Stockton
news November/December 2010
The community magazine of Stockton Borough Council
contents November/December 2010
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...
Stockton’s hidden gems
News Round Up
3
Economic Regeneration and Transport
4
Strong Communities
9
Environment and Housing
12
Community Safety
15
Children and Young People
18
Adults Services
26
Arts, Culture and Leisure
28
Health and Wellbeing
36
Your Council
37
Focus On Your Area
40
What’s On
44
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Stay safe on the roads this winter Pages 21-24
Your guide to Christmas in Stockton Page 32-35
Stockton News is published by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and distributed to households across the Borough free of charge. Editor: Vince Rutland, Deputy Editor: Jacky Stevely. To contact the editorial team or if you have not received a copy please call (01642) 526098 or e-mail communications@stockton.gov.uk It aims to provide news and information about the Council, its partner organisations, and local community groups and businesses. Every effort is made to ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication. Your views and comments are welcome.
Stockton News is produced by Stockton Council’s Communications Unit and designed by Bridge Design Group. Pictures courtesy of the Evening Gazette, front cover pictures by Gary Walsh, Peter Mernagh, Gilmar Ribeiro, Dave Charnley and Bosh Creative. Front cover pictures - Some events from last year’s Stockton Sparkles.
There is an audio version of Stockton News. Please call (01642) 526098 to order a copy or e-mail communications@stockton.gov.uk
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News Round Up
The news over the past few weeks has been dominated by the budget cuts being made to local councils and public services.
Stockton strikes gold!
While we still don’t know the full details of how the Government’s spending review will impact specifically on Stockton Council we do know that the reductions will be significant and we will need to make some tough choices and decisions in the future. Based on the announcements made so far we expect a reduction in our funding of around £27m over the next 4 years – this is in addition to the £3.3 million of cuts we’ve already had to make this year. Stockton Council has been planning for funding reductions for a number of years and has managed, so far, to make savings without impacting significantly on jobs and services; indeed since 2008 we have achieved £16 million of efficiencies, however, with cuts of this scale and speed we will no longer be able to do that. In December the Council will meet to discuss the budget cuts and how this will affect services. As we have done previously in our consultation on issues such as care services we will make every effort to keep residents informed of the difficult decisions we will need to make. It’s also worth remembering that Stockton Council has a very good track-record of managing our finances and resources. We intend to face the challenging times ahead in the same managed way. Despite the uncertainty, Stockton Council remains focused on improving the Borough for the benefit of all our residents. For example, you’ll read in this issue that we have been judged ‘good’ by inspectors assessing our care for Looked After Children and also the most vulnerable adults in our communities. We are also continuing to support the local economy. Last month Stockton was recognised as one of the country's three fastest-growing places for new business start-ups with more than 100 new enterprises launched in the past six months thanks to help from the council and our partners. Many of our existing businesses are also doing well. TAG Energy Solutions is to build a £20 million plant for wind turbine foundations at Haverton Hill which could create around 400 jobs and the Lucite chemical company in Billingham also announced a major investment into developing components for electric car batteries. The tremendous news that the Tees Valley is one of the first areas in England to be successful in its bid to form a Local Enterprise Partnership really will help us to build on this work and bring even more jobs and business to our Borough. And with Christmas just around the corner you’ll read about the many festive events taking place across the Borough and also the plans we have in place to keep our roads open when the winter weather sets in. On which note I would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
Neil Schneider Chief Executive, Stockton Borough Council
The Mayor and members of the Care For Your Area team (front) with some of the many involved in winning the award
What a fantastic result! Stockton not only became the North East's first town or city to represent the UK in Europe’s biggest environmental competition – Entente Florale – but we brought home the top prize, a coveted Gold award.
said: "The honour for Stockton to represent the UK was huge – but to win Gold is beyond my wildest dreams.
The Borough represented the nation as a national Britain in Bloom winner last year and was up against competition against winners from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands and Slovenia.
Stockton had to demonstrate a range of successes in key areas including how it engages with its local communities to achieve green, sustainable and colourful towns and communicates awareness of the environment. In a whistle-stop August visit, international judges took in, amongst other places, the Infinity Bridge, Tees Barrage, Thornaby, Ingleby Barwick, Billingham Beck Country Park, Stockton town centre and Ropner Park.
Stockton was one of just four towns to win the highest medal, Gold. The international jury praised our "foresight and vision, now starting to become a reality". With its "very high quality annual planting", landscaping for highways and living areas as ideal for biodiversity and a "superb example of master landscape planning". The judges recognised Stockton's proud industrial heritage, major regeneration focusing on the River Tees and the way the Council has upgraded parks, created nature reserves and outstanding floral displays. Collecting the award, the Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Colin Leckonby,
"It is a great accolade for the whole Borough and all who supported our entry." Support from local businesses won praise, as did local people’s volunteer involvement in environmental activity.
Stockton also scooped several awards at this year’s Northumbria in Bloom Awards including Best City – for the seventh year running! Ropner Park was named Best Park in a town, Billingham secured a Silver Gilt award in the Large Town category, with Silver for Thornaby in the Small City section. Stockton was congratulated for its colourful planting and community partnerships. The judges were particularly impressed with the cleanliness of Stockton during the two market days when they visited.
Stockton News November / December 2010
Screws arrive
The £4.6 million white water course regeneration at the Tees Barrage moved closer to completion after four huge Archimedes screws (pictured) arrived. The same week, the course was given permission to be officially known as an International venue, helping its bid to become a pre-2012 Olympic Games training camp. The Archimedes screws will pump water around the course – not only cutting electricity use but also generating its own energy, creating the UK's first fully sustainable course. Follow white water course progress at www.tbiwwc.co.uk
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Spending review: We’re prepared but tough decisions lie ahead When the Government announced its Comprehensive Spending Review last month two things were clear. Local government would face unprecedented budget cuts – but the full details would not be known for some time. In Stockton, the Council has spent three years preparing for such an event. Since 2008 we have been reviewing every service to achieve better value for money and do more with less. We will continue and accelerate these reviews. To date, we have been able to achieve savings worth £16m in various ways. For example, we have streamlined our organisation and management team, moved refuse workers to a four-day week and shared many administration functions with Darlington Council – all without affecting front-line services to you. Even when this year’s Emergency Budget announced £3.3m of in-year cuts we were able to carefully manage the reduction without impacting on services. Of course this has meant we have been unable to make investments in several areas we had planned. We have already built savings worth £12m into the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan for the next three years. However, this figure doesn’t take into account the details behind the Chancellor’s announcement and the impact on specific grants will take time to filter through. While confirmation that the Tees Valley Bus Network project is to be funded was good news – not so welcome was the decision that a £35m street lighting scheme to replace all Stockton’s street lights, over seven years old, has been cancelled. The Council will be discussing its budget position and future impact at its Cabinet meeting in December.
Plans progress at Preston Park DID YOU KNOW?
The steel Archimedes screws, each over 13 metres long, three metres wide and weighing 30 tonnes, took six months to manufacture.
STOP PRESS Tees Valley is one of the first areas to form a Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) - a new organisation to help create jobs, business and boost the local economy. Alongside the LEP, a new economic partnership will coordinate inward investment, European funding and other strategic matters for the whole North East. For full story, see page 38.
Facilities and access to Preston Hall Museum & Park continue to improve, with a new cycle route, between Ingleby Barwick and the park, under construction and walled garden restoration plans passing an important hurdle.
A decision is expected next spring.
restoring and refurbishing the Hall itself.
The news further boosts the £7million regeneration of the Museum & Park, under which Council and HLF funding is
If you would like to volunteer to support the park please call Sophie Lunt on (01642) 527820.
The Council is working on the £220,000 scheme with the Friends of Tees Heritage Park, The Stockton Rivers Corridor Project, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and Groundwork North East as part of the Tees Heritage Park project. Restoration of the Museum & Park’s traditional Victorian walled garden and orchard, is also closer, after initial Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) approval so the Council can now progress a more detailed bid for the £300,000 of HLF.
Preston Hall Museum will close from 23 November 2010 1 February 2011 for the redevelopment. Part of the Museum will reopen from February to September 2011 with a ‘Behind the Scenes at the Museum’ exhibition.
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Economic Regeneration and Transport
Stockton’s hidden gems Walk away from the beaten track of Stockton’s main High Street and you’ll discover some hidden gems around the town, offering goods and services with a difference.
In Regency West Mall, proprietor of The Bay Leaf Suzannah Taylor offers a variety of food to tempt your tastebuds. A selection of breakfasts and lunches include the super-value ‘credit crunch lunch’ on weekdays, at only £3 for two courses! Suzannah opens from 8.30am, so why not pop in and sample what’s on offer? Christmas is coming and hampers spring to mind. The Hamper Merchant in Regency West Mall opened in August and offers a great selection of quality and, wherever possible, local products such as cheese, preserves, wine and real ales. Pop in and proprietors Mandy and Jonathan Marsh can make up a hamper for you there and then. They also offer corporate branding on hampers. Call (01642) 615726 or visit www.thehampermerchant.com
Add some Christmas sparkle to your look at Sparkle Beauty Parlour in Regency West Mall. Proprietor Natasha Blackburn opened around five months ago, offering not only a hairdressing service, but also a range of beauty treatments and sunbeds. Call (01642) 614721. Stephanie Mack and her mum Christine Grayson opened Bridal Barn in Regency West Mall in April, specialising in bridal and bridesmaid gowns, handmade tiaras and accessories. To complement these, they also offer a wedding car hire service. You can see examples of the dresses at www. bridalbarn.co.uk (01642) 602688.
If you want help, information or advice about starting or developing your own
Stockton News November / December 2010
As proprietor of Mischief for 14 years and a skateboarder himself, Steve Binks offers literally everything skateboarding. As well as clothing and footwear, Steve imports top quality skateboards from the USA and offers a website service too – visit www. mischiefskatestroe.com or call (01642) 608400.
In the Ship Inn Yard, unisex Innovations Beauty Clinic specialises in using Elemis beauty treatments. Propriety Julie Claxton and her fully qualified staff offer free consultations and treatments ranging from aromatherapy massages to facial dermalifts and peels to name but a few. Tel (01642) 672092. West Row houses Stockton’s newest music store – Maddog Music. Musician Chris Russell offers advice on a myriad of musical instruments but focusing mainly on drums and guitars. His website is currently under construction but you can call (01642) 673383.
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Hambletonian Yard is the home of Amethyst Photography where proprietor Wayne Cook offers photographic services ranging from weddings, portraits, maternity portraits to model portfolios and commercial work. Visit www.amethystphotography.org. uk Tel (01642) 887630. Also in Hambletonian Yard Guys barber shop specializes in modern hairstyles for men and boys with popular service for gents senior citizens at reduced prices. Husband and wife team Ray and Shelagh McLaren have been there for five years. And with than 30 years experience just pop in and Ray will offer you a cut above the rest!
Look out in the next edition of Stockton News for more hidden gems on the east side of town.
business call Stockton Council’s Business Development team on (01642) 528384.
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Economic Regeneration and Transport
Road to success A Stockton man who retrained as a driving instructor following redundancy is now on the road to success, thanks to Working Links and Five Lamps.
James Lewis spent £2,500 of his own money training as a driving instructor but his plans went on hold when his contract with a driving school fell through.
£500 grant for marketing the new company from Five Lamps, which specialises in backing people starting their own enterprises. James’ Freedom of the Road School of Motoring is now driving ahead across the Tees Valley.
He contacted Working Links, an Europeanfunded body which provides one-to-one support, teaches skills such as CV-writing, interview techniques and provides support for travel costs or interview clothing. They paid to put James through his final instructor’s exam and supported him to lease a car for lessons. He also received a start-up business support programme, business skills workshops and a
Left to right: James Lewis with Deborah Shanley from Five Lamps and Simon Smith and Sharon Coe of Working Links.
Bringing the House down Billingham House has long been an eyesore and the Council has used its legal powers to take action against the owners, Bizzy B Management, to demolish it.
bidder to start work on taking down Billingham House in the New Year. All costs will be recharged to the owners.
The Council has worked with Bizzy B Management Ltd for a number of years and has previously taken legal action following repeated concerns from members of the public about the state of the building. Now, Stockton Council is starting preliminary site assessments so a demolition contract can be tendered by December for the successful
The news is electric Subject to planning approval from Stockton Council, a new batch blending plant of electrolyte, a key electric battery component in Li-ion batteries, will be built next year on the Cassel site at Billingham. The investment will create a number of permanent jobs in the plant and sustain others in the supply chain including the transport, logistics and plant maintenance sectors. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC), a sister company of Lucite International within
the Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Group, chose the site supported by a £250,000 grant from One North East and the UK Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS). Thornaby-based K Home International Limited will provide the engineering design, procurement and construction management services to MCC. Ben Inoue, Director of Overseas Projects for Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, said: “The skills of the workforce on Teesside plus the excellent infrastructure that exists in the area were major factors in deciding where to make this strategic investment.”
New name for St Ann’s A Stockton community partnership has become a limited company in a move to enable it to trade and earn income, opening up more opportunities for external funding. The former St. Ann’s Development Board, which helps residents of Portrack, Tilery, Queen’s Park, Mount Pleasant and Victoria improve their neighbourhoods, is now the St. Ann’s Partnership Ltd, a company limited by guarantee. In recent years, the partnership has helped create a multi-use games area and install closed circuit TV, along with security fencing at Tilery Primary School. It has helped improve the health of 5–11 year-olds and organised activities to promote community spirit and engagement.
Parking prices Half an hour’s parking now costs just 20p at solar-powered pay machines in parking lay-bys on Stockton’s Prince Regent Street, between Yarm Lane and Dovecot Street. The low-cost charges are ideal for shoppers and visitors to pop into a shop, business or bank – and, if you need less time, you can park free for up to ten minutes.
Stockton News November / December 2010
Thornaby Town Hall will undergo a major regeneration after Middlesbrough-based Python Properties signed a development agreement with Stockton Council to redevelop and refurbish the landmark.
Town Hall renovation
Most are staying with existing employers to develop their skills, with half hoping to continue onto a HNC or Foundation degree course. Tees Achieve offers advice and guidance to learners and their employers to fulfil their aspirations.
The development will cater for new and expanding businesses and small enterprises in Thornaby, providing jobs and training opportunities for local people. The work will transform the Grade II listed property and its four extensions into 12,000 square feet of new business office space in 25 new units.
The restoration will also return the building’s
If you would like to offer a young person an apprenticeship opportunity in your company or you have young people you would like training, call Steve Crow on (01642) 601777 or email steve.crow@ stockton.gov.uk impressive Council Chamber to its original status, making it available for the Town Council and community groups to use for meetings. Much of the building has
been largely out of use since 1968. Detailed plans for the restoration were displayed in a week-long public consultation at Thornaby Central Library last year.
Running early Completed two weeks early, major improvements to road links between Stockton and Thornaby will improve road safety and make bus services more reliable. The Stockton Council scheme has created a continuous bus lane from Bon Lea roundabout, along Mandale Road and over Victoria Bridge towards Stockton.
A constructive future Advanced joinery apprentices from Stockton Council’s Tees Achieve construction department are celebrating after successfully passing their advanced level 3 NVQ qualifications.
The agreement will see the company make a substantial investment in returning the building to its former glory, making it available for use by the people of Thornaby. It is the only viable proposal yet put forward for restoration of the building, which is unlikely to happen by any other means.
Office suites range in sizes from 250 sq ft - 2,500 sq ft and reservations are now being taken.
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The Council has also refurbished the 123-yearold, Grade II listed bridge, renewing the waterproof membrane (pictured) and adding a new cycleway as well as the bus lanes. It has also improved landscaping outside Thornaby Town Hall and bus stops along the route. The Mandale bus corridor is part of the £60 million pound Tees Valley Bus Network Improvements for better public transport across the
Borough and the wider Tees Valley. By reducing delays and making services more reliable, bus passengers will benefit. Cyclists can also use the new bus lanes as safer, more convenient routes to Stockton town centre.
Minding our business Stockton is one of the country’s fastest-growing places for new business start-ups shown in a recent study by the Royal Mail’s ‘Business Barometer’. 1.76 per cent of Stockton’s businesses were established in the last six months. Only two other places in the UK grew faster. The news follows the announcement in September naming Stockton as the most enterprising place in the North East, as regional winner in the national Enterprising Britain competition. Neighbourhood Enterprise Gateways in Stockton, Billingham and Thornaby will also continue to offer local help and advice, including small grants and intensive support from coaches and mentors. For advice on setting up in business email business. enquiries@stockton.gov.uk or call 528384.
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Graduate success for Solumac When Maurice Olum, an entrepreneur and owner of Stockton software development company Solumac Ltd, contacted Teesside University’s careers service he didn’t expect to find two future employees so quickly. Maurice was looking for a couple of graduates to help build up his business in Stockton’s Business Centre. The university recommended a graduate internship scheme and put him in contact with Stephen Brown and Hans Luchoo, both recent graduates with Masters Degrees in Visual and Web Applications and Web Enterprise. “We’ve had graduates on placement before, but I was so impressed with Hans and Stephen that I offered both of them permanent jobs when their ten-week internships finished,” said Maurice. “Hans is working on web development and helping us market the business, while Stephen is a great programmer and has been helping us develop tailormade applications for clients. I’m very impressed with both of them.” For more information about Solumac visit www.solumac. com
Economic Regeneration and Transport
‘Train and retain’ That’s the motto of Geoff and Jacqueline Smith who have operated their Tyre Exchange business for more than 14 years. Currently employing ten people in Billingham and Middlesbrough, they offer a one-stop service for tyres, MOT and fast fitting of parts. Thanks to a Business Grant from Stockton Council, they now plan another depot at Opus Park, near Ingleby Barwick. Close to many prestige car dealers and other business sites, it will become the company’s head office. The centre will manufacture custom exhaust systems for a large range of domestic and industrial vehicles. Geoff has also secured exclusive agency status for many products, which means local companies can have servicing and fitting here instead of at competitors out of the region. Geoff’s premises portray a clean, professional image and the couple’s belief in excellent customer service has earned repeat business from blue chip companies, commercial organisations and the public.
Support to stay in work Are you a business with staff on sick leave and at risk of losing their job? Or an employee taking sick leave and in need of support? Help could be on hand from the Tees Valley InWork Support Project, which offers free one-to-one advice to employers and employees.
Left to right: Stephen Brown, Maurice Olum and Hans Luchoo
Advisors offer support to businesses needing help to improve the general
wellbeing of staff – including the promotion of health and wellbeing policies such as first aid, smoking cessation, mental heath and fitness. Personal circumstances such as sickness, stress at work, debt, care or childcare problems can make it difficult for people to remain in work. Trained advisors will work with employees to refer them to organisations offering specialised help. The project also has a flexible
retention fund to give people a short-term boost until a longer term solution can be found, such as compensating people who need time off work to attend counselling or treatment sessions. To find out more contact Dawn Minshull on (01642) 524 673 or dawn.minshull@ stockton.gov.uk North Tees PCT also offer a service, to find out more call 01642) 853983 or scott.lloyd@ northteespct.nhs.uk
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Strong Communities
Allotments transformed A Thornaby allotment site has been transformed from a derelict piece of land into a marvellous collection of gardens by Community Payback workers – ex-offenders carrying out supervised, unpaid community work under court orders. The eight-strong team visit the Andrews Allotment site four days a week, clearing debris, laying new paths, putting up fences, creating a car park and helping residents establish their own plots. The Community Payback team immediately stepped in when one resident was finding it difficult accessing his plot, laying a path to improve access to his garden.
Working for the 2011 Census Since the last census ten years ago, people will have come and gone, families grown and local communities changed. The census measures these changes to help improve, develop and plan public services.
encourage people to fill in questionnaires, with census coordinators managing this process. In addition census coverage survey staff will carry out doorstep interviews with the public. To find out more about the roles visit www.censusjobs. co.uk
Census day is 27 March 2011. To ensure its smooth running, the Office for National Statistics is seeking people to fill some 35,000 temporary jobs across the country. With four months to go, recruitment is now well under way. The different roles available include census collectors and people to go out into the community and
Transporting your memories Teessiders are being asked to contribute towards a book celebrating a century of the iconic Transporter Bridge which will be 100 years old on October 17 next year. Author Dave Allan plans to include its history and tales from its past and present and wants stories from people who have ridden on, walked across, climbed and even bungeed from the bridge, often affectionately referred to as ‘The Tranny’. If you think you may have a contribution – or know someone who might – please email Dave at transporter1911@ googlemail.com or call Middlesbrough Council’s Environment freephone no 0800 013 6001 or write to Transport and Design Services, PO Box 502, Vancouver House, Gurney Street, Middlesbrough, TS1 9FW.
SNAPS support: Special Needs Activities with Parents
Support – or SNAPS – supports parents and carers of young people aged up to 25 in Stockton with various disabilities and complex and additional needs. SNAPS organise out of school and holiday activities for the whole family such as ice skating, pool activities, dancing, arts and crafts, plus a wide range of information, practical and emotional support. They hold weekly coffee mornings for a parent support group during term time – called SNIPS – and monthly meetings for the 18s-to-25s age range. To find out some great Christmas activities, call Ruth Benson (01642) 530292 or for a SNAPS leaflet email contact r.benson4@ntlworld.com
7th December, 5pm, Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre
Northern Area Partnership Board 6th December 2010, 5:45pm Low Grange Community Centre 10th January 2011, 5:45pm Low Grange Community Centre
Central Area Partnership Board 25th November, 2pm, Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre 16th December, 10am, Education Centre 27th January, 10am, venue to be confirmed
Eastern Area Partnership Board 30th November at 9.30 a.m.- Thornaby Academy
Western Area Partnership Board 29th November at 6 p.m venue tbc Contact Sarah Upex on (01642) 526498 www.stockton.gov.uk/renaissance
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Strong Communities
The difficulties Happy families blind people face In an ideal world, family life would be just perfect – yet it’s not always like that. Now a project targeting the most vulnerable and problematic families with children at risk of offending or re-offending is achieving positive results.
The Mayor of Stockton undergoes an eye test
Look after your eyes – that was the message at an event hosted by BlindVoice UK with Stockton Council. Showcasing a wide range of services for blind and visually impaired people, it also offered information and advice on how to avoid sight loss. The Mayor of Stockton had his eyes tested and emphasised the difficulties
people face after losing their sight by trying to make a sandwich while wearing a blindfold. Anyone attending had the opportunity to have their eyes checked by a special digital scanner to identify conditions such as Macular Diabetes Glucoma. For information on BlindVoice UK call (01642) 803590 or email christine. durnion@blindvoice.co.uk
Not only does the Family Intervention Project help families direct, it saves other public bodies the cost of, for example, eviction proceedings and children from going into care. Referrals come from various agencies including housing, children’s social care, Police and the youth offending, anti social behaviour and school attendance teams. Staff work intensively with families for around 12 months, helping them rise from a downward spiral. In one family, a 14-yearold was causing a spate of anti-social behaviour. They
had rent arrears, lived in clutter and were at risk of repossession. Things weren’t looking good. After regular meetings between the family and various agencies, plus an anger management course for the son, a support worker helped him find evening activities including a youth group and football games against a police team. Joining a scheme to renovate old bicycles, his support worker arranged weekend work at a local garage where the owner is now willing to offer him an apprenticeship once he finishes school. The support worker has spent much one-to-one time talking about how his behaviour could affect the rest of his life and helped Mum clear up the house and work out a rent repayment plan. To find out more about the Family Intervention Project visit www.teesvalley.org or call (01642) 524659.
Stockton needs you! Young people were encouraged to find out how they can make a difference in Stockton during Local Democracy Week. The Council wrote to students at the Borough’s colleges and university to raise awareness about how local decision making affects them and how they can get involved by voting and attending council meetings. 12 teenagers also took part in a special workshop which showed them how they can influence life in their local community. They learnt about many aspects of the democratic system including who their councillor is, the
importance of voting and how to vote. The Council runs Citizenship workshops for young people throughout the year, as national research shows this age group to be least likely to vote or get involved in local decision making. Adults from all walks of life were also urged to consider becoming a councillor as part of the on-going “Be a councillor” campaign. More than 20 have expressed an interest since the Council launched the campaign last year. To find out what’s involved in being a councillor, call (01642) 526185 or email stuart.levin@stockton.gov.uk.
On top of the world: Two staff from the Active8 gym at
Thornaby Pavilion conquered Kilimanjaro to raise £5,000 for the South Cleveland Heart Fund. Chris Goswami, pictured left and Gavin McNamee, right, took the Machame Route to reach the summit of the ‘Mountain of Greatness’ in six days.
Stockton News November / December 2010
The sky’s the limit
That’s the title of a new book by Stockton-born Susan Bennett, 35, who has Cerebral Palsy. Throughout her early life she was constantly told she wouldn’t be able to walk, talk or move properly, swim, hold a job down or live a‘normal’ life. “Whatever that is,” she says. The book demonstrates her resolve to overcome physical and emotional obstacles. It reflects her maxim of cherishing what you have and not worrying about what you don’t. The books costs £8.95; to order a copy visit www. livingwithcerebralpalsy.com/ sky/php
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Help is on hand Following the death of her own daughter, Ingleby Barwick resident Pauline Nichol knew she wanted to help other bereaved people struggling to cope. Starting by volunteering at the Butterwick Hospice, she then joined the hospice’s drop-in support group. After further training, she set up a bereavement support group in Thornaby, called Moving Along Together. The group meets on Friday afternoons at Thornaby Central Library from 2-4pm and anyone who has been bereaved is welcome to come along. For details call Pauline on (01642) 750160.
In dispute? It’s great when neighbours get along well together but unfortunately that’s not always the case. UNITE is a free mediation service available to everybody living in Stockton Borough. To find out more call (01642) 327583 and ask for UNITE on extension 370. You can also visit www. unite-mediation.org or email office@unite-mediation.org
Stockton Parent Support Tree of life grows:
For a small donation, visitors to Castlegate Shopping Centre can add their personal messages of memories of passed loved ones to Butterwick Hospice’s Tree of Life in the run-up to Christmas. A lovely way to remember loved ones at Christmas, and sponsored by Hays Travel, it helps support the hospice by raising around £3,000 each year.
Your community centre needs you! Stockton Council looks after 23 Community Centres across the Borough, 13 of which are run by volunteer associations. There are plenty of ways to get involved with your local centre, from as little as an hour a week to several hours a day. Volunteers can join or help the Management Committees, apply for specific roles such
as secretary, chairperson or treasurer, or simply offer their time at individual community centres. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, meet new friends and improve your confidence and motivation. It can also help those looking for a job to boost their skills. Centres run a host of activities for their local communities, including exercise classes, weight
management, parent and toddler groups, yoga, arts and crafts, computer classes, health services and much more. To find out more about Community Centres in your area, call Stockton Council’s Community Development Team on (01642) 528728. To find out about volunteering opportunities contact Viva Volunteers on 0800 8600214 or visit www.viva-volunteers. org.uk
is a charity providing after-school and holiday activities for young people and families. All are welcome and there is one-to-one support from experienced trained staff. Activities include the Sportability Club every Saturday during term time (10am-12noon), street dancing on Tuesdays and food skills every Wednesday. Parents and carers can pop in for a chat and coffee every term-time Friday at Highflyers Children’s Centre in Thornaby from 9.30am with a free creche. For details email Stocktonps@yahoo.co.uk visit Facebook, Twitter and Blogger or call 0845 302 5533 (temporary number).
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Environment and Housing
Youngsters Landlords must celebrate on 1010 toe the line Most landlords operate a professional business with well managed, decent properties for rent. But a national investigation by homeless charity Shelter found that wasn’t always the case.
Preston Primary School pupils celebrated 10:10 Global Day of Doing – 10 October 2010 – with a special cake and a series of environmental projects. As one of the Borough’s six Climate Change Lead Schools, it is extremely active at tackling the issues of climate change. The school be using an energy monitor to track electricity, gas and water used during Switch Off Fortnight (November 22 December 3).
Unsightly sites Most empty homes are not a major problem, being empty for good reasons such as during refurbishment or a change of occupants, or because they are newly completed but not yet occupied. Sometimes, however, owners simply neglect them, letting them become an eyesore or attract anti-social behaviour. That’s when the Council steps in to work with people affected to return them to use. First we will try to work informally with the owner. If this achieves no progress, we can resort to enforcement powers.
Sector Housing Team at 16, Church Road, Stockton, call (01642) 527797 or email privatesectorhousing@ stockton.gov.uk To find out more about Shelter’s Campaign visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ roguelandlords
Landlords are responsible for repairs to fixtures such as baths, sinks, heating and hot water installations as well as the safety of gas and electrical appliances and must arrange an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered technician. If you have requested essential repairs which your landlord has ignored or put off, report them to the Council’s Private
Crocus focus: Youngsters from Barley Fields Primary School celebrated the first anniversary of Romano Park, Ingleby Barwick, by planting 1,000 crocus bulbs in support of the national Focus on Crocus campaign, aimed at eradicating polio. Pictured below they joined members of Thornaby and Yarm Rotary Club to plant the bulbs.
Powers such as Empty Dwelling Management Orders, allow councils to take over the management of an empty home, or use compulsory purchase powers. Processes are lengthy and we must prove we have exhausted all options with legal action a last resort. The team is eager to work with, not against, owners and encourages empty property owners to contact them to discuss the options. To report empty houses to the Council, or for advice and assistance in returning an empty property to use, call (01642) 527797 or email emptyproperty@ stockton.gov.uk
No threat
Tristar Homes recently acquired an interim injunction, until March 2011, against a tenant who showed threatening behaviour towards staff and police at its Stratford House Housing Office. Part of the terms of the injunction prevents the customer from entering a number of Tristar offices and also not to abuse or threaten any employee or other customers. Tristar Homes has a zero tolerance approach towards the use of threatening or intimidating behaviour and appropriate action is taken to deal with issues of anti-social behaviour.
Stockton News November / December 2010
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Tristar stars
Solar systems
Staff at Tristar Homes are celebrating the company achieving Customer Service Excellence accreditation for the third year running, as part of a drive to ensure services are efficient and effective.
Transfer
Three Thornaby schools are newly wired in to green power. Funded by NPower’s Climate Change Cops scheme. Photo voltaic solar panels at Thornaby Village, Harewood and Thornaby Church of England Primary Schools not only supplement
the school’s needs but will also generate them around £800 a year by returning surplus electricity to the National Grid. Displays in each school show pupils how much power is generated and carbon saved. Last year Ingleby Mill and Bader Primary Schools received similar panels.
Tristar is also preparing to become the Borough’s largest landlord, with the transfer of more than 10,000 Stockton Council homes later this year. It is working with Housing Hartlepool to create a new company, making Tristar one of the country’s top 50 rented housing providers to bring value for money for tenants in Stockton and Hartlepool.
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Environment and Housing
Stockton
news POLICE BEAT Community Safety
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Stockton PCSO Shows Support for Roseworth Youth Club Neighbourhood police officers in Stockton are showing their support for a youth club in Roseworth, which has helped to develop young people’s skills and confidence while diverting their attention away from anti-social behaviour. Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Christian Howe from Newtown Neighbourhood Policing Team has accessed funding from the Cleveland Police Confidence Fund to provide a variety of computer games equipment for the young people at the youth club, which is based at St Chad’s Church.
Since it first opened two years ago St Chad’s Youth Club has proved to be very popular with the young people of Roseworth aged from 5 to 11 years of age. It is now open every Tuesday night from 4pm till 6pm and is run by voluntary staff. The funding has provided games equipment such as a PS3 console and various games and accessories for the Wii console. The youth club was set up by local residents Samantha and Simon Wood after they wanted to provide the young people of Roseworth with a fun and safe place to enjoy themselves. Left to right Mark Sill, 10, Kyle Poppleton, 10, Jake Cooper, 6, Regan Walker, 9, Charlie Smith, 6, Lewis Matthews, 7 with PCSO Christian Howe.
First CCTV System in Port Clarence A neighbourhood inspector has fulfilled his promise to the residents of Port Clarence by raising funding for the first multi-camera CCTV system to be installed in the village. Inspector Andy Fox listened to residents concerns about the lack of CCTV and said that as part of his role he would do everything possible to ensure that a system was put in place for the area. He reached out to local partner agencies including Tristar Homes, Know How North East (KHNE), and the Billingham Environmental Link Programme who have helped to fund around £25,000 needed for the project. The cameras, which will be installed in the next few months, will be monitored
24 hours a day and will decrease the fear of crime and act as a deterrent to people thinking of committing crime. It is also hoped that the CCTV will help in the fight against metal thefts, which have increased not only across Port Clarence, but in other areas more recently. The system is one of just a number of measures that police and partner agencies are working on to reduce crime and increase a sense of community pride in the local area. A number of local issues are being tackled thanks to the Clarences Plan, a five-year vision for promoting positive change in the area, which is being led by partners and the Clarences Residents’ Action Group (CRAG).
Inspector Andy Fox said: “Port Clarence has a vibrant community who are working towards improving the local area and they have always felt that a CCTV system would be another boost for them. “As a neighbourhood inspector, I am dedicated to listening to local residents and doing my very best to ensure that they get the support they need in relation to their issues and priorities.” Jeff Horrocks from Tristar Homes said: “In addition to the CCTV, we have been happy to work alongside Cleveland Police and KHNE to improve the community and environment with four separate tidy up days being held over the last six months, in addition to providing the funding for the youth room in the Community Centre.”
Contact your Neighbourhood Police Officer on (01642) 302930
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Community Safety
Sharp practices
Ablaze of thoughts Fire kills and maims – and, with six fire-related fatalities in just over a year, the Safer Stockton Partnership and Cleveland Fire Service are offering advice and practical help to keep you safe against this hazard at home. Many home fires can be avoided with a few seconds’ thought. The Fire Brigade highlights the careless and often downright dangerous things people do and, while some may raise a chuckle, the very real dangers could have disastrous consequences.
Raising awareness about the dangers of knives and knife crime is high on the local agenda. Shane Foster, Preventions Worker for Stockton Council and PC Alan Fish, Cleveland Police’s Schools Liaison Officer, work closely with young people following specialist intensive training on weapons awareness. Just 200 people in the country are licensed to run this programme. Since February 2009, more than 1,800 young people in youth centres and schools in Stockton and Middlesbrough have learned in groups and one-to-one sessions about the consequences of possessing a knife, the harm they can cause, the law, medical implications and how knife crime impacts on society. With positive feedback and praise from local media on the work so far, further sessions will continue to stress the dangers of possessing knives.
Youngsters learn and live A three pronged approach by the Council’s Drug Action Team and Cleveland Fire Brigade is helping keep young people alive, safe and well. ‘Learn and Live’ – the brainchild of Cleveland Fire Brigade and its partners – sees young people aged 16-plus receive a hard hitting presentation and set of talks in their colleges and schools.
These sent home messages about road and home safety and the effect of drugs and alcohol on them. The Fire Brigade’s Gordon Goodison said: “Learn and Live covers our two main areas of risk – road safety and home fire safety – where most people in our community are either killed on injured. A common denominator in those incidents is drugs and alcohol.”
Top five in the “Hot Parade” of inexplicable things people do at home across the Tees Valley are: 1. A washing basket left on a cooker hob 2. A feather duster left close to a boiler 3. An iron on a floor which set fire to a carpet 4. A candle used to light a loft 5. Curling tongs left switched on, on top of the bedcovers
Narrowly missing out on the “Hot Parade” are: • Melting shoe polish catching fire • A deep fat fryer switched on with no oil inside • An electric kettle on a gas hob • Rubbish fire in garden spreads to property Cleveland Fire Brigade offer free home fire safety visits, including fitting smoke alarms – for details call (01429) 874063 or visit www. clevelandfire.gov.uk More than 1,000 vulnerable residents feel safer in their home thanks to Stockton Safer Partnerships’ Safe at Home scheme. The Police and Council work together to help with locks, lighting, door chains, personal safety alarms and other security measures to help residents feel safer. Various agencies would refer residents to the scheme followed by a security assessment by a crime reduction officer.
How clean is your business? The Council’s Environmental Health team helps ensure businesses use hygienic practices when preparing and serving food to customers. The team has prosecuted businesses who did not follow hygienic procedures – and will continue to do so to protect consumers from nasty bugs and health risks. We can offer businesses nationally recognised food safety qualifications to meet their specific needs, at a place convenient to them. For example, businesses can pre-book on the monthly Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering.
There are also courses on nutrition, allergies, and health and safety – a half-day Health and Safety Awareness course gives staff the basic information at a low cost. For details, call (01642) 528372 or email jenny. cowell@stockton.gov.uk
DID YOU KNOW?
Have you noticed a street light out recently? If yes, then it’s very easy to report – call (01642) 526769 or email streetlighting@stockton. gov.uk
Stockton News November / December 2010
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A piggy problem Thank you results coming up! Thanks go to all the residents who helped us to identify your key priorities in the Safer Stockton Partnership’s Crime and Disorder survey. With your help we can now say what matters to you most is anti social behaviour and alcohol related crime. Look out in the next edition of Stockton News for the full results which will also be posted on www.saferstockton.com and the Council’s website www.stockton.gov.uk
If, like Paris Hilton and the Beckhams, you fancy owning a micro-pig, Stockton Council’s Animal Health section highlights a few important facts. • Legally, micro pigs are still a farmed animal and the same rules apply as all pigs are susceptible to highly contagious viruses and Notifiable diseases. • Before buying your pig you need a County Parish Holding number identifying where the pig will be kept, in case of disease outbreaks – contact RPA 0845 6037777 • All pig movements legally need to be licensed, these are available from Stockton Council Animal Health – (01642) 526554 • Owners need to register as a pig keeper with Defra – (0191) 2295400 • Purchase from a reputable breeder as most of these pigs do not stay small, they grow into full size pigs, so beware • These pets need outdoor accessibility preferably in the company of other pigs, so are best in pairs and, as rooting is one of their characteristics, they can mess up your garden! • All pig owners (including pet pigs) are legally required to keep records of all the animals’ licensed movements, on and off their premises • Before taking your pig out for a walk you must obtain a pig walking licence form the local Defra Animal Health Office – 0191 2295400 • Legally you cannot feed your pig waste food from your kitchen, restaurants or other catering facilities For more information contact Stockton Council’s Animal Health Officer on (01642) 526554 or email animalhealth@ stockton.gov.uk
A crucial matter: More than 2,000 Year 6 Stockton
Borough pupils benefitted from road safety advice and training at this year’s Crucial Crew event, held at Durham University, Stockton Campus. The Council’s Road Safety Team demonstrated cycle safety and the importance of pedestrians or cyclists being visible. Fun, interactive sessions highlighted how to use crossings correctly, bike safety checks and why you should always wear a cycle helmet. Road Safety staff offer advice, pedestrian and cycle training, the Arnie Roadshow and baby seat checks – for details call (01642) 526731 or email technicalservices@stockton.gov.uk
Defend yourself Coaches at Stockton Kickboxing Gym are encouraging all females aged over 11 to learn about self defence. Supported by Stockton Council, new sessions are encouraging women into sport. Learning simple, practical skills helps them take control of their lives – and get fit. For details of the classes at Elm Tree Community Centre, call Paul Monty on (01642) 611333.
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Children and Young People
Young people help New school strategy begins to take shape shape services The Borough’s schools are working with the Council to help shape the future of education across Stockton-onTees.
Lucky Olivia Wilson of Rosehill and Jack Mitchell collected a new iPod nano after taking part in a survey to help shape the future of local youth services. Olivia, 12, of Rosehill and Jack, 15, of Norton (pictured) were amongst 888 young people to complete the survey by the Council’s Children and Young People’s Select Committee. It revealed: • 63 per cent had visited a youth club, most about once a week • Youth clubs offer something to do and somewhere to go • Two-thirds walk there • They rate their club and staff highly • Suggested improvements include better opening times, sports and outside facilities • The most popular activities apart from youth clubs were other sports and football clubs and gyms • Asked what activities they would like to see, the top answer was “generally more to do” followed by parks with safe facilities for teenagers The Council will consider the comments and suggestions and report recommendations to its Cabinet in December.
The tops in training Innovative training programmes have earned Conyers School, Yarm, the Times Educational Supplement award for Outstanding Staff Training/Development Initiative 2010 which recognises the professionalism of those making an outstanding contribution to schools.
Left to right: Comedian and actor Alexander Armstrong, Carol Dunn from Conyers School and TES Editor Gerard Kelly at the ceremony in London.
Last month the Council’s Cabinet agreed that a new strategy should be developed to ensure the Borough’s young people continue to have access to excellent learning opportunities despite the stopping of the Building Schools for the Future programme. It was also decided that following technical and legal investigations Preston Park is not a viable site for a secondary school building. Options for the three south of the Borough secondary schools will now be explored through the development of the new, Borough-wide, Campus Stockton strategy. The Council’s Chief Executive, Neil Schneider, said: “Investment in many of our schools is much needed. We remain committed to working with the schools, the dioceses, local communities and the Government to ensure our
young people continue to learn in fit-for-purpose environments which support excellent learning opportunities. Each of the Borough’s primary and secondary schools is now being assessed in terms of condition, suitability and ability to cater for the demand for pupil places.
This will inform the strategy by identifying which schools are in greatest need of any future funding that may be released from central Government. The document will also explain how the Campus Stockton aims of putting the learner first and making sure every school is a good school at the heart of its community will be achieved. At the moment the Government is conducting a Schools Capital Review. This is likely to be completed at the end of this year. Stockton’s Schools strategy will be finalised after this and will incorporate any updates about funding and prioritisation criteria announced within the findings of the review.
School places Was your child born between September 1, 2006 and 31 August 2007? If so, your child needs a place in school for September 2011. Forms are available now and you should receive one through you child’s school nursery. If your child is not in a school nursery, please ring school admissions on (01642) 526605 and we’ll send one out. You can also apply online at www.stockton.gov.uk where there’s a link on the front page. You’ll need to return forms to us no later than 15 January 2011, when the website also closes. Please return your forms on time or you will run the risk of your child not being placed in your preferred school.
Stockton News November / December 2010
Ofsted inspection shows Stockton’s progress An Ofsted report into the work of Stockton Council and its partners with vulnerable children has shown positive outcomes are being achieved for Looked After Children and clear progress is being made in services for Safeguarding Children.
judgement for the overall effectiveness of safeguarding, and the capacity to improve.
The Ofsted team rated Looked After Children as ‘good’ and Safeguarding as ‘adequate’.
The report goes on to say ‘since the unannounced inspection, the Duty and Domestic Violence Teams have amalgamated into one and there is now greater stability in staffing and management’.
The ‘good’ judgement in relation to Looked After Children highlighted ‘placement stability, health support, educational outcomes and arrangements to keep looked after children and young people safe are all good’. Inspectors rated the service’s capacity for improvement as ‘good’ and the report added ‘all looked after children and young people surveyed as part of this inspection stated they felt very safe’. An Unannounced Inspection of Contact, Referral and Assessment Services in Stockton earlier in the year highlighted areas which required ‘priority action’. Since then positive progress has been made and this is acknowledged in the ‘adequate’
Inspectors were satisfied that the Areas for Priority Action highlighted in the Unannounced Inspection have been addressed; that children and young people are safeguarded and that the children and young people feel safe.
The capacity for improvement in Safeguarding was also rated as ‘adequate’. Inspectors stated ‘the area has struggled to recruit social workers and some health care practitioners to front line early intervention services, leading to significant reliance on agency practitioners and managers.’ However, they acknowledged that this is being tackled. A key area for improvement is to ensure all partners are working together on the Common Assessment Framework to improve the effectiveness of early intervention for children and families in need. Partners in the Children’s Trust had already identified this as a priority and work has started on a new strategy and action plan.
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Stockton’s got talent Children love to perform and entertain – and to protect their health and wellbeing, those aged up to 16 must have a licence. Last year, the Council issued around 800 individual and group entertainment and performance licences to our very talented youngsters for a host of amateur and professional pantomime, theatre and television performances. School’s putting on performances don’t need a licence. More information and application forms are available from the Council’s Child Entertainment Licensing Officer on: (01642) 527105 or visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ performancelicence
WOW – children are walking
Going international Two schools which have made strong international links with schools in Bahrain have won the British Council’s International Schools Award. The Award, open to all schools, is an accredited scheme to help students to develop an awareness of the cultures of other countries and build partnerships across the globe.
Students at Conyers received visitors from Bahrain and have worked on cross curricular projects including art, food technology and ICT to name but a few. Conyers School has also worked with schools in Germany, China, Kazakstan and India.
Students at All Saints CE School, Ingleby Barwick and Conyers School, Yarm have incorporated their work into the school curriculum and made links with schools in Bahrain. Curriculum work at All Saints has involved a pen pal project in English, multi media projects in ICT and students undertook a fundraising project, over ten months, to support a school in Namibia with various activities such as walking and The Great North Run and raised as massive £20,000!
Left to right Katie Blunden from the British Council, Annalisa Adams, All Saints, Mohammad Abdullah, Bahrain, Rachel Flannagan, Conyers and Val Brooks CLC.
Amy Bolton of St Mark’s Elm Tree Primary School enjoys the school’s ‘Walk on Wednesdays’ project with BBC Tees presenter Diane Youdale. The school is one of 30 across the Borough to join the WOW Walk Once a Week project which encourages walking or cycling to school. Children receive a badge if they travel actively to school at least once a week each month. To find out more call (01642) 526735 or email technicalservices@stockton. gov.uk
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Children and Young People
Stockton
news
Children and Young People
There for young carers Children’s charity the Eastern Ravens Trust has opened a new town centre drop-in at Wellington Square, Stockton.
support for people seeking entry into employment. To find out more about the Trust’s work, call (01642) 678454 or email info@easternravenstrust.org
The Trust supports local children and young people who are experiencing social isolation and disadvantage. The Borough’s only service dedicated to young carers, celebrates its 50 year anniversary next year. Manager Tracey Hamilton hopes the drop-in centre will help identify young carers, many of whom have no support. The Trust has taken a two-year lease as part of a scheme to make use of empty town centre shops and the centre is open 9am–5pm Mondays to Saturdays. Eastern Ravens Trust also runs a youth club at Primrose Hill Community Centre, offering
Eastern Ravens young carers and staff with a mural at their new centre.
Keeping up appearances Nine young people benefitted from the skills and input of talented local photographer Gilmar Ribeiro in a project to creatively explore the significance of appearance – and how we present ourselves to others.
It was exhibited in an empty shop in Wellington Square as part of the Meanwhile . . . in Stockton project part funded by Arts Council England, attracting more than 400 visitors.
Gilmar worked with the young people, recruited by the A Way Out organisation, in photography and creative writing workshops. Fashion stylists helped select different looks and examine what clothes say about you to others. Their work documented their self-expressions, social, political and psychological meanings.
Challenges bring rewards 22 young people have gained accredited awards after completing challenging courses through Futurity Tees Valley, a voluntary organisation working with children and young people. One group sailed 143 miles over six days from Scarborough to Holy Island and Newcastle, overcoming physical, mental and
emotional challenges, gaining confidence and a Royal Yachting Association award.
crafts, healthy cooking, sport and exercise and trips to Durham’s newest farm attraction, Adventure Valley.
Another group completed an eight week Right Trax motorcycle course, gaining accredited awards in motorcycle repairs, key skills and manual handling.
Look out for Futurity Tees Valley’s activity vehicle, Imagination Explorer, which visits community venues around the Borough. To find out more about Futurity Tees Valley call Mark Chapman on (01642) 608879 or email mark.scjp@ btconnect.com
More than 500 other children and young people aged 4 – 13 joined in weekly activities involving arts and
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Dinners are winners! The school meal revolution means they are more tasty, healthy and nutritious than ever. Pupils tasted this for themselves during National School Meals Week (8-12 Nov) when all were invited to enjoy healthy fare such as roast dinners, Spaghetti Bolognaise and vegetable Stromboli. The essential vitamins and minerals in nutritionally balanced school meals help children keep healthy, perform better and fulfil their potential. Now’s the time for your child to try one – just speak to your school or visit www.stockton. gov.uk/schoolmeals
Golden result The Corner House, based in Dovecot Street, Stockton, is only one of just four youth projects in the north to gain gold status for their work with young people. One of 91 community-based Positive Futures projects funded by the Home Office and managed by young people’s charity Catch22, it helps young people steer clear of crime, drug and alcohol misuse and anti-social behaviour.
Ahead for heights! Ten Tees Active Sports Academy members aged 12 – 18 proved they have a head for heights when they completed the high ropes adventure course at Aerial Extreme, near Bedale, recently. They overcame various high-level obstacles in the trees, including a zip line, a 14m climbing wall and the ‘leap of faith’ off a 14m high platform to finish. To find out more about the Tees Active Sports Academy call Allan McDermott on (01642) 528772 or visit www.teesactive.co.uk
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Adults Services
Being upwardly mobile If you use a Mobility Scooter or thinking of using one, the Council has produced a booklet called ‘Best Practice Guidance Manual for Mobility Scooter Users’. Packed with essential advice and information, it covers: • where scooters should and should not be used • which models need licences • insurance advice • choosing a model • buy or hire? • storage and maintenance • safety • health assessment For a free copy of the booklet call the Council’s Independent Living Team on (01642) 528460 or Stockton Shopmobility on (01642) 605676 or download one from www.stockton.gov.uk/ scootsafe It’s also available in large print, other languages or audio version by calling (01642) 528830.
Looking after adults well Stockton Council’s Adult Social Care Service has shown it is ‘performing well’ when it comes to safeguarding adults and offering increased choice and control for older people following an inspection by The Care Quality Commission (CQC). They highlighted how ‘priority was given to making people feel safe’ and ‘there was a clear priority on improving community safety’ and the ‘strong relationship with other statutory agencies’ that help to make ‘the quality of care management effective in joint working’. Inspectors stated staff who work with service users ‘were enthusiastic about their work and put individuals’ preferences as a high priority’ and ‘care managers advised people about their options, enabling them to make best choices about their lifestyle’. Inspectors added ‘we saw instances of people with very complex needs who were supported at home in
accordance with their wishes’ and they said ‘good use was made of Telecare, from which more than 6,000 people received some measure of support. More than 300 people were linked to a mobile warden system’. The report added ‘elected members had key roles as champions for older people and dignity in care’ and ‘the Council engaged well with older people and made improvements as a result’. Inspectors’ judgement that we are performing well in providing people with choice and control shows the improvement made since last year when the CQC’s annual assessment of this theme area was ‘adequate’. The report also stated the capacity to improve was ‘promising’. An Action Plan will now be implemented to address the areas for development highlighted by the inspection to include improving the quality of case recording to ensure consistent high standards and ensure assessments fully reflect people’s interests and history.
24-hour help on hand Stockton Council provides 24-hour community alarm support to over 6,500 vulnerable residents in the Borough who wish to live safely and independently in their own homes, providing peace of mind to families and loved ones. At Stockton’s last Over 50s Assembly meeting members of the group heard about the types of alarm system on offer and the benefits they can bring. Care Call allows residents to call for assistance by pushing a button worn as a pendant or activating a home alarm. The alarm is raised at Stockton’s security centre where mobile officers can be sent out – if needed. The Council’s Telecare system successfully uses sensors to detect floods, fire, gas leaks, falls, intruders and activates an alarm at the security centre. Sensors can also be installed to alert staff if
someone does not return to their property after a given amount of time. Clients using telecare range in age from 4 to 102 years. Each month the centre receives more than 15,000 calls. This can be from residents needing help when they have fallen to requests for a doctor or ambulance or a smoke alarm being activated. On average 96.5 per cent of calls are answered within 30 seconds and 98 per cent within 60 seconds. Working with its health partners the Council also provides the Telehealth scheme which allows community matrons to keep a close eye on patients with long-term conditions, preventing any unnecessary hospital visits and allowing the patient to stay in the comfort of their own home. These high-tech schemes provide ways of improving vulnerable people’s lives and save money for both the Council, clients and their families. To find out more call (01642) 634768.
Stockton News November / December 2010
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State-of-the-art care home opens Believe you A new ‘eco’ care home in Stockton has created 50 new jobs for local people. The Maple Care Home in Primrose Hill is an ecofriendly building providing residential, respite and day care both for elderly people and those with dementia.
operate it as part of their local regeneration work with Know How North East (KHNE) – a local charity and not-for-profit company which runs a number of community resource centres across Stockton.
KHNE has assisted more than 700 people with training, employment needs and family support and is funded through Stockton Council’s Communities Fund.
People who can read take it for granted. But, for those who can’t or struggle to read, it restricts their life. Tees Achieve can open up a new world by taking your reading skills further and giving you confidence, whatever your reading ability.
The high standard accommodation includes 63 fully-furnished bedrooms, spacious shared accommodation, a hair salon and attractive garden and seating areas.
For those who have had reading difficulties all their life, to those who would like to raise their game to GCSE level, Tees Achieve can help.
State-of-the-art features include underfloor heating from air-source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting from a flat roof and solar panels for hot water. B & K Developments have built the home and will also
can achieve
Students start with a one-toone meeting where tutors can find their reading level and what would suit them best. Care Assistants Joanna Peel (left) and Laura Saul
Learn a Language Booking a holiday? Buying a property abroad? Going overseas for business? Learn about the language, country and culture by joining a Tees Achieve course. Ten week Holiday French, Spanish, Greek and Italian courses start in January and May – no prior knowledge of the language needed. To enrol or for more information call 527904 or visit our website at www.stockton. gov.uk/adulted
Halcyon days Improvements to access and parking at the Halcyon Centre on Thorntree Road, Thornaby, are under way. The centre, run by Stockton Council, provides day care for people aged 55 and over. Over the last year, the Council has modernised the centre inside and outside – with the final stages now improving its surroundings. A new road will allow two-way traffic with a separate bus lane, an extended car park with four specially designated bays for disabled access and new lighting. Landscaping of the grounds will ensure the centre’s users can make the most of its gardens.
There are classes at venues across Stockton and Billingham at times to suit the learner, where friendly and helpful tutors will give great support, which may even be on a one-to-one basis. If you know someone who is struggling with reading, then pass on this number to them (01642) 527904 – it could change their lives forever.
Older? Keep fit! Becoming older doesn’t mean losing out on fitness, as a recent ‘Older Peoples Olympic Event’ at Thornaby Pavilion recently proved. Run by the Council’s Leisure & Sports Development team to promote physical activity for over-50s, activities included Boccia, Kurling, mini golf and target throwing. Everyone had a great time, receiving a certificate from the Mayor and a goody bag. For details of future events call (01642) 524816 or email Vicky. fawcett@stockton.gov.uk
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Arts, Culture and Leisure
As the temperatures cool we can always cheer ourselves up with the warm memories of the summer’s River Rat Race. If you missed the action on the day Channel 4’s documentary, aired in October, was a great reminder of how the 700 competitors really put their heart and soul into the 10km adventure race.
Rats take to the Tees!
In a first for Stockton and the UK, hardy souls had great fun running, kayaking, swimming in the Tees and walking the plank off the Endeavour on Stockton’s Riverside.
Christmas wishes Local children’s artistic skills are helping bring festive cheer to people who use the Library home delivery service by making and sending them Christmas cards. The bus visits readers who are not able to visit their local library. Children from several primary schools including Christ the King, Thornaby; Durham Lane, Eaglescliffe; Holy Trinity CofE Juniors, Fairfield; Rosebrook, Roseworth; and St John the Evangelist, Billingham will
make around 350 cards in total. Debbie Henderson, Library Home Delivery Officer, said: “Our borrowers are always delighted to receive the cards, which add an extra special touch to our visits.”
Some of the cards children made in 2009.
On the wild side Saltholme Wildlife Reserve, off the A178 between Billingham and Seaton Carew, has two new projects thanks to a £10,000 donation from Santander. A new pond dipping area will let families gather wildlife and find out about the creatures before returning them to the pond. New educational spaces are already helping school groups learn about wildlife and their habitats.
New art retail space Customers at ARC, Dovecot Street, can now view and buy original art at a new ground floor exhibition space for local artists. Last year ARC attracted more than 100,000 visitors, making it an ideal location for artists to display and sell their work. Local artists can sell jewellery, small sculptures, glass and ceramic work, photographic prints and original artwork at prices from £10 - £100.
Stockton News November / December 2010
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A DAY IN THE
LIFE GLEN LAYFIELD
Stockton prides itself in bringing some of the most spectacular events to the Borough for residents and visitors to enjoy and, as an Events Officer at the heart of these, two working days are never the same for Glen Layfield (pictured). Events don’t just happen. Many months of preparation and planning take place to make sure they run smoothly for the enjoyment and safety of everyone attending. So when you see fencing, signage and stages at the Borough’s events, you can safely bet Glen has had a firm hand in their organisation. He also deals with staffing, stewarding and crowd control as well as the ever-important ‘sanitary services’ (that’s portaloos to you and me!). Glen, 33, joined the Council in 1995, working with the events team for two years on a Youth Training Scheme. Starting early gave him an excellent grounding for what was to become his future career path. Moving on to an administration job at the Council’s Cowpen Depot in Billingham, it seems the events bug had bitten and found its way into Glen’s blood. As a result, he continued to do casual work at events in the Borough whenever he could. 2005 saw him return to his roots, working full-time in his present post as Events Officer – which is where he’s at his happiest. As Stockton News went to print, Glen was preparing for the road closures
“I like the variation in the job – no two days are the same. for Yarm Fair followed by one of the UK’s top rated free events – Stockton’s annual fireworks spectacular. Following on from that - the next extravaganza is the Stockton Sparkles Christmas festival, and in particular the annual Christmas Light switch-on! Asked what he enjoys most about the job he said: “I like the variation in the job – no two days are the same. One day I can be outside for most of the time, then I’ll work back in the office to deal with all the paperwork that’s needed.” There’s a huge amount of behind-the-
scenes work and, although Glen spends a lot of his time out on site, completing this paperwork is all part of the smooth running of events to make sure everything is in order and in line with budgets. Although there’s a lot of weekend work involved in Glen’s job, when he finds the spare time he likes to go with his wife Sarah to watch his son Callum out on the rugby pitch. Doubtless when Glen attends any events by other organisations in his spare time, he never quite ‘switches off’ as to how it’s being run!
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Arts, Culture and Leisure
Snacktime at Splash
There’s a great new place to grab a bite to eat in Stockton.
Part of a £2.6 million extension, Café Tees takes pride of place at the front of the Splash leisure centre, on Church Road, providing a great place to relax and enjoy a drink or bite to eat. Whether you’ve been playing badminton, training in the gym or pool, shopping or on your lunch break, Café Tees is a great place to recharge and meet friends. Open daily, the bonus of a loyalty card makes it well worth a visit. You can also
use the card at other Café Tees’ branches at John Whitehead Park, Billingham, Wynyard Woodland Park at Thorpe Thewles, Preston Park and Eaglescliffe and Stockton Central Library. The menu includes something for everyone with a selection of freshly prepared food including paninis and sandwiches, healthy salad options and more. For the first time, Splash can now offer catered children’s parties including swimming, interactive soft play and dance mats, plus the tasty Café Tees party menu.
Novel experiences Authors from near and far have visited Stockton Libraries recently to talk about their latest novels.
visited Stockton to speak about his funny and poignant The Shadow of a Smile, shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize 2010.
Teesdale writer Rebecca Jenkins entertained an audience at Fairfield Library with her love of the regency period. She told fans how the Scarlet Pimpernel inspired her first historical detective novel set in County Durham, The Duke’s Agent.
As Stockton News went to print, award-winning children’s author David Almond had also visited Stockton Central Library to talk about his new book My Name is Mina, a prequel to his well-known Skellig.
To mark Black History Month talented Nigerian writer Kachi Ozumba
To find out about forthcoming library events, visit your local library branch or www.stockton. gov.uk/events
Lucy flies flag for Stockton Kayaking star Lucy Gardener (pictured) returned to Stockton with four gold medals and two silver medals from the National Paddleability Championships. Lucy, a member of the Tees Active Sports Academy, trains at Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre. She won Gold in the 200m and 500m individual events and, with Robin Webb, gold in the 200m and 500m pairs events.
She also finished fourth with a personal best time in the 200m at World Canoe Sprint Championships in Poland. Now back home paddling on the Tees, Lucy is targeting next April’s National Championships, where she hopes to earn selection for the European and World Championships. If you are interested in Watersports please contact Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre on (01642) 528689 or visit www.teesactive.co.uk
A bronze for Matt Matthew Fletcher (pictured) is celebrating being part of Great Britain’s bronze medalwinning under-21 team at the 2010 Canoe Polo World Championships in Milan, Italy, in September. Matt, 20, from Norton is studying business and finance at Durham University Queen’s Campus. A keen kayaker from the age of eight, he joined local canoe club Tees Tigers and took up canoe polo. Supported by clubmates, he has developed his skills to international level and hopes to be part of Britain’s under 21 team in next year’s European Championships. His goal is to be part of the GB senior men’s squad.
Matthew puts his success down to hard work and support from the Tees Tigers, where he now coaches local youngsters to help them fulfil their sporting potential.
Stockton News November / December 2010
Film, camera, action!
Budding young actors and filmmakers came together to celebrate their hard work at a special film premiere. Eighteen months ago the 11–18-year-olds from across the Borough met for the first time at the Spark Film Project. Run by the Council’s Arts Development team, it explored ideas in two ten minute films, working with writer Jeff Williams and project manager Michele Plews.
Young actress, Rachel Head takes part in filming of Crossing the Line
Funded by First Light Movies, they embarked on workshops and writing sessions. The results were plots and scripts for two films – Crossing the Line, an atmospheric story about a haunted house and Dawn and the Living Dad, a Cinderella-turned-Zombie story. If you’re aged 11–18 and are interested in film making, call (01642) 526466 or email rachel.willis@stockton. gov.uk
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We’re changing Early in the New Year Stockton Central Library will be closing. When it reopens in autumn 2011, it will feature brand new state-ofthe-art facilities plus a new Customer Services Centre. It’s all part of Stockton Council’s improvements to the town centre and library users and residents will have the chance to see what’s planned at a preview event in December. You will be able to give your thoughts and recommendations on the plans for the new library and contact centre and try the new self service technology. Watch out for more details of this event advertised in the library, local media and on the library pages of Stockton Council’s website – www.stockton.gov.uk/ libraries Read more about the library’s redevelopment in the next edition of Stockton News.
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Health and Wellbeing
Offering up a lifeline National alcohol awareness week saw Stockton Council launch its new support service for adults whose lives are affected by the harmful effects of alcohol. The Lifeline Project provides specialist help to alcohol users and their families. The scheme acts to cut-down adults’ alcohol intake and, in doing so, reduce repeat alcohol-related admissions to hospital. Working with partner organisations across the Borough, the Lifeline Project will also involve local courts in assessing and providing help to those who find themselves charged with an alcohol-related offence – making sure they receive the right treatment as well as tackling the offending behaviour. Lifeline is open Monday to Friday during office hours with two late nights and weekend provision. The service is available from Skinner Street in Stockton town centre and a number of community venues across the Borough. To find out more, call 0300 4562659.
For 24-hour help and advice you can also contact Stockton’s drug and alcohol helpline on 0800 0522050. Think B4U Drink – Stockton Council’s partnership with Cleveland Police and NHS Stockton-on-Tees to encourage safe and responsible drinking, goes from strength to strength. Dave Kitching, the Council’s Trading Standards & Licensing Manager and co-ordinator of Think B4U Drink, said: “Think B4U Drink isn’t about stopping adults from enjoying a drink – instead we aim to make people aware of the issues surrounding excessive drinking, such as the impact on health, the family or wider society. “Over the next few months keep an eye out for our new campaign posters on buses, pubs and beer mats which focuses on three important messages: raising awareness of drink-related domestic violence, the dangerous situations people who drink too much can find themselves in and a campaign to show how most young people do not drink alcohol. ”
Don’t get Flu – get vaccinated Flu can be a blot on your lifescape! The new seasonal flu vaccine is now available for those 65 years and over, all pregnant women previously not protected from swine flu and anyone aged six months or over if they’ve have a long term health problem or their immune system (or that of someone they live with) is lowered due to disease or treatment. This year’s vaccine does not carry any ‘live’ virus and so cannot give you the flu. It’s critical for some people to receive the vaccine as actually getting flu can cause serious complications often resulting in a stay in hospital or could even be fatal. Those in high risk groups should receive invitations
from their GP to come and be vaccinated. If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible please check on the NHS choices website at www. nhs.uk ,your own GP or NHS Direct 24 hours a day on 0845 46 47.
Setting standards:
A new Care Quality Commission (CQC) leaflet gives information on the standard of care you should receive when using NHS hospital services. You can give feedback if you feel the care was not up to standard. Although the CQC cannot deal with individual cases they do want to know. Visit www.cqc.org.uk for more information or to download a copy.
Let’s detect it – early A £400,000 cash injection by the Department of Health will help NHS Tees Health raise awareness of cancer. Linked to the NHS Healthy Heart Check Programme, the Teeswide project helps identify people at high risk of cardio vascular disease to make them more aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer. In the Tees Valley area the illnesses that contribute between 60 and 75 per cent of reduced life expectancy are cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and cancer. Dr Ingrid Ablett-Spence, NHS Tees Public Health Cancer Lead, said: “We know the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the outlook. This campaign will help people be more alert to the early signs and symptoms of cancer. Encouraging people to seek help from their doctor if they suspect cancer is the crucial first step in getting a speedy cancer diagnosis.” As well as raising awareness of signs and symptoms of cancer, extensive education will enhance the expertise of health professionals in identifying these.
Sport for all: A new club offers young people aged 8 to 16 years with disabilities the chance to try out a fantastic range of sports ranging from football, cricket, volleyball and boccia – a specialised ball game for wheelchair users. Thornaby Sportsability Club, organised by Stockton Council, runs from 2 - 4pm every Saturday from 20 November at Thornaby Pavilion. It costs just £10 for five sessions. For details, call Natalie Smith on (01642) 528510 or email Natalie.smith@stockton.gov.uk
Stockton
news To contact MPs and MEPs MPs – Members of Parliament Surgeries: Stockton North – Alex Cunningham MP Tel (01642) 345291 Stockton South – James Wharton MP Tel (01642) – 636235 MEPs – Members of the European Parliament Martin Callanan MEP (Conservative) Tel 0191 214 6744 Fiona J Hall MEP (Lib Dem) Tel 0191 383 0119 Stephen Hughes MEP (Lab) Tel 0191 384 9731
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Your Council
New powers Stockton Council’s Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers are the first in the North East – and possibly in the North of England – to gain a range of new powers, previously handled only by police officers, to help them deal with road vehicles and traffic.
They now have the power, granted by Cleveland Police Chief Constable Sean Price, to direct traffic, escort parades and abnormal loads and pull in vehicles for roadside inspections – all helping free up police resources.
Council enforcement officers can already carry out roadside inspections of taxis, waste carriers and other vehicles but previously had to call on the police to flag such traffic down. They are also able to accompany parades and wide loads, and can require the names and addresses of people committing certain road traffic offences. Council officers have also added a power to stop begging and although it’s not a major problem in Stockton Borough, the additional powers will help officers offer assistance to people found begging, and put them in contact with other Council support services.
For further details of MPs and MEPs visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ wardsurgeries
Obituary Former Stockton Councillor, Norman Teasdale, sadly died in October. Norman served as a Councillor from 1999 until 2007 and represented the St Aidan’s Ward in Billingham.
Tees Valley gets go ahead for LEP Tees Valley is one of the first areas in the country to gain approval from the Government to form a Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) - a new organisation to help create jobs, business and boost the local economy. One of only 24 in the country to be granted LEP status by Government in its first round of announcements, the Tees Valley LEP covers the five council areas of Stockton, Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland. The go ahead also includes endorsement of the creation of a North East Economic Partnership, which will be the forum
for strategic development in the areas of inward investment, managing European funding, sector development, access to finance and innovation; and recommended approval for a LEP covering Newcastle, Gateshead, Northumberland, North and South Tyneside, Sunderland and Durham. The announcement has been welcomed by Tees Valley Unlimited (TVU) – the public and private sector partnership that has led the bid on behalf of the area and bosses there will be seeking talks with key players to ensure the work of each partnership complements the other. Sandy Anderson, chairman of Tees Valley Unlimited (TVU) explains: “We’re
delighted that the Government has recognised the potential for the Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership to create the change that is needed to support our economy. “There is no doubt that the Tees Valley faces some unique challenges, particularly in relation to the impact of future public sector job cuts, but there are significant opportunities too. “What we put forward to Government is a really compelling case to build on the industrial strengths we already have, while at the same time, develop those areas where we are starting to see the potential for new business and employment opportunities.”
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Your Council
Stockton News November / December 2010
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Christmas and New Year opening for Stockton Council, Tees Active and hours of many Council offices Tristar Homes Opening will be restricted over the holidays: Municipal Buildings Switchboard and Reception: 24 December: Reception closes at 1pm, main switchboard (01642 393939) open until 4pm 25-28 December: Closed 29-30 December: Reception and switchboard will operate normal hours 8.30am - 5pm 31 December: Reception closes at 1pm, main switchboard (01642 393939) open until 4pm 1-3 January: Closed 4 January: Open as usual 8.30am – 5pm
Contact Centre Telephone Lines Customer Services
(Taxation, Benefits, Care For Your Area, Pupil & Student Support, Private Sector Housing, Parking & Concessionary Fares, Environmental Health, Planning & Building Control, Tees Achieve): 24 December: Open 8am – 4pm 25-28 December: Closed 29-30 December: Open 8.30am – 5pm 31 December: Open 8.30am – 4pm 1-3 January: Closed 4 January: Open as usual 8am – 6pm
Thornaby Multi Service Centre Customer Services: 24 December: Open 10am – 1pm 25-28 December: Closed 29-30 December: Open 10am – 5pm 31 December: Open 10am – 1pm 1-3 January: Closed 4 January: Open as usual 8.30am – 5pm
Stockton Cash Office (Municipal Buildings):
Tristar Homes:
Calls to the Customer Service Centre, telephone 0844 736 0007 will be taken until 1.00pm on 24 December. 29, 30 and 31 December the Customer Service Centre will be open for emergency make-safe repairs and general enquiry calls only between 10.00am 4.00pm. All offices including Stratford House will close at 1.00pm on 24 December and will re-open on Tuesday 4 January. **At all other times unless stated above the Tristar out of hours service regarding emergency make safe repair calls will be dealt with as normal by our out of hours service on 0844 736 0007.
Tees Active
Tees Active will operate with reduced opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period, this will include the following venue’s: · Billingham Belasis - 01642 560389 · Castlegate Quay - 01642 528689 · Sporting Central - 01642 760971 · Splash - 01642 527272 · Thornaby Pavilion- 01642 760971 · Thornaby Pool - 01642 616727 Please visit www.teesactive.co.uk for the most up to date opening times or contact the venue for more information.
Children, Education and Social Care:
Alma Street Office, Ideal House, Billingham Council Offices, and First Contact Unit* 24 December: 8.30am-4.30pm 25-28 December: Closed 29-30 December: 8.30am-5pm 31 December: 8.30am-4.30pm 1-2 January: Closed 4 January onward : Open as usual *Emergency duty team available all hours when offices are not open, on 0870 240 2994.
Tithebarn:
Normal Rapid Response and Intermediate Care Services will operate throughout Christmas and New Year Holidays Tithebarn will be staffed from 8.30 am – 5 pm.
Homeless and needing emergency accommodation over Christmas? The Housing Options Service is closed over the Christmad holiday period. If you need advice and emergency accommodation please contact : Friday 24th December Between 12 noon and 5pm First Contact Unit 01642 527764
Tees Achieve
Friday 24th December From 5pm until 8.30am Emergency Duty Team 08702402294 or Police 01642 326326
Security & Surveillance Centre:
24 December: 4 January:
Closed at 1pm Open as usual
24 December: Open 9am-1pm 25-28 December: Closed 29-30 December: Open 9am-4pm 31 December: Open 9am-1pm 1-3 January: Closed 4 January: Open as usual 9am-4pm
Security, Care Call and Concierge Services are all open 365 days of the year Tel (01642) 528438.
Wednesday 29th December From 8.30 am until 5pm First Contact Unit 01642 527764
Neighbourhood Enforcement Services continue with normal working hours apart from Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s days when the service is closed.
Friday 31st December From 5pm until 8.30am Emergency Duty Team 08702402294 or Police 01642 326326
Thornaby Cash Office:
Car parking attendants will continue to patrol, potentially at any time. However, the public enquiries office will be closed 25, 26, 27 and 28 December and will be open 29, 30 and 31 December and closed 1, 2 and 3 of January.gi Daytistia
24 December: 10am-1pm 25-28 December: Closed 29-30 December: Open 10am-4pm 31 December: Open 10am-1pm 1-3 January: Closed 4 January: Open 8:30am-4pm
Anti Social Behaviour Team:
Billingham Cash Office:
The Office will close on Friday 24 December at 1.00pm until 9am Tuesday 4th January . During this time all anti social behaviour can be reported to the ASB Hotline on (01642) 607943 .
Planning Office – Gloucester House
Stockton Register Office:
24 December: Open 9am-1pm 25 December - 3 January: Closed 4 January: Open 8:30am-4pm
Closed to the public from 1pm on Friday 24 December and will reopen on Tuesday 4 January.
Environmental Health, Trading Standards and Licensing: Closed to the public from 1pm on Friday 24 December and will reopen on Tuesday 4 January.
Cowpen Depot Billingham:
24 December: open 8.30am – 3.30pm 25-28 December: Closed 29-30 December: Open 8.30am – 4.30pm 31 December: Open 8.30am 3.30pm 1-3 January: Closed 4 January: Open for business as usual
Stockton Business Centre 24 December: Open as usual, 25 Dec-3 January: Closed, 4January: Open as usual
Tourist Information Centre 24 December: Open 9.30am – 5.00pm 25, 26, 27, 28 December: Closed 29, 30, 31 December: Open 1 and 2 January: Closed 4 January: Open
24 December: Open as usual 25-26 December: Closed 27-28 December: Open for Marriages and Civil Partnerships only 29-31 December: Open as usual 1 January: Closed 2 and 3 January: Open for Marriages and Civil Partnerships only
Stockton Borough Libraries
Please note an appointment system is in operation at this office with priority given to the registration of deaths from 29 December – 31 December, after this normal service will be resumed. To make an appointment to register, please call (01642) 527720. In case of extreme emergency out of office hours only, please call (01642) 618946.
1, 2 and 3 January closed all day 4 January normal opening hours
Xmas Eve close at 1pm Closed 25, 26 ,27 and 28 December 29 December -10-5 apart from Westbury Street, Roseworth and Egglescliffe who will be closed all day 30 ecember 10-5 apart from Fairfield who will closed at 12.30pm 31 December close 1pm
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WARD SURGERIES 1st December 2010 – 31st January 2011
http://www.stockton.gov.uk/yourcouncil/egenda/your_councillors/councillors_ward_surgeries/
BILLINGHAM CENTRAL 6:30PM - 7:30PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghamcentralward 8 Dec Billingham Youth & Community Centre 12 Jan 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
Market traders pull out the stops
www.stockton.gov.uk/billinghameastward 17 Dec New Life Family Centre 5:00pm - 5:45pm Synthonia Scout Group Hall 5:50pm - 6:30pm 28 Jan New Life Family Centre 5:00pm - 5:45pm Synthonia Scout Group Hall 5:50pm - 6:30pm COUNCILLOR MICK STOKER Tel: 01642 371641 Email: mick.stoker@stockton.gov.uk
MRS LYNNE APEDAILE Tel: 01740 645216 Email: lynne.apedaile@stockton.gov.uk COLIN LECKONBY Tel: 01642 872896 Email: colin.leckonby@stockton.gov.uk
BILLINGHAM SOUTH 6:00PM - 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghamsouthward 9 Dec Billingham Branch Library 13 Jan Billingham Branch Library COUNCILLORS MRS JEAN O’DONNELL Tel: 01642 559717 MICHAEL SMITH Tel: 01642 371782 Email: michael.smith@stockton.gov.uk
BILLINGHAM WEST 6:00PM - 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/billinghamwestward No December surgery 28 Jan Wolviston Court Community Centre COUNCILLORS MRS MARY WOMPHREY Tel: 01642 555755 MICK WOMPHREY Tel: 01642 555755
BILLINGHAM NORTH 6:30PM - 7:30PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghamnorthward 13 Dec North Billingham Methodist Church 10 Jan High Grange Community Centre COUNCILLORS HILARY AGGIO Tel: 01642 565016 Email: hilary.aggio@stockton.gov.uk
Singing Headteacher helps the heroes A former Billingham Headteacher is doing his bit to support the armed forces.
A disability due to a difficult birth has never stopped 12-year-old Beth Clark (pictured) from Billingham from doing what she loves doing most – riding horses.
and skill in the saddle have amazed friends, family and judges. And she’s more than willing to use her riding skills to help others, recently taking part in a sponsored ride in aid of Lymphoma Cancer.
Her only obstacle to travelling to gymkhanas was the lack of a roadworthy horse trailer. Now, thanks to the support of the Borough’s market traders, she can travel to her heart’s content with the new trailer they have bought for her!
Proud mum Jane said: “I can’t thank traders Marty Cain and Chris Higgins – who started the ball rolling – and all the market traders for their support. Beth is delighted with the new trailer which will be promoting Stockton Markets far and wide with its prominent stickers!”
Bitten by the riding bug aged just three, Beth’s tenacity
Tony Maxwell MBE, who worked at St Michael’s RC School for 37 years, has turned his talents to Jazz singing to raise money for
the charity ‘Help for Heroes.’ He has recorded a 13 track CD called For Once in my Life with the Jeremy McMurray Band, available on e-bay for £9.99. Tony has also donated some CDs to St Michael’s School so that they can be sold to raise money for the school’s chosen charity.
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WARD SURGERIES 1st December 2010 – 31st January 2011
http://www.stockton.gov.uk/yourcouncil/egenda/your_councillors/councillors_ward_surgeries/
INGLEBY BARWICK EAST 6:00PM – 7:00PM
(Joint surgery with Ingleby Barwick West) www.stockton.gov.uk/ inglebybarwickeastward 9 Dec All Saints C of E Secondary School 4 Jan All Saints C of E Secondary School Maltby & Hilton Ward Surgeries are held for 30 minutes prior to each Parish Council meeting in the Village Halls on an appointment only basis. Please contact Councillors Faulks, Harrington or Larkin to book an appointment. Residents are very welcome to attend the monthly Ward Surgery held in Ingleby Barwick COUNCILLORS KEVIN FAULKS Tel: 01642 764874 Email: kevin.faulks@stockton.gov.uk DAVID HARRINGTON Tel: 01642 764652 Email: david.harrington@stockton.gov.uk
Flying back to base The return of a Hawker Demon propeller, one of the largest surviving pieces of memorabilia relating to 608 North Riding (Fighter) Squadron, to Thornaby Central Library has celebrated the town’s military heritage. It now takes pride of place in the brand new library, opened as part of Thornaby Town Centre’s multi-million pound regeneration.
Hawker Demon aircraft flew out of Thornaby airfield between 1937 and 1939. Flight Lieutenant Bill Goodrum saved the propeller when 608 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force was disbanded in 1957. He placed it in the care of 1261 (Thornaby) Squadron, Air Training Corps. Stockton Borough Council has worked with Thornaby Town Council to restore and display the propeller.
INGLEBY BARWICK WEST 6:00PM – 7:00PM
(Joint surgery with Ingleby Barwick East) www.stockton.gov.uk/ inglebybarwickwestward 9 Dec All Saints C of E Secondary School 4 Jan All Saints C of E Secondary School COUNCILLORS KEN DIXON Tel: 01642 764650 Email: ken.dixon@stockton.gov.uk JEAN KIRBY Tel: 01642 762092 Email: jean.kirby@stockton.gov.uk ROSS PATTERSON Tel: 01642 764865 Email: ross.patterson@stockton.gov.uk
MANDALE & VICTORIA
www.stockton.gov.uk/ mandalevictoriaward No December surgery 29 Jan COUNCILLORS TINA LARGE Tel: 01642 671903 Email: tina.large@stockton.gov.uk STEVE WALMSLEY Tel: 01642 604176
STAINSBY HILL
www.stockton.gov.uk/stainsbyhillward 18 Dec Thornaby Pavilion 11:00am - 12:00 13 Jan South Thornaby Community & Resource Centre 6:00pm - 7:00pm COUNCILLORS MRS EILEEN CRAGGS MBE Tel: 01642 764858 Email: eileen.craggs@stockton.gov.uk MRS SYLVIA WALMSLEY Tel: 01642 602375 Email: sylvia.walmsley@stockton.gov.uk
VILLAGE
5:00PM – 6:00PM www.stockton.gov.uk/villageward 6 Dec Thornaby Pavilion 10 Jan Thornaby Pavilion COUNCILLORS IAN DALGARNO Tel: 01642 882985 MICK EDDY Tel: 01642 765919
Location of lamps The original Five Lamps, at the junction of George Street and Mandale Road in Thornaby, were built in 1874 and acted as a gathering point for residents, including public meetings and political rallies.
opposite The Roundel on Acklam Road, are there for all to see thanks to Stockton Council and Thornaby Town Council who have worked together to restore and relocate them to serve the people of Thornaby, once again, as a meeting place for residents.
A potted history of the lamps shows the original gas lit set were replaced with a succession of electric versions between the 1930s and 1950s. Construction of the A66 in 1983 saw them moved to the roundabout where Westbury Street meets Mandale Road – though they were vandalised. Now, new ones, (pictured)
On the Way: Stockton Council is discussing plans which
would see Persimmon Homes convert Myton Way, Ingleby Barwick, to a dual carriageway. We hope to include further details in the next Stockton News.
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WARD SURGERIES 1st December 2010 – 31st January 2011
http://www.stockton.gov.uk/yourcouncil/egenda/your_councillors/councillors_ward_surgeries/
BISHOPSGARTH & ELM TREE (STOCKTON) www.stockton.gov.uk/ bishopsgarthelmtreeward 6 Dec Bishopsgarth School 6:00pm - 6:30pm 14 Dec Elm Tree Community Centre 6:00pm - 7:00pm 10 Jan Bishopsgarth School 6:00pm - 6:30pm 11 Jan Elm Tree Community Centre 6:00pm - 7:00pm COUNCILLORS MRS SUZANNE FLETCHER MBE Tel: 01642 787652 Email: suzanne.fletcher@stockton.gov.uk MRS JULIA CHERRETT Tel: 01642 785473 Email: julia.cherrett@stockton.gov.uk
FAIRFIELD 6:00PM – 6:30PM
Parkfield residents help flood victims Residents living in Stockton’s Parkfield area are sending a massive £8,500 to families affected by the floods in Pakistan.
www.stockton.gov.uk/fairfieldward 13 Dec Fairfield Library 10 Jan Fairfield Library COUNCILLORS MAURICE PERRY Tel: 01642 586914 BILL WOODHEAD Tel: 01642 584409
GRANGEFIELD 6:00PM – 7:00PM www.stockton.gov.uk/grangefieldward 2 Dec Grays Road Institute 6 Dec Fairfield Library 6 Jan Grays Road Institute 10 Jan Hartburn Scout Group Hut COUNCILLORS PHILLIP BROUGHTON Tel: 01642 765325 Email: phillip.broughton@stockton.gov.uk AIDAN COCKERILL Tel: 01642 613258 Email: aidan.cockerill@stockton.gov.uk
HARDWICK WARD 6:00PM – 7:00PM
When the community heard about the destruction caused by the natural disaster, they acted quickly to do what they could to help. Within just three weeks they organised a Charity Fun Day at Bowesfield Primary School in September, with more than 1,000 people attending. The money will help build houses for families who have lost their homes and provide access to clean water by repairing or replacing damaged wells. The Fun Day was supported by Bowesfield Primary School, Stockton Residents and Community Groups Association, Stockton BME Network, the local Muslim Community, Parkfield Residents and the Council’s Events Team.
www.stockton.gov.uk/hardwickward 10 Dec Hardwick Community Centre 7 Jan Hardwick Community Centre 21 Jan Hardwick Community Centre COUNCILLORS MRS LIZ NESBITT Tel: 01642 601731 BILL NOBLE Tel: 01642 671609
HARTBURN 6:45PM – 7:30PM www.stockton.gov.uk/hartburnward 6 Dec Holy Trinity Rosehill CE Primary School 10 Jan Elmwood Community Centre COUNCILLORS TERRY LAING Tel: 01642 587356 Email: terry.laing@stockton.gov.uk KEN LUPTON Tel: 01642 587286 Email: ken.lupton@stockton.gov.uk
NEWTOWN 6:00PM – 7:00PM www.stockton.gov.uk/newtownward 10 Dec Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre 7 Jan Newtown Community Resource Centre 21 Jan Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre COUNCILLORS PAUL BAKER Tel: 01642 608406 Email: paul.baker@stockton.gov.uk BOB GIBSON OBE Tel: 01642 614482 Email: robert.gibson@stockton.gov.uk
NORTHERN PARISHES 7:00PM - 8:00PM www.stockton.gov.uk/ northernparishesward 2 Dec Wolviston Common Room 6 Jan Grindon Parish Hall, Thorpe Thewles COUNCILLORS JOHN GARDNER Tel: 01740 645357 Email: john.gardner@stockton.gov.uk
NORTON NORTH 6:00PM - 7:00PM www.stockton.gov.uk/nortonnorthward 8 Dec Frederick Nattrass Primary School 22 Dec Norton Library
5 Jan Norton North Community & Resource Centre 19 Jan Frederick Nattrass Primary School COUNCILLORS MAURICE FRANKLAND Tel: 01642 552861 MRS KATH NELSON Tel: 01642 555729 Email: kathryn.nelson@stockton.gov.uk
NORTON SOUTH 6:00PM – 7:00PM www.stockton.gov.uk/nortonsouthward 10 Dec Lustrum Community House 7 Jan Albany Resource Centre 21 Jan Assembly Hall, St John Ambulance Place COUNCILLORS BOB COOK TEL: 01642 890058 Email: robert.cook@stockton.gov.uk STEVE NELSON TEL: 01642 534417 Email: steve.nelson@stockton.gov.uk
NORTON WEST 6:00PM – 7:00PM www.stockton.gov.uk/nortonwestward 7 Dec The Education Centre 6:00PM - 6:30PM - Young people’s surgery 6:30PM - 7:00PM - Adults surgery 4 Jan The Education Centre 6:00PM - 6:30PM - Young people’s surgery 6:30PM - 7:00PM - Adults surgery COUNCILLORS MRS ANN CAINS Tel: 01642 555394 Email: ann.cains@stockton.gov.uk DICK CAINS JP Tel: 01642 555394 Email: dick.cains@stockton.gov.uk
PARKFIELD & OXBRIDGE 6:00PM – 7:00PM www.stockton.gov.uk/ parkfieldoxbridgeward 2 Dec Parkfield Community Centre (Cllr Javed only) Oxbridge Christian Fellowship (Cllr Rix only) 16 Dec Oxbridge Christian Fellowship 6 Jan Parkfield Community Centre (Cllr Javed only) Oxbridge Christian Fellowship (Cllr Rix only) 20 Jan Oxbridge Christian Fellowship COUNCILLORS MOHAMMED JAVED Tel: 01642 602420 ROY RIX Tel: 01642 674861 Email: roy.rix@stockton.gov.uk
ROSEWORTH www.stockton.gov.uk/roseworthward 14 Dec Kiora Hall Youth & Community Centre 2:00pm - 3:00pm 10 Jan Kiora Hall Youth & Community Centre 5:30pm - 6:30pm COUNCILLORS JIM BEALL Tel: 01642 602510 Email: jim.beall@stockton.gov.uk MISS BARBARA INMAN Tel: 01642 586564 Email: barbara.inman@stockton.gov.uk
STOCKTON TOWN CENTRE 6:00PM – 7:00PM www.stockton.gov.uk/ stocktontowncentreward 2 Dec The Willows Centre 9 Dec Parkfield Community Centre 16 Dec Victoria Community Centre 23 Dec Cornerhouse Community Resource Centre 6 Jan The Willows Centre 13 Jan Parkfield Community Centre 20 Jan Victoria Community Centre 27 Jan Cornerhouse Community Resource Centre COUNCILLORS DAVID COLEMAN Tel: 01642 673952 Email: david.coleman@stockton.gov.uk PAUL KIRTON Tel: 01642 559331
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WARD SURGERIES 1st December 2010 – 31st January 2011
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EAGLESCLIFFE
www.stockton.gov.uk/eaglescliffeward 3 Dec Trinity Methodist Church 6:30 - 7:30pm 21 Dec Egglescliffe Parish Hall 6:00 - 7:00pm 7 Jan Trinity Methodist Church 6:30 - 7:30pm 18 Jan Egglescliffe Community Centre 6:30 - 7:30pm COUNCILLORS JOHN FLETCHER Tel: 01642 787652 Email: john.fletcher@stockton.gov.uk ALAN LEWIS Tel: 01642 784910 Email: alan.lewis@stockton.gov.uk MRS MAUREEN RIGG Tel: 01642 785689 Email: maureen.rigg@stockton.gov.uk
WESTERN PARISHES
www.stockton.gov.uk/ westernparishesward 7 Dec Stillington Village Hall, Stillington, 6:30pm - 7:00pm 20 Jan Elton Hall Nursing Home 6:15pm - 6:45pm COUNCILLOR FRED SALT Tel: 01740 630771
YARM 6:00PM – 7:00PM
www.stockton.gov.uk/yarmward 7 Dec Challoner House 4 Jan Yarm Library COUNCILLORS MRS JENNIE BEAUMONT Tel: 01642 785304 Email: jennie.beaumont@stockton.gov.uk JACKIE EARL Tel: 01642 786346 ANDREW SHERRIS Tel: 01642 786767 Email: andrew.sherris@stockton.gov.uk
Kerrie’s runaway success Against a tough economic climate, an Eaglescliffe company is bucking the trend by expanding its business, opening its first shop on Station Road selling beautiful handmade home accessories. Mum-of-two Kerrie Murray, 35 (pictured), started Pins and Ribbons Ltd in 2006 around a kitchen table as an internet company. A runaway success, it has gone on to achieve several awards – including the UK’s smartest small business – and now boasts a separate manufacturing unit and hundreds of UK stockists including major department stores.
It’s a frame up! One of Yarm’s newest businesses, Jesmond Design Studio is producing limited edition gallery-standard prints. The studio also sells original artwork, greetings cards and licence imagery as well as offering a bespoke design service. One of its most popular sellers is their image is of Yarm, seen from St. John’s church tower in Egglescliffe. Visit www.jesmonddesignstudio.com or telephone (01642) 649858 for more information.
£5 well spent! 100 per cent of the proceeds of a new ‘calendar girls’ style calendar is available from several outlets in Yarm in support of Breast Cancer Care. The calendar, produced by by Katie Moulding, owner of the Little Black Dress Agency in Yarm, and business lecturer Gill Owens, is based on a love of both ladies – namely shoes! You can obtain a copy from the Little Black Dress Agency, Cartmell Electrics and other shops in Yarm.
s ’ t a h W O
n
r Regula Events
A look at what’s going on around the Borough during
Colouring Clubs
Roseworth Library, every day except Wednesday, 3pm–6pm. Tel 528098. Billingham Library, every Saturday, 10.30–11.30am, materials provided. Tel 527895. Thornaby Library, every day except Wednesday and Sunday, 3-7pm. Tel 528150.
Parent and toddler group Let your kids get crafty
It’s all happening at Fairfield Library. There’s a new Parent & Toddler Group every Wednesday from 10–11am and Friday 2–3pm during term time. All under fives and their parents/carers are welcome and there’s also an art and craft club for 5–13 year olds. 5–8 years olds meet fortnightly on Saturday mornings from 10.30am–12 noon and 9–13 year olds meet fortnightly on Wednesday evenings 5.30–6.30pm. Call the library on 527962 for details.
Norton Library, every Friday in term time, 10-11am. Come and play, make friends, enjoy stories and songs. Free with refreshments available for children. Tel 528019.
Crafty kids club
Dads’ group
Footsteps Children’s Centre, Ochil Terrace, Billingham, 10am-12:30pm New group for dads with children under five. First Saturday of every month. Bring your little ones along to enjoy fun activities such as kite making and den building. Mums can attend the Centre’s chill out zone with a cup of tea and magazines. For more info Tel 528977.
er
b Novem
Norton Library, every Saturday 10.30-11.30am, free. Tel 528019.
Wednesday talks
Norton Library, every first Wednesday of the month, 3pm, guest speaker and refreshments, free. Tel 528019.
Scrabble group
Norton Library, every Wednesday 1pm. Tel 528019.
27 November Pre Christmas Fayre
St John’s Church, Church Road, 10am.
28 November Big Christmas Light Switch On
Stockton Town Hall, 6pm Live music, entertainment, fireworks and special guests turn on the illuminations. The big switch on marks the beginning of Stockton Sparkles - Stockton’s winter’s festival which runs until 24 December. www.stockton.gov.uk/events
Books and banter
Every Wednesday, Stockton Central Library, 10.30am -12noon. See page 31 for details of closure for development. Come along for informative talks, guest speakers, local history. All welcome. Tel 526522
Hula fitness for 5-11 years (term time)
Ingleby Barwick Community Centre, Haresfield Way, each Monday 4.30–5.30pm, £2 per session. To book a place Tel 524599.
Thornaby gaming group
Thornaby Library, Westbury Street, every Friday, 3–5pm. Challenge your friends on the PS3 and Wii. Suitable for 8-18 years, booking advised. Tel 528150.
Homework help sessions
Thornaby Library, every Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri, 3-7pm. Get help with your studies and homework. Tel 528150.
History walks: Learn about Stockton’s heritage
Stockton Town Centre, Mondays and Tuesdays. To book email tourist.information@stockton.gov.uk or tel 528130.
Boys Brigade
Stockton Baptist Tabernacle, Every Monday, 7.159pm. Suitable for 11-15 years, 50p per session. For details tel 602478.
Yummy Mummies
Port Clarence Children’s Centre Every Tuesday (holidays may affect opening times - please check with the venue before setting off), 1.30pm to 2.30pm Meet like-mind mums and dads to swap parenting tips and simply put the world to rights! For further information tel 528914
er
b Decem 2-5 December Christmas Market Fair
Stockton Parish Gardens Come along to Stockton’s own winter wonderland. Log cabins bursting with Christmas cheer, handmade gifts and seasonal snacks. Part of Stockton Sparkles – Stockton’s winter festival which runs until 24 December. www.stockton.gov.uk/events
3 December What’s up?
Wynyard Planetarium, Wynyard Woodland Park, 7.30pm. Find out what stars and planets are visible in the sky. Tel (01740) 630544 or email: director@wynyardplanetarium.net
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Stockton News November / December 2010
November to February 2011 4 December Friends of Ropner Park Fundraising coffee morning
Stockton Parish Church, 9.30-11.30am Tel 633767 or see www.forp.org.uk for details.
5, 12, 19 December The Georgian Picture House Seasonal cinema in relaxed cabaret seating Doors 7pm. £3 for advanced tickets Cinema, comedy and music at ARC Tel 674115 www.georgiantheatre.co.uk
7-23 December The Snow Dragon
ARC, Stockton, Tickets £8.50, family ticket (4 people) £28. Tall Stories returns to ARC with the story of Billy the Goat and the mysterious Snow Dragon. Suitable for children over three. Tel 525199 www.arconline.co.uk
13 December Over 50s Assembly
Stockton Central Library, 1pm Monthly meeting for Stockton residents over 50 to meet and discuss issues such as health and social care, leisure and transport. New members welcome. For more info contact visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events or telephone Lesley Hudson on 528490.
13 December Meteors!
Wynyard Planetarium, Wynyard Woodland Park, 8pm ‘til late. The Geminid meteor shower – shooting star observing. Tel (01740) 630544 or email: director@ wynyard-planetarium.net
17 December A Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Wynyard Planetarium, Wynyard Woodland Park, 7.30-9pm, tel (01740) 630544 or email: director@ wynyard-planetarium.net
y
Januar
5 January Wednesday talks at Norton Library, 3pm
Come and find out about Stockton’s Heritage Trail with Darren Trattles, Stockton Council’s Heritage Assistant. All welcome. Admission free. Tel 528019.
7 January What’s up?
Wynyard Planetarium, Wynyard Woodland Park, 7.30pm. Find out what stars and planets are visible in the sky. Tel (01740) 630544 or email director@ wynyard-planetarium.net
18 December Brazilian Christmas Festival
Georgian Theatre, Stockton A traditional Brazilian Christmas party food and entertainment included. Door 7pm, £10 for adults, £5 for children over 10, under 10s free. Tel 674115 www.georgiantheatre.co.uk
19 December Friends of Ropner Park Christmas Fair
Ropner Park Tennis Courts, 11am-1pm Attractions and games with music from the Old Glory jazz band and St Peter’s church choir. Tel 633767 or see www.forp.org.uk for details.
10-11 December Catch 22 Christmas Special
ARC, Stockton, Tickets £12.50/£15 ARC’s famous Catch 22 comedy club Christmas special has a stellar line up. Tel 525199 www.arconline.co.uk
21 December Eclipse!
Wynyard Planetarium, Wynyard Woodland Park, 6:30am-8:30am Observe the total eclipse of the Moon. Tel (01740) 630544 or email director@wynyard-planetarium.net
21 January Marvels of the Moon
Wynyard Planetarium, Wynyard Woodland Park, 7.30pm. Our nearest neighbour in space is a wonder in its own right. Come along and learn all about it. Tel (01740) 630544 or email director@wynyardplanetarium.net
12 December Reindeer Parade
Stockton High Street Join Santa’s reindeers as they visit the High Street joined by local community drumming groups and dance performers. Part of Stockton Sparkles – Stockton’s winter festival which runs until 24 December. www.stockton.gov.uk/events
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Februa 21, 22 December It’s a Wonderful Life – film screening
ARC, Stockton Tickets £6/5 Get in the festive spirit as ARC presents one of the greatest feel good films of all time. Tel 525199 www.arconline.co.uk
2 February
Wednesday talks at Norton Library, 3pm Bouncing Around the Baltic Bill Ferguson returns to take us on a tourist’s tour of the Baltic States - post communism. All welcome. Admission free. Tel 528019.
The Elected Members and Employees of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Wish Readers A Merry Christmas and A Peaceful New Year