leonard’s Coffee House

Ashley Jordan swapped a career in banking for her passion for baking when she opened Leonard’s Coffee House.

This friendly stop-off serves a delicious range of savoury foods and a mouthwatering selection of cakes and biscuits.

Ashley said: The street is magical in winter. We hang lots of fairy lights, and it’s lovely to sit in the cosy café when it’s cold and dark outside.

Christmas at Auckland Castle

Looking for unique local gifts this Christmas? Try these other hubs where a range of local artists and craftspeople display their work. Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope. www.durhamdalescentre.co.uk The NeST Gallery, Barnard Castle http://barnardcastlenest.blogspot. co.uk/ Crushed Chilli, Durham www.crushedchilli.co.uk East Durham Artists’ Network, Art Block, Seaham www.edan.org.uk The Glass and Art Gallery, Consett 01207 583 353

Keeper’s, Dipton www.keeperscafe.co.uk Pod, Bishop Auckland, www.facebook.com/bishoppod Middleton Crafts, Middleton-InTeesdale. 07776 144 897 The Art Shop and Kemble Gallery, Durham www.theartshopandkemblegallery.com

Outdoor Skating Rink Friday 20 November 2015 - Sunday 3 January 2016, 11am-7pm Adults £6 Children £4 Booking advised, call 01388 743 797

Christmas Market Friday 20 November 2015, 2pm-8pm Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 November 2015, 10am-4pm Free entry

Christmas Wreath Making with Afternoon Tea Sunday 29 November 2015, 2pm-5pm £35 including materials Booking required, call 01388 743 797

Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas Thursday 24 December 2015, 1pm-3pm Adults £20, Under 16’s £15 includes a gift for every child and mulled wine for adults. Booking required, call 01388 743 750 Please see our website for full range of Christmas themed workshops and events.

Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL14 7NR 01388 743 750 | aucklandcastle.org

A creative corner

Curtains rise on

panto season

It’s that time of year again, oh no it isn’t, oh yes it is!

Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 November Sleeping Beauty Alun Armstrong Theatre, Stanley Civic Hall Astravaganza Entertainment present this dazzling production. Nightly at 7.15pm, Sat 2.15pm. A £12, Con £11, C £10, Tuesday - £10. 01207 299 110, www.ticketsource.co.uk/astraents

Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 January Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates Park View Theatre, Chester-le-Street Dryburn Theatrical Workshop brings you adventure, laughs and swashbuckling pirates. Evenings 7.15pm, Sat/Sun 2.30pm. 0191 388 3362, www.dryburntheatricalworkshop.ticketsource.co.uk

Thursday 26 November to Sunday 3 January Cinderella Gala Theatre, Durham Enchanting rags-to-riches story of Cinderella. With ball gowns, glass slippers and surprises, will it be a fairytale ending? Mayhem, magic and live music. Times vary. £8 -£16.50. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk

Monday 18 to Saturday 23 January Beauty and the Beast Empire Theatre, Consett CBS Theatre Group presents this fun-filled, beloved fairytale. 7.15pm, Saturday 2pm. A £7, C £5, Con £6. Monday only - 2 for £10. 01207 218 171.

Saturday 28 November to Tuesday 1 December Beauty and the Beast Bishop Auckland Town Hall Presented by Fame Factory Spotlight, The Evil Witch casts a dastardly spell on the handsome prince. Will beautiful Belladonna see the real man? Times vary. £8/Con £6. 03000 269 524. Friday 4 to Thursday 31 December Jack & The Beanstalk Empire Theatre & Cinema, Consett Visit the enchanting woodland village of 'Upton Funk' for magic, hilarious characters and sparkling costumes. A £15, Con £13. 01207 218 171, www.leisureworks.net Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 December Beauty and the Beast Park View Theatre, Chester-le-Street Riverside Musical Theatre Company presents this magical story. 7.15pm plus Sat 2.30pm. £10. F £32. 0191 385 7500, www.ticketsource.co.uk/rmtc

Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 January Disney’s Cinderella pantomime Civic Hall, Shildon Tearaways Youth Theatre Group present this magical, musical pantomime. Thurs-Sat 7.30pm, Sun 2pm. A £5, C/Con £3. 01388 774 838.

Panto prize draw For the chance to win family tickets to these perfect pantos, tell us who climbed the beanstalk. ............................................................................................................

Name Tel

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

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

Address

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

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

Email ................................................................................................ Tick the show you’d prefer: Cinderella at the Gala Theatre Robinson Crusoe at Park View Theatre Jack and the Beanstalk at Empire Theatre Beauty and the Beast at Park View Theatre Beauty and the Beast at Empire Theatre Disney’s Cinderella at Shildon Civic Hall See page 2 for entry details. Return by Friday 27 November.

Panto season

WHAT’S ON November to February A roly-poly couldn’t be more jam-packed than this - our biggest ever winter what’s on.

Saturday 21 November Durham Singers Durham Cathedral Performance of Haydn’s oratorio ‘The Creation’. 7.30pm. £20/£14. www.durham-singers.org

Thursday 19 November Haswell switch on Hazelwell Centre, Windsor Terrace Carols from the Salvation Army, mince pies and mulled wine. 5.30pm. Until 10 January The Tree, The Caterpillar and the Butterfly DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery An enchanting interactive garden. Family friendly exhibition. 03000 266 590. Until Thursday 24 December Christmas at Beamish Beamish Museum Visit Father Christmas in his fireside grotto (extra charge applies) and meet his reindeer. www.beamish.org.uk Until Saturday 28 November Exhibition: ‘Wool and Wood’ by edan artists The Art Block, Church Street, Seaham Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-3pm. Free. 0191 649 9431, Facebook: East-DurhamArtists-Network Until 11 April Plots and Spangles Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland Uncover the remarkable story of Mistress Helena Wintour and the notorious Gunpowder Plot. A £6, Under 16s free. 01388 743 797.

Friday 20 November Bishop Auckland Christmas Spectacular Market Place Schools parade, entertainment, street food and special guest. 4.30pm-6pm. www.bishopauckland-tc.gov.uk

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November Sunday 27 and Monday 28 December Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February Toy and Train Fairs Locomotion, The National Railway Museum at Shildon New and collectable toys and trains. 10am-4pm. Free. 01388 745 376. Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November Mighty Wurlitzer The New Victoria Centre, Howden-le-Wear Enjoy ‘The Good Old Days’ with Kevin Grunhill on Saturday at 7pm. Kevin also performs Sunday 2.30pm. £7. 01388 762 467.

What’s on

Saturday 21 November St Cuthbert’s Hospice Christmas Fair Ushaw College, near Ushaw Moor Lots of craft and fundraising stalls, plus a special visit with Santa. 11am-2pm. Admission by donation. 0191 386 1170 ext. 5. Sunday 22 November Christmas Fair Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope Specialist shops, art, craft and produce stalls. 10am-4pm. 01388 527 650. Wednesday 25 November Winter Wonderland Greenfield Arts Centre, Newton Aycliffe Stalls, music and dance, and vote on GAMP local priorities. 5.30-8pm. Free. Wednesday 25 November Snow Child The Witham, Barnard Castle A lonely couple build a snow child and their longing brings her to life. 5pm. A £8, C £6, F £25. 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk Friday 27 November Lanchester Flower Club Open Meeting Lanchester Community Centre John Dalton presents ‘Holly and the Ivy’. 7pm. £7. 01207 503 667. date Save the

Sunday 22 November Durham Christmas Lights Switch On www.durhambid.co.uk

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

Friday 27 November Ferryhill Christmas Fayre Events from 2pm-6pm. Show rides on the town centre car park and craft fayre at St Luke’s Parish Centre. Candlelit procession 4pm, switch on 4.30pm. 01740 652 157. Friday 27 November Spennymoor Lights Switch On Spennymoor Town Centre Switch on 4pm. With Star Radio, free children’s rides, music and visit from Santa. Saturday 28 November Sedgefield Snow Party Venues throughout Sedgefield Santa Claus in The Parish Hall 12.30pm3pm, Christmas crafts & coffee in Ceddesfeld Hall 1pm-4pm. Village green from 4.15pm - snowman parade and lights switch on. Disco and carol singing in St Edmunds. www.sedgefield.net Saturday 28 November Eastgate Village Christmas Lights Children’s Christmas party, lantern parade, carol singing and fireworks, with introduction by author Amanda Owen. Saturday 28 November Bishop Auckland Community Festive Fair Bishop Auckland College Crafts, food, gifts and children’s activities. Meet Father Christmas and see performances from the Frozen Sisters and Spiderman. Visit the Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP forum event and have your say on community issues and priorities. 10am-2.30pm. Free. 01388 662 666. Saturday 28 November Switching on the Christmas Tree Lights Hawthorn Village Green With Santa and carols. 5pm. Saturday 28 November Christmas Fair Pittington Village Hall Santa’s grotto and stalls. 10am-1pm. www.pittingtonvillagehall.org.uk

Saturday 28 November to Sunday 24 April Robert Mapplethorpe The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle The work of renowned American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. 01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Saturday 28 November Christmas Lights Switch On Middleton-in-Teesdale Coffee morning from 10am. Carol singing with Middleton and Teesdale Silver Band from 3pm and a visit from Father Christmas. Switch on 4pm. Saturday 28 November Monthly 50-50 Modern and Old Tyme Dance Castleside Village Hall, Consett Music by accordion duo Bill & John. 8pm-11.30pm. £5. 01207 509 253. Saturday 28 November Funny Way to Be Comedy Club: James Acaster: Represent The Witham, Barnard Castle James Acaster’s only North East date on his UK tour. 8pm. A £14, Con £12. www.funnywaytobe.com Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November Christmas Crafts Fair Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon 10am-4pm. Free. 01388 771 439. Sunday 29 November Gala Big Band Durham Town Hall The 35-strong Gala Big Band performs classics from Count Basie, Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington. 7pm-10pm. A £6, Con £5. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk

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

Sunday 29 November Taste of Teesdale Christmas Market Raby Castle The best regional food and drink ideas. 10am-4pm. www.rabycastle.com Sunday 29 November Friends of Langley Moor Lights Switch On High Street North With choirs from St Patrick’s and Langley Moor Primary schools 4.30pm. Switch on 5pm. www.friendsoflangleymoor.co.uk Monday 30 November Sacriston Christmas Extravaganza Fulforth Centre & Village Square Live entertainment and lights switch-on. 4pm-7pm. 0191 371 0601. Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 December Miracle on 34th Street - The Musical The Alun Armstrong Theatre, Civic Hall, Stanley South Moor Musical Theatre Group presents this Christmas classic. £10 all tickets on Tuesday. Con £10, A £12, F £36. 01207 299 110.

a family ticket to see Miracle on 34th Street at the Alun Armstrong Theatre in Stanley. Just tell us in which city you’ll find this famous 34th street. .............................................................................

Name Tel

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See page 2 for entry details.

What’s on

Elf’s

WHAT’S ON

Christmas Toys

Tuesday 1 to Friday 18 December Christmas Art Sale - Original work by edan artists The Art Block, 74 Church Street, Seaham Special Christmas sale day on 12 December with craft and charity items. Free. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11am3pm. 0191 649 9431. Wednesday 2 December Jeremiah Dixon: Artist, Scientist, and Adventurer Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland Jonathan Peacock explores the legacy of local figure, Jeremiah Dixon. 6.30pm. £6. 01388 743 797. Wednesdays 2 December Shotton Colliery Christmas Tree Lights Switch On Village green next to Ashbrooke Estate 6pm. Carols, tree blessing and refreshments in the Salvation Army Hall. Wednesday 2 December Murton Annual Christmas Tree Lights Switch On Murton Village Green Switch on at 6pm with music, refreshments and surprise guest. Also Christmas Party at Glebe Centre Sunday 13 December 1pm. Senior Citizens Christmas party Tuesday 15 December 1pm-4pm. 0191 520 8650. Thursday 3 December Durham Flower Club Christmas Lunch Bowburn Hall Hotel 12noon. £18. 0191 383 0577. Friday 4 December Christmas Lights Switch On Trimdon Village Green Music from Trimdon Concert Brass Band. 6pm-7.30pm. Free kid’s rides and refreshments for adults. Friday 4 December Christmas Lights Switch On Barnard Castle, Lower Galgate/ Scar Top Carols from 5pm. Fireworks from 6pm. Santa welcomes young visitors to his grotto. Entertainment in the Methodist Church Hall. 5pm-8pm. www.barnardcastletowncouncil.gov.uk

What’s on

Friday 4 December Concert & Ceilidh The Witham, Barnard Castle Tynedale’s 422 Ceilidh Band are previous winners of the BBC Young Folk Award. Cream Tees play a lively opening set. 7.30pm. A £8, Con £6. 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk Friday 4 December Seaham Town Council Christmas Lights Switch On Terrace Green, Byron Place and Church Street 6pm-7.30pm. Free. 0191 581 8034. Friday 4 December Esh Winning Christmas Tree Lights Switch On Rev Rosemary Cox leads the carol service and two local schoolchildren perform the switch on. Woodland Road Communal Hall for refreshments afterwards. From 4pm. Friday 4 to Thursday 24 December Elf’s Christmas Toys Gala Theatre, Durham Original music, movement and puppets. For under 5s. £6-£7.50 (F £24-£28) (Under 1s £1). 03000 266 600.

date Save the Durham City Thursday 10 December Live roaming nativity Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 December Traditional Christmas street performers www.durhambid.co.uk

Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December Durham City’s Traditional Christmas Festival Christmas shopping and festive entertainment. Craft and gift marquee on Palace Green with 190 stalls, 30 regional food and drink producers in the Cathedral Cloisters, and an outdoor market in Durham Market Place. Plus carol services in the Cathedral, live music, reindeer and children’s entertainment. The Children’s Lantern procession on Saturday is followed by a service at Durham Cathedral at 4.15pm depicting the story of St Nicholas. £3 Fri, £4 Sat/Sun. www.durhamchristmasfestival.com Saturday 5 December Sherburn Christmas Lights Switch On Village Green With brass band music, food and events in the community centre. From 4pm. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 December Santa’s Grotto Tweddle Children’s Animal Farm, Blackhall Colliery Visit Santa’s workshop, meeting Santa, his elves and animal friends.11am-7pm. C £8.50, A £2.50. 0191 586 3311, www.tweddlefarm.co.uk Sunday 6 December Butterwick Hospice Santa Run Hardwick Country Park, Sedgefield Fun for all the family. 01388 603 003, www.butterwick.org.uk/santarun Sunday 6 December Stanley Christmas Fayre and Lights Switch On Christmas Fayre - Stanley Civic Hall - with real reindeer. 10am-4pm. Lights switch on in Stanley Front Street from 6pm. Sunday 6 and Saturday 12 December Yuletide Evergreen Decorations Hamsterley Forest Make your own decorations. Price varies. 11am-3.30pm. www.natureholiday.co.uk

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

a night of candlelit carols at Durham Cathedral We’ve teamed up with Durham Cathedral to offer three lucky winners a pair of tickets to Christmas with Durham Cathedral Choir. For the chance to win, tell us who composed the Messiah. ... ..........................................................................

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Wednesday 9 December Derwent Valley Flower Club Christmas Tea & Practical Dene Court Communal Room, Hamsterley Visitors welcome. 2pm. £4. Wednesday 9 December Horden Parish Council Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol Service Horden Memorial Park at 6pm.

Thursday 10 December Family Fun - Make and Take Durham Cathedral Education Centre Traditional crafts, cards, carols, tales, cookies and other delights. 4pm-7pm. No need to book. For children 4+. £2.50. Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December Tony Johnson’s All Souled Up Spennymoor Leisure Centre Christmas party night celebrating soul and Motown. Live music, 3 course Christmas Fayre, disco and bar. 6.30pm12.30am. £29.50. 01388 814 632. Saturday 12 December Christmas with Durham Cathedral Choir Durham Cathedral Candlelit concert with carols and seasonal music. The Cathedral Choir is joined by Sir Thomas Allen and the Reg Vardy Band. Enjoy highlights from Handel’s Messiah. 7.30pm. £8 - £25. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk Saturday 12, Sunday 13, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December Santa’s Christmas Special Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon Diesel train ride, magic show, crafts, music and a gift. 10am-4pm. C £10, A £8.50. 01388 771 439, www.locomotionmodels.com

Saturday 12 December Stephen K Amos: The Laughter Master The Witham, Barnard Castle Honest and original material from the funny man. 8pm. £17. www.funnywaytobe.com Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December Mighty Wurlitzer Traditional Christmas Concert The New Victoria Centre, Howden-le-Wear Festive music. 7pm. £7. 01388 762 467.

‘Wurl’ your way into Christmas For the chance to win a pair of tickets to the Mighty Wurlitzer concert on Saturday 12 December finish the title of this carol: ‘Hark the herald .............................................. ’ Name Tel

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a family season ticket to Crook Hall and Gardens See Crook Hall and Gardens with frost on the foliage during the magical winter season. To enter, tell us the name of their snowman friend (see page 7 for a clue.) .....................................................................................................................

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Tick to receive further information from Crook Hall and Gardens:

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

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See page 2 for entry details.

Saturday 12 December All ages, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 15 December For toddlers, 10am-12noon & 1.30pm-3.30pm Family Fun - On a Starry Night Durham Cathedral Education Centre Hear the Christmas story told by a friendly fox and make a decoration. C £2.50. Book on 0191 374 40 70.

What’s on

WHAT’S ON

Sunday 13 December St Cuthbert’s Hospice’s Light Up A Life Durham Cathedral Remember someone special at this poignant service. 7pm. 0191 386 1170 ext.5.

Friday 18 December Bishop Auckland Choral Society Christmas Concert Bishop Auckland Town Hall Carols, solos and audience participation, with St John’s RC School choir. 7.30pm. A £8, Cons £6. 01388 834 359 or at door.

Sunday 13 December A beginner’s guide to winter tree identification Harehope Quarry, Frosterley, Weardale A half day session. 13 years+ and accompanied by an adult. 1pm-4pm. £10. Book on 01388 529 154, www.natureholiday.co.uk

Friday 18 December It’s A Wonderful Life Gala Theatre, Durham Complete with built-in Christmassy warmth, set yourself up for the festive season with the big screen experience of this Jimmy Stewart classic. 7.30pm. £10. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk

Tuesday 15 December A Christmas Celebration with Durham Musical Theatre Company Elvet Methodist Church, Durham A celebratory evening of carols, songs and readings. Refreshments and mince pies served. 7pm, £7. 0191 386 8227. Wednesday 16 December Folk: Jez Lowe - Mistletoe on Tyne Bishop Auckland Town Hall Jez received a double nomination in the 2015 BBC Folk Awards for best singer and best new song. 8pm. A £10, Con £8. 03000 269 524. Thursday 17 December Angels and Trumpets - Voices and Brass Elvet Methodist Church, Durham City Seasonal concert by Belmont Ladies Choir and Pittington Brass. 7.30pm. £5, profits to charity. Friday 18 December Totally Take That Saturday 19 December Tribute to The Drifters Spennymoor Leisure Centre Two brilliant party nights featuring live music, three course Christmas Fayre, disco and late bar. 6.30pm-12.30am. £29.50. 01388 814 632.

What’s on

Saturday 19 December An Evening of Festive Music choir and brass band Elvet Methodist Church, Durham Durham Choral Society Christmas Concert. 7.30pm. www.durhamchoralsociety.org.uk Saturday 19 December Christmas Music and Carols by The Argus Singers. Chester-le-Street Methodist Church 7pm. £6, 07482 749 713. Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December Christmas Market The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle 80 stalls of local food and crafts. Entertainment, winter wonderland grotto and children’s activities. 10am4pm. A £2.50, C free. 01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Wednesday 23 December Carols for Children Durham Cathedral Traditional 30-minute service for families. 2pm. Wednesday 23 December Party Night: Mystified Bishop Auckland Town Hall Dance to an array of brilliant tunes. 7.30pm. £15 (includes hot and cold buffet). 03000 269 524.

Saturday 26 December - Sunday 3 January 2016 Twelfth Night Celebrations Beamish Museum First footing, music and song. (Closed 28 December, 1 & 4 January). www.beamish.org.uk

Tuesday 5 January The Empire Theatre, Consett Saturday 16 January The Witham, Barnard Castle Sunday 31 January Gala Theatre, Durham The Pitmen Poets The songs, humour, and culture of the North East's coal mining tradition. Empire Theatre 01207 218 171, Gala 03000 266 600, The Witham 01833 631 107. From Friday 8 January A Choir! A Voice! Community Choir Gala Theatre, Durham Fridays throughout the day. 12-week term starting 8 January. £8.50/£6.50 term in advance. 0191 447 8130.

date Save the Boxing Day and New Year ’s Day Free entry to the DLI Museum and Art Gallery 10.30am-4pm

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

John Attle

Saturday 9 January The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular Gala Theatre, Durham Sensational show with live orchestra, recalling memories of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. 7.30pm. £21. 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk

Thursday 4 February Durham Flower Club Community Hall, Front St, Sherburn Village AGM followed by Sean Murray - winner of the BBC Great Chelsea Garden Challenge. 1.45pm.

Saturday 9 January She’s Fired The Witham, Barnard Castle Based on the 1880 Seaham Pit Disaster. 8pm. £10 advance, £12 door. 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk

Saturday 6 February National storytelling week Botanic Garden North East author Ingrid Sylvestre tells stories. 11am-3pm. www.durham.ac.uk/whatson

Saturday 9 January Coming Home: Norman Cornish The Bob Abley Gallery, Spennymoor Town Hall An exhibition to celebrate the opening of The Norman Cornish Room. The collection includes works owned by Spennymoor Town Council and The University of Northumbria. Tuesday 12 January to Saturday 27 February Exhibition: Jimmy Kays - Miner artist The Art Block, 74 Church Street, Seaham Drawings and cartoons of East Durham mining life. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-3pm. Free. 0191 649 9431. Friday 22 January Durham Astronomical Society Botanic Garden, Durham Building the Battlesteads Observatory talk. 7.30pm. £2 non-members, members free. Followed by telescope observing if clear. Saturday 30 January Durham Choral Society January Concert Durham Cathedral Showcasing Fauré’s Requiem and Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast. 7.30pm. www.durhamchoralsociety.org.uk

Wednesday 10 February Yet Another Evening with Rick Wakeman Gala Theatre, Durham Hilarious and unlikely anecdotes from his career. 7.30pm. £25. 03000 266 600. Monday 15 to Sunday 21 February Lunar New Year - The Year of the Monkey Oriental Museum Celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year with crafts and activities. 10am-5pm weekdays, 12noon-5pm weekends. www.durham.ac.uk/whatson Tuesday 16 February Family Fun Tours Durham Castle Discover what it has been like to live, work and study in Durham Castle over the past 900 years. 2.15pm. www.durham.ac.uk/whatson Friday 19 February Family Fun Day Durham County Record Office, County Hall Fun activities, including make your own pinhole camera. 9.30am-12.30pm. Free. 03000 267 619.

date Save the

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

Friday 19 and Saturday 20 February ‘Fire and Ice inDurham’ www.durhambid.co.uk

Saturday 20 February How The Koala Learnt To Hug The Empire Theatre, Consett Family musical for children aged 3+. 2pm. A £8, C £7, F £28 (2+2). 01207 218 171, www.leisureworks.net Monday 22 February Lunar New Year Lantern Festival Oriental Museum Late night opening to mark the Lantern Festival. Crafts, stories and gallery hunt. 6pm-8pm. £1. www.durham.ac.uk/whatson Saturday 27 February One and Only Direction Alun Armstrong Theatre, Civic Hall, Stanley Join this One Direction tribute band for a night of music. £10. 01207 299 110, www.civichallstanley.co.uk Saturday 27 February Snooker Legends: Dennis Taylor vs. Steve Davis Spennymoor Leisure Centre Remake of the epic 1985 World Snooker Championship. 7.30pm-11.30pm. £30 (£60 VIP buffet + meet & greet from 6.30pm). 01388 814 632. Friday 11 March Lanchester and District Choral and Amateur Operatic Society All Saints Catholic Church, Lanchester A programme of Sacred Contrasts. 7.15pm. £8. 01207 521 458.

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.

What’s on

Gala Theatre’s Spectacular Family Pantomime

Treat the family book your tickets today!

26 November 2015 - 3 January 2016 Tickets: £8.00 - £16.50 %R[ 2I¿FH 03000 266 600 Book online: www.galadurham.co.uk