Stockton
news Spring/Summer 2012
The community magazine of Stockton Borough Council
contents Spring/Summer 2012
Welcome
to Stockton News
Use the colour coding system to make finding what you’re interested in even easier. Here are some of the highlights...
News Round Up
2
Economic Regeneration and Transport
4
Environment and Housing
12
Strong Communities
16
Community Safety
22
Adults Services
24
Health and Wellbeing
26
Arts, Culture and Leisure
29
Children and Young People
40
A philanthropic philosophy...
Your Council
44
Page 19
Focus On Your Area
48
What’s On
52
Love Stockton’s markets Pages 6 & 7
Places of learning
Pages 40 & 41
Stockton News is published by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and distributed to households across the Borough free of charge. Editor: Vince Rutland, Deputy Editor: Jacky Stevely. To contact the editorial team or if you have not received a copy please call (01642) 526098 or e-mail jacky.stevely@stockton.gov.uk 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 Unit and designed by Bridge Design Group. Pictures courtesy of the Evening Gazette, Peter Mernagh, Gary Walsh, Gilmar Ribeiro, Dave Charnley, Bosh Creative and others. Front cover main picture: Gearing up for Stockton’s fantastic summer events. There is an audio version of Stockton News. Please call (01642) 526098 to order a copy or e-mail jacky.stevely@stockton.gov.uk
news Stockton
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News Round Up
This edition of Stockton News brings you lots of news about the many exciting developments taking place across the Borough. From the transformation of our Town Centres to fabulous new housing and even a ‘mini national park’ these are continuing at a great pace despite the current economic challenges.
Royalty comes to the Borough
You can read on page 5 about progress on our work to transform Stockton town centre. The appointment of Birse Civils as main contractor to deliver the ambitious physical work on the High Street marks a milestone in the project. Work will begin soon on the south end of the High Street, following the work at the north end, and on the installation of the lighting scheme at the riverside. It is great to see the Town Centre plans coming to life. And of course it’s not just about physical plans, we have also highlighted some of the new Town Centre companies which have been established, with great entrepreneurs building their own success stories right here in Stockton. Our wide range of markets are also very much part of this success and I urge you to visit them – read more on pages 12 and 13. Work is also about to start in Billingham town centre and in the next edition we’ll focus on these plans. As always, it’s great to read so many stories about the people, businesses and organisations who make this Borough such a great place. On page 16 you can read the inspirational stories of some very special people who have been recognised for their contribution to the Borough in the inaugural Civic Awards. Awards also feature for some of our local businesses who triumphed in the Gazette local business awards. You can also read about the success of our two local universities and the contribution they make to the Borough. We are famous for our events in Stockton and this year we have more than ever. One highlight of the coming season will be the official launch of the whitewater course at the Tees Barrage on 18 July. This event will be honoured by a special royal guest. You can find details of this and many more events on pages 32 and 33. Finally, you may notice this edition of Stockton News looks slightly different to our usual publication. As part of our determination to get the best value for money in everything we do, we have reduced our printing cost by using different paper. However, the paper is the only change – you can be sure we’ll continue to keep you in touch with all that’s happening across the Borough.
Neil Schneider Chief Executive, Stockton Borough Council
Some Yarm School pupils meet Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra
Yarm Primary School pupils excited at the royal visit.
As part of a visit to Teesside the Queen’s cousin, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra recently paid a visit to two local schools, Yarm Primary School and Yarm School. The Princess paid a visit to Yarm Primary School to open its new Early Years Foundation Stage Building. Headteacher Jill Wood said: “The children and staff have worked very hard to make this a memorable day. The Princess spent time meeting and speaking to so many of our pupils. She really went out of her way to make us all feel special.” She officially opened the Yarm School’s landmark Performing Arts Centre, which is part of a £20million redevelopment of the school’s sites and gave her blessing for it to carry her name. As part of the £20 million redevelopment of the Yarm School sites the octagonal brick built Dovecot has been refurbished and represents the strongest link Yarm has with its history as a monastic settlement. Headmaster, David Dunn said “We are extremely honoured to be naming the auditorium after Princess Alexandra. It is most fitting that Princess Alexandra, so well known for her support of the performing arts, agreed to open the facility and gave the blessing for it to bear her name.”
Yarm School Dovecot
Spring/Summer 2012
www.stockton.gov.uk
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Tees Valley’s musical New homes unveiled future is secured The Tees Valley will receive more than £3 million over the next three years to ensure young people can participate in musical activities at school or college. Stockton Council manages Tees Valley Music Service (TVMS) on behalf of pupils across the Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton council areas. TVMS secured the money from the Arts Council to lead a Tees Valley Music Education Hub. It will see ARC, Making Music – Yorkshire and North East, Middlesbrough Town Hall Classical Music Project, Tees Music Alliance and Tees Valley Dance working together to develop excellent musical opportunities for all young people and the wider community. Stockton Council’s Head of Children, Schools and Complex Needs, Lynda Brown
said: “We are delighted we have secured opportunities for all our young people to experience musical activity in their schools and colleges. “Last year we fought hard to maintain Tees Valley Music Service and campaigned very strongly to retain it. This news confirms the future role of the organisation.” Young people will be able to access even more opportunities than those offered through the existing Tees Valley Music Service. Director of Tees Music Alliance, Paul Burns, said: “We are very excited to be part of this exciting, new Music Education Hub. There is so much musical talent in our region and we are looking forward to working with young people, schools and colleges and our partners within the Hub to nurture this.” The Tees Valley Music Education Hub will launch in September. To find out more call (01642) 603600 or email tvms@stockton.gov.uk
The £100 million, 23-hectare mixed-use Northshore regeneration scheme on Stockton’s riverside is rapidly taking shape. New show homes were officially unveiled last month. Vivo is the name of the initial phase of homes, which are within walking distance of Stockton Town Centre. Vivo is being developed by Muse in partnership with sister company and award winning housebuilder, Lovell and The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), supported by Stockton Council and Tees Valley Housing. Matt Crompton, joint managing director of Muse Developments, said: “Northshore is one of the most exciting regeneration projects in the North, which will no doubt act as a catalyst for further development in the Northshore regeneration area.”
Manager of TVMS Susan Robinson and Head of Music at Egglescliffe School Matthew Haworth with Egglescliffe School Brass Band
Vivo comprises 50 two, three and four bedroom houses in an ideal riverside location next to the iconic Infinity Bridge. As part of the development, Tees Valley Housing is offering 12 homes for affordable rent and
three for affordable home ownership under its rent now, buy later scheme. The Council’s Chief Executive, Neil Schneider, said: “Vivo at Northshore is a key part of the many ambitious, multimillion pound regeneration projects on-going across Stockton Borough so it’s fantastic to see the scheme is rapidly progressing. “The riverside has already benefitted from significant investment including the £4.6 million Tees Barrage International White Water Centre and the Wolfson Institute at Durham University. Further investment is planned as part of the £20 million redevelopment of Stockton town centre. “Anyone who chooses to live at Northshore will be able to enjoy the benefits of being within easy reach of the town centre which regularly hosts all manner of nationally acclaimed events and festivals.” House prices at Vivo start from £126,500. For further details visit www. vivonorthshore.com or call (01642) 676080.
STOP PRESS: Green light for Billingham House demolition: A legal ruling in the Court of Appeal means the demolition of former ICI headquarters Billingham House can go ahead. Contractors working for the Council are now set to resume work in the coming weeks. The legal challenge had delayed work to remove the derelict eyesore for months.
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Economic Regeneration and Transport
Young entrepreneurs turn Stockton Market green Young people from Stockton Riverside College are the latest to turn their hands to entrepreneurship.
I–inspire!
More than 100 students aged between 16 and 19 have been working with Stockton Council’s Enterprise Culture Project and Enterprise Made Simple to develop products to sell at a special Eco-Fair on Stockton Market. 18-year-old Philomena Makhumula-Nkhoma took part in the challenge, saying: “I really enjoyed organising the event. The experience has been great for my Business Studies course and I’m hoping this will help me in my future career.” Selling a vast range of goods from flower arrangements, customised sculptures, T-shirts and accessories, contemporary artwork, cards and gifts to bird tables and planters, eleven teams of students competed against each other to be crowned ‘Best Business’.
Left to right Amanda Rylander (Three Score Years and Ten), Mark Easby (Better), Paul Jenkins (Nurvex Media Ltd), Richard Poundford (Head of Regeneration and Economic Development Stockton Council), Alison Machin (Enterprise Coordinator Stockton Council), Paul Mines (Paul Mines Business Solutions), Vicky Lloyd (NE Day Crafts).
Businesses across Stockton Borough are being recognised for their commitment to helping young people develop the skills they need to become successful entrepreneurs. Young people preparing fruit smoothies to sell at the Eco-Fair
The Council provided each team with a £100 start-up fund, business support and expertise and advice in event planning. Richard Poundford, the Council’s Head of Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “Enterprise skills can be used in all manner of career fields – whatever your interest or expertise, you can be entrepreneurial. “I hope events like this can help encourage and inspire our young people to consider how they can use these skills in their future work life.”
Ten businesses have received an “I-inspire Enterprise Education Badge of Honour” for their work with local schools and colleges as part of Stockton Council’s Enterprise Culture Project. Each supported schools and their young people in bringing enterprise to life. Cornerstone Business Solutions, Gary Walsh Photography, Healthy Glow, i2i, Key Stage Recruitment, NE Day Crafts, Nurvex Media, Paul Mines Business Solutions, Better and Three Score Years and Ten have all been named Business Champions for Enterprise Education in Stockton Borough. Enterprise Co-ordinator for Stockton Council, Alison Machin, said: “By engaging and working with local businesses, our young people are gaining real-life business experience. We want to develop the independent sector across Stockton Borough and would like many young people to see selfemployment and entrepreneurship as a career option. These businesses play an important role in shaping that.” Stockton’s School Enterprise Culture project is run by Stockton Council and funded through the European Regional Development Fund and Stockton Communities Fund. To find out more about the project and opportunities for young people and businesses call Alison Machin on (01642) 528705 or email alison.machin@stockton.gov.uk
Getting down to business Winning Team – Green Shoots (From Left-to-right - Daniel Stevens, Kieron Nightingale, Abi Grantham.)
Meanwhile, Stockton Riverside College and Thornaby Academy are introducing a dedicated entrepreneurship courses. The courses will focus on business start-up and development and learning how to succeed as an entrepreneur. For details about the course call Nicola Errington on (01642) 865400.
Congratulations to four Borough businesses, winners at the recent Teesside Business Awards. Nifco UK was named Company of the Year for the second year running with Darchem Engineering and Five Lamps shortlisted in the same category. Nifco UK also clinched the Low Carbon award. Marshall’s of Eaglescliffe won the Heart of the Community category and were shortlisted for the Manufacturing Award, Odyssey Systems won the Services category and Tadea in Billingham won the Innovation award. Turbo Connect, PRA Business Solutions and Cornerstone Business Solutions, were also shortlisted in various categories. The Teesside winners went on to the North-East finals, where Nifco won the Low Carbon Award.
www.twitter.com/stocktoncouncil
Spring/Summer 2012
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Stockton town centre’s £20 million regeneration continues the key reasons why Infinity Marine chose to locate here and I hope more businesses will follow in our footsteps. “It’s an exciting time to have a business in Stockton and I am looking forward to the transformation over the next five years.”
Artist’s impression
A dramatic lighting scheme alongside the River Tees is the latest addition to Stockton Town Centre as it undergoes its £20 million regeneration.
stunning back-drop to the new Vivo at North Shore housing development and businesses as well as supporting many of our nationally acclaimed town centre events.”
The river’s iconic bridges and river bank will be transformed with a series of colourful light installations between the Princess of Wales Bridge and the Millennium Bridge.
Infinity Marine (CTC Marine) is currently redeveloping Castlegate Quay into a boat showroom and café, Manager, Lindsay Eccles said: “Stockton has a really attractive riverside - but many people don’t realise it!
The permanent lighting features, which change colour and pattern, will play an important role in the town’s vast programme of popular riverside events.
“The riverside is an excellent setting and the lighting will certainly bring a new feel to the town and attract people here. I am looking forward to seeing its popularity grow with visitors and businesses alike. “This is another example of the commitment Stockton Council is making to the redevelopment of the town centre and the support it is giving businesses. These certainly were among
Artist’s impression
Stockton Council’s Head of Regeneration and Economic Development, Richard Poundford, said: “The River Tees is one of Stockton’s best natural assets and as part of the town centre regeneration scheme we are improving access to the river so more people can enjoy it. “The lights will help encourage more people to visit the river bank and take advantage of riverside businesses, restaurants and first class leisure activities which are already based there. “The illuminations will support our vision for a bustling and lively town centre river front by providing a
It will also soon be easier for people to visit Stockton town centre thanks to improvements being made as the northern end of Stockton High Street. New bus lanes, on street parking, loading bays, upgraded traffic signals and improved paving are among the works under way close to the soon to be redeveloped Globe Theatre. The improvements are part of the £57.6 million Department for Transport funded Tees Valley Bus Network project which aims to improve the reliability and punctuality of bus services across the Tees Valley. The new bus lane arrangement will speed up journey times and allow buses to travel along the High Street and back again thanks to new traffic flow arrangements at Maxwell’s Corner. Meanwhile, as Stockton News went to print, Birse Civils were appointed to carry out the next phase of the multimillion pound regeneration programme. Works to improve the southern end of the High Street will start later this year. Find out more at www.stockton.gov.uk/ stocktontowncentre
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Economic Regeneration and Transport
Love Stockton’s Stockton Council sees Stockton town centre’s future as one with a full range of markets to suit every type of customer, bringing shoppers and visitors into the town as well as contributing to the Council’s ongoing £20 million programme to regenerate the famous High Street. And now Farmers markets, craft fairs, Chic Vintique (vintage, collectables and more), the Play, Read and Collect Fair and the World Market all now have a home in Stockton. See side panel for a taster of what’s on over coming months.
Shoppers browse
The bustling traditional market has been a vital part of the town centre for more than 700 years. Its wide variety of different stalls arrive every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, drawing shoppers from the Borough and beyond to Stockton to sample the goods on offer.
ue
stalls at Chic Vintiq
Alongside the popular Stockton Sparkles Christmas market and regular one-off enterprise markets for budding traders and fledgling businesses, discerning shoppers can find the best in outdoor shopping all year round.
Offering everything from top quality fruit and vegetable stalls to clothes and shoes, plus specialist items such as cards and gifts, the weekly market comes rain or shine. The ambitious regeneration programme to regenerate the Town Centre includes plans to retain the market in a dedicated market place on the High Street. Recent years have also seen an increase in the range and number of specialist markets which the Council is bringing to the town to complement what the traditional marker has to offer.
Yummy! Home made cak
es from Granny’s Kitchen
As part of wider multi-million pound improvements, the Castlegate Centre is refurbishing the Spencer Hall indoor market hall to further enhance and support the full range of markets on offer in the town. Fresh fish at
arket
the weekly m
Farmers’ mark
ket
www.facebook.com/stocktoncouncil
markets To celebrate Stockton’s markets, the Council is supporting the national ‘Love your local market’ campaign to promote all that Stockton markets have to offer. The national campaign, which runs from 23 June to 8 July, will promote markets as both an important part of the wider community and a great place to start an enterprise or business.
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Why not combine your visit to the market with one of Stockton Town Centre’s exciting events? Saturday 30 June – Farmers’ Market 9am-3pm, Wellington Square. You’ll find a busy mix of stalls including locally produced fresh meat and game, vegetables, pies, cakes, fudges, wines, cheese and local artworks. Friday 6 to Sunday 8 July – Stockton Cycling Festival A whole weekend of top-class cycling in and around the Town Centre. See page 35 for details. Saturday 14 July – Craft Fair 10am – 4pm, Parish Gardens. Textiles, jewellery, home wares and much more. You can also stock up on craft supplies while you browse all the home-made goods on offer.
Richard Poundford, Stockton Council’s Head of Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “The ambitious and exciting town centre regeneration scheme strives to attract more businesses, shoppers and visitors to the High Street. That’s why we are keen to see all the town’s markets continue to expand and develop. “This will benefit all market traders as well as town centre shops, cafes and restaurants.
Spring/Summer 2012
Saturday 21 July – Chic Vintique 10am-4pm, Parish Gardens. The very popular Chic Vintique fair returns to Parish Gardens with a marquee of vintage treasures, antiques, retro collectables and gifts. Step back in time with themed entertainment and refreshments.
Fresh produce at the trad itional weekly market
“Because we recognise the value and historic significance of the traditional weekly market, we are planning to design a space on the High Street so traders no longer have to relocate to accommodate events. “The new layout of the town centre will also provide a high quality public space which is flexible enough to hold a range of events throughout the year such as the new and specialist markets we are keen to attract to widen Stockton’s retail experience.
Wednesday 1 to Sunday 5 August – Stockton International Riverside Festival High Street, Church Road, Trinity Gardens and Riverside. Magical performances from around the globe come to thrill the crowds in Stockton. www.sirf.co.uk
Friday 3 to Sun 5 August – Stockton Weekender, Riverside
Tees Music Alliance present a packed weekend of live music. www.stocktonweekender.co.uk
Saturday 18 August – The Play, Read and Collect Fair
10am-4pm, Parish Gardens. Classic toys, books, model railways, playthings and printed items of yesteryear.
Sunday 19 August – Stockton Triathlon
In and around Town Centre. Swim, run, cycle – take up the challenge.
“I’m sure the Castlegate Centre’s Spencer Hall refurbishment will also help enhance the market retail experience in Stockton and support the creation of a flourishing retail centre with a firstclass reputation for high quality independent shops, markets and world-class events.”
Tuesday 21 to 28 August – Take to the Tees
We’ll be having an in-depth feature on Billingham and Thornaby markets in the next edition.
Run, splash, jump, kayak and climb around an unique course in and around the Town Centre. See page xx for details.
To find out more visit www.stockton. gov.uk/markets
Did you know?
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River Tees and Riverside. Celebrate the Tees with eight days of river-based watersports.
Sunday 26 August – River Rat Race
Friday 21 September – World Market 11am-7pm High Street. Food, clothes, hand-crated goods and art from across the world. Saturdays 22 Sept, 27 Oct, 24 Nov – Farmers’ markets 9am-3pm, Wellington Square From Thursday 29 November – tba December
–Stockton Sparkles
Christmas fun in and around the High Street including Christmas Lights switch on and the traditional Christmas market.
visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events Events are subject to change
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Economic Regeneration and Transport
The ‘Sauce’rer’s apprentice’ It’s not always large organisations who offer young people apprenticeships, as Adam Randall (pictured) proved when moving from the classroom to the kitchen as an apprentice chef in Café Sapore in Hartburn, Stockton.
one night at week. He said: “I love all aspects of my job here, meeting new customers as well has having the responsibility of the dessert menu and Sunday lunches and delivering the best standard of food possible.
Adam attended Thornaby Academy and, after moving to Stockton, he took the bull by the horns by visiting as many local restaurants as possible with his CV in hand, looking for work experience.
Louise said: “Adam has done very well with us. He’s very keen to learn and wants to develop his career and take over my job! Or even his own restaurant in the future.”
Always keen on cooking he was delighted when the owner of Café Sapore, Louise How, gave him the opportunity. He grasped this with both hands and hasn’t looked back since starting his apprenticeship there 18 months ago. Adam works under the guidance of Head Chef Neil Shutt and attends Stockton Riverside College
Adam was reminded of his time at Thornaby Academy recently when he was presented with a special award for Enterprise by the Chair of Governors of Thornaby Academy, Martin Clinton.
“I’m grateful to Louise and Neil for giving me the opportunity to do something I really enjoy.”
A scrumptious experience If you long for those sweets of yesteryear, Truly Scrumptious Old Fashioned Sweet Shop in Hartburn, Stockton, could be your next port of call. Linda Brennan started the business with funding from The Five Lamps Organisation and, as well as her sweet selection, she also offers sweet hampers, trees and party bags. To find out more call her on 07971-289727.
Seven for Innov8
To find out more visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ apprenticeships
Managing Directors of Innov8 Disposal Paul McAlpine and Louise Moore
Head Chef Neill Shutt (left) with Adam
Seven new staff members are helping Stockton-based Innov8 Disposal, which specialises in the legal and safe disposal of all IT and waste electrical and electronics equipment, is keeping up with its everincreasing client base.
and Ross Chipper and telesales operatives Victoria Slatcher and Debbie Heeley.
The new team includes recycling operatives Anthony Earl and Alan Mortimer, driver Angus Robertson, IT technicians Martin Clifford
The Company hopes to create another six jobs this year. For information on Innov8 Disposal and its services visit www.innov8disposal.com
Innov8 Disposal owes its success to its free IT collection service, an incentive for companies nationwide to comply with current regulations for disposing of computers, fax machines and mobile phone batteries.
www.stockton.gov.uk
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Beauty tips A local entrepreneur who already runs two businesses has opened two new salons in Thornaby, creating seven new jobs plus an apprenticeship whilst bringing a touch of glamour to the area. Hayley Lumby, Emily Parsons and Sam Mannion-Mulgrew opened their Omkara Beauty Salon and Tilli Capelli Hairdressing Salon next door to each other in Lanehouse Road, Thornaby. The Beauty Salon has an Intelligent Massage Chair which is the only one of its kind in the Tees Valley. The salon was opened by Duncan Bannatyne from Dragon’s Den in April.
Honeymoons online: A new online gift service is leading brides and grooms-to-be down the aisle towards wedded bliss. Local holiday company Dawson and Sanderson, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has launched a new service to help couples with the cost of their wedding and honeymoon and enabling friends and family to contribute to honeymoons or weddings abroad. Pictured here are Hayley McLoughlin and David Pattison from Norton, who get married on 30 June, who have signed up for the service. For details visit www.giftmyhoneymoon.co.uk or call into Dawson and Sanderson on Stockton High Street.
Black Box is Enterprise Arcade’s latest success Left to right Sam Mannion-Mulgrew, Hayley Lumby and Emily Parsons
More independent retailers are successfully establishing themselves in Stockton town centre, thanks to Stockton Enterprise Arcade. The Black Box is the latest business to move on from the unit at 147 High Street, after trading successfully for six months with support from the Council-led project. The alternative clothing and accessories shop will soon be operating from its own shop in Hambletonian Yard.
Sound this out: David Mackie Scouller’s business Dynamic Mastering Services is flourishing thanks to support with funding from Stockton Council, The Five Lamps and other agencies. Run from his specially-created sound studio in Billingham, David (pictured) is delighted at the boost it gave to help his business get off the ground. As a classically trained musician, David’s expert listening acts as a ‘second set of ears’ for material recorded by artists and bands, as he enhances the final sound. To find out more visit, www. dynamicmasteringservices.co.uk or call (01642) 653135.
Jonn Imrie, owner of Black Box, said: “The Enterprise Arcade has really helped my business develop a solid base in Stockton town centre. The support I’ve received along the way has been fantastic and I’d certainly encourage anyone else with a business idea to approach the Council to see if they can be considered for a space within the Arcade.” The Enterprise Arcade gives would-be retailers the
opportunity to ‘test trade’ their business ideas in a lowrisk environment. As well as space in the shop, each fledging business based in the unit also receives one-to-one mentoring and merchandising advice to give the businesses the best possible chance of success. Anyone interested in finding about more about the Enterprise Arcade or who would like to apply for a place in the unit should contact Mike Bowron on (01642) 526028 or email mike.bowron@stockton.gov. uk Spaces are limited.
Jonn Imrie of The Black Box
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Economic Regeneration and Transport
The world’s on your doorstep The world’s on your doorstep—that’s the message of a major marketing campaign aimed at highlighting the global connections available from Durham Tees Valley Airport. The airport, with support from its local authority partners, including Stockton Council, and Tees Valley Unlimited, has joined forces with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, its major partner airline that operates a three-times-a-day service to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, a hub for the global destination network. The campaign is one of the first initiatives since the announcement in February that Peel Investments (DTVA) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Peel Group, had acquired the majority shareholding in the airport, securing the continuation of operations and business at the airport. Peter Nears, Strategic Planning Director with the Peel Group says “We always knew there was tremendous local pride in the airport and since February we have built on that, establishing close links with many different partners and interests, including our local authorities and Tees Valley Unlimited. “We all recognise that one of our most important assets is the long-standing commitment of KLM to Durham Tees Valley and the importance of their service to the area’s economy. That is why, as one of our first priorities, we have worked with the airline to develop a joint marketing campaign aimed
at highlighting that, wherever you want to be in the world -whether for business or leisure - you can get there with KLM from Durham Tees Valley.” Building on the ‘world on your doorstep’ theme the marketing campaign for the Durham Tees Valley service will include radio and newspaper advertising, as well as online activity, engaging with the local business community and a range of promotional activities. To find out more visit www.stockton. gov.uk/dtvairport
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Home to school transport The Council’s Community Transport service is responsible for the travel arrangements for around 3,000 children each day who attend local authority schools in the Borough. Many of these are entitled to use it free and this could include your children if: • They are aged between four and seven years and attend a school more than two miles walking distance from home • They are aged between eight and 16 and the distance is more than three miles walking distance from home • They are of secondary school age and entitled to free school meals, or if you are on maximum working tax
credit and they are attending one of the three nearest suitable schools which is between two and six miles from home (or two to 15 miles based on religion or belief) • They are of primary school age and entitled to free school meals or if you are on maximum working tax credit and attending the nearest school more than two miles from home • They have special educational needs and attend a specific school, where transport will be provided according to their need If your child is likely to qualify for free transport you should receive an application form in May which must be returned no later than June 1 2012. The
Parking? – pay by phone If you don’t have change in your pocket, you can pay by phone to park in any Council off-street car parks in Stockton, using a debit or credit card using the RingGo service. Simply dial the local rate number (01642) 919000 and quote the specific car park identification code, shown on signs around the car park (or
visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ carparks). The service costs a flat rate of 20p in addition to the car parking charge.
only exception is if you are in receipt of maximum working tax credit, in which case you must contact the team to discuss your circumstances and request an application form. If there is a spare seat on a school bus service, you may be able to pay a cost of £100 per term on a first-come firstserved basis. To add your child’s name to the waiting list, please call as soon as possible. We’ll let you know as soon as a seat becomes available, which could be any point during the year. To find out more call (01642) 527117, email SMCommunityTrans@stockton.gov. uk or write or call into the office at Unit 1, Towngate Business Park, Leeholme Road, Billingham TS23 3TA.
Norton Road bus lane
When your parking time is due to expire, a text, costing 10p, will alert you. You can extend your stay by mobile phone at any time before it expires, without the need to return to the car park. No tickets are issued as parking attendants use hand-held mobile units to check payment.
Concerns from bus operators that motorists have been flouting the bus lane on Norton Road, have prompted Council enforcement action along its length. The bus lane, approaching St. Mary’s roundabout, Stockton, is designed to encourage use of public transport by improving reliability and punctuality. The action will help keep it clear of other vehicles during its hours of operation, which are 07:30–
09:30am and 3:30–6:00pm every day. During these times, only buses and pedal cycles can use this bus lane. At other times, all vehicles may use it. Drivers of unauthorised vehicles using bus lanes not only flout the law but can also affect road safety by making unexpected movements. Stockton Council will use CCTV to monitor vehicles travelling on the bus lane. Unauthorised use of the lane could lead to £60 fixed penalty notices for the registered keepers of vehicles involved.
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Environment and Housing
Learning about landlords More than 100 landlords, controlling more than 720 high-quality, well-managed properties, are now members of the Council’s Landlord Accreditation Scheme.
From a dream to a reality
If you are a professional landlord with good quality properties in Stockton Borough, we think you deserve the support and the market advantage gained from being an accredited landlord. Membership benefits include access to: • Bond Guarantee Scheme • Fast tracking benefit applications • Landlord Liaison Scheme (tenant referencing) • Choice Based Lettings website for free advertising of your vacant properties • Discounts on business services • £50 discount per unit of accommodation on HMO Licensing rates • Advice and support from housing professionals Landlords have positive things to say about the scheme. “I’ve enjoyed the knowledge that this scheme has given me. It gives me more confidence in being a landlord”, said one. A first time landlord said: “I was delighted to find this service. I’d have struggled without it.” Membership is free - to apply to join visit www. stockton.gov.uk/landlordsaccrediation or call (01642) 528533 or email: paul.rodgers@stockton.gov.uk
Learning tenants’ housing history Are you a landlord with a property located in Stockton Borough and would like to know the housing history of prospective tenants? Or are you worried that prospective tenants may have a record of anti-social behaviour? Stockton Council’s free Landlord Liaison Scheme enables landlords to make informed choices about prospective tenants. It can identify their past three years of housing history as well as previous rent arrears, breach or abandonment of property and tenancy agreements. The Landlord Liaison Service will check references and the anti-social behaviour team identify any incidents in Stockton and surrounding areas. This assists landlords by preventing problem tenants from moving freely around the Borough and also helps tackle anti-social behaviour. With around 450 members and more than 16,664 properties so far, the more landlords who use the scheme the more successful it will be. For details call Jane Hodgson or Stuart Kell on (01642) 527620 or visit www.stockton.gov.uk/landlordsliaison
Eight years ago the idea for a ‘mini National Park’ stretching along the Tees between Yarm and Stockton, suggested by the Stockton Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, led to the formation of the Friends of Tees Heritage Park (FTHP) to progess the vision. Work began on the first phase following a £450,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund’s Community Spaces programme managed by Groundwork UK, with contributions by Stockton Council and Natural England. In 2010 artists were commissioned to design artworks, working closely with local schools and gaining inspiration from the children. Now new gateway features, footpaths and landscape, artworks and rest areas are turning 2,000 acres of natural environment into a wonderful place of peace and tranquillity, taking in all the open land along the river including the Leven Valley and Bassleton Beck.
Five major artworks will grace the Holmes, Black Bobbies’ Field and Bassleton Beck Valley – now essentially complete – as well as Bowesfield Nature Reserve and Preston Park. The one at Preston Park is under construction and well worth a visit to see progress. The new gateways will include a ‘Signal Post’ to include a tag for smart phone users to access more information and provide links to various web sites about the Heritage Park and river valley. Local communities are already beginning to appreciate the Heritage Park concept and this will steadily increase as the links, gateways and artworks become established. The Lottery funding also included new tree planting, bird boxes and otter holts, with local residents and schools actively involved in their provision. Further funding is being sought to ensure sustainability and continued community involvement. To become involved or find out more visit www.fthp.org.uk
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A plan of action
Spring/Summer 2012
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What a nice surprise
A Stockton Council plan to cut carbon emissions has won the backing of an influential European body. The Brussels office of the Covenant of Mayors has formally approved the Council’s Sustainable Energy Action Plan, which details how these carbon savings will be made. The Council signed up to this European initiative in 2009, pledging to reduce carbon emissions by at least 21 per cent by 2020. The action plan covers all sectors across the Borough including civic buildings, domestic homes, transport, business and industry. Work continues within the Council and across the community, to ensure the target will be met. For example, the GoWarm scheme in Parkfield is insulating around 600 homes to cut carbon emissions in domestic homes, while the Council’s continued support for the electric vehicle industry by developing an electric vehicle charging network will help reduce vehicle emissions. A community funding programme is also helping community groups make their buildings more energy efficient. Training to develop community sustainability champions - CASCADE - will begin later this year. For information visit www.stockton.gov.uk/carbon
Lisa Richard (right) with Ruth Patchett of the Time2Buy team.
37-year-old Lisa Richard was delighted to scoop the top prize of £500 worth of IKEA vouchers at the recent Durham and Tees Valley Affordable Homes Show – an event to help people get a foot on the property ladder. It was run by the Time2Buy team, a partnership between Fabrick Housing Group, Stockton Council, Housing Hartlepool and Endeavour Housing - to find out more about them visit www.time2buy.org.uk or call 0845 6042942.
Salt of the earth Here in Stockton we are fortunate to have a rare and important habitat in our locality – Saltmarsh, which covers only 26.5 hectares near the mouth of the River Tees. Protected and designated as a nature conservation area, it signifies one of the best examples of the UK’s flora. Next to the Old River Tees which is part that wasn’t straightened in the 19th century, is a small fragment of Saltmarsh designated as a Local Wildlife Site by Stockton Council. As the sea level rises, it is slowly spreading.
This joins the lower part of Stainsby Beck, called The Fleet, and contains some waste grassland where the Council has reworked some of the land to encourage plants to take over the area naturally.
When the tide washes seeds upstream, another 0.5 hectares of Saltmarsh will form in the future. The area also includes some small mudflats which are invaluable for feeding birds. Visitors walking along the Thornaby trail will soon be able to see Saltmarsh plants such as Sea Aster, Sea Plantain and Common Glasswort. To find out more visit www. teesvalleybiodiversity.org.uk
The footpath along the Saltmarsh in progress
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Every little helps
Environment and Housing
Wild about wil In the meadow’s wetter ‘flush’ area is bright pink Ragged Robin amongst the rushes. The tall Yellow Flag Iris and Marsh Marigold are amongst plants to prefer the wetter beck side. Managed by Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, Hardwick Dene is accessible on foot from Darlington Lane near the new roundabout or from Cornforth Close, off High Newham Road.
Your chance to bloom is coming up by helping Stockton achieve the Royal Horticultural Society’s 2012 Britain in Bloom ‘Champion of Champions’ title.
Near Limbrick Avenue, Stockton, one of the area’s biggest wildflower meadows, Greenvale Local Nature Reserve, is cared for by its Friends Group and Stockton Council. With the largest colony of Autumn Gentian, a nationally declining wildflower called Pepper Saxifrage and an unusual type of Lady’s Mantle, a recent survey found 59 plant species and 19 different grasses, plus native Orchids and easily recognisable Red Clover, Meadow Buttercup and Cowslip.
For example, you could join a local Residents or Friends group. If there isn’t one, why not get together with neighbours and start one? You could contact your local Town or Parish Council to suggest improvements, or put up hanging baskets and containers to make your garden the envy of the street. You could take part in or organise a community litter pick and enter the Northumbria in Bloom ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ competition. Schools can be involved through Northumbria in Bloom’s ‘Growing Together’ competition, by becoming an ‘Eco School’ or recycling champion or arrange events such as litter picking, bulb planting and sunflower competitions. Businesses can also do their bit by having the brightest, most vibrant floral display, creating a wildlife garden or sponsoring a roundabout. To find out more visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ bloom or call (01642) 524682.
Ragged Robin (picture courtesy of Wildflower Ark)
With some amazing wildflowers displays on our doorstep and ‘Wild about Wildflowers’ as this year’s Britain in Bloom theme, why not visit some of our best local sites? Wynyard Woodland Park has a vast wildflower range. A summer walk along the old railway reveals a real show of colour, with Foxgloves, Red and White Campion, Greater Stitchwort and Garlic Mustard. Now-scarce Globeflowers love the damp woodland glades and specialists Wildflower Ark have gathered, germinated and grown seeds to reintroduce them here. The transformation of Pickard’s Meadow into a flowering wildlife sanctuary is also now well under way. Near the Visitor Centre, the Wildlife Garden’s cultivated wildflowers and bulbs make it perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet or some refreshments from the cafe. At Hardwick Dene, Stockton, the wildflower meadow has seen few changes in years. Such meadows were once common but many have been lost to development. More than 90 plant species grow here and the abundant grasses and flowers can attract 22 different butterfly species.
Red Clover, Greenvale Local Nature Reserve (picture courtesy of Wildflower Ark)
www.stockton.gov.uk
ldflowers
Spring/Summer 2012
Gone – at last! A derelict Hardwick house which had become an eyesore has gone for good. The house, in Whessoe Walk, was the final home out of more than 600 due for clearance under the £100 million Hardwick regeneration project. Following lengthy negotiations, Stockton Council moved quickly to demolish the heavily vandalised property within a week of finally buying it.
Marsh House Avenue roundabout
The Marsh House Avenue/Owington Farm roundabout, Billingham, might be an unexpected location for a splendid summer wildflower display but every year, Stockton Council sows a typical annual cornfield wildflower seed mix, celebrating the area’s rich agricultural history. There’s even a traditional horse-drawn plough and a scuffler, once used to weed crops of unwanted plants including wildflowers. Each summer, Gravel Hole Nature Reserve, Norton, is ablaze with wildflowers including Yellow Rattle and Kidney Vetch and the pink spikes of Fragrant and Common Spotted Orchid. These provide nectar for moths, bees and insects like the Dingy Skipper, Painted Lady, Small Heath and Common Blue butterfly.
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The news will bring relief to nearby residents, who have moved into some of the 800-plus new homes being built in Hardwick by Barrett Homes, Keepmoat Homes and Endeavour Housing Association.
IT facilities and a hobbies room. As part of the wider regeneration of the area, Hardwick Green Primary School has moved into a new £4 million purpose built state of the art school and community building whilst the Council has also created a football pitch and multi-use games area and improved the footpaths and cycleway, and has helped to create a new wildlife and wetland area to complement the conservation value of Hardwick Dene. Now known as Meadow Rise, the regeneration continues to be a success despite the economic climate.
It will also enable the developers to progress the final stage of the regeneration, which started in 2007. Since then, Endeavour has completed a £6 million ‘extra care’ scheme at Aspen Court for over-55s and people with care needs, and includes a bistro, lounges, hairdressers,
From this…
Painted Lady butterfly (picture courtesy of Kenny Crooks)
From the end of Fairfield Lane on Crooksbarn Estate, a footpath takes walkers over a railway crossing before turning right along a field edge to the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust reserve. Don’t forget, the golden rule at all wildflower sites is to look but not touch. Picking wildflowers stops everyone else enjoying them and prevents blooms returning in future. For details of the Borough’s other wildflower sites visit www.stockton.gov.uk/countrysideandgreenspace and www.teeswildlife.org …to this! Hardwick as some of the nearby new homes look now
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1,200 for the midnight hour
Andrea pictured (kneeling, front row on right) with friends ready for last year’s Midnight Walk
Butterwick Hospice aims to make its fourth annual Midnight Walk on Saturday 7 July the biggest and best yet by encouraging 1,200 ladies to join it at 12.00 midnight to raise more than £120,000. The Midnight Walk starts at Durham University’s Queen’s Campus Stockton, taking in the Riverside, Millennium Bridge, Tees Barrage and back to the University. You can choose a challenge of 5k, 10k or 15k. Butterwick Hospice provides in-patient facilities for up to ten people, comprehensive day care services for up to 20 patients a day providing care free of charge, 365 days a year. To do this, it needs to raise more than £2.5 million pounds a year. For Andrea Speight, 37, it’s her second Midnight Walk in memory of her dad, Robert Dixon, who died aged 70 in February 2011 after a year-long battle with liver cancer. After he passed away, Andrea recruited Team Bobkins to walk in his memory. She said: “Dad went on a trial at Newcastle but it didn’t work and he ended up at North Tees Hospital before spending the last fortnight of his life in the Butterwick.
Strong Communities
A first for Civic Awards The Borough’s first Civic Awards, presented by the outgoing Mayor of Stockton Councillor Paul Baker, has recognised individuals, charities and voluntary organisations for setting an inspiring example through their effort, determination and contribution to the community. At the recent award ceremony, Young Carers Aloud from The Eastern Ravens Trust scooped the Young Person’s Award. Each youngster in this group look after a family member with ill health or disability yet take time out to raise awareness of others in their position. The 17-strong group, ranging from 12-19 years, use their roadshow to highlight the positives and negatives of being a young carer and worked with health and social care professionals to reflect their work with families with young carers. Mike McGrother, frontman of local band The Wildcats
of Kilkenny, won the Services to the Community Award for his passionate promotion of the Borough, support of the arts and tireless work to foster a united community in Stockton.
diagnosis and prevention of the disorder. She is also a trustee of a housing charity for young people leaving care and gives any spare time to several other voluntary organisations in Stockton.
He brought the UK’s first Centre of Vocational Excellence in Performing Arts to Stockton and formed the Diaspora Vocal Collective, a Stockton-based choir of residents from 15 different nationalities. The unique project sees 8-60 year-olds join in gospel-style singing followed by tasty food and has featured on BBC Radio 4 for bringing together Stockton’s diverse population and welcoming both new and longer-term residents.
Enthusiastic youngsters from Durham Lane Primary School’s Eco Team won the Green Award for achieving an environmental green flag status. They take turns to check how much electricity the school is using and encourage others to come to school on foot or bike, promote recycling and tidy up litter. They maintain the school garden and grow vegetables used by the school cook, as well as flowers which keep the school bright and cheerful.
The Carer/Foster Carer Award went to Maria Catterick from Grangefield. A single foster carer for eight years, Maria has looked after 18 children, often fostering three or four siblings at a time.
Chaired by the outgoing Mayor, the nomination panel included the Council Leader, Neil Schneider, Chief Executive and other community representatives.
After looking after a child with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Maria set up a support group for advice and guidance on early
In forthcoming editions we’ll tell you more about these inspirational people. Here we tell you about Mike McGrother.
“I wanted to say thank you to the Butterwick because they looked after him in such a fantastic way.” For an entry form call (01642) 628930 or visit www. butterwick.org
Top row (l – r) Foster carer, Maria Catterick, Starr Wilson, Eastern Ravens Trust and Mike McGrother, frontman Wildcats of Kilkenny; bottom row (l – ) Marcus Brown, Durham Lane, Connor Davies, Eastern Ravens Trust, Jake Thomson, Eastern Ravens Trust and Kirsty Brown, Durham Lane.
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Man of many – Mike McGrother
Yes - Mike McGrother is a man of many facets and over the last 20 years has dedicated his life to music, education and arts – and that’s just scratching the surface! Mention the ‘The Wildcats of Kilkenny’ and many will know him as the face of the much loved band which has its audiences foot-stomping, hand clapping and crowd swaying. However, The Wildcats are just part of Mike’s work. He’s passionate about the creative arts and successfully brought the UK’s first Centre of Vocational Excellence in Performing Arts to Stockton at Stockton Riverside College. But Mike’s work goes further afield than that.
He formed the Diaspora Vocal Collective which combined no less than 15 nationalities to help break down cultural barriers and to strengthen community spirit. His Sing for Your Supper project had people aged from 8 to 60 years old sing together which received national acclaim on Radio 4. He was nominated for the acclaimed ‘Paul Hamlyn Breakthrough Award’ for working with diverse members of the community. As Stockton News was going to print Mike was co-ordinating a mass community choir ‘Infinite Voices’ with 20 schools to take part in Stockton’s Infinity Festival – no mean feat! This event with its mass community choir including schoolchildren, groups and families with its uplifting atmosphere will be the largest community choir celebration Stockton has ever seen! Beginning at the Princess of Wales Bridge and making its way in a procession to Infinity Bridge. Mike said: “I consider myself to be a very lucky man. I work in an industry which I love and has allowed me to grow and help others to grow. Best of all I am able to work in and spread the word about my town - Stockton.”
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Give it a tri! Orphans in one of the poorest parts of the world may soon have a better life thanks to the fundraising efforts of the people of Stockton. From 17 June (when the Olympic Torch passes through the Borough) to the Game’s opening ceremony on 27 July, Stockton Baptist Tabernacle is encouraging people to join its Tab-Tri Challenge to raise funds to build a medical centre of AIDS orphans in Kibera in Kenya. The Tab-Tri Challenge sees people sponsored just £1 for every mile they can run, walk, cycle or swim and the organisers are aiming for 6,300 miles, the distance from Stockton to Kenya, to be covered resulting in £6,300 raised. To get involved, call (01642) 602223, or visit: www.stockton.gov.uk/ tabtri
Stockton Renaissance Partnership Board Meetings If you would like any further information on the Stockton Renaissance Partnership Boards, please contact Sarah Upex on (01642) 526498 or email renaissance@stockton.gov.uk Stockton Renaissance Partnership Board 10th July, 5pm, Education Centre Eastern Area Partnership Board 29th May at 5.30 p.m. Venue to be confirmed 26th June at 9.30 a.m. Venue to be confirmed 31st July at 5.30 pm. – Teesdale Park / Thornaby Football Club Western Area Partnership Board 28th May at 6.00 p.m. Venue to be confirmed 26th June at 6.00 p.m. Venue to be confirmed 31st July at 6.00 p.m. Venue to be confirmed Northern Area Partnership Board 11th June 2012 5:45pm, Cowpen Training Centre 2nd July 2012 5:45pm, Cowpen Training Centre Central Area Partnership Board 31st May, 10am, Stockton Business Centre 28th June, 2pm, Education Centre 26th July, 10am, Stockton Business Centre You can visit the mycommunity pages on http://www.stockton.gov.uk/mycommunity/
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Strong Communities
Searching for our Borough’s stars The search is on for Stockton Borough residents who make a real difference to people’s lives.
There are ten award categories, ranging from Youth and Adult Volunteers to Biggest Health Impact and Most Enterprising Organisation.
The 2012 Catalyst Achievement Awards will celebrate the outstanding work and success of the local voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, individuals, organisations and partnerships.
Catalyst Executive Director Allison Agius said: “This is the third year of our Achievement Awards and we’ve already recognised many, often unsung, heroes who carry out great work for people across the Borough.
Trevor Redfern of Community Service Volunteers/Retired & Senior Volunteer Programme receiving a 2011 Catalyst Achievement Award from Ruth Hill, Stockton’s Assistant Director of Public Health.
In our defence A collection of remarkable books called Defence of the UK opens up an amazing world of military defences right on our doorstep, from 1900 to the present day. They form unique and fascinating record of the contribution made in North Yorkshire and Teesside area to defend the realm during the 20th century.
“We want to continue raising the profile of the third sector and rewarding those staff and volunteers in community, and voluntary organisations and social enterprises, who achieve remarkable things in tough times.”
Literally packed with detailed descriptions, photographs and diagrams depicting, for example, First World War hospitals and shipbuilding to Second World War coastal defences, radar sites and even properties from which military operations were carried out.
To find out more about the Achievement Awards and how to nominate an individual or organisation, call Catalyst (01642) 733906 or email awards@ catalyststockton.org
John Middleton Harwood has dedicated 15 years to researching and collating this thoroughly comprehensive and detailed account from information based on, and divided by, civil parishes.
Entries close at 5pm on Friday 15 June.
John has written the books not for profit but as an all-
embracing legacy for future generations before many of the sites disappear forever. There are currently 14 books, with a further five planned, and they are available to buy from the North Yorkshire and Cleveland 20th Century Defence Study Group. For further details visit www. defenceofbritain.co.uk or call (01287) 651491, after 6pm.
Personal Podium – still time to sign up If you’re planning a challenge, why not sign up for the Personal Podium, a new scheme to inspire people just like you to achieve your personal goals?
The Personal Podium aims to spur residents to set themselves targets, then go on to achieve them – with an award at the end of it all. It’s all about choosing a goal which will help you change and improve. Free to enter, it’s open to any Stockton Borough resident. Your challenge could be almost anything. There are four categories:
• • • •
Sporting achievement Cultural and/or artistic Lifestyle Against the odds
The choice is up to you – the Personal Podium will simply help gain you recognition for your achievement and hopefully inspire you to overcome any obstacles. So far, challenges taken up range from cycling to work, learning to sew, riding in the Stockton Cycling Festival to learning ten new guitar chords. Complete your challenge and
you’ll be recognised on the Personal Podium website. Outstanding achievements will earn a special medal, with the opportunity to receive it in a public ceremony in Stockton High Street, during the Stockton International Riverside Festival in August or at the Stockton Sparkles Christmas festival. Simply register your challenge at www. personalpodium.co.uk then log your progress on the website. A booklet is also available from libraries and council buildings.
Then just complete your challenge, or make significant progress towards a longer-term goal, by the end of November. Nominations for the August presentations are open until Friday 6 July, or 9 November for those in December. Here’s some challenge ideas: • Lose some weight • Quit smoking • Complete a sporting challenge (eg the Stockton River Rat Race, Stockton Triathlon or ride in the Stockton Cycling Festival) • Read a book every week in 2011 • Learn to swim and set a target
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Spring/Summer 2012
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A philanthropic philosophy… ‘Philanthropy’ – yes it’s a long word - but a word bringing far reaching consequences and such fantastically positive outcomes for many people in our local communities – all thanks to the people who subscribe to its philosophy of life:- ‘to partake in the effort to increase the wellbeing of humankind’. Here in Teesside members of the Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation are the powerful driving force behind helping local individuals, communities and changing lives. “We will continue to set our sights and targets high and Patrons of Teesside Philanthropic Foundation, soon to help all those we can to have a better life, prosper and celebrate its first birthday, include a wide range of both reach their full potential.” local businesses and businesses across the world from as far afield as Hong Kong 20 year-old Joe Whittington is a prime and the USA - to local individuals who all example of how the Foundation has “We will continue give money generously for the benefit of produced results. Joe was literally stuck others. in the cycle of ‘no experience, no job, to set our sights no experience’ due to being diagnosed and targets high Their generosity in supporting the with Crohn’s disease whilst a student at Foundation has helped several areas, and help all those Middlesbrough College. projects and charities across Teesside we can to have a – crucially where the help is needed. Although applying for many jobs he better life, prosper This has enabled the Foundation to, for was getting nowhere and was totally example, support unemployed Teesside and reach their full disheartened until Patron Paul Bury of youngsters by creating around 150 Endeavour stepped in and offered him an potential.” additional jobs to making sure children apprenticeship – taking Joe well and truly from our less well off families have a out of a downward spiral. great Christmas. The Foundation has also helped people like 20 year-old Luke Anderson to overcome his obstacle of being homeless to realising, and believing, there is actually a future for him – and a bright one too. You never know when you may need medical help. The Foundation donated £4,850 to The White Knights, the Emergency Voluntary Service, run entirely by volunteers, which supports the NHS courier system in providing an out of hours courier service for blood or any other vital medical supplies.
But it doesn’t stop there. The Foundation Patrons and Trustees don’t see the sky as the limit - they intend to go to infinity and beyond with plans afoot to extend much needed apprenticeships and jobs for the area. At the time of Stockton News going to print, it had already paid towards ten apprenticeship placements with 50 more in the offing over the next 12 months. Andy Preston, pictured top right, Chairman of Middlesbrough & Teesside Philanthropic Foundation, said: “The generosity of commitment of the trustees and patrons has made our first year a memorable one which shows how, by working together with open hearts and minds – good comes to the fore with tangible results for those we help.
Tanya Garland, Patron of the Foundation and Managing Director of Cool Blue PR, said: “The aim of sponsoring the White Knights was to save lives, save money and help local people”. Dean Benson, Director of Visualsoft eCommerce in Stockton is also a Patron and said: “It’s great to learn about the projects the Foundation is supporting, to hear the success stories and know that you were part of it and have helped achieve something genuinely good.” We hope we have given you a flavour of what Middlesbrough & Teesside Philanthropic Foundation stands for. Money can be raised in many different ways – serious, novel, creative and fun and if you would like to find out more or become involved in this great work - contact the Chairman, Andy Preston on 07922 478994 or visit www. teessidecharity.org.uk
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Strong Communities
Spring/Summer 2012
www.stockton.gov.uk
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Jubilee celebrations! Here are some of the things going on across the Borough to mark the diamond jubilee of Majesty the Queen’s 60 year reign.
In Stockton there will be nine beacons located in our Borough most of which will be situated alongside, or near to, our beautiful River Tees, with a main beacon to be positioned at Stockton’s iconic Infinity Bridge.
In Yarm there will be a series of celebrations to mark the occasion. There will be a free event on Monday 4 June. Evening celebrations start at 7pm with a music stage with live music and entertainment from local bands – the beacon will be lit at 10pm. This will be followed by a fantastic fireworks display.
Stockton Council has invited community groups to become involved and adopt a beacon and some will be lighting theirs as part of a community event as a way of raising funds for local or national charities or just as a fantastic opportunity to celebrate!
On Tuesday 5 June Yarm will hold its Jubilee Gala with the opening of a commemorative rose garden on West Street. Music will continue throughout the day along with food stalls traditional steam boat rides with a special boat parade at mid-day.
So far beacons are planned to be placed at Infinity Bridge, Port Clarence, Bowesfield, Village Park, Thornaby, Preston Park Jetty, Yarm Jetty, Egglescliffe Church and John Whitehead Park, Billingham.
At the end of the day there’s a goody bag for each child. Under-8s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Tickets are £1 per person, available from all libraries. Picnic in the Park promises to be a cross between a street party and a ‘Proms in the Park’ in Stockton’s Ropner Park on Sunday June 3 from 12noon – 4pm. Families are encouraged to bring their own picnics, tables, chairs and candlesticks to enjoy an afternoon of open-air fun, with music from the bandstand, Zumba and other dances for everyone to join in, Punch and Judy and other entertainments. Picnics and refreshments will also be available from the cafe. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ jubilee
Staff from Tristar Homes will be handing out special Jubilee Hampers containing goodies including cups, tea towels, tea, biscuits, pens and key rings to residents in Wolviston Village on June 1. Donations from Catalytic Technologies, total Sport and Tesco Billingham were gratefully received to enable the hampers to be put together.
There’s a fun-packed garden party with professional story teller Miles for wonderful stories and songs and coming along in fancy dress or party clothes will make the occasion even more special.
With bunting, flag waving and 50’s-inspired food and games, Billingham library on Bedale Avenue is having a ‘Right Royal Family Knees Up’ on Wednesday 6 June (2 – 4pm) to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
The park will be looking its best in June, with an Olympics theme in the flower beds. Each Sunday afternoon from June to September will feature a music programme from 2–4pm, visit www. forp.org.uk for details.
Shop ‘til you drop:
You can shop and help a very worthwhile cause as Butterwick Hospice plan a trip to Liverpool, the Beatles’ home town, on Saturday 30 June. You’ll be spoilt for choice in this vibrant city, with its boutique arcades and bohemian streets. Or try the Albert Dock, Mathew Street or the many museums and galleries. The coach departs from Splash in Church Road, Stockton at 8am, leaving Liverpool at 6pm. Tickets are £20 each – to reserve yours, call Mandy on (01642) 628930.
Going the extra mile: Around 500 local people turned out in force to take part in the national Sport Relief Mile in Stockton in March, tackling one-, three- or six-mile runs to raise cash to help change lives at home and the world’s poorest countries. The scenic route around the River Tees took in the Infinity Bridge and Tees Barrage – all in glorious weather. More than one million men, women and children took part nationwide.
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Community Safety
A safer ride
Stockton Council and Stockton Hackney Drivers Association are joining forces to reassure people that taxi drivers licensed by the Council go through extensive and stringent security tests to help ensure they keep the public safe. Many taxi drivers operating across the Borough have reported an increase in the number of people expressing concern for their safety after a ‘taxi driver’ living in Stockton was convicted of raping a passenger. Mike Batty, Head of Community Safety for Stockton Council, is pictured here (left) with Javid Khazir, Secretary of Stockton
Hackney Drivers’ Association. He said: “Every Stockton Council licensed driver, of which there are around 700, is subject to an enhanced Criminal Records’ Bureau (CRB) check and their vehicles are also regularly tested for safety and insurance cover. We also carry out random and intelligence-led drugs tests.” Mr Khazir added: “I would like to encourage people to use taxis which are licensed by the Council like all of our cars. All our drivers and vehicles have undertaken all the Council’s licensing checks and always carry photo ID.” For more tips about how to stay safe when travelling by taxi visit www.stockton.gov. uk/taxisafety
A uniform look:
Operational and nonoperational staff at Cleveland Fire Brigade have a new uniform as they deliver services in our local communities. You can expect to see them carrying out their day-to-day duties in navy shirts with Cleveland Fire Brigade and our logo clearly marked with a red t-shirt underneath and navy trousers. All staff will continue to carry identity badges. Firefighter John Stubbs is pictured wearing the new uniform.
Responsible owners Dog welfare charity Dogs Trust has chosen Tristar Homes as an exemplary social landlord as part of a campaign to promote responsible pet ownership. Tristar organised a dog wellbeing awareness day for Mandale residents in conjunction with Dogs Trust and Stockton Council, with access to vets, microchipping, flea treatment, parvo virus vaccinations and neutering were provided free.
Implanted chips give pets a unique code. Stored on a national database with the owner’s details, these can be updated if an owner moves house or a pet’s ownership changes. Denise Gilgallon of Dogs Trust said: “Tristar Homes has a commendable proactive approach to promoting responsible dog ownership. Dogs Trust supports microchipping as an effective way of permanently linking pets to their owners, increasing the chances of them being reunited if the animal is lost, stolen or strays.”
Tristar Patch Manager Denise Johnson and customer Christopher Gibson
The word on the street It’s a year since a scheme was launched where, at the click of a mouse, people can both see details of crime and antisocial behaviour in their locality, and access details about their neighbourhood policing team and beat meetings.
By simply entering a postcode or street name on a website, interactive maps accessible by computers and mobile phones allow you to view crimes such as burglary, violence and antisocial behaviour in your areas. This transparent new level of crime and local policing
information ensures you can tell the police about your concerns about crime and disorder, find out about crime in your area and hold them to account for how well they deal with the issues that matter locally. A key part of the Government’s transparency agenda, making crime and antisocial behaviour data openly available means communities, local services and developers can use it to help people engage with the police in a meaningful way. To view the website visit www.police.uk and key in a postcode or street name to see statistics on criminal activity in your area.
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Staying safe and sound
Spring/Summer 2012
Steady Teddy Stockton Council’s Road Safety Team has worked with Mothercare to highlight the importance and legality of making sure children travel safely in car seats.
Some of the children enjoying last year’s event
Around 370 children from ten Billingham primary schools are to spend a fun-packed day learning about how to stay safe. On July 17, the youngsters will descend on Northfield School in Billingham for this year’s Safer Schools Partnership event, where entertaining scenarios and entertainment will drive the message home. The event will include demonstrations by Cleveland Fire Service on how they use special cutting tool equipment to release car accident victims and how to deal with fires at home. Stockton Council’s Road Safety Team will also
be there to explain the importance of road safety. The children will be able to get up close and personal to Cleveland Police horses and their helicopter on the school field, with traffic cops also on hand. The children have designed T-shirts to promote the ‘stay safe’ message and they will wear the winning design on the day. They will be rewarded for being good citizens, the most helpful and most brave in a presentation by Tfm radio’s Wayne Allen. There will be entertainment by pupils from St Michael’s School with their version of ‘X Factor’ as well as a ‘Billingham’s Got Talent’ contest.
Blazing saddles
Stockton Council’s Anti Social Behaviour officers are using pedal power as they make their way around the Borough. Two new cycles help them access and patrol a much wider area than by vehicle or on foot, including parks and play areas. To report anti-social behaviour call the team’s 24 hour hotline on (01642) 607943.
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A week of roadshows at Teesside Park, with a bandaged teddy like this one as a reminder, offered shoppers the opportunity for Council Road Safety officers to do free checks, which revealed around only half were fitted correctly with the rest needing some adjustment
to secure the child safely. Road Safety officer Peter Fleming explained: “Most parents do the correct thing by having a car seat for their child – unfortunately they aren’t always fitted correctly and this can be as dangerous as not restraining a child at all. “Selecting and installing the correct seat or restraint can be an absolute minefield so it’s important to get the correct advice and information.” For advice on child car seats or to arrange a free check, call Peter on (01642) 526737 or visit www. stockton.gov.uk/carseats
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Adults Services
Your views count Stockton Council is committed to providing the best services we can for our adult residents with learning disabilities, their parents and carers. These include daytime activities, residential care, homecare, respite and independent living and we spend around £11.5 million each year providing them for more than 560 people – a number likely to rise by 11 per cent by 2030 as lifestyles and healthcare continue improving.
We would like to offer more alternatives to the traditional style of day centre activities, and to encourage more people to take up personal budgets, by offering them a wider choice of activities, many based in local communities. Community bridge building: We would like to offer people with learning disabilities more support in accessing mainstream services in the community such as arts, cultture, sport, leisure, education, volunteering and employment.
Over the past year, we have been reviewing these services and have asked people what they thought was good, not so good and could be improved.
Respite care: We would like to increase the amount of respite care and short breaks we can offfer and explore other opportunities for the future.
The results helped us develop proposals to help those who rely on these services gain greater independence and choice.
Housing Options and Supported Living: To support more people to live independently, we’d like to increase the choice and range of affordable homes, develop independent living skills and review our community support services.
Now we are consulting on these proposals. We’d like to hear the views of all residents, particularly service users, carers, staff and groups with an interest in these services. Between Monday 11th June and Friday 31st August we’ll be sending out questionnaires, arranging drop-in and other events about our proposals (see panel).
The proposed changes include: Residential Care: We would like to offer many of the people currently in residential care the choice of supported independent living where it meets their needs, including helping develop their life skills. As many residential services are provided outside the Borough, we’d also like to base more of them nearer to home, particularly for people with autism. Daytime Activities: Almost 300 people receive day care, much of it based in ‘day centres’. Some have taken up the option of personal budgets, which they can decide how to spend on the best services to suit their own needs.
Young adults: We’d like to improve the way we plan for the future needs of young people as they move from services for children to those for adults, including their future further education, support and accommodation needs. Older carers: Specific consultation with carers aged 70 and over will help us find out more about their support and respite needs. Community transport: We will review these services and seek users’ views separately. Jane Humphreys, the Council’s Corporate Director of Children, Education and Social Care, said: “We have the opportunity to improve the services we offer although this will mean changes for many people. So their views will be important to help the Council’s Cabinet reach a final decision in the autumn. “We will not make any changes to care packages without individually assessing each person’s needs.”
How to give your views:
We will send questionnaires to service users, their parents and carers with details of our proposals including short breaks, respite care and developing autism services.
You can:
Download a copy of the consultation document and provide comments online at www.stockton.gov.uk/ learningdisabilityservicesreview or pick up a copy at a Customer Service Centre below.
Drop in at one of these sessions: 26th June - 5.30 - 1st Public Session – Eaglescliffe Village Hall 2nd July - 2.00 - 2nd Public Session - Billingham Community Centre (The Causeway) 5th July - 5.30 - 3rd Public Session South Thornaby Community Centre 11th July - 2.00 - 4th Public Session The Education Centre, Norton 18th July - 5.30 - 5th Public Session All Saints School, Ingleby Barwick 30th July - 2.00 - 6th Public Session – The George Hardwick Foundation 31st July - 5.30 - 7th Public Session Billingham Forum 6th August - 2.00 - 8th Public Session - South Thornaby Community Centre 14th August - 5.30 - 9th Public Session - The George Hardwick Foundation Give your comments at consultation points at Customer Service Centres at Stockton Central Library, Billingham Town Centre and Thornaby Central Library. Speak to someone direct on (01642) 526446.
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Spring/Summer 2012
Independent living In March the doors were officially opened in Meadowfield House, a state-of-the-art specialist housing facility in Thornaby. Pat Ritchie, Chief Executive of the Homes and Communities Agency the cut the ribbon with the Mayor of Stockton. The 42-unit extra-care scheme is the Borough’s third, offering residents the opportunity to live independently in their own home whilst having the support and care facilities they may need on site 24 hours a day.
for elderly and vulnerable people, after consulting with residents in Thornaby’s Thorntree Road area. Meadowfield resident Mary Brown said: “I’m really pleased to be living here. It gives you independence with the extra feeling of security of having care at hand.” The new facility has brought
more than £5.7 million of investment into the Thornaby community, as Tees Valley Housing invested significant resources into it with a further £2.46 million from the Homes and Communities Agency. Stockton Council is supporting the scheme with more than £300,000 a year for home care services.
The modern and spacious complex, built by Frank Haslam Milan, boasts a hairdresser, a restaurant open to the public and many other facilities. Stockton Council appointed Tees Valley Housing, part of Fabrick Housing Group, to develop the new facility which provides new, high quality housing for rent
Left to right resident Pat Quinn with Doug Ross, Managing Director of Tees Valley Housing and resident Mary Brown.
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Are You Being Served in 2013? Despite the economic
climate, we are pleased to be able to continue the Council’s ‘Are You Being Served?’ (AYBS) event for older residents, which will now be held every two years. The next AYBS event will be held in October 2013 with the venue remaining the same – The Oakwood Centre in Eaglescliffe. More details will follow in future issues of Stockton News.
Success for Angela:
As Stockton News went to print an adult learner from Roseworth scooped a prestigious award as part of Adult Learner’s Week. Following a devastating stroke in 2003, Angela Storr, was left with visual impairment, speech difficulties and problems with her literacy skills. Despite these barriers she took a range Stockton Council’s Tees Achieve classes. After a lot of hard work and determination Angela has now set up her own cupcake business, The Cake Storr. She is also applying to be a Tees Achieve volunteer support worker. If you would like to find out about Tees Achieve courses call 01642 527904 or visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ teesachieve
Being called to account All organisations, especially those in the public sector, have to be accountable and the way councils deliver adults social care services is no different. Now, the way these services are assessed is changing, as the Government introduces more emphasis on selfassessment, and regulation, in place of the inspections and annual assessments previously carried out by the Care Quality Commission. Councils are now encouraged to provide what is known as
a Local Account, an annual report on how their social care services have performed and how they have responded to local views. The idea is to promote transparency into the effectiveness of local services, and encourage the engagement of residents in improving them. To do this, Stockton Council is preparing a Local Account for the year 2011/12. As there are no specific rules on what the Local Account should include, we are working with other councils in the region to develop the best way forward. We will be
publishing our Local Account in October. The report will assess our progress in four key areas – Carers, Personalisation,(giving people choice and control), Prevention and early intervention, and Safeguarding (keeping vulnerable adults safe) – and detail plans for further improvements. We are keen to ensure local people and organisations have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Local Account. So we will be talking to various service user groups and organisations
and looking at feedback from surveys, comments from services users and complaints. Many people will be familiar with our successful ‘Are You Being Served….Well?’ event for older residents. Our first Local Account will also build on the outcomes of last October’s event by using the ideas and views shared there. If you have any views on what the first Local Account should contain or how organisations could be involved in developing it, please call Simon Willson on (01642) 527035 or email cesc. performance@stockton.gov. uk
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Health and Wellbeing
Walk the walk
Walking at Preston Park and Billingham
Why walk, when you can hop in the car? Simple – there’s a long ‘shopping list’ of benefits:
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
It’s free and reduces stress You don’t need special equipment You can do it any time You’ll feel better and have more energy No need to go far, just your local area It helps to prevent diabetes It increases ‘good’ cholesterol It helps reduce weight It benefits immune system and reduces bowel cancer It can prevent development of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis in some people It improves muscle strength A brisk pace can help reduce blood pressure
Studying health? If you study health or are working to promote health and wellbeing in the Borough, Stockton Public Health Resource Library can help you. The library holds resources such as teaching packs, books, DVDs, displays of information including leaflets and posters – all on health improvement topics such as mental health, alcohol and substance misuse, sexual health, healthy eating and smoking. All can be booked online. The library is based on the first floor of Bayheath House, 5 Prince Regent Street, Stockton. To register or sign in visit www.sphil.nhs.uk or call Pat Duffy, Resource Officer, on (01642) 526933 or email patduffy@nhs.net
Walking can be a very social thing – you can go with a family member or friend, have a chat and see a bit of nature. With all of these benefits, you’d be silly not to walk! Try not to use your car for trips of less than half a mile, or park it further from the supermarket. To find the time, try building a walk into your daily routine, like walking to the park to eat your sandwiches or walking the kids to school. If there’s a lift, take the stairs instead. You can start off slowly, just walk around the block, you’ll soon notice you can walk further and faster. When you need to take a bus, get off a stop earlier. To find out more call Steve Laskey on (01642) 803441, 07733 307878 or email steve.laskey@stockton.gov.uk or visit the Hub at 17 Bridge Road, Stockton TS18 3AA or visit www.stockton. gov.uk/healthwalks
Living well with dementia An event called ‘Smarter Homes for the Future’, held at the Education Centre in Norton in April, helped share the outcomes and learning from a year-long project to help people with dementia living at home and their carers. Aimed at people affected by or with an interest in dementia, the event involved several different organisations and described the project, which used ‘dementia-friendly’ design principles in people’s homes.
For example, changing wooden cupboard kitchen doors for glass ones can help people with dementia make sense of identical looking cupboards, while devices such as wrist watches can also act as mobile emergency alert systems. The day included stalls, presentations, technology demonstrations and discussions. If you would like to find out more about the project or are interested in being involved in its next phase, call the Council’s Adult Strategy Team on (01642) 527056 or visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ independentliving
Spring/Summer 2012
www.stockton.gov.uk
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New appointment Plain packaging? The government has launched a UK-wide consultation on whether tobacco should be sold in standardised or plain packaging. The consultation asks individuals whether they think standardised packaging will have an impact on people’s health and reduce the uptake of smoking from young people and what packaging could consist of. Smoking accounts for more than 100,000 deaths in the UK each year and is the main cause of early death. Treating people with smoking-related conditions costs the NHS billions each year. You can show your support to protect children from the dangers of smoking by visiting www.freshne.com/ plainpacks before 10 July.
Peter Kelly (pictured) became the new Director of Public Health for Stockton in April, responsible for leading the Council’s work on promoting health and wellbeing, tackling health inequalities and improving health care quality in the Borough. One of the region’s most senior and experienced health officials, Peter was previously Acting Regional Director of Public Health
for the North East Strategic Health Authority and Executive Director of Public Health for NHS Tees. A Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health, he has been a major contributor to developing the Public Health White Paper and related Government strategies. Peter said: “This role is a really exciting opportunity to influence all aspects of people’s health and wellbeing in Stockton, which has a strong record of partnership working.”
Clear on cancer People are being urged to come along to the NHS Tees and Macmillan Cancer Awareness Roadshows visiting libraries in Stockton, Egglescliffe and Thornaby. It’s important to have the information you need to be able to know the early signs and symptoms to look for, what to do if you’re worried and where you can find help and support. The roadshows are on: • Wednesday 30 May, 10am – 4pm at Stockton Central Library • Thursday 31 May, 2 – 4pm at Egglescliffe Library • Tuesday 12 June, 10.00am – 12 noon at Thornaby Westbury Street Library The roadshows will give visitors the chance to play interactive
and educational games to help increase knowledge about the disease. Volunteers from Macmillan Cancer Support will be on hand to answer questions and information leaflets will also be available. Pete Moody, Macmillan Cancer Information and Volunteer Facilitator said: “Talking about cancer isn’t an easy subject but it’s really important that we all know the early signs and symptoms. “The interactive games and information at the roadshows will hopefully help people talk more openly about the disease. If we all know a little bit more about what symptoms to look for and where to get help, this can hopefully go some way to earlier diagnosis and treatment and reduce the high levels of cancer in our area.” If you can’t make these roadshow dates, details of when and where else they are visiting and more information are at www.tees.nhs.uk/cancer
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Health and Wellbeing
Stockton
news
Arts, Culture and Leisure
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What a Weekender The beautiful game Two local football clubs are offering young and not-so-young the opportunity to enjoy the benefits and facilities they have to offer. In 33 years Stockton
Town FC has grown out of Hartburn Juniors into to what it is today – a fantastic community sports club. Despite occasional downturns, the club now offers state-of-the-art facilities to boys and girls, very young, young and older players alike, gaining accolades such as Sports Club of the Year along
Do you recognise anyone here? Hartburn Juniors’ 1981/82 squad in Teesside Junior Football Alliance. Home Games were played on Hartburn Primary School field.
The Pogues
Tickets are selling fast for what promises to be a fantastic weekend of music and entertainment from Friday August 3 to Sunday August 5 for the Stockton Weekender. Headlining the Saturday night is celtic band The Pogues, famed for their raucous live shows which sell out the world over. They formed in 1982 and reached international prominence with hits such as Irish Rover, Rainy Night in Soho, Tuesday Morning and, number one hit Fairytale of New York (with the late Kirsty MacColl) but disbanded for five years in 1996. Reforming for a Christmas tour, they have been selling out arenas and festivals ever since. Tees Music Alliance Director, Paul Burns, said: “Bringing a band like The Pogues into Stockton is a massive boost for Stockton Weekender – it shows the festival is on the radar of some of the country’s top booking agents and the artists they represent.’’ Headlining on Sunday is Sit Down hit-makers James
with a very special acoustic set from Simon and Oscar of Ocean Colour Scene. On Sunday is Sunderland group Hyde & Beast, featuring Futureheads drummer Dave Hyde on lead vocals, whose impressive following follows a string of successful shows across the UK New York singersongwriter Willy Mason also makes a welcome return. They all join American indie rockers We Are Scientists and Brighton six-piece The Go! Team with more bands to follow. Tickets are priced at £20 per day, £30 for the weekend and £50 with camping. Prices will be higher on the day. 2012 sees the return of a Second Stage to the festival site, hosting a mix of local talent and high profile acts, as well as the Tees Active Cabaret Tent with its combination of comedy, music and family entertainment. Each adult ticket entitles the holder to two free Under 14s tickets and are available online from www. stocktonweekender.co.uk or call (01642) 606612.
the way. Facilities are amongst the best of any local community sports club, boasting five 11-a-side pitches and four mini soccer pitches. A refurbished Sports Bar offers refreshments and live TV sports as well as a drama/ dance studio. Available for private hire, it’s popular for birthday parties and other functions. The club is always keen to hear from anyone interested in managing, coaching, volunteering or simply spectating. For details, call (01642) 604915 or visit www.stocktontownfc.com
A few short years have seen Thornaby Football Club move from relegation and downhearted to being a lively, ambitious club thanks to the help, dedication and commitment of its hardworking committee and local community.
Vandalism, flytipping and thefts had ruined the Teesdale Park ground and secretary Peter Morris’s sudden death in 2010 was devastating. With up the only way, the Friends of Teesdale Park residents’ group, Eastern Area Partnership and Stockton and Thornaby councils, a brilliant boost came with a £50,000 Big Lottery Community Spaces grant to regenerate the football ground and create a wildlife and nature trail and picnic and play areas. An award from the FA’s
Improvement Fund of £7,150 helped create a concrete path around the pitch, now protected by fencing, CCTV and regular patrols from Stockton Council’s enforcement team. The refurbished stand includes seats donated by Darlington FC and Scarborough FC, while the Probation Service and paid apprentices from The Five Lamp’s Urban Blitz scheme provided labour to help clear the site. The ground, recently now graded as ‘G’, can now enter FA competitions. Installation of the new seats will increase it to an ‘F’ To become involved with the club visit www. thornabyfc.co.uk
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Arts, Culture and Leisure
A theatrical experience The fantastic Forum Theatre, Billingham, is bringing a huge range of different experiences for people to enjoy. On June 1 is the Hendrix and Stone experience – one great show with two great bands – personifies Hendrix’s perfect guitar work and brings all the energy and excitement of a Rolling Stones concert.
Club which is set to enthral audiences. For details of these and other shows visit www. billinghamforumtheatre. co.uk or call the Box Office on (01642) 552663.
The little ones won’t want to miss Bob the Builder on June 2, as local talent Dickie Oliver needs Bob’s help to fix up the stage for his brand new musical. Also in June is the play The Cemetery
From Billingham to London Our own Forum manager, Roy Broadbent (pictured) will be taking his management skills from Billingham to London after the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) selected him to be Group Field of Play Manager for the Taekwondo event. Roy’s years of experience in Taekwondo helped him land the role after similar previous positions at both the Taekwondo British Nationals and the British International Open Taekwondo Championships. In 2007 he delivered the world selections at the M.E.N. arena in Manchester for the Olympic Games in Beijing.
to appropriate areas. He will also manage all the team leaders and volunteers, liaising with the world media, technical officials and assisting anti-doping. He said: “I’ve always had a genuine passion and drive for sports, dedicating my life to sports delivery both as leisure and events professional and as a volunteer. It’s great that someone from the North East will have such an important role in the event delivery for Taekwondo. To be involved in helping to deliver the first Olympics on British soil since 1948 will be the pinnacle of both my Taekwondo and sports career.”
Roy will help plan and stage the Field of Play for Taekwondo at the Games, based in London for their full duration.
Be part of history As the countdown continues to London 2012 Olympic Games – people across Stockton Borough have the chance to be part of the greatest sporting event of all time to mark the start of the Games on 27 July. Everyone is being encouraged to be a part of history and come along and cheer the Olympic Torch on its way as it heads its way south as part of the international Relay through Stockton and Billingham on Sunday 17 June. Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: “Today we bring the Olympic
Torch Relay to life. The Flame symbolises the Olympic spirit and its journey around the UK will bring the excitement of the Games to our streets. Now the people know the route the Olympic Flame will be carried along and the Torchbearers for their community, they can start planning how they might celebrate and make it Stockton’s moment to shine.” The Olympic flame will travel through the Borough and you can find out when it will be travelling - along your nearest street, through your town or past your local shop by visiting www.stockton. gov.uk/olympics
He will be responsible for the Field of Play, call room and warm-up areas, delivering and directing athletes and support staff such as coaches and team doctors
New funding for Community Games As the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the biggest sporting event to take place in this country, Tees Valley Sport is keen to ensure local communities can come together to join in sporting and cultural celebrations inspired by the event.
£300 of funding from Tees Valley Sport and Community Games to help organise their event during the spring and summer. Tees Valley Sport Chair Mike Crawshaw says: “Groups might decide to organise a Community Games event to celebrate the London 2012 torch relay visiting their community in June or to have a sporting theme to an event that they are already planning.”
Community, voluntary and residents groups as well as schools, colleges and parish councils can apply for up to
To find out more, call Catherine Woods on (01642)342287 or download an application form from www.teesvalleysport.co.uk
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Spring/Summer 2012
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A sneak preview… As the redevelopment at Preston Hall Museum nears completion this summer, Stockton Council has released themes of the exciting new multi million pound exhibition currently being installed behind the façade of the Grade II listed building. The themes will include something for everyone, ranging from how the Hall and Park came to be, to previously unseen treasures from our collections and major impacts on the history of the Borough. New additions to the Victorian Street include a tea room, grocers and funeral service, whilst the redeveloped Kitchen Garden will explore life as a Victorian gardener. The work forms part of a £7million redevelopment of Preston Park, Museum and grounds which has also improved park facilities to include an adventure play area and a new river jetty. For those who simply can’t wait, staff will offer a series of Sneak Peek tours during June and July as a chance to preview the exciting new visitor offer created over the past two years. The tours are available via pre-booking only – for details call (01642) 527335 or visit www.stockton.gov.uk/prestonhall
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Arts, Culture and Leisure
Spring/Summer 2012
www.stockton.gov.uk
Whitewater Course Opening 18th July 2012
GET YOUR FREE TICKETS NOW!
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Run rat – run!
We are also delighted to welcome the multi- award winning northern Cobweb Orchestra who will be entertaining the crowds with their contemporary sounds.
In the Diamond Jubilee year of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II the Whitewater Course at the Tees Barrage will celebrate its official opening following a multi-million programme of improvement works. Here at Stockton, we are honoured to have a special guest join us to mark the occasion on Wednesday 18 July and to declare this truly world class venue ‘open’. Don’t delay and make sure you get your free tickets – they are on a limited basis so first come first served.
We have a spectacular day planned which will be without doubt an unforgettable experience. There are a whole range of water based activities and demonstrations including exciting rafting displays, formations and stunts and various swimming demonstrations. There will also be thrilling water rescue demonstration from Rescue 3 UK and the local Fire Water Rescue crew, with a ‘swim down’ as well as group rescue scenarios. Specialist commentary will be provided and large screens TV will ensure you don’t miss any of the action.
Paul Dobson, Corporate Director for Development and Neighbourhood Services said “This will be a really fantastic day for the people of Stockton. The White Water Course is one of only a handful of such facilities in the world; and unlike any other course, it generates green electricity! We want to mark the official opening with an event which we hope will go down in Stockton’s history as one everyone will remember. The River Tees flows through the heart of the Borough and we welcome everyone to come along and join in the celebration of this truly unique venue.” GET YOUR FREE TICKETS AT www.stockton.gov.uk/events or call Arc Box Office on (01642) 525199. Information is also available from the Tourist Information Centre on (01642) 528130.
Rats test out the route
If you fancy a true urban adventure – running up hills, through swamps, navigating obstacles, kayaking on the River Tees and the Tees Barrage International White Water Course, walking the plank and much more then come and sign up for Stockton’s third River Rat Race which takes place on Sunday 26 August. The 10k race starts and finishes on Stockton’s Riverside and already around 500 people have signed up! Teams can enter with a £10 discount off the £39 entry fee for each member of a team of ten, or £5 off for teams of five. Team prizes will also be on offer.Tees Valley residents can get a £5 discount by quoting “stock5” when entering online at www. ratraceadventure.com/ riverratrace. The discounts are on a first come first served basis. The entry fee also includes a high performance technical tee shirt, electronic chip timing, finisher’s medal and entertainments and refreshments on the day. Entrants are also entitled to 15 per cent off RRP on all Rat Race Adventure Sports events, kit and training via www. ratraceadventure.com Teesside Hospice and Cash for Kids are nominated charities and organisers are seeking others.
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Arts, Culture and Leisure
Fancy a bike ride? 1,000 members can’t be wrong!
Cycling Festival offers something for everyone
Stockton’s Active Travel Hub is challenging more people to cycle and walk this summer, using healthy and sustainable forms of travel to help reduce the amount of traffic on roads and make streets safer places for kids to play. The Hub, in Bridge Road, Stockton, now has more than 1,000 members who can enjoy free services such as indoor secure cycle parking, adult on-road cycle training, guided bike rides and information on walking and cycling and more. The Hub also sells recycled bikes, so why not pop in and see what’s in stock? Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/thehub
Cycle maintenance training The Hub is now an accredited training facility for Velotech industry standard cycle maintenance courses. Assessments and training to national standards and accreditation is supported by the Bicycle Association of Great Britain, the manufacturer, distributor and importer’s association. Course prices range from £120 to £600 depending on the level of accreditation, from Bronze to Gold. There are also free half-day courses in basic cycle maintenance. For details call (01642) 803441 or visit www.stockton.gov.uk/thehub
Forthcoming guided rides Myton Meander, Sunday 27 May: 10:00am-12:00pm, Myton House Farm Pub, Ingleby Barwick, 6.2 miles. Evening Challenge Rides: Mixed and women only rides for confident cyclists – great training for the Stockton Cycling Festival sportive on Saturday 7th July. Wednesdays 6 & 20 June 6:30pm-8:30pm, The Hub, 20 miles each. Hub, Hemlington & Hilton Sunday 17 June: 10:30am – 2:00pm, The Hub, 17 Bridge Road, Stockton, 19 miles. Hartlepool Marina Sunday 24 June: 11:00am – 1pm, Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park 14.5 miles. Visit www. stockton.gov.uk/cyclerides
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced cyclist, or just want to spectate as a top-class cycle race powers by, the Stockton Cycling Festival should have something for you. Stockton town centre will be alive with bikes from 6-8 July when the North East’s biggest cycling festival wheels into town. This is no ordinary cycling event, as it combines adrenaline-fuelled elite races at breakneck speeds on a tight town centre circuit with events the whole family can join in. It’s free for spectators with charges only for race entrants. To present this event, Stockton Council has joined forces with British Cycling, Sky Ride, Velo 29, Sustrans and Skinnergate Cycles. Friday: top class racing Watch some of the country’s fastest cyclists power their way round town centre streets in a National crit Series road race. Starting the whole excitement-filled weekend will be a televised evening elite race around the High Street area, a thrilling demonstration of power and skill.
Saturday: cycle with us Your chance to get on your own bike and enjoy a ride at your own pace on routes from 35 up to 95 miles. Why not make it your Personal Podium challenge (see page 18). Titled the Velo 29 Endeavour Sportive, the longest route tackles the infamous 1 in 3 Rosedale Chimney but shorter rides are much easier. The first 100 entries to this ride can take part for £15 (normally £25). Sunday: family fun day Stockton Riverside will close to traffic for a great day out with a great festival atmosphere – exciting cycle races, games to join in and two-wheeled fun for cyclists of all ages. The famous Sky Ride is open to everyone who wants to enjoy a safe cycle around Stockton, supported by a host of family-friendly activities. Watch top riders race over laps of a tight circuit in a round of the Premier Calendar Series as they battle for honours around the Riverside, with support Races in various age groups beforehand. For times and locations, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ cyclingfestival
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Spring/Summer 2012
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Arts, Culture and Leisure
A sell out success! A record breaking 1,100 music fans kicked off the all day music marathon of Stockton Calling on Saturday 7th April – with a complete sell out. More than 40 acts from far and wide – featuring a healthy contingent of local talent – wowed the capacity crowds at each of the five Stockton town centre venues taking part; The Georgian Theatre, ARC, The Vault, KU and The Sun Inn.
SIRF highlights Periplum – SIRF’s finale (picture courtesy of Ray Gibson)
Prometheus Awakes will open SIRF
As Stockton News went to print, more UK and international companies and artists were being announced for the 25th anniversary of Stockton’s International Riverside Festival (SIRF) which takes place 1 – 5 August. A stellar cast of artists will transform the town with startling and beautiful images drawn from ancient myth, folk tales and the machines of the modern world. A taste of things to come include will include dozens of performers soaring above the town’s historic High Street, while on the ground, gigantic children rub shoulders with the creatures of the forest. The River Tees will become a highway of
Amongst those playing were Stockton’s very own Young Rebel Set and Cattle & Cane – stepping in at short notice to headline the Sun Inn stage following the bad news that the original headliner had become stranded in Belgium following a road accident.
The well behaved crowds enjoyed performances from The Pigeon Detectives, King Charles, Young Hegelians and B>E>A>K. The organising team now begin planning for the 2013 event, which may expand, given its sell out this year.
King Charles Courtesy of Dave Hudspeth
48 years of Beautiful BIFF
dreams where marooned sleepers are passed by an array of unlikely water craft. Opening the Festival is ‘Prometheus Awakes’, co-commissioned by SIRF and Greenwich and Docklands Festival and a joint production by Graeae Theatre, the UK’s leading disabled and deaf company, and Spanish company La Fura dels Baus, which produced the opening ceremony at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. The breathtaking after-dark performance tells the story of Prometheus, who bestowed fire on humanity and incurred the wrath of Zeus. Always unforgettable, the SIRF finale comes courtesy of British company Periplum and a cast of leading Mexican actors. For all the latest information visit www.sirf. co.uk
Dancer from Guadaloupe
Nine days of entertainment are on their way as the 48th Billingham International Folklore Festival (BIFF) brings dance groups will from across the world to town from Friday 10 to Saturday 18 August. For full details of who is coming, where they’ll be appearing and how to get tickets for shows at venues in Billingham, Stockton and Middlesbrough, visit www. billinghamfestival.co.uk
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A DAY IN THE
LIFE PAUL BURNS
Paul Burns, 49, (pictured) would describe himself as a ‘born and bred’ Teessider – being born in Middlesbrough and brought up here in Stockton. Paul is Director of Tees Music Alliance (TMA) a not-for-profit music collective working with local musicians and audiences – in addition to providing volunteering opportunities for people who want to gain practical experience in the creative sector. TMA are the people behind the Stockton Weekender festival and key partners in the Stockton Calling festival – as well as many other music events taking place in and around TMA’s ‘home’ in Stockton Cultural Quarter – just off the High Street in the Green Dragon Yard area of town. Paul leads a team of around 30 staff and volunteers who work hard to promote activity and provide services at TMA’s premises – a 200 capacity venue; The Georgian Theatre - and a recording and rehearsal facility; Green Dragon Studios. The studios offer a choice of four different sized rehearsal rooms allowing bands to play as long, and as loud, as they want. Professional multitrack recording – linked directly to The Georgian Theatre – allow larger sessions or live performances to be captured and produced. There’s a distinct ‘green’ theme going on too. Being located in Green Dragon Studios there’s the new addition of ‘The Green Room’ - an intimate occasional venue – decorated in a green theme (what else?) holding around 60 people for acoustic, spoken word or other laid back events.
TMA’s main venue – The Georgian Theatre – came into being in 1766 and has had many lives - from a Salvation Army base to a community centre. Some older readers may remember ‘Nebo Creams’ which were actually produced right here in Stockton when the theatre was a sweet factory – with sugar for the sweets being stored in what is now the recording studios.
“I feel privileged to be part of an organisation that can help local bands to develop their own music” Paul was part of a fledgling group of musicians that acquired the venue in 1993; it was refurbished in 2007 to offer a venue which is both atmospheric and intimate. New life is continually being breathed into the theatre which has permeated into the local community as a venue bringing live music of all persuasions – including visits over recent years by bands such as The Arctic Monkeys, The Maccabees, King Charles, The Futureheads and Frankie & The Heartstrings.
On any given day, Paul’s time can be spent either trying to negotiate with an artist’s agent; planning an event or trying to arrange a plumber to fix a leaking sink - proving it’s not all rock and roll… Music events are a great form of entertainment – bringing enjoyment and pleasure to people of all ages and backgrounds; importantly, they contribute to the economy, creating jobs and developing people’s skills – and Paul is takes pride in the part TMA is playing in all of this on a local level. Paul says: ‘I feel privileged to be part of an organisation that can help local bands to develop their own music and profiles on one hand - and bring artists with worldwide acclaim to the area on the other.’’ In his spare time which (in this age of smart-phones and laptops) seems to be a rare thing - Paul likes to spend time with his wife and two children getting out and about as much as time permits; in between staying at home tackling an endless list of odd-jobs. If you would like to find out more about TMA visit www.teesmusicalliance.org
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Arts, Culture and Leisure
Be there or be square! That’s what they’d say in the 70s, so it’s just right for Preston Park’s transformation into a huge, open air disco as it hosts ‘Reminisce 70s on the evening of Saturday July 14. Time to get out your loons and leggings for a 70s night to remember as local company Events4Fun brings this brand new event here for the first time.
Confirmed so far are Europe’s top Queen tribute band Killer Queen, featuring Patrick Myers, and the amazing Planet ABA – one of the best stage shows around, supported by the fabulous Village Boyz. Other local bands will kick off the evening to create a great night out.
Preston Park is just great for a picnic, so bring along your tables, chairs, rugs and hampers and soak up the atmosphere with some unforgettable music. Maskerade Costumes,
Stockton, are also supporting the event so if you’ve binned your platforms and flares they’ll be pleased to hire you some. The event is also supporting A WAY OUT, a Stocktonbased charity dedicated to bringing hope and freedom to at-risk women and young people. So put the date in your diary, sort your tickets, dust off your flares and dancing shoes and be a
part of the summer event everyone’s talking about. Be there or be square! Full ticket price is £27 and there are some fantastic deals to be had – for details visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ reminisce or call ARC Box Office tel: (01642) 525199, Maskerade Costumes tel: (01642) 670077 or Middlesbrough Town Hall Box Office tel: (01642) 729729.
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Tell us what you think We have an excellent Library Service, attracting more than 1million users last year. Over the last two years we’ve seen major changes in some of these libraries with the multi-million pound developments at Stockton Central and Thornaby. This investment has created attractive, well equipped facilities combining library and Customer Services facilities. Since reopening, the number of people using these combined facilities has increased by 200 per cent. It’s now time to look at the next stage of the library developments, including the exciting investment in a major Town Centre library in Billingham, so we want to hear what you think. We will soon be carrying out a consultation about the next stage of our plans and are keen to hear your views. If you would like to take part please visit stockton.gov.uk/librariesconsultation or visit your nearest library.
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Help with sight difficulties Stockton Central Library has a new piece of equipment to help people with sight difficulties to read books. The Orabis text-to-speech magnifier allows users to view text in a larger font as well as having the text read aloud. With a choice of colour for text and background and a range of text sizes and voices to listen to, this equipment will help people with sight difficulties to read books, newspapers, magazines, typed letters or other types of text at the touch of a button. Library staff and our volunteer Reading Buddies are on hand to help – to find out more call the library on (01642) 526521.
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Children and Young People
Places of learning Durham University The University will be engaging in a consultation with local professional and patient groups to develop a programme towards specific needs of the region. To become involved in the consultation, email the Director of Education (Pharmacy) a.k.husband@durham.ac.uk The University’s Foundation Centre attracts students without formal educational qualifications, and prepares them for degree level study. Around 80 per cent of these successful students progress to full Durham University degree courses. The Postgraduate programmes at Queen’s include several areas that directly draw on path-breaking research in Medicine, Anthropology and Health and Well-Being, including Evolutionary Medicine, Health Research Methods, Public Policy & Health and Medical Education and areas linking Health & Philosophy, Health & Chemistry, Health & Biological Sciences, Health & Applied Social Sciences and Clinical Health Sciences.
Research is at the core of Durham University – shaping the structure of its departments - many of which are world leaders in their fields and leads the content and development of teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In partnership with policy-makers and leaders in industry, healthcare and education, Durham’s cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural research shapes local, national and international agendas. Its Queen’s Campus, Stockton, is purpose-built to deliver a range of study programmes for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Undergraduate programmes include a number of Anthropology courses (including the anthropology of health and wellbeing); Business including Accounting, Business Finance, Business Management and Marketing; Primary Education; Psychology (Applied); and Phase 1 Medicine - which is the first two years of the joint MBBS Medicine degree with Newcastle University. In 2011, Durham University Business School entered an innovative partnership with KPMG and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales to offer a six year programme, leading to both a degree and professional chartered accountancy qualification. In September 2013 plans are in place to launch a new Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) course based at Queen’s Campus.
Postgraduate programmes are also offered in Strategic Marketing and Marketing Management and enhanced by the strong local connections particularly with local schools, Government and the NHS. All students at Queen’s Campus are members of one of two colleges, John Snow and Stephenson. Durham Colleges also offer endless opportunities to engage in a wide range of activities; charity work, stage a play, sing in a choir, or captain a college sports team. Also at Queen’s Campus, the University’s Wolfson Research Institute is researching health and wellbeing both in the North East and internationally. With a focus on health, social and economic challenges, its world-leading international research is helping lead teaching programmes.
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– our universities Teesside University Teesside University, based in Middlesbrough, was named University of the Year in 2009, the first modern university to win the prestigious Times Higher Education Award. The University celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2010, marking eight decades since the opening of its founding institution as Constantine College. The University has now expanded its higher education opportunities in Darlington and the surrounding areas of the Tees Valley with a brand new campus.
also has two computer laboratories, with a bank of laptop computers available for all students to use in the building which has wi-fi facilities throughout. A distinctive feature of the building is a striking ‘shark’s fin’ constructed using a steel frame, with glazing and brickwork providing a strong visual element complementing the building’s modern facilities inside, which include a learning lounge, roof terrace, IT labs, teaching spaces, library, conference facilities and cafe. Teesside University is the lead sponsor of Thornaby Academy and its objectives include raising aspirations, widening participation and supporting local communities. The University’s work with academies and trusts has provided opportunities to deepen existing partnership with colleges in Stockton as well as secondary schools and their feeder primary schools. Teesside University Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Graham Henderson, CBE DL, said: “The University has a long and distinguished history of widening access to higher education across the Tees Valley and the Darlington campus continues this tradition.”
The five-storey teaching facility, officially opened in April by His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, offers a complete higher education study experience close to Stockton. Working with long-term partner Darlington College, the new £13 million campus offers part-time programmes ranging from University certificates to Postgraduate degrees in business management, education, fraud management and health related courses. Part-time study is ideal for those wanting to combine learning with working or with limited time to devote to study. The campus is also popular with employers working in partnership, with Teesside acknowledged as a leading university in employer engagement. A recent partnership saw fire fighters graduate from the country’s first fire scene investigation foundation degree following an intensive twoyear programme of study at the Darlington campus. Its location and facilities close to Darlington train station and Durham Tees Valley Airport make it an ideal location for conferences, events and business meetings. The campus
Nigel Evans, Director of Teesside University Darlington added: “Our aim here in Darlington is to help develop the local workforce, stimulate the economy, and provide flexible higher education opportunities for students and employers. We have played host to a number of high profile conferences and events, including a visit from Charles Allen CBE, Chair of LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic Paralympic Games) Nations and Regions and business showcases – all of which help to put both the University and the region on the national map.” There is an opportunity to learn more about the range of courses and have a look around the facilities during an open day at the Darlington campus on Wednesday July 11. For more information about the range of part-time study opportunities at Darlington visit www.tees.ac.uk/ darlington
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Children and Young People
Making a splash More than 160 of the Borough’s best young swimmers took part in a swimming festival recently as Year 5 and 6 children from 29 schools across the Borough had a great time at Billingham Forum in an event organised by Tees Active and Stockton School Sports Partnership.
open butterfly to relays. Following a week of qualifying rounds the six fastest children from each went through to the final, with the winners going on to represent Stockton in the Tees Valley Swimming Championships in July.
Each school represented an Olympic country participating in categories from freestyle and
To find out more on swimming including lessons visit www.teesactive.co.uk
Carol Grainger, Tees Active’s Swimming Development Manager, said: “The swimming festivals and championships are such great events, it’s great to see so much talent.”
Easy, Tigers! Four young local paddlers, all members of Tees Tigers and Tees Active Sports Academy, showed the area’s strength in kayaking as all were selected for a training camp with the England under-14 white water kayaking squad at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham. Zach Allin, Beth Kelly, Kris Wilkinson and Connor Turner attended the three-day camp, taking part in land training and sessions on planning and nutrition as Canoe England coaches put the squad through its paces.
The Tees Barrage International White Water Centre has helped the paddlers train consistently this winter. They are working hard to improve their rankings as they compete across the UK with the help of their coach Darren Cresser. To find out more on Tees Active Sports Academy call Allan McDermott on (01642) 528772 and for kayaking call Tees Barrage International White Water Centre on (01642) 678000. Zach Allin, Beth Kelly, Kris Wilkinson and Connor Turner show their skills
Primary school winners: Y5 Girls Backstroke, Rachel Bradley (Levendale), Y5 Boys Backstroke, Aidan Brown (Tilery), Y6 Girls Backstroke, Nicole Walker (Roseberry), Y6 Boys Backstroke, Jason Wilson (St. Joseph’s Norton), Y5 Breaststroke, Laura McCluskey (Crooksbarn), Y5 Boys Breaststroke, Archie Johnson (Hartburn), Y6 Girls Breaststroke, Hannah Walker (Hartburn), Y6 Boys Breaststroke, Rory Thorpe – (Ingleby Mill), Y5 girls Freestyle, Catherine Arrol (Yarm), Y5 Boys Freestyle, Sydney Belton (Yarm), Y6 Girls Freestyle, Emily Wade (Christ the King), Y6 Boys Freestyle, Joshua Best (Layfield), Y5 Girls Medley Relay (Yarm), Y5 Boys Medley Relay (St. Therese of Lisieux), Y6 Girls Medley Relay (Ingleby Mill), Y6 Boys Medley Relay (Ingleby Mill), Y5 Girls Freestyle Relay (Crooksbarn), Y5 Boys Freestyle Relay (Yarm), Y6 Girls Freestyle Relay (Levendale), Y6 Boys Freestyle Relay (Ingleby Mill), Open Girls Butterfly, Leah Robinson (St Therese of Lisieux), Open Boys Butterfly, Max Micklewhite (Yarm).
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Sharing a passion Jan and Lisa are sharing a special mother-daughter relationship as Lisa follows in her mum’s footsteps in becoming a foster carer. Jan and Brian adopted Lisa and her sister 26 years ago. They are also foster carers and now Lisa has applied to become a foster carer for Stockton Council. The couple first heard about fostering when they were looking into becoming adoptive parents and decided they might also like to foster children. They ended up doing both. One of their foster placements was Lisa and her sister and it soon became apparent the girls needed an adoptive family and Jan and Brian felt they could be the right one for the girls. Jan said: “As soon as the girls arrived we welcomed them as part of the family and loved the experience.” Adopting the girls, they continued as foster carers and became experienced in preparing children to move on to adoptive families. Lisa really enjoyed having other children in the house and said: “I used to get really excited when I knew Mum was getting a new baby. I would race home
from school to see the baby and help my Mum out.” To date, Jan and Brian have fostered more than 20 children, many of them while Lisa was still living at home with them. Lisa said: “I knew from an early age I wanted to foster like my Mum and Dad, as I always wanted to work with children and I had a good understanding of what fostering involved.” Now married with three daughters, the youngest aged two, Lisa feels now is a right time to begin fostering. She said: “It’s comforting to know my Mum is on hand for support as she has so much experience. I hope I can support her as well.” Jan is keen to encourage more people to consider fostering: “I wish I’d started fostering earlier as I have loved every minute of it. It’s so rewarding to see the difference from when the children first come to live with us to when they move into their adoptive placement.” During Foster Care Fortnight, Stockton Council held information stands for people to find out more about fostering and organised an event for forster families.
If you would like more information about fostering and adoption contact Stockton Council’s Child Placement team on (01642) 526218 or visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ fostering or www.stockton.gov.uk/ adoption or call (01642) 526218.
Clean finish for wrestlers More than 200 wrestlers from across the UK and as far afield as Russia were a stern test but the young members of Stockton Wrestling Club returned from the Midlands Open Wrestling Championship in Nottingham with a great haul.
in Nottingham and nine medals are proof of our strength in depth. All our wrestlers are back in training and looking forward to the English Junior Championships.”
Based at Billingham Forum, club training is on Tuesday and Sunday evenings – anyone is welcome to give it a go, call (01642) 551381or visit www.teesactive. co.uk
Nine medals saw the youngsters, some who have been wrestling for just six months, show their mettle. Owain Sudron and Zanda Johnson won gold, Marcus Sudron, Sam Crow, Ben Godfrey, Kieron Sudron and Micah Naisbet took silver and Jack Gustard and Bradley Robson came home with bronze. Delighted coach Mick Sudron said: “All our wrestlers performed really well
Left to right Ben Godfrey, Kieran Sudron, Jack Gustard, Owain Sudron, Max Ashton, Zanda Johnson, Micah Naisbet and Bradley Johnson
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Your Council
Spring/Summer 2012
www.stockton.gov.uk
Meet your new Mayor Lynne loves carrying out her ward duties and this year she’s looking forward to a full diary with her civic duties as Mayor of Stockton too.
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From housing benefit to bus passes
In her spare time Lynne and her husband Maurice are kept busy with their seven grandchildren and they also like to travel in their motor home with Sally, their border collie. As an animal lover, and dog owner, one of Lynne’s chosen charities this year is The Dogs Trust, who work closely with Stockton Councils Animal Welfare Team. The other two main charities are SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Families Association), who work with servicemen and their families, and ‘A Way Out’, which is a local charity in Stockton, working with vulnerable women and young people to help improve their lives. Lynne will also be supporting smaller local charities throughout the year too.
The new Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees is Councillor Lynne Apedaile. Lynne has recently moved to Billingham after living in Wolviston Village for 18 years where she originally became involved in the local community to try and make a difference to the lives of residents. As a Ward Councillor, for Billingham North,
Lynne is passionate about her chosen charities and it’s not only her intention to raise money for them throughout the year, she also hopes to raise awareness of the issues that they are tackling by working with the relevant departments in Stockton Council. She said: “All of my chosen charities hold a special place in my heart and I’m very keen that I help the various services in the Council to work closely with them.”
That’s what the new Customer Services Centre and Cash Office, based in Stockton Central Library, can help you with. See the shopping list of services below where you will receive all the help you need, all under one roof. - - - - - - -
Do you want to pay your Council Tax? Do you want to apply for Housing Benefit? Have you lost your bus pass? Do you need to renew your Blue Badge for disabled parking? Do you need recycling containers? Do you want to view a planning application? Do you want to buy green waste and recycling bags?
You can speak to our helpful Customer Services staff or use the latest self-service technology.
The Mayor at one of her many civic duties at the launch of Bishopgarth School’s Garden Project
Since opening last November, Customer Service staff have helped around 45,000 customers and the cash office has carried out more than 57,000 transactions. To find out more visit www.stockton. gov.uk/customerservices
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Your Council
Conference suite named after former Council Leader The conference facility in Stockton’s new state-ofthe-art Central Library has been renamed the Jim Cooke Conference Suite in memory of a former Council Leader. Stockton Council’s Head of Democratic Services, Margaret Waggott, paid tribute to him: “Jim Cooke was passionate about Stockton Borough and was committed to working tirelessly for the people who lived here. “What better way to remember him than to rename a facility much used by the Council and community in his honour?”
Jim Cooke was born in Stockton-on-Tees in 1926 and was elected to Stocktonon-Tees Borough Council in 1957. He was Leader of the Council between 1983 and 1990 and Mayor of Stockton in 1979. In 1991 Jim was given Freedom of the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees and in 2006 he became an Honorary Alderman. Stockton Central Library reopened last November after a £1.9 million refurbishment transforming it into a first class community facility. To find out more about the facilities at Stockton Central Library visit www.stockton. gov.uk/stocktonlibrary
Council acts on boundary changes Stockton Council has written to the Boundary Commission to seek a number of amendments to the Commission’s initial proposals to change parliamentary constituencies. The changes follow proposals to reduce the number of MPs from 650 to 600 but keeping the same number of voters. Councillors feel this could cause significant local problems, creating illogical parliamentary boundaries with constituencies sometimes separated by just the width of a particular street. They also believe the proposals could impact on community boundaries by diminishing community identities, making it more confusing for electors and creating a costly logistical minefield, confusing voters at election time if their neighbours could be voting for different MPs. Billingham residents and Councillors have expressed concerns about plans to split wards and communities and the Council has urged the Commission not to include the Billingham North Ward in the proposed Hartlepool constituency
and instead keep it with other Billingham wards. The Commission proposes naming another constituency Stockton and Billingham, even though the Billingham North Ward would not be a part of it. If the Commission doesn’t change its plans, Stockton Council has suggested renaming it North Stockton and also including the Parkfield and Oxbridge Ward in it given this ward’s close association with Stockton town centre. The Council has also suggested renaming the Middlesbrough Constituency to Middlesbrough and Thornaby to better reflect its geographical area. As the majority of voters in the proposed Sedgefield and Yarm constituency will be Stockton Borough residents, Stockton Council feels it should administer elections in what should be renamed the South West Stockton and Sedgefield constituency. The Commission will consider all the comments it receives before deciding whether any of its initial proposals should be changed. If the initial proposals are revised, there will then be a final eight-week period for views to be expressed on the revised proposals. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ boundary
Council crews: There will be no changes to refuse and The late Jim Cooke’s family
recycling collections over the Queen’s Jubilee Bank Holiday on 4 and 5 June. Council refuse collection crews will be working as normal. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/weekendrecycling
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Spring/Summer 2012
Come and follow us You can stay up-to-date with the latest news, events and information by following Stockton Council on social media sites Facebook and Twitter.
know. If we find out about national funding for community groups, we’ll point you in the right direction. If there’s a problem on the region’s roads or public transport, we’ll do our best to pass the details on.
You don’t need your own Twitter or Facebook account, just view our feeds as you would any other webpage at www.twitter.com/ stocktoncouncil or www.facebook.com/ stocktoncouncil.
The Council’s Digital Media team regularly monitor Twitter and Facebook for your comments, questions and opinions, passing them on to services across the Council. As more people engage with social media this becomes a vital way of getting in touch and having your say.
However, if you do have your own Twitter or Facebook account, you can “follow us” (Twitter) or “like us” (Facebook) and never miss a thing. While our website contains detailed information on a wide range of topics, our social media feeds point people towards what’s important now and where you can find out more, as it’s happening. By posting short snippets of information regularly across the day we can highlight important deadlines, changes to Council services, remind you to register to vote and make sure you don’t miss any of our packed events programme. In winter we’ll let you know when our gritters go out or any school closures. Our Twitter and Facebook pages don’t just feature Council information – they also cover news from organisations across the Borough and the country which we think residents will find useful. So when the tax deadline looms, we’ll let you
The Council also runs channels on YouTube and Flickr, sharing the latest photos and videos from our events – find us at www.youtube.com/ stocktoncouncil and www.flickr.com/ stocktoncouncil You can share their own photos in our Flickr group for Stockton-on-Tees at www.flickr.com/groups/ stocktonontees. We’re also starting to run accounts to support specific events and campaigns. This summer’s Stockton International Riverside Festival is supported by a Twitter (www.twitter.com/ sirf2012) and Facebook (www.facebook. com/stocktonfestival) presence, while our Personal Podium streams (www.twitter. com/personalpodium and www.facebook. com/personalpodium) round up a range of sporting and cultural activities in Olympic year. To find out about how and why we use social media at www.stockton.gov.uk/socialmedia
From your point of view More than 1,000 residents aged 1880 plus regularly give us their views on local services and activities as part of Stockton Council’s Viewpoint Panel. By completing questionnaires up to four times a year and attending occasional discussion groups, the panel helps shape key Council decisions. For example, the
last questionnaire gave panel members the chance to share their thoughts with us about health and wellbeing in the Borough. Results will be used to help shape our strategies for these services over this year. We always welcome more participants, so if you’d like to take part in Viewpoint please visit www.stockton.gov.uk/viewpoint or call Johanne Parker on (01642) 528866.
White water power: Stockton Council recently hosted delegates from councils across the country at a conference on renewable energy on how to reduce their carbon footprint. Organised by APSE, the Association for Public Service Excellence, the event took place at the Tees Barrage International White Water Course, itself highly energy-efficient.
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Sharing and saving A money-saving arrangement to share ‘back office’ services between Stockton and Darlington Councils has earned a Commendation in the annual MJ Local Government Achievement Awards in the Transformation Through IT category. Set up in 2008, the business case for the partnership, called Xentrall Shared Services, identified joint savings of £7.4 million over ten years, as well as service improvements. Through investment in technology and staff, 85 per cent of all ICT related calls are now fixed within 15 minutes of first contact and the original savings target has been exceeded year on year.
Obituary
Maurice Frankland, who was elected as a ward councillor to the Blue Hall ward (subsequently Norton North) in 1999, died in March at the age of 81. He was the Chairman of the Education and Lifelong Learning Select Committee from 2001 until 2005 and Chairman of the Elderly Citizens Liaison Forum from 1999 until 2007 and the Vice Chairman of the Education Support Panel from 2007 until 2011. Throughout his term, Maurice served on many of the Councils Committees and Sub-committees and was a representative on numerous Outside Bodies. He leaves two daughters and two sons.
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Focus On Your Area
WARD SURGERIES 1 June 2012 - 31 July 2012 www.stockton.gov.uk/wardsurgeries
BISHOPSGARTH & ELM TREE (STOCKTON)
www.stockton.gov.uk/ bishopsgarthelmtreeward 19 Jun Elm Tree Community Centre 6:00pm – 6:30pm 25 Jun Bishopsgarth School 6:00pm – 7:00pm 16 Jul Bishopsgarth School 6:00pm – 7:00pm 17 Jul Elm Tree Community Centre 6:00pm – 6:30pm
COUNCILLORS MRS JULIA CHERRETT Tel: 01642 785473 Email: julia.cherrett@stockton.gov.uk ELLIOT KENNEDY Tel: 01642 618851 Email: elliot.kennedy@stockton.gov.uk
FAIRFIELD 6:00PM – 6:30PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/fairfieldward 11 Jun Fairfield Library 9 Jul Fairfield Library
COUNCILLORS MAURICE PERRY Tel: 01642 586914 Email: maurice.perry@stockton.gov.uk BILL WOODHEAD Tel: 01642 584409 Email: bill.woodhead@stockton.gov.uk Web: www.stockton.gov.uk/billwoodhead
GRANGEFIELD 6:00PM – 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/grangefieldward 7 Jun Grays Road Institute 11 Jun Hartburn Scout Group Hut 18 Jun Fairfield Library 5 Jul Grays Road Institute 9 Jul Hartburn Scout Group Hut 16 Jul Fairfield Library
COUNCILLORS CAROL CLARK Tel: 01642 675688 Email: carol.clark@stockton.gov.uk Web: www.stockton.gov.uk/cllrclark MICHAEL CLARK Tel: 01642 675688 Email: michael.clark@stockton.gov.uk Web: www.stockton.gov.uk/cllrclark
HARDWICK WARD
www.stockton.gov.uk/hardwickward 15 Jun Salters Lane Community Centre 6:00PM - 7:00PM 16 Jun Aspen Gardens 11:00AM - 12:00 noon 13 Jul Salters Lane Community Centre 6:00PM - 7:00PM 14 Jul Aspen Gardens 11:00AM - 12:00 noon
COUNCILLORS NIGEL COOKE Tel: 01642 589442 Email: nigel.cooke@stockton.gov.uk NORMA STEPHENSON Tel: 01642 675891 Email: norma.stephenson@stockton.gov.uk
HARTBURN 6:45PM – 7:30PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/hartburnward 12 Jun Elmwood Community Centre 2 Jul Elmwood Community Centre
COUNCILLORS TERRY LAING Tel: 01642 587356 Email: terry.laing@stockton.gov.uk Web: www.stockton.gov.uk/terrylaing KEN LUPTON Tel: 01642 587286 Email: ken.lupton@stockton.gov.uk Web: www.stockton.gov.uk/kenlupton
NEWTOWN 6:00PM – 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/newtownward 8 Jun Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre 22 Jun Newtown Community Resource Centre 6 Jul Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre 20 Jul Newtown Community Resource Centre
COUNCILLORS PAUL BAKER Tel: 01642 608406 Email: paul.baker@stockton.gov.uk BOB GIBSON OBE Tel: 01642 614482 Email: robert.gibson@stockton.gov.uk Web: www.stockton.gov.uk/bobgibson
NORTHERN PARISHES 7:00PM – 8:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/ northernparishesward 14 Jun Grindon Parish Hall, Thorpe Thewles 5 Jul Wolviston Common Room
COUNCILLOR JOHN GARDNER Tel: 01740 645357 Email: john.gardner@stockton.gov.uk
NORTON NORTH 6:00PM - 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/nortonnorthward 6 Jun Norton Library 11 Jul Frederick Nattrass Primary School
COUNCILLORS STEVE NELSON Tel: 01642 534417 Email: steve.nelson@stockton.gov.uk MRS KATH NELSON Tel: 01642 534417 Email: kathryn.nelson@stockton.gov.uk
NORTON SOUTH 5:30PM – 6:30PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/nortonsouthward 12 Jun Albany Resource Centre 26 Jun Assembly Hall, St John Ambulance Place 17 Jul Albany Resource Centre 31 Jul Assembly Hall, St John Ambulance Place COUNCILLORS BOB COOK TEL: 01642 890058 Email: robert.cook@stockton.gov.uk Web: www.stockton.gov.uk/bobcook EILEEN JOHNSON TEL: 01642 673952 Email: eileen.johnson@stockton.gov.uk
NORTON WEST 6:00PM – 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/nortonwestward 12 Jun The Education Centre 5:45pm – 6:45pm Glebe Community Centre 7:00pm – 8:00pm 18 Jun Crooksbarn Primary School 4:30pm – 5:30pm 3 Jul Crooksbarn Primary School 4:30pm – 5:30pm The Education Centre 5:45pm – 6:45pm Glebe Community Centre 7:00pm – 8:00pm
COUNCILLORS DAVID WILBURN Tel: 01642 532517 Email: david.wilburn@stockton.gov.uk NORMA WILBURN Tel: 01642 532517 Email: norma.wilburn@stockton.gov.uk
PARKFIELD & OXBRIDGE 6:00PM – 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/ parkfieldoxbridgeward 7 Jun Parkfield Community Centre (Cllr Javed only) Oxbridge Christian Fellowship (Cllr Rose only) 21 Jun Oxbridge Christian Fellowship 5 Jul Parkfield Community Centre (Cllr Javed only) Oxbridge Christian Fellowship (Cllr Rose only) 19 Jul Oxbridge Christian Fellowship
Pupils learn to budget Year 10 students from Bishopsgarth School went on a life-enhancing journey to equip them with money management, job hunting and interview skills, thanks to Tristar Homes, part of the Vela group. Games, quizzes, videos and tasks were used to teach them how to budget, create an engaging CV, fill in job application forms and present themselves in interviews. Tristar apprentices also gave a talk about their experiences about looking for a job and the world of work. Barclays Bank advised on how to save and spend wisely, and what different terms such as standing orders and direct debits mean.
COUNCILLORS MOHAMMED JAVED Tel: 01642 602420 Email: mohammed.javed@stockton.gov.uk Web: www.stockton.gov.uk/mohammedjaved DAVID ROSE Tel: 01642 789993 Email: david.rose@stockton.gov.uk
ROSEWORTH 6:00PM – 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/roseworthward 12 Jun Kiora Hall 9 Jul Kiora Hall
COUNCILLORS JIM BEALL Tel: 01642 602510 Email: jim.beall@stockton.gov.uk Web: www.stockton.gov.uk/jimbeall MISS BARBARA INMAN Tel: 01642 586564 Email: barbara.inman@stockton.gov.uk
STOCKTON TOWN CENTRE 6:00PM – 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/ stocktontowncentreward 7 Jun The Willows Centre 14 Jun Parkfield Community Centre 21 Jun Victoria House 28 Jun Cornerhouse Community Resource Centre 5 Jul The Willows Centre 12 Jul Parkfield Community Centre 19 Jul Victoria House 26 Jul Cornerhouse Community Resource Centre
COUNCILLORS DAVID COLEMAN Tel: 01642 673952 Email: david.coleman@stockton.gov.uk PAUL KIRTON Tel: 01642 559331 Email: paul.kirton@stockton.gov.uk
Front l-r PupilsCourtney McCarten, Sophie Mogan, Lucas Connor, and Ellis Allison. Back - Deborah Leach, of Tristar Homes, and Catherine Harris, of Barclays.
A river ride: The Tees Wheelyboats club is helping make sure everyone can have access to our fantastic River Tees. The club gives mobility impaired members safe and dignified access to motorised boating. Now up and running for the summer, its specially-designed boat has a hinged bow door which lowers to form a ramp, ideal for wheelchair users. Based at the River Tees Watersports Centre in Stockton, the club operates over the 11 miles of river upstream of the barrage. If you fancy a trip, you can book a ride at www.teeswheelyboats.org.uk or by calling 07748 908646.
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WARD SURGERIES 1 June 2012 - 31 July 2012 www.stockton.gov.uk/wardsurgeries
INGLEBY BARWICK EAST 6:00PM – 7:00PM
(Joint surgery with Ingleby Barwick West) www.stockton.gov.uk/ inglebybarwickeastward 7 Jun All Saints C of E Secondary School 3 Jul 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. COUNCILLORS GILLIAN CORR Tel: 01642 764056 Email: gillian.corr@stockton.gov.uk KEVIN FAULKS Tel: 01642 764874 Email: kevin.faulks@stockton.gov.uk JEAN KIRBY Tel: 01642 762092 Email: jean.kirby@stockton.gov.uk
Standing strong for 125 years The Victoria Bridge celebrates its 125th anniversary in June. This wrought-iron, Grade II-listed bridge officially opened on June 20, 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Conducted by the Mayor at the time, Alderman Joseph Richardson, the ceremony included a procession led by the First Durham Rifle Volunteers with children lining the route along Bridge Road, singing the National Anthem. The elegant Victoria Bridge took six years to build and replaced a previous bridge dating from 1771. Previously the only way to cross the
Tees between Stockton and Thornaby was by the Bishop’s Horse Ferry. Financed by local councils and contributions from the Tramway Company, the North Eastern Railway and the Water Board, trams used the bridge until 1931, improving communications between Stockton, Thornaby and Middlesbrough.
INGLEBY BARWICK WEST 6:00PM – 7:00PM
(Joint surgery with Ingleby Barwick East) www.stockton.gov.uk/ inglebybarwickwestward 7 Jun All Saints C of E Secondary School 3 Jul All Saints C of E Secondary School COUNCILLORS KEN DIXON Tel: 01642 764650 Email: ken.dixon@stockton.gov.uk DAVID HARRINGTON Tel: 01642 764652 Email: david.harrington@stockton.gov.uk Skype: david.harrington01642 ROSS PATTERSON Tel: 01642 764865 Email: ross.patterson@stockton.gov.uk
MANDALE & VICTORIA
www.stockton.gov.uk/ mandalevictoriaward 27 Jun Robert AtkinsonYouth & Community Centre 4:00pm - 5:00pm 21 Jun Rochester Court Sheltered
Housing 11:00am - 12:00 noon COUNCILLORS TINA LARGE Tel: 01642 676509 Email: tina.large@stockton.gov.uk STEVE WALMSLEY Tel: 01642 604176 Email: steve.walmsley@stockton.gov.uk
MANDALE & VICTORIA www.stockton.gov.uk/ mandalevictoriaward 2 Jun Labour Party Office, 109 Lanehouse Road 11:00am – 1:00pm 13 Jun Labour Party Office, 109 Lanehouse Road 5:00pm – 6:00pm 7 Jul Labour Party Office, 109 Lanehouse Road 11:00am – 1:00pm 18 Jul Labour Party Office, 109 Lanehouse Road 5:00pm – 6:00pm COUNCILLOR TRACEY STOTT Tel: 01642 674471 Mobile: 07528 014 605 Email: tracey.stott@stockton.gov.uk
STAINSBY HILL 5:00PM – 6:00PM www.stockton.gov.uk/stainsbyhillward 25 Jun South Thornaby Community & Resource Centre 30 Jul St Marks Church, Trenchard Avenue COUNCILLOR DERRICK BROWN Tel: 01642 751028 Email: derrick.brown@stockton.gov.uk Web: www.stockton.gov.uk/derrickbrown
STAINSBY HILL www.stockton.gov.uk/stainsbyhillward 16 Jun Thornaby Pavilion 11:00am – 12:00 No July surgery COUNCILLOR MRS SYLVIA WALMSLEY Tel: 01642 602375 Email: sylvia.walmsley@stockton.gov.uk
Bullet holes still remain on the eastern side of the parapet from the Second World War. The bridge was awarded Grade II listed status in 2010 for its architectural quality, design and use of materials. The bases of the lamp columns, originally lit by gas, are still in use.
Ping pong power Left to right Neil Besford (Coach), Devonne Allison, Aimee Smith, Safiyah Munir, Zahrah Aslam
A team of four Year 6 pupils from Harewood Primary School, Thornaby, is celebrating after being crowned the country’s top school table tennis team. Beating off competition from teams across 24 counties, they went through to the under-11 girls grand final in the National Schools Table Tennis Championships in Leicestershire, clinching the title after seven hours of non-stop games. Headteacher, Jackie Conway, said: “The four girls are truly skilful players and importantly have that essential quality – a will to succeed, without which talent on its own isn’t enough. They are thrilled to be National Champions and we are incredibly proud of them.” It was a double celebration as The Village Primary School, also from Thornaby, made the finals too, finishing fourth.
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WARD SURGERIES 1 June 2012 - 31 July 2012 www.stockton.gov.uk/wardsurgeries
BILLINGHAM CENTRAL 6:30PM – 7:30PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghamcentralward 20 Jun Billingham Youth & Community Centre 11 Jul Billingham Youth & Community Centre
COUNCILLORS MRS ANN McCOY Tel: 01642 535604 Email: ann.mccoy@stockton.gov.uk BARRY WOODHOUSE Tel: 01642 371638 Email: barry.woodhouse@stockton.gov.uk
BILLINGHAM EAST
www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghameastward 29 Jun New Life Family Centre 5:00pm – 5:40pm Hereford Centre 5:45pm – 6:30pm 27 Jul As above
COUNCILLORS MICK STOKER Tel: 01642 371641 Email: mick.stoker@stockton.gov.uk EVALINE CUNNINGHAM Tel: 01642 532090 Email: evaline.cunningham@stockton.gov.uk
BILLINGHAM NORTH 6:30PM – 7:30PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghamnorthward 11 Jun North Billingham Methodist Church 9 Jul High Grange Community Centre
COUNCILLORS MRS LYNNE APEDAILE Tel: 01740 645216 Email: lynne.apedaile@stockton.gov.uk Web: www.stockton.gov.uk/cllrlynneapedaile COLIN LECKONBY Tel: 01642 872896 Email: colin.leckonby@stockton.gov.uk Web: www.stockton.gov.uk/cllrcolinleckonby
BILLINGHAM NORTH 7:15PM – 8:15PM www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghamnorthward No June surgery 3 Jul High Grange Community Centre COUNCILLOR RAY McCALL Tel: 01642 533407 Email: ray.mccall@stockton.gov.uk
BILLINGHAM SOUTH 6:00PM – 7:00PM www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghamsouthward 14 Jun Billingham Branch Library 12 Jul Billingham Branch Library COUNCILLOR MRS JEAN O’DONNELL Tel: 01642 559717 Email: jean.odonnell@stockton.gov.uk MICHAEL SMITH Tel: 01642 371782 Email: michael.smith@stockton.gov.uk
BILLINGHAM WEST 6:00PM – 7:00PM www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghamwestward 29 Jun Wolviston Court Community Centre 27 Jul Wolviston Court Community Centre COUNCILLORS MRS MARY WOMPHREY Tel: 01642 555755 Email: mary.womphrey@stockton.gov.uk MICK WOMPHREY Tel: 01642 555755 Email: mick.womphrey@stockton.gov.uk
Status symbol Business tenants at Cowpen Industrial Estate in Billingham will continue to see the benefits of being a Business Improvement District (BID) after the majority voted to continue to the status for the next of five years. Since becoming a BID five years ago, they have seen CCTV security cameras
installed, flower beds and tubs installed and renewed and general maintenance and improvements carried out to the estate, costing around £25,000 per year. During this time, the Cowpen Industrial Association has covered all its goals and was able to reduce the amount of levy to each business from three to 1.5 per cent of the rateable value of each business, ensuring all pay an equitable amount into the scheme.
Booming birds
B Inspired youngsters get busy Young people in Billingham are having the opportunity to develop their employability skills and make a difference to their community. Stockton Council’s integrated youth support service is running the new ‘B Inspired’ volunteering course for 16-19 year olds who are not in employment, education or training. It provides the teenagers with a range of voluntary experiences and raises their awareness about how volunteering can help them develop skills in a field they would like to work in. Since the project started, the young people from across Billingham have been busy improving their town’s appearance by planting bedding plants and removing graffiti. Local shoppers and visitors are recognising A haunting sound fills the air at Saltholme nature reserve and discovery park near Billingham as a rare breeding bird ‘booms’ in the Tees Valley for the first time in 30 years. It’s made by male bitterns and is the first year a male bittern’s unique mating call has been heard. To find out more visit www.rspb.org. uk/saltholme
their efforts, taking time to stop, talk to and thank the volunteers. The project has seen the young people gain experience in an area they might want to work in. So far they have done placements renovating cycles to donate back to the community as well as working in a mechanics workshop and at Billingham Forum.
Nick Cartwright gets stuck into planting beds
All stars! Congratulations
to Billingham Stars Ice Hockey team at achieving national success. They won a magnificent double – not only are they English National League One (North) Champions but also beat Blackburn Hawks in April to become Play-off Champions for 2011-12.
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WARD SURGERIES 1 June 2012 - 31 July 2012 www.stockton.gov.uk/wardsurgeries
EAGLESCLIFFE
www.stockton.gov.uk/eaglescliffeward 1 Jun Trinity Methodist Church 6:30pm – 7:30pm 19 Jun Egglescliffe Parish Hall 6:00pm – 7:00pm 6 Jul Trinity Methodist Church 6:30pm – 7:30pm 17 Jul Egglescliffe Community Centre 6:30pm – 7:30pm
COUNCILLORS ALAN LEWIS Tel: 01642 784910 Email: alan.lewis@stockton.gov.uk MRS MAUREEN RIGG Tel: 01642 785689 Email: maureen.rigg@stockton.gov.uk
EAGLESCLIFFE
www.stockton.gov.uk/eaglescliffeward 11 Jun Preston Primary School 5:30pm – 6:30pm 15 Jun Egglescliffe Community Centre 5:30pm – 6:30pm 9 Jul Preston Primary School 5:30pm – 6:30pm 20 Jul Egglescliffe Parish Hall 5:45pm – 6:45pm
Playing the field £50,000 of Olympic Legacy funding from Sport England will help Conyers School in Yarm restore one playing field and improve another, guaranteeing their future for decades to come. The school currently has to offer reduced use of its playing fields for extracurricular and community sport activities. Now drainage improvments to one flood-prone field and levelling and re-grading of another which is currently unsafe will help the school address a lack of local playing fields. Louise Spellman, Head of Conyers School, said: “We’re delighted to have received this funding so we can continue to support the growth of school football, of which we currently have eight teams, and football clubs in our local community who currently play in one of Europe’s largest junior leagues. “The regeneration will enable the school to continue to provide outstanding sporting facilities which
contribute to the health and wellbeing of all our students as well as creating more facilities which give our community greater opportunity and provision in sport. “We are a long term partner of Yarm FC supporting their vision of playing league football through the backing of patron and club figurehead Steve McLaren.” The work will protect and maintain the playing fields for at least 25 years. Conyers School is among 61 English sports clubs and community groups to benefit from more than £2 million of funding in the second round of Protecting Playing Fields, part of the Places People Play legacy programme bringing the inspiration of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games into communities.
COUNCILLOR PHIL DENNIS Tel: 01642 790916 Email: phil.dennis@stockton.gov.uk
WESTERN PARISHES 7:00PM – 8:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/ westernparishesward 1 Jun The Wilson Centre, Long Newton 6 Jul The Chapel School Room, Carlton
COUNCILLOR ANDREW STEPHENSON Tel: 0778 529 3416 Email: afsegg@hotmail.co.uk
YARM 6:00PM – 6:45PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/yarmward 12 Jun Layfield Primary School 3 Jul Yarm Library
COUNCILLORS MARK CHATBURN Tel: 01642 789982 Email: mark.chatburn@stockton.gov.uk BEN HOUCHEN Tel: 01642 786639 Email: ben.houchen@stockton.gov.uk ANDREW SHERRIS Tel: 01642 786767 Email: andrew.sherris@stockton.gov.uk
Rising star 12-year-old Lauren Purley from Conyers School in Yarm (pictured) has stunned the martial arts world with her meteoric rise from complete novice to British Champion in less than three years. Lauren, a member of Teesside Academy Shukokai Karate (TASK), started her career with a Tees Active and NHS Stockton Sporting Start programme.
Championships, followed by gold in 2011 in both the English and British championships. Currently a brown belt (2nd Kyu) she was due to defend her English title as Stockton News went to print. To find out more about Taisho-Do Karate call Splash on (01642) 660610 or Thornaby Pavilion on (01642) 760971 or visit www. teesactive.co.uk
Her natural talent spotted by 5th Dan Sensei Mark Raistrick, who encouraged Lauren to continue with Taisho-Do Karate by joining the local club, which has weekly training sessions at Harewood Centre, Thornaby Pavilion, Splash and Billingham Forum. In 2010 Lauren became a silver medallist in the English
What sports they are: Students from Conyers School in
Yarm certainly went the extra mile this year as many took part in a host of different activities to raise money for Sport Relief. Challenges included coming to school on a space hopper, a 25 mile walk on the Three Peaks climbing 1,700 metres in under 12 hours in Ribblesdale, and a gruelling cycle ride by James Harkin, Josh Dunning and Ben Jones.
s ’ t a h W r Regula Events Library activities:
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Fairfield Library
Parent & toddler group every Wednesday in term time 10-11am and Friday 2-3pm. Art & craft club for 7-10 yrs, Wednesday evenings fortnightly 5.30-6.30pm; the club meets for 11-16yrs Saturday mornings 10.30am-12 noon. Homework Club Tuesdays in term time 5.30-6.30pm weekly. Adult reading group meets monthly on Mondays, 2-3pm, Junior reading group and TeenTales teenage reading group every month, Monday, 5.30-6.30pm (term time only). Tel 527962. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Thornaby Library, Westbury St
Weekly events at this library include: Tuesday Tees Credit Union 10am-12 noon and 1.30-3pm Baby and Toddler group. Thurs 10.30-11.30am Tristar Homes drop-in Surgery and 1.30-2.30pm Police Surgery, Fridays 3.00-6pm Thornaby Gaming Group (PS3 and Wii sessions ages 8 – 18yrs) booking advised. Homework help sessions Mon, Tues, Thurs and Friday 3-5pm. Colouring club, every day 3-7pm. Tel 528150. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Norton library
Parent and toddler group, every Friday in term time, 10-11am. Wednesday talks, every first Wed of the month, 3pm. Guest speaker and refreshments, free. Crafty Kids Club, every Saturday 10.30 - 11.30am, free. Scrabble group, every Wednesday 1pm. Tel 528019. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockton Central Library
Books and Banter Every Wed, 10.30am-12 noon, illustrative talks with guest speakers in Lecture hall. Parent and Toddler group every Tuesday 9.45–11am, story time for under fives, every Saturday 11–11.30am. Drop in Children Crafts, every Saturday, 11– 3:30pm. Youth Zone offers Yu-gi-oh and PS3 gaming in the Library Conference Facilities for 8–17 yrs. Sessions run fortnightly on Saturdays from 1 – 3:30pm. Family history group meets every second Tuesday, 2-4pm. Family tree surgery for advice on your ancestry, first Wednesday of month, 2-4pm. Tel 526521.
On
A look at what’s going on
Thornaby Central Library
Monday 9.30-11am Credit Union, Thursday evenings Rainbow Corner, beginners knotting and crochet classes from 5-6.30 pm. Fridays 2-4pm ‘Moving Along Together’ bereavement group. Second Monday in the month from 10.30-11.30am coffee morning for the widowed and those who live alone. Knitting Group on the first Friday of the month, 10am. Tel 528117. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Egglescliffe Library
Children’s story time every Thursday, 10-11 am, Craft ‘n Chat craft club for adults meets every other Wednesday 10-12.15pm. Bring along your craft project and meet other enthusiasts. This club is preceded by a Tai Chi class from 8.30am. Tel 527959. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Roseberry Library
Pre school story time every Friday 2-2.30pm, Embroidery/cross stitch group every Thursday 2.303.30pm, family history group first Wednesday of the month, 5.30-7pm. Book group last Friday of the month, 2-3pm. Tel 528084. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Billingham Library
SWAT (Sports Wheelchair Activities Team)
For wheelchair users (manual and powered), meets Tuesdays, Abbey Hill Sports Hall, Ketton Rd, Stockton 6.30pm-8.00pm. Tel 530292 or email r.benson4@ ntlworld.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Shakespeare Reading Group
For details of locations email james.longwill@ btinternet.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Funky Feet – dance and movement for 2- 4year olds Mon 10.30 -11.15am Fredderick Nattrass Children Centre Tel 528072 Tue 1.30 -2.15pm New Life Children’s Centre, Billingham Tel 528913 Wed 1.15pm -2pm and 2.15-3pm Ingleby Barwick Community Centre tel 527802 Fri 2.00-2.45pm High Flyers Children Centre, Thornaby. All £1 per session, tel 527802. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Boys Brigade
Stockton Baptist Tabernacle every Monday, 7.15-9pm. Suitable for 11-15 years, 50p per session, tel 602478. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Holds a police and ward surgery every second Tues of the month, 6-7pm.Drop in to speak to your local Councillor or police officer. No appointment necessary. Tel 527895
Toddlers Group
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Salvation Army – Messy church activities
Ingleby Barwick Library
Teen Reading Group meet first Mon and Wed of the month. Local/Family History Group meets on the last Mon and Wed of month. Drop in Social Afternoon Group meets first Monday of month, 1-2pm. Homework Club held every Monday and Thursday from 4–6pm and Saturday 2– 4pm. Parent and Toddler Group every Tuesday and Friday afternoon from 1.30-2.30pm. Rhyme Time every Saturday 1011am and every Friday 11-12 noon. Limited places, booking essential. Tel 528528. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Salvation Army, Palmerston Street, Stockton, every Thursday, 9-11.30am. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Third Saturday of each month, Salvation Army, Palmerston St, Stockton, ‘Messy Church’ activities for children, must be with an adult, 10am-12 noon, tel 887375. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
No Strings Badminton
Queen’s Campus Sports Centre, Stockton & Thornaby Pavilion. No membership fees, contracts, etc, see www.nostringsbadminton.co.uk ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Colouring clubs
Roseworth Library every day except Wed 3-6pm, tel 528098 Billingham Library, Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 10-6pm and Wed, Sat 10am-12noon, tel 527895.
June
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Other regular events: ---------------------------------------------------------------------
WRVS Lunch Club & Social Centre
For the over 50s, now at Portrack Lane Community Centre, TS18 2HS. Mondays 10am-12pm and Weds 11am-1.30pm. Meet new friends over a lunch, arts, crafts, bingo, etc. Tel Claire Wainwright on 07714 898585 or 228341. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockton Parent Support
Term time and holiday activities for 0-25 year olds with disabilities and additional needs. Visit www. stocktonps.org or tel 674238. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
SNAPS (Special Needs Activities with Parents Support)
All-year-round activities for 0-25 year olds with a disability, special or additional needs, and their families. For details see www.snapsteesvalley.co.uk or call 530202.
Until 13 August Preston Park’s Museum’s on the Move
A range of fascinating temporary exhibitions about the Borough’s history. Egglescliffe, Billingham, Roseworth and Roseberry library. More details in branch. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
From 10 June to 16 September Ropner Park Music Programme
www.forp.org.uk for more details. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 15 June Wonders of the Universe - public observing
Wynyard Planetarium, Wynyard Woodland Park 7.309pm Booking recommended. Tickets £5/£3. Tel 01740 630544.
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n around the Borough during June 2012 to July 2012 2 June Fun Day in aid of Cystic Fibrosis
23-24 June Fire Engine & Vintage Car Rally
14 July Traditional Wood Carving
3-5 June Queen’s Diamond Jubilee/Big Lunch
24 June Stockton Guided Cycle Rides – Hartlepool Marina
14 July Craft Fair – specialist market
Grangefield Youth & Community Centre 11-3pm. Live bands, penalty shootout, bouncy castles, 7-a-side football, karate, raffles, cakes, art & craft Stall, BBQ, Gymnastic performances. Tel 947532. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Various locations across Stockton Borough. For details visit www.stockton.gov.uk/jubilee
Preston Park Museum and Grounds One of the North’s major rallies of preserved vehicles. £4 for adults, £2 children www.stockton.gov.uk/vehiclerally ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Meet at Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park, 11am 1pm. Tel 803441 www.stockton.gov.uk/guidedrides ---------------------------------------------------------------------
29 June Second SSAFA Spectacular
Music from Stockton and Durham Constabulary Male Voice Choir, Cleveland Police Band, Soprano Anna Marie Jackson, Bass Eddie Gratton and Stockton Boys’ Brigade Drum Corps. Tickets £10. Available from Stockton Tabernacle and Stockton Tourist Information Centre tel 528130. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
30 June Farmers Market
Wellington Square, Stockton, organic veg, homemade jams, cheeses, welfare assured meats – see www. stockton.gov.uk/markets ---------------------------------------------------------------------
3 June Friends of Ropner Park’s Diamond Jubilee Picnic
Ropner Park, bring your table, chair, picnics and even candelabra to enjoy music from bandstand. For full details and other upcoming events see www.forp. org.uk ---------------------------------------------------------------------
6 June The Transit of Venus – public observing
Wynyard Planetarium, Wynyard Woodland Park, 4am -6am. Free tel 01740 630544. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
6 & 20 June Stockton Guided Cycle Rides – Evening challenge and Ladies only rides Meet at The Hub, Stockton Town Centre, 5.307.30pm. For confident cyclists. Over 18s only. Tel 803441 www.stockton.gov.uk/guidedrides ---------------------------------------------------------------------
16 June Butterwick Hospice Summer Fayre
June 2 July Ginger Baker’s Jazz Confusion
Legendary jazz rock drummer Ginger Baker comes to ARC, Stockton 8pm, Tickets £22.50 www.arconline. co.uk ---------------------------------------------------------------------
6 July The Stars from down under
Wynyard Planetarium, Wynyard Woodland Park, 7.309pm. Booking recommended. Tickets £5/£3/family ticket £13. Tel 01740 630544. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
14 July Summer Fayre
St John’s Church Durham Road. 10am - 12 noon. Free admissions. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
14 July Reminisce 70s
Preston Park Themed outdoor disco event. For more info and tickets www.stockton.gov.uk/reminisce70s see page 33. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
14 and 15 July Middlesbrough Mela
Albert Park. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
15 July Birds of Prey displays
Preston Park Museum and Grounds 10.30am-4pm. Free outdoor event. Bird flight shows at 12noon and 2pm. Tel 527820 for details. www. stockton.gov.uk/events ---------------------------------------------------------------------
18 July Opening of Stockton’s White Water Course
Come along and celebrate official opening of the course. Tickets are free. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ whitewatercourse for details or telephone 528130. See page 33. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
21 July Chic Vintique – specialist market
Parish Gardens, Stockton Town Centre, vintage clothes, collectables, quality gifts and homeswares – see www.stockton.gov.uk/markets
Stockton Town Centre and Riverside. For full details www.stockton.gov.uk/cyclingfestival
27 July The Twits by Roald Dahl
Preston Park, outdoor theatre. Gates open at 5pm for picnics, performance starts at 6pm. Tickets £12/£9/£6. Group rates available. Available from Stockton Tourist Information Centre tel 528130. www.stockton.gov.uk/roalddahl ---------------------------------------------------------------------
17 June Olympic Torch Relay
Billingham and Stockton www.stockton.gov.uk/olympics ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Meet at The Hub, Stockton Town Centre, 10.30 – 2pm. Tel 803441 email info@revolutionactive.co.uk ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Parish Gardens, Stockton Town Centre, arts and craft stalls – see www.stockton.gov.uk/markets ---------------------------------------------------------------------
6-8 July Stockton Cycling Festival
The Hospice, Middlefield Rd, Stockton. Craft stalls, tombola, raffle, refreshments and lots more. Tel 628930 www.butterwick.org.uk ---------------------------------------------------------------------
17 June Stockton Guided Cycle Rides – Hub, Hemlington and Hilton ride
Preston Park Museum and Grounds 10am-4pm. £35 includes lunch and all materials. Tel 527820 or 528842 for details. www.stockton.gov. uk/events ---------------------------------------------------------------------
31 July – 3 August Stockton Golf Week 7 July Butterwick’s Midnight Walk
www.butterwick.org Tel 628930 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Various golf courses across the Borough For more details visit www.stockton.gov.uk/golfweek See page 39. --------------------------------------------------------------------If you have an event you would like to feature in What’s On email communications@stockton.gov.uk