Stockton News - July 2013 by Stockton Council

JULY 2013

www.stockton.gov.uk/stocktonnews

STICK YOUR NECK OUT!

The community magazine of Stockton Borough Council Big plans, bright future

CONTENTS A groundbreaking occasion

SIRF 2013

Looking for trailblazing volunteers

Children and Young People

CONTENTS 4

News Round Up

BIG NEWS FOR STOCKTON-ON-TEES

Economic Regeneration and Transport BIG PLANS FOR AN OUTSTANDING BOROUGH

Environment and Housing BIG PLANS FOR OUR PLACES AND OPEN SPACES

BIG PLANS FOR THE HEALTH OF OUR PEOPLE

BIG PLANS FOR GREAT EXPERIENCES

Community Safety

BIG PLANS FOR YOUR AREA

onnews www.stockton.gov.uk/stockt

The community magazine

Council of Stockton Borough future Big plans, bright

Adults Services

BIG PLANS FOR THE CARE WE PROVIDE

Strong Communities

BIG PLANS FOR HELPING OUR COMMUNITIES PROSPER

Focus on Your Area

Stockton News is published by Stocktonon-Tees Borough Council and distributed to households across the Borough free of charge. If you have not received a copy please call (01642) 526098 or email snews@stockton.gov.uk

STICK YOUR NECK OUT!

Your Council

BIG PLANS FOR KEEPING OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE

Arts, Culture and Leisure

BIG PLANS FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF OUR BOROUGH

AMBITIOUS, EFFECTIVE AND PROUD TO SERVE

Health and Wellbeing

JULY 2013

What’s On

BIG PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Stockton News 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 Team and designed by Twentyseven Design. Pictures courtesy of Dave Charnley, Peter Mernagh, Gary Walsh, Gilbert Johnston, Rebecca Hues, Doug Moody, Bosh Creative and others. Front cover main picture: Les Girafes come to SIRF.

There is an audio version of Stockton News. Call (01642) 526098 to order a copy or email snews@stockton.gov.uk PAGE 3

NEWS ROUND UP

WELCOME TO THIS SUMMER EDITION OF STOCKTON NEWS The economic climate and welfare reforms continue to make life tough for residents and the ongoing reductions in government funding mean that we continue to need to make difficult decisions about funding for services in the Borough.

A groundbreaking occasion

That’s why it’s so heartening to be able to bring you news of many business success stories across the Borough. We are seeing great success in all three of the Borough’s Enterprise Zones and witnessing growth and expansion in many companies. It’s also particularly encouraging to hear about the growth of a number of small businesses who are growing and moving on from our start-up Business Centre and Enterprise Arcade.

go from strength to strength A range of businesses are already benefiting from Stockton’s three Tees Valley Enterprise Zone sites.

I’m delighted to report great progress in our major transformation of Stockton Town Centre. Not only is the building work progressing well – with work at the southern end of the High Street nearing completion and phases two and three of the work on schedule – but the Town Centre continues to be full of activity with many exciting events, new shops and great markets. The success of schools across the Borough is also cause for celebration. In this edition you can read about outstanding Ofsted inspection results at Egglescliffe and Oakdene schools and an award for helping children reach their potential at Frederick Nattrass primary school. You can also read about progress in our major school building programme and we can look forward to great benefits for children who will study there. Finally, I hope you’ll join me in enjoying all that’s on offer across the Borough over the summer (most of which is free). This edition of Stockton News brings you a round-up of some of the great events which have already taken place this summer and sets out the details of the summer’s events to come. SIRF, with its giant giraffes and hugely popular community carnival, the Billingham International Folklore Festival, the Stockton Weekender music festival and the River Rat Race are just some of the highlights of a packed summer of entertainment which will be bigger and better than ever. And whilst Preston Hall may have been pipped at the post in the prestigious Art Fund prize for Museum of the Year 2013, we are celebrating it being shortlisted in the country’s top 10 – there is so much to see at the museum and in the grounds so make sure you include a visit in your summer plans.

Left to right The Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Kathryn Nelson, Sandy Anderson, Chairman, TVU, Mike Matthews, Managing Director, Nifco, Tom Smyth, Deputy Head (BIS) Dept for Business, Innovation & Skills Yorkshire Humber and North East, Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon and Angela Atkinson, Mayor’s Consort. The Worshipful Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Kathryn Nelson, has helped mark the next phase of the on-going expansion of one of Stockton’s most successful businesses. International car parts manufacturer, Nifco UK, has started work on its second new multi-million pound factory on its existing site in Eaglescliffe.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE, STOCKTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PAGE 4

The sites based within Stockton Borough are playing a key role in the on-going development of the economy - particularly among the Energy and Technology sectors. They are also helping businesses expand, not only locally, but on a world-wide scale.

Air Products has also announced that it is recruiting more than 50 new employees ahead of the facility entering commercial operation next year. The construction programme has already employed more than 700 workers, many of who are from firms based in and around the Tees Valley.

The jobs and business opportunities being created demonstrate Stockton Council’s on-going commitment to regenerate the Borough and complement the wider Tees Valley region.

Meanwhile, at Belasis Business Park, information management specialists, Phusion (formerly Pearson-Harper) is expanding into two new buildings so its current 80 strong workforce can be grown further over the next five years.

Within the last few weeks there have been significant developments at Belasis Business Park and Northshore where businesses can take advantage of up to £55,000 of business rate discount for five years. In addition, the new Energy and Technology Park at Seal Sands provides 100 per cent Enhanced Capital Allowance on capital investment. At Seal Sands, the multi-million pound Renewable Energy Facility being constructed by Air Products PLC is progressing at pace. Its 30m wide gasifier has arrived marking a key stage in its construction. Once complete the facility will process domestic and industrial waste in the enclosed gasifier which will generate enough power for 50,000 homes.

The Mayor joined the Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon and representatives from, Stockton Council, Tees Valley Unlimited (TVU), Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and other businesses at a groundbreaking ceremony.

Evolution Valves

The Mayor had a tour of Nifco’s factory and learned at first hand how Nifco’s £12.8m expansion will accommodate a new research and development facility and said: “It was a great experience to actually visit Nifco’s premises and I was extremely impressed with the work going on there.

Evolution Valves, a Stockton-based valve manufacturer specialising in solving difficult industrial process applications, has completed a move from its initial Stockton Business Centre base to a new manufacturing facility in Portrack.

“I look forward to seeing how the company expands both as a key employer in Stockton and one which is offering excellent training opportunities.”

Steve Heap, managing director, said: “We are over the moon about the company’s continued global growth and are delighted to be opening a new factory in Stockton to keep up with the demand for our products.

The expansion will eventually see staff numbers increase by 170 to nearly 450. Mike Matthews, Managing Director at Nifco UK, said: “The expansion will involve the construction of a new 61,451 sq ft facility and a Research & Design centre that will support the securing of future business at Nifco UK and centralise research and development services for the Nifco group in Europe. This venture will create up to 150 manufacturing and office jobs, and up to 20 high end research and development jobs. This will enhance and secure Nifco UK within the automotive industry and the Nifco group.”

NEIL SCHNEIDER

DOING THE BUSINESS! Stockton Enterprise Zones

NEWS ROUND UP

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg visited Nifco in October to announce the £1.9m Regional Growth Fund investment that has supported this multi-million pound expansion which will provide a momentous boost for the company and local jobs.

Phusion has been based in Billingham since it formed in 1992. Four years ago the company was awarded a £6.25 million contract with Chevron in Western Australia and recently secured an £11.5 million contract with INPEX. Both contracts are creating significant job opportunities at the Belasis offices. It is not just the central Government funded Enterprise Zones at Belasis Business Park and Seal Sands that are doing well. The Tees Valley funded Northshore Enterprise Zone is quickly gathering pace. With a focus on the digital sector there are plans to create a £6 million Innovation Centre for digital, science and technology businesses. To find out more about the Stockton Borough Tees Valley Enterprise Zone sites visit www.teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk/ tees-valley/enterprise-zone/site-details

“We are continuing to secure substantial new orders from global customers in the offshore oil and gas industry, including clients in Aberdeen and China, as well as closer to home in the Tees Valley chemical sector.” With investment in the move, target growth turnover of £10million over the next five years, jobs growth and the manufacture of what is thought to be the world’s first fire-safe butterfly valve for the oil and gas industry – the future is looking good. Visit www.evolutionvalves.co.uk or telephone (01642) 345290.

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ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT Artwork at St John’s Crossing

ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT

The ambitious multi-million pound redevelopment of Stockton Town Centre is continuing. The next six pages cover everything from works in the High Street to events. There’s lots of reasons why you should come and take a look.

New mural

Stockton Town Centre’s new street lighting columns

PROGRESS ON THE GROUND Phase one of the Town Centre works is progressing well and is now in its final stages. Many of the paved areas are now open and others are nearing completion. New bus stops are now in place as part of a range of measures designed to make it easier to get into town.

Dodshon’s Fountain was in its final stages of re-assembly closer to its original location, at the south end of the High Street. Why not take a stroll to look at this handsome landmark of Stockton heritage? It was erected by public subscription in 1878 to commemorate the work of John Dodshon (1811-1875), a local Quaker and philanthropist. Phase two of the works began in February and is now well under way with lots going on to prepare the area between the Town Hall and Shambles for its transformation. New paving has been laid and new trees are in place. New artistically designed street furniture and a modern pedestrian crossing are also set to be installed. This phase is expected to be complete in the autumn. Phase three works will start straight after the Stockton International Riverside Festival, which takes place from Thursday 1 August to Sunday 4 August. This will involve major traffic management arrangements on Prince Regent Street and Dovecot Street over a number of weeks. A series of pits have been installed outside 62 Dovecot Street ready for new trees to be planted later this year. Preparatory works are ongoing on Prince Regent Street and in West Row Car Park ahead of the main works. Stockton Council is continuing to relocate the remaining tenants in Lindsay House and is progressing plans for the demolition of the building to open up access to the river and create a flexible events and parking area. A date is yet to be set for its demolition – watch out for information in the local media. Meanwhile, owner of ‘The Globe’ Theatre, Jomast, has now submitted a bid for funding through the Heritage Enterprise Scheme run by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Lindsay House

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To find out more about the regeneration of Stockton and what’s going on in the Town Centre over coming months, pop in to the Rediscover Shop on the High Street.

for West Row

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Same Traders, New Pitches

Mural will remember site’s past

As part of managing the transformation of the High Street, the southern end of the Market has been relocated and traders have been provided with new pitches north of the Town Hall and in Dovecot Street.

A new mural will celebrate ‘A Century of Change’ at the site of Stockton Fire Station (1883 to 1965).

The Market on the Castlegate side of the High Street has also been relocated and traders have been provided with pitches outside Boots and in Dovecot Street. These temporary arrangements are in place while work is being completed – none of the existing traders have left so do take a look for your favourite stall as they are open and looking forward to seeing you! New landmark for historic crossing

The mural, designed by Stockton-based artist Zak Newton, will be located in West Row car park and is due for completion at the end of July – weather permitting! There will be three elements to the mural. The first element is the painted representation of the shadow of what was – the West Row facade and tower of the fire station (based on photographic records) – as cast by ‘solar-fire’ in a high summer’s morning. It incorporates the ‘shades’ of firemen in commemoration of the site.

This second element of the work is the fireplace – once the heart Stockton’s proud railway heritage will be celebrated with new public of every home. It is installed at first-floor level and is a fabricated artwork at the important historical site of St John’s Crossing. reconstruction of a form typical of the early 20th Century (neoGeorgian cast-iron). Stockton Council and its partners have commissioned the artwork as part of the road realignment works and southern gateway The third element occupies the west-facing gable end. It improvements at the crossing. comprises three mirrored panels and three painted panels replicating the warehouse architecture of the area. The first rail of the Stockton and Darlington Railway was laid near the crossing, on Bridge Road, on 13 May, 1822. Make sure you make a date to visit the new mural. The first train to travel on these rails, hauled by Locomotion No.1, See the town in a new light made its historic inaugural journey to Stockton to mark the official New state-of-art street lighting columns have been installed in opening of the line on 27 September, 1825. Stockton Town Centre as part of its multi-million pound regeneration. The artwork – a sculpture – will depict the inaugural journey – The bespoke, 15-metre tall columns have been specially designed featuring the legendary race between a stagecoach horse and the with LEDs inserted inside the column so no lanterns are needed. passenger train. It means fewer street lights are needed in the Town Centre as The sculpture has been designed by artist Steve Tomlinson and the light generated by the 22 street lights will provide the same illustrates Locomotion No.1 and its carriages, just as they would amount of light as 66 of the traditional, lantern-style columns. have looked in 1825. The installation will take place through The first six of the new lighting columns, which include feature August and into September, when the completion of all works at lighting on their masts, have now been switched on. the site is due. PAGE 7

ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE An image from the book

A NEW MYTH FOR STOCKTON – A STORY TO FIRE THE IMAGINATION. ‘Instant Light’ is the magical new story by Sara Maitland with illustrations by Robert Dunn. The story’s central character is John Walker, the Stockton-born inventor of the modern friction match. Sara’s mythical tale takes the story of Walker’s invention and adds imagined characters from the town and a visiting circus to create a beautiful and heartwarming tale. Did John Walker’s invention create the ‘spark’ that set Stockton’s future as a festival town? ‘Instant Light’ will be launched at this year’s Stockton International Riverside and will be on sale at the ‘Rediscover Stockton’ shop.

While work continues to improve the access to the river and the surrounding roads and pathways, the quayside restaurants remain open for business. Situated on the quayside, overlooking the river, Joe Rigatonis serves traditionally Italian dishes with classic favourites from pizza and pasta to specialty chicken dishes, steaks and burgers.

Traditionally pizzerias are known as really casual places to hang out, meet friends, eat, drink and talk.

There’s always a warm welcome or you can book ahead by visiting www.joerigatoni.co.uk or telephoning (01642) 244777. Enjoy happy hour deals from 12noon to 2.30pm and 5pm to 6.45pm (weekdays) and 12noon to 6.30pm (Saturday).

Visit L’Allegria to enjoy a fun atmosphere or enjoy delicious food at home by ordering a takeaway, full details are available at www.lallegrias.co.uk or telephone (01642) 670880.

Restaurant manager, Martin Boyle (pictured), said: “Why not come and enjoy our river views as you enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family – we looking forward to seeing you soon.”

L’Allegria offers just that – with real hand made pizza, made exactly as it’s made in Naples, fresh handmade pastas cooked to order, a wide-ranging wine list and friendly service – all in a spacious setting designed to make you feel at home.

Adrian Mocanu (pictured) of L’Allegria said: “Get ready to be welcomed like one of the family – enjoy our friendly, laid-back atmosphere whilst enjoying freshly prepared, delicious Italian food. We hope to see you soon.”

Mike McGrother gets the crowd rocking

SOMETHING A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT – #PIANO Visitors to Stockton High Street found something a little bit different when #piano came to town. They were greeted by the sight of a silver man with an upright piano, which set a high note for the remainder of the day. The #piano event was inspired by the role the piano once played as a focal point around which families and communities would gather to sing, be refreshed and socialize. The event was organised by Mike McGrother, frontman of Stockton’s favourite rebel-rousers The Wildcats of Kilkenny and a creative partner of Stockton Council. Professional, amateur and try-hard musicians were invited to perform on the piano – leading to wonderful performances throughout the day from well-known musicians and amateur enthusiasts.

DID YOU JOIN IN STOCKTON’S DAZZLING DANCE SPECTACULAR?

As part of filming Shine TV’s ‘The Town That Danced Again’, Ashley hit the town of Stockton earlier this year to try and persuade you all to join him in a street dance spectacular that will bring people and communities together.

As Stockton News was going to press, the Borough was getting ready for the return of Ashley Banjo who, with the help of dance-crew Diversity, is going to get Stockton on its feet and dancing in the streets.

Did Ashley achieve his target? Did he manage to fill Stockton High Street, the widest High Street in Britain, with an

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Ashley was aiming to get 5,000 people street dancing in the town centre this summer.

unforgettable, show-stopping, fun streetdance finale? As Stockton News begins to drop through your letterboxes, you will know whether he did or not – as the challenge will have already taken place on Sunday 14 July with the programme set to air on Sky 1 later in the year. We hope you got the dancing bug and joined in with this dance street spectacular!

Performers included the Town Choir, Karen Heritage Dance School, Stockton Riverside College, local schools, the intriguing Silver Man as well as members of Stockton’s most successful bands including Cattle and Cane, Young Rebel Set, The Southmartins and an outstanding local boogie-woogie player. After a hard day’s work, the piano was wheeled away to the first evening ‘Town Session’ in The Storyteller’s Pub. Singing and music continued throughout the evening – with all who had experienced a little bit of the #piano saying it had been a fabulous event creating a real sense of community. Everybody felt that the #piano event had proved to all that community and regeneration isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it’s about communities having fun together and taking pride in who we are and in our town. The next High Street ‘happening’ is planned for September. The ‘silver man’ PAGE 9

ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT

CONFIDENCE IS GROWING Three businesses have recently moved into new premises as part of their continued growth and expansion. These entrepreneurs are securing success with support from Stockton Council and the Stockton Business Centre – if they’ve inspired you to follow in their footsteps, please get in touch.

For the Council’s Business Support Team, please telephone (01642) 528384 or e-mail business.enquiries@stockton.gov.uk. For Stockton Business Centre, please telephone (01642) 527933 or e-mail enquiries@stocktonbusinesscentre.org.

The Grade II listed building located right in the heart of Stockton High Street is well worth a visit.

Made by Marianne Made by Marianne has opened its new premises at 24 High Street. Mother-of-two, Marianne Robson, has a passion for gemstones which she uses alongside genuine pearls and sterling silver to create unique bespoke jewellery. Visit www.madebymarianne.co.uk or telephone 07910 971070.

Stephenson’s Florist will happily create the simplest or most extravagant displays for the home and for special occasions such as weddings, christenings and funerals. Visit online at www.flowers4u.org.uk or telephone (01642) 673846. XUP Skate Shop Pro-scooter specialist, XUP Skate Shop, has expanded from the enterprise arcade and opened new premises at 24 Bishopton Lane. With top brands such as MGP, Phoenix, District and many more, XUP is introducing the region to pro-scooter! Visit www.xupskateshop.com or telephone 07710 298811.

STOCKTON’S SPECIALIST MARKETS Stockton has always been the choice of the discerning market shopper thanks to our historic 700-year-old market. Held every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, our market traders offer the best fresh food, clothes, cards, DVDs, ornaments and much more at bargain prices. This year is even better as more and more specialist markets are taking place throughout the year – including farmers’ markets, craft fairs, Chic Vintique (vintage clothes, collectables and more) and the all-day World Market. Upcoming markets: aturday 20 July – Chic Vintique – Parish Gardens S Saturday 10 August – Makers’ Market – Parish Gardens Saturday 31 August – Farmers’ Market – Wellington Square Saturday 14 September – Creative Expo – Parish Gardens Friday 20 September – World Market – High Street Saturday 28 September – Farmers’ Market – Wellington Square Saturday 12 October – Chic Vintique – Parish Gardens Saturday 26 October – Farmers’ Market – Wellington Square Saturday 30 November – Farmers’ Market – Wellington Square For further details of the exciting range of markets visit www.stockton.gov.uk/specialistmarkets. If you would like to take a stall at a specialist market, please contact the Regeneration and Economic Development Team on (01642) 526034 or email: regeneration@stockton.gov.uk.

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HAVE YOU DISCOVERED THE HIDDEN GEMS OF INDEPENDENT SHOPS IN THE SHAMBLES MARKET HALL?

Much Ado About Muffins

There’s every good reason to make ‘much ado’ about Kathryn Hardy’s growing gourmet bakery business because it is going from strength to strength. Kathryn has now moved to her first shop at 6 Hambletonian Yard, which is just off Prince Regent Street in Stockton Town Centre. Kathryn said: “Since moving to Hambletonian Yard we have doubled our orders – the premises are lovely and our new teaching area is such a nice, relaxing place for people to come and enjoy learning about baking their favourite treats. “I was born in Stockton and am determined to keep on building my business here – the High Street is going to look really great when it’s finished and I’m very confident about our future. Stockton is a great place to do business.”

ooking for a special gift? You can add your own message or L picture to a wide range of gifts and clothing at Perzonalize – no job is too small. You can order online at www.perzonalize.com or telephone 078669 85669. Or visit Woohoo Candy, a sweet shop selling a large range of traditional sweets and American candy. You can visit www.woohoocandy.co.uk or telephone on 07928 614103 or 07794 531939. Trying to quit smoking? Visit ECiggy, who have a range of electronic cigarettes to help you stop the habit, telephone 07866 464095 or visit www.eciggyuk.co.uk. Need a hair cut? Visit Paul ‘the singing barber’ at ‘Quick Cuts’ gentleman’s barber – no appointment necessary, or you can telephone ahead on 07779 406839. Tom’s Shoe Repairs and Keycutting can also provide engraving services, watch and jewellery repairs – telephone 07870 814002.

Three local railway stations have been transformed thanks to a £275,000 scheme aimed at encouraging more people to use public transport. Allens West, Billingham and Stockton stations have undergone a series of works to give public transport passengers a better travelling experience. The works have provided each of the stations with improved access, facilities and passenger information. The upgrades were carried out by Northern Rail. All three stations now boast new or upgraded platform shelters as well as new signage, cycle parking areas and CCTV. Billingham has also benefited from footbridge enhancements including new handrails and anti-slip stair treads. Tees Valley Unlimited (TVU) secured funding for the improvements from the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund last year. Stockton Council’s Head of Technical Services, Richard McGuckin, said: “This is a great example of the vital role that the Council and TVU are playing in supporting improvements to transport and infrastructure in Tees Valley. “Investment in our public transport network is vital if we are to make rail and other sustainable forms of travel attractive to residents and visitors now and in the future.” The scheme forms part of a long-term plan to ensure that Tees Valley’s rail network supports the economic regeneration of the area while helping to reduce carbon emissions. The works will complement other forthcoming improvements at Eaglescliffe and Thornaby stations as well as other stations across the Tees Valley.

Why don’t you make a date to take a fresh look at Stockton Town Centre and rediscover great shopping on the High Street? The Shambles Market Hall is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Or if you are a ‘start-up’ or existing business and would like to find out more about having your business in the Shambles, please call Stockton Council on (01642) 527568. Allens West

Billingham

New routes improve travel in Thornaby

Visit www. muchadoaboutmuffins.co.uk or telephone (01642) 677158. Paul of Quick Cuts

Congratulations

n Valves (see page 5) have recently Much Ado About Muffins and Evolutio ette’s Local Business Accelerators been shortlisted for the Evening Gaz petition held by 500 newspapers that (LBA) competition – a UK-wide com l businesses. have joined forces to boost their loca petition to win the final, they will If they successfully beat off stiff com rtising, £10,000 from the Business receive business mentoring, free adve of the CBI and a range of business Growth Fund, a year’s membership support and IT equipment.

New-look railway stations are on the right track

Stephenson’s Florist

Work will begin in August on a new scheme designed to relieve traffic congestion in Thornaby. The scheme, located in the Allensway area of the town, will relieve pressure on the busy signal controlled junction between Mitchell Avenue and Allensway. Allensway is currently the only access road serving Thornaby Town Centre and the work is designed to ensure future investment and expansion of the Town Centre isn’t compromised. A new carriageway with a footpath will also link Tedder Avenue to Allensway and there will be a cycleway between Tedder Avenue to the Town Centre. Meanwhile, the junction of Tedder Avenue and Trenchard Avenue will be widened. The changes will mean the junction of Mitchell Avenue and Baysdale Road will be able to have traffic lights which is a key part of the Tees Valley Bus Network Improvement project. The work should be complete by the end of the year. PAGE 11

ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

STOCKTON IN STOCKTON-ON-TEES Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is proud to be part of Tees Valley Unlimited – the Local Enterprise Partnership for Tees Valley. Tees Valley Unlimited is a public and private sector partnership. Our role is to help Tees Valley grow. We will do this by attracting new investment to the area, building better transport links, training our workforce and creating more jobs.

Since April 2011 Tees Valley Unlimited has:-

Attracted almost £500m of private sector investment to Tees Valley

Clipper Logistics has a new giant warehouse at Wynyard Park. From this new base, right on the A19, Clipper will receive and dispatch around 3 million items of clothing per week to stock George Clothing in Asda stores around the country.

Work is underway on St John’s Crossing at the southern end of Stockton High Street. Improvements to passenger facilities are ongoing at Eaglescliffe and 3 other railway stations within the borough.

Welcomed 8 companies onto the Tees Valley Enterprise Zone Air Products are an American company building the world’s largest energy from waste plant in Billingham. The project is a £300million investment. It will create 400 construction jobs and 50 permanent jobs when it is up and running next year. It will also stop waste going to landfills while creating enough energy to power 50,000 homes.

Secured almost £25m to improve local railway facilities and help reduce road congestion

Met and worked with almost over 1,200 Tees Valley Companies The first Tees Valley Business Summit took place on Teesdale Business Park; it was followed by the first Tees Valley Skills Event. David Smith, Economic Editor at the Sunday Times took part in Tees Valley Budget Live! and commenting on local businesses wrote “Other regions need to follow”.

Cavendish House, Teesdale Business Park, Stockton-on-Tees, Tees Valley, TS17 6QY Tel: 01642 807630 www.teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk link with us

@tees-valley-unlimited

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@Tees-Valley-Unlimited

Pupils from

Created and protected over 3,000 Tees Valley jobs Nifco UK are building a second plant in Eaglescliffe where they will make car parts for Nissan, Honda and Toyota. The new facility will mean an additional 170 jobs for the area.

You can read the full Tees Valley Unlimited Annual Report by visiting www.teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk or calling 01642 524 400 for a copy.

ol rimary Scho

Oakdene P

Egglescliffe School headteacher Angela Darnell with pupils and headteacher Liz Bramley with Oakdene pupils. Pictures courtesy of The Evening Gazette.

OFSTED PRAISE FOR STOCKTON SCHOOLS Two Stockton Borough schools have received the highest praise from Ofsted, the Government’s independent inspectors. Both Egglescliffe School and Oakdene Primary School in Billingham achieved an ‘Outstanding’ assessment. Oakdene Primary School has improved from a ‘good’ assessment in its last inspection to ‘outstanding’ in its most recent inspection earlier this year. Inspectors were impressed by the way pupils, teachers, leaders and governors embraced the school’s motto ‘learning for life’. Headteacher Liz Bramley said she was especially delighted with the result given how much more challenging it has become to excel under Ofsted’s tough new inspection regime. She said: “We knew we had something quite special here and it’s great to have that confirmed officially.

“The report recognises the outstanding teaching and excellent progress made by our pupils and I am very proud of the strong teamwork and relationships that underpin our success.” Work for the future now includes focussing on raising the aspirations of the pupils even higher by increasing the challenge for those pupils working at a higher level of ability as well as helping pupils to learn independently during lessons. Inspectors found that Egglescliffe School – a specialist secondary school for the performing arts, science and mathematics - provides an ‘exceptional educational experience for students linking high academic achievement with the opportunity of participating in a superb range of extra-curricular activities’.

Headteacher Angela Darnell, said: “There is no doubt that this is a fantastic inspection report and very well deserved by all our staff. Teachers and support staff work so hard to provide the best possible education for our pupils. Parents, governors and pupils all contributed to the final outstanding grading. She continued: “It is particularly pleasing that Egglescliffe has been able to maintain this high standard for nearly ten years, despite the inspection framework becoming ever more challenging.“ Overall, it was found that the teaching is of high quality, achievement is exceptionally good, and the school continues to provide high quality education for its students. The school will now focus on continuing to support teaching staff and students in achieving consistently outstanding classroom practices. A copy of each report is available on the Ofsted website at www.ofsted.gov.uk PAGE 13

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

New school buildings for Stockton Borough Millions of pounds of investment will open a new chapter in the life of these Stockton schools. Thornaby Academy The £5.5million re-modelling and refurbishment of Thornaby Academy will be completed this month. Investment in the Teesside Universitysponsored Academy is providing pupils and staff with new teaching, learning and social areas as well as improved outdoor areas for leisure and sporting activities. A new Business and Enterprise (BETA) Centre will help pupils to forge the skills that will secure their future success. The centre of the building includes a fantastic open space. The ICT and technology facilities have also been significantly upgraded and a

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new ‘Open Learning Centre’ for pupils has been created. The refurbishment was carried out by Carillion Construction working in partnership with Stockton Council. The Stockton Academies Programme funding has been provided by the Department for Education and project-managed by Stockton Council. For more information and updates, visit www.thornabyacademy.org.uk Ian Ramsey Church of England Comprehensive School Planning permission has now been secured for a new building for Ian Ramsey Church of England Comprehensive School in Stockton.

The new school will open to pupils for the September term in 2014.

Grangefield School and St Michael’s RC School

Once the work is complete it will provide the school with a modern, fit for purpose educational building for its 1,200 students and the school’s wider community.

Work is set to start next year on Grangefield School in Billingham and St Michael’s Roman Catholic School as part of the Government’s Priority School Building Programme.

Stockton Council will project-manage the completion of the new building and Sir Robert McAlpine has been selected to complete the build.

Building work has been brought forward and the designs will begin to be developed in the near future.

The school will be funded by the Government’s Priority Schools Building Programme which has been set up by the Government to address the condition of the schools most in need of urgent repair. For more information and updates, visit www.ianramsey.org.uk

A preferred building contractor has yet to be selected – it is intended that a selection process will take place this summer with building work set to start early in 2014. Capital funding has been secured from the Education Funding Agency (Department for Education).

Mandale Mill Primary School Mandale Mill Primary School in Thornaby, will be a ‘pilot’ school building for the North-East group Private Finance Initiative (PFI) new school buildings being developed as part of the Government’s Priority Schools Building Programme. The scheme will see a new building for up to 420 pupils being built on the existing site. The scheme is currently in its early planning stages and a feasibility report is being compiled. It is intended that work on the new site will being in autumn 2014. For more information and updates, www.sbcschools.org.uk/mandalemill

For more information, visit www.grangefieldschool.co.uk and www.stmichaelsrc.org

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CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Frederick Nattrass primary school leading the way

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Pictured are students from Grangefield School with Axiom materials engineer Lee Baker (far right).

Frederick Nattrass Primary School in Norton has won the North East regional ‘Pupil Premium Award’ in recognition of its work to help students from disadvantaged homes to reach their potential. The Pupil Premium gives schools an extra £900 a year for each student who meets the criteria for ‘disadvantaged’. The money is invested in the school to secure wider benefits for all students. The school stood out because of its emphasis on ensuring the emotional wellbeing of young students in its care.

Extra speech and language support is available for those students who would benefit from this. ‘Nurture’ classes help the youngest children to settle into school and get ready for learning – providing them with a great start to their education. The Regional Award was presented following a rigorous judging process by an independent panel of education experts. As Stockton News went to print, representatives from the school were preparing to meet the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, to find out who is the overall national winner. At the same time they will also find out if the school will receive a cash prize of up to £10,000 to contribute to their work to boost the attainment of their students. Visit www.sbcschools.org.uk/fredericknattrass/ to find out more.

A SUMMER’S TALE

Children across Stockton Borough are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. It is open to children aged between four and 11 to help them maintain their reading skills over the school holidays. Every child that enters is challenged to read six books of their choice and each time they complete one they will be awarded with a sticker which reflects this year’s “Creepy House” theme. Everyone who completes the six book challenge will also receive a certificate. Children can register for free at any Stockton Borough library and will have the chance to take part in a range of workshops provided by organisations like RSPB Saltholme, Cleveland Preservation Trust, Durham Bat Group and Tees Valley Wildlife Trust. They will also be able to have a go at drawing their own cartoons with the help of cartoonist Ingi Jensson. To find out more visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ libraries

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Picture courtesy of the Evening Gazette

Supporting science

Students who are experiencing emotional difficulties can access suitable counselling.

A Stockton based engineering firm is celebrating its tenth anniversary by donating science and technology equipment to ten secondary schools.

Axiom was founded in 2003 and specialises as a consultancy in materials and mechanical engineering in the chemical, petrochemical, marine and food manufacturing industries.

Axiom Engineering has given £5,000 worth of equipment to the schools.

All Saints CE Academy, Bishopsgarth School, Conyers School, Egglescliffe School, Grangefield School, Ian Ramsey CE School, Northfield School and Sports College, Our Lady and St Bede’s RC School, St Michael’s RC Comprehensive and St Patrick’s RC Comprehensive all benefited from the donation.

Dr Rene Hoyle, founder and director of Axiom, said: “We wanted to help, inspire and encourage a future generation of young people to pursue a career in engineering and the sciences.”

The company now has a turnover of £1.8 million and employs 33 staff.

Last month, Year 8 pupils from Grangefield School visited the company’s laboratories to take part in demonstrations.

Remembering World War 1 Stockton Borough young people are getting ready to commemorate the centenary of World War 1.

new creative skills, such as short film making and publishing whilst meeting new people and participating in volunteering.

The 11 to 24-year-olds will research the contribution and sacrifices made by the people of Stockton during the Great War.

The year-long project will culminate in the production of a community exhibition, a graphic novel and a short film that will be shown to young people throughout the Borough to help remember the conflict.

Through a Heritage Lottery funded youth project they will learn about what life - and death - was like for those who fought on the frontline, as well as for those left at home. The group will also explore family history and different war experiences. As well as learning about Stockton’s heritage, the young people will develop

in the le involved Young peop their research. in project beg

If you have any stories or information about Stockton Borough’s role in the Great War that you would be happy to share with the young people, please contact John Tierney john.tierney@ stockton.gov.uk or call (01642) 677600.

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ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING

Housing a growing population By 2026, it is expected that the current 82,500 households in Stockton Borough will have increased by a further 10,000. The Government stipulates that local authorities must review their five year housing supply on an annual basis. This requirement is set out in the Government’s ‘National Planning Policy Framework’ which was introduced in March 2012. Due to the current weakness in the housing market, the Council only has sufficient sites allocated for housing to satisfy the demand required for the next 3.96 years. This means the Council needs to identify more sites for housing to meet the five year demand. Three years ago, Stockton Council identified brownfield sites for housing development (brownfield means sites that have already been built on). However, there

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is no Government funding to carry out the significant preparation work needed to bring them up to a suitable standard for development and without this help developers, banks and mortgage companies would find it too expensive to develop these sites. As a result difficult options like non-urban areas have to be considered to ensure that Stockton’s population can access modern, suitable housing. Applications for new housing can often create controversy amongst residents. The planning processes Stockton Council adheres to are designed to ensure that all matters in relation to impact on residents, schools, public health, businesses and transport are consulted on publicly and fully considered by a range of different organisations, individuals and agencies. New homes planned for Morley Carr Farm, Yarm The Council’s Planning Committee recently granted outline planning permission – subject to the completion of a legal agreement and planning conditions – for the development of 350 new homes at Morley Carr Farm, Yarm.

The developers expect to start delivering houses on the site in 2014/15 subject to gaining all necessary approvals. Application for housing at Green Lane, Yarm Last month, the Council’s Planning Committee was minded to approve an application for housing at Green Lane, Yarm. However, the planning process allows the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to ‘call-in’ a planning application – this can happen to ensure that planning approvals or refusals are in line with national policies as well as local policies. In relation to the application for housing at Green Lane, Yarm, the Secretary of State has stated the Council should not grant permission on this application to give him time to consider whether the application should be referred to him for a decision.

Providing a range of housing throughout the Borough

Meanwhile Stockton Council is working with developers across the Borough to create new high quality homes in major regeneration schemes.

Parkfield and Mill Lane, Stockton Tees Valley Housing has submitted a planning application to build 117 high quality, affordable family homes, bungalows and apartments as part of the Parkfield and Mill Lane redevelopment.

The on-going regeneration of the Borough is bringing about an exciting transformation in facilities and opportunities for local residents. Housing regeneration schemes are a vital part of this.

It is envisaged work will start on the site in September 2013 and take approximately three years to complete. This multi-million pound scheme will provide many training and employment opportunities for local residents as well as supporting the ongoing major investment in the regeneration of Stockton High Street.

Six multi-million pound housing schemes are under way. Swainby Road, Norton Following a planned programme, the relocation of residents in the Swainby Road regeneration area is almost complete and the demolition of the old housing is progressing well. The Council has acquired the majority of privately-owned properties on Norton Road and demolition plans for the empty properties including the Brown Jug pub are under way. The Council will procure a developer in the near future to continue the phased redevelopment of the site to create around 198 new homes. A decision will be notified in due course.

Victoria Estate, Stockton Detailed and extensive consultation with residents and property owners is now in full swing and the first group of residents are being relocated. The Council has undertaken consultation with local residents on its ambitions for the future. A ‘master plan’ for the area has been agreed which includes around 110 mixed housing for both sale and affordable rent and the provision of quality open space. Following a programme of consultation, Victoria Estate residents have agreed a five-phase change plan.

Residents in phase one began to move to their new homes in April. It is anticipated it will take between four and five years for the full estate to be cleared. Meadow Rise This £100 million scheme is transforming the former Hardwick Estate with a selection of new, two, three and four bedroom homes for sale. Mandale Park in Thornaby More than 300 homes are now occupied and two, three and four bedroom homes in the second phase of the scheme are now available for sale. Vivo at Northshore Work on the second phase of the multimillion pound Vivo at Northshore scheme is now under way. It includes 76, two, three and four bedroom homes overlooking the River Tees. The homes are expected to be released for sale in the autumn. For more information about the housing schemes on-going across the Borough, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ housingregeneration or contact the Housing Regeneration Team on (01642) 524970 or (01642) 526078 or e-mail housingregeneration@stockton.gov.uk

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ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING

Enchanting new rose garden and visitor centre for Wynyard

Think warm with GoWarm This latest development means Stockton is the first council in the UK to run a borough-wide ECO scheme. It will sustain the jobs of 500 people who have been working on the GoWarm scheme since it launched in 2012. It will also help create a new range of apprenticeship opportunities for Stockton Riverside College and GoWarm’s appointed installers Dalmid, Synergize, AH Property, Castle and Edendene. The GoWarm project has become the largest scheme of its kind to be carried out in the UK.

Stockton Council’s planning committee has granted planning permission for a new rose garden, visitor centre and cookery school at Wynyard Hall Country House Hotel. The move signals the start of a £4 million private investment in the site and the creation of 40 jobs. The new rose garden, visitor centre and Italian terrace will be housed within the historic walled garden - with a plan to ensure a breathtaking range of scentladen blooms are in place by the end of the planned two-year project. The single-storey visitor centre building with a glazed façade will provide a café and gift shop selling local produce and Wynyard Hall related products. The new cookery school will provide a range of teaching rooms and accommodation for up to 12 people with courses and tuition from expert chefs and suppliers planned to take place throughout the year.

There will also be a new training centre for excellence in horticulture, food and hospitality.

on the site – will also be refurbished with a glazed link to the visitor centre. A temporary marquee will be erected within the site to provide additional seating and conference areas for up to 400 guests with a licence for music to be played until 11.30pm with all background music to be finished by 12.30pm. Planning consultants, England and Lyle, and architects, IDP Partnership (Northern), will work with Wynyard Hall Country House Hotel throughout the development of the rose garden and visitor centre.

The first stage of the scheme, which was completed earlier this year, was funded by North Yorkshire-based Eggborough Power Ltd and focussed on properties in Stockton’s Parkfield, Newtown and Mill Lane wards, as well as the Mandale and Victoria areas of Thornaby.

A scheme which has brought warmer homes, lower energy bills and 500 new jobs to Stockton is now being extended across the Borough, making it the first of its kind in the UK. The GoWarm project, run by Community Interest Company Community Energy Solutions (CES) and Stockton Borough Council, has already helped 1,700 homes across Stockton and Thornaby to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their fuel bills by up to £750 a year.

This latest phase, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2015, will cover the rest of the Borough and receive ECO funding from leading integrated power and gas company E.ON. Combined, these works are expected to cut the Borough’s carbon emissions by more than 300,000 tonnes per annum and deliver a range of health benefits to those who have previously suffered as a result of living in cold homes. Karen Hindhaugh, Director of GoWarm, said: “The GoWarm project has more than doubled in size since it was originally launched and it is thanks to the ongoing support of local residents, Stockton Council, our funding partners and numerous contractors, that we are able to increase it once again and offer help to more than 5,000 additional homes.

“This will not only help to reduce fuel poverty across the Stockton Council has signed an agreement to continue its partnership with CES until 2015 with the scheme being extended Borough but the associated benefits will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the householders and the wider to cover the entire Borough. communities as a whole.” All the Borough’s remaining 5,000 privately-owned solid wall homes will be offered external wall insulation, free of charge and For more information visit www.gowarm.org.uk, call (01642) 605130, drop into the office at Blue Post Yard, Stockton many will qualify for new boilers and central heating (dependent or search for GoWarm Parkfield on Facebook and Twitter. on qualifying measures and listed/conservation status).

The buildings and garden will be designed to meet the highest environmental and conservation standards to ensure the preservation of the historic building and its surroundings. Plans are also in place to ensure the appropriate protection of trees and wildlife alongside the development of appropriate parking and highways and access improvements. Alongside the opportunity to enjoy visiting the gardens throughout the year, it is intended that the planting of the widest range of rose species will encourage interest from horticulturists.

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ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING

Looking for trailblazing volunteers Ingleby Wood

St P e Thor ter ad V incu naby la C hurc h,

Tees River

They say the only way to really see a place is to walk round it and two trails under development in Thornaby and Ingleby Barwick will give everyone the opportunity to enjoy and discover some of the very best countryside our area has to offer. Both trails are part of Stockton’s ‘big plans for open spaces’ and encompass some of the Borough’s best green spaces including woodlands, meadows, riverside walks and other lovely hidden gems! When they are fully developed, the trails will mainly follow footpaths, bridleways and cycleways. They will also link with other paths to offer people shorter alternative routes. Though many paths have been improved over recent years – largely through the hard work of volunteers – this work is ongoing and that’s where we need your help!

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We want to hear from anyone who might be interested in helping to produce trail guides, assisting with practical projects and joining our efforts to encourage people to explore these fantastic trails in groups or by themselves. We are looking for people who might be interested in becoming a volunteer trail ranger, forming a local ‘friends’ group, becoming a walk leader, running a sponsored walk or providing local information or photographs for a trail leaflet.

So, whatever interest you might have in helping to develop these two trails or organising any kind of walk or event, we want to hear from you! Please contact Amie Henry, Groundwork North East’s Senior Community Ranger on (01642) 613636 or 07587 778449. Alternatively, email: amie.henry@ groundwork.org.uk. You can also meet Amie at the Ingleby Barwick Carnival on Saturday 20 July.

The wonderful countryside around Thornaby and Ingleby Barwick can also Graham Clingan, Stockton Council’s be enjoyed through a series of events and Countryside and Greenspace activities taking place in the Tees Heritage Development Manager, said: “With the Park throughout the summer. These help of residents, schools, businesses and include combined walk and river trips community groups we can develop each on 2 and 17 August, a bushcraft event on trail into something really special and give 1 August, and an Ingleby Barwick walk everyone the opportunity to experience on 20 September. More information is some wonderful countryside right in the available at: www.fthp.org.uk. heart of the Borough.”

Thornaby Trail

Ingleby Barwick Trail

This 16km trail will encircle the entire township of Thornaby, with excellent links to residential areas, Thornaby Town Centre and various places of interest along the route. Highlights will include:

The route will run through a series of woodlands and green spaces around the eastern fringe of Ingleby Barwick and follow an attractive green corridor through the heart of the township. This is approximately 9km, but in the longer term it is hoped the trail can be extended to encircle the whole of Ingleby Barwick. Walkers will be able to enjoy:

T hornaby Green, with the 12th century church of St Peter ad Vincula Beautiful woodland along Stainsby Beck T he Local Nature Reserves of Bassleton Wood and The Holmes and Black Bobbies Field – all within the Tees Heritage Park Infinity Bridge and The Tees Barrage

T he meadows and woodlands alongside Bassleton Beck T he hedge-lined Barwick Lane R omano Park and Barwick Pond Local Nature Reserve W indmill Park

The projects are being developed by Stockton Council, Thornaby Town Council, Ingleby Barwick Town Council and Groundwork North East (‘River Routes in Stockton’ project), with the support of other organisations.

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ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING

Big Community Switch People living across Stockton Borough have another chance to save money on their gas and electricity bills through iChoosr’s Big Community Switch.

SAVE CASH

S ON YOUR ENERGY BILL

Earlier this year more than 1,500 residents registered to receive a cheaper energy tariff and households who took up the offer are likely to save up to £111 per year.

NOW!

You have the power to save money on your gas and electricity bills by signing up to the Big Community Switch s with Stockton-on-Tee Borough Council.

Now Stockton Council is teaming up with iChoosr again so more residents can take advantage of the scheme.

UT OBLIGATION JOIN FREE AND WITHO E ELY IS EASY AND SAF SWITCHING COLLECTIV detail See overleaf for more igcommunityswitch www.stockton.gov.uk/b

06/03/2013 14:01 22307 Big Community

Switch A5 Leaflet.indd

This time people will be able to register between 20 August and 15 October 2013. On 16 October energy providers will take part in an auction and the supplier with the best tariff will offer anyone who signed up a new deal. The Big Community Switch is open to everybody including people living in rented accommodation and those using a pre-payment meter.

Housing services among the best in the country The 2013 UK Housing Awards has named Stockton Council as ‘Strategic local authority of the year’ for its work in delivering housing services. It follows the success of several projects such as: The Empty Homes Partnership which brings empty properties back into use while providing jobs and training opportunities he continued delivery of the Council’s key housing T regeneration priorities at Mandale, Hardwick, Swainby Road and Parkfield upporting residents to live independently through the S provison of an adapations service for homeowners and private tenants roviding targeted debt and financial advice as well as P specialist housing support to homeowners at risk of losing their home The awards are organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and Inside Housing magazine. CIH chief executive, Grania Long, said: “Housing is facing an increasingly challenging environment as the Government’s welfare reforms get under way, and the winner’s passion, dedication and innovation is nothing less than inspiring for all of us working in the industry. Maintaining, improving and promoting standards are a hugely important part of CIH’s role, and we hope housing providers will take this opportunity to learn from the excellent work of all the award winners.” PAGE 24

Where to find out more? Ensure you have a recent energy bill to hand and: Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ bigcommunityswitch or call into The Horizon Centre at 1 Bridge Road in Stockton or telephone the centre on (01642) 615834 or call into the Five Lamps Centre on Eldon Street in Thornaby, Monday-Thursday, between 10am and 4pm or telephone (01642) 704142. Please note any resident who has accepted the offer from the last Big Community Switch will be tied into that fixed offer for 12 months. Children from Parkfield Gardening Project prepare for this year’s Britain in Bloom bid.

Your Chance to Bloom – Every Little Helps Following its fantastic floral success in last year’s Britain in Bloom competition – when Stockton was awarded Gold in the Champion of Champions category – the Borough has been invited to take part in this summer’s Britain in Bloom finals. It’s time to get out the trowel and start digging for victory! Success in the Britain in Bloom competition relies on the dedication and voluntary commitment of residents, organisations and schools to create the wonderful blooms and colourful displays throughout the streets and gardens of Stockton. Their care and skill helps to makes the entire Borough a nicer place to live, work, shop and visit. And, as well as making the area look lovely, the hard work that goes into preparing for Britain in Bloom brings people together with a common interest - helping to build a sense of community pride, share skills and introduce young people to gardening and horticulture. Judges from the Royal Horticultural Society will be undertaking a one day tour of the Borough later this summer. Visit the Northumbria in Bloom website to find out all about ‘Britain in Bloom’ at www.northumbriainbloom.co.uk Everyone - from the experienced ‘green-fingered’ to the firsttime digger - can help Stockton achieve the prestigious Britain in Bloom winner’s title. Here’s how: Have a look at your front door or garden – could you create a colourful display or hanging basket to make your garden the envy of the street? Your local garden centre or DIY store may be able to help and provide information. You could contact your local Town or Parish Council to suggest improvements.

You could join a local ‘Residents…’ or ‘Friends…’ group. If there isn’t one then why not get together and start one? You could take part in, or organise, a community litter pick. You could enter the RHS ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards’ which is aimed at smaller volunteer-led community groups who are greening up their local environment. For example, this could be a group of residents improving their street, a conservation group, scouts or guides clearing an area and planting bulbs or a church congregation improving the churchyard. Schools can be involved through Northumbria in Bloom’s ‘Growing Together’ competition by becoming an ‘Eco School’ or recycling champion or arranging events such as tree and bulb planting and growing sunflowers. Businesses and organisations can also do their bit by creating a bright and vibrant floral display; businesses might also consider creating a wildlife garden or sponsoring a roundabout. To find out more about Stockton’s Britain in Bloom Campaign and how you can help, please telephone Jo Robinson on (01642) 524498 or email joanna.robinson@stockton.gov.uk

l arrive on August 1 to assess Britain in Bloom judges wil green tments, school gardens and everything from parks, allo ss ine bus and as shopping are spaces to residential homes, door step! premises – even your front They will be looking at the: and health of the plants level of care and the quality on display e the environment and wildlif care and consideration for pation and involvement range of community partici PAGE 25

YOUR COUNCIL

Benefit Changes update receiving more than the average earnings of people in work. The cap will be set at: £350 per week for a single person without children, or £500 per week for a couple or lone parent The cap will affect around 100 A range of benefit changes were households in Stockton, who have all been contacted by introduced in April this year. the Department for Work and If you are struggling to cope, or Pensions to provide details of are starting to get into debt it’s support to help them change best to get help quickly and there their circumstances and to are organisations that can help find work. with free and impartial advice. If you think you may be affected Welfare Benefit Cap you can check online at A ‘cap’ is being introduced on the www.gov.uk/benefit-cap or call benefits received by working age the national helpline on households in order to prevent 0845 6057 064. people who are not working from

Over recent weeks several consultations have been on-going across the Council. Here is an update on their progress. Adult Mental Health Services - Efficiency, Improvement and Transformation (EIT) Review The Adult Mental Health Services Efficiency, Improvement and Transformation (EIT) Review public consultation is now complete. The proposals identified during the review include: Greater support for usage of personal budgets Ending the in-house day care, rehabilitation and respite services Ending the dedicated user and carer involvement posts and providing such support through other existing approaches Re-shaping the community support service The feedback gathered during the review will now be compiled into a report with final proposals due to be considered by Stockton Council’s Cabinet at its meeting in September 2013. PAGE 26

HELP AND ADVICE Check your benefits You can check that you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to by using a special, easy to use, benefit calculator at www.stockton.gov.uk/ benefitcalculator Working? - Check your tax credits If you are working but on a low wage you may be able to claim tax credits. You can check if you are entitled at www.gov.uk/ working-tax-credit Local help, advice and support There are a number of places you can go for advice:

Stockton and District Advice and Information Service Telephone: 08444 111 444 www.citizensadvice.org.uk Help with budgeting and debt The following organisations will not charge you for advice: The Money Advice Service Telephone: 0300 500 5000 www.moneyadviceservice. org.uk

At your service – the Borough’s libraries

StepChange Debt Charity (formerly Consumer Credit Counselling Service) Telephone: 0800 138 1111 www.stepchange.org National Debtline Telephone: 0808 8084000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Stockton Welfare Rights Unit Telephone: 01642 526476 Email: welfarerights@ stockton.gov.uk

Affordable Housing Consultation As part of the planning process, the Core Strategy - the document that provides a framework for all planning decisions - states that 15 per cent to 20 per cent of houses on new developments should be ‘affordable’. This has to be built or paid for by the developer, unless they can prove that it would mean the new development would be too expensive and would not be worth building at all. To help with this the Council produces a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which is referred to when planning applications are submitted. This document sets out clear guidance in relation to which sites should aim for 15 per cent and which should aim for 20 per cent. It also outlines the factors the Council must take into account when developers state targets cannot be met and how these calculations are made. You can read the draft SPD entitled “The Provision of Affordable Housing and the Need for Viability Evidence” at www.stockton.gov.uk/spd or at your local library. There will be a six week consultation on the SPD from 22 July to 2 September 2013 – you can find out more at Stockton Central Library.

Stockton Council would like to thank all residents who took part in the consultation to explore the best way forward for library services across the Borough to help make the necessary budget reduction of £400,000. The consultation looked at many aspects of the service and you told us that these were the things you valued most: Trained library staff Self service options A popular range of books and audio books Free access to computers Access to electronic information and resources We have tried to keep as many of these facilities as possible in all parts of the Borough, however, there will need to be some changes to the service. In Billingham the two existing libraries will be merged into one as part of a new combined library and customer service building in the Town Centre. At Egglescliffe, the library will remain open for a minimum of 17 hours per week and Fairfield library will be retained for a minimum of 22 hours per week. Roseworth library will be relocated to the Redhill Children’s Centre and will be open for a minimum of 17 hours per week.

to the Riverbank Children’s Centre and will be open for a minimum of 17 hours per week. In the six main libraries, Stockton Central, Thornaby Central, Norton, Ingleby Barwick, Yarm and the new Billingham Central, weekend opening hours will be adjusted in line with the preferences and views expressed in the public consultation responses. We will review our smaller community libraries and their opening hours in 2014, and we will keep you informed in future editions about any changes which may take place. Meanwhile, the introduction of a new and free library app means you can now be in touch with your local library 24/7. The app allows you to carry out anything from searching for a book to reserving it, borrowing and renewing it as well as finding opening hours and directions to libraries – all from you mobile phone. If you’re in a bookshop you can scan the bar code and reserve the same book in your library. To download the app visit www.yourlibraryapp.co.uk/stockton Audio books are also now available to download online through Overdrive and One Click and Bolinda, which is the library service’s newest online eAudio book service. It is easy to use as library users can sign in with their library card and PIN at www.stockton.gov.uk/ebooks Stockton’s Library Service also run a mobile and housebound service. To find out more call (01642) 528045.

In Thornaby, the library on Westbury Street will be relocated PAGE 27

YOUR COUNCIL

ADULTS SERVICES

Are you registered to vote? Don’t miss out on your chance to vote! If you’re not registered to vote, or think that the details we have for you are out of date, fill in and return the form overleaf without delay. There’s a separate form for anyone wishing to register for a postal vote. It’s important that you are registered at the right address, in the right name or you may miss out on your chance to vote in vital elections, such as electing your MP, MEPs or your local councillor. Elections can be called at short notice, and if you’re not registered you won’t be able to vote. Who should complete and return the form? You should complete and return the form if you have: moved home or changed address changed your name not registered to vote Who can register? You can register to vote if you are: 16 years old or over, however, you cannot vote until you are 18 a British citizen an Irish, Commonwealth or European Union citizen who is resident in the UK – contact Electoral Services for advice on eligibility

Keeping our customers satisfied Once again Stockton Council has come out top for its customer service.

Please help us to keep the electoral register up to date and return the form.

Registering for a postal vote

Voting by post is an easy and convenient way of voting if you are unable to get to the polling station. Anyone on the register can vote by post – just fill in the second form overleaf and return. You need to sign your application form personally because we need a copy of your signature and date of birth for voting security reasons. Simply complete the forms you need, fold, seal and pop in a postbox. To check if you are registered or for more information, call the Electoral Services Helpline on (01642) 526196, email electoral@stockton.gov.uk or visit our website www.stockton.gov.uk/yourcouncil/electionsandvoting.

Other things you should know

re you live to many Being on the electoral roll proves whe roved for credit and app companies, which can help you get utility bills. you are not Even if you are paying Council Tax ed. ster automatically regi electoral registration, It is easy to submit an application for . post by and you can also apply to vote – exercise your historic If you do not register you cannot vote right and register today.

Stockton Council is one of only 12 councils throughout the country to hold the Customer Service Excellence (CSE) status across all of its services. The Council was last assessed in June 2010 and assessors returned for a week in May 2013 to carry out another full review. Assessors found ‘examples of really good practice within specific service areas’ - which warranted a high scoring as well as a ‘clear sense of shared vision across the whole Council in approaches to identifying and meeting customer needs’. Each council service was assessed against the following criteria: Customer Insight – how information about customers and their needs is gathered and used Organisational Culture – evidence that there is commitment throughout the Council to be customer focused Information and Access – that effective communication channels are in place Delivery – how services are delivered, the outcomes for customers and how problems are managed Timeliness and Quality of Service – how these are combined to ensure the best possible results for customers. Debbie Hurwood, Stockon Council’s Head of Customer Services and Taxation, said: “We are delighted at the outcome of our assessment. We aim to serve and engage with our residents to continually improve the services we offer. With this in mind, over the coming months, we will be developing the use of focus groups so that we receive up to date and accurate feedback. This will help us to continue to develop our services to meet customers’ needs.”

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CARING FOR CARERS– A NEW CHAPTER Being a carer is a big responsibility. Throughout Stockton there are people of all ages who devote their time to caring for a loved one or family member. Meeting the needs of the individuals being cared for can be mentally, emotionally and physically demanding for both the person experiencing difficulties as well as for those who care for them. In the last edition of Stockton News we explained how the Council and NHS was developing a new strategy to set out how carers will be supported. Until this year, there has been a strategy for adult carers and a strategy for young carers. Now, these two important documents have been revised and replaced with a single Strategy for Carer Support Services for Adults, Children and Young People. The document is based on the results of an extensive consultation which was open to carers, carer organisations and other people or groups interested in promoting the health and well-being of carers. People were asked for their views on the kind of support that would benefit carers through consultation events, questionnaires and awareness raising through youth services as well as schools, GPs and local support and charity organisations.

In addition to the feedback received through this consultation, the results from the National Carers’ Survey (2012) were also used - this survey asked about carers’ quality of life and satisfaction with, or ease of access to, services and support. Based on the wealth of information provided by carers, the new strategy ensures services deliver seven local priorities, these are: helping carers identify themselves as carers and seek support if they need it involving carers in shaping the provision of local care services involving carers in planning the care of the person they care for Keeping carers healthy and well providing advice and information to carers respite opportunities accessing employment, education and work related training. The development and purchase of new carer support services needs careful planning and procurement and work will now take place with a range of stakeholders to enable the new services to be in place by April 2014. A full summary report of the results of the consultation is available at www.stockton.gov.uk/carersconsultation or www.hartlepoolandstocktonccg.nhs.uk Alternatively a copy can be requested by emailing elaine.lamb@stockton.gov.uk or telephoning (01642) 528460.

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ADULTS SERVICES

ARE YOU BEING SERVED WELL? Stockton Council would like your views on how it can improve the support it provides to adults and older people who need help with their care.

Earlier this year Stockton Council produced its first, annual ‘Local Account’. The report looks at how the Council’s Adult Social Care services are performing and what they are doing to improve support. Anyone can access the information at www.stockton.gov.uk/ localaccount Now the Council is beginning work on the 2013-14 Local Account report and to help with this would like people to get in touch with their views on the following areas: Carers Personalisation Prevention and Early Intervention Safeguarding

A NEW PHASE FOR ADULT SERVICES In previous editions of Stockton News we explained how the Council is reviewing its services for adult care. As part of this, senior council officers have formed an Adult Programme Board to oversee key areas of work. A special team has also come together to work with the Board, managers, staff users and carers to deliver the changes that have been agreed through a series of reviews. For people with learning disabilities, detailed work is under way to improve community-based day services. Independent living options are being developed for people who are currently in residential care and those who are living at home with family. Proposals are being drawn up to develop small schemes for 10 to 12 people to have individual tenancies with care on site, similar to an extra care approach. As part of the intention to increase independent living options, a bid has also been submitted to the Homes and Communities Agency for 24 units to be developed on the former Blenheim site in Thornaby.

The Council will be consulting with a number of groups over the coming months.

The Council is also assessing its in-house residential unit at Oak Road in Stockton to find out if it is suitable to become a supported living scheme. Meanwhile, existing residential placements are being reviewed on a commercial basis in order to ensure they provide value for money. In line with the review recommendations, work is taking place to explore the feasibility of providing dedicated facilities for people with autism, including both housing options and day time activities. Stockton Council’s Cabinet has also endorsed the findings of a review of Independent Living Services. Consequently, improved commissioning arrangements are being put in place for all services covered by the review to ensure these services are in line with the Council’s strategy and offer value for money.

Stockton Council is asking people who use its adult care services and their carers to share their experiences so it can improve the way it personalises people’s care.

Meanwhile, consultation with carers is complete and a procurement plan for carers’ and young carers’ services is being developed. You can read more about this on page 29.

‘Personalisation’ is the word that describes the new approach to building a care and support programme specifically tailored to someone’s needs.

available throughout the year. For more information in the first instance call Stockton Council’s Public Health team on (01642) 528474.

It is estimated one in three adults over 65 years old will develop some form of dementia and there is a predicted increase of 26 per cent by 2020.

As well as information available from Stockton Council, the following organisations also provide advice, services (please note: some services are chargeable) and information: North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, Teesside Age UK, CSV, ARC, Museum of Hartlepool, Mind Middlesbrough and Stockton, The Hospital of God at Greatham, Fusion Café, The George Hardwick Foundation, Clevearc, Alzheimer’s Society, Hand in Hand Care, Avalon Group and Beamish Museum.

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MAKING IT REAL

Work has begun to assess the results of a regional review of reablement services and what the conclusions mean for Stockton Borough.

SUPPORTING STOCKTON RESIDENTS A DEMENTIA FRIENDLY TOWN

Stockton Public Health has successfully secured funding of £100,000 to support Stockton as a ‘dementia friendly’ community which will be used to raise public awareness, create a supportive community environment and help to keep people with dementia independent and healthier for longer.

If you have any comments or suggestions about the ‘Local Account’ and what it should include or consider, you can get in touch by emailing customer.care@stockton.gov.uk calling (01642) 527521 or writing to Customer Services Manager, Customer Care, Parkside, Melrose Avenue, Billingham, TS23 2JH.

Recently, Stockton Public Health, Stockton Council, the local Clinical Commissioning Group and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and partners held a week long programme of events as part of ‘Dementia Awareness Week’ to help raise awareness of dementia and provide activities and support for those living with – or those caring for individuals with – dementia. Across Stockton Borough there is a range of support sessions and advice

Instead of an historic ‘one size fits all’ system, local authorities now have the flexibility to commission a wider range of services so people can choose and tailor services to their own unique needs. This helps individuals to stay independent and enjoy a dignified and reasonable quality of life. As part of these changes, the partnership organisation ’Think Local, Act Personal’, has worked with older and disabled people and family carers to create 26 statements that set out what people expect to experience if they are using truly personalised care and support. The statements are focused around six key areas: Information and Advice – having the information I need when I need it. Active and Support Communities – keeping friends, family and place. Flexible Integrated Care and Support – my support, my own way. Workforce – my support staff.

Risk Enablement – feeling in control and safe. Personal Budgets and Self Funding – my money. Earlier this year, Stockton Council fully signed up to delivering the ‘Make it Real’ approach – demonstrating its continuing commitment to ensuring service users experience the full benefits of the new personalisation approach. As part of this commitment, the Council will be holding a number of meetings for service users and carers to discuss their experiences – if you would like to find out more, please contact the adult care management team on (01642) 527470 or at selfdirectedsupport@stockton.gov.uk

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ADULTS SERVICES

LEARN NEW SKILLS WITH

Tees Achieve! Tees Achieve is offering a wide range of opportunities for learning and training. For more details of venues, dates and times please visit the website www.stockton.gov.uk/teesachieve or call the contact centre on (01642) 527904 (opening times 8am to 6pm Monday to Thursday; 8am to 5.30pm Friday; 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays). A range of new community courses start in September 2013 – here is a flavour of what’s on offer. Art

Cookery and Sugarcraft

How to choose the right course for you:

Family Learning

Woodcraft

Art classes are taught by subject specialist tutors who are also working artists. Classes cater for all levels of ability and teach a range of skills including perspective and light and shading. You will work with a range of media including oils, acrylics and watercolours and study specialist subjects such as portrait painting. As part of the study programmes there are opportunities to exhibit work and attend trips to galleries and art college degree shows.

Courses provide opportunities to learn a range of different cookery skills including bespoke skills in baking, cake decoration and special events catering.

Beginner: Want to learn a language but not just because you want to go on holiday? In this basic language course you will learn how to introduce yourself, speak about your friends and family, express likes/ dislikes, order drink and food, etc.

Family Learning courses are open to parents and carers and offer the opportunity to find out how subjects are currently being taught in school, how to help and support your children with their work, as well as brushing up your own skills.

A variety of woodworking courses are available including our fabulous one-year Rocking Horse class, woodcarving and a range of general woodcraft courses. Whether you are looking to enhance your woodworking skills and abilities or you are a complete beginner we have the course for you. Opportunities also exist to progress to apprenticeships.

Crafts A variety of innovative and exciting courses such as Interior Design, Silk Painting and Silversmithing and Jewellery making are available. There are also courses in Dressmaking and, new for this academic year, ‘Sewing Bee’. There are opportunities to study Soft Furnishing and work with textiles to produce accessories and learn the art of fabric transfer painting. As well as Stained Glass courses, there are stand alone classes in Glass Fusion, which involves layering thin sheets of glass, often using different colours to create patterns or simple images. Fused glass techniques are generally used to create art glass, glass tiles and jewellery, notably beads. PAGE 32

Creative Media and Photography Courses are available for all levels of photography and image manipulation. Learners can work on accredited courses and achieve nationally recognised qualifications. Skills in printing, mounting and framing images are also available to support camera crafts. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) English language courses at all levels from beginners to advanced are offered. The majority of our classes are held in our centre at Bridge Road in Stockton. Some classes are women only and evening classes are available too. For more information and to book an initial assessment, please telephone the ESOL team on (01642) 524942. Languages Language classes in Italian, Spanish and German start in September 2013 and run for two terms. The first term is ten weeks finishing in December and the second term runs from January until May.

Next Step: If you have a basic knowledge of the language from school or from the Beginner class and would like to extend your knowledge of a language, this is the course for you. This course is suitable for learners working towards GCSE. Lower Intermediate: If you have a more advanced awareness of a language (possibly from completing the Next Step course) and you wish to further your conversational abilities, then this course is ideal for you. You will get the opportunity to learn and practise a range of new topics. This is suitable for post GCSE learners. Higher Intermediate: Continue practising a range of new topics whilst also improving grammar with an emphasis on conversation. This course is suitable for learners working towards A-level. Advanced: If you have a more advanced awareness of a language, this is an opportunity to improve fluency in your speaking and listening and consolidate your reading a writing skills. This course is suitable for post A-level learners.

We also offer English and Maths, Apprenticeships, Study Programmes for young people and Employability courses. Supporting Teaching and Learning

Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning, will develop your knowledge and skills in a supporting role as a All Family Learning courses are free, so Teaching Assistant. This qualification is for look out for news of Family Learning at your you if you are are employed or volunteer child’s school or local community venue. in a Teaching Assistant capacity helping Flower Arranging and Gardening support the teaching and learning of Computer Studies (IT) pupils. You can then progress to the Level Learn how to create arrangements, Try IT – this is a free course for 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and tied designs, wired items and planted complete beginners who have not Learning in Schools, or Level 3 Diploma arrangements for modern and traditional used a computer before. in Specialist Support for Teaching and designs. Explore design, colour, flower Moving on with IT (1) and (2) – follow on Learning in Schools. This qualification is and plant identification and how to courses to extend your knowledge of using for those employed in schools who directly condition flower materials. You will also files, folders, internet and email. support teaching and learning of pupils in learn how to plan and cost designs for a European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) commercial environment. New for this year schools in an area that requires specialist knowledge and skills such as intervention, are practical gardening courses working ECDL Extra – learners will develop an supporting pupils with special educational understanding of the features of Microsoft outside and in the greenhouse. needs or supporting in a particular Word 2007, Excel 2007 and PowerPoint Sport and Fitness and Emergency First Aid curriculum area. 2007. You will also apply your knowledge New for September - courses in Come along to our OPEN DAY on Tuesday to choose the correct programme for Emergency First Aid. This course is ideal 17 September from 4pm to 7pm at completing a given task. Courses run for for anyone with responsibility for sports Billingham Community Centre. three terms. This is an industry standard teams. If you want to improve or maintain qualification suitable for those in work or Take a look at learners’ work, talk to tutors your fitness levels we also have fitness looking towards employment. and try out some new skills. courses to develop personalised training plans and Pilates.

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Duathlon – the start of a healthier lifestyle

In each edition of Stockton News we explain how Stockton Council, agencies and partners including the NHS, are working together to tackle health inequalities through the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2012 – 2018.

Struggling to climb the stairs one day was Mike Bowron’s motivation to start running, cycling and taking part in the Stockton Duathlon – his first ever sporting event!

Breastfeeding is best In this edition we look at breastfeeding and, “And perseverance is the way to go. After in particular, one mum’s experiences. a couple of weeks it can become much easier - although it may take three to Alex Glover, 31, from Roseworth in five days for actual milk to come. In the Stockton, breast fed both of her two little meantime the baby is taking Colostrum girls - Matilda aged three and Charlotte which is very good. now eight months. Alex said: “It’s one of the hardest things you can do. Everyone talks about how natural it is but no-one really explains how difficult it is and the reasons why some mums give up after about six weeks. However, it is also one of the most rewarding!”

“It can take six weeks for the milk flow to produce correctly and balance out for how much the baby needs.”

Alex didn’t have easy pregnancies, and with both she suffered something worse than morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum). During her second pregnancy she was hospitalised, and on a drip, for two weeks and had to take medication for another 20 weeks. This impacted on her job as a teacher and she had to take time off work.

Alex attended her local Surestart breastfeeding clinic at Redhill Community Centre which she found immensely helpful and supportive and now regularly gives help and advice to mums there.

Before she gave birth Alex did a lot of her own research into breastfeeding both with books and the internet. And, with an auntie as a health visitor breastfeeding specialist, she felt fully equipped to breastfeed.

She concluded: “A lot of people do put pressure on you to breastfeed and ultimately you have to do what is best for you – but with perseverance I cannot stress how good breastfeeding is for the health of both babies and mums.”

She learned that breastfed babies digest the milk quicker and hence need feeding more often. This, in itself, can be quite tiring, however, husbands, partners and families can help in other ways such as changing nappies, cooking and cleaning.

Alex continued: “The information on breastfeeding doesn’t tell you about things like wriggling babies! All of these smaller things can add up to make it difficult.”

Stockton hopes to roll out a Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme where shops and businesses provide a place for mums to breast feed in safety and comfort. The Chief Executive of Arc, Annabel Turpin, fully supports mums who visit there and said: “As an organisation we recognise the importance to support mothers so they know they are able to feed their babies however and whenever necessary in a safe and comfortable environment.” To find out more information and advice on breastfeeding visit: http://www.nct.org.uk/ parenting/why-breastfeed or call The National Breastfeeding Helpline 0300 100 0212 9.30am - 9.30pm.

Food for thought

More than 60 people attended an event to find out more about nutrition and its impact on all aspects of health. The event was hosted by Stockton’s Local Strategic Partnership at Preston Hall Museum with key speakers, Dr Mark Reilly, Assistant Director Public Health Intelligence, and Sharon Bartram, Community Health Trainer. The choices we make The speakers’ presentations focussed on the ‘ticking time bomb’, with comparisons to the USA and UK and the similarities in terms of growing levels of obesity - as well as how our health is down to choices that we make as individuals. There were excellent examples of how the Community Health Trainers have helped people in our community lose weight and make positive changes to their lifestyles.

She was nervous at first but soon made friends in a safe place where she could relax and talk to other mums about their experiences.

A shared responsibility - shaping our communities Workshops focused on how, together, we can improve the nutrition of infants and children, families and vulnerable groups by:

With help from Stockton Council’s Leisure & Sports Development team he began gently which, he says, is “definitely the key to success”. He continued: “As a novice there was no point in going hell for leather and overdoing it – I would have been put off doing anything.” Mike started with short runs and stopped when he needed to. He also says: “If you are serious about something like running, investing in a decent pair of running shoes is important.” Mike has changed his diet to include much more fresh vegetables and fruit as well as drinking around 1.5 litres of water a day. He said: “I can’t stress enough how I really feel so much better both physically and mentally and it’s all because I took that first step.” He is extremely proud to have completed the Stockton Duathlon which was a 5k run, followed by a 20k cycle and concluding with a 2.5k run and says he was only competing against himself. Has Mike overcome his ‘fear’ of exercise? Most certainly! He says: “It’s without doubt a real feel good factor knowing I can do something like this.” What about the stairs nowadays? He doesn’t bat an eyelid and the two flights to his office at work no longer have him out of breath. Mike said no one should fear cycling on the Borough’s roads either, as he’s also discovered the Borough’s brilliant cycling network. If you would like to take that first gentle step to becoming fitter, visit www.stockton.gov.uk or call (01642) 526274 or to find out more about the Borough’s get fit cycling network email technical.services@stockton.gov.uk

setting out the importance of breastfeeding supporting families to produce nutritious home cooked meals on a budget ensuring those who are vulnerable in our community eat nutritious food in order to remain healthy. These messages will be shared with health colleagues, other public sector organisations and voluntary and community groups and fed into the Family Poverty Action Plan and Health & Wellbeing Strategy.

Alex highlights the process of ‘latching’ which she says is also ‘not straightforward’ and some mums find it difficult for a variety of reasons. And the same goes for an individual person’s milk flow.

If you would like further information, or would like to speak to someone from the Community Health Trainer Service for advice on nutrition, please contact Sharon Bartram on (01642) 383834.

Alex speaks highly of the benefits of ‘skin to skin’ when the baby is born where the baby is immediately put to the mother to breast feed and ‘latch on’.

Combating measles Parents across Teesside are being urged to make sure their children have been vaccinated against measles.

With Charlotte, Alex said it was more difficult and said: “I found this quite soul destroying and wanted to change to formula milk. But I persevered.

In Stockton Borough, 780 children have already been immunised as part of a school-based vaccination programme which started in April.

Alex Glover with Matilda and Charlotte PAGE 34

The 47-year-old office-based worker (pictured below) felt he had to do something and that his lifestyle had to change.

Chair of the Tees Outbreak Control Team and director of Public Health at Stockton Council, Peter Kelly, said: “We’re really pleased with our progress and would encourage all children who

have not yet had two doses of the MMR, to be vaccinated. “The MMR is a safe and effective vaccination and is the best protection against these very unpleasant childhood illnesses, which can have complications. It is important that parents are aware that the link between autism and the vaccine has been completely discredited. “If parents are unsure whether their children have been vaccinated, they should contact their GP.” PAGE 35

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour Mark a date in your diary to have your say about what matters most to you.

Now the Partnership is calling for residents’ help again.

From anti-social behaviour to drugs or dog In August, every household will receive fouling, the Safer Stockton Partnership a Crime and Disorder magazine and (SSP) wants to hear about it. questionnaire so keep an eye out and a pen at the ready to tell the Partnership In the summer of 2010 the Partnership what you think they should prioritise over delivered ‘Crime and Disorder’ the next three years. magazines to every resident in the Borough. Within the magazine, residents If you would like to have your say and keep were asked for their opinion about the Stockton a safe place to live then don’t type of crime or anti-social behaviour miss out on your chance to say what really they would most like the SSP to work matters to you. together to reduce. For further information contact the More than 5,200 people completed Community Safety Team on (01642) 527616 questionnaires and identified the or visit www.saferstockton.com following priority areas: The Safer Stockton Partnership aims to st anti-social behaviour improve community safety by reducing: ains the safe Stockton rem – in alcohol related crime e Tees Valley crime ce to live in th violence la p b pu licly disorder and anti-social behaviour were 10,098 re e th 3 /1 2 201 to These responses have guided the fear of crime es compared Partnership’s work over the past three fear of disorder and anti-social recorded crim s 2. The figure /1 1 1 0 2 in years which has helped ensure Stockton behaviour 7 3 the 10,5 ugh still has ro o B n to Borough remains the safest place to live in levels of substance misuse ck to rate show S corded crime the Tees Valley. re-offending est publicly re

low . 1,000 people at 52.64 per

THE BAND PLAYED ON

Sign up for flood warnings The first stage of getting ready is making sure you’re ‘in the know’ and receive as much warning as possible in advance of any possible bad weather or flooding. The Environment Agency can provide free flood warnings. ‘Floodline Warnings Direct’ is a free service which sends you a direct message when flooding is expected and may affect your property. Flood warnings will give you notice to prepare for flooding which could save you time, money and heartache.

You can register for your own home, your business, your tenanted house if you are a landlord or your home if you are a tenant. It only takes a few minutes and all you have to do is provide a telephone number or your preferred choice of contact. Sign up for the free ‘Floodline Warnings Direct’ at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/ or telephone Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or Typetalk 0845 602 6340.

Cleveland Police band was established in 1971 but recent funding cuts put its future under threat and it faced the prospect of disbanding. “It means we are now our own entity. It’s an exciting time, but we have to manage our own affairs now so it’s going to be quite challenging.”

Cleveland Police Community Band has around 30 members ranging from retired police officers, staff and members of the community. David, who has been with the band for around three-and-a-half years, said: “After Special constable David Robinson, the 40 years we’ve got quite a following. If you band’s director of policy and marketing, look at big bands across the North, a lot of said: “We were always part of the police them closed with the closure of the pits. but our funding was cut, justifiably so But we are in a unique position and are - they shouldn’t be paying for us when able to play throughout Cleveland and the bobbies are being laid off. band is grateful for the support offered by the Chief Constable, Jacqui Cheer.” PAGE 36

With adverse weather and increased flooding around the UK, it is important to learn about what you can do to prepare for bad weather.

You can receive warnings by telephone, mobile, email, SMS text message or fax, whichever you prefer.

A brass band with a difference is making its mark in Stockton Borough after securing its future.

Consequently, it recently reformed as Cleveland Police Community Band.

Flooding– what you can do to be prepared

Director of music Nigel Wistow, said: “As we now stand on our own two feet we are able to explore more opportunities for social engagement. If anyone is interested in hiring the band, or indeed a brass quartet or quintet, they should not hesitate to contact us.” To hire Cleveland Police Community Band visit: www.facebook.com/ ClevelandPoliceCommunityBand

COMMUNITY SAFETY

What can you do to prepare for a flood? Of course, everyone hopes that flooding won’t affect them. However, if you do live in an area that may be at risk of flooding there are a number of things you can do to prepare for bad weather and possible flooding. Make a flood plan Before a flood happens, take a little bit of time to work through what information and equipment you might need. For example, do you have contact details for your water, gas and electricity supplier? If you receive medical treatment or require prescription medication – do you have the information you need? The Environment Agency provides a checklist so that you can make your own personal checklist. Visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/

PREPARE A FLOOD KIT

Are you ready to ‘grab a bag’ with the following ‘flood kit’ important documents - such as passport and insurance certificates torch a wind-up or battery radio spare batteries for your torch first aid kit - with any prescription medication in your kit bottled water tinned food personal items - some items are irreplaceable. mobile phone mobile phone charger waterproof and warm clothing In a flood, you won’t have time to find these essential items so it is important to prepare in advance. Sandbags and flood protection equipment It is the responsibility of private householders and landlords to provide flood protection equipment such as sandbags and barriers at their properties. You can search on-line for products or contact your nearest builder’s merchant to purchase sandbags. Local authorities, emergency services or agencies, such as the Environment Agency, are not able to provide sandbags to private properties. Find out more Sign up to the free flood alert service or find out how to create your own flood plan or flood kit, as well as other important information and advice at www.environment-agency.gov.uk Stockton Council’s website has a range of flooding information and advice on what to do in an emergency, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/flooding PAGE 37

STRONG COMMUNITIES

The Big Lunch: Big plans for Council land and buildings Stockton Council remains committed to continuing to develop and improve the quality of life and the environment in the Borough despite facing difficult financial challenges. As part of this commitment, the Council has approved plans to create more value from a range of its land and buildings. A number of opportunities have been identified including: elocating Crooksbarn Primary School to the site of the R Education Centre in Norton to increase pupil capacity. The existing Crooksbarn site could then be sold for redevelopment. he creation of a playing pitches hub with changing facilities T on the former Norton School site. The informal playing pitches on Yarm Road and Darlington Back Lane will be relocated to the Norton School site. he development of the former Blakeston School site for T much needed cemetery space along with improved open access space and a residential development. he creation of a small vocational education facility, high T quality public open space and a residential development on the former Billingham Campus school site. romoting opportunities for community organisations to take P ownership and operate a number of community centres. Each of the developments will be subject to further review and consultation through individual planning applications. In some cases, approvals are also required from the Government’s Education Department and other statutory agencies.

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Billingham Town Centre transformation gathers pace The new £2.7 million Customer Service Centre for Billingham has moved a step closer as the demolition of the town’s former Art Gallery and Council offices gets under way. The demolition of the former Art Gallery and Council offices is being carried out by contractor, MGL Demolition, and is expected to be completed by the end of July. The centre, which is planned for the site, will house a public library, customer services for Stockton Council and Tristar Homes and Billingham Town Council’s headquarters. It is expected to open by the end of 2014. Meanwhile, a further £2.3 million of works on high quality paving, seating, feature lighting and a new canopy for the bandstand are progressing as the Council works in partnership with town centre owners Stockland. Billingham Health Centre in Queensway has recently been refurbished and John Whitehead Park is set to benefit from a £260,000 scheme to create a new skate park and BMX area, improved tennis courts and a multi-use games area.

part of a much bigger menu! The Big Lunch came to town with a right roaring clatter in Stockton Central Library last month as over 500 people came together for food, music, singing and fun.

A Big Lunch can be anything from a few neighbours getting together in the garden or on the street, to a full blown street party with food, music and decoration that quite literally stops the traffic.

More exhilarating music was performed by the ‘Wildcats of Kilkenny’ whose frontman, Mike McGrother, orchestrated the event as part of a much broader creative relationship with Stockton Council.

Following hot on the heels of #piano, the event provided another opportunity for Stockton’s diverse communities to enjoy a new and exciting town centre experience.

The food, a delicious curry, was prepared and served by the hardy trainees of Matty’s Bistro.

Momentum is gathering with each Big Lunch event as more and more people are taking part and feeling a sense of pride and belonging.

A simple idea from the Eden Project, the aim of the Big Lunch is to get as many people in the UK as possible to have lunch with their neighbours once a year in a simple act of community and friendship.

Music and singing were provided by male choir ‘Infant Hercules’, who moved people with their songs of humanity and fatherhood while the Stockton ‘Town Choir’ rousingly declared their determination not to be overcome.

Visit www.thebiglunch.com to find out more. Look out for the next High Street happening on 20 September as part of Stockton’s World Market.

COMMUNITY FIRST FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES Since 2011, more than 30 groups across Stockton Borough have benefited from over £126,000 worth of UK Lottery Funding through the Community First programme. The programme helps communities to work together to identify their strengths and local priorities so they can plan for their future and become more resilient. It also helps fund new and existing community activities and groups in specific areas. Across the UK, 600 areas were identified to benefit from the Community First funding including the following in Stockton Borough: Parkfield and Oxbridge Mandale and Victoria Stockton Town Centre Hardwick

Norton South Norton North Newtown Roseworth

Each area has a Community First panel which sets its own priorities and develops an action plan for their area. Websites for each of the panels are being developed to provide information on panel members, funded projects, minutes of meetings, up and coming events, how to get involved and how to apply for funding. A wide range of projects have benefited from Community First funding including: Volunteer gardening projects Young people’s projects and activities Supporting the growth of local sports groups Community planting schemes Older people activities Activities and equipment for local community centres The creation of new community groups The Community First programme is now entering its third year of funding. Groups and individuals with ideas for community projects will be invited to apply to their relevant panel so if you have an idea for your community and live in one of these areas this might be an opportunity for you to be involved. For further information please contact Sophie Haste by emailing sophie.haste@stockton.gov.uk or calling (01642) 526026.

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STRONG COMMUNITIES

LONELINESS IN THE OVER-50s

Supporting our Armed Forces Last month, the Mayor of Stockton and other civic dignitaries joined serving troops, veterans and members of the public outside the Stockton Town Hall for a ceremony to raise a special Armed Forces Flag. Across the UK and beyond, similar events launched a week of celebrations as local communities showed their support for our Armed Forces past and present. Locally, several events were organised in honour of the men and women who are serving, and have served our country.

a special service in Stockton Parish Church, a full-size replica Spitfire, a range of military and vintage vehicles from World War II to the present, and a traditional tea dance at Stockton Tabernacle for residents from local care and nursing homes. Residents were able to buy a duck for a ‘charity duck race’ for just £1 from the Rediscover Shop in Stockton to raise funds for the charities run by the Regiments granted Freedom of the Borough – The Rifles, the Yorkshire Regiment and REME. If you would like to make a donation, please contact the Mayor’s office on (01642) 528161.

Highlights included a packed day of activities in Stockton Town Centre with

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY HEROES The Borough has many unsung heroes and groups working tirelessly for the benefit of the community. The annual Civic Awards recognise the good work that they do and anyone can make a nomination. PAGE 40

The four categories are: Young Person Award Service to Community Award Green Award Carer/Foster Carer Award If you would like to nominate an individual or group for a Civic Award, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/civicawards or call the Mayor’s Office on (01642) 526185.

Most of us feel the need to have friendships and relationships that matter – they stop us from feeling lonely. Feeling lonely can have a big impact on people’s health and overall sense of wellbeing. It can contribute to mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Working with Stockton Council and its partners, the Over 50s’ Assembly has completed a project to understand how and why people become lonely and how it impacts on the lives of over 50s in the Borough.

The aim of the project was to prevent the development of loneliness and where it has already become an issue, find ways to address the problem and reduce the impact it has on people. The Assembly conducted questionnaires and focus groups and after analysing the results, has recommended further work alongside the Council and its partners to produce an action plan to address the following issues related to loneliness: nancial awareness, budgeting and fi managing expectations around money information and advice ways of accessing public transport how to positively promote getting involved with activities and the community

NHS Complaints Advocacy Service As part of NHS reforms local authorities have taken on responsibility for the NHS Complaints Advocacy Service. Complaints may vary from the services received by a hospital, GP, dentist, pharmacist, optician or NHS funded care home. Alongside the Healthwatch service, Stockton Council has commissioned a complaints advocacy service which helps to direct and support those who need to make a complaint about NHS services.

the dangers of getting lonely and how people can help themselves the impact of divorce and redundancy on loneliness the link between health and loneliness An event also took place with a key speaker from the National Campaign for Loneliness; the event helped to form a bid to the Big Lottery Fulfilling Lives Ageing Better programme. If you are experiencing loneliness, contact the MIND helpline on 0300 123 3393 or visit www.mind.org.uk. To find out more about the Over 50s’ Assembly and how to get involved, log on to www.stockton.gov.uk/ over50sassembly or contact Haleem Ghafoor on (01642) 528 677.

Don’t ditch the duvet

happy to take al Welfare team will be Stockton Council’s Anim nds as they or blankets off your ha your old duvet, towels e. To donate your for animals in their car desperately need them r of 16 Church to the offices at the rea unwanted items, call in vironmental. en ail ge collection em an arr to or , ton ck Sto , Road . k or call (01642) 526575 health@stockton.gov.u

The Carers Federation is the organisation delivering the service in Stockton Borough and if you would like to speak to someone they are based in Stockton Central Library on Mondays between 9am and 12noon. You can also contact the Independent Complaints Advocacy (ICA) service where experienced staff will support and advise you on how to explore all your options at every stage of your complaint. The ICA can also adapt the way they communicate with you by using various formats such as larger print, audio or Braille, sign language and interpreters. To contact the ICA email hub@carersfederation.co.uk visit www.nenhscomplaintsadvocacy.co.uk or call 0808 802 3000. PAGE 41

ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE Simon White can’t believe how quickly time has passed since he became Head of Adventurous Activities at one of the UK’s best water sports venues – the Tees Barrage International White Water Centre. Simon (pictured) explained: “The last two years have flown and my time at the Tees Barrage has been a busy one. Taking on such a big project, involving public funding, was quite a challenge considering the current financial climate. “However, my job is very rewarding as I have the opportunity to create wide ranging and different opportunities for water based activities, to suit various groups.” The Centre holds fun and activity days for members of the public, groups and schools. The doors are open for anyone to come along and try the exhilarating experiences on offer such as White Water Rafting, White Water Kayaking, canoeing and power boating. Meanwhile the Centre has a new, and very successful, area of expertise. Simon explained: “Fire and Rescue teams from across the country now attend flooding incidents. Providing training in Swift Water Technical Rescue is a large part of our work as we strive to become a Centre of Excellence. We have some of the best facilities in Europe for this type of training.”

rescue - especially when vehicles can become engulfed in water where people have lost their lives.” Simon is planning a truly specialist training event in October for ‘Subject Matter Advisors’ from across the UK. They are trained to the highest standard under the direction of the Chief Fire Officers Association’s National Resilience Programme for which the White Water Course is ideal.

ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE Simon’s team of water sports professionals also run a whole range of activities working with schools and running events from team building to stag parties. When asked what he thinks is the best part of his job, he said: “Probably the versatility of the role and the ever changing ways we must develop our business. “One day we will be working with a big budget TV crew and the next we’ll be offshore in powerboats training personnel for the wind farm industry. The Tees Barrage site is becoming a tourist destination too. We see people from all walks of life coming down to see what’s going on. “We host many events across the year, which are great to watch and having such a unique facility in Stockton is a great asset. Anyone can come and have a go with absolutely no experience whatsoever and walk away with a huge smile on their face.” To find our more visit www.tbiwwc.com or call (01642) 678000.

Last year more than 1,100 brave contestants took part in a 10k adventure course at Stockton’s biggest ever ‘Rat Race’. Organisers are hoping to see even more competitors take on this year’s challenge on Sunday 25 August – with even more thrills and spills promised! The 10k adventure route is fully marked with a number of activities to complete along the way. The activities range from walking the plank at Captain Cook’s replica ship, HM Bark Endeavour (and jumping into the river!), short episodes of kayaking and wet dunkings, to scaling the mighty Newport Bridge via an exciting ladder climb. None of these exciting activities require special skills. Full details of the route, which competitors can run or jog, can be found at www.ratraceadventure.com/riverratrace/ stockton.html

Having hosted the 2011 European Rescue Conference, Simon is keen to continue to promote the excellent facility to the worldwide market. He said: “There is a greater need for training in flood

You can enter as an individual, a team of five, or a team of ten and you can run for charity or just for fun!

What do I need?

A sense of adventure, a head for heights, a love of water and just enough fitness to get around the 10+km course and complete the activities - in some clothes that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy. You DON’T need any specialist kit and the event organisers will provide buoyancy aids, kayaks, paddles, helmets and climbing harnesses where required within the route. You will need to be aged over 16 on the day, and if you are 16 or 17 you will need parental or guardian consent signed on the day. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ratrace to find out more and book your place now.

Dancing in the streets

rs of Instructing membe ices rv se y nc ge the emer

Day in the Life – Simon White

Being in the water is all part of the job

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Countdown to Stockton rat race

Now in its 49th year Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance is set to bring a fabulous line up of outstanding dance companies from across the globe, and UK, from Friday 9 to Saturday 17 August.

Production company, Zendehhas, will create mini stories which will be presented at the three Festival Gala Concerts at the Forum Theatre, Middlesbrough Theatre and Festival Arena.

Onlookers will experience a taste of different cultures through a whole range of dance styles from Royal Chinese and Latin American to Chinese Martial Arts and Hip Hop.

Zendehhas will also work with children from Billingham South Primary School to create film images to be displayed at the festival performances.

The Arena next to the Forum will be the hub for the festival. There will be daily free music and dance mini-concerts at the Well and the bandstand, bringing dancers from Egypt, Macedonia, Mexico, Indonesia, Peru, Ukraine and Canada, to name a few. UNCLE BIFF Children’s Club and International Youth Dance Workshops will be held in the former Bonmarche shop and internationally acclaimed 3D Installation ‘Tango de Soledad’ will be shown in the former Shoezone shop.

Meanwhile, “The Lock In Dance Show”, which recently became the UK’s number one Folk and Hip-Hop Dance Extravaganza, will include a surprise twist at the Forum Theatre. The Festival is funded by Stockton Council with funding for the contemporary element of the Festival coming from the Arts Council England. To find out more visit: www.billinghamfestival.co.uk or call (01642) 553220.

Dancer from Tawa in PAGE 43

ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE

IT IS ALMOST TIME FOR THE 26TH SIRF AND THE EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING We asked Stockton Council’s Corporate Director of Development and Neighbourhood Services, Paul Dobson, to explain what makes SIRF so important to us all. What does SIRF bring to the Borough? It reaps massive rewards in all kinds of ways. For example the festival brought over £1.3 million of additional spending and 70,000 people to the town last year, which helps to support our local businesses. It also enables us to market Stockton to inward investors and new businesses as a dynamic and interesting place to locate a company. The costumes being made

COMMUNITY CARNIVAL TELLS STORIES OF THE WORLD Since SIRF began, every year the SIRF Community Carnival brings together hundreds of local residents from a wide range of areas and often very diverse community groups.

This year’s parade on Saturday, 3 August, looks set to be the most spectacular yet! SIRF’s Community Carnival, the North East’s largest community celebration, has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Since 2006, it has more than doubled in size and now has over 60 groups and 1,500 people taking part.

Everyone joins together to create a wonderful celebration of Stockton as a whole, with each person playing their part to make the day such a great success.

The parade starts at 12noon in Church Road in Stockton Town Centre, moving to the High Street and finishing at the Riverside with a grand finale performance showcasing the talents of local community groups.

The Carnival is supported by everyone from individual family groups who enjoy the costume-making workshops to sports clubs, ethnic

Look out for the giant baby who traditionally has new clothes each year. Don’t miss it!

First for Flex

There are only a handful of dance companies with performers who have learning disabilities and one of those blazing a trail is going to perform outdoors for the first time at SIRF. Flex, a dance company established and run by County Durham-based TIN Arts, will perform a new piece ‘Parked’ as part of the festival. The eight dancers, whose ages range from 20 to 43, come from all over the North East and their performance tells eight, personal short stories centred round a handful of simple objects – a park bench, umbrellas and suitcases. PAGE 44

organisations and employees from local companies.

The North East Chamber of Commerce has added its endorsement to SIRF and told us it would be detrimental to our economic performance to lose events like this. We get great feedback on what people think about the festival as well – 95.7 per cent of visitors think SIRF is a good thing for Stockton Borough and 89 per cent of people think SIRF is good use of our resources. SIRF’s legacy is being seen currently in the heart of Stockton town centre. Our regeneration plans for the heart of the town and riverside have been inspired directly by SIRF. Does the festival bring advantages to the local community? Without doubt. Local people see world-class theatre on their doorstep and many residents take their children to see SIRF just as their parents took them when they were small. There are even some of them who are proficient in stilt-walking and circus skills as a result of SIRF and I am not joking! Our Community Carnival is integral to SIRF with a growing number of local people taking part every year. What does the future hold for the festival? Stockton’s colourful history with a hint of a mythical notion that a circus wintered on the edge of Stockton each year, for many years, suggests that street theatre and circus has been commonplace here in Stockton and not just for the last 26 years. John Walker’s famous creation of the first friction match is another demonstration of the creativity at the heart of Stockton’s culture and SIRF helps to generate a passion to create a festival experience as good as anywhere in the world. It is so successful today that the Weekender music festival, previously SIRF fringe, is now a major event in its own right, taking place on a different weekend at the end of July.

SIRF Highlights Stockton’s Town Centre and riverside will come alive with more than a hundred street theatre shows to entertain, amuse and challenge you from Thursday, 1 August to Sunday, 4 August. This year’s festival, organised by Stockton Council, will also have 17 new commissions including five UK premieres. The event starts on Thursday evening with an explosive riverside show by Theatre Titanick with music, fire and fireworks.

Another highlight will be Compagnie Retouramont’s spectacular vertical dance show ‘Gravitational Waves’. This French company with a head for heights will perform the show behind the Castlegate Shopping Centre, over 100 feet We remain committed to SIRF as we can see the benefits all around up in the air. us, from the great shows at Stockton ARC and the Georgian Theatre The tallest highlight of SIRF 13 will be the finale on Sunday to the growing night-time economy, where local businesses are evening, which involves 18, 20-feet tall giraffes in a hilarious providing new reasons to visit the town. The recent “Stockton parade down to the Riverside with storytelling and crowd calling” music event, featuring seven venues, sold out for the interaction along the way. second time this year. I am looking forward to coming to SIRF for another 25 years.

For more information on SIRF, log on to: www.sirf.co.uk.

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ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE

A RIVETING TIME HAD BY ALL! Last month visitors flocked to the Tees Barrage for Stockton’s first ever Riveting Stuff Festival. The three day event celebrated 200 years of engineering, innovation and creativity across Stockton Borough. Families enjoyed exhibitions, demonstrations and taking part in a whole host of activities. Enthusiastic teams took great delight in the challenge of building rafts or bridges and people of all ages were able to busy themselves in making models and using JCBs to knock down skittles. The Careers and Education Day proved extremely popular. It gave youngsters and their parents a chance to find out about various careers available in engineering.

Have you discovered the magic of

Well-known TV science presenter, and comic, Steve Mould was the engaging and enthusiastic host of the event.

Preston Park Museum and Grounds? If you haven’t been to Preston Park then we urge you put it on your list of places not to be missed! Congratulations to volunteers and staff whose hard work has made the Park what it is today – a top-class attraction offering a whole host of activities, events and exhibitions.

The competition called upon budding photographers from across the country to enter their best photographs inspired by the ten finalist museums.

A new river pontoon for smaller boats and river taxis There are now more options for visiting the grounds by river.

Museum of the Year Finalist Preston Park Museum and Grounds was one of the ten finalists short-listed for the prestigious Art Fund Prize for Museum of the Year 2013. Celebrating the very best UK museums and galleries, this is the largest arts prize in the UK.

The winning image shows a young boy enjoying a game of skittles in the Museum’s Victorian Street, with his father looking on. Michael Cartwright, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have won this competition, especially with so many entries coming in from all over the UK. As a regular visitor to Preston Park it’s fantastic to be representing our wonderful local museum. I have many fond memories of childhood trips to Preston Park and often take my own children to use the facilities on offer.”

A new pontoon has been built and provides a new landing facility for users of the river, providing a new location for small boat users, river taxis, sailing dinghies, canoes, sculling boats and the ‘Wheelyboat’ – which provides access for disabled users of the river. Preston Park Museum and Grounds Opening hours Normal opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Last admission 3.30pm. Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays. The grounds are open for public use even when the Museum is closed.

Preston Park Museum and Grounds was chosen as a finalist by an independent panel of judges chaired by Art Fund director, Stephen Deuchar, the Daily Telegraph’s arts editor Sarah Crompton, writer and broadcaster Bettany Hughes, historian Tristram Hunt MP and the artist Bob and Roberta Smith. Stockton photographer wins national public photography competition ‘Autumn Photo Shoot’ by Michael Cartwright won the photography competition, as part of the celebrations around this year’s Art Fund Prize for Museum of the Year.

PAGE 46

Summer events There’s plenty to see and do at Preston Park this summer. If you enjoy outdoor theatre – or haven’t tried it then Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ will surely whet your appetitite as Illyria open air theatre company brings this classic romantic comedy with its many pearls of wisdom, glittering repartee and gloriusly happy ending to the Park in August. There’s always a series of special Parkmade Taster Days where you can discover a traditional pastime or craft.

Entry price • Adult – £2 • Concessions/Child – £1 • Family ticket (2 Adults, 4 Children) – £4 All tickets are valid for one year from date of issue. For more information visit www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk, call (01642) 527375 or e-mail at prestonhall@stockton.gov.uk

The festival also hosted the premiere of new film, ‘A Pride Job’, which celebrates one of the Borough’s best-known companies, Head Wrightson. The film was produced by Derek Smith and features 25 ex-workers from Head Wrightson. Derek describes it as a ‘tribute to these unsung heroes’. Riveting Stuff opened the region-wide Festival of the North East, which took place throughout June. Arup, Birse Civils, Nifco, Teesside University, Diggerland and Tees Active worked with Stockton Council to arrange the event.

Stockton’s Cycling Festival gathers pace Stockton is proud to provide events for everyone to enjoy and this year’s action packed calendar includes festivals, markets, music and sport to name but a few. Following on from last year’s success Stockton anticipated some of the country’s fastest cyclists coming to the town to complete in Stockton’s third Cycling Festival over the weekend of 5-7 July. The Friday evening brought the sprint riders onto a tight town centre circuit. Saturday provided club riders and members of the public with a chance to follow a scenic course into the North York Moors. Sunday was packed with cycle demonstrations and stunts on the Riverside, alongside Stockton’s Sky Ride, and the fantastic spectacle of the National Premier Calendar road race series. Stockton Cycling Festival was run in partnership with British Cycling, Velo 29 Altura and Cleveland Police.

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WARD SURGERIES IN YOUR AREA

NORTH WARD SURGERIES Up to mid November 2013 www.stockton.gov.uk/wardsurgeries

BILLINGHAM NORTH 7:15PM - 8:15PM No August surgery 03 September 2013 High Grange Community Centre 01 October 2013 North Billingham Methodist Church 05 November 2013 High Grange Community Centre COUNCILLOR RAY McCALL Tel: 01642 880 999 Email: ray.mccall@stockton.gov.uk

BILLINGHAM SOUTH 6:00PM – 7:00PM

BILLINGHAM CENTRAL 6:30PM – 7:30PM

Yarm

No August surgery 04 September 2013 Billingham Youth & Community Centre 09 October 2013 Billingham Youth & Community Centre 13 November 2013 Billingham Youth & Community Centre COUNCILLOR MRS ANN McCOY Tel: 01642 535604 Email: ann.mccoy@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR BARRY WOODHOUSE Tel: 01642 371638 Email: barry.woodhouse@stockton.gov.uk

BILLINGHAM EAST

Thornaby

Billingham

26 July 2013 New Life Family Centre 5:00pm – 5:40pm Hereford Centre 5:45pm – 6:30pm No August surgeries 27 September 2013 New Life Family Centre 5:00pm – 5:40pm Hereford Centre 5:45pm – 6:30pm 25 October 2013 New Life Family Centre 5:00pm – 5:40pm Hereford Centre 5:45pm – 6:30pm 29 November 2013 New Life Family Centre 5:00pm – 5:40pm Hereford Centre 5:45pm – 6:30pm COUNCILLOR MICK STOKER Tel: 01642 371641 Email: mick.stoker@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILOR EVALINE CUNNINGHAM Tel: 01642 532090 Email: evaline.cunningham@stockton.gov.uk

08 August 2013 Billingham Branch Library 12 September 2013 Billingham Branch Library 10 October 2013 Billingham Branch Library 14 November 2013 Billingham Branch Library COUNCILLOR MRS JEAN O’DONNELL Tel: 01642 559717 Email: jean.odonnell@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR MICHAEL SMITH Tel: 01642 371782 Email: michael.smith@stockton.gov.uk

BILLINGHAM WEST 6:00PM – 7:00PM 26 July 2013 Wolviston Court Community Centre 30 August 2013 Wolviston Court Community Centre 27 September 2013 Wolviston Court Community Centre 25 October 2013 Wolviston Court Community Centre 29 November 2013 Wolviston Court Community Centre COUNCILLOR MRS MARY WOMPHREY Tel: 01642 555755 Email: mary.womphrey@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR MICK WOMPHREY Tel: 01642 555755 Email: mick.womphrey@stockton.gov.uk

CENTRAL WARD SURGERIES Up to mid November 2013 www.stockton.gov.uk/wardsurgeries

BILLINGHAM NORTH 6:30PM – 7:30PM No August surgery 09 September 2013 High Grange Community Centre 14 October 2013 North Billingham Methodist Church 11 November 2013 High Grange Community Centre COUNCILLOR MRS LYNNE APEDAILE Tel: 01642 554344 Email: lynne.apedaile@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR COLIN LECKONBY Tel: 01642 872896 Email: colin.leckonby@stockton.gov.uk

BISHOPSGARTH & ELM TREE (STOCKTON) 30 July 2013 Elm Tree Community Centre 27 August 2013 Elm Tree Community Centre 09 September 2013 Bishopsgarth School 24 September 2013 Elm Tree Community Centre

6:00pm - 7:00pm 6:00pm - 7:00pm 6:00pm - 6:30pm 6:00pm - 7:00pm

07 October 2013 Bishopsgarth School 22 October 2013 Elm Tree Community Centre 04 November 2013 Bishopsgarth School 19 November 2013 Elm Tree Community Centre

6:00pm - 6:30pm 6:00pm - 7:00pm 6:00pm - 6:30pm 6:00pm - 7:00pm

COUNCILLOR MRS JULIA CHERRETT Tel: 01642 785473 Email: julia.cherrett@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR ELLIOT KENNEDY Tel: 01642 618851 Email: elliot.kennedy@stockton.gov.uk

FAIRFIELD 6:00PM – 6:30PM No August surgery 09 September 2013 Fairfield Library 14 October 2013 Fairfield Library 11 November 2013 Fairfield Library COUNCILLOR MAURICE PERRY Tel: 01642 586914 Email: maurice.perry@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR BILL WOODHEAD Tel: 01642 584409 Email: bill.woodhead@stockton.gov.uk

GRANGEFIELD WARD 6:00PM – 7:00PM

No August surgeries 05 September 2013 Grays Road Institute 09 September 2013 Hartburn Scout Group Hut 16 September 2013 Fairfield Library 03 October 2013 Grays Road Institute 14 October 2013 Hartburn Scout Group Hut 21 October 2013 Fairfield Library 07 November 2013 Grays Road Institute 11 November 2013 Hartburn Scout Group Hut 18 November 2013 Fairfield Library COUNCILLOR CAROL CLARK Tel: 01642 675688 Email: carol.clark@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR MICHAEL CLARK Tel: 01642 675688 Email: michael.clark@stockton.gov.uk

HARDWICK WARD 19 July 2013 Salters Lane Community Centre 6:00pm - 7:00pm 20 July 2013 Aspen Gardens 11:00am – 12:00 No August surgery 13 September 2013 Salters Lane Community Centre 6:00pm - 7:00pm 14 September 2013 Aspen Gardens 11:00am – 12:00 18 October 2013 Salters Lane Community Centre 6:00pm - 7:00pm 19 October 2013 Aspen Gardens 11:00am- 12:00 15 November 2013 Salters Lane Community 6:00pm - 7:00pm 16 November 2013 Aspen Gardens 11:00am – 12:00 COUNCILLOR NIGEL COOKE Tel: 01642 589442 Email: nigel.cooke@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR NORMA STEPHENSON OBE Tel: 01642 675891 Email: norma.stephenson@stockton.gov.uk

Norton PAGE 48

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WARD SURGERIES IN YOUR AREA HARTBURN 6:45PM start

No August surgery 02 September 2013 Elmwood Community Centre 07 October 2013 Elmwood Community Centre 04 November 2013 Elmwood Community Centre COUNCILLOR TERRY LAING Tel: 01642 587356 Email: terry.laing@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR KEN LUPTON Tel: 01642 587286 Email: ken.lupton@stockton.gov.uk

NEWTOWN 6:00PM – 7:00PM 26 July 2013 Newtown Community Resource Centre 09 August 2013 Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre 23 August 2013 Newtown Community Resource Centre 06 September 2013 Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre 20 September 2013 Newtown Community Resource Centre 04 October 2013 Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre 18 October 2013 Newtown Community Resource Centre 01 November 2013 Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre 15 November 2013 Newtown Community Resource Centre 29 November 2013 Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre

WARD SURGERIES IN YOUR AREA

WEST WARD SURGERIES

NORTON SOUTH 5:30PM – 6:30PM

23 July 2013 Albany Resource Centre No August surgeries 03 September 2013 Assembly Hall, St John Ambulance Place 17 September 2013 Albany Resource Centre 01 October 2013 Assembly Hall, St John Ambulance Place 15 October 2013 Albany Resource Centre 29 October 2013 Assembly Hall, St John Ambulance Place 19 November 2013 Albany Resource Centre COUNCILLOR BOB COOK Tel: 01642 890058 Email: robert.cook@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR EILEEN JOHNSON Tel: 01642 673952 Email: eileen.johnson@stockton.gov.uk

NORTON WEST 4:30PM – 8:00PM

COUNCILLOR PAUL BAKER Tel: 01642 608406 Email: paul.baker@stockton.gov.uk

No August surgeries 03 September 2013 Crooksbarn Primary School The Education Centre Glebe Community Ctr 01 October 2013 Crooksbarn Primary School The Education Centre Glebe Community Ctr 05 November 2013 Crooksbarn Primary School The Education Centre Glebe Community Ctr 03 December 2013 Crooksbarn Primary School The Education Centre Glebe Community Ctr

COUNCILLOR BOB GIBSON OBE Tel: 01642 614482 Email: robert.gibson@stockton.gov.uk

COUNCILLOR DAVID WILBURN Tel: 01642 532517 Email: david.wilburn@stockton.gov.uk

NORTHERN PARISHES 7:00PM – 8:00PM

COUNCILLOR NORMA WILBURN Tel: 01642 532517 Email: norma.wilburn@stockton.gov.uk

08 August 2013 Grindon Parish Hall, Thorpe Thewles 05 September 2013 Wolviston Common Room 10 October 2013 Grindon Parish Hall, Thorpe Thewles 07 November 2013 Wolviston Common Room COUNCILLOR JOHN GARDNER Tel: 01740 645357 Email: john.gardner@stockton.gov.uk

NORTON NORTH 6:00PM - 7:00PM 17 July 2013 Frederick Nattrass Children’s Centre No August surgery 11 September 2013 Norton North Community & Resource Centre 16 October 2013 Norton Library 13 November 2013 Frederick Nattrass Children’s Centre COUNCILLOR STEVE NELSON Tel: 01642 534417 Email: steve.nelson@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR MRS KATH NELSON Tel: 01642 534417 Email: kathryn.nelson@stockton.gov.uk

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4:30pm – 5:30pm 5:45pm – 6:45pm 7:15pm – 8:00pm 4:30pm – 5:30pm 5:45pm – 6:45pm 7:15pm – 8:00pm 4:30pm – 5:30pm 5:45pm – 6:45pm 7:15pm – 8:00pm 4:30pm – 5:30pm 5:45pm – 6:45pm 7:15pm – 8:00pm

ROSEWORTH 6:00PM – 7:00PM 12 August 2013 Kiora Hall 10 September 2013 Kiora Hall 14 October 2013 Kiora Hall 11 November 2013 Kiora Hall

COUNCILLOR JIM BEALL Tel: 01642 602510 Email: jim.beall@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR MISS BARBARA INMAN Tel: 01642 586564 Email: barbara.inman@stockton.gov.uk

STOCKTON TOWN CENTRE 6:00PM – 7:00PM 18 July 2013 Victoria House 25 July 2013 Culture CIC, Dovecot St No August surgeries 05 September 2013 The Willows Centre 12 September 2013 Parkfield Community Centre 19 September 2013 Victoria House 26 September 2013 Culture CIC, Dovecot St 03 October 2013 The Willows Centre 10 October 2013 Parkfield Community Centre 17 October 2013 Victoria House 24 October 2013 Culture CIC, Dovecot St 07 November 2013 The Willows Centre 14 November 2013 Parkfield Community Centre 21 November 2013 Victoria House 28 November 2013 Culture CIC, Dovecot St COUNCILLOR DAVID COLEMAN Tel: 01642 673952 Email: david.coleman@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR PAUL KIRTON Tel: 01642 559331 Email: paul.kirton@stockton.gov.uk

EAST WARD SURGERIES Up to mid November 2013 www.stockton.gov.uk/wardsurgeries

COUNCILLOR MOHAMMED JAVED Tel: 01642 602420 Email: mohammed.javed@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR DAVID ROSE Tel: 01642 789993 Email: david.rose@stockton.gov.uk

No August surgery 03 September 2013 All Saints C of E Secondary School 09 October 2013 All Saints C of E Secondary School 05 November 2013 All Saints C of E Secondary School COUNCILLOR KEN DIXON Tel: 01642 764650 Email: ken.dixon@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR DAVID HARRINGTON Tel: 01642 764652 Email: david.harrington@stockton.gov.uk Skype: david.harrington01642 COUNCILLOR ROSS PATTERSON Tel: 01642 764865 Email: ross.patterson@stockton.gov.uk

MANDALE & VICTORIA 27 July 2013 Westbury Street Library 11:00am - 12 noon No August surgery 25 September 2013 Robert Atkinson Youth & Community Centre 4:00pm - 5:00pm 26 October 2013 Rochester Court Sheltered Housing 11:00am – 12:00 noon 30 November 2013 Westbury Street Library 11:00am - 12:00 noon COUNCILLOR TINA LARGE Tel: 01642 676509 Email: tina.large@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR STEVE WALMSLEY Tel: 01642 604176 Email: steve.walmsley@stockton.gov.uk

STAINSBY HILL

EAGLESCLIFFE

No July surgery 16 August 2013 South Thornaby Community & Resource Centre 6:00pm - 7:00pm 14 September 2013 Thornaby Pavilion 11:00am - 12:00 17 October 2013 South Thornaby Community & Resource Centre 6:00pm - 7:00pm 16 November 2013 Thornaby Pavilion 11:00am - 12:00 COUNCILLOR MRS SYLVIA WALMSLEY Tel: 01642 602375 Email: sylvia.walmsley@stockton.gov.uk

19 July 2013 Egglescliffe Parish Hall 5:45pm - 6:45pm No August surgery 09 September 2013 Preston Primary School 5:30pm - 6:30pm 20 September 2013 Egglescliffe Parish Hall 5:45pm - 6:45pm 14 October 2013 Preston Primary School 5:30pm - 6:30pm 18 October 2013 Egglescliffe Community Centre 5:30pm - 6:30pm 11 November 2013 Preston Primary School 5:30pm - 6:30pm 15 November 2013 Egglescliffe Parish Hall 5:45pm - 6:45pm COUNCILLOR PHIL DENNIS Tel: 01642 790916 Email: phil.dennis@stockton.gov.uk

VILLAGE 5:00PM – 6:00PM

12 August 2013 The Griffin Pub 09 September 2013 The Griffin Pub 14 October 2013 The Griffin Pub 11 November 2013 The Griffin Pub COUNCILLOR IAN DALGARNO Tel: 01642 882985 Email: ian.dalgarno@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR MICK MOORE Tel: 01642 764381 Email: mick.moore@stockton.gov.uk

WEST WARD SURGERIES Up to mid November 2013 www.stockton.gov.uk/wardsurgeries

MANDALE & VICTORIA COUNCILLOR TRACEY STOTT Tel: 01642 674471 Mobile: 07528 014 605 Email: tracey.stott@stockton.gov.uk

PARKFIELD & OXBRIDGE 6:00PM – 7:00PM 18 July 2013 Oxbridge Christian Fellowship No August surgery 05 September 2013 Parkfield Community Centre (Cllr Javed only) Oxbridge Christian Fellowship (Cllr Rose only) 19 September 2013 Oxbridge Christian Fellowship 03 October 2013 Parkfield Community Centre (Cllr Javed only) Oxbridge Christian Fellowship (Cllr Rose only) 17 October 2013 Oxbridge Christian Fellowship 07 November 2013 Parkfield Community Centre (Cllr Javed only) Oxbridge Christian Fellowship (Cllr Rose only) 21 November 2013 Oxbridge Christian Fellowship

INGLEBY BARWICK WEST 6:00PM – 7:00PM (Joint surgery with InglebyBarwick East)

STAINSBY HILL 5:00PM – 6:00PM

INGLEBY BARWICK EAST 6:00PM – 7:00PM (Joint surgery with InglebyBarwick West) No August surgery 03 September 2013 All Saints C of E Secondary School 09 October 2013 All Saints C of E Secondary School 05 November 2013 All Saints C of E Secondary School Residents of Maltby& Hilton are welcome at Ingleby Barwick Ward Surgeries but if unable to attend, can request a meeting with Councillors Corr, Faulks and Kirby by appointment before Parish Council meetings. COUNCILLOR GILLIAN CORR Tel: 01642 764056 Email: gillian.corr@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR KEVIN FAULKS Tel: 01642 764874 Email: kevin.faulks@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR JEAN KIRBY Tel: 01642 762092 Email: jean.kirby@stockton.gov.uk

29 July 2013 South Thornaby Community & Resource Centre No August surgery 30 September 2013 St Marks Church, Trenchard Avenue 28 October 2013 Eltham Crescent Community Centre 25 November 2013 South Thornaby Community & Resource Centre COUNCILLOR DERRICK BROWN Tel: 01642 751028 Email: derrick.brown@stockton.gov.uk Web: www.stockton.gov.uk/derrickbrown

WESTERN PARISHES 7:00PM – 8:00PM

02 August 2013 Stillington Village Hall, Stillington 06 September 2013 The Wilson Centre, Long Newton, 04 October 2013 The Chapel School Room, Carlton 01 November 2013 Stillington Village Hall, Stillington COUNCILLOR ANDREW STEPHENSON Tel: 0778 529 3416 Email: afsegg@hotmail.co.uk

YARM 6:00PM – 6:45PM

06 August 2013 Yarm Library 03 September 2013 Layfield Primary School 01 October 2013 Levendale Primary School 05 November 2013 Yarm Library COUNCILLOR MARK CHATBURN Tel: 01642 789982 Email: mark.chatburn@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR BEN HOUCHEN Tel: 01642 786639 Email: ben.houchen@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR ANDREW SHERRIS Tel: 01642 786767 Email: andrew.sherris@stockton.gov.uk

EAGLESCLIFFE 02 August 2013 Trinity Methodist Church 6:30 - 7:30pm 20 August 2013 Egglescliffe Parish Hall 6:00 - 7:00pm 06 September 2013 Trinity Methodist Church 6:30 - 7:30pm 04 October 2013 Trinity Methodist Church 6:30 - 7:30pm 15 October 2013 Egglescliffe Parish Hall 6:00 - 7:00pm 01 November 2013 Trinity Methodist Church 6:30 - 7:30pm 19 November 2013 Egglescliffe Community Centre 6:30 - 7:30pm COUNCILLOR ALAN LEWIS Tel: 01642 784910 Email: alan.lewis@stockton.gov.uk COUNCILLOR MRS MAUREEN RIGG Tel: 01642 785689 Email: maureen.rigg@stockton.gov.uk

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WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON

Farmers’ Market

JULY

Date: Time: Location:

You will be spoiled for choice at this specialist market where you will find a great selection of locally sourced and organic food.

A look at what’s going on across Stockton from July to November 2013. This is just a taster so make sure you visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events for a full list with the very latest details. The events listed are subject to change. We reserve the right to alter or cancel any event.

Specialist Markets are held throughout the year in Stockton Town Centre. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/specialistmarkets for more information.

REGULAR EVENTS

AUGUST

Café Scientifique

Your local library

Date: Time: Location:

To find out more about the events held at Stockton Borough libraries from craft events to parent and toddler as well as reading groups, pop into your local library or visit www.stockton. gov.uk/libraries

Monthly 8pm-10pm The Point, ARC, Dovecot Street

Café Scientifique meets monthly to chat about current issues in science and technology. Free entrance but participants (other than students and the unwaged) are invited to make a donation of £3 towards expenses. Held on the third Tuesday of the month. Visit: www.cafesci-stockton.org.uk

Tees Barrage Park Run Date: Every Saturday Time: 9am Location: Tees Barrage International White Water Course The hour long run is open to everyone regardless of running pace or level of fitness. You must register at www.parkrun.org.uk/teesbarrage

Saturday 27 July 9am-2pm Wellington Square, Stockton Town Centre

Tees Heritage Park Groundwork North East offers a range of walks, workshops and events suitable for adults, children and families. All walks are free and funded through Big Lottery Community Spaces. Some have limited spaces available. To find out more or book a place visit www.fthp.org.uk or telephone Amie Henry, on (01642) 616144, 07587 778449 or email amie.henry@groundwork.org.uk

Golf Week Date: Time: Location:

Wish You Were Here Date: Wednesday 24 July Time: 7pm Location: Stockton Central Library

Challenge yourself against the bunkers and water hazards of the Borough’s four 18-hole golf courses. See www.stockton.gov.uk/golfweek or call (01642) 528130 to enter or for more information.

History Wardrobe presents, ‘Wish You Were Here’ a history of seaside clothes and swimwear from the bracing bathing of the 18th Century to knitted costumes and kiss-me-quick hats, with lots of fun stories about beachwear and Butlins holidays. For more information visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events

SIRF 2013

Stockton Weekender

Stockton’s premier event. SIRF 13 will once again transform the centre of Stockton for four fantastic days of the finest street theatre, circus, dance, music and pyrotechnics from all over the world. Visit www.sirf.co.uk

Date: Time: Location:

Preston Park Museum and Grounds

Tues 30 July – Fri 2 August Various locations - see website for more information Billingham, Eaglescliffe and Teesside Golf clubs

Sat 27 – Sun 28 July Various Various locations around Stockton Town Centre

Date: Time: Location:

Thurs 1 - Sun 4 August Various Across Stockton Town Centre

Come and enjoy Stockton’s very own music festival. This year’s line up includes The Proclaimers, Primal Scream, Kodaline – Dublin’s, chart climbing, alternative rock band (pictured), James Skelly & The Intenders, Dutch Uncles, King Charles, Sparrow & The Workshop, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Richard Herring, Craig Campbell, Razamataz Lorry Excitement plus many more.

Make sure you visit the Museum and Grounds in their 60th anniversary year. There is so much going on - exhibitions, events and the special Parkmade Traditional Taster Days where you can discover a traditional pastime or craft. Come along for some outdoor theatre as Preston Park presents Theatre in the Park, Babe the Sheep Pig on 25 July and Shakespeare’s As you like it on 17 August.

Tickets are £30 a day, £40 for the weekend and £75 for camping. Ticket prices will increase by £10 across all tickets from 27 July.

For tickets and more information about events over the coming months visit www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk or call (01642) 527375.

Adult tickets entitle the holder to two free under 14s tickets available online www.stocktonweekender.co.uk or call (01642) 606525.

Ropner Park Throughout the summer and autumn Friends of Ropner Park will be hosting a wide range of events from concerts to fairs. For more information visit www.forp.org.uk PAGE 52

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WHAT’S ON

Billingham International Folklore Festival Date: Time: Location:

Fri 9 to Sat 17 August Various Various

World dance will take over Billingham as the ever popular Billingham International Folklore Festival makes a welcome return. Visit www.billinghamfestival.co.uk or telephone (01642) 553220 for full details, venues and ticket prices.

WHAT’S ON

River Rat Race Date: Sunday 25 August Time: 10am - 4.30pm Location: Stockton Riverside The mighty River Rat Race is back. Last year 1,000 people braved the 10km obstacle run around the Tees Barrage. Climb the Newport Bridge, kayak the Tees, walk the plank off the replica of HMS Bark Endeavour. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ratrace

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Billingham Carnival

Halloween horror night!

Date: Time: Location:

Date: Thursday 31 October Time: 6pm-7pm and 7pm-8pm Location: Preston Park Museum and Grounds

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September 10am-4pm The Green, Billingham

Billingham Carnival celebrates its 21st Birthday. Something to suit all the family includes the UK’s strongest man, dog show, youth and kiddies’ corner and much more. For more information email or telephone Roger Black on roger@billinghamcarnival.co.uk or 07811122956.

Creative Expo Specialist Market Date: Saturday 14 September Time: 10am-4pm Location: Parish Gardens, Stockton Town Centre Organised by Gallery TS1, an art enterprise based in Middlesbrough, to showcase and sell high quality affordable art from local artists in the Tees Valley.

Don’t miss this gothic horror themed night. Tickets (£4 adults, under 5s free) will be available nearer the time from the Rediscover Shop in Stockton High Street and Preston Hall Museum and Grounds. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events for more information.

NOVEMBER

Winter Bazaar Date: Friday 8 and Friday 9 November Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Location: Thornaby Central Library

Makers’ Market

Stockton Summer Show

Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/specialistmarkets for more information.

Date: Saturday 10 August Time: 10am-4pm Location: Parish Gardens, Stockton Town Centre

Date: Sunday 25 and Monday 26 August Time: 11am - 5pm Location: Preston Park Museum and Grounds

Stockton’s World Market

Come along and browse the stalls at Thornaby’s Winter Bazaar. There will be a range of homemade items on offer such as pictures, cakes, jewellery and knitwear. It’s the perfect opportunity to buy some Christmas gifts or just to pop in and browse around. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events for more information. If you are interested in having your own stall please contact Thornaby Central Library on (01642) 528117.

A new craft market selling unique handmade products including textiles, cakes, wood turned items, paintings and jewellery.

Spend the August Bank Holiday weekend at Preston Park enjoying a range of displays stunt action shows, market stalls and of course, the World Parmo competition. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/summershow

Date: Time: Location:

Stockton’s fireworks

Specialist Markets are held throughout the year in Stockton Town Centre. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/specialistmarkets for more information.

Ridewell 2013 Date: Sunday 11 August Time: 10am - 4.30pm Location: Preston Park Museum and Grounds Come and see this amazing celebration of motorcycles including a stunt display, obstacle courses, safety demonstrations and free motorcycle taster rides brought to you by Cleveland Police in partnership with the Cleveland Strategic Road Safety Partnership. Free entry and parking. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ridewell for more information. PAGE 54

Friday 20 September 10am-5pm Stockton High Street

Hand crafted goods, art, clothes and jewellery – come and discover what’s on offer at this vibrant market. There will be foods for sale from across the globe. Come along and tempt your taste buds. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/specialistmarkets for more information.

Farmers’ Market Date: Time: Location:

Saturday 28 September & Saturday 26 October 9am – 2pm Wellington Square, Stockton Town Centre

A great selection of locally sourced and organic fruit, vegetables, preserves and much more. Specialist Markets are held throughout the year in Stockton Town Centre. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/specialistmarkets for more information.

Date: Time: Location:

Tuesday 5 November 7.30pm Stockton’s Riveside

This year’s theme celebrates 40 years of rock group, Queen and their hit singles. Bring the whole family down to the Riverside to see the North East’s biggest and best free fireworks display. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events for more information.

Your local venues There’s always something going on at your local arts and entertainment venues – simply call or visit their websites: ARC visit www.arconline.co.uk tel (01642) 525199 Billingham Forum visit www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk tel (01642) 552663 Georgian Theatre visit www.georgiantheatre.co.uk tel (01642) 674115 PAGE 55

ADVANCE PRICES RUN UNTIL 26th JULY

DAY: £30 WEEKEND: £40 CAMPING:£75

BOOK NOW TO SAVE £££! * PRICES RISE BY £10 ON THE DAY