Tag: barnard castle

Barnard Castle Welcomes Royal Visitor Today

By on 2nd March 2016in In & Around

One of the region’s most historic buildings will welcome a royal visitor today (Wednesday March 2nd)…

Following a £3.2m regeneration project, which saw The Witham in Barnard Castle restored, refurbished and extended to incorporate the library and customer access point, HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO, a former architect, will tour the popular arts, business and community venue.

The visit follows an expression of interest from His Royal Highness to tour the collection of Grade II listed buildings which date back to 1846, during his visit to the county. The award winning renovation project was completed in October 2013, and was delivered by Barnard Castle Vision, Durham County Council and The Witham Trustees. It resulted in a mixed use community facility offering a café, arts and exhibition areas, performance and events facilities, as well as small business units and a shop featuring local crafts. The original features and historic attributes of the building have been carefully combined with modern additions. Supported by a raft of volunteers, and true to its public service roots, The Witham is one of the most important historical assets in the county and beyond.

During his visit, His Royal Highness will meet the architects and project team responsible for successfully integrating the historic parts of the building with modern structures, and will be shown a display of before and after images.

He will also meet a number of the trustees, staff, volunteers, groups, organisations and partners involved in the management and events programme at the hall.

Amongst those to be introduced is 23 year old Maddy Sutton. Maddy is the marketing and administration intern at The Witham. A keen busker with a first class degree in music from the University of Huddersfield, Maddy was awarded the undergraduate piano prize having majored in performance studies and musical theatre.

Maddy will perform for The Duke in the County Room, scene of many historic public announcements since the building was first opened as Testimonial Hall in 1846.

Also set to meet the royal guest is Mickleton ceramic artist, Judy Caplin. Judy was commissioned to design a piece of public art, which hangs in pride of place above the café.

Inspired by one of Teesdale’s best-known historical figures, Henry Witham, and specifically his interest in botany, the eye-catching installation is entitled Hesperides. It consists of more than 650 individually produced porcelain tiles featuring fossilised plant materials, which Judy collected locally.

His Royal Highness will be presented with a specially produced commemorative tile made by the artist at the end of his tour.

As well as meeting some of the many volunteers involved in running the box office and supporting the wide range of events, theatre, cinema and other performances at the hall, The Duke will enjoy some shadow theatre staged by local children from the Kando Youth Theatre Company. The group runs weekly drama sessions in the auditorium, and will perform a powerful war shadow theatre workshop with historical costumes and imagery, before presenting their visitor with a gift.

Katie Taylor, The Witham CEO, said: “It’s delightful to welcome His Royal Highness to The Witham, our vibrant arts centre – as an exciting venue hub for theatre, music, comedy, business arts and film, we appreciate the recognition that this visit bestows. To have the Friends and Volunteers of The Witham, as well as our hard-working staff, recognised on the day means a huge amount. Come and visit this gem in Barnard Castle high street.”

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for culture and regeneration at Durham County Council, said: “Supporting the refurbishment of this fantastic community venue is something we are immensely proud of. It is a wonderful example of how history, art, architecture and modern ways of living can combine to truly service local needs on so many levels. I am delighted HRH The Duke of Gloucester is honouring us by coming to see what we have done together. I am sure as an architect he will find his tour particularly rewarding.”

Before leaving, The Duke will unveil a commemorative plaque and sign the visitor’s book.

Share Your Memories Of Barnard Castle

By on 29th February 2016in Have Your Say

Do you have memories of the way Horse Market in Barnard Castle was in the past?

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Where exactly was the Co-op? Where was the best place to meet friends, or get your hair cut? Which businesses always seem to have been there, and whatever happened to places like the Star Inn and Angel Hotel? How has market day changed over the years?

Children in Barnard Castle will soon be working on a fascinating project to develop a new walk booklet aimed at children, looking at the history of Horse Market in Barnard Castle. The project is seeking memories and stories about the shops, the pubs and the market itself.

This project is part of the Heart of Teesdale’s ‘Trails Through Teesdale’ Programme. This programme aims to provide local people and visitors with the knowledge they need to make the most of exploring the area, by providing leaflets, booklets and audio trails. Children from local groups will be involved in developing the walk book, as well as families and other members of the community.

“The project will result in a walk booklet taking in the history and stories of Horse Market,” says project leader Jude Irwin.

“For example, several people have already told me about a shop where takings were put into a container and whizzed around the shop on wires, with the person’s change being delivered moments later in the same container. It must have seemed pretty high tech at the time. I’d love to know which shop this was, and whether anyone remembers working or shopping there.”

The project has already started gathering photos and anecdotes about the street’s past. The project is also willing to hold reminiscence sessions in local care homes and with community groups to collect more.

If you have some memories or photos you would like to share, or if you would like to arrange a visit to your care home or group, call Jude Irwin on 07766 485188 or email theworddoctor@btinternet.com.

Free Half-Term Mosaic Workshop Is Perfect For Families

By on 27th January 2016in Lifestyle

The Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership is holding a free workshop to create collage mosaics during half term…

 

The family-friendly session will take place from 10am to 12.30pm on Saturday 20th February at Barnard Castle Methodist Church. The workshop is part of the Partnership’s Crafts and Skills in the Community programme, which aims to encourage the revival and use of traditional and modern crafts.

The activity is suitable for all abilities, and will give participants the opportunity to explore an array of textures and colours. Participants will work towards producing a nature inspired piece of artwork which could be used as a stepping stone or decoration in the garden. A simple nature motif will be chosen and then decorated with a selection of materials.

This workshop has been designed to guide total beginners through each stage of the process, so no previous experience is required. The workshop will be led by local artist, designer and tutor Anna Harding, who teaches art and crafts, leads community projects, and produces creative work in an extensive range of formats.

Anna said: “This workshop is a fusion between collage and mosaic, which uses a greater variety of textures, colours and materials than a standard mosaic. This in turn makes it particularly appealing for children to explore.”

This workshop is free of charge, but places are limited so booking is essential. It is suitable for children aged 5 years and upwards, however younger children are welcome at parent/guardian discretion. All children must be closely supervised at all times.

Please note this activity will involve the use of small objects, so it is not recommended for children under the age of 3. Protective clothing will be provided, but wearing old clothing is also recommended.

To book a place, contact Alex Sijpesteijn on 03000 260842 or email alex.sijpesteijn@durham.gov.uk.

Local Landscape Partnership Offers Free Historical Hedgelaying Course

By on 26th January 2016in Lifestyle

Outdoor enthusiasts can secure a place on a free hedgelaying course this February, thanks to a Local Landscape Partnership…

 

The Introduction to Hedgelaying course is being run as part of the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership Field Boundary Programme, which is aimed at anyone keen to gain a greater appreciation of ancient rural crafts and practical conservation, and will take place at Deepdale Wood Nature Reserve, Barnard Castle on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th February 2016.

The two day course will go through the history and value of hedgerows, while explaining how to use and maintain traditional hand tools such as axes, saws and billhooks to manage the hedgerow. Participants will also get plenty of practice of hedgelaying in the local style.

Rebecca Beeston, a landscape officer at Durham County Council, said: “Hedgerows are an important landscape feature and wildlife habitat in County Durham. However, they are often at risk from neglect, damage or destruction.

“We hope by offering free introductory classes we can enthuse a whole new group of people who will help carry on these traditions.”

The course is being sponsored by the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership – which is supported by Durham County Council – and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Booking is essential as places are limited. For more information and to book a place on the course, email landscape@durham.gov.uk or phone 03000 267 143. Anyone living in the Heart of Teesdale area will be given priority for places.

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