DCC Durham County News Winter 2020

Winter 2020

www.durham.gov.uk

Stay well this winter

Investing in frontline services Meet our new neighbourhood wardens and Find and Fix Team Durham History Centre Vision for a vibrant and interactive local history hub becomes a reality

Welcome to the winter edition of Durham County News 2020 really has been a year like no other.

While we look to the future with hope that we may be able to see a return to normality next year, we must keep in mind that for the time being the virus is still with us.

It is essential, therefore, that we take extra care of ourselves, our friends, family and neighbours over the winter months.

Councillor Katie Corrigan, Chairman of the Council

Public health advice regarding social distancing, hand washing and local and national restrictions remain as important as ever, but we also need to make an extra effort to look after our wellbeing. In this edition we have some great suggestions for ways to keep fit and healthy, including some inspiration for winter walking and cycle routes.

This year has been a particularly challenging time for businesses, but we continue to do all we can to support our local shops and services. In this edition, you can find out how we are supporting local traders with our first virtual food and drink festival as well as the investment we are making in order to regenerate our towns and villages – this edition focuses on improvement works in Seaham.

I know many people may choose to do their Christmas shopping on the internet this year – remember that many of our favourite local businesses also have online shops and delivery services and it is essential we support them during these difficult times.

This winter will certainly be very different, but I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.

Cllr Katie Corrigan

Inside...

Pages 4-7 News Pages 12-13 Durham History Centre

Pages 8-9 Economy and jobs

Pages 28-29 Green living

Page 14 Area Action Partnerships Pages 20-21 Looking after your wellbeing

Pages 10-11 Investment in frontline services Page 15 Countdown to Lumiere

If you live in the Durham County Council area and haven’t received a copy of Durham County News at your home address, please contact us.

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

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Pages 16-19 Festive opening, finances, winter travel and health

Page 23 Coronavirus advice

Pages 26-27 Focus on Seaham

Pages 30-31 This is Durham Look out for extra content… You can now view extra content wherever you see this icon by going to www.durham.gov.uk/dcn Durham County News is written and designed by Durham County Council, printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd and distributed by Smart Distribution Services Ltd and Royal Mail. It costs 16p a copy.

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

Vir tual food festival

Virtual food fest A tempting recipe of top tips from celebrity chefs and delicious local produce is on offer at our first virtual food and drink festival.

The coronavirus pandemic meant the cancellation of both Bishop Auckland and Seaham food festivals this year but we are continuing to support local traders by hosting Durham Festival of Food and Drink.

Running until Christmas Eve, the event is a celebration of the many food producers and drinks companies that would normally exhibit at our two annual festivals including local ‘Taste Durham’ favourites.

Celebrity Chefs Artisan Food and Drink

Many of these companies have shown tremendous resilience by continuing to trade when events have been cancelled across the country due to coronavirus. Traders have had to reimagine their businesses and evolve in order to survive. This has not only safeguarded their own business but also contributed to the local economy too.

The virtual festival is our way of showing our support.

And with a wealth of highquality products on offer, it is no wonder celebrity chefs, Great British Bake Off stars Jane Beedle and Karen Wright are getting involved too, sharing recipes and helpful tips to try at home.

Jane Beedle.

Find out more at www.durhamfestivaloffoodanddrink.co.uk @durhamfestivaloffoodanddrink @DurhamFoFandD Like or follow us on:

@durhamfestivaloffoodandrink

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News

Contact us:

Visit our website to use online services 24 hours a day 7 days a week www.durham.gov.uk/ doitonline If you need to phone us, call

Customer Services

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

For social care and independent living enquiries or adult and children’s welfare issues: Social Care Direct/Children’s First Contact Service

03000 26 79 79

Plan is adopted A future vision for County Durham, which aims to create thousands of jobs and new homes and strengthen the county's economy, is now adopted.

Our full council has agreed the adoption of the County Durham Plan. It aims to ensure that the county is a successful place to live, work, invest and visit by delivering: ✔ more and better jobs ✔ high quality homes that meet the needs of all residents ✔ the necessary supporting infrastructure, including transport, health and education needs.

The proposals would be realised over the next 15 years, helping the county's economy get back on track and supporting its recovery from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The plan also contains details of how we are tackling climate change.

Thousands of new jobs would be facilitated across the county, including key economic sites at Seaham, Durham and Newton Aycliffe.

@DurhamCouncil /durhamcouncil linkedin.com/company/ durham-county-council /DurhamCouncil /durham_county_council

The plan also includes provision for almost 25,000 new homes across the county, including designated allocation for affordable and older people's housing, and more than 300 hectares of new land being allocated specifically for business and industry development.

Proposals for two relief roads on the outskirts of Durham City and a third at Barnard Castle have been removed.

The adoption of the plan is currently subject to a six-week period in which interested parties can seek a judicial review.

View the plan at www.durham.gov.uk/cdp

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

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durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk 03000 268 059

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News

New health service launched

Children get back to nature Pupils at a County Durham school are enjoying new outdoor learning areas thanks to a North East developer.

Durham Villages Regeneration Company (DVRC), a partnership between the council and Keepmoat Homes, normally builds houses.

However, staff recently took a break to construct a different type of home – a composting patch and bug hotel at Collierley Nursery and Primary School in Dipton.

The constructions will complement the school’s outdoor play area, which was also donated by DVRC as part of its community engagement programme. Pupils have previously visited Keepmoat Homes development, Coppice Heights, in the village and designed safety posters which were displayed on site.

Apply for a school place Will your child turn five on or between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022?

If so, you will need to complete an application form telling us which infant or primary school you would like them to attend.

This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are asking people to apply online or to download a form at www.durham.gov.uk/ schooladmissions, wherever possible as the team is working remotely.

Visitors to the webpage will also find a guide containing information on completing the application. Anyone who is unable to apply online or download a form, can request a paper copy by calling 03000 265 896.

Applications close at midnight on 15 January 2021.

A new service to protect the health and wellbeing of children aged 0 to 25 years and their families has launched in County Durham.

The Growing Healthy team includes family health visitors, family health specialist public health nurses, emotional resilience nurses and support staff. They will meet with families and young people in family homes and communities, including early years settings, schools and colleges.

The service is provided by Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust in conjunction with the council.

As well as enhanced support for children and families who have additional and complex needs, it will provide support for young people with a special educational need (SEND) and/or disability and those who are care leavers up to the age of 25.

For many children, young people and families, the health visiting and school nursing staff and their teams who have provided the Healthy Child Programme service to them over the past few years will remain the same.

Every school and GP practice will continue to have a linked specialist public health nurse to ensure communication and referrals into the service are easy and accessible.

Service users can request advice and support by calling 03000 263 538.

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News

Volunteer database People looking to volunteer or find volunteers in County Durham can browse the latest opportunities via a new website.

Festival Walk transformation Work has begun to regenerate Spennymoor’s outdated Festival Walk shopping precinct. £600,000 of council investment will lead to the creation of a new, free to use, car park on the former Kwik Save site, encouraging more people to visit and shop in the town.

A large part of the existing site will be demolished to create a new larger ALDI store, replacing the town’s current branch, which the supermarket has said it has outgrown. The current store will be re-let.

The County Durham Volunteering Platform has been developed by Durham Community Action, with funding from County Durham Community Foundation and support from the council.

Volunteering can be a great way to make a real difference in your community, build up confidence, gain new skills, increase your employment prospects or explore new career paths.

Developers Hellens Group will refurbish the remaining units to provide a more up to date retail space. It is hoped this will help attract new businesses to the town and offer more choice to shoppers.

Improvements will also be made to the town’s Market Place and it is hoped that the new look Festival Walk will be ready to welcome shoppers, businesses and visitors by Autumn 2021.

Visit www.countydurhamvolunteering.org.uk to view current opportunities, find out more about volunteering in the county or upload a volunteering vacancy.

For further information, including one-to-one advice for individuals or organisations, email volunteering@durhamcommunityaction.org.uk or call 01388 742 040.

Coronavirus ‑ advice and support Coronavirus is a rapidly evolving situation – keep up-to-date with developments by reading the latest Government guidance at www.gov.uk/coronavirus Find NHS information at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 You can also find information about the impact on council services, along with the current restrictions and support for residents and businesses in the county, on our website at www.durham.gov.uk/coronavirus

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News

Tackling fraud We are doing our bit to tackle fraud by taking part in a national scheme to protect public money.

Every two years, we are asked by the Cabinet office to share personal information relating to residents, employees and councillors as part of the National Fraud Initiative (NFI).

The data is then checked against that held by other public bodies, such as other councils and the NHS. This is so that any evidence of a mistake or potential fraud can be investigated.

In 2018/19 the NFI identified over £244 million of fraud and errors across the UK. The information we share relates to a range of issues, including housing waiting lists, housing benefits, blue badges, concessionary travel passes, creditor payments, taxi licenses, private supported care home

residents, council tax, council tax reduction, business rates, Covid-19 business grants and the electoral register.

We also carry out our own cross system data matching exercises to identify potential fraud and error.

We ensure that in all sharing or matching of data we comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and General Data Protection Regulations.

For general questions about how we share personal information, contact dataprotection@durham.gov.uk or 03000 267 803.

To find out more about the NFI, see https://www.gov.uk/ guidance/taking-part-in-nationalfraud-initiative and www.durham.gov.uk/ nationalfraudinitiative

Broadband funding for rural areas More funding has been made available to help rural residents and businesses access a better broadband service.

New Elvet on schedule Work on the refurbishment of New Elvet Bridge is progressing well.

The first couple of weeks on site saw the removal of the road surface and paving from the bridge as well as the demolition of internal concrete structures. A jacking system has since been installed on top of the bridge to lift the central section of the deck, allowing us to continue the concrete repairs.

Works are expected to be complete by autumn 2021.

Traffic travelling through the city is coping well and people are following the appropriate diversions. Traffic cameras have been installed across the city to help people plan their journeys.

For more information, visit www.durham.gov.uk/newelvet

We are adding £500,000 to top up a Government funding scheme, to help connect properties in some of the hardest to reach areas of the county.

The extra cash doubles the amount currently available under the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme to a maximum of £3,000 for residential premises and up to £7,000 for small and medium enterprises.

The vouchers must be used as part of a group project of two or more properties in the same community and funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the end of March 2021. You can check your eligibility and choose a supplier at https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/ Residents can also contact Digital Durham with any questions about the scheme on 03000 261 160, or email digital.durham@durham.gov.uk

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Economy and jobs

Creating and safeguarding jobs in 2020 and beyond

The pandemic is undoubtedly having a significant impact on the economy across the country. In the face of these challenging times, our long-term commitment to supporting businesses, attracting investment and creating and maintaining jobs has never been more vital.

We work in partnership with residents and businesses through projects that aim to help people into employment and support those already in work to retain their jobs and develop their skills. We also provide assistance and grants to enable businesses in the county to expand and work with organisations in the public and private sector to encourage new companies to locate in the county.

First steps on the career ladder A young man from Chester-le-Street has gained confidence and skills after securing a new job with support from DurhamWorks.

The programme, which is delivered by the council and partners, has helped more than 4,000 unemployed young people aged 16 to 24 access employment, training and education opportunities.

Anthony Beach is one of 470 young people that DurhamWorks has helped into employment over the past year by providing salary grants to local employers. Grants of up to £2,500 are available to help businesses and organisations expand their workforce and provide jobs for DurhamWorks young people from the county.

Anthony, now 25, secured a job as a business administration assistant at Gateway Wheelers in Hetton-le-Hole thanks to the grant scheme.

Manager Sarah Young said: We have seen Anthony become a lot more confident. It’s amazing the knowledge he now holds.

To find out more, call 03000 262 930, email DWgrant@durham.gov.uk or visit www.durhamworks.info/employers

Grants available for enterprising projects An initiative that aims to increase employment opportunities for people in County Durham has been continuing to make a positive difference during the pandemic.

The Community Led Local Development (CLLD) programme is delivered by the council, with support from the European Social Investment Fund. Grants are available for community-driven projects that help create jobs, boost employability and promote social regeneration and inclusion –

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funding that has proven invaluable during the coronavirus pandemic.

Projects to secure grants include North Durham Assist, which received £99,622, to support unemployed people to find jobs, and Finchale Business Boost, which secured £764,043 to help them offer tailored guidance and training for small and medium enterprises.

Visit www.durham.gov.uk/CLLD to find out more.

Supporting businesses; safeguarding jobs The coronavirus pandemic continues to have a profound impact on the business community.

In March, when the first national restrictions were announced, the council acted quickly to help businesses safeguard their future and the livelihoods of their employees, and we continue to do all we can to support them.

To date, 8,862 County Durham companies have received Business Support Grants of either £10,000 or £25,000 totalling £99 million, with our finance team contacting all eligible companies in the county to ensure they were aware of the national scheme and how to apply.

A further £5 million was awarded to an additional 701 businesses through the Local Discretionary Grants Scheme.

In addition to this, more than £50 million in retail relief has been provided and thousands of retail businesses have had their business rate bills for 2020/21 cleared.

Business Durham has also been working hard to make businesses and sole traders aware of the local and national support on offer.

Its new Covid-19 Business Support Brochure sets out the grants and practical assistance available in a clear and accessible format.

To read it online, visit www.businessdurham.co.uk/ covidbusinesssupport

The North East Technology Park (NETPark) is a vibrant community of world-class science, engineering and technology companies based in Sedgefield.

Investing in our future Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the council and its partners are forging ahead with ambitious plans to create 30,000 jobs in County Durham over the next 15 years.

It has been a busy year, with major employment sites across the county taking shape - from Jade Business Park near Seaham welcoming its first tenant, to the completion of the £5.5 million infrastructure works at junction 61 of the A1, which helped paved the way for the Integra 61 development at Bowburn. In September, Amazon opened a new fulfilment centre at the 205-acre site, one of the largest in the UK, bringing more than 1,000 permanent jobs to the area. Citrus Durham, which is developing Integra 61, is currently delivering a Costa Coffee drive-thru facility which is set to open by Christmas and there continues to be a strong interest in the remaining industrial and roadside units, as well as residential properties being delivered by Persimmon Homes. When complete, the entire scheme will generate approximately 4,000 jobs.

Construction work is also underway at Forrest Park in Newton Aycliffe. The first plot of land at the £140 million industrial park is being developed by Euro Garages into a petrol filling station, convenience store and a KFC drive-thru Forrest Park in Newton Aycliffe. restaurant. A joint venture by the council and the Forrest family, with support from Richardson Barberry, the park is expected to create more than 3,000 jobs and boost County Durham’s economy by almost half a billion pounds over the next ten years.

Over at NETPark near Sedgefield, occupancy rates have increased this year. The internationally renowned science park has demonstrated its reputation for innovation and collaboration yet again in 2020, with businesses at the site helping to develop PPE, sanitiser and vaccines to combat coronavirus.

The next and third phase in the expansion of NETPark is expected to create up to Lab technicians at Northumbria Pharma, a pharmaceutical company based in the Discovery 1 building at NETPark.

1,400 jobs.

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Investment

Investing in frontline services At the beginning of the year, we agreed to invest an additional £31 million over the next two years in a wide range of frontline services, from filling potholes and sprucing up local communities to deploying more neighbourhood wardens to provide greater reassurance to residents.

Despite the challenges and shifting priorities brought by the pandemic, this work has continued. These essential services are incredibly important to the everyday lives of residents so it is important that we do all we can to support and enhance them.

Here we look at what we have done so far.

New neighbourhood wardens An investment of £500,000 has enabled us to employ 11 new neighbourhood wardens to tackle enviro-crime and anti-social behaviour.

The reinforcement of the Neighbourhood Warden team is part of our efforts to build on our previous successes in addressing issues such as fly-tipping.

The employment of 11 people to the roles represents the council’s biggest ever recruitment drive for wardens.

Neighbourhood wardens work to improve the quality of life for residents by reducing levels of anti-social behaviour and fear of crime. They carry out regular patrols across the county and have continued to do so throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Wardens have the power to issue fixed penalty notices for environmental crimes such as littering, fly-tipping, abandoned vehicles, graffiti and allowing a dog to foul or stray.

The new wardens, who have undertaken extensive training, will work across County Durham, with four of them focussing solely on fly-tipping.

To report any issues and request assistance from the wardens, call 03000 260 000. Find out more by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/neighbourhoodwardens

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Jill Greenfield, who previously worked with adults with autism, is one of the new recruits.

I was born and bred in Peterlee in the east side of County Durham. The community I’m from is lovely and friendly, and helpful. County Durham is an amazing place to live and I want to help to give something back to that community and make it a better place to live. I’m looking forward to helping County Durham remain a clean, green and safe place to live.

Ben Storey, is enjoying putting his neighbourhood warden training into practice, dealing with issues such as untidy yards and gardens, fly-tipping, littering and stray animals.

I understand how important these problems are to people and I can’t wait to get out there and be able to tackle them.

New neighbourhood warden Sameer Jassat, a former primary school PE Teacher, is looking forward to working in the community.

What I’m most looking forward to is working with the members of the public.

A short film on the new wardens can be viewed at https://youtu.be/s62m350P-W4

Find and Fix We have invested £1 million in a new Find and Fix initiative to tackle a wide variety of environmental issues throughout the county.

In addition to the council’s normal grounds maintenance and street cleaning work, this project aims to fix cleanliness concerns spotted by the teams or raised by communities as soon as possible.

This includes projects which are too intensive for regular maintenance crews, and those which will bring a wider community benefit, but which cannot be undertaken within existing workloads.

Across the county, four teams of three operatives are now being tasked with tackling projects which will help improve the quality of life for residents.

Look out for the teams in your area.

Lee Bankhead from Chester-le-Street, a former council depot attendant, is one of the new Find and Fix crew leaders.

Working on Find and Fix so far has been really rewarding. Being able to see such a difference in local areas gives some real job satisfaction. We have had some fantastic feedback from local communities and residents, who have been really happy with the work in their neighbourhoods, I’m really looking forward to the new challenges that this job will bring.

What will they do?

The work undertaken will differ according to each individual area’s needs, but in general, activities will include: ✔ cleaning road channels, gullies and weeding ✔ de-greasing of pavements and chewing gum removal

✔ repairing and/or painting items such as benches, seating, columns, railings and bollards

✔ removal of graffiti

✔ cleaning street and traffic signs

✔ repairing boundary walls and sculptures ✔ replacing shrub beds

✔ educating businesses on how to manage waste responsibly

✔ clearing litter

✔ general tidying

✔ manual sweeping of areas where machinery cannot reach

For more about the Find and Fix team, or to find out how to contact them, to see if they could tackle an issue in the area where you live, visit www.durham.gov.uk/findandfix

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Heritage

Durham History Centre vision to become a reality Plans have now been approved to turn the Grade II listed Mount Oswald Manor House into a vibrant and interactive local history hub. The centre will bring together archive, heritage and registration services at a central location near Durham City.

State of the art facilities The centre will feature state of the art search rooms, including innovative digital facilities, a dedicated learning space and exhibition and interpretation spaces.

It will also host themed activities and events, as well as a countywide outreach programme for children, schools and communities.

Uniting our heritage Aimed at telling the story of County Durham’s past through historic records, photographs and objects, Durham History Centre will provide a secure future for more than five miles of county archives, charting almost 900 years of history, which are currently located in County Hall. It will also provide a home for historic registration records, environmental and archaeological records, and local studies collections.

Mount Oswald late 1860s. Image courtesy of Anthony Oswald Noel Wilkinson.

A new home for the DLI Collection For the first time since 1998, all items from the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) collection, currently housed at Sevenhills in Spennymoor, and the DLI archives, which are cared for by Durham County Record Office, will be brought together under one roof.

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The Mount Oswald Manor House was built around 1830. It is now a Grade II listed building. The land around was used as a golf course in recent years – with the Manor House acting as the club house, bar, restaurant, changing rooms and storage.

Ownership of the manor house and surrounding land was transferred by The Banks Group, to the council for a nominal fee to secure its future use and benefit for the people of County Durham.

Registration services Durham Register Office will also be relocated to the Grade II listed building, where it will offer enhanced facilities for weddings and civil ceremonies which make the most of the historic setting and the surroundings of the manor house.

As the new head office of the county’s registration service, it will provide facilities for registering life events, such as a birth or death.

Replacement certificates from 1837 to date will be available to purchase in person, online or by telephone.

Inspiring and engaging Funding from the Wolfson Foundation will support the creation of an interactive exhibition space within the centre, where visitors will be able to discover the county’s rich history through nationally and internationally significant collections. A programme of inspiring and engaging exhibitions will help tell the stories of working people and everyday families in County Durham.

The exhibition is being planned using feedback from local people. Public consultation has already shown that people want to see local, family and industrial history showcased at the centre. In response, we are developing an exhibition space based on the theme of Record of a Lifetime, which will cover topics including: » How the county has changed » Community spirit » How the county’s residents have earned a living » County Durham’s relationship with the rest of the world » A fresh perspective on the county’s achievements

A place to meet A café within the new centre will provide a place for visitors to socialise with family and friends.

Meanwhile, the grounds of Mount Oswald Manor House will be re-landscaped and brought back into public use.

Even if people don’t want to visit the history centre they will be welcome to relax in the grounds.

Getting there Mount Oswald is located a short distance from Durham city centre and has excellent transport links.

It lies immediately opposite the Howlands park and ride and there are two bus stops within 400 metres and 150 metres of the entrance.

The project has secured a development phase grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop an exciting and engaging activity and events programme.

The money will also support plans for innovative digital engagement and digital exhibition elements, ahead of a delivery phase application next year.

The site will have its own car park, including accessible parking for disabled visitors, and parent and child spaces. Additional overflow parking will cater for peak demand.

The project has also received a grant of £1.46 million from ERDF for low carbon measures at Mount Oswald.

It is hoped work will begin on site in the new year with a view to opening to the public in 2023.

Entry to the history centre and its exhibitions will be free.

Find out more

To find out more about Durham History Centre and to keep up to date with the latest news, visit www.durham.gov.uk/historycentre

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Area Action Pa r t n e r s h i p s

Better for Everyone Our work has always been guided by the views of the public – and our Area Action Partnerships (AAPs) play a key role in gathering residents’ feedback.

Although the pandemic has prevented us holding meetings in the traditional way, we have continued to catch up with residents via online meetings.

And over the past few weeks, we have been holding special sessions where participants have been given the chance to have their say on key issues and find out about the council’s work during the past year.

The vision Those who took part in the online events heard an update on the council’s work and how it fits with the new vision for the county.

County Durham

Vision 2035

Better for everyone

Developed by the council and the County Durham Partnership following major consultation last year, the vision sets the tone for the development and growth of County Durham over the next 15 years. Its key priorities

are the creation of more and better jobs, connected communities and helping people to live long and independent lives.

Your feedback There was also the opportunity to influence future projects and activities, including £20 million of work to make towns and villages around the county more vibrant – one of the key priorities of the vision.

An update on the coronavirus pandemic also included information about our new community Covid-19 champions scheme. The scheme will be a chance for residents to continue to play their part in helping to reduce the spread of the virus in their local communities.

To find out more about COVID-19 Community Champions, visit www.durham.gov.uk/covidcommunitychampion

Thank you The sessions also recognised the ongoing and outstanding community response to the pandemic.

Throughout the county, community groups, voluntary organisations and individuals have been working hard to support their neighbours. From popping to the shops for a friend or delivering food to vulnerable people, to producing PPE for key workers, your efforts have played a vital role in keeping the county up and running.

Since the pandemic began, our AAPs have supported these efforts by

providing more £1.1 million to almost 300 community groups and organisations working with the county’s most vulnerable residents.

During the online meetings, participants were encouraged to share their thanks for those who have played their part over the past year.

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For further information about your local AAP, and how to get involved in their work, visit www.durham.gov.uk/aaps

Lumiere

Lighting up 2021 Many festivals have had to be cancelled, scaled back or moved online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but with Lumiere set to transform Durham City once again next year, we are hoping there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Durham’s free light festival has brought more than one million visitors to the area since 2009 – and now dates have been announced for next year. Lumiere 2021 is planned over four nights from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 November.

Following last year’s special anniversary festival, which celebrated 10 years of Lumiere, arts charity Artichoke is planning a brand new, spectacular programme that can be safely enjoyed within COVID guidelines.

We’re looking ahead to what we hope will be brighter times”, said Helen Marriage, director of Artichoke.

“There’s no denying the impact that COVID-19 has had and continues to have in the North East and across the UK. We need something to look forward to and we know that everyone is missing events like Lumiere. Events that bring joy and delight to young and old alike. Lumiere 2021 will be as magical

and uplifting as ever.

Lumiere’s economic impact has grown year-on-year, bringing visitors into the city and boosting local businesses, as well as shining a light on Durham to the world.

Thousands of local people and schoolchildren have benefitted from involvement in Lumiere’s learning and participation programmes and its volunteering opportunities over the past 10 years, developing their skills and having a great time in the process.

While the 2021 programme is still under wraps, Lumiere is a constant presence in the city, with permanent light installations bringing a sparkle to Durham’s dark nights all year around. Neon work The Next Page, created by Hannah Jane Walker,

residents of HMP Low Newton and Neon Workshops, was installed at Clayport Library for Lumiere 2019.

It has now become the fourth permanent installation in the city, thanks to support from the Banks Community Fund. Completing the line-up are Heron, by Jon Voss, which has just been re-installed near Freemans Reach; the glowing Lightbench at Freeman’s Reach; and Helvetictoc, a quirky timekeeping device, projected onto the side of Clayport Library.

With all the spectacular sights of the artworks themselves, it is easy to forget that it is the people that make Lumiere happen: artists, technicians, producers and volunteers as well as you, the audience. In celebration of everyone who contributes to Lumiere, photographer Matthew Andrews has created a special online exhibition of behind-thescenes photography from past Lumiere festivals. You can find the link to Matthew’s exhibition at www.lumiere-festival.com

For all the latest news and updates on Lumiere 2021, sign up to the Lumiere e-newsletter and follow @artichoketrust on social media. lumiere-festival.com | @artichoketrust | #LumiereDurham

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Festive opening

Council services over the Christmas period Customer Access Points Our Customer Access Points are currently closed due to the pandemic and will remain closed until further notice. Our customer contact centre is responding to enquiries online and over the telephone. However, it will close at 12.45pm on Thursday 24 December and reopen at 8.30am on Monday 4 January.

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:

You can still contact us in an emergency.

Normal collection day

In an emergency

Revised collection days Christmas

New Year

Tuesday

As normal 22 December

As normal 29 December

Payments line

Wednesday

Make a debit/credit card payment 24/7 on 0300 456 2771.

As normal 23 December

As normal 30 December

Thursday

As normal 24 December

As normal 31 December

Libraries and leisure centres

Friday

Monday 28 December

Monday 4 January 2021

Our out of hours number is 03000 26 0000.

In line with national coronavirus restrictions, our libraries and leisure centres are closed at present.

They are due to reopen on Wednesday 2 December but please check opening times before visiting.

Normal collections will resume from Tuesday 5 January.

You can also find collection details online by entering your house number and postcode into the ‘My Durham’ section at www.durham.gov.uk/mydurham

One Point family centres Our One Point family centres are currently closed due to Coronavirus. Our staff however are still available please call us on 03000 261 111 if you need advice or support, or visit durham.gov.uk/onepoint for more information.

Real Christmas tree collections

Register offices

If you would like your real Christmas tree collected free of charge after Christmas, either book online at www.durham.gov.uk or call 03000 26 0000 between Monday 14 December and Thursday 7 January, for a collection in the New Year (please note our offices are closed between 24 December and 4 January).

Will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day as well as on the Bank Holiday Monday 28 December. Bishop Auckland and Durham register offices will be open between these dates for appointments only. Phone 03000 26 6000.

Alternatively, take your real Christmas tree to a household waste recycling centre (all centres are closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).

Visit www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc for locations and opening hours.

Day centres for adults Will be closed during the Bank Holidays over Christmas and the New Year.

Bulky waste collections There will be no large waste (bulky) collections between Thursday 24 December and Monday 4 January.

Please note that all opening times are subject to change due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Festive finances

Festive money matters Christmas can often put a strain on our finances but, for many people, the impact of coronavirus is set to make festive budgeting even harder this year.

Hopefully, our tips for savvy saving and spending will help you manage your money better into the New Year.

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Do not use payday and doorstep lenders Avoid expensive loans - if you do need to borrow money, credit unions offer a much more affordable option than private lenders or weekly payment stores, with no hidden charges or fees.

NEFirst Credit Union offers easy to use savings accounts. You can pay cash or cheques in at any NEFirst office; by PayPoint at shops and garages; by standing order from your bank; or through payroll deductions with some employers.

Members receive a share of the annual profits, known as a dividend, which is paid annually based on each member’s average level of savings.

Contact the NE First Credit Union on 0330 055 3666 or visit www.nefirstcu.co.uk to find out more.

Make your money work for you Make some extra space and earn some extra cash by selling unused items online before Christmas.

If you put a regular amount aside each week it will soon mount up. This could be by making a regular bank transfer into a savings account or just saving your spare coins.

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Wi n t e r t r ave l

Winter is coming Be prepared The winter weather can be unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared when out and about during the colder months.

Follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts for regular updates on road conditions and gritting routes and stay one step ahead of the weather.

Find out about our work to keep the county moving during the winter at www.durham.gov.uk/winterinfo Check the weather before setting off, particularly if you are heading on a long journey. The Met Office issues weather warnings online at www.durham.gov.uk/weatherwarnings

Gritting

Snow and ice When snow falls, we work to clear main roads first to keep public transport up and running. This includes pre-salting about 1,060 miles of road. View our gritting routes at www.durham.gov.uk/gritting

Potholes

Keeping the county moving is a priority. It is essential that we keep our roads and pavements clear during any spells of bad weather. That is why we start each winter with a stockpile of 42,000 tonnes of salt. We also have a fleet of 37 power gritters and 33 trailer gritters for spreading salt on roads, along with 11 footpath gritters and six snow blowers.

We also have more than 2,500 salt bins in communities across the county for residents to use on local roads. If a salt bin needs refilling, complete the online form, quoting the number on the top of the bin. www.durham.gov.uk/saltbins

The winter weather is often the root cause of potholes on our roads. To report a pothole, visit www.durham.gov.uk/potholes or call 03000 26 0000.

Sandbags We can provide sandbags if your property is at immediate risk of flooding in the wet winter months. Visit www.durham.gov.uk/sandbags or call 03000 26 0000.

Highways Inspector, Charlotte Wilkinson is one of the team keeping our roads clear this winter.

We work anti-social hours, getting up before most people to make sure the roads are safe for everyone to move around. No matter what the weather throws at us, we’re ready. Our team is committed to keeping the county moving and while you might not always see us, we are always working to keep the roads clear.

My job is amazing, I get to see some of the most stunning landscapes in the High Pennines at all times of the year, but winter sees the biggest change in the landscape with the cold crisp mornings and the first snow of the year.

Most days I am out and about before the sun rises. It can be challenging but knowing that people can safely travel is really rewarding.

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Stay well this winter

Winter wellness

Follow our winter safety advice to stay safe, warm and healthy during the cold weather.

Free vaccinations It has never been more important to get your flu vaccination in order to protect yourself, your family and your community. Find out if you are eligible for a free vaccination at www.nhs.uk/getflujab You can also check if you are eligible for a pneumonia vaccine at www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pneumococcal-vaccination People aged between 70 and 79 can also get a shingles vaccine. Check if you are eligible by visiting www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/shingles-vaccination

Medical tips If you regularly take prescribed medicines, plan ahead to make sure you have supplies over the holiday period and will not run out whilst pharmacies or GPs are closed.

Ask for more information at your GP practice or visit https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/pharmacies/ how-to-order-repeat-prescriptions-online/ to find out how to order repeat prescriptions online.

If you feel unwell, do not wait. Seek advice from your nearest pharmacist for minor health concerns or call 111 if you have a more urgent medical problem. In an emergency, call 999.

Stay warm Cold weather can aggravate existing health problems and make you more vulnerable to winter illness. Heat your home to at least 18°C, stay active and make sure you have regular hot meals and drinks.

Help to heat your home Are you worried about heating your home over winter?

The energy efficiency of your home can impact on your energy bills as well as causing issues such as condensation, mould and damp.

If you live in a rented property, it is your landlord’s responsibility to make improvements that will bring the energy performance certificate (EPC) rating to E or above. Private landlords cannot rent out a property with a rating below E. Remember, there are several schemes that can help to fund home energy improvements so there is no reason why your landlord should not be able to carry out the work.

If your landlord is unwilling to make improvements to a property with an EPC rating below E, contact tradingstandards@durham.gov.uk Our housing solutions team can also offer housing advice.

Call 03000 268 000 or email housingsolutions@durham.gov.uk

Stay safe In bouts of cold or extreme weather, it is important to look out for elderly and vulnerable friends, family and neighbours.

If you are worried about someone, call Social Care Direct on 03000 26 79 79.

Watch out for signs of hyperthermia such as shivering, cold and pale skin, slurred speech, fast breathing, tiredness and confusion.

If you think someone is suffering from hypothermia, call 999 immediately.

For more information and advice on staying well over the coming months, visit the NHS: Stay Well This Winter website www.nhs.uk/staywell

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We l l b e i n g

Make staying healthy your winter priority The coronavirus pandemic has made it harder for us to stay active, but we have got some great tips to help you to get fit and stay in shape over the winter.

Regular physical activity has many benefits, including helping to protect us against chronic conditions including obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, poor mental health and social isolation. In order to stay healthy, guidelines recommend that adults should aim to be active for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity per week through activities such as walking, cycling or swimming.

As we get older, reducing our physical activity can lead to problems such as loss of strength, loss of physical capacity and increased need for care.

Taking part in activities that improve strength at least two days a week helps to keep muscles, bones and joint strong. This could include activities such as carrying heavy bags, yoga or working out at the gym. It will help you maintain strength and ensure you stay healthy now and in the future.

For ideas to stay active at home please visit: www.durham.gov.uk/ keepactiveathome

Get inspired to get moving Staying active has never been so important for your health and mental wellbeing.

That is why we have launched a new app to help you stay healthy and active in your own home, garden or when out and about. The MyWellness app offers daily workouts with step by step instruction on how to complete the moves.

If you are thinking of taking up running as your New Year’s resolution you can follow Run Durham’s Get Run Ready or Couch to 5K programmes in the app. Or, join a monthly challenge to keep you motivated by working towards a goal or compete against friends.

To get the app just follow these easy steps: Step 1: Register online https://www.mywellness.com/ thrivevirtual/User/RegisterUser/ Step 2: Download the ‘MyWellness’ app available from the app/play store Step 3️: Log in and enjoy the workouts in the comfort of your own home or garden

Ways to wellbeing Our wellbeing team love exploring the great outdoors. Here they share their favourite routes for walking, running and cycling: Craig Dailey loves the Auckland Way, which connects Spennymoor to Bishop Auckland using old railway lines.

The trail can be used by anyone and everyone of all ages. It’s a nice route away from the busy streets with some lovely scenery that changes over the seasons – and you can often see wildlife, including deer.

Phil Lightburn enjoys walking the trails behind Lumley Castle, near Chester-le-Street.

It’s so peaceful, the scenery is beautiful, and you get some fantastic views of the castle.

For more cycling route suggestions, visit www.durham.gov.uk/cycling You can also find more inspiration on where to walk and run at www.durham.gov.uk/walkingandrunning

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Top tips for winter cycling Cycling can help you stay fit, save money and reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some top tips if you plan to get out on your bike this winter:

✔ Be safe, be seen.

A good set of lights and colourful clothes will make you as visible as possible to other road users. But do not forget to wear a helmet.

✔ Give your bike some love.

Book a service to make sure everything’s working as it should and consider fitting mudguards to protect against surface water and dirt. Salt and water are bad for your bike so clean it often – use a degreaser to dislodge moisture and gunk from moving parts and apply special wet weather chain oil to keep you running smoothly.

✔ Wrap up warm and dry.

A windproof and waterproof jacket, over-trousers, gloves and overshoes will all help keep out cold draughts.

✔ Enjoy it. If you are well

prepared, a bike ride on a crisp winter morning and even when battling the elements can be invigorating and rewarding.

For more hints and tips of cycling this winter visit www.durham.gov.uk/cycling How to fit your helmet

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Dry January Hundreds take on Dry January every year. Will you join them?

An alcohol-free month can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, cut the risk of diabetes and reduce the levels of cancer-related proteins in the blood. Find out more about recommended units of alcohol at www.durham.gov.uk/Alcoholtypes

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Coronavirus

Coronavirus advice and information Protect your loved ones.

Get the app.

The free NHS COVID-19 app is a vital part of the NHS Test and Trace service in England and everyone is encouraged to download and use it.

The app, which can be downloaded from the Apple app store or Google Play, is the fastest way to see if you are at risk from coronavirus. The faster you know, the quicker you can alert and protect your loved ones and your local community.

It has a number of tools, including ✔ contact tracing ✔ local area alerts ✔ venue check-in Using technology from Apple and Google, it is designed to protect personal privacy.

To find out more about privacy, visit www.covid19.nhs.uk/ privacy-and-data.html Frequently asked questions are available at https://faq.covid19.nhs.uk/category/ ?id=CAT-01032&parentid=CAT-01023

HANDS, FACE, SPACE, TEST The ‘HANDS. FACE. SPACE. TEST’ campaign has been designed to encourage members of the public to continue to wash their hands, cover their face, make space to control infection rates and, if they have symptoms, get a test.

Get the latest local data Having access to up to date intelligence about the impact of coronavirus on County Durham is crucial to ensuring the number of cases in the region continues to fall.

The Durham Insights Covid-19 dashboard is a valuable tool, providing the latest information for County Durham, including the total number of cases, seven-day rate, a live map with the latest cases by local areas, regional comparisons, hospital admissions and the number of associated Covid-19 deaths.

The dashboard is based on Public Health England, NHS England and ONS statistical releases and is updated on a bi-weekly basis. www.durhaminsight.info/covid-19/

Living well with…

COVID-19 People recovering from coronavirus may need time to come to terms with the impact the virus has had on their body and their mind.

These changes should get better over time, although for some it may take longer than others.

However, there are things you can do to help.

Your COVID Recovery can help people understand what has happened and what they might expect as part of their recovery.

Find out more at www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk

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The place to find out about adult care and support in County Durham

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Peace of mind for you or a loved one this winter.

Christmas can be a stressful time of year, remove some of the stress with Care Connect. We support vulnerable people of all ages to maintain their independence in their own home.

We provide a monitoring and response service to people’s homes 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering assistance and reassurance at any time of the day or year.

Special Offer Quote code WINTER2020* for free installation, one less worry this winter.

For further information: 03000 262 195 care.connect@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/careconnect

*Offer is for period between 1/11/20 – 15/01/21

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To w n s a n d villages

Seaham

Focus on Seaham Our £20m Towns and Villages programme aims to reinvigorate high streets across the county, creating attractive and vibrant retail areas and places people want to visit when coronavirus restrictions are eased.

With its stunning coastal views, Seaham has always been a popular spot for visitors. We have been working with local businesses to help them make the most of the town’s visitor economy – work we believe will play a significant part in the town’s recovery from the impact of the pandemic.

Just over a year ago, we launched the Seaham Townscape Heritage Project after securing a £1.6 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The three-year project aims to breathe fresh life into the town’s historic centre through the regeneration of individual properties in the Church Street area.

Financial help for businesses Owners and tenants are being offered business improvement grants to help with restoration works, such as repairing and reinstating traditional features, or opening currently inaccessible upper floor spaces. Efforts are also

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being made to bring vacant buildings back into use, with the hope of developing and sustaining business confidence in the area.

We have also recently launched a new interest free loan scheme for commercial premises to improve areas with poor building stock and where investment is less likely. Loans of up to £50,000 are available with a repayment period of between three to 10 years.

The scheme is open to individuals and businesses purchasing a vacant or derelict property or looking to make significant improvements.

The loan must be used with the intention of improving occupancy

across our town and village centres and the property, or part of it, must be vacant, derelict or in a poor state of repair and unfit for the intended purpose.

The first applicant in Seaham was awarded an interest free loan to help bring disused upper floor space into use at 73 Church Street.

Our Targeted Business Improvement Scheme remains available to tenants and owners who are not eligible for support under the Seaham Townscape Heritage Project, but who do want to develop or improve new and existing retail businesses in the town.

The former Harbour View Hotel is the latest site to receive support from this programme, with construction of a new three storey mixed use retail development well underway. A completion and opening has been set for summer 2021.

Combined with a display of how the marina has changed over time, this project will reconnect the local community and visitors to Seaham’s industrial and maritime heritage.

New smartphone app

Attractive, accessible spaces Seaham’s public spaces will also be upgraded and decluttered to make them more attractive and accessible to visitors and shoppers. In time this will help to encourage pedestrian movement around the centre, boost footfall and aid the town’s economic recovery from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Following its successful tender submission, Seymour Civil Engineering Contractors has carried out the first phase of works on Church Street on our behalf.

Enhancements are also planned for North Terrace, Terrace Green and South Terrace, including the restoration of the exposed Rainton Railway Line tracks as a focal point of the town’s heritage.

Green Street car park has been resurfaced and spaces have been widened to better suit modern vehicles. New drainage has also been installed and additional motorcycle and bike parking has been created. This scheme links to a

new pedestrian routeway being created at the bottom of Church Street, complementing the Townscape Heritage Project works.

Marina improvements Meanwhile, work is also underway at Red Acre Point at Seaham Marina to make this area accessible to the public once more and take advantage of the extensive coastal and marine panorama. The project is part of SeaScapes, a major initiative funded by a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant. This exciting and long-anticipated £5 million project will see improvements all the way along the north east coast.

At Seaham, the works will see the creation of a new access point and viewing area, as well as the stabilisation of the existing fort wall.

The new access point will be to the north of the site, with a new durable staircase, walkway and safety barriers.

To encourage residents and visitors to explore Seaham’s dynamic history, a smartphone app has been commissioned to provide heritage trails around the town.

The trails will tell the story of buildings and sites of interest in Seaham and their role in the development of the town. It will also offer the chance for businesses and community groups to promote activities and events taking place in the area.

The app is due to launch in December, with visitors to Seaham also being able to take advantage of free public Wi-Fi in the town centre from early next year. Users will be able to connect to the ‘Connected Seaham’ system and log on via a simple form or through social media.

We hope that the offer of free Wi-Fi will increase the time people spend in the town centre, as well as encouraging additional footfall to support local businesses.

Find out more about the Seaham Townscape Heritage Project at www.durham.gov.uk/ seahamtownscape

Please note: venue opening is subject to change, please check before you visit.

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Green living

Top of the shops Stainton Grove Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) and Reuse Shop has been shortlisted for a national Let’s Recycle award.

Stainton Grove HWRC was transformed in 2018 from a small site with a few skips to an impressive modern facility featuring a trade waste facility and a re-use shop that is the only one of its kind in the county.

We have had some fantastic feedback from residents since it opened too: It’s great and I find myself calling in every other day… I’m on a low income and find that without this shop I probably wouldn’t have the things I do. The staff are fantastic – so friendly I find myself popping in for a chat.

Stainton Grove is an excellent idea… I have had a rough time of things lately and when I needed to start up a new home with little money I found myself here at the shop. I think it’s great..

The winners were due to be announced after Durham County News went to print, but we will keep you updated.

Community Action Team clean up Our Community Action Team has been sprucing up areas of Blackhall Colliery and Horden across the summer and autumn.

Acting upon tip offs from local communities, the team has tackled a host of unsightly blights such as dealing with empty properties, graffiti and illegally dumped waste and, working with landlords, skips were brought in to tackle excess rubbish.

Due to the pandemic, the team was unable to visit communities in order to host their usual residents’ sessions so have been hosting virtual ones online instead.

The team will be heading to Shildon for their next improvement project in 2021.

Find out more about the work of the team and how to access an online residents’ session at www.durham.gov.uk/cat

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Award-winning parks and green spaces Parks, cemeteries and crematoriums across County Durham have once again been awarded a prestigious national status.

A total of 12 of our sites have received Green Flag accreditation – the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

This is the fourth year in a row we have had a 100 per cent success rate for the 12 sites, which include Wharton Park, in Durham City; Hardwick Park, in Sedgefield; Riverside Park, in Chester-le-Street; Annfield Plain Park; Blackhill and Consett Park; and the Town Recreation Park, Bishop Auckland.

Thank you to the volunteers who work in partnership with us to maintain our parks and open spaces.

Find out more about parks and green spaces in County Durham at www.durham.gov.uk/parks

Reduce, reuse and recycle Follow our 12 top tips for a greener festive season 3

1 Invest in an artificial Christmas tree so you can keep using it every year.

Why not send an e-card this year to spread your festive greetings? It is more environmentally friendly and cheaper too.

2 Reusable bags are a great idea for doing your own Christmas shopping and for giving as gifts.

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Purchase a home compost bin to use for a greener 2021 at www.durham.gov.uk/ composting

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Consider signing our single use plastics pledge this Christmas as a gift to the oceans?

Take unwanted clothes and Christmas jumpers to a charity shop.

Those old bobbly jumpers can also be taken to a textile recycling bank www.durham.gov.uk/ clothesrecycling

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8 Reuse left-over turkey for a tasty treat on Boxing Day.

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Recycle your broken Christmas lights and old electricals at one of our Small Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) collection points.

Details of collection points are available at www.durham.gov.uk/WEEE

www.durham.gov.uk/ singleuseplastics

Plastic bags clog up recycling machinery so please place these in your normal waste bin and NOT your recycling bin.

New toys from Santa?

Do not throw all those used batteries in the bin, most supermarkets have recycling points.

10 Love mince pies? Do not forget to recycle their foil cases.

12 Recycle cards and wrapping – remember to tear off any glue or tape before recycling wrapping paper as only plain paper, without foil or glitter, can go in the recycling bin. Christmas card recycling is available at many high street shops and supermarkets.

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Adventure awaits this winter With its beautiful scenery and wonderful wildlife, you do not need to travel far for an outdoor adventure in County Durham.

Winter is the perfect time of year to discover Durham’s hidden gems. Whether you fancy a gentle family stroll or a more challenging trek, the county has walking and cycling routes for all ages and abilities.

Six winter walks and rides Auckland Castle Deer Park, Bishop Auckland Auckland Castle Deer Park The Auckland Project

A new map has been created with three suggested walks, from a short walk around the inner park to a 4.6km trail spanning the wider parkland. Look out for fascinating historic landmarks along the way as you discover the charm of the Deer Park, created over 800 years ago by the Prince Bishops of Durham.

Durham Heritage Coast Enjoy spectacular views on the Durham Coastal Footpath - an 11-mile route from Seaham to Crimdon following the England Coast Path National Trail, or cycle part of the North Sea Cycle Route.

Discover spectacular grasslands, magical coastal denes and uncover the rich heritage that has shaped the coastline.

Hardwick Park, Sedgefield This 18th Century parkland offers beautiful views and fascinating heritage. You can even take part in a series of games available through the Love Exploring app. And from Saturday 12 December to Sunday 3 January take part in the 12 Days of Christmas children’s trail.

Northern Saints Trails – The Way of Life (Gainford to Durham City) Discover one of the six new Northern Saints Trails, which bring to life the fascinating stories of the region’s saints.

The Way of Life, from Gainford to Durham City, is a 29-mile route featuring one of England’s oldest churches, plus places where St Cuthbert made miracles occur.

Lanchester Valley Railway Path This route is part of an extensive network of Railway Paths which are fantastic for walkers and cyclists alike. The Lanchester Valley railway was built to carry iron ore to Consett Steelworks and coal from Langley Park. It opened for passenger service in 1862 and closed to all traffic in 1965. As you travel along the line, notice the old station houses and platforms at various points.

Greta Bridge to Brignall Banks The hamlet of Greta Bridge was once a major stop for travellers arriving by horse and carriage. In 1838, Charles Dickens spent his first night in Teesdale, lodging at Greta Bridge. Watercolourist John Sell Cotman was also a visitor, sketching the local beauty spot in 1805. Hard to resist a little-known walk in an area that has inspired painters and writers.

Please note: venue opening is subject to change, please check before you visit.

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Make a virtual visit If you prefer to explore the county from the comfort or your home, there are a range of great ways to discover Durham online - from virtual tours and quizzes, to colouring sheets and craft ideas.

Here are some virtual winter highlights…

❅ Durham Festival of Food and Drink – take a

look at page 3 to find out more about this showcase of tasty treats, taking place between Saturday 14 November and Thursday 24 December.

❅ Virtual pantomime – Gala Theatre’s much-

loved pantomime is unable to take place this year, but some its regulars stars are set to feature in a new online adventure.

Rottenchops’ Revenge will be performed as a series of short films.

Rupert Von Rottenchops has kidnapped the Mayor of Durham. Without any pantomimes to perform in this year, a series of characters from pantos past team up to secure his safe return.

Find out more at www.galadurham.co.uk

For further details and to find out about walking and cycling routes in your area, visit www.thisisdurham.com/outdoors Please ensure you obtain full directions for walking and cycling routes, and check rights of way information and current conditions prior to visiting. Please also follow any national and local restrictions in place and plan ahead to ensure that you #LoveDurham safely.

For more details visit www.thisisdurham.com/covid-19

❅ Treasures of Palace Green Library

– history lovers can discover some of the treasures of Durham University’s collections through a new online exhibition. https://stories.durham.ac.uk/treasures-ofpalace-green-library/ Find more online activities at www.thisisdurham.com/fromyoursofa

Please note: venue opening is subject to change, please check before you visit.

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We’re recruiting people aged 18+ for care sector roles across County Durham We’ve launched a recruitment and training programme to upskill potential new staff to access opportunities in the adult health and social care sector. Our fast track digital training programme and DBS disclosure service can get you ready to start your new career in care, for those who care.

There are dozens of opportunities across the County find out how to apply now visit:

www.durham.gov.uk/careacademyrecruitment 03000 260 222

facebook.com/CareAcademyDurham