Monday, July 26. 2010
Forties flavour for Saturday shopping
Shoppers will be transported to the 1940s this weekend as a County Durham town turns back the clock.
Bishop Auckland town centre will be the setting for wartime entertainment, a forties fashion show and a display of military vehicles on Saturday, 31 July.
This is the seventh year the event, which is organised by Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum and Durham County Council, has taken place.
Visitors will be able to join the Lindy Jazz Dancers as they swing their way around Newgate Shopping Centre.
Also taking to the stage will be the Tees Valley Jazzmen, who will be joined by the Fenner Sisters performing their tribute to the Andrews Sisters.
Performances, lasting about 30 minutes, will take place at 11am, 1pm and 2pm.
A flavour of forties fashion will be on offer during a special fashion show at noon, while a selection of military vehicles and uniforms will be on display in Newgate Street from 10am to 4pm.
Steve McCormick, Bishop Auckland town centre manager, said: “This event is part of an ever-growing programme of activities in Bishop Auckland town centre and well worth a visit.
“Come along and experience the special atmosphere the day creates and, of course, enjoy some shopping too.”
Bishop Auckland town centre will be the setting for wartime entertainment, a forties fashion show and a display of military vehicles on Saturday, 31 July.
This is the seventh year the event, which is organised by Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum and Durham County Council, has taken place.
Visitors will be able to join the Lindy Jazz Dancers as they swing their way around Newgate Shopping Centre.
Also taking to the stage will be the Tees Valley Jazzmen, who will be joined by the Fenner Sisters performing their tribute to the Andrews Sisters.
Performances, lasting about 30 minutes, will take place at 11am, 1pm and 2pm.
A flavour of forties fashion will be on offer during a special fashion show at noon, while a selection of military vehicles and uniforms will be on display in Newgate Street from 10am to 4pm.
Steve McCormick, Bishop Auckland town centre manager, said: “This event is part of an ever-growing programme of activities in Bishop Auckland town centre and well worth a visit.
“Come along and experience the special atmosphere the day creates and, of course, enjoy some shopping too.”
Council boost for childs play
Residents of all ages are being invited to come and celebrate the climax of a huge fund raising push which has seen a County Durham play area transformed.
Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street will host a special day of activities to mark the completion of a £50,000 facelift funded by Durham County Council. £25,000 of the money came from the council directly and that sum was matched by local member, Cllr. Beattie Bainbridge, via the Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnership (AAP).
One of the priorities for Chester-le-Street and District AAP is improving the range and quality of activities and places for young people.
Cllr Bainbridge is delighted with the results at the Riverside: “These improvements are helping Riverside Park become ‘everyone’s park area’. The huge range of facilities we are now able to offer at this fabulous park will no doubt make sure families of all ages can enjoy themselves in a safe and fun environment.
“It’s a real asset for the town.”
Cllr Brian Stephens, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, agrees:
”The improvements to Riverside Park show just what can be achieved when the local community are involved in decision making.
“With AAP support, and funding from Cllr Bainbridge and the council, Chester-le-Street residents and visitors can now enjoy this area even more.”
With old school games like hopscotch and snakes and ladders, outdoor gym equipment, a revamped children’s play area, picnic area and sports pitches, the facelift provides improved facilities for people of all ages.
The new play area will be officially opened on Saturday, 7 August as part of National Playday.
A whole host of activities have been organised to showcase the new facilities and the park in general including football coaching with Waldridge Park FC, multi-skills sessions, old school games sessions and wildlife sessions.
Chester-le-Street and District AAP has recently achieved Investing in Children status – recognised for giving young people a choice.
Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street will host a special day of activities to mark the completion of a £50,000 facelift funded by Durham County Council. £25,000 of the money came from the council directly and that sum was matched by local member, Cllr. Beattie Bainbridge, via the Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnership (AAP).
One of the priorities for Chester-le-Street and District AAP is improving the range and quality of activities and places for young people.
Cllr Bainbridge is delighted with the results at the Riverside: “These improvements are helping Riverside Park become ‘everyone’s park area’. The huge range of facilities we are now able to offer at this fabulous park will no doubt make sure families of all ages can enjoy themselves in a safe and fun environment.
“It’s a real asset for the town.”
Cllr Brian Stephens, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, agrees:
”The improvements to Riverside Park show just what can be achieved when the local community are involved in decision making.
“With AAP support, and funding from Cllr Bainbridge and the council, Chester-le-Street residents and visitors can now enjoy this area even more.”
With old school games like hopscotch and snakes and ladders, outdoor gym equipment, a revamped children’s play area, picnic area and sports pitches, the facelift provides improved facilities for people of all ages.
The new play area will be officially opened on Saturday, 7 August as part of National Playday.
A whole host of activities have been organised to showcase the new facilities and the park in general including football coaching with Waldridge Park FC, multi-skills sessions, old school games sessions and wildlife sessions.
Chester-le-Street and District AAP has recently achieved Investing in Children status – recognised for giving young people a choice.
Summer clean-up for County Durham beach
Youngsters with disabilities will hit the beach tomorrow to take part in a seaside litter pick.
Members of East Durham Positive Inclusion Partnership have volunteered to help clear rubbish from Seaham beach as part of a six-week holiday activity programme.
The group of 30 young people will be joined by civic pride officers and coast and countryside rangers from Durham County Council for the event on Tuesday, 27 July.
Pauline Walker, Durham County Council senior civic pride officer, said: “The young people are always willing to take part in activities that benefit their community as a whole so they are looking forward to the litter pick.
“The activity will also give them the opportunity to learn more about the work of our civic pride officers and coast and countryside rangers and about the importance of looking after our environment.”
The six-week activity programme has been funded by the county council’s Short Breaks scheme.
Members of East Durham Positive Inclusion Partnership have volunteered to help clear rubbish from Seaham beach as part of a six-week holiday activity programme.
The group of 30 young people will be joined by civic pride officers and coast and countryside rangers from Durham County Council for the event on Tuesday, 27 July.
Pauline Walker, Durham County Council senior civic pride officer, said: “The young people are always willing to take part in activities that benefit their community as a whole so they are looking forward to the litter pick.
“The activity will also give them the opportunity to learn more about the work of our civic pride officers and coast and countryside rangers and about the importance of looking after our environment.”
The six-week activity programme has been funded by the county council’s Short Breaks scheme.
Birds take flight at county museum
Feathers will fly next month when some special visitors wing their way to a County Durham museum.
Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum will play host to an eagle and vulture show on Sunday, 29 August.
The show combines flying displays by a selection of beautiful and unusual birds with an amusing but educational commentary.
The stars of the shows include Dyson the Ruppell’s Griffin Vulture, Sidney the Bald Eagle and Milky the Eagle Owl, who is just learning to fly.
The birds will be on-site from 10.30am, with flying displays taking place at 1pm and 3pm.
Normal admission charges apply.
Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum will play host to an eagle and vulture show on Sunday, 29 August.
The show combines flying displays by a selection of beautiful and unusual birds with an amusing but educational commentary.
The stars of the shows include Dyson the Ruppell’s Griffin Vulture, Sidney the Bald Eagle and Milky the Eagle Owl, who is just learning to fly.
The birds will be on-site from 10.30am, with flying displays taking place at 1pm and 3pm.
Normal admission charges apply.
Pupils head to council HQ
Pupils enrolled on a new construction course paid a visit to Durham County Council’s headquarters to learn about the history of County Hall.
Forty students from schools across the county, who are studying construction and the built environment, took a closer look at the design and construction of County Hall.
They were given a tour of the building, an example of 1960s architecture, by officers from the council’s Design and Historic Environment team who also gave them a wider understanding of career opportunities available.
They were asked to think about how 1960s shapes were put together, the building materials used and the technology behind the construction as well as the practicalities of cleaning high level windows and creating disabled access points.
Sandra Robertson, design and historic environment team leader, said: “Using the building as a back drop, I encouraged the students to think about how the 1960s architectural shapes of County Hall were built.
“I asked them to look at the building materials used and to consider the fashion of the time including patterns of the separate building blocks and small details like mosaics as well as massive stone, concrete and steel beams that create the overall impact and scale.
“We also looked at the listing process of buildings nationally and the role of art in and around the building plus the landscape around, and the role of, the Council Chamber.”
Schools taking part were: Durham Community Business College for Technology and Enterprise, Fyndoune Community College, Belmont School Community Arts College and Durham Johnston Comprehensive.
Forty students from schools across the county, who are studying construction and the built environment, took a closer look at the design and construction of County Hall.
They were given a tour of the building, an example of 1960s architecture, by officers from the council’s Design and Historic Environment team who also gave them a wider understanding of career opportunities available.
They were asked to think about how 1960s shapes were put together, the building materials used and the technology behind the construction as well as the practicalities of cleaning high level windows and creating disabled access points.
Sandra Robertson, design and historic environment team leader, said: “Using the building as a back drop, I encouraged the students to think about how the 1960s architectural shapes of County Hall were built.
“I asked them to look at the building materials used and to consider the fashion of the time including patterns of the separate building blocks and small details like mosaics as well as massive stone, concrete and steel beams that create the overall impact and scale.
“We also looked at the listing process of buildings nationally and the role of art in and around the building plus the landscape around, and the role of, the Council Chamber.”
Schools taking part were: Durham Community Business College for Technology and Enterprise, Fyndoune Community College, Belmont School Community Arts College and Durham Johnston Comprehensive.
Eleven play schemes celebrate national Playday
Eleven new and revamped play areas in County Durham are to swing into celebrations to mark National Playday. (August 4)
Durham County Council has worked with local community groups, Groundwork North East and town and parish councils to help create new play facilities in six areas and refurbish equipment at another five at a cost of £563,000.
The work is part of the Government-funded Playbuilder scheme and includes zip wires, buddy swings and climbing equipment specifically designed for children aged eight to 13.
The six new play areas are at Sleepy Valley, Tantobie, Bessemer Park, Spennymoor, Bill Forth Memorial Park, Fence Houses, School Park, Newfield, Dawson Road, Barnard Castle, and West Rainton.
Play areas at Glenholme Park, Crook, Town Recreation Ground, Bishop Auckland, South Moor Park, Stanley, Middleton-in-Teesdale and Richmond Road, Newton Hall, Durham, have been refurbished.
To celebrate National Playday on August 4, play areas will host a range of activities from street dancers, circus skills and face painting to sports coaching, magic and dance workshops.
Christine Corker, senior project officer for Groundwork North East who worked with the local community on the Newton Hall scheme, said: “It’s proved an instant hit with hundreds of local families who are thoroughly enjoying playing there,” she said.
Cllr Bob Young, the county council’s Cabinet member for strategic environment and leisure, said: “It’s so important for local communities to have great play facilities situated in the right places.
“It encourages families to be more active and helps the community come together in a positive way.
“If you live close by and haven’t been yet, I would encourage you to come along to these events and put the new facilities to the test,” he said.
Durham County Council has worked with local community groups, Groundwork North East and town and parish councils to help create new play facilities in six areas and refurbish equipment at another five at a cost of £563,000.
The work is part of the Government-funded Playbuilder scheme and includes zip wires, buddy swings and climbing equipment specifically designed for children aged eight to 13.
The six new play areas are at Sleepy Valley, Tantobie, Bessemer Park, Spennymoor, Bill Forth Memorial Park, Fence Houses, School Park, Newfield, Dawson Road, Barnard Castle, and West Rainton.
Play areas at Glenholme Park, Crook, Town Recreation Ground, Bishop Auckland, South Moor Park, Stanley, Middleton-in-Teesdale and Richmond Road, Newton Hall, Durham, have been refurbished.
To celebrate National Playday on August 4, play areas will host a range of activities from street dancers, circus skills and face painting to sports coaching, magic and dance workshops.
Christine Corker, senior project officer for Groundwork North East who worked with the local community on the Newton Hall scheme, said: “It’s proved an instant hit with hundreds of local families who are thoroughly enjoying playing there,” she said.
Cllr Bob Young, the county council’s Cabinet member for strategic environment and leisure, said: “It’s so important for local communities to have great play facilities situated in the right places.
“It encourages families to be more active and helps the community come together in a positive way.
“If you live close by and haven’t been yet, I would encourage you to come along to these events and put the new facilities to the test,” he said.
Whickham enjoy win against Dalbeattie Star - ic Newcastle.co.uk
Whickham enjoy win against Dalbeattie Star ic Newcastle.co.uk Dunston UTS and Consett were also in scoring mode. Stephen Preen, Kane Young, Andrew Bulford and Andy Armstrong swept UTS to a 4-0 victory at Horden CW ... |
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12:55
New website puts communities in the landscape picture
A new website is to keep people up to date with a £3m project to enhance the magnesian limestone landscape of County Durham.
Limestone Landscapes is a partnership between Durham County Council, Natural England and a range of public, voluntary and private organisations.
It aims to promote the management of the landscape which covers parts of County Durham, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Hartlepool and Darlington and deliver a three-year programme, primarily funded through a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bid.
The website www.limestonelandscapes.info goes live on August 8, 2010.
“The partnership offers an opportunity to co-ordinate activities and resources to enhance not only the quality of life and well-being of communities but also the environment of the magnesian limestone plateau,” said Ken Bradshaw, Durham County Council’s Limestone landscapes project officer.
“The grant, by the HLF, will allow us to develop a programme of works, including setting up the website, which will initially give a basic overview but will help keep local communities informed of the progress of about 25 different projects once delivery starts in 2011,” he said.
Among the projects planned are the restoration of county council-owned grassland which will be grazed to stimulate the flora, improvements to hedges and drystone walls, a festival to celebrate the flora and wildlife involving schools and community groups, children’s clubs and skills courses to help local people use traditional materials when maintaining buildings.
A bid is to be made to the HLF for funding for the projects in the autumn and the projects are planned to start next spring.
Limestone Landscapes is a partnership between Durham County Council, Natural England and a range of public, voluntary and private organisations.
It aims to promote the management of the landscape which covers parts of County Durham, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Hartlepool and Darlington and deliver a three-year programme, primarily funded through a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bid.
The website www.limestonelandscapes.info goes live on August 8, 2010.
“The partnership offers an opportunity to co-ordinate activities and resources to enhance not only the quality of life and well-being of communities but also the environment of the magnesian limestone plateau,” said Ken Bradshaw, Durham County Council’s Limestone landscapes project officer.
“The grant, by the HLF, will allow us to develop a programme of works, including setting up the website, which will initially give a basic overview but will help keep local communities informed of the progress of about 25 different projects once delivery starts in 2011,” he said.
Among the projects planned are the restoration of county council-owned grassland which will be grazed to stimulate the flora, improvements to hedges and drystone walls, a festival to celebrate the flora and wildlife involving schools and community groups, children’s clubs and skills courses to help local people use traditional materials when maintaining buildings.
A bid is to be made to the HLF for funding for the projects in the autumn and the projects are planned to start next spring.
Couple raise a glass to 60 years
A County Durham couple who first met at a village dance are still in step after 60 years of wedded bliss.
George and Mary Elliott, from Trimdon Colliery, celebrated six decades of marriage with the help of Cllr Mac Williams, Chairman of Durham County Council.
The pair, who are both parish councillors, used to run the village’s Locomotive pub.
A former miner, George was a founder member of the Trimdon Colliery Community Association, which he ran for 18 years.
The couple have three children, who have made them grandparents and great-grandparents.
They are celebrating their anniversary with a Mediterranean cruise.
George and Mary Elliott, from Trimdon Colliery, celebrated six decades of marriage with the help of Cllr Mac Williams, Chairman of Durham County Council.
The pair, who are both parish councillors, used to run the village’s Locomotive pub.
A former miner, George was a founder member of the Trimdon Colliery Community Association, which he ran for 18 years.
The couple have three children, who have made them grandparents and great-grandparents.
They are celebrating their anniversary with a Mediterranean cruise.
Business boost for Bishop
Grants that will help small business get up and running, and established companies improve their premises, are now available for an historic area of Bishop Auckland.
As part of Durham County Council’s overall regeneration plan for the town the authority is offering up to £20,000, to help revitalise the Fore Bondgate area.
Regeneration Officer, Ross Cowling explains: “There are two types of grant available now and they are already proving popular, with at least four shops already on board. The empty shops initiative aims to encourage new and fledgling business to get started with their own premises and the targeted building improvement scheme will help established retail firms improve the look of their shops.
” We hope the grants will build on the small number of niche retailers thriving on Fore Bondgate and, in doing so, create further job opportunities and build on visitor numbers, boosting the whole town economy.”
Cabinet member for regeneration and economic development Cllr Neil Foster says the schemes can make a real difference:” Not only are we targeting the high number of empty shops in the Fore Bondgate area but we want to help retailers already trading in the area, to improve the look of their premises.
“Fore Bondgate is steeped in history and has a really unique character that many people already enjoy as part of their visit to this vibrant town centre.
“Quite simply, we want to make it even better, while retaining its unique atmosphere.”
In addition to the grants schemes Durham County Council’s regeneration teams will help support new start up businesses for a year to give them a stronger chance of survival.
As part of Durham County Council’s overall regeneration plan for the town the authority is offering up to £20,000, to help revitalise the Fore Bondgate area.
Regeneration Officer, Ross Cowling explains: “There are two types of grant available now and they are already proving popular, with at least four shops already on board. The empty shops initiative aims to encourage new and fledgling business to get started with their own premises and the targeted building improvement scheme will help established retail firms improve the look of their shops.
” We hope the grants will build on the small number of niche retailers thriving on Fore Bondgate and, in doing so, create further job opportunities and build on visitor numbers, boosting the whole town economy.”
Cabinet member for regeneration and economic development Cllr Neil Foster says the schemes can make a real difference:” Not only are we targeting the high number of empty shops in the Fore Bondgate area but we want to help retailers already trading in the area, to improve the look of their premises.
“Fore Bondgate is steeped in history and has a really unique character that many people already enjoy as part of their visit to this vibrant town centre.
“Quite simply, we want to make it even better, while retaining its unique atmosphere.”
In addition to the grants schemes Durham County Council’s regeneration teams will help support new start up businesses for a year to give them a stronger chance of survival.
