Stockton
news January/February 2010
The community magazine of Stockton Borough Council
contents January/February 2010
Welcome
to the new look Stockton News
There’s a new colour coding system to make finding what you’re interested in even easier. Here are some of the highlights...
Book Festival a huge success
News Round Up
2
Economic Regeneration and Transport
4
Environment and Housing
10
Community Safety
16
Children and Young People
18
Adults Services
24
Arts, Culture and Leisure
26
Strong Communities
30
Health and Wellbeing
34
Your Council
37
Focus On Your Area
40
What’s On
44
Page 26 ‘A Day in the Life’ Gary Westoby Page 39 Our older residents who got together Page 24
Stockton News is published by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and distributed to households across the Borough free of charge. Editor: Vince Rutland, Deputy Editor: Jacky Stevely. To contact the editorial team or if you have not received a copy please call (01642) 526098 or e-mail communications@stockton.gov.uk It aims to provide news and information about the Council, its partner organisations, and local community groups and businesses. Every effort is made to ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication. Your views and comments are welcome.
Stockton News is produced by Stockton Council’s Communications Unit and designed by Bridge Design Group. Pictures courtesy of the Evening Gazette, Peter Mernagh and other sources.
There is an audio version of Stockton News. Please call (01642) 526098 to order a copy or e-mail communications@stockton.gov.uk
news Stockton
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Stockton News January / February 2010
News round up
We are certainly experiencing a bitterly cold and challenging start to the year – with the worst winter weather in 30 years. We’ve worked hard to clear priority routes and to keep services going – it has been particularly pleasing to see refuse and recycling collections have been unaffected. Our schools have performed magnificently with only a handful of absolutely essential closures. My thanks to all those who have worked flat out to keep things moving. Alongside the weather, the economic climate also continues to provide many challenges. We continue to monitor closely the developments at Corus and our thoughts are with all those affected. However, I also see many positive signs as we start the new year. Along with colleagues across the Tees Valley we can increasingly see a road map that could take us to a balanced economy which combines our traditional industries with new developments such as low carbon, biotechnology and digital industries. I am also optimistic about the benefits and opportunities which will spring from our massive programme of investment in schools, leisure facilities, transport infrastructure and housing. Finally, I am delighted that in our recent assessment by the Audit Commission we have once again been recognised as one of the top performing councils in delivering value for money. We are proud to be identified as one of only three councils across the country to achieve top marks for how we use our resources. Our commitment to delivering value for money sits at the heart of everything we do and we will continue to push to achieve even higher standards. My very best wishes for a happy and healthy 2010.
Bright future for our schools Two years on since work began on planning for our secondary schools, and with around £180 million pounds of secured investment in Building Schools for the Future, the next decade will see substantial progress in teaching and learning facilities at several of the Borough’s schools. Learning will receive the boost to launch it into the 21st Century with facilities fit for purpose in our secondary schools. For more details on the plans and the schools involved turn to page 18 or visit www.stockton.gov.uk/bsf or by emailing bsf@ stockton.gov.uk or call Kirsty Watt on (01642) 524525. As Stockton News went to print a decision which paves the way for an exciting new era of secondary education was made. Blakeston School, The Norton School and Thornaby Community School will close in August this year. It is proposed to replace them with an Academy in North Stockton with NHS Stockton as the lead sponsor and an Academy in Thornaby with Teesside University as lead sponsor, both would open in September. The Academies would also be co-sponsored by the Council and a consortium of Stockton Riverside College and Stockton Sixth Form College. Further information about the Academy in Thornaby can be found at www.thornabyacademy.org. uk and a similar website will soon be launched for the Academy in North Stockton.
Workers show their true grit
Council’s Praise for Stockton’s schools As Stockton News went to print, support national results for GCSE and post qualifications were published for Corus 16showing the Borough’s schools were Stockton Council’s Cabinet has agreed an all party statement of support on behalf of Council with regards to the recent announcement by Corus. The statement said: “Stockton Borough Council wishes to express its disappointment and concern at the announcement by Corus, part of the global Tata Steel group, that they intend to “mothball” the Teesside Cast Product’s blast furnace facility at Redcar at the end of January 2010 with the loss of 1,700 jobs. “The Council recognises the importance of steel making in Tees Valley, and the region, and supports the work force in calling on the Government to do all in its power to ensure that steel production is retained in the Tees Valley. “The Council does acknowledge the injection of finance to support the future development opportunities in the low carbon and manufacturing sectors and supports Tees Valley Unlimited in its efforts to safeguard the Corus workforce and the thousands of local jobs in the supply industries. “However, Government should continue to search for a long term solution and ensure, as far as possible, that the skill base is retained to allow the plant to be re-commissioned as soon as markets for the plant’s products are identified.”
Neil Schneider Chief Executive, Stockton Borough Council
The Council’s gritting teams have battled against the elements this Winter. See page 39 for an insider’s view.
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Cabinet also noted a report regarding the work which has already taken place in respect of the Corus situation in the Tees Valley.
performing well. Egglescliffe School was named Teesside’s top performing state school with 79 per cent of pupils achieving five GCSEs at A*-C grade including English and Maths. Egglescliffe has also been hailed ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and for the fourth time has been mentioned in Ofsted’s Chief Inspectors Annual Report as one of the ‘best of the best’. Headteacher of Egglescliffe School, Angela Darnell, said: “We worked very hard supporting students so that they could
£600 million for housing Housing Minister John Healey has named Stockton as one of six councils to be offered a place on the Government’s housing stock transfer programme. This could pave the way for a £600 million investment in Stockton’s council houses. This puts Stockton a step closer to transferring its Council homes to a new-style Tristar Homes and could open the way for a £600 million investment in modernising 10,500 homes over the next 30 years – £140 million of it in the first five years. See page 11 for more details.
achieve in both maths and English and we are proud to achieve such a high final outcome. I am also delighted that the school has been listed in the Chief Inspector’s report. To be listed for a fourth time is a real achievement.” Julia Morrison, Assistant Director/Head of Children and Schools and Complex Needs for Stockton Council, said: “The unprecedented investment in education is continuing to pay dividends in the area. The hard work of our teachers, support and other staff, as well as the students, is reaping rewards and helping our young people realise their potential. But we are not complacent - it is critical we maintain, and even increase, investment to drive standards even higher for all of them particularly in maths and English which are the key to a better future.”
Value for money Stockton is one of only three English unitary or county councils to rate as ‘excellent’ for the way we use our resources. And public sector services across the Borough have many strengths and no significant areas of weakness. That’s the view of Local Government watchdog the Audit Commission, in its new form of annual assessments, which find Stockton Council ‘performing well in the Organisational Assessment, with an excellent capacity to improve.’ See page 37.
Globe set to be golden?
The historic Globe Theatre, located at the northern end of Stockton High Street, may have new life breathed into it following a multi million pound restoration planning application to Stockton Council. Ambitious new ideas by Jomast Properties could mean live music will take place in the venue which will hold 2,500 people. The Globe was last used as a bingo hall before closing completely in 1993, however, in its golden era huge names graced its stage including The Rolling Stones, Buddy Holly and the Beatles. See page 8 for full article.
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Billingham has its say Billingham residents have given a big thumbs up to proposals for improving their town centre. “Yes please” and “bring on the regeneration” are the main messages to take from the official Consultation Report, published by developers Stockland and Stockton Council. The consultation on a proposed ‘Masterplan’ for Billingham Town Centre took place at the end of last year, with more than 1,600 people coming to view the plans. Nearly 400 people filled out feedback forms available at the public exhibition and online on the Council’s website, with a clear majority stating their overwhelming support for the principle of the regeneration. A massive 99.7 per cent of consultation respondents said they feel Billingham Town Centre is ‘in need of regeneration’. The report, available on the website at www.stockton.gov.uk/ billingham shows: • 84.1 per cent of respondents found the exhibition either ‘very’ or ‘somewhat informative’
• 82.4 per cent said the regeneration would make them want to shop in the Town Centre more often • Only 40.6 per cent currently use the Town Centre for shopping more than once a week. Respondents welcomed the plans for new paving, seating, lighting and planting, with one commenting: “The proposals to improve street lighting and the street paving are, in my opinion, essential.” Plans for new shops and a new foodstore were also wellreceived with respondents calling for the regeneration to take place as soon as possible. One wrote: “Billingham Town Centre requires urgent regeneration and has been in need of it for several years. Apart from the obvious shopping it will bring, it will also restore pride to the residents of Billingham again.”
refurbishments to shops, new lighting, paving, planting and new facilities for the town’s shopping area including new public toilets and a new children’s play park. Commenting on the results, Simon Hoad, Development Director for Stockland, said: “I want to thank everyone who gave their feedback on the proposals during the consultation. This is an overwhelming response and a very clear message that people want to see change for the better. We’ll now be looking closely at delivering improvements which will provide Billingham with excellent shops, facilities and
public spaces that people can be proud of.” The feedback received will be used to refine the proposals ahead of the Masterplan being formally agreed with Stockton Council. Stockland will then submit planning applications for various aspects of the Masterplan in the coming months. Meanwhile, work continues on the £15 million refurbishment of Billingham Forum. Details and updated photographs of the work will continue to be available in the Information Hub in the former Billingham Art Gallery entrance.
Work is due to start soon on a brand new landmark £300,000 play area for the picturesque Wynyard Woodland Park.
encourage sociable play. The top of a pyramid tower will be glimpsed over the tree tops making visitors want to enter the site and discover what lies ahead.
woodland feel of the site. The shape of the climbing forest with its tall upright trunks will create a forest feel and enhance the magical feel of the woodland.
The play space will appeal to a wide range of youngsters of different ages and abilities to allow many different types of play where children can stretch their imagination and creativity.
Sensory play pieces hidden within pockets of the woodland can be discovered and wheelchair users can also enjoy the experience.
Low mounding will create enclosures and shelter from the wind as well as informal seating. Children can invent games as the mounds offer height above the ground to view the rest of the play area with slopes to roll down.
A new ‘Play Village’ and pyramid towers will offer varying degrees of difficulty allowing less able children to play alongside others to
Conserving our heritage Owners of historic buildings in Stockton Town Centre now have a handy Maintenance Guide to help them keep their properties in ship shape condition. Stockton Heritage in Partnership (SHiP), a partnership between Stockton Council and English Heritage, have produced the guide to remind owners that regular maintenance is important in keeping a property in good order and avoiding the need for expensive and disruptive large-scale repairs. To mark both the guide’s launch and National Gutter Day, the Council cleared the overgrown and blocked gutters of a shop on Stockton’s High Street.
The consultation programme sought the views of local people, businesses and local elected representatives on Stockland’s draft Masterplan for investing in and regenerating Billingham Town Centre. The Masterplan outlines details for a new West Precinct food store,
Park plans
Stockton News January / February 2010
Economic Regeneration and Transport
Sand play will help children to develop fine motor skills and sense of touch and the existing trees will create sheltered areas. Wooden equipment compliments the
The work should be complete by the spring and it will be officially opened in the summer.
An enterprising future Young people from all backgrounds across the Borough are being encouraged to think outside the box and become entrepreneurs! The Enterprise Culture project is working with 14-19 year olds in schools, community and youth groups to bring out their entrepreneurial skills for a future workforce with a ‘can do’ attitude which is flexible, creative and much more.
The Maintenance Guide will be distributed to properties within the SHiP area. Copies are also available from Stockton Council’s Municipal Buildings reception, the Tourist Information Centre and other Council offices and Libraries, or by calling (01642) 527824.
114 High Street, Stockton, before and after, and cover of the guide
Want to be a SHiP member? The SHiP forum (Stockton Heritage in Partnership) is seeking a new member. If you would like to have a role in protecting the heritage of Stockton’s historic centre and attend six-weekly Wednesday meetings in Stockton Town Hall (4.30-5.30pm), please call (01642) 527824 to find out about election onto the forum. The forum is made up of members of the public and representatives of the organisations who guide the SHiP scheme. SHiP is particularly keen to hear from interested representatives from town centre businesses.
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The Council is working with every local secondary school and college to encourage young people to use their enterprise skills and create, for example, their own mini business in their school. The project will support a minimum of 120 young people to run real businesses with their school, college or youth group. Two Billingham schools already have businesses up and running. Northfield School students are designing and manufacturing stylish bags for carrying books (pictured), while those at St Michael’s RC School are setting up market places around the school and becoming real market traders. Local business people are working with the Council to deliver the project. Entrepreneurs and business people have become part of
the project steering group which acts as judging panel for project applications from schools/colleges and young people. They are using their wide range of knowledge and expertise to guide and shape the projects and mini businesses and to act as mentors to the young people. Engaging the business community in the development of young peoples’ skills and experiences is integral to ensuring each activity is effective, fun and gives each young person a real experience of business. The Enterprise Culture project is funded by Stockton Council’s Communities Fund and the European Regional Development Fund 200713 (ERDF) with investment secured through One North East. The ERDF 2007-13 programme is bringing more than £300 million into North East England to support innovation, enterprise and business support. It will help create and safeguard 28,000 new jobs, start 3,000 new businesses and increase the region’s productivity by £1.1 billion a year. To find out more or if you think you have what it takes to set up your own business, call Rachael Newton, Enterprise Coordinator on (01642) 528705 or email rachael. newton@stockton.gov.uk
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Stockton News January / February 2010
Economic Regeneration and Transport
Business booming...
Town Hall restoration plans go on display
Based in the Business Centre, Back 2 Front Animation recently celebrated its work being aired on Nick Toons, on the Nickelodian channel. Their online taster animation so impressed the network that they commissioned husband and wife team Talib and Sarah Kadhim (pictured) from Back 2 Front Animation to produce six humorous short films.
Need a new wardrobe but feeling the pinch? …then Mickystars Ltd, also based in the Business Centre, is your answer, selling designer clothing from the world’s leading brands at possibly the UK’s lowest prices. Formed as a part time hobby to sell excess clothing through Ebay, Mickystars Ltd is now growing rapidly, despite the recession.
To find out more about Back 2 Front Animation call Charlotte Nichols at Harvey & Hugo Ltd on 0781 357 9164 or email charlotte@harveyandhugo.com
The help and support of Business Centre staff is invaluable to anyone starting out on their own. “The ease at which we can expand within the Centre is fantastic and the support is always there,” said owner Micky Davies. “We now sell the very latest Firetrap clothing at up to 90 per cent off and have lots of new labels coming soon.” Grab yourself a bargain by visiting stores.shop. ebay.co.uk/MICKYSTARS
Dancers from Dancefuzion group (pictured), based in Stockton Business Centre in Brunswick Street, were invited to perform on the main stage at the Children in Need event at Hartlepool Marina. Seen by millions on live tv and a live audience of more than 2,000, this was a fantastic opportunity. They also performed at the Odin’s Glow arts festival. The company is providing new employment opportunities in the area and recently recruited dance teacher Natalie York to its staff. To find out how to book the group for fundraising and other events, visit dancefuzion@btinternet.com
An online bookstore operating from the Business Centre is Beck Valley Books. They offer around 5,000 second-hand, rare and out-of-print books covering many subjects including children’s books at fantastic prices. The company offers a free book-search service to try and locate that hard-tofind book you really want and free delivery to local residents. Find out more by visiting www. beckvalleybooks. co.uk
Software engineering company Quorum Development started life in Stockton Business Centre but its success has seen them move on to bigger premises in Wynyard Park, near Billingham. Quorum recently landed its first overseas software contract with a major European power generation company, enabling it to expand its workforce. Quorum director Paul Fothergill said: “It was a shame to leave the Stockton Business Centre, which provided us with much needed assistance when we started.”
Reviving empty shops A £52,000 cash boost from the Government will help to improve the look and feel of the Borough’s town centres by reviving empty spaces left vacant by shops hit by the financial downturn.
Five local businesses are backheeling the economic climate with their recent success thanks to Stockton Business Centre
Plans for the restoration and refurbishment of Thornaby’s historic Town Hall went on display in December.
Developer Status on this scheme and look forward to working with both the Council and local community to return Thornaby Town Hall to its former glory.
Under the scheme, local company Python Properties will take on the 117-year-old building and restore it to a condition to suit its Grade II Listed status.
“We specialise in regeneration schemes in the Tees Valley and are proud of our achievements on other landmark buildings such as Maxwell’s Corner in Stockton and The Co-operative Buildings in Middlesbrough.
Python has produced proposals to restore civic rooms – such as the former mayor’s parlour and council chamber – for public use and create business facilities for up to 100 jobs. One prospective client could safeguard 50 new jobs and provide extensive training opportunities for local residents. The proposals include: • extensive internal and external refurbishment of the Town Hall and adjoining terraced buildings • restoration of the historic council chamber, mayor’s parlour, reception area and other parts of the Town Hall for public bookings • facilities for both Thornaby Town Council and the local Heritage Group • modern accommodation for business and community use • flexible business space for around 20 new and expanding local small and medium-sized businesses • close working with DigitalCity in Middlesbrough to support digital media, technology and creative business opportunities • opportunities for heritage and art exhibitions Peter Broome, Partner with Python Properties, said: “We are delighted to have Preferred
“We look forward to seeing the Town Hall restored to its former status as a Centre Of Excellence which will now embrace the new digital industries and secure and provide jobs for the people of Thornaby. The refurbishment will be of the highest quality with business/office units available for growing companies in the area.”
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The Council is planning a series of projects and events to encourage shoppers and visitors into the town, building on events such as the Festafall film extravaganza, Take to the Tees and Stockton’s International Riverside Festival. Community groups will be invited to showcase their talents and skills within some of the unused shop units and there will be innovative
designs and artwork to decorate existing empty units. Some units will be updated as well as promoting the refurbished Shambles Market Hall units to local budding entrepreneurs. The Council will be offering support to existing businesses to set up in the High Street as well as promoting Stockton as a safe, attractive and family-friendly place for both day trips and nights out. 21 year old Jade Stephenson (pictured), opened her own shop, ‘Wardrobe’, in Wellington Square after winning a free shop unit for a year. The Council and the Centre’s owners supported the competition to find the best young retail business idea.
Richard Poundford, Stockton Council’s Head of Economic Regeneration and Development, said: “These proposals offer a very real prospect for bringing this historic building back to life. “We are currently in the final stages of our negotiations with the developer, who is very positive about the prospects for the building, despite the economic climate. We understand Python intend to start renovation work as soon as possible over the coming months. “This project is actually about more than the Town Hall, as it will boost the wider regeneration of the Mandale Triangle area, which has gradually declined since Thornaby’s new town centre was created from the late 1960s.”
Gateways to the future Around 80 residents signed up to find out how they could run their own business at a launch of the new Enterprise Gateways scheme in Stockton High Street during Global Entrepreneurship Week. Three locations in Thornaby and Billingham will provide help and support every month to explore self employment, using a game,
based on the Monopoly game principle, which is fun and useful. The Council awarded The Five Lamps Organisation £745,000 to work with Enterprise Made Simple to run the scheme, with funding from the Communities Fund and the European Regional Development Fund. To find out more call Annette Nylund on (01642) 526029, or Chris Butler or Bill Erskine on (01642) 608316.
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Stockton News January / February 2010
Economic Regeneration and Transport
Centre stage for the Globe once more?
The apprentice
The scheme will boost the Tees Valley’s ambitions to become a national centre for ‘green’ power industries. Applicants will agree a firm timetable for processing their planning application to result in higher quality applications with less likelihood of lengthy appeal processes.
Jomast properties has submitted a planning application to return Stockton’s historic Globe theatre as a prestigious live performance and entertainment venue for 2,500 people. The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Buddy Holly all once graced The Globe, on Stockton High Street. Renowned for its art-deco architecture, it was last used as a bingo hall before closing completely in 1993.
Stuart Monk, of Jomast, said: “The Globe is a very impressive and iconic building with a rich history in live music and entertainment. We intend to
Planning process streamlined Stockton will take part in one of two pilot schemes nationally in a new streamlined approach to planning renewable energy or low carbon projects.
One of the North East’s most historic and best-known music venues could be relaunched under an ambitious new plan.
The multi-million pound restoration would retain and upgrade the existing building, with new seating, catering and washroom facilities. An extension would see an adjacent vacant property become a modern bar and bistro.
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completely restore it and bring it back to its former glory. “The present external appearance and character of the buildings will be preserved, with the internal layout largely unchanged to maintain the architectural features. We intend to significantly improve facilities and add
a new bar area in the stalls as well as extend the existing building to create a high quality bar and bistro for preperformance and daytime use. “The Globe could once again be at the forefront of the region’s music scene and play an integral part in the revival and regeneration of Stockton Town Centre.”
Did you know? • The original Globe Theatre was Teesside’s first purpose-built cinema. • It showed the area’s first ‘talkies’. • It was rebuilt in 1927 and again in 1935 • An ABC cinema from 1938, live performances
continued including pantomimes, ballets and West End shows. • The Beatles played there on 22 November 1963 – the night President John F. Kennedy was shot. • The last film shown there was ‘The Sting’, on 15 June 1974.
Jobcentre Plus is now open longer Jobcentre Plus has extended its Tees Valley opening hours.
later in the day, together with access to other Jobcentre Plus services.
Local Jobcentres are the country’s first to take part in a national trial offering customers appointments earlier and
Most offices are now open for two extra hours between Monday to Friday – 8am–6pm.
For more information on Jobcentre Plus services, or simply to look for a job, visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Are you a local employer who could offer an apprenticeship to a young person from Tees Achieve? Tees Achieve – previously known as Stockton Council’s Training and Employment Services – actively educates and seeks employment for anyone over 16 and is encouraging local businesses to look at the possibility of employment and training by offering apprenticeships. You may receive a call from Tees Achieve to see if you can do just that. Tees Achieve employs more than 150 assessors and tutors who organise and deliver courses to more than 6,000 learners each year. Its main sites are in Stockton and Billingham town centres as well as other locations such as schools, community centres and voluntary organisations. Tees Achieve manager Stewart Atkinson said: “There may be a recession but it’s important employers prepare for the future and an upturn in business. There can be no better way than by offering a young person the opportunity to gain their work skills in a local business.” Chelsea Hauxwell, 18 (pictured) from Hardwick, has completed a Level 2 qualification in Carpentry and Joinery on a six-month placement with Tristar Homes. She now plans to progress to Advanced Apprentice level 3. During her placement,
Tees Achieve secured funding for her salary through Building Futures and will continue to support her through her future training. Chelsea said: “I really enjoy carpentry and joinery. In the future I’d like to be selfemployed, doing anything from fitting kitchens and wardrobes – in fact anything to do with joinery!” Brian Jackson, who looks after apprentices for Tristar Homes, said: “Chelsea has done very well throughout her apprenticeship. She’s pleasant, willing, gets on with others and is keen to learn. So far, she’s done a great variety of joinery work.” To find out how you could bring your business to life and offer a fantastic start to a working life for a young person call (01642) 528261. Tees Achieve also runs a course for young people to learn new skills to be able to work as a volunteer at events – and those who complete it are guaranteed an interview to volunteer at the 2012 Olympics. Students can gain a qualification and get support looking for jobs. The course runs on Tuesday mornings at Billingham Community Centre – you must be aged over 19 and be unemployed. To find out more call Martin Cresswell on (01642) 528817 or email martyn. crersswell@stockton.gov.uk or Hazel MacGregor on (01642) 527907 or email hazel.macgregor@stockton.gov.uk
A Biomass Power Plant near Port Clarence and a wind turbine scheme at Stillington are amongst six schemes to go through the new process. The Council’s Planning Committee will still determine applications and there will be the same opportunities for consultation and the public to make comments. The Biomass Power Plant at Lower Clarence Wharf, Port Clarence, would be able to generate 48 megawatts of carbon-neutral electricity, enough to power more than 50,000 homes. Proposed by Bio Energy Investments, it has a striking, futuristic design. Using clean, non-waste wood chip shipped into Billingham, potentially supply enough heat for 400 houses and offices, possibly including those at the future Middlehaven development in Middlesbrough. The Tees Valley Wind Farm would generate up to 20 megawatts of clean, renewable energy and income could also enable the company to develop a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit to supply waste heat to local homes and businesses, although this is not part of the initial application.
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Stockton News January / February 2010
Environment and Housing
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£600 million housing investment
Members of the Housing Customer Futures Group
Stockton is delighted to be one of six councils to get a place on the Government’s housing stock transfer programme. Under the proposals Tristar, which currently manages the Council’s housing on an ‘arms-length’ basis, would become a housing association. The Council has worked closely with tenants over the last 18 months to consider how best to manage its homes and invest in them for the future. The changes – on which the Council will now ballot tenants this year – would enable a reconstituted Tristar to access funding from sources not currently open to the Council. The consultation will make sure tenants have all the facts on the transfer process and what it would mean. Transfer will only go ahead if
the majority of tenants who vote are in favour. Since 2002, the Council and Tristar have invested more than £160 million in improving more than 9,000 properties to the Government’s ‘decent standard’. The additional funding would ensure all the Council’s houses would have a consistently high standard of fittings such as doors, windows, kitchens, bathrooms, and well as a better environment and security. Julie Nixon, Stockton Council’s Head of Housing, said: “If transfer goes ahead, the multi-million pound investment would bring homes and their surroundings up to the standard tenants have told us they want. “We can now ballot tenants on the transfer proposal, with a ‘yes’ vote meaning significant additional investment in Council homes in the Borough. “I would like to thank the group of tenants who have worked with us on these proposals and been a voice for those who live in our housing. Their
tireless hard work and commitment has been invaluable. “I would also like to thank our local MPs, Frank Cook and Dari Taylor, who have supported us in negotiations with the Housing Minister. I know meetings were set up with the Minister to put our case across before the rules for transfer changed – without this our proposals could have been significantly delayed.” Liz Kidd, a tenant of Stockton Council and chair of the Housing Customer Futures Group (the tenant consultation group), has been involved right from the beginning. She said: “This is great news and reflects the massive amount of work tenants and the Council have done. “Transfer will mean massive investment into our homes and services and that’s what tenants have told us they want. “I have great confidence that if Tristar Homes become a housing association and our new landlord they would continue to do us proud.”
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Stockton News January / February 2010
Environment and Housing
Tristar stars! Keeping
tenants safe
Left to right are some of the winners. Left to right Sam and Leanne Cole (Personal or Community Achievement); John and Betty Turner (Best Garden), Norma Pearson (Resident of the Year) and Albert Duff (Good Neighbour).
Tristar Homes’ first-ever Customer Awards have honoured a unique selection of people put forward by staff, customers and board members The categories were; • • • • •
Best Garden Good Neighbour Resident of the Year Young Achiever Personal or Community Achievement
Tristar had an extra-special award for one winner.
The special award – the ‘Pride of Tristar’ – surprised Resident of the Year, Norma Pearson, 70, of Billingham, acknowledging her tremendous efforts and continuous commitment to helping others. Norma has taken an active role community where she lives. Over the last 12 years she has run clubs, organised events and even catered for funerals for residents of three Billingham high-rise blocks. To find out more about Tristar Homes and future events, call 0844 736 0007 or visit www. tristarhomes.co.uk
Landlords have a responsibility to keep their tenants’ homes safe – including safeguarding any deposit paid to the landlord. Where a landlord refuses to carry out repairs Stockton Council can intervene. Gas appliance checks must be carried out by Gas Safety Registered engineer, who must supply a valid gas safety certificate before tenants move in, and then annually, and the Council is urging tenants to make sure they have a copy.
If tenants have problems obtaining a copy or have concerns about their housing conditions, they should call the Private Sector Housing team on (01642) 527797 or email privatesectorhousing@ stockton.gov.uk Where tenants have disagreements over the original deposit they paid, they can call the Council’s Housing Options team on (01642) 528389, email housing.options@ stockton.gov.uk or call into Stratford House, 11-12 Ramsgate, Stockton or call Stockton and District Advice Centre on (01642) 607445.
Solar power warmth Two local schools, Bader Primary School in Thornaby and Ingleby Mill Primary School in Ingleby Barwick, will feel the warmth of the sun and lower energy bills. It’s all thanks to the combined efforts of Stockton Council and npower’s Climate Cops programme, which have earned a grant of £46,500 for Photovoltaic (PV) systems to be built in the schools. Bader Primary School, with more than 260 pupils, has not seen too many modifications since being built in 1971. npower has provided £10,000 for a PV system and display panel, heating control upgrade and pipework insulation. The modern Ingleby Mill Primary School has more than 650 pupils, and npower has pledged £7,000 to implement a photovoltaic PV system with display unit. The remainder will fund other PV systems in local primary schools this year.
£4.3 million re-starts housing schemes New homes for sale and rent will be built thanks to funding from the Homes and Communities Agency’s Kickstart programme. The development in Stockton is part of a £51 million boost to stalled housing schemes in the region. Bellway in Stockton is now getting back to the bricks with £2.06 million from the national fund, with building to resume on 50 new homes at the former industrial Kvaerner development at Victoria Park due to start very soon. Not only will this provide new homes but also a condition of the funding is the creation of jobs and training for local people. To find out more visit www. homesandcommunities.co.uk
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Tackling the issue of empty homes In Stockton Borough, as elsewhere, empty homes can be a big issue. The Council is playing its part in tackling the problem. There is plenty of advice and assistance on bringing empty homes back into use and the Council is encouraging owners of unoccupied houses to get in touch. Across the Borough 2,101 properties are empty – 1,125 of these for more than six months. Empty properties can deteriorate quickly and can become targets for vandalism and crime. Since April 2009, the Council’s Empty Property Team has received 90 enquiries about vacant homes. 34 of these have been secured against unauthorized access and 18 others returned to use, thanks to the team’s work. In the first instance, the team always tries to work informally with owners. Once they receive an enquiry, they will visit the property and carry out a risk assessment.
In the early stages the team works with owners to encourage them to restore their property to use. This can be through providing details of investors who may wish to buy the house, information on estate agents who may offer reduced rates, or advice on how to sell or rent properties out. Sometimes this informal approach does not work and an owner fails to return a property to use.
The orders involve the Council taking over the management of privatelyowned properties and carrying out renovations with a view to securing occupiers for the building for up to seven years, before returning it to the owner. To report empty homes to the team or for advice and assistance in returning an empty property to use, call (01642) 526687 or e-mail emptyproperty@stockton. gov.uk
The Council’s powers range from removing accumulated rubbish, making sure a building is made safe or taking action against unsightly external appearances of a property. Where appropriate, the Council will recover the costs involved. Stockton is the first council in the Tees Valley to apply for an Interim Empty Dwelling Management Order. This first application, to the Residential Property Tribunal, is currently proceeding. An example of a Stockton property brought back into use
Your rent could be your deposit! If getting the money together as a deposit is your stumbling block to buying a new home then help is at hand as anyone can take advantage of a new ‘Rent to Buy’ scheme by Stockton Council.
loan to the Council and, after five years, it is converted into a ten per cent deposit to raise a mortgage to buy your home.
Under the scheme, you can rent a home for five years and use some of the rent paid as a deposit to buy it. The rent paid offsets the cost of the
The slow-down in building means developers now have limited unsold stock. This scheme should help stimulate new construction – as well as
Stockton appears to be the country’s first council to run such a scheme and, if it’s successful it may very well kick start more schemes at other housing sites in the Borough.
helping with the local economy and creating jobs. It will also ensure the new empty homes at Hardwick are occupied by local people needing housing. Anyone can apply by registering on the Council’s Affordable Homeownership Register. The first properties of the scheme will be on the Hardwick Green development. For further information call Stockton Council on 0845 604 2942 or email enquiries@ time2buy.org.uk
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Stockton News January / February 2010
Environment and Housing
News in brief
Landmark handover
Save cash on driving! You can save money and help reduce carbon emissions with Stockton Council’s Eco Driving course. Run monthly, the three-hour course covers many aspects of driving and will show you how to lower the amount you spend on fuel and maintenance. It is run by a fully qualified Advanced Driving Instructor on a one to one basis. You could reduce fuel consumption by 12 per cent – saving a massive £200 a year on a typical consumption. To find out more call (01642) 526723 or email technicalservices@ stockton.gov.uk
Greener Uni Durham University’s first Environment Week helped reduce its carbon footprint and promoted sustainable ways of living and working. Activities included litter picking with the University Chancellor, author Bill Bryson, guided walks and an alternative travel to work day, with a series of fairs giving staff and students advice on a greener lifestyle.
Help with housing If you are having difficulties paying your rent or mortgage and live in Stockton Borough, the Housing Options service maybe able to offer free, confidential help with issues such as home repossessions and notice from landlords. The service can go to court with you and support your case to remain in your home, assist in re-negotiating mortgage payments and help with other debt arrears. Call (01642) 528389, or visit 11-12 Ramsgate, Stockton from 8:30am-4:30pm on weekdays (4pm Fridays).
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Hardwick’s multi million pound regeneration was praised by Housing Minister Ian Austin MP (pictured with new resident Anita Carlin), at the official handover of Endeavour Housing Association’s landmark 2,000th property in December. Part funded by the Homes and Communities Agency under the National Affordable Homes Programme, Endeavour has so far developed 119 quality family homes and bungalows at Hardwick, as Ruskin Court and the award winning Aspen Gardens.
Stockton does its bit against climate change In the fight against climate change, we are all being asked to reduce the amount of carbon we produce to limit the damage being done to the planet.
By rating buildings’ energy use on a scale of A-G (similar to the system used on electrical goods) the Committee found energy use could be improved in many Council buildings, including schools.
Recently the Council’s own contribution to reducing carbon emissions came under scrutiny from its own Environment Select Committee, to see where further improvements could be made.
As a result, it recommended: • reducing the amount of travel for councillors and staff • cutting down the amount of printing and paper • making sure all electrical equipment is switched off when not in use
• putting carbon management at the heart of planning to make sure future buildings have the lowest possible carbon impact. Working together, we can all help to limit the damage we do to the planet. To find out more about the Environment Select Committee Review of Carbon Management visit http:// www.stockton.gov.uk/ carbonreview
Eyesore gone Good news for Hardwick residents - as part of the £100 million Hardwick Regeneration, the small block of boarded up flats near the Horse and Jockey pub were razed to the ground in December. The privately-owned block, on Harrowgate Lane, had been derelict for several years and the Council responded to complaints from local residents.
Stockton
news POLICE BEAT 16
Stockton’s got artistic talent
Pastors help to police the streets On Friday nights churchgoers are taking to the streets of Stockton in a bid to help make them safer. An initiative of the Christian Churches, Stockton Town Pastors (STP) is open to volunteers of all faiths, as well as those of no declared faith, to offer a service to the community. More than 50 trained and CRB checked volunteers work in groups of three or four. Wearing identifiable uniforms, they are visible in the town centre between 9pm and 3am to assist anyone needing help. Over the last few months they have built relationships with those enjoying a night out, door stewards, taxi drivers and anyone using the town centre during those hours.
Pictured left to right: Cleveland Police Chief Constable Sean Price, Jodie Harkin and Pam Andrews-Mawer from Cleveland Police Authority
Jodie Harkin, a pupil at Our Lady and St Bede’s School, Stockton, won an iPod and £1,500 for her school when her festive painting was chosen from more than 7,500 entries as overall winner of the Cleveland Police “Art of Safety 2009” competition to be its Christmas card 2009. And several other Stockton schoolchildren were also amongst the prize winners at the award ceremony held at Police HQ. Throughout the autumn term police teams visited schools across Cleveland and talked with children about how we can all help to make communities safer by Putting People First.
Stockton News January / February 2010
Community Safety
Youngsters were then asked to submit a drawing or painting on the theme of “Putting People First This Christmas”. Children from more than 160 schools took part and selected their own individual winning entries in three age categories. Cleveland Police Chief Constable Sean Price presented Jodie, a pupil at Our Lady and St Bede, Stockton, with an iPod nano and iTune voucher and a pack of Christmas cards based on her design. Head teacher John Smith was presented with £1,500 for school funds.
The pastors do anything to help increase safety such as removing bottles and broken glass from the streets, getting help such as ambulances, supplying water to people who may have become dehydrated and even flip flops to people who have lost their shoes.
Top marks for Youth Offending Service Stockton Council’s Youth Offending Service (YOS) has been praised in the latest independent HMI Probation inspection report. The report places Stockton as the best performing YOS in the North East. Inspectors commended the service for its performance in key areas, including reducing risk of reoffending, managing risk of harm to others and safeguarding children and young people from harm. The report also highlighted the commitment of staff in making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people under their supervision.
Julie Fox, Assistant Chief Inspector, said: “Overall, we consider this to be an encouraging set of findings. The YOS benefited from having access to a broad range of universal and specialist resources, which offered a strong platform on which to deliver services. “Recent practice development work, following on from the recommendations in the inspection which took place in April 2008, had focused on risk of harm to others, safeguarding and likelihood of offending issues.” The report highlighted that Stockton YOS needs to do more to increase the numbers of children and young people who comply with the requirements of their supervision.
Teens scrub up well
STP follows a similar model to the Street Angels project in Halifax which celebrated its fourth birthday last year and has now spread to more than 40 towns and cities. Inspector Andy Fox of Cleveland Police said the Force was “very positive” about the initiative and continued: “It operates very successfully in partnership with police in other areas of the country and we can see its benefits. “The pastors are not putting themselves in harm’s way as Stockton is closely covered by CCTV. They have our full support.”
The competition was sponsored by Cleveland Police Authority, CapGemini and the Kids Task Force.
Contact your Neighbourhood Police Officer on (01642) 302930
After hours of unpaid work to remove graffiti from the tunnel in Stockton’s Dovecot Street as part the Offender Community Payback scheme, the Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour team were shocked to find it had returned. With photographs as evidence, they swiftly identified five youths, who attended Stockton Police Station with their parents to be confronted. All admitted the offence and had three options for punishment – evidence could be sent to the Police,
resulting in a criminal record; a hefty £80 fine; or to clean off the graffiti, under supervision, using specialised kits. They chose the latter. Mike Lincoln from the Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team organised the clean up. He said: “The clean-up was a great success and a credit to partnership working. It has taught the young people a valuable lesson, not only caring for the community they live in but also being a responsible young person.” To find out more about the Anti Social Behaviour Team – or to make a report – call the 24-hour hotline on (01642) 607943.
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Hyde and seek Set up to quickly tackle problems in anti-social behaviour hotspots, an innovative youth scheme is going from strength to strength. Operation Hyde began last summer and sees the Council work with the Police, voluntary organisations and other partners to address vandalism, alcohol misuse and nuisance among young people. On Friday and Saturday evenings, mobile units are set up in parks and open spaces where communities suffer from anti-social behaviour. Young people found in the area are directed to these mobile sites, where Youth Support workers engage them in activities such as football to keep them occupied. To remind youngsters that committing anti-social behaviour does not pay, young people on courtordered reparations carry out work in the area such as litter-picking and repairing areas damaged by vandalism. They wear high visibility jackets to remind others of the consequences of anti-
social behaviour. Street-based Council staff are on hand to work with the young people, involving them in projects such as volunteering opportunities to gain skills and work experience and community workshops. Operation Hyde has reaped positive results in many areas, including Newham Grange, Arlington Park, Hardwick and Stockton Town Centre. Terry Frank, Stockton Council’s Integrated Youth Support Service Manager, says: “Operation Hyde helps us tackle anti-social behaviour hotspots quickly and effectively. So far we’ve seen very positive results, with anti-social behaviour down where we have worked. “The Police give us the heads-up on areas needing support, or around problem times such as the school holidays, bonfire night and Halloween, so we can get our street-based teams on the ground.” Operation Hyde is funded through the Youth Crime Action Plan (YCAP).
Warning over internet pop ups Be wary of pop-up internet adverts. That’s the warning from the Council’s Trading Standards officers after consumers signing up for a free trial of instant weight loss pills found money taken out of their accounts – weeks after paying for postage and packaging fees. Consumers who complained to the company have been refused a refund. In other cases, consumers clicking on pop-ups were sent
unsolicited goods. When they contact the company – often having to call a premium rate phone number to speak to an operator as some of the companies have no website – they are told the goods are sent on a 15day return or pay basis. Although the companies involved use a UK mail order agent, they are based outside the UK which makes it very difficult for British enforcement agencies to investigate.
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Stockton News January / February 2010
Children and Young People
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Students support Durham University does much more than produce graduates – its Student Community Action (SCA) has more than 50 projects to help the community, ranging from gardening to painting, tutoring to befriending.
£180 million secured for Stockton’s schools of the future Stockton Borough’s exciting vision to transform learning for our young people is going to become a reality
Future schools
The Government has approved Stockton’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Outline Business Case (OBC) which commits approximately £180 million of BSF funding to 12 of the Borough’s schools.
replace Thornaby Community School). Assistant Director/Head of Children, Schools and Complex Needs for Stockton Borough Council, Julia Morrison, said: “This is a once-in-alifetime opportunity to provide the best possible learning environments.
Neil Schneider, the Council’s Chief Executive, said: “The approval of the OBC is testament to the hard work that all of our secondary schools, the Council and the four dioceses have undertaken to shape an exceptional BSF programme over the last two years. I would like to thank everyone involved for all their efforts and I look forward to continuing this fantastic partnership as the programme moves into the next landmark phase.”
BSF funding for the secondary schools in the south of the Borough is yet to be confirmed. In the meantime, the Council is carrying out a study to explore which solutions for each school would best cater for the needs of the young people who live in Eaglescliffe, Ingleby Barwick and Yarm. Once deliverable options are identified, public consultation will take place to help determine the best solution to implement when the money becomes available.
Over the next ten to 15 years, learning environments suitable for 21st Century teaching and learning will be created at Abbey Hill Special School, Bishopsgarth School, The Bishopton Centre Pupil Referral Unit, Grangefield School, Ian Ramsey Church of England School, Northfield School, Our Lady and St Bede’s RC School, St Patrick’s RC School, St Michael’s RC School and Westlands School. New-build academies are also proposed in North Stockton (to replace Blakeston School and The Norton School) and in Thornaby (to
The process of selecting a bidder to design, build and maintain the secondary schools is now under way. A notice advertising the contract has been placed in the Official Journal of the European Union, marking the start of a 75 week procurement process.
However, the Government has agreed to release ICT funding for these three schools to benefit pupils through the more flexible and personalised learning experience that enhanced ICT will support at the earliest opportunity.
These will support the teaching and learning that needs to take place to prepare our young people for life in a rapidly changing 21st Century world.”
To find out more about Stockton’s BSF programme visit www.stockton.gov.uk/bsf or email bsf@stockton.gov.uk or call Kirsty Watt on (01642) 524525.
Some, such as CATSS (Children Achieving Through Student Support) offer a residential week
working with local children to help build selfconfidence and offer new experiences. Others require year-round commitment, such as the Corner House Youth Project, where students spend time and interact with young people to help them enhance their prospects. Open to all students in the University, SCA encourages more from both Durham and Stockton sites to take part to benefit local people.
Band strikes a chord Late last year, London’s Royal Albert Hall hosted the final evening of the annual Music for Youth Schools Prom. Over three nights, more than 3,000 of the country’s finest young musicians and singers from every type of musical genre performed to more than 15,000 fans. Amongst them was local band The Naughty Vicars (pictured), whose performance earned a staggering response. “It was an absolute pleasure to perform in such a venue,” says frontman Will Horner. Formed at Egglescliffe Sixth Form, the band has played across the UK – check out www. myspace.com/naughtyvicars or find them on Facebook.
Activity fun for Hartburn Lodge
Visitors to Hartburn Lodge now have a fantastic new outdoor activity area. Hartburn Lodge is a short breaks unit run by Stockton Council to provide overnight accommodation for 6 -18 year olds with severe learning disabilities. The new play activity area was
funded through Aiming High for Disabled Children, a Government scheme to transform short breaks for disabled children and young people. The specialist adventure play area has been designed around the youngsters’ needs with wheelchair access and activities to encourage social interaction.
What it means for you In the last edition of Stockton News we gave an overview of what ContactPoint is all about. The service is now up and running and became ‘live’ in Stockton at the end of November. ContactPoint is a national contacts list for people who work with children and young people to provide a swift way for practitioners to find out who else is working with the same child. It helps them contact each other and the young person, parents or carers, quickly – making it easier for everyone to work as a team. However, information, for example, such as medical or school records or assessments is not held by ContactPoint as it can only be used by people who need to do it to do their jobs who will all be security checked and trained. It is expected by April 2010 three hundred practitioners from many services within Stockton-
on-Tees Children’s Trust will be using ContactPoint to support children including practitioners from Social Care, Education and Health. For families this means a more coordinated approach from practitioners where less time is wasted on duplication with more time to provide better services. Priority Services, the Emergency Duty Team, First Contact from Stockton Council and the Accident and Emergency department from North Tees and Hartlepool Foundation Trust, will spearhead the roll out of ContactPoint across all areas which provide services to children in the Stockton Borough. ContactPoint is a core part of the Every Child Matters programme from Central Government. To find out more call (01642) 524700, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ contactpoint or email contactpoint@ stockton.gov.uk
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Stockton News January / February 2010
Children and Young People
Proud of their primary
Students go international
Pupils at the new £4 million Hardwick Green Primary School are to help plan outdoor spaces, ready for work to take place over this year’s summer break.
Lessons at the rapidlyimproving Thornaby Community School took on a distinct international flavour recently.
Celebrations at the school’s official opening last October saw pupils take part in Bollywood dancing and musical performances such as a Taiko drum display, shown here with (left to right) Britney Hamilton, Charlie Bolam, Shaun Taylor,
News in brief
On guard A Stockton lifeguard team came fourth in the pool industry’s largest competitive event. The National Pool Lifeguard Championships final at Stechford Cascades, Birmingham, saw Team Splash, who train at Tees Active Ltd, battle against 14 other teams from across the UK. Hannah Williams, Shane Hassall, Natalie Horrocks, Sean Kelly and reserves Jodie Sharp and Luke Russell make up Team Splash.
Year 7 and 8 students took part in two days of lessons themed on different countries as part of an intensive programme of cultural activities to broaden their horizons and heighten awareness of other nations.
The youngsters will put forward their ideas for wildlife areas, seating, allotment gardens and outside classroom areas.
Leon Gentles and Bethany McCormick joining in. Elsewhere in Hardwick, the latest improvements include a new multi-use games
area, a full sized football pitch, increased cycleway in the area and footpaths. Environmental improvements to Hardwick Dene are due to start in the coming months.
Activities included cooking food, playing new instruments, singing, dancing, playing games and learning about history and national heritage of other countries. Since forming a partnership between Stockton Council and Wakefield-based Outwood Grange Academy, a national leader of education support, students at the school have made rapid progress. The proportion achieving five good GCSEs and is on target to double over this academic year.
What a celebration! The achievements of young people were the focus of a celebration by Stockton Parent Support charity’s MB Awards late last year.
activities such as dance, drama, crafty story fun, sport ability and discos. A new pilot in basic food skills sets out to bridge the gap for young people aged 13-19yrs by helping with independent living skills.
Parents and young people joined in the evening at Billingham Synthonia Club (pictured), which attracted 64 nominations for the categories of Personal Achievement, Supporting Someone, Sporting Achievement and Teamwork.
The event was a great success and gave everyone present the opportunity to remember Michael Benson, in whose memory the awards are dedicated. Their aim is simple – to encourage young people to always get involved, have fun and enjoy life to the full.
The charity, run successfully for the last ten years, is doing great things for young people aged up to 19 years with complex health and special needs.
To find out more call Stockton Parent Support Tel: (01642) 878137 or email stocktonps@yahoo.co.uk
There are no set criteria to become involved with the charity, so everyone can join in
The Outwood Grange family of schools has links with schools in all the countries involved – the USA, China, Ghana, Tanzania, Italy, South Africa and Australia.
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Road safety winners Left to right, the Mayor of Stockton, Grace Barrow, Emma Langley, Holly Alderton, Daniell Nixon and Wayne Allen
It was all fun and excitement when pupils from three Stockton Primary Schools battled it out at the 13th annual final of the Council’s Road Safety Quiz. Pitted against St Patrick’s RC Primary, Thornaby, and Junction Farm Primary from Eaglescliffe after beating 23 other schools in the Borough, eight-times winners Ingleby Mill Primary School triumphed as champions. 96.6TFM Radio supported the event and Breakfast Show presenter Wayne Allen dropped in to join in the fun and assist the Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Paul Kirton, in handing out the prizes and trophies.
Calling young carers If you know a child or young person who helps care for a family member, the Eastern Ravens Trust’s Young Carers Project could help. It offers activities for children and adults, a friendly place to meet others in a similar situation and respite breaks – call (01642) 678454 or email info@ easternravenstrust.org
Students on the campaign trail Thornaby Community School is celebrating after holding an election for Student President – the student who will work closest with the head teacher during the academic year. It was a busy week for Cheryl Hutchinson, Connor Kerr, Charlie Raby and Adam Parkinson, as they worked hard to gain votes from fellow students and staff.
election campaigning was great for the students and they all worked hard to get their messages across. “It was a really hands-on way to learn more about democracy and I look forward to working alongside Charlie and the other students.”
All four had a limited budget and they created campaign videos, badges and other election material as well as delivering speeches. The 535 pupils and staff were able to put their crosses on the ballot papers and to add authenticity, Stockton Council’s Returning Officer, David Bond, was there to announce the result – just as he does at Council elections.
Students from Thornaby Community School
And it was Charlie Raby who was elected Student President. The other three students will act as Vice Presidents. Rob Tarn, Head Teacher at the school, said: “The week of
Left to Right – Charlie Raby, Adam Parkinson, Cheryl Hutchinson and Connor Kerr
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Children and Young People
Stockton News January / February 2010
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What a duo! Tom Keeley and Chloe Loredo (pictured) certainly are two talented teenagers – and both are part of Tees Active’s Sports Academy.
in training to continue to develop as a hockey player.
Ice hockey star Tom is celebrating his selection for the England U15 team, having previously been in the national U13 and U14 squads.
Athlete Chloe is one of the Sports Academy’s newest members. The 14-year-old is certainly showing her potential after finishing third at the Northern Counties Young Athletes Relays and picking up a silver medal at the Sherman Cup in South Shields.
Tom, from Billingham, said: “It is a fantastic honour to be selected for your country and I’ve been working hard
She said: “I am delighted to have been accepted into the Academy. I have attended a team building event and
nutritional workshops which, along with my coaches’ guidance and hard work, will hopefully bring me success.”
For more information on Tees Active Sports Academy call (01642) 528772.
Youth group needs support Members of Wrensfield Youth Group have been busy with a programme of activities and fundraising. Over the last year the group, run by Futurity Tees Valley (a voluntary organisation working with children and young people) had secured more than £1,500 of funding from Stockton’s Youth Bank to fund a packed activities programme. This includes fly-fishing at West House Trout Lakes, Bishopton, paintballing and go-karting.
They have been fundraising and are looking for further financial support to make sure Wrensfield keeps its Youth Group. Currently 15 children aged from 13 years and up attend the group, which meets in Wrensfield Community Centre. Any organisations or individuals who are able to support please contact Dawn Campbell on (01642) 608919 or email dawn.sjcp@btconnect.com
Luke Scott, 14, catches a 3lb 14oz rainbow trout at West House Trout Lakes
Growing their own Some enthusiastic young people have been making a Thornaby allotment a hive of industry. They have got their hands dirty whilst discovering the joy of not only growing but also cooking their own produce and eating healthily. The idea came from young people attending the Entry to Employment (e2e) programme who also attend The Youthy in Thornaby. Their project is funded by the Youth Opportunity Fund grant from Stockton YouthBank and the Five Lamps Organisation. With a brand new kitchen at the Youthy, they can cook their produce thanks to
funding from TFM Cash for Kids, Eastern Area Partnership Board Communities Fund and The Five Lamps Organisation. The young people have built relationships and learned a wealth of experience from older generations of allotment holders, who have also kindly donated seeds. £200 worth of vouchers donated by Wilkinson’s stores helped buy more seeds and equipment. The young people are working with the Allotment Association and recently rescued some battery hens, helping them to learn about livestock and the responsibility of looking after animals.
Journey south
A group of young people from Stockton made the trip to London to work with others from different cultures and backgrounds on issues that are prominent in the media – such as knife crime and anti social behaviour. Funded by the Youth Opportunity Fund from Stockton Youth Bank, they linked with youth groups in Croydon, South London, who will make a return visit later this year to learn about life for young people here.
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Stockton News January / February 2010
Adults Services
Carers take centre stage in a new play
Our older residents who got together
Imagine being the carer of someone with a drug or alcohol addiction. How would you feel? Fearful for the future, guilty, ashamed – all these feelings bound up with love and hope for the person you are caring for?
a successful play, showcased at ARC before a packed house. The play ‘Wasted’, written by playwright Jeff Williams in partnership with carers and staff at Bridges, brought together stories that often go untold and unheard. Many of the carers also starred in the play.
A group of Stockton carers, familiar with many of these feelings, recently turned their real-life experiences into
A day of consultation on issues relevant to the Borough’s older residents attracted more than 300 people in the autumn. The aim – to continue work to ensure growing old in Stockton Borough is an enriching and enjoyable experience. As well as local people, participants included Council and voluntary sector
representatives and others with an interest in supporting older people, along with performers, speakers and exhibitors. Everyone present had the opportunity to have their say, voice their concerns and discuss ideas. After opening by the Mayor of Stockton, Stockton South MP Dari Taylor welcomed those present before handing over for a speech by Jane Humphreys,
Pam is on the ‘write’ track
Funded through Stockton Council’s Supporting People and Drug and Alcohol Action Team, it offers every type of emotional and practical support from counselling and companionship through to respite and training.
The information gathered will help to inform public, voluntary and private sector organisations involved in housing, education, community and leisure activities and social care to develop and improve their services for older people.
awaiting pic
Pam Antingham (right) with her tutor, Lynne Davison
changed her life completely. She read her first book two years ago and hasn’t looked back since. Not only has her literacy improved dramatically but tackling her dyslexia has boosted her confidence.
Pam has dyslexia and left school unable to read or write. She hid her problems, struggling with everyday tasks such as shopping because she had to rely on pictures.
“When new learners arrive at the classes they are made to feel welcome. Everyone talks openly about their problems so you feel comfortable straightaway and realise that it isn’t just you and it’s nothing like school,“ said Pam.
The help and support Pam has received has
Based in Nelson Terrace, Stockton, Bridges is a support service created by carers whose families have been affected by drug or alcohol misuse.
the Council’s Corporate Director for Children, Education and Social Care.
Pam Antingham has come a long way since joining Tees Achieve, Stockton Council’s adult education and training service.
Pam found out about the help available at Tees Achieve through her job at a local nursing home. Although she was very nervous about joining the class she soon found that her tutor was friendly and welcoming - as were the rest of the learners.
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If you would like to join a free skills for life class to help with literacy or numeracy call Lynn Hart at Tees Achieve on (01642) 527999 or if you would like free help with a CV or finding a job call Vicki or Gemma on (01642) 527908 or 524914.
Wii will visit Residents at Rochester Court residential home, Thornaby, are having a great time being challenged to a bowling competition on a Nintendo Wii by students from Durham University. Residents and students alike thoroughly enjoy the Wednesday visits, which also include coffee, cake and much cross generational fun. Students are also visiting the Parkside day centre in Billingham and the University is looking for other homes or day centres who might like to take part. To find out more call 0191 334 0315.
Adult learners celebrate For Sandra Wilkinson, signing up to a programme to improve her job prospects proved a real move in the right direction. A shy Sandra started on a 15-week Learning and Skills Employability Programme in June, designed to provide unemployed residents with the basic skills to help them find employment.
achievements when they received certificates from the Mayor of Stockton at Archon, in Stockton. Taking part were Heather Cairns, Keith Mullen, Alan Swales, Vicky Ferguson, Michelle Porter, Riz Khan, Damon Laroche, Chris Randall, Mark Whitfield, Jean Dixon, Amanda Walker, Ian Firth, Richard Moss, Caroline Turner, Richard Rance and Chris Firth.
Working towards qualifications in Literacy and Numeracy, Sandra agreed to attend a job placement at Preston Hall café. Here, she gained in confidence, completed the programme and achieved her qualifications. Encouraged, she rejoined the programme and not only qualified at a higher level certificate in both subjects – she also gained the Outstanding Achievement award for her course. Now working as a volunteer receptionist at Archon, Sandra hopes to continue her studies. Other learners studying Adult Literacy and Numeracy on the programme had good reason to be pleased with their
Pictured is Sandra Wilkinson with tutor David Mulligan.
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Stockton News January / February 2010
Arts, Culture and Leisure
Try out triathlon for fitness fun
Book Festival a huge success Everyone had heaps of fun at the 26th Northern Children’s Book Festival where around 20,000 children and their families attended the Gala Day at Stockton Riverside College. Europe’s largest annual reading celebration for young people included readings, craft sessions, face painting and the chance to meet authors.
Whether running gets you going, swimming makes you dive into action or cycling puts you in the saddle, here’s a challenge for you! Stockton Council has joined forces with British Triathlon to bring the Try a Tri programme to the Borough.
One youngster enjoying the festival.
Feeling peckish?
Bouncing to victory A pair of Billingham brothers have reached new heights after becoming North of England Trampoline Champions. Shane Barnes, eight and his older brother Sean, 16 (pictured), each won top honours in their age group at the championships held in South Shields.
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!
at RSPB Saltholme Wildlife Reserve and Discovery Park’s Café Seaton Carew Road, Port Clarence.
The somersaulting siblings’ win was a culmination of months of hard work and practice at Billingham Trampoline Club where they train four days a week. Shane, who attends Bewley Junior School, Billingham, took gold in the Under-11 boys category and went on to add another gold in the synchronised category with his synchro partner, Morgan Hogarth, nine, from Norton. Sean, a catering student at Stockton Riverside College, won the Under-17s group where he had to hold his nerve while fellow competitors struggled to control their routines. The boys, from Tunstall Avenue, Billingham, now have their sights set on more progress next year. Shane’s aim is to progress through the grades in regional competitions, while Sean prepares to make his mark on the
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national circuit, which he qualified for this year. To find out more about trampolining or Billingham Trampoline Club, call Jo Emmerson on 07971 549450 or visit www. billingham trampoline club.co.uk
Aimed at first-timers and those looking for a new challenge outside a gym environment, the monthly programme will be led by British Triathlon coaches. Sessions will cover a mixture of swimming, cycling and running and
participants can choose to do all three or just one or two of the activities.
Have a go at a triathlon relay challenge.
So, if you want to keep fit and set yourself a challenge, sign up!
Saturday, 22 May at Ellerton Lake, near Scorton, North Yorkshire. Includes an open water swim practice and bike and run transition.
The dates are: Saturday, 27 February at Northfield School, Marsh House Avenue site. Test your bike and running skills. Saturday, 20 March at Our Lady and St Bede’s School, Stockton. Includes swimming and bike to run transitions. Saturday, 24 April at Northfield School, Marsh House Avenue site.
Sessions cost £5 each and run 10am–1pm. To find out more phone Joanne Heron on (01642) 526274 or email joanne. heron@stockton.gov.uk or Georgie Rutherford at georgierutherford@ britishtriathlon.org
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Arts, Culture and Leisure
Stockton News January / February 2010
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Pavilion looks a million! If you haven’t been inside Thornaby Pavilion lately then you should. Step inside and you can immediately ‘feel the difference’ all thanks to its top-class refurbishment. Opened in 1968, by Sir John Wrightson, the building is at the heart of the community in the town offering much more than sport with its nursery, bowling club, café, and conference facilities. The bowling area was modified during the refurbishment and has six ‘rinks’ and is popular with so many people with ages ranging from 7 to 90 years! The club is keen to recruit new members and even offer coaching sessions for new people thinking of taking up bowling. A small number of shoes and bowls are also available for new members to borrow whilst getting to grips with the sport. Local 18 year old Ben Suggitt (pictured) is a member of the club and is now celebrating after his international call up for a trial with the England Under 25s bowling team! Ben got the bowling bug after his mum and dad spotted the fantastic facilities. The junior bowls club meet every Thursday at 4.30pm – 6.30pm and Saturday 9am-10am. To find out more give Carol Roberts a ring on (01642) 763371. Treetops nursery in the Pavilion is definitely the tops! Offering both morning and afternoon sessions from Monday through to Friday with extremely competitive rates. It has a clean modern feel with two large rooms and caters from ages two to four. The nursery received an excellent Ofsted report with very high ratios of staff to children. It also offers special ‘sporting places’ for active mums visiting the gym or fitness classes at the Pavilion. To find out more call Julie Wallis on (01642) 760971. The Pavilion’s state-of-the-art gym is the crème de la crème. Filled with all the latest Technogym equipment there is no need to wait your turn as there are plenty of exercise stations for all to use. The resistance machines, a free weight and stretch area complete the gym environment, and will have you as fit as a fiddle. The qualified Health & Fitness Advisors can create specialist fitness programmes and also offer GP referrals. The modern changing area is a pleasure to use offering all the features of a private health club. There’s lots of membership options and if you are struggling for what to buy as a present, the gym even offers ‘A Gift For You’ perfect for a six month or annual gym membership. A gym induction is compulsory. Membership includes the use of all gyms, swimming pools and fitness classes at Splash, Thornaby Pool and Belasis in Billingham during the Forum’s renovation. When you’ve had a good work out you can relax on a seating area of leather settees or in the modern café which offers some super snacks and beverages.
Come on board Mir, a Class A sail training vessel from Russia. More than 40 vessels are now officially registered for The Tall Ships Races 2010 (Picture courtesy of Sailing Training International)
As Hartlepool prepares to host its biggest ever event, Tall Ships organisers are looking for a dedicated team of volunteers to make sure the four day extravaganza from 7-10 August, is a success. Up to one million visitors are expected to attend The Tall
New facilities for Harold Wilson Footballers of all ages are enjoying the fantastic new changing facilities at the Harold Wilson Recreation Ground at Thornaby - officially opened by the Mayor of Stockton in December. The £230,000 facility now boasts showers, changing rooms and toilets in a new building for the seven local football teams who use the ground, plus changing facilities for match officials and a toilet with disabled facilities for spectators. The project took shape after local football groups, residents’ associations, Thornaby Town Council, ward members and Stockton Council formed a steering group in 2003.
Ships Races 2010 and up to 200 volunteers will be needed each day to help in the smooth running of the event. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer visit: www. hartlepooltallships2010.com and follow links to the volunteers page, where you will find an online application form. A job description for all volunteer posts can also be found there.
Meet a crime writer Exciting thriller writer Pauline Rowson, whose work includes the Hampshire-based marine mysteries featuring Detective D I Horton, visits Ingleby Barwick Library on Tuesday, March 16 (11am) to give a talk and sign books. Places are limited so booking is essential – free tickets are available at any Stockton Borough Library from Monday February 15. For details, call Claire Pratt on (01642) 528044.
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Stockton News January / February 2010
Strong Communities
Renovations turn the heat on Parish Church
Asylum seekers ...and busting the myths
Asylum seekers… Myth: …jump the queue for school admissions. The truth: They are subject to exactly the same admission rules as local residents.
In forthcoming issues of Stockton News we talk about asylum and what it actually means for individuals seeking this status - and what it means for our community. It’s fair to say some people regard those from other countries with disdain, even hostility. But if we look closely at their real life stories of pain, sadness and endurance, their plight can be enlightening. This story is true and to protect anonymity, we won’t refer to names.
to pray in but the children refused to go inside – they associated it with dead people. Over time, the children eventually shared their horrific experiences. Their trauma was not surprising – they had been forced to watch their father beheaded for his involvement in politics. We take freedom of speech for granted. Travelling to the UK sealed in a container with no light, they had just bread and water for food and had to use containers to go to the toilet. On the way, one adult died and everyone had to tolerate this distressing situation.
“It’s not surprising they were traumatised – forced to watch their father beheaded”
Arriving from Sri Lanka unable to speak English, one family felt isolated and frightened. Housed in very basic accommodation, the children were plunged into a totally different culture. They played with the fridge door, fascinated by how the light went on and off.
Mum was frail and gentle, used to her husband taking responsibility for the family’s safe keeping. She wanted to find a church
Once in school, the children quickly learned English and helped mum with the basic language needed for shopping and daily life. Sadly, she died but eventually the authorities managed to re-unite them with other family members in the UK. In the next issue of Stockton News we hear the experiences of another family. In the meantime here are just some of the myths surrounding asylum seekers.
Myth: …immediately receive free homes and benefits. The truth: They cannot claim mainstream welfare benefits – these are paid by the Government’s National Asylum Support Service, not from local Council Taxes. A single person aged 25 or over receives £42.16 per week (£69.97 for a couple), below the official poverty line and 70 per cent of what someone on Income Support receives. From 5 October 2009 single people over 18 and applying for support will recieve a reduced rate of £35.13. A national report revealed 85 per cent experience hunger, 95 per cent can’t afford to buy clothes and 80 per cent cannot maintain good health. Myth: …are illegal immigrants The truth: This is not true. Illegal immigrants have not made themselves known to the authorities or have stayed longer than authorised. Asylum seekers are fingerprinted, photographed and security checked. Myth: …are a drain on the economy The truth: They can make a valuable contribution as professionals, tax payers and active members of their community.
Don’t be out for the count – register to vote! Only the people on the Electoral (Voter) Register will be able to vote in the General Election, which will be held before June 3. The Council’s Democratic Services team has launched its ‘don’t be out for the count – register to vote’ campaign to make sure everyone entitled to vote can do so.
the real story…
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but have since moved, to sign up to make their vote count. If you have not completed a voter registration form for your current address, please contact the registration helpline on (01642) 526196. You can also send an e-mail to electoral@stockton. gov.uk or check out the information on the website www.stockton.gov.uk/ dontbeoutforthecount
Last month, the latest version of the Electoral (Voter) Register was published, based on information collected during the annual canvass.
For nearly 300 years, the impressive Parish Church of St Thomas has dominated the northern end of Stockton High Street.
Other work involves renovation of the porch and toilets, new lighting, demolition of the old boiler house and redecoration of the youth room and vestry area.
But, with time taking its toll, major renovations are needed to maintain the beauty of the church, which dates from 1710-1712.
English Heritage have matched £50,000 from the Emily Elisa Stephenson Fund towards the work. The new heating system alone cost £93,000. Church funds put up £40,000 of this and All Saints Preston-on-Tees made a kind donation of £5,000. £65,000 is still needed for the heating but a loan from a friend of the church has enabled work to be carried out.
Recent months have seen work on various parts of the building, including repairs to the external stonework and remedial work to stop water penetrating the walls. The roof and internal decoration have also benefited and the windows are now fitted with thinner, more attractive, mesh grills. A new heating system was due to be completed as Stockton News went to print.
It is hoped grants will be gained for the porch work and other work will be carried out by a task force from HM Kirklevington Prison.
Get involved ...and make a difference BlindVoice UK, a Stockton based charity, is appealing for volunteers in a range of volunteering opportunities to suit different interests and skills. If you have no time for regular commitments then the charity has plenty of one-off fundraising opportunities to get involved with – especially if you have a driving licence. Please contact Judith Robson on (01642) 803590.
The Council wants to encourage those who did not register during the canvass, and those who registered,
Stockton Renaissance Partnership Board 2nd Feb @ 5pm 2nd March @ 5pm
Eastern Area Partnership Board 16th Feb @ 5.30pm 30th March @ 9.30am
Western Area Partnership Board 22nd Feb @ 6pm 29th March @ 6pm
Northern Area Partnership Board 1st Feb @5.45pm 1st March @ 5.45pm
Central Area Partnership Board 25th Feb @ 10am 25th March @2pm
Contact Sarah Upex on (01642) 526498 www.stockton.gov.uk/renaissance
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News in brief Sensory garden plans Many readers will remember the original sensory garden at Ropner Park. As time went by, it became neglected but now The Friends of Ropner Park hope to create another sensory garden near the bandstand. They wish to collect anyone’s memories of the original sensory garden for posting on their website as they draw up a scheme. They would be particularly interested in the plants used. The Friends are now working towards their 2010 events programme and in particular an event for Palm Sunday, March 28. To find out more visit www.forp.org.uk or call (01642) 614459.
Volunteers needed National charity Victim Support needs volunteers to help victims deal with the effects of crime, including emotional support, information and practical help for people who often feel anxious and vulnerable. Volunteers are trained and help at least two hours a week, based in the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts. The Witness Service offers information about the judicial process and a quiet place to wait; volunteers for this commit to at least one full day a week after training. All volunteers are CRB checked and many give presentations to groups and organisations about the work, fundraise, or admin support. For detals call Toni Whitton on (01642) 868444.
Stockton News January / February 2010
Strong Communities
Helping lone parents
Debbie Nicholson and her daughter Katie
Newtown Community Resource Centre Ltd (NCRC) is supporting lone parents in Newtown, Norton, Billingham and the Clarences to broaden their horizons with one-to-one advice in training, job opportunities and work experience. The campaign is part of NCRC’s Communities Fund Programme to support unemployed local people, from all backgrounds, find jobs. Programme Manager Danielle Barnes said: “We have loads of experience in encouraging local people to take up opportunities to improve their chance of securing
employment. Our centres provide us with the means to work with people in a local, friendly and informal atmosphere.” Two lone parents are now working as Resource Workers. One of these, Debbie Nicholson, is based in Newtown and Norton and said: “I found out about Newtown in 2007 when I was looking to do an IT course to help my daughter with her homework. I was nervous at first, but working with the staff, and having the opportunity to volunteer, and gain practical skills has helped me develop my confidence as well as my CV.”
Knit one pearl one
Roseworth Library’s ladies knitting group worked their fingers to the bone to raise £330 for the Butterwick Hospice recently. Meeting informally every Tuesday between 10am-12 noon, they welcome others to come along – it doesn’t matter whether you are a novice with the needles.
Endurance challenge
Norman had worked on the same stall – where he sold sweets, cakes and confectionary – for a remarkable 61 years and his wife Pat has worked with him for the last 27. Norman said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my working life in the markets, it’s always been in my blood. I’ll miss the chat and all my regulars who came week after week but I will be back as a customer, I’m sure!” There will be no shortage of people to take over the pitch. The market currently has a healthy waiting list of stall holders.
Out on the shelves February is LGBT history month, celebrating the lives and achievement of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual people. Stockton Borough Libraries are marking the month by displaying a diverse range of LGBT books, newspapers and magazines, easily identified by a rainbow sticker. To find out more contact Claire Pratt on (01642) 528044 or email readers@stockton.gov.uk
From Hardwick with love 15 tonnes of furniture, computers and sports equipment from the old Hardwick Primary School now has pride of place in a rural school in Karantaka, India, as part of an international community project.
The Council’s Library Service also sent around 3,000 exlibrary books, shipped over in a container sponsored by Barratt Homes and Keepmoat Homes, and packed by volunteers from the Prince’s Trust and YMCA ‘V’ project and Dickinson Dees Solicitors.
Stockton Council worked in partnership with local recycling company Rebuild North East, to provide the much-needed items left over from when the old school made way for its new £4 million replacement.
If you live in these areas and would like to know more, call (01642) 607592 or email communitiesfund.newtown@yahoo.co.uk
Pat and Norman take the biscuit Stockton Market traders Pat and Norman Hudson (pictured), retired late last year after clocking up a remarkable 88 years of trading.
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New Year Honours Alisdair Wood (left) with Rachel Paylor and Chris Walker.
Two intrepid kayakers are preparing for one of kayaking’s most challenging races, the 125-mile Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon on April 4 to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign North East. Chris Walker and Alasdair Wood will join many international kayakers to tackle the canal and river race. With 77 portages, where
competitors carry their kayaks round obstacles such as locks, pure stamina is needed to complete the 20-hour event. Chris is a watersports instructor at Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre, while Alasdair works at the Institute of Human Genetics at Newcastle’s Centre of Life. Tees Active’s Rachel Paylor has been putting the pair through their paces with weekly sessions in core stability. If you would like to help their cause, visit www.justgiving. com/125 miles
Congratulations to those living and working in the Borough named in the New Year Honours List. Sue Clarke, 47, from Eaglescliffe was made a MBE in honour of her work helping disabled children learn to swim. Sujinder Singh Sangha, principal and chief executive of Stockton Riverside College, was made OBE for services to local and national education. Biology teacher Dr Richard Spencer, from Billingham, who teaches at SRC Bede
College was awarded the MBE. Alexander Ian McNeil, an admin officer for HM Revenue and Customs in Stockton was awarded MBE. There was also a double celebration for Teesside University where Sandy Anderson, the Chairman of Governors and Professor Paul Keane, Dean of the School of Health and Social Care, were honoured with OBEs. Norton-born businessman, John Wright, 66, was recognised with a CBE for his services to the National Federation of Small Businesses, which he chairs.
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Tackling problem drinking in Stockton People recovering from alcohol addiction spoke with frankness about their experiences at the launch of a new Alcohol Strategy by Stockton Council and NHS Stockton-on-Tees.
myself first and didn’t care how I looked. I would end up on a park bench and drink eight cans before I went to work. I would steal money and hide drink but the only person I was fooling was me.
The new strategy includes initiatives and training schemes so people can get the help they need to tackle their alcohol problems.
“My second marriage ended because of my drinking and I knew I had to change. I didn’t like the person I had become and I had visions of me turning into my dad so this made me determined to change.
One recovering alcoholic, Robert Nevison, 49, from Stockton, said: “My parents were never around. When they were in we were told we were stupid and worthless. Whenever my dad came home after drinking, he was physically and mentally abusive. “I had my first drink at the age of 13. I thought it was normal – looking back now I know it wasn’t. “By the time of my second marriage I was drinking uncontrollably. I thought of
Stockton News January / February 2010
Health and Wellbeing
“I’ve now been sober for 41 months. I struggle every day but I’m determined to win this fight.”
Eat up Parents of receptionclass pupils worried about what’s in their children’s school meals can now get advice and reassurance from a handy new guide. The ‘Little Book of Goodness’, produced by the School Food Trust, dispels common myths and preconceptions parents may have about school food and dining room experiences from their own school days. Gone are the days of sloppy semolina or overboiled cabbage – this new guide shows parents how nutritious and tasty school meals are now. Parents are encouraged to read the guide to get top tips on healthy food for children. If your child goes to school in Stockton the Council’s Catering team is available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about school meals. The team is also on hand for the thousands of pupils coming through the dining hall every day for lunch to make sure everyone gets a healthy, well-balanced meal.
For advice on drinking responsibly or information on local alcohol services visit www.stocktonon-tees.nhs.uk Robert Nevison at the Alcohol Strategy launch
Healthy food on your menu If you have a small catering business, you could sign up for a new scheme to introduce healthy options to your menus. Stockton Council’s Trading Standards team is launching the Healthy Choice Partnership – a pilot scheme to encourage and help local caterers to produce healthier menu items and to make it easier for customers to eat healthily. This includes keeping the amount of salt, sugar and fat in the food served to a minimum and making fruit, salads and vegetables easily available. There’s free guidance and training, and businesses meeting the conditions of the scheme will be able to use the distinctive Healthy Choice Partnership logo signposting healthy options to customers. To find out more about the scheme, call Lorraine Wilford on (01642) 526534 or email lorraine.wilford@stockton.gov.uk
If you would like a copy of the ‘Little Book of Goodness’, or more information about school meals in Stockton, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ schoolmeals to see school menu plans and download a copy of the guide, or call the Catering team on (01642) 527295.
DID
YOU KNOW?
66 COOKS PRODUCE 7,000 SCHOOL MEALS IN THE BOROUGH DAILY
Keep on running Over the last 12 months a new craze has swept the streets of Stockton as more than 250 women have joined the Women’s Running Network. The Network welcomes women of all ages, sizes and abilities. Coordinated by the Council’s Leisure and Sports Development team, its classes cater both for beginners and established runners. The Stockton branch is going from strength to strength and starts 10week beginners’ classes every three months. These take you from walking to running up to three miles through fun and informal sessions as group leaders focus on technique to help improve stamina and speed. Groups run from Tesco in Ingleby Barwick; Durham University, Queen’s Campus, Stockton; Northfield Sportsdrome, Billingham; and Elmwood Youth and Community Centre, Hartburn. Annual membership to the Women’s Running Network, t-shirt, water bottle and membership card which entitles the runner to discounts at local running stores are all included in the £40 course fee, as are the £2 weekly subs. To find out more or enrol, contact Joanne Heron on (01642) 526274 or e-mail joanne.heron@stockton. gov.uk For details of the Women’s Running Network visit www. womensrunningnetwork.co.uk
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New mental health support service CHAT is a new service offering support and activities two evenings each week for people struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, or other mental health problems. Set up by New Horizons (Teesside), CHAT is based at Stockton’s Unitarian Church in Wellington Street, offering one-to-one listening support and a programme of social and group activities. Alongside paid workers CHAT are recruiting volunteers, who will be offered training, support and supervision. If you are interested in supporting people with mental health problems, get in touch with CHAT, who are also seeking volunteers with some experience or skills in creative arts and organising groups. Open every Monday and Thursday from 4pm-8pm, the service is already proving popular. For more information, call New Horizons (Teesside) on (01642) 217847 or 07553 354601.
Health and Wellbeing
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Your Council
Stockton Council is... Get in Value for Money touch
Your Council is here to help and we want to make it as easy as possible to get in touch with us. Contact Centre Our expert Contact Centre staff are at the end of the phone.
Stockton is one of only three English unitary or county councils to achieve the top ‘excellent’ rating for the way we use our resources. A report by local government watchdog the Audit Commission says Stockton Borough Council has a strong value for money culture and provides high quality services at low cost. The first annual Organisational Assessment is part of a new nationwide system of rating councils. It shows how councils are performing and, with the first Area Assessment, shows how local services are improving their areas. Stockton Council performs well and delivers improvements for local people, the Commission says, scoring the highest possible ratings of ‘excellent’ for managing our finances, governing our business and using our resources. For the latter, just Camden and Tameside Councils could match Stockton in achieving such a high rating. The report says: • the Council provides good leadership, has a clear vision, delivers against its priorities and has excellent capacity to improve; • it spends its limited finances on what is most important and people can understand how it makes decisions and arranges its services; • it has greatly improved the environment, created jobs and housing and its
• • • •
regeneration work has brought visible improvements; Children do well at school, adult care services perform well and Stockton is a safer place to live; the Council is taking effective action to reduce CO2 emissions residents are satisfied with their waste service; a large number of people use Council libraries and take part in cultural events such as Stockton International Riverside Festival.
Chief Executive Neil Schneider said: “Value for money and quality services are at the heart of all we do. Councillors and employees alike have worked tirelessly to achieve savings. They deserve credit for making our services more efficient, and we are on target to make efficiency savings of £5.5 million this year. “This will continue as funding becomes tighter. Nevertheless, we are strongly committed to improving our residents’ lives and rising to the challenge of imaginative, innovative thinking needed to do this.“ Chris Willis, Vice Chair of Stockton Renaissance Partnership Board, said: “The partnership has demonstrated how effectively we can work together to achieve positive outcomes for our residents. While the report shows we are improving as an area, we recognise there is still work to be done to make Stockton an even better place to live and work.“
Which Way Forward? In the last edition of Stockton News we told you about the plans to consult on changes in the way the Council is run - known as ‘executive arrangements’.
Councillors per ward to represent you. A total of 56 serve the overall Borough and each year they elect a Leader and Cabinet.
A change in law means all councils must review this process where, in future, the Council must be run one of two ways or ‘models’ – either by a Council Leader and Cabinet or a directly elected Mayor and Cabinet.
The first round of consultation on the new options took place during November last year. Residents were asked for their views through our website, the Viewpoint panel, at various partnership meetings and at displays in public buildings. 425 people expressed a view with 52 per cent in favour of a Council Leader and Cabinet model, and 48 per cent in favour of a directly elected Mayor and Cabinet model and many useful and detailed comments were received.
Currently in Stockton Borough, every four years, voters elect between one and three
In December Council reviewed the outcome of these initial consultations and looked
Care For Your Area (01642) 391959 Council Tax (01642) 397108 Housing Benefits (01642) 393829 Private Sector Housing (01642) 527797 Pupil and Student Support (01642) 526605 Opening times: Monday – Thursday 8am to 6pm Friday 8am to 5.30pm Saturday 10am to 1pm Thornaby Multi-Service Centre In the library. Opening times: Monday –Thursday 8.30am to 5pm Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm Saturday 10am to 1pm Access Points We bring the Council to shoppers in local supermarkets where trained saff are on hand to answer your questions about our services. Tesco - Ingleby Barwick Last Saturday of every month 10am – 1pm Tesco – Durham Road First Friday of every month 10am to 1pm A to Z Guide to Services We provide an A to Z Guide to Services. To receive a copy call (01642) 526164.
at the costs involved in carrying out further consultations. It was decided the most cost effective way would be for a wider consultation by writing to all local government electors, providing information and seeking views rather than a full scale referendum. A report will be prepared for Cabinet and a proposal for a way forward put to Council. To find out more details of how the options for the new executive arrangements work visit http://www. stockton.gov.uk/yourcouncil/38704/ newexecutivearrangements/ Details of the next phase of consultation will be available in the next Stockton News.
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Stockton News January / February 2010
Your Council
Council wins ‘noise oscar’ Feel the benefit The Council’s innovative Out-ofHours Noise Service has scooped a national award.
The team received the Noise Abatement Society’s John Connell Local Authority Highly Commended Award at a special event in the House of Commons. To contact the Out-ofHours Noise Service to report a nuisance noise, call (01642) 528034, email environmental.health@ stockton.gov.uk or visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ noisepollution The Out-of-Hours Noise Service team with their award.
Changes in benefit rules mean more families with children can now get help towards their rent and Council Tax. The change means income from Child Benefit is no longer taken into account in working out entitlement to Housing and Council Tax Benefit. To find out if your family is eligible for extra help, visit the Council’s online Benefit Calculator at www. stockton.gov.uk/hsgben or call (01642) 393829 or call in to 16 Church Road. If you already receive benefits, there’s no need to get in touch, the Benefits team will have adjusted your claim automatically.
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A DAY IN THE
LIFE GARY WESTOBY
During this extremely harsh winter, when most of us were tucked up in bed on those freezing nights, a team of intrepid workers were out making sure our road network didn’t grind to a standstill. It wasn’t unusual for Gary Westoby (pictured) to be out on our roads twice, or more, on any given night or within a 24 hour period – spraying that all-important rock salt. In one of the worst recorded winters for more than three decades, with temperatures plummeting to well below freezing, and road temperatures significantly lower than that - bordering on more than -10oC, - it is no mean feat to get out there and brave the elements at 2, 3 or 4am in the morning. 44 year old Gary, whose regular job is a refuse collector, has worked for Stockton Council for 17 years, however, he has worked as part of the gritting team for the last seven on call anytime day or night. Dedicated to the job, Gary can testify this winter has been particularly bad. The relentless snowfall meant he was even called out to grit on Christmas Day not once but twice! He was also out Boxing Day. “My wife, Nina, was preparing Christmas dinner when the call came - so I
“My wife, Nina, was preparing Christmas dinner when the call came - so I had to leave straightaway.” had to leave straightaway. Then half way round I was asked to continue with another round and finally got finished around 6.00pm. Luckily my wife had kept my dinner warm – then I was called out again at 11pm to do another round – this Christmas was certainly different!” said Gary. Gary was out again on the Sunday, then on Monday he had to return to his day job with his refuse collecting duties. All of this being a real hard slog for Gary and his colleagues.
One of Gary’s gritting routes would be in the region of around 100 miles and travelling at never more than 30mph it takes patience and staying power. And it’s not just a case of climbing into a cab, turning on the engine and driving off…. The driver must carry out a whole range of checks on the gritting vehicle. Gritting lorries are based in Billingham and everything from oil, water, windscreen wipers, indicators, headlights and very importantly the
belt, which rotates the ‘spinner’ which spreads the grit, must be fully checked. Then, on return, the vehicle must be filled with fuel for the next driver and fully hosed down and cleaned – not a great job in the bitter sub-zero conditions! The weather even took its toll on Gary’s other job as ‘wheelie’ bin lids were frozen and locked solid with the ice and where it’s the norm to be able to wheel two at once, the thick snow meant it was difficult to even wheel one. Gary has two sons, Glen 19, who is in the army and currently stationed in Germany, and 14 year old Louis. When asked what Gary does in his spare time his sense of humour showed right through: “Not a lot during October to February – don’t have much time!” he said.
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f cus
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Focus On Your Area
Stockton News January / February 2010
WARD SURGERIES
WARD SURGERIES
1st FEBRUARY 2010 – 31ST MARCH 2010
1st FEBRUARY 2010 – 31ST MARCH 2010
www.stockton.gov.uk/wards BILLINGHAM CENTRAL
6:30PM – 7:30PM www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghamcentralward 10 Feb Billingham Youth & Community Centre 10 Mar Billingham Youth & Community Centre COUNCILLORS MRS ANN McCOY Tel: 01642 535604 Email: ann.mccoy@stockton.gov.uk BARRY WOODHOUSE Tel: 01642 371638 Email: barry.woodhouse@stockton.gov.uk
BILLINGHAM EAST
North Billingham Residents Association
www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghameastward 26 Feb New Life Family Centre Synthonia Scout Group Hall 5:00pm – 5:45pm 5:50pm – 6:30pm 26 Mar New Life Family Centre Synthonia Scout Group Hall 5:00pm – 5:45pm 5:50pm – 6:30pm COUNCILLORS ALEX CUNNINGHAM Tel: 01642 551251 Email: alex.cunningham@stockton.gov.uk MICK STOKER Tel: 01642 371641 Email: mick.stoker@stockton.gov.uk
www.stockton.gov.uk/wards BILLINGHAM NORTH
Working with the Probation Service’s Community Payback team and Stockton Council’s Urban Design team, the prisoners built the fence in the prison’s workshop, whilst learning new skills and gaining qualifications. The welding workshop forms part of restorative justice – offenders can work with the community in developing prison-based projects to help local organisations.
One prisoner said: “It allows me to go to work in the morning with a smile on my face in the knowledge that, yes, I’m in for a hard day’s work but the day flies by. I’m left knowing my efforts will benefit many people out there in local communities.” A Community Payback team installed the fence. Community Payback gives
(Joint surgery with Ingleby Barwick West) www.stockton.gov.uk/ inglebybarwickeastward 3 Feb All Saints C of E Secondary School 10 Mar All Saints C of E Secondary School Maltby & Hilton Ward Surgeries are held for 30 minutes prior to each Parish Council meeting in the Village Halls on an appointment only basis. Please contact Councillors Faulks, Harrington or Larkin to book an appointment. Residents are very welcome to attend the monthly Ward Surgery held in Ingleby Barwick COUNCILLORS KEVIN FAULKS Tel: 01642 764874 Email: kevin.faulks@stockton.gov.uk DAVID HARRINGTON Tel: 01642 764652 Email: david.harrington@stockton.gov.uk ANDREW LARKIN Tel: n/a Email: andrew.larkin@stockton.gov.uk
BILLINGHAM SOUTH 6:00PM – 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghamsouthward 11 Feb Billingham Branch Library 11 Mar Billingham Branch Library COUNCILLOR MRS JEAN O’DONNELL Tel: 01642 559717 MICHAEL SMITH Tel: 01642 371782 Email: michael.smith@stockton.gov.uk
BILLINGHAM WEST 6:00PM – 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghamwestward 26 Feb St Mary Magdalene Church 26 Mar St Mary Magdalene Church COUNCILLORS MRS MARY WOMPHREY Tel: 01642 555755 MICK WOMPHREY Tel: 01642 555755
No barriers to success The focus is on good working relationships with learners. Motivated and enthusiastic, prisoners work for 12 weeks or longer, with the opportunity to take part in outside community work, when eligible.
INGLEBY BARWICK EAST 6:00PM – 7:00PM
6:30PM – 7:30PM www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghamnorthward 8 Feb High Grange Community Centre 8 Mar North Billingham Methodist Church COUNCILLORS HILARY AGGIO Tel: 01642 565016 Email: hilary.aggio@stockton.gov.uk MRS LYNNE APEDAILE Tel: 01740 645216 Email: lynne.apedaile@stockton.gov.uk COLIN LECKONBY Tel: 01642 872896 Email: colin.leckonby@stockton.gov.uk
If you live in the area framed by Wolviston Road, Marsh House Avenue, Rievaulx Avenue or Seal Sands Road, you’re welcome at NBRA residents meetings, held at High Grange Community Centre. Forthcoming meetings are at 7pm on 15 February, 15 March, 19 April (AGM), 17 May and 21 June, where you can raise any local problems and hear about what’s happening in Billingham – visit www. freewebs.com/northbillra/index.htm
Prisoners at HMP Kirklevington Grange showed their skills by creating a new fence around the play area in Billingham’s John Whitehead Park.
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local people the opportunity to have their say on how offenders should make amends. Courts can order offenders to do from 40 to 300 hours of hours unpaid work. In a final flourish to the design of the fence, local artist Adrian Wood worked with schoolchildren to design and fabricate art features to be fixed on it, showing aspects of the park’s landscape, history and heritage. The scheme delivers unique quality play equipment at a fraction of the normal cost – and helps rehabilitate offenders.
Bulbs from Barley Fields
Children from Barley Fields Primary School, Ingleby Barwick, (pictured) planted daffodil bulbs ready for spring in the new Romano Park. Officially opened in September, Romano Park recently earned a commendation in the Horticulture Week Landscape and Amenity Awards for Best Playscheme.
INGLEBY BARWICK WEST 6:00PM – 7:00PM
(Joint surgery with Ingleby Barwick East) www.stockton.gov.uk/ inglebybarwickwestward 3 Feb All Saints C of E Secondary School 10 Mar All Saints C of E Secondary School COUNCILLORS KEN DIXON Tel: 01642 764650 Email: ken.dixon@stockton.gov.uk JEAN KIRBY Tel: 01642 762092 Email: jean.kirby@stockton.gov.uk ROSS PATTERSON Tel: 01642 764865 Email: ross.patterson@stockton.gov.uk
MANDALE & VICTORIA
www.stockton.gov.uk/ mandalevictoriaward 6 Feb Thornaby Library 11:00am – 12:00 noon 6 Mar Rochester Court Sheltered Housing 11:00am – 12:00 noon COUNCILLORS TINA LARGE Tel: 01642 671903 Email: tina.large@stockton.gov.uk MRS ALLISON TRAINER Tel: n/a STEVE WALMSLEY Tel: 01642 604176
STAINSBY HILL
www.stockton.gov.uk/stainsbyhillward 11 Feb South Thornaby Community & Resource Centre 6:00pm – 7:00pm 13 Mar Thornaby Pavilion 11:00am – 12:00 COUNCILLORS MRS EILEEN CRAGGS MBE Tel: 01642 764858 Email: eileen.craggs@stockton.gov.uk MRS SYLVIA WALMSLEY Tel: 01642 602375 Email: sylvia.walmsley@stockton.gov.uk
VILLAGE 5:00PM – 6:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/villageward 1 Feb Thornaby Pavilion 1 Mar Thornaby Pavilion COUNCILLORS IAN DALGARNO Tel: 01642 882985 MICK EDDY Tel: 01642 765919
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Focus On Your Area
Stockton News January / February 2010
WARD SURGERIES
WARD SURGERIES
1st FEBRUARY 2010 – 31ST MARCH 2010
1st FEBRUARY 2010 – 31ST MARCH 2010
www.stockton.gov.uk/wards BISHOPSGARTH & ELM TREE (STOCKTON)
www.stockton.gov.uk/ bishopsgarthelmtreeward 1 Feb Bishopsgarth School 6:00pm – 6:30pm 9 Feb Elm Tree Community Centre 6:00pm – 7:00pm 1 Mar Bishopsgarth School 6:00pm – 6:30pm 9 Mar Elm Tree Community Centre 6:00pm – 7:00pm 29 Mar Bishopsgarth School 6:00pm – 6:30pm COUNCILLORS MRS SUZANNE FLETCHER MBE Tel: 01642 787652 Email: suzanne.fletcher@stockton.gov.uk MRS JULIA CHERRETT Tel: 01642 785473 Email: julia.cherrett@stockton.gov.uk
FAIRFIELD 6:00PM – 6:30PM
Get in the zone Parking should soon be easier for residents living beyond the west side of Stockton Town Centre. With the streets between Dovecot Street and Bishopton Lane popular parking locations for town centre shoppers and workers, residents can often find it difficult to park near their own homes during the daytime. To help residents, a new parking scheme will introduce bays where a zone permit is required to park. Only residents will be able to buy a permit, which will
be for their own car, with visitor permits also available for friends and family when they call. The scheme is expected to begin early in 2010. Council Parking Office staff in Gloucester House, Church Road, Stockton, deal with applications for the permits and there is a nominal annual administration charge of £10 – less than 20p per week. This will be Stockton’s third residents’ Parking Zone, following the popular schemes at Victoria Estate, near Splash, and on part of the Hardwick Estate.
www.stockton.gov.uk/fairfieldward 8 Feb Fairfield Library 8 Mar Fairfield Library COUNCILLORS MAURICE PERRY Tel: 01642 586914 BILL WOODHEAD Tel: 01642 584409
GRANGEFIELD 6:00PM – 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/grangefieldward 7 Jan Grays Road Institute 1 Feb Fairfield Library 4 Feb Grays Road Institute 1 Mar Hartburn Scout Group Hut 4 Mar Grays Road Institute COUNCILLORS PHILLIP BROUGHTON Tel: 01642 765325 Email: phillip.broughton@stockton.gov.uk AIDAN COCKERILL Tel: 01642 613258 Email: aidan.cockerill@stockton.gov.uk
HARDWICK WARD 6:00PM – 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/hardwickward 5 Feb Hardwick Community Centre 19 Feb Hardwick Community Centre 5 Mar Hardwick Community Centre 19 Mar Hardwick Community Centre COUNCILLORS MRS LIZ NESBITT Tel: 01642 601731 BILL NOBLE Tel: 01642 671609
HARTBURN 6:45PM – 7:30PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/hartburnward 1 Feb Elmwood Community Centre 1 Mar Holy Trinity Rosehill CE Primary School COUNCILLORS TERRY LAING Tel: 01642 587356 Email: terry.laing@stockton.gov.uk KEN LUPTON Tel: 01642 587286 Email: ken.lupton@stockton.gov.uk
NEWTOWN 6:00PM – 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/newtownward 5 Feb Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre 19 Feb Newtown Community Resource Centre 5 Mar Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre 19 Mar Newtown Community Resource Centre COUNCILLORS PAUL BAKER Tel: 01642 608406 Email: paul.baker@stockton.gov.uk BOB GIBSON OBE Tel: 01642 614482 Email: robert.gibson@stockton.gov.uk
NORTHERN PARISHES 7:00PM – 8:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/ northernparishesward 4 Feb Wolviston Common Room 4 Mar Grindon Parish Hall, Thorpe Thewles COUNCILLOR JOHN GARDNER Tel: 01740 645357 Email: john.gardner@stockton.gov.uk
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www.stockton.gov.uk/wards NORTON NORTH 6:00PM - 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/nortonnorthward 10 Feb Norton North Community & Resource Centre 10 Mar Frederick Nattrass Primary School 31 Mar Norton Library COUNCILLORS MAURICE FRANKLAND Tel: 01642 552861 MRS KATH NELSON Tel: 01642 555729 Email: kathryn.nelson@stockton.gov.uk
NORTON SOUTH 6:00PM – 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/nortonsouthward 5 Feb Albany Resource Centre 19 Feb Albany Resource Centre 5 Mar Albany Resource Centre 19 Mar Lustrum Community House COUNCILLORS BOB COOK TEL: 01642 890058 Email: robert.cook@stockton.gov.uk STEVE NELSON TEL: 01642 534417 Email: steve.nelson@stockton.gov.uk
NORTON WEST
www.stockton.gov.uk/nortonwestward 2 Feb The Education Centre 6:00PM – 6:30PM Young people’s surgery 6:30PM – 7:00PM Adults surgery 2 Mar As above COUNCILLORS MRS ANN CAINS Tel: 01642 555394 Email: ann.cains@stockton.gov.uk DICK CAINS JP Tel: 01642 555394 Email: dick.cains@stockton.gov.uk
PARKFIELD & OXBRIDGE
6:00PM – 7:00PM www.stockton.gov.uk/ parkfieldoxbridgeward 4 Feb Parkfield Community Centre (Cllr Javed only) Oxbridge Christian Fellowship (Cllr Rix only) 18 Feb Oxbridge Christian Fellowship 4 Mar Parkfield Community Centre (Cllr Javed only) Oxbridge Christian Fellowship (Cllr Rix only) 18 Mar Oxbridge Christian Fellowship COUNCILLORS MOHAMMED JAVED Tel: 01642 602420 ROY RIX Tel: 01642 674861 Email: roy.rix@stockton.gov.uk
ROSEWORTH
www.stockton.gov.uk/roseworthward 8 Feb Kiora Hall Youth & Community Centre 5:15pm – 6:15pm 9 Mar As above but 2pm – 3pm COUNCILLORS JIM BEALL Tel: 01642 602510 Email: jim.beall@stockton.gov.uk MISS BARBARA INMAN Tel: 01642 586564 Email: barbara.inman@stockton.gov.uk
STOCKTON TOWN CENTRE 6:00PM – 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/ stocktontowncentreward 4 Feb The Willows Centre 11 Feb Parkfield Community Centre 18 Feb Victoria Community Centre 25 Feb Cornerhouse Community Resource Centre 4 Mar The Willows Centre 11 Mar Parkfield Community Centre 18 Mar Victoria Community Centre 25 Mar Cornerhouse Community Resource Centre COUNCILLORS DAVID COLEMAN Tel: 01642 673952 Email: david.coleman@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR PAUL KIRTON Tel: 01642 559331
Raise a glass Despite being made redundant from his job with a national brewer 12 months ago, Yarm man, Mark Arrol (pictured) is happy to raise a glass to his new career - this time as a pub landlord. Mark, 39, is the man behind Osbournes – formerly The Green Tree – in Yarm High Street. Knowing the pub was in need of a major overhaul, and that it was available, Mark decided to take the plunge and put his skills and years of experience to the test.
“Because of my previous job as a regional sales manager in the brewing industry, I have a good understanding of the pub market, in particular what products work well and what customers really want. Added to that is my local knowledge as a Yarm resident and my awareness of the local market.”
EAGLESCLIFFE
WESTERN PARISHES
www.stockton.gov.uk/eaglescliffeward 5 Feb Trinity Methodist Church 6:30 – 7:30pm 16 Feb Egglescliffe Parish Hall 6:00 – 7:00pm 5 Mar Trinity Methodist Church 6:30 – 7:30pm 16 Mar Egglescliffe Community Centre 6:30 – 7:30pm COUNCILLORS JOHN FLETCHER Tel: 01642 787652 Email: john.fletcher@stockton.gov.uk ALAN LEWIS Tel: 01642 784910 Email: alan.lewis@stockton.gov.uk MRS MAUREEN RIGG Tel: 01642 785689 Email: maureen.rigg@stockton.gov.uk
www.stockton.gov.uk/ westernparishesward 1 Feb Chapel School Room, Carlton, 7:00pm – 7:30pm 9 Mar The Wilson Centre, Long Newton, 7:00pm – 7:30pm COUNCILLOR FRED SALT Tel: 01740 630771
YARM www.stockton.gov.uk/yarmward 2 Feb Yarm Library 6:00PM – 6:45PM 2 Mar Challoner House 5:30PM – 6:15PM COUNCILLORS MRS JENNIE BEAUMONT Tel: 01642 785304 Email: jennie.beaumont@stockton.gov.uk JACKIE EARL Tel: 01642 786346 ANDREW SHERRIS Tel: 01642 786767 Email: andrew.sherris@stockton.gov.uk
Little bra shop on display
Recognising that food is also vital in today’s pub market, Mark has introduced a menu to the pub featuring an extensive range of burgers and salads, as well as favourites such as pasta, paninis and wraps.
The Little Bra Shop on Yarm High Street won a national competition for having the best window display. “I’m really pleased with the result of this competition. I change the window display on a regular basis because I like the shop front to be eye-catching,” said Tracy Campbell, the shop’s owner (pictured). The Stick, Twist or Bust competition, organised by lingerie supplier Eveden, enabled mum-of-two Tracy to use her creative skills – creating a casino themed display and donning fancy dress in order to fit in with the theme of the promotion.
s ’ t a h W Colouring Club Roseworth Library Every day except Wednesday 3pm – 6pm Tel 528098
Colouring Club Billingham Library Every Saturday 10.30 – 11.30am Materials provided. Tel 527895
Book Sale Billingham Library Throughout February. Tel 527895
Parent and Toddler Group Fairfield Library Every Wednesday 10 – 11am Group for under fives and their carers Tel 527962
Ethnic Benefit Advice Thornaby Library Westbury Street Advice and information. Tuesdays 2 – 5 pm Tel 528150
ry a u r b e F
On
Stockton News January / February 2010
A look at what’s going on around the Borough during
5 February Thornaby Gaming Group
Busy Birdies!
Thornaby Library Westbury Street 3 – 5pm Challenge your friends on the PS3 and Wii. Booking advised. Ages 8 – 18. Tel 521850
Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park Build your own bird box. There is a charge of £2 per box. Advance Booking essential. 10.30am-noon Tel 371633.
6 February Fairtrade Coffee Morning
18 February Children’s Craft Session
Norton Library 11am – 1pm Coffee, tea and a wide range of Fairtrade products will be on sale. Tel 528019
7 February Yarm-Picton-Worsall Loop 7-mile circular walk in the countryside south of Yarm. Please bring a packed lunch. 10.30am –1.30pm Meet: In the car park of Yarm train station, Green Lane. Tel 01740 630011.
Billingham Library. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult throughout. 10.30am – 11.30am. Tel 527895
Children’s Craft Session Thornaby Library Westbury Street Booking advised. Ages 5+. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult throughout 2pm – 4pm Tel 528150
Boggarts 8 February Readers Group Norton Library Contact the Library for details. Waiting list at the moment. Tel 528019
Billingham Beck Valley Ecology Park Visitor Centre Create your very own Boggart to keep in your house or garden. Dress for mess, inside and outside. 1.30pm – 3pm. Advanced booking essential. Tel 360376
January, February and March Book ‘n’ Biccy Club
March Book Sale Fairfield library Throughout March. Tel 01642 524962 for further details
4 March World Book Day All libraries Events throughout the day. Tel 527962
5, 12, 19 and 26 March Public Observing Wynyard Woodland Planetarium and Observatory. 9pm onwards. Tel 01740 630544
6 March Fairtrade Coffee Morning
Adult Reading Group Fairfield Library Book Discussion Group 2 – 3pm. Tel 527962
Norton Library 11am – 1pm Coffee, Tea and a wide range of Fairtrade products will be on sale. Tel 528019
3 February Children’s Two O’clock Rhymetime
10 February Stay and Play with Surestart
A fun story and rhyme session for under fives. Norton Library 2 pm start. Tel 528019
Stockton Central Library. 1pm – 2.30pm. Under Fives activities including toys, crafts, story and rhyme time. All welcome. Tel 526521/2
13 February Youth Zone Stockton Central Library Children’s activities including card games, arts and crafts and video games. 10am – 4pm. Tel 526521/2
15 February Games Games Games Thornaby Library Westbury Street Card and board games. All ages. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult throughout 2pm – 4pm. Tel 528150
16 February Wildlife Mobiles Preston Hall Museum Build a Wildlife Mobile and meet some of Preston Park’s animals. 10.30am – 12pm or 1.30pm – 3pm £2. Tel 527562
Wynyard Woodland Planetarium and Observatory 9pm onwards Tel 01740 630544
Fairfield Library Junior Reading Group 5.30 – 6.30pm. Tel 527962
10 March Poetry Group Norton Library Contact the Library for details. Waiting list at the moment. Tel 528019
11 March Adult Book group Thornaby Central Library Book discussion group 7pm – 8.30pm. Tel 528117
13 March Youth Zone Stockton Central Library Drop in activities for 8 – 19 year olds. 10:00 – 4:00pm, for ages 8+ Tel 526521/2
21 March Food for Free Explore Bassleton Wood local nature reserve and discover a wide range of spring plants you can eat 10am – noon. Meet: In the car park behind the Griffin pub on Bader Avenue, Thornaby. Tel 527562
Signs of Spring Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park Come along to Woodland Park on World Forestry Day and see what is happening. 10.30am – noon. Tel 371633.
27 March Children’s Craft Session Thornaby Library Westbury Street Booking advised. Ages 5+. Children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult throughout 11 am – 12noon. Tel 528150
Children’s Saturday Activity Drop in Stockton Central Library Drop in activities 10 – 4pm. Tel 526521/2
Young People’s Reading Group Thornaby Library Westbury Street Chat with Meg about what you’ve been reading lately. 11am-noon. Ages 10-16. Tel 528150
Book ‘n’ Biccy Club Fairfield Library Junior Reading Group 5.30 – 6.30pm. Tel 527962
5, 12, 19 and 26 February Public Observing
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17 February Tees Valley Tales Stockton Central Library Adult Oral Storytelling Group. 7 – 9pm. First visit free. Admission £3. Tel 526522/1
14 March Three Village Loop 6.5-mile stroll taking in the villages of Thorpe Thewles, Stillington and Whitton. 1pm – 4pm Meet: Outside the Station House Visitor Centre of Wynyard Woodland Park. Tel 01740 630011
21 February The Tees Wetland Walk River Tees A ranger-led six mile stroll through wetland and woodland 9.30am – 1pm. Meet: Outside Preston Hall Museum. Tel 527562
16 March Adult Book group Thornaby Central Library Book discussion group 2pm – 3.30pm. Tel 528117
Four Reserves and Two Rivers Hike Nine mile walk takes in the nature reserves of Quarry Wood, Bassleton Wood, The Holmes and Barwick Pond. 10am – 3pm Meet: At the entrance to Preston Hall Museum Tel 676407
22 February Teenz Tales Fairfield library Teenage book club. 5.30 – 6.30pm. Tel 527962
23 February Parent and Toddler Group Stockton Central Library Play and rhyme time for under fives. 9.45 – 11.00am Tel 526521/2
26 February Ceildh for Butterwick Hospice The Swan, Billingham Tickets £10 including Pie and Pea Supper, Raffle and Tombola. Tel 628930
17 March Tees Valley Tales 7 March Tilery Tramp Wynyard Woodland Park A peaceful 2.5-miles winter walk the northern end of the park. 2.00pm-3.30pm. Meet at Tilery car park off the A689. Tel 01740 630011
The Black Bobby’s Painting Workshop Advice on painting landscapes and wildlife. Bring your easel if you have one. Paints, brushes and paper will be supplied. 9.30am – noon Meet: Opposite the Jolly Farmers pub on Thornaby Road, Thornaby. Car parking limited, public transport recommended. Tel 527562
8 March Adult Reading Group Fairfield Library Book Discussion Group 2 – 3pm. Tel 527962
Stockton Central Library. Adult Oral Storytelling Group. 7 – 9pm First visit free. Admission £3. Tel 526522/1
19 March Health Talk Norton Library All Welcome. Admission Free. 2pm. Tel 528019
Adult Reading group Stockton Central Library Book Discussion group 2 – 3.30pm refreshments provided. Tel 526521/2
28 March Wildlife Card Making Wynyard Woodland Park Making Easter wildlife cards. 1pm – 3pm Booking essential. Meet: Outside the railway carriage Tel 01740 630011
Photo Trail 2pm – 3pm Billingham Beck Valley Ecology Park Visitor Centre Why not take part in our fantastic photo trail. Come dressed for a walking in muddy conditions. Tel 360376
Every e ffort ha s be informa tion is c en made to en su orrect, b Boroug ut Stock re h ton respons Council canno t ible for the accu be held informa tion. Ple racy of the ase details before a ensure you che ck ttendin All pho g ne num events. bers un less ind are prec icated eded by 01642