Tag: chester-le-street

What’s On: April 2018

By on 4th April 2018in What's New?, What's On?

Bishop Auckland Food Festival

Foodies are about to see the return of one of County Durham’s tastiest yearly traditions: Bishop Auckland Food Festival! A wide array of traders and producers will gather to show off their products at the market place near the town hall – and the star chefs turning up this year will include This Morning regular Phil Vickery and former The Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown. It’s all happening on 21st to 22nd April.

Phill Jupitus: Juplicity, The Witham, Barnard Castle

Former Never Mind The Buzzcocks captain Phill Jupitus visited Durham’s Gala Theatre in November with his latest stand-up show. Still, if you missed it, he’s re-staging it in Barnard Castle this month. Expect Phill to recall elements of his “chaotic” life, including his daughter Molly’s gay marriage; the trope of gay marriage is “very much in vogue at the minute”, Phill has remarked. He’ll be at The Witham on 21st April.

Queen Victoria in Paris, The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

Thanks to the recent success of ITV period drama Victoria, there has been renewed interest in the 19th-century queen’s early life and reign. In 1855, she spent time in Paris – as a guest of the then Emperor of the French, Napoléon III – on a state visit. This historic occasion was captured in 51 watercolours currently on display in this exhibition, which will run until 24th June.

Maker Faire UK, Life Science Centre, Newcastle

In the States, Maker Faire has long been helping amateur inventors to show off their creations – and the UK version of Maker Faire has become a yearly tradition in Newcastle. At the time of writing, Maker Faire UK has not yet released its programme for the 2018 outing; however, you can expect over 300 DIYers, hackers, coders and other creative types to descend on Life Science Centre for the weekend of 28th to 29th April.

Hexham Book Festival

While County Durham has its own prestigious book festival, that won’t be returning until October. In the meantime, Hexham will be welcoming plenty of big-name writers for its own literary festival running from 26th April until 6th May. Harriet Harman, Evan Davis and Jeremy Vine are among this year’s speakers set to discuss such topical issues as Brexit, Russia and the scourge of “fake news”.

Westworld, Sky Atlantic

The sci-fi thriller series Westworld debuted in 2016 and quickly impressed both viewers and critics with its plotting, visuals and performances. However, as creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy know well, Westworld also incorporates Wild West elements in adapting Michel Crichton’s 1973 film.

The show is set in a future with a Westworld theme park that lets its visitors sample an immersive simulation of the Wild West. This simulation takes place in Sweetwater, a frontier town populated by “hosts”, human-resembling androids whose memories are wiped each day. However, as some of the hosts become self-aware, this doesn’t bode well for the future of the park…

The second series will start airing on 23rd April, at 2am on Sky Atlantic. That’s when the show is getting simulcast with the US; however, Sky Atlantic will also later repeat it at 9pm that day.

Easy to Overlook Gems

By on 26th March 2018in Lifestyle

Chester Burn viaduct, Chester-le-Street

There are undoubtedly some stunning sights that you can enjoy from a train on the East Coast Main Line that runs all the way between London and Edinburgh. In County Durham alone, those sights include the elaborate-looking railway station in Darlington, the beautiful Durham Cathedral, and much of Chester-le-Street from the railway viaduct known as Chester Burn viaduct.

The viaduct’s amazing length – spanning a total of 750 feet – and height of 90 feet afford train passengers plenty of opportunity to see Chester-le-Street’s amenities, including the town’s Tesco superstore. However, the viaduct – a Grade II listed structure – is also worthy of admiration for its own appearance, which is perhaps best appreciated from the ground of Chester Burn.

This viaduct was built in the 1860s and opened in 1868, accepting freight trains on 2nd March and passengers on 1st December. To this day, the structure still consists of its original stone and bricks, including red engineering bricks, although the western part has been somewhat resurfaced. The listing does not apply to railings and refuges added after the original construction.

At the time of that construction, Chester Burn was a bustling place with both residential and industrial buildings. These days, the same area is perhaps best known for its market, which takes place every Saturday, and the previously mentioned Tesco superstore. So, it’s still a busy area, although not quite in the same way as local residents during the late 19th century would have known.

The Waiting Room, Eaglescliffe

If you’ve ever prepared to catch a train at the lovely little town of Eaglescliffe, you might have considered waiting for your train at… The Waiting Room. There’s a very good reason why we have capitalised those words: they form the name of an award-winning vegetarian restaurant that is not only conveniently close to the railway station, but also enticing in its culinary offerings.

Upon walking into the restaurant for the first time, you could be struck by its friendly and bohemian feel – whether you favour eating in the airy and elegant front room or more vivid conservatory back room. However, to use a fitting pun, the proof of the pudding is in the eating; the restaurant regularly serves up succulent dishes comprising slow cooked vegetables and organic dairy. The food can go down well with the offered beverages, which include all-organic wines and beers.

There have already been plenty of plaudits for The Waiting Room. This eatery has been, in numerous recent years, a runner-up in The Observer’s Best UK Restaurant category, while the Vegetarian Society has handed its “Best Restaurant in The UK” accolade to this dining spot. The BBC Good Food magazine has hailed The Waiting Room “a wonderful little restaurant selling great food”.

One of our own favourite aspects of The Waiting Room is the live music and arts events it regularly hosts in its back room on Sunday evenings. Big name comedians who have played this venue include John Bishop, Stewart Lee, Josie Long and Viz co-founder Simon Donald – yes, really!

Traders fear historic Chester-le-Street market could be ‘killed’ by move

By on 20th March 2018in Local Biz

Proposals to move Chester-le-Street’s historic market as part of a flood prevention scheme have been met with anger by traders.

Durham County Council is considering opening up a stretch of the Cong Burn that runs under the town’s Market Place, as part of its £6.2 million investment in flood prevention. If the plans proceed, the watercourse would be turned into a public realm feature.

However, such work would also necessitate the relocation of more than 100 market stalls during and after the works – which traders have warned will “kill” the market that takes place each Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

“Stalls you have to erect are not substantial enough”

Among the critics of the planned disruption is 52-year-old Chris Simon, who runs Immanuel Fabrics and travels 120 miles from Burnley, Lancashire for the market.

He commented: “This is a family business and we have been coming here for 40 years. It has always been a strong market but they changed it a few years ago and spent a fortune and moved us elsewhere. The business went totally flat – nothing.
“We have managed to recover when we came back here but now they are going to change it again after spending all that money. They’re saying they are going to put us at the bottom on stalls we have to erect ourselves. Stalls you have to erect are not substantial enough because of the weight, it’s a danger as well.”

Mr Simon added that the authority had kept him “in the dark” about its intentions, adding: “They are telling us bits and pieces but nobody seems to know what’s going on properly.”

Meanwhile, fishmonger Keith Blight – who runs Healthy Plaice – urged the council to increase its investment in the market.
The 54-year-old suggested: “What they want to do is put a roof over like an indoor market, people won’t get wet, have a few tables, people can walk around and have a coffee.

“Even just put hard plastic over the stalls. If the market was done right people would come – it is a market town.”

Council defends plans

Sites under consideration for the market during the works include the former Civic Centre car park, the car park to the rear of Wesley Terrace and Cone Terrace next to the taxi rank. The council has also indicated that the market could be permanently moved to South Burns, Red Carpet or Front Street.

Head of technical services at Durham County Council, John Reed, said the authority was consulting with traders and the public.

He added: “As part of the consultation, we are asking market traders and the market operator about possible alternative locations while the work is carried out and once it is complete.

“We appreciate the market is a popular and important feature of the town and will ensure whatever option is agreed there will be sufficient capacity to accommodate all of the current market traders.”

Up to £1.5 million is being committed by the council for the scheme, which also includes proposals to extend the existing flood wall in the town. The authority is applying to the Environment Agency and European Regional Development Fund for the rest of the cash.

Much To Look Forward To In 2017

By on 27th January 2017in Local Biz

Leader of Durham County Council, Cllr Simon Henig, has used his first address to council of 2017 to highlight that there is much to look forward to in what promises to be an exciting year ahead.

Set against the backdrop of Brexit uncertainty and continuing austerity, Cllr Henig insists that the council continues to be “fiercely ambitious” despite having already faced budget cuts of £200 million.

He said: “We will focus on our key priorities: encouraging continued growth of our economy, redoubling our efforts to make Durham a safe, clean and green place to live and promoting a thriving visitor economy and cultural sphere..”

Cllr Henig also highlighted what can be achieved when partners and businesses from across the county work together. He said: “I was privileged to be present as the first Hitachi train, assembled on the production line at the Newton Aycliffe plant, was unveiled recently.

“Many companies from the county supply components for the trains and this historic moment served as a great example of how working together can bring huge benefits to the county, justifying the many years of hard work that brought Hitachi to County Durham, beating off competition from more than 40 other sites across the UK.”

Hitachi is just one of several success stories the county has to celebrate, including the creation of 1,200 jobs by ResQ in Seaham following support from Business Durham, the council’s business arm. Cllr Henig continued: “We are already looking forward to more good economic news in 2017 – this will include the start of the next phase of expansion at NETPark in Sedgefield and a new facility to expand GlaxoSmithKline in Barnard Castle.

“Redevelopments are now underway on this side of the riverbanks in Durham City which will enhance retail and cinema offers; all of these developments mean more job opportunities for local people and are key to our plans for a brighter future for County Durham.

“These plans include updated masterplans for Durham City and our major towns throughout the county – masterplans which will go before our Area Action Partnerships locally following consideration by Cabinet. Each is unique; each details the work undertaken so far, and what is still to come. We also look forward to ‘Operation Spruce Up’ within each of our 14 AAP’s as we continue our programme of spring cleans across County Durham so that this county is seen in its best possible light.”

In addition to the work of the council, Cllr Henig also highlighted some of the UK’s most popular and ground breaking events that the council works to support: “We are delighted that Kynren will return for a second season this summer – described as the country’s largest outdoor performance since the London Olympics – and attracting 100,000 visitors at a series of stunning night-time performances last year.

“Beamish, already the UK’s most popular living museum, will commence its expansion to encompass a reconstructed 1950’s town this year. The project to improve Seaham marina will continue as well as a new activity centre set to offer water and land sports. Our popular annual festivals – including Bishop Auckland Food Festival, Brass and the Durham Book Festival – will again entertain locals and bring in many thousands of visitors.

“Finally we also welcome back Lumiere for a fifth time in November – now the UK’s largest light festival – and this year accompanied by a major international lighting conference which we have attracted to Durham that last year took place in Seoul in South Korea.”

Increased Efforts To Tackle Cyber Crime

By on 26th January 2017in In & Around

Computer criminals that target people in County Durham are being snared using a wide range of measures, councillors have been told.

As families increasingly become victims of cyber-crime the Safe Durham Partnership is employing a number of ways to stop fraudsters and thieves.

Members of Durham County Council’s Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee heard of those efforts to keep people safe from digital threats.

Durham Constabulary’s assistant chief constable, Dave Orford, the chair of the Safe Durham Partnership, said: “Cyber-crime is a fast-growing area of crime with more and more criminals exploiting the speed, convenience and anonymity of the internet to commit a diverse range of criminal activities which know no borders, either physical or virtual, cause serious harm and pose very real threats to victims.

“Locally in County Durham we are working in partnership across our communities and our businesses to raise awareness of the risks.

“And we will continue to share information with the public in a bid to ensure they do not become the next victims of online crime.”

The Safe Durham Partnership identified cyber-crime as an emerging threat and set up a multi-agency group to co-ordinate activities including raising awareness, education and how to tackle the problem.

Durham Constabulary has also set up a “Digital Intelligence and Investigation Team” to look into digital crimes and work to stay up to date with the latest threats, viruses and scams.

Councillor David Boyes, the chair of the Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said: “We are supportive of the work of the Safe Durham Partnership in keeping those who may be vulnerable to becoming a victim of online crime safe.

“Cyber-crime is very much a 21st century challenge and we need to adapt to this changing world to deal with the criminals who look to take advantage.

“It’s important that we help to get the message out to our communities about the risks of becoming a victim of online crime.

“Cyber-crime may be prevented by taking simple steps. These include creating a complex password, updating antivirus software and not clicking on unexpected emails from unknown sources.

“Through our 14 Area Action Partnerships we will continue to support the Safe Durham Partnership in getting these crime prevention messages out to our communities.”

The Committee heard examples of the work that has been undertaken, including the work with Get Safe Online who offer advice and tips on issues such as online shopping, finance, social media, keeping children safe, running businesses and protecting digital devices.

The committee also heard about the Stay Safe Online at Christmas project, which saw an online advent calendar of advice created to spread online safety messages.

And they were told of the work taking place in schools, with class discussions on online hate speech and bullying on social media.  Further events will take place in schools for Safer Internet Day on 7th February 2017.

Cllr Joy Allen, the council’s cabinet member for safer communities, said: “Partnership working is crucial in tackling cyber-crime.

“It is important that our communities understand how to protect themselves against being a victim and I support the work of the Safe Durham Partnership in addressing this type of crime.”

You should report cyber-crime by ringing Durham Constabulary on 101 or through the website, visit www.durham.police.uk

For more advice about how to stay safe online, including practical advice on how to protect yourself, your computers and mobile devices, and your business, against fraud, identity theft, viruses and many other problems, visit www.getsafeonline.org/durham

 

Early Bird Offer For Muddy Mayhem At Hardwick Park

By on 21st January 2017in Events

Early birds can catch a discount for a day of muddy good fun at County Durham’s Hardwick Park.

The North East’s ultimate obstacle course returns on Sunday 1 October, with a host of challenges awaiting runners in the beautiful surroundings of the popular 18th century, Grade II listed parkland, near Sedgefield.

Cllr Maria Plews, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “Muddy Mayhem is always a popular event and from cargo ​nets to ​climbing ​walls, ​tunnels, ​freezing ​open ​water and ​lots ​of ​other ​surprises this year once again promises a real test for everyone taking on our tough 5K or 10K courses.”

Anyone who signs up before midnight on Tuesday 31 January 2017 can bag a 5K place for just £35 or £40 for the 10K.

And if you’re considering taking part as a group then there’s no better time to book, as teams of 10 or more will receive an extra 10% discount – making it just £31.50 per person before the end of January.

Once the early bird offer has finished the individual price will increase to £42 for 5K and £48 for 10K.

Runners must be aged 16 and over to enter, and have a reasonable level of fitness.

For more information and to sign up visit  HYPERLINK “http://www.durham.gov.uk/muddymayhem” www.durham.gov.uk/muddymayhem.

Putting Young People At The Heart Of Decision-Making

By on 19th January 2017in In & Around

A range of schemes that enable children and young people to get involved in decision-making in County Durham were outlined to councillors onWednesday, 18 January.

Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet heard how the authority, its 14 Area Action Partnerships (AAP) and other organisations working together as the County Durham Partnership are using a range of methods to engage with younger residents.

This year, for the first time, young people aged 11 years and older living or attending school in County Durham were able to take part in voting for AAP priorities in their area. More than 3,000 young people took part.

Teesdale and Three Towns AAPs, meanwhile, encourage young people to fill in applications for Small Grants Funding themselves, with other young people asked to appraise and approve submissions.

In the Mid Durham area, members of the Youth Area Committee, which includes young people from six local villages, have been working with the AAP for a number of years. The AAP also regularly works with primary and secondary schools.

Mid Durham and Stanley AAPs have a young person’s representative on their board, with 17-year-old Liam Bell, the Stanley rep, receiving a Chairman’s Medal for his voluntary work.

The report to Cabinet also outlined how County Durham Economic Partnership and the county’s Children and Families Partnership, the Health and Wellbeing Board, Safe Durham Partnership Board and the Environment Partnerships are also working to involve children and young people in their work.

Initiatives include the Erasmus+ project, which saw five council apprentices spending two works working with their counterparts in Gothenburg; the launch of the inaugural Student Voice Survey, which more than 8,000 secondary school pupils took part in; and involving children in designing the logo and branding for the 0 to 19 health visiting and school nursing service.

The Blues Band Return To Gala Theatre

By on 19th January 2017in Events

Music fans can swap post-festive blues for rhythm and blues as The Blues Band returns to the Gala Theatre on Saturday 4, February 2017 at 7.30pm as part of their 38 Years and Back for More international tour.

Their soulful performances have dazzled audiences at venues throughout Europe including Glastonbury. Formed in 1979 by Paul Jones and Tom McGuiness from Manfred Mann as a band “just to play the blues”, two and a half decades and 16 albums later, the band are still touring and are acknowledged across the world as among the finest rhythm and blues bands around.

Tickets are £22 and can be booked online at www.galadurham.co.uk or by calling the Gala Theatre box office on 03000 266 600 or in person.

More Than 2,000 People Sign Up For DurhamWorks help

By on 12th January 2017in In & Around

More than 2,000 young people have now signed up to a £17 million project designed to develop their skills, increase opportunities and help them into work.

The DurhamWorks programme is aiming to improve the prospects of County Durham’s 16 to 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training.

And just six months into the more than two year project it is well on course to put almost 6,000 people on the path to employment by summer 2018.

Cllr Ossie Johnson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services said: “In only a few months DurhamWorks has successfully signed up over 2,000 County Durham 16 to 24-year-olds  who were not in employment, education, or training.

“Unfortunately due to issues including the late introduction of increased requirements by the Department of Work and Pensions, and a delay in the payment of funding from the Government, we have had to request that our original target for sign ups in 2016 be reduced.

“Yet the overall target of involving 5,830 people in the DurhamWorks programme by July 2018 remains unchanged and, having now introduced a system to gather and verify eligibility, we expect the numbers of participants to increase significantly in the coming weeks.

“We are working with employers and Business Durham to make sure there are jobs and apprenticeships for people to progress into, and we remain confident that the project will be a success.”

Already more than 300 small firms are working with the project to help create new job opportunities for the county’s young people, with businesses saying they appreciate the support they are receiving  to help them recruit the most appropriate people.

And more businesses are being encouraged to find out about working with the project, to help find the young staff they need.

The council’s Cabinet will receive an update on the programme on Wednesday January 18.

For more information about DurhamWorks, and how to get involved, visit www.durham.gov.uk/durhamworks

Responding To Poverty

By on 12th January 2017in Lifestyle

Councillors will hear about the continuing work to respond to tackling poverty across County Durham when they meet next week.

Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet will hear about the work of the authority and its partners to help those affected through changes made as a result of the Government’s welfare reform programme and the challenges of continuing austerity.

More work is planned through an in-depth study into child poverty to further develop understanding of the issue in County Durham.

Councillors will be asked to give the go-ahead for the research to help develop further approaches to tackling poverty when they meet at the Glebe Centre, Murton, on Wednesday, 18 January.

Cllr Lucy Hovvels, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for adult and health services, said: “Poverty can affect every area of a child’s development – social, educational and personal.

“Living in a poor household can reduce children’s expectations of their own lives and lead to a cycle where poverty is repeated from generation to generation.

“If we want to give children the best start in life, we need to target everything from health, education and employment to behaviour, finance, family and personal relationships.

“In order to do this, we need to carry out detailed analysis of the issue and come to a better understanding of how it affects the lives of families in County Durham.”

If it goes ahead, the research would include mapping service provision across the county in order to identify where new approaches and interventions are needed.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the council will continue its work as a member of the North East Child Poverty and also take up the opportunity to work with the North East Child Poverty Commission.

The report also highlights the pressure within the Discretionary Housing Payments budget in 2016/17 due to increasing demand for support from residents struggling with housing payment demands.

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