In&Around March 23

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Welcome to the March issue of IN&AROUND

This month is all about appreciating the wonderful women in our lives! Mother’s Day is around the corner so we’re exploring its history on page 14. International Women’s Day takes place this month too– see how you can join in with the celebrations on page 50!

Foodies are in for a treat this issue with a sneak preview of the celebrity chefs headlining Saturday at Bishop Auckland Food Festival on page 20. In the meantime, make sure you have a go at making our comforting chicken pot pie recipe on page 54.

Flick to our What’s On guide on page 58 to see what’s happening in the area and check inside to see the big names heading to Chester le Street this year. We hope you enjoy the nights getting lighter and join us for our April issue which will be filled with the joys of spring!!

Care Connect provides an essential lifeline to vulnerable people across County Durham.

Care Connect is a friendly, local service that supports people of all ages across our region.

We provide a monitoring and response service to people’s homes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you’ve had a fall or feel unwell, at the press of a button you will be connected to our Control Room response staff. To find out more please call 0300 026 2195, email care.connect@durham.gov.uk or visit www.durham.gov.uk/careconnect

When it comes to growing your business, promotion is everything. At IN&AROUND Magazine, we offer a range of advertising packages that put your brand in front of thousands of potential customers.

Our free magazine is delivered to over 20,000 homes and businesses across Chester-le-Street, Derwentside and Durham every month – and our readership continues to grow. With solutions to suit all budgets and requirements, from quarter pages to front page ads, we can help you make an impact. What’s more, with every order, we offer a complimentary design service to ensure that your messages are delivered in the most attractive and eye-catching manner possible.

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COPYWRITERS

CONTRIBUTORS

Faye Rodgerson

Alex Nelson Places to Go

In&Around magazine is proudly sponsored by

Worried about a loved one, but still keen to retain their independence?

Care Connect supports vulnerable people of all ages, providing a monitoring and response service to people’s homes 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering assistance and reassurance whenever it is needed. There is a charge for the service and this will be discussed upon enquiry. If you have a relative, neighbour or friend who is vulnerable or socially isolated, Care Connect could provide a vital service.

The service works by having an alarm unit with a pendant installed in the person’s home. The unit or pendant can be

pressed for assistance at anytime and this will place a call directly to Care Connect’s control room.

The service operates 24/7 so staff are always able to offer support and assistance, dispatch responders to someone’s home or contact the emergency services where necessary.

More than 11,000 households in County Durham are benefiting from the service, allowing people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

If additional support is required, numerous types of equipment called Telecare is available, including items for people at risk of falling, support for those with memory loss, or dementia, those

suffering with epilepsy, or those that are deaf or blind. If you don’t want an assessment of your support needs through Social Care Direct, don’t worry. You can always purchase directly from Care Connect

An example of the technology available is a fall detector, an unobtrusive device worn about the person which identifies a genuine fall and immediately alerts the control room so appropriate assistance can be provided.

Peace of mind with

Independence at home is very important, especially as we get older

Care Connect

and response service provided by Durham County Council.

A lifeline unit is plugged into the home telephone point. The customer will receive a personal alarm pendant that’s worn around the neck or on a wrist strap.

If they ever need to raise the alarm, all they need to do is press that button and the service automatically knows who they are, where they live and will make sure the right help is sent to them.

Care Connect

in three locations in County Durham, all which provide a 24-hour response.

Here’s what Care Connect customer Ken has to say about the service:

“My wife and I use Care Connect often, as she has been falling quite a lot lately. I couldn’t be without them because they arrive very quickly. If it wasn’t for Care Connect my wife and I might be in hospital as we have nobody else. They help us tremendously, they are excellent”.

Our Telecare Responders love their job, like Andrea.

“I have real job satisfaction; no two days are the same! It does require flexibility and the ability to adapt to different situations, however it is a

“Every day I meet so many different customers who benefit from Care Connect. It makes such a difference to each of those individual’s needs - I think helping people remain independent at home with support is really important in our community and I have such a sense of belonging in my job because of this.”

How much it costs

From as little as £5.38 per week + VAT, you and your family could have peace of mind and the reassurance Care Connect provides. There is a one-off connection charge of £33.99 this will be advised at installation.

There can be additional charge of £3.17 per week + VAT if a SIM card needs to be installed in the alarm unit.

Additional features can be incorporated into your support package, at a small charge such as reassurance calls, weekly visits, additional or lost pendants and monitored smoke detectors. We also provide Telecare which are aids around the home such as fall detectors, epilepsy sensors, door and exit sensors. Rest assured, Care Connect will have an option to help.

The Durham Light Infantry Collection will Move to The Story

The Durham Light infantry (DLI) collection of historic military memorabilia has been packed up ready to move into its new home.

The DLI Gallery: Courage, Comrades and Community has been shown in Durham University’s Palace Green Library Since 2017

Durham County Council and the University have been working together to preserve and display the collection in Durham and further afield through touring exhibitions.

Since 10th February 2023, the collection has been fully packed up ready to move to its new home. It will now call The Story, an exciting new heritage venue, its home.

The Story is set open in Autumn 2023. It will transform the Mount Oswald building into a historical hub for County Durham, housing both the DLI Collection and almost six miles of archives that span 900 years of local history. The public will be able to enjoy free entry to permanent and temporary exhibitions at The Story, which will also serve as an elegant wedding ceremony venue.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for Economy and Partnerships said: “We are delighted that construction of The Story is progressing well….

“We will be running a programme of activities in anticipation of the opening of The Story, so there will

be plenty of opportunities for people to view and enjoy the collection in the meantime.”

The former DLI Museum and Gallery will be redeveloped into a rejuvenated exhibition centre, gallery, cafe and restaurant.

Professor Janet Stewart, Executive Dean (Arts and Humanities) at Durham University, said: “Over the last six years, we have had the honour of displaying important and significant artefacts from the Durham Light Infantry collection in Palace Green Library. We now look forward to their onward journey to The Story, a new venue which is set to transform how the county’s history is told and accessed.”

If you are hoping to see items from the DLI Collection before The Story opens then you are in luck.

To ensure visitors can continue to enjoy stories and objects from the collection, a selection of previously unseen objects will become part of a touring exhibition telling DLI stories of people and places.

From spring, the items will be on display in public venues around the county like Clayport Library, Durham Town Hall, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, and Consett Leisure Centre.

Additionally, the DLI Medal Collection will be on public display at the Barker Reading Room at Palace Green Library until The Story opens. For more information on how to access the collection, visit www.dur.ac.uk/palace.green/visit

THE HISTORY OF DAY

This year Mother’s Day will take place on Sunday 19th March 2023. In this edition, we explore the history of this lovely holiday, which is dedicated to appreciating all of the amazing mother figures in our lives!

Mother’s Day, as we have come to know it, has evolved from traditions across several different cultures.

It arguably began when ancient Greeks and Romans would hold celebrations for their respective mother Goddesses: Rhea and Cybele.

In the UK Mother’s Day is also known as Mothering Sunday. It takes place on the fourth Sunday of Lent each year– exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday. For this reason, you may have already guessed that the holiday has some religious origins.

Originally Mothering Sunday was a Christian celebration giving thanks to and honouring the Virgin Mary. Christians across Europe would observe this day by attending their ‘mother’ church, their family's closest main church or cathedral. This gave children who usually lived and worked away from their family as apprentices or domestic servants a day off and a chance to be reunited with their families, including their mothers. Those visiting their ‘mother’ church would often also attend with offerings of thanks.

The tradition of gift giving on mothers day may have developed from this and from people giving their mothers simnel cake and wild flowers that they picked on the way home. Although these days the flowers tend to come from a florist or shop and chocolates tend to be the sweet treat of choice, it is easy to see why these have become popular Mother’s Day gifts.

Mother’s Day is celebrated across the world but some of the traditions, and even which date it is celebrated on, will vary depending on which country you are in.

For example, Mother’s Day in America looks fairly similar to the British holiday with flowers and cards being given to mothers. However, it is celebrated on the second Sunday in May every year and it has very different origins.

American Mother’s Day was created by a woman called Anna Jarvis from Grafton, West Virginia. The day began as a tribute to her late mother in the early 1900s and it became an official US holiday in 1914.

Whether you chose to celebrate Mother’s Day by visiting your mum/mam or any other mother figure in your life, spoiling them with gifts or by following a unique family tradition, we hope you all have a wonderful time celebrating!

HAVE YOU LOST CLARITY IN YOUR BUSINESS?

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The advisors at Robson Laidler have been invaluable in helping me develop a vision map for the future of my business.

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Meet Jennifer of Fraser Aesthetics

Fraser Aesthetics is a fully insured business specialising in skincare, beauty and aesthetics treatments. All of our work is carried out by a registered medical practitioner. We aim to give the most positive experience to our clients and in turn aim to achieve the best possible results.

The company itself was founded in 2017 by Jennifer a registered nurse practitioner and independent prescriber with over 13 years experience in the NHS as a A&E advanced care practitioner who took her love for skincare,combined with a medical background into a reality of making others feel good about themselves.

Jennifer has built up a clientele and became known for one of her most popular ‘natural but noticeable’ lip enhancements. Alongside this she is known for her honest open and professional approach from consultation to treatment and aftercare, this can be witnessed in the form of reviews readily available on the website, Instagram page and Facebook page.

consultation to discuss expectations and looking at achievable outcomes for clients without over pricing or over treating but using the best available products

Jennifer is Qualified and insured Aesthetic practitioner and member of professional bodies BACN and ACE to ensure she continues to develop professionally, keeping up to date within aesthetics and ensuring she is supported in order to ensure her clients receive the best treatment. Most currently starting SAVE FACE accreditation.

First Three Celebrity Chefs Revealed for Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2023

Phil Vickery, Rachel Allen and Janusz Domagala are a trio of celebrity chefs headlining the Saturday of the hugely popular Bishop Auckland Food Festival.

The festival, run by Durham County Council, had a record breaking 2022, pulling in 30,000 visitors. This year it will return on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 April.

Those attending can expect a weekend of fantastic food and entertainment in addition to some famous faces!

The first of these is Phil Vickery– a chef, presenter and cookery writer.

Phil has become one of Britain’s favourite chefs through being a part of ITV’s This Morning for over 22 years.

He has worked at Michelin Starred restaurants including Gravetye Manor in East Grinstead and 74 in Canterbury. Phil earned his own Michelin Star and 4 Rosettes in the AA guide as head chef of The Castle hotel in Taunton.

His television credits include Ready Steady Cook, Proof of the Pudding and Phil Vickery’s Pudding Club.

Also joining the star-studded lineup is Rachel Allen–a TV chef, teacher at the world-famous Ballymaloe Cookery School in County Cork and best-selling cookery writer who has sold over one million books.

She was raised in Dublin and studied at Ballymaloe from the age of 18. After travelling to cook around the world, she returned to work at the cookery school.

Rachel’s first book and accompanying TV series, Rachel’s Favourite Food, was published and broadcast in 2004.

She currently co-hosts The Restaurant with Marco Pierre White for RTE and writes a food column for

the Sunday Independent.

Completing the trio is Janusz Domagala, the standout star of 2022’s Great British Bake Off.

The 34-year-old Polish baker reached the semi-final of the show and became a fan favourite. He was also named one of Heat magazine’s 2022 Stars of the Year.

Janusz, an LGBT+ activist, has featured on CBBC’s Saturday Mashup and was a guest in the Christmas special of Channel 4’s The Last Leg.

These celebrity chefs will wow visitors with mouthwatering food demonstrations on 22 April. Crowd favourite and The One Show regular, Chris Bavin, will join them as the host.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “There are more big names still to come but it’s not all about the big names – we’ve got all kinds of wonderful food traders, workshops and entertainment up our sleeves too. It’s definitely a case of ‘watch this space’.”

Bishop Auckland Food Festival is one of many cultural events taking place in County Durham this year, cementing Durham’s position as the ‘culture county’.

To keep updated on all the latest Bishop Auckland Food Festival news visit the event’s website www. bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk and follow its social media channels.

Phil Vickery

Rachel Allen Janusz Domagala

Affordable Luxury with

CONCEPT EYE CLINIC

Tucked away on Saddler Street in the heart of Durham city, you will find a rather different kind of opticians. Eye wear at Concept Eye Clinic (formerly Wade opticians) is chosen carefully serving the wonderfully eclectic palettes of the people who travel here for their eye examination or, who just pop in to browse the latest offerings. Frames here have their own narrative. Retro, luxury and often hallmarked by an unusual design feature and material. The Barton Perreira collection is in a class of it’s own.. It’s acetate is made from an organic, hypoallergenic plastic that is derived from wood pulp and cotton fibres to create durable, flexible, and sustainable frames that will endure a lifetime of wear. After a piece is sculpted, it undergoes a final polishing by hand to ensure a soft, seamless feel from front to temple.

Every Perreira frame goes through a 4-day journey of polishing and tumbling in plastic, wood & bamboo materials, and then a two-step

hand-buffed process for an ultra-smooth and seamless finish. Once a frame is shaped, Japanese artisans add Barton Perreira’s signature touches, from intricate, hand-engraved filigree to stunning accents and patterns achieved through innovative technologies. Each piece is meticulously inspected to meet highest quality standards before it is added to the Concept collection.

They call it a ‘natural instinct’. We like the people behind Barton Perreira. Anarchic curators and innovators of fashion who designed for and inspired Vera Wang, Prada, Miu Miu and Paul Smith and Oliver People.

It’s all about who you are .

Ok, so one can describe the acetate, hinge technology or hand made quality, but holding it in your hands and of course trying a pair cannot replace the visceral experience. The

sheer pleasure. Don’t take this as gospel. You’re very welcome to browse and see for yourself. Concept Eye Clinic is after all, the ‘art of the optometrist’ –where luxury and probably the best eye care in the region is attentively affordable. Barton Perreira commands it’s own lexicon. This luxury eyewear brand was born out of independence, intuition and freedom.

At Concept we believe that access to the best eye care possible is not just a privilege but a human right. As the cost of living rises, there is no exorbitant premium here on health and wellbeing. Recognising that contact lens and spectacle wearers are increasingly discerning about value for money in the optical market, Concept offers an interest-free membership programme for continuous care. Each plan is bespoke to clinical need and designed to provide an integrative and affordable advanced luxury eye care and style package for all our patients.

Stockist of of the best high street fashion brands.

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Meet

Peter Haney; Consett’s eco-friendly window and door fitter

Peter Haney is a leading manufacturer, supplier and installer of energy efficient windows, doors, composite doors, bifold doors and conservatory warm roofs.

As the only manufacturers in Consett, you can guarantee that when you choose to purchase your energy efficient items from Peter Haney, you know you’re choosing the best in the business.

With over 40 years of experience under our belt, it goes without saying that we know our stuff, and we are amongst the most experienced in our business. There isn’t a question about energy efficient doors and windows that we don’t have the answer to, or the ability to learn about.

As a family run business, we appreciate each and every customer who comes through our door and supports our local business.

By keeping our business in the family, we work amazingly as a team, and strive to achieve the best results possible. We aren’t just connected by the business, we’re connected by blood. We offer free estimates before we complete any manufacturing work or installations, as well as offering a huge variety of styles. Call today and speak to us, so we can show you exactly how our products can help to upgrade the aesthetics of your home.

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GET UP TO £8,000 A YEAR TO STUDY PODIATRY

Stepping into a career in podiatry has never been easier as podiatry students can now claim up to £8,000 a year while studying. You don’t have to go far to take advantage of this amazing opportunity as New College Durham University Centre offers a fully accredited degree in podiatry.

Whether you are just starting out in your career or are looking for a change of direction, the BSc (Hons) in Podiatry at NCD is the perfect first step to a rewarding career. The course mixes theoretical learning and practical teaching with clinical practise. You will get hands-on experience in the college’s excellent clinical facilities and gain work experience on placement in an

NHS Trust so you graduate ready to work in the NHS or private sector.

As a podiatry student you will receive a learning support fund bursary of £6K to £8K each year whilst studying. As this is a grant not a loan, it does not have to be paid back. You can apply for student loans on top of this funding.

Chris Scullion is director at The Chiropody Clinic Ltd. He studied podiatry at New College Durham after being impressed by the high standard reviews and the convenient location.

“I would highly recommend the course at New College Durham as I don’t believe I would have got the same experience and developed the same variety of skills elsewhere. The lecturers were fantastic and offered outstanding help and support throughout the course. Just two days after graduating, I secured a full-time role as a podiatrist in what is now my own business.”

The college is currently accepting applications for September 2023 entry. Go to www.newdur.ac.uk to find out more.

STEP UP TO A CAREER IN SOCIAL WORK

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE AS A SOCIAL WORKER

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BA (Hons) Social Work

The expert lecturers have worked in the field so have first-hand knowledge of the social work sector.

You will complete a range of social work placements to fully prepare you for employment. When you graduate, you will be qualified to take on a career as a social worker.

GET UP TO £8,000 TO STUDY PODIATRY

Study podiatry and you could get a training grant of £5,000 each academic year plus extra funding for childcare costs and studying a specialist subject.

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Get hands-on experience in our excellent clinical facilities.

Gain work experience on placement in an NHS Trust. Keep up to date with sessions from guest speakers. Graduate ready to work in the NHS or private sector.

POP TOP LEISURE VEHICLES

With the recent demand for leisure products in the UK and the need to have multi-purpose camper window vans that can be used as every day vehicles and for leisure trips, the PopTop Leisure Company presents a choice of new and used campervans for sale which are competitively priced to suit most people’s pockets. All our campervans are available to view at out North East showroom based in Birtley, County Durham.

As well as providing a range of converted campervans for sale, it is also possible to choose a van from stock which we can then convert for you based on our flexible range of conversion options.

We also offer a roof fitting service at our workshop in Washington, Tyne and Wear. You can visit our workshop in Washington, to discuss the supply and fitting of elevating PopTops and to see vehicles in mid conversion. You can also discuss a conversion of your own with our very own motor caravan converters.

Birtley Showroom: Portobello Road, Birley, Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham, DH3 2SN | Sales: 0191 410 0043

Washington Showroom: Unit51 Hutton Close, Crowther Ind Estate, Washington, Tyne & Wear, NE38 0AH Sale@nulite.com

Explaining Veterinary Fees

There has been a lot of media recently about how expensive veterinary services are. We are, of course, not used to medical bills so let’s consider what it is that ‘consultation’ charge is really paying for.

Firstly – remember that the first 20% is VAT and paid directly to the government – it does not pay anything to the practice! And we get charged for every card transaction!

Making an appointment:

- A telephone line and phone equipment

- Website hosting and domain name

- The receptionist who answers the phone

- The computers and software to allow us to make you an appointment

On arrival:

– Rent for the building

– Lighting, heating, cooling and security

- Electricity to run machines

– Registration with the RCVS, ICO, HSE, VMD and other governing bodies (not optional)

– Fire and health-and-safety equipment and testing

- Insurance – building, contents, public liability, employer liability, indemnity etc

- Disinfectants and antiseptics, cleaning equipment and cleaner

For tests:

- Nurse salary, registration and ongoing training

- Consumables – for needles, syringes, blood tubes, bandages etc

- Maintenance and quality control checks for machines

- Purchase cost of machines – often through loans

- Cost of running test / costs of drugs

- Maintenance and recording of stock, pharmacy temperatures, disposal etc

After:

- Banking charges to allow, and protect, card payments

- Printing and paperwork for vac cards etc

This is all before the practice has made any money to pay back the considerable loans to start or buy the practice, or any money to reinvest to improve or replace facilities or equipment.

And, of course, this is before you have paid anything for the vet’s salary, registration and ongoing training – five years of professional, degree-level training and however much experience.

Full range of veterinary services and treatments available

Full range of veterinary services and treatments available

Are you fed up with clutter? Do you need more storage space?

Well the answer could literally be under your own roof!

For many home owners, the loft is an underutilised area because it can be difficult and dangerous to reach. Durham based loft ladder installer Access4Lofts (whose slogan is ‘creating space the easy way’) can change all that, often in less than a day!

Access4Lofts provides a free survey and quote service so you can find out what is achievable with your loft area.

The majority of properties have an access hatch to the space in the loft. Access4Lofts create space the easy and affordable way. They can supply

and install a new loft hatch and a safe, sturdy aluminium loft ladder in your home in just one day! That means that your dark and dismal roof space suddenly becomes a useful storage area for all that family clutter. “My experience enables fitting the ladder and converting the access hatch, in double-quick time the space is accessible and I leave no mess behind” explains Adam Dovaston, Access4Lofts Durham.

For extra peace of mind, Access4Lofts is an approved Which? Trusted Trader which means they have been assessed by Which? and passed their stringent checks. For added confidence, they also have full public liability insurance, are DBS checked, and all work carried out comes with a Lifetime Guarantee.

To find out how Access4Lofts can create more space for you and your family or to book a free survey and quote visit www.access4lofts.co.uk/durham or call 0191 9330781. You can also find them on Facebook @Access4LoftsDurham.

As a local family run business, we go the extra mile to take the stress and hassle out of getting a new kitchen. Our team were proud to receive a record number of positive Checktrade reviews in September from delighted customers. So, If you would like to find out why so many customers recommend us to friends and family, then get in touch!

UP TO 50% LESS THAN A NEW FULLY FITTED KITCHEN BY SIMPLY REPLACING THE DOORS & WORKTOPS Contact

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Classic cheese scones Method

Step 1, Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 with a large baking tray inside. Sift the flour, salt, cayenne pepper and baking powder into a bowl, then sift again to make sure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 2, Add the butter to the bowl and combine with your fingertips to make breadcrumbs. Sprinkle 100g of the cheese into the breadcrumb mixture and rub together until evenly distributed. Try not to mix too much as the heat from your hands may start to melt the butter.

Step 3, Make a well in the centre of the mixture and pour in enough milk to give a fairly soft but firm dough. Do not pour in all the milk at once as you may not need it all to get the right consistency.

Step 4, Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to approximately 2cm thick. Cut out the scones with a medium (about 8cm) cutter, then put on a sheet of baking parchment, glaze with a little milk and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Slide onto the hot oven tray.

Step 5, Bake in the oven for 15-20 mins or until golden brown and cooked through.

Ingredients

• 225g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting

• pinch of salt

• pinch of cayenne pepper

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 55g chilled butter, cut into cubes

• 120g mature cheddar, grated

• 90-100ml milk, plus 1 tbsp for glazing

Recipes brought to you by

Bewick Mobility

Bewick Mobility is a family run business and started in 1981 as a specialist driving school, assessing and teaching in adapted vehicles.

We fitted our first set of hand controls in 1991 and have since grown into the North East’s leading vehicle adaptation and barrier free living specialists.

Our showroom in Blaydon is fully stocked with mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs of all sizes from folding to large 8mph. We are

Motability accredited and operate the PWSS Motability lease scheme for qualifying clients. We have fully adapted vehicles for driving assessment by our qualified instructor. There is so much available to help with your independent driving be it illness or amputation.

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IT’S MORE AFFORDABLE THAN YOU THINK

REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE BELOW*

Price:

£2 maximum fare on buses until the end of March 2023

Thiscolumn usually concentrates on rail services, since it is sponsored by nationalrail.com, a rail retailer. But occasionally something happens so big, and so unknown to many members of the public, that it is worth shouting from the roo ops! Bus fares have been slashed throughout England and the maximum single fare has reduced to only £2, every day of the week, any time of the day, for any age of person who would normally pay adult fare. It’s part of the government’s help with the cost of living. It has been in place since the start of January with all major operators taking part and many of the small independents too.

It was launched with a fanfare at New Year, and regular bus users are using it every day to go to work, shops, and on days out. ose people who have opined for years that if bus fares were cheaper, more people would use the bus, have been proved sadly wrong. Anecdotally (and the gures will no doubt follow) there has been no appreciable increase in ridership through this promotion. It goes on for three whole months, and provides some substantial savings on journeys more than a couple of miles.

Long routes such as Go North East’s X10 between Newcastle and Middlesbrough have seen fares cut to £2 when the single fare by

train is £12.30 o -peak, more at peak times. Other long-distance routes participating include the now all-Stagecoach Newcastle to Carlisle service 685, which route takes you through Hexham from where there is a network of £2 a shot routes to places like Bellingham and Allenheads via Allendale Town. I was up there late last year and was the only one on the bus thinking “why aren’t there more people wanting to experience this wonderful ride?”

How o en to you jump in the car to give someone a li somewhere and return home having used up your time when the other person could just have gone on the bus? I am taking my wife’s car in for service tomorrow, and I will drop it o in Sunderland, and get bus 8 back home, returning later by bus to collect it and drive home. I don’t really need a courtesy car. If you get engrossed in a book, or texting a friend, or researching the internet using the free wi- , it’s amazing how quick the journey can go. Sure, it’s o en slower than taking the car, but you can use the time constructively, there’s no hunting for car parking spaces, and you don’t need to get back on the bus where you le it, whereas you have to return to a parked car.

So don’t be one of those “I’ve never been on a

bus for years” people, as if it was something to be proud of. Reduce your carbon emissions, even occasionally, and give the humble bus a try. If you want advice on what runs round your way, just drop me an email. One really stark fact that comes out of the £2 promotion is what good value the regional day tickets can be. If I go to Durham from home, I need to change in Chester-le-Street or Craghead so it’s £4 there and £4 back until the end of March, total £8. But there’s a County Durham zonal ticket for £6.40 for all Go North East services in the County, yes, as far as West Auckland which I use when visiting the station in Bishop Auckland. And for the whole region from Whitby up to Berwick and Carlisle, investigate the Explorer ticket, currently £10.90, including all the buses pictured, plus Tyne and Wear Metro, rail services Blaydon to Sunderland, and even the Shields Ferry. at’s the Daddy! It makes £2 a trip positively expensive.

Bus photographs by

Andrew Tyldesly

Free Exhibition Celebrating Women and Girls Comes to County Durham

Women and girls are being celebrated in a free exhibition and special event in County Durham this March.

The Being Inbetween exhibition arrives at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Monday 6 March. The venue will also mark International Women’s Day (IWD) by hosting talks from several women in the arts industry.

Visitors can look forward to a series of powerful photographic portraits, made over a period of six years, of girls aged between 10 and 12.

These were taken by award-winning photographer Carolyn Mendelsohn, who worked with almost 100 girls navigating this complex period in their lives.

Mendelsohn aims to give these girls an opportunity to reclaim their personal identity, rather than just being described as ‘tweens’. Mendelsohn also encourages dialogue about their ambitions, aspirations, hopes and fears.

The exhibition is open to the public and running until Saturday 13 May, with the gallery open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 4pm.

A special event celebrating women in the arts will take place at the venue on IWD (Wednesday 8 March) at 10am.

Unseen and Unheard will be hosted by Sue Snowdon, Lord Lieutenant of County Durham. It features talks from Carolyn and participants from the Missing Women project, an exhibition created by young people from Bishop Auckland alongside professional artists. There will also be talks from Creative Youth Opportunities’ Kate Gorman and Jill Cole, CEO of Northern Heartlands.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We are really pleased to welcome the exhibition and to hear from some incredibly successful women in the arts as part of Unseen and Unheard. We hope these will prove

thought-provoking and inspiring and we look forward to welcoming the work of many more inspirational women in the future.”

Following Unseen and Unheard, audiences can view Being Inbetween, as well as a response exhibition, Missing Women.

Missing Women is a project led by Durham County council, Creative Youth Opportunities and The Auckland Project, working with young people from Auckland Youth and Community Centre, Ash Green Way Traveller Site, St John’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College and Parkside Academy.

Attendees of the IWD event can also visit Auckland Castle to see the portraits of the missing women in the context of the paintings.

There will be an exhibition in No.42, in the marketplace, created by young people, telling the story of the project and a walking tour exploring stories of the town’s women.

Unseen and Unheard tickets cost £3 and must be booked in advance. To find out more about the event and the Being Inbetween Exhibition visit www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk

For more events taking place across County Durham to celebrate IWD, visit www.durham.gov.uk/IWDevents.

Care to make a difference in County Durham

The Care Academy has supported over 120 people into employment in social care and offers free practical help and support to get you started in your career.

Anne is a care worker and at 70 years old says she still loves working in social care:

“I love the feeling I get from helping others to live as independently as possible in their own homes.”

If you would like to get the kind of job satisfaction Anne does, then why not come to the Care Academy and start your career in care.

All you need are your natural caring qualities as you will train on the job and be supported to complete any qualifications you need.

We offer lots of opportunities to progress, with flexible hours to fit around your life.

Your routeway into a career in social care

Our part time Routeway programmes will help you to gain the skills needed to start a career in social care. After completing a part time six-week programme you will be guaranteed an interview with an employer in your area. If you’re successful we’ll also fund your Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to enable you to start work as soon as possible.

Our Job Centre approved programmes, start online next month:

Our next ‘Routeway into Adult Social Care’ is being delivered online and starts on Tuesday 17th April.

Our next ‘Routeway into Children’s Social Care’ is being delivered online and starts on Wednesday 18th April.

Find out more at: https://www.durham.gov.uk/careacademy www.durham.gov.uk/careacademy

Chicken pot pie

Rustle up this chicken pot pie for an easy dinner. A family favourite, it can be made ahead and even frozen for another day to make mealtimes easy

Directions

1/ Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large flameproof casserole or deep frying pan over a high heat. Once hot, brown half the chicken pieces on both sides, season and transfer to a plate or bowl. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.

2/ Reduce the heat to medium and heat the remaining oil in the pan. Fry the onions, celery and carrots for 8-10 mins, stirring occasionally and scraping any browned bits from the base, until all the veg has softened. Tip into the bowl with the chicken and return the pan to a medium heat.

3/ Melt the butter in the pan and stir in the flour to make a paste. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring until the paste turns golden. Add a splash of the milk, then whisk to combine. Continue slowly adding the milk, whisking continuously until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.

4/ Crumble the stock cube into the sauce and add 250ml water. Return to a gentle simmer, then return the chicken and veg to the pan. Stir in the mustard and thyme, and season well. Cover with a lid and

simmer over a low heat for 15-20 mins, stirring occasionally until the chicken is tender. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 if you're cooking the pie straightaway. Shred the chicken in the pan using two forks, pulling it into bite-sized pieces. Once completely cool, the filling will keep chilled for up to two days (providing the chicken is within its use-by date), or frozen for up to two months.

5/ Transfer the filling to a pie dish (or divide between individual pie dishes). Brush a little of the beaten egg around the rim of the dish. Unravel the pastry and lay it over the top of the dish, then trim the edges with kitchen scissors, leaving a little pastry overhanging the edge. Crimp this excess to seal the pieBrush the pastry all over with some more of the beaten egg and poke a few holes in the top using a skewer (this will release any steam inside during baking). Roll out any pastry offcuts and cut out decorations for the top, if you like. Stick these to the pastry and brush with any remaining beaten egg. Bake for 35-40 mins until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edge.

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil

8-10 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 1kg)

2 onions, finely chopped

2 celery sticks, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

50g butter

50g plain flour

500ml milk

1 chicken stock cube

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

small bunch of thyme, leaves picked, or use 1 tsp dried thyme

1 egg, beaten

375g sheet ready-rolled puff pastry

20 mins to prep 1hr & 20mins to cook 4-6 severings

The Whale is a brutal and often beautiful piece of filmmaking from director Darren Aranofsky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream). Based on Samuel D. Hunter’s play of the same name, the film portrays Charlie’s (Brendan Fraser) struggle with grief and his quest to reconnect with his estranged daughter (Sadie Sink).

Anyone familiar with The Whale has likely heard the unanimity surrounding Fraser’s performance as Charlie - a solitary English teacher living with morbid obesity. He is unquestionably brilliant and perhaps the film’s biggest draw. Achingly human throughout, Fraser breaks your heart with each despairing gaze and puts it back together again with every hopeful half-smile. Sink, of Stranger Things fame, goes toe-to-toe with Fraser as Charlie’s daughter Ellie. In a seemingly effortless and authoritative performance she proves beyond doubt that she is destined for great things. Also excellent is Hong Chau as Liz, Charlie’s friend and carer.

As the film starts it is unsettling to watch as the cinema screen seems to shrink. The small, square aspect-ratio of choice immediately establishes a sense of claustrophobia. Underpinned by Rob Simonsen’s haunting, sorrowful score, the opening suggests that you may be in for a heavy couple of hours.

The story that unfolds is a small one that tackles big themes. Like much of Aranofsky’s previous work these themes are overt and unapologetic from the outset. (For example, the sweat pooling at the bottom of Charlie’s back seeps through his shirt in the shape of a whale’s tail). Despite an occasional lack of subtlety the meditations on loss, self-destruction, faith and forgiveness are always engaging.

The story is delivered almost entirely in dialogue between Charlie and a small cast of characters in his cramped upstairs flat. As he desperately tries

Simon Steven Web Developer

to reconnect with his daughter Ellie, she does what she can to exploit the situation. Their venomous exchanges are complex, touching and often darkly funny. Liz does her best to look after Charlie and protect him from Ellie and others that seek to take advantage. One such character is Thomas - a boy who attempts to guide Charlie to salvation through the teachings of God.

The plot investigates the power of honesty and our interpretations of the written word, from Thomas’ bible to Charlie’s cherished review of Moby Dick which he recites as scripture in moments of anguish. As the layers of the story are absorbingly peeled back it is easy to be swept away by The Whale’s hypnotic power and stunning performances.

This weighty exploration of the human condition will not be everyone’s cup of tea. You may not have a whale of a time but I guarantee you will leave the cinema thoroughly moved - if not especially hungry.

4/5 whale rating

World Book Day: Free Books For Children

2nd March - 10 am - The Newton Grange, Brasside

On World Book Day, every children’s meal ordered at The Newton Grange will come with a free book for the child. Availability will be limited so to avoid disappointment make sure you book your meal! For more information visit their website: https://www.newtongrangepub.co.uk/ or call: 0191 3844708

Holi Festival

11th March- 12 noon - Oriental Museum, Durham

Say hello to spring with the Holi Festival at the Oriental Museum, Durham University! Holi is an Indian Festival of Spring also known as the Festival of Colours because it is traditional for people to throw coloured powders over their friends and family. Join in with the celebrations including powder throwing sessions, craft activities, story telling, music and more! Adult and children’s tickets are available from: https://www.dur.ac.uk/oriental.museum/whatson/detail s/?id=51142

International Women’s Day 2023

11th and 12th March - 10 am - Beamish Museum, Stanley

Celebrate International Women’s Day by learning about the role of women through history. Beamish Museum has organised a range of activities to help people find out how women’s roles have changed throughout history in the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s. To book tickets visit their website: https://www.beamish.org.uk/

Steam Machine Brewing Company Presents... ST PATRICK'S SATURDAY SPECIAL

18th March - 6:30pm - Steam Machine Brewing Company, Newton Aycliffe

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style with a weekend of craft beer (including some epic stouts), foot stomping folk music and delicious homemade pie and peas. Dance the night away with performances from eclectic folk veterans including Andy McLaughlin, Bubamara, The Congress and The WHIZZJIGS. Event suitable for over-18s only. Get tickets from: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/steam-machine-brewin g-company-presents-st-patricks-saturday-special-tick ets-531987899127

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

18th and 19th March- Various Times- Lumley Castle, Chester-Le-Street

Treat your mam like the queen that she is with a trip to Lumely Castle for a Mother’s Day afternoon tea! This package includes a glass of fizz on arrival for mothers, a selection of delicious sandwiches, cakes and pastries along with unlimited tea and coffee. To book visit: https://www.lumleycastle.com/event/mothers-day-aft ernoon-tea/

Foraging Walk Dalton Moore Farm

25th March - 9:50 am - Dalton Moore Farm, Seaham

Connect with your family and the great outdoors through this fun, educational walk. Jenny, your guide, will teach you how to forage responsibly and safely on this gentle 3 hour walk. Get your wellies or walking boots at the ready and book your tickets here: https://www.daltonmoorfarm.co.uk/event-details/fora ging-walk-at-dalton-moor-farm-2023-03-25-09-50

Your Local Bespoke Estate Agent

I am a proud Englishman from the North East, a lover of Rugby Union and an advocate of our Armed Forces having attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst post University. At University I read a degree in Surveying accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, this created the interest in property.

I’ve worked across the UK and Internationally in both residential and corporate private property as well as multiple construction sectors, an experience to bring back to the North East to change the way we jointly realise your property & home aspirations.

I will work with you through each step of the process to ensure buying your new home or selling your property is seamless and successful.

Contact me today for further information.

Craig Sewell MNAEA