Tag: chester-le-street

County Durham Leisure Centres Hold Sport Relief Fundraiser

By on 27th February 2016in Lifestyle

Council fitness coaches are inviting families to spin, swim and sprint in aid of Sport Relief…

As part of their continuing efforts to improve the health of people in County Durham, staff at Freeman’s Quay and Riverside leisure centres have organised fundraising fitness events this March.

Cllr Maria Plews, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to visit our Durham and Chester-le-Street leisure centres, use some of the fabulous facilities we have, and support a great cause.”

A 24 hour ‘spinathon’ will take place at Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre from 8pm on Thursday 17th March until 8pm on Friday 18th March.

Members of the public can book themselves in for a 30 minute slot – or longer if they feel up to the challenge – on one of the centre’s 13 spin bikes between 6.30am and 10.30pm.

Staff – including coaches Aiden McDaid, Steven Gardiner and Sam Renwick – will then continue the trial through the night.

With cyclists busy on the bikes, coaches Laura Gwynne, Claire Fothergill, Chloe Heslop and Carol Shaw will invite swimmers to take part in an hour long ‘aquathon’ on Friday 18th March.

From 9.45am to 10.45am visitors to the Freeman’s Quay pool will be able to dance along to everything from Abba to Glee, and the Beatles.

Meanwhile, at Riverside Leisure Complex, schoolchildren and sports club members will be encouraged to walk, jog or run a mile on its running track between 9am and 3pm.

The track will also be open from noon to 1.30pm for any member of the public who would like to take part.

All the events are free, but donations to Sport Relief will be requested.

#HaveYourSay Over Pelton Fell Community Council

By on 4th February 2016in Have Your Say

Residents in Pelton Fell are being given a further opportunity to have their say on the proposal to create a community council…

 

A second round of consultation has been launched following a petition by Pelton Fell Community Partnership, calling for the creation of an independent community council.

Pelton Fell currently has no parish or community council.

A community council has the same powers as a parish council, however, it would be known as a community council as it reflects the style of the parish for that area.

An initial round of consultation was carried out last year, as the responsible body for parish boundary reviews.

A total of 900 questionnaires were sent out in September, asking households whether they wanted a community council or no change. Residents were given six weeks to have their say, and a total of 110 responses were received (a 12% return).

Of those, 56% were in favour of creating a community council (6.87% of the total households consulted), and 5.33% of the total households consulted were against.

The second round of consultation is now underway, with feedback forms sent to residents, which they can complete and return.

Further information has been provided to residents about what a community council would look like if it was established, including council size and the precept that would be set for its first year. Written representations and any comments or queries can also be sent by email to durhamcgr@durham.gov.uk.

Feedback forms have also been sent to other statutory consultants, including the local MP, councillors, the Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnership, and County Durham Association of Local Councils.

The deadline for all responses is 2nd March.

Colette Longbottom, our head of legal and democratic services, said: “This consultation is extremely important for the area, and we would encourage as many people to respond as possible.”

Further information about the review is available online at www.durham.gov.uk/communitygovernance.

North East Marketing Agency Expand Into Central London

By on 1st February 2016in Local Biz

A North East design and marketing agency has opened the doors of a brand new office in London, looking to expand on a successful 2015…

Jak Inc has taken up a second residence within a thriving Central London business community, which is the first stage of an extensive business expansion plan created by Managing Director Andrew Knowles.

The Chester-le-Street based company, which last year celebrated its ten-year anniversary, has plans to take their brand further across the UK, and eventually into Europe.

Andrew Knowles said: “Since rebranding our business in 2014, Jak Inc has become a uniquely modern and exciting company, and one that suits the cutting-edge business hub of London perfectly.

“The services we offer are highly sought after across the country, but by being based in the North East, we’re able to provide top quality and efficiency, but without the London price tags.”

Jak Inc’s new office is suitably fresh, with open-plan space for collaborative work, and smaller glass booths for working privately. Volcano Coffee is available on a whim, plus beer on tap for chilled evenings, and table tennis for periods of down time.

 

Andrew said: “The environment is perfect for us, especially as it places us constantly in the midst of other businesses and like-minded creatives. For example, we’re only a stones throw from the likes of Skyscanner and BlaBlaCar.”

The expansion into London follows Andrew’s completion of a three-year Business Growth Plan under the guidance of Goldman Sachs.

As a part of the growth plan, the company is also looking to recruit a Business Development Manager. Enquiries can be sent to a.knowles@jakinc.uk.

Jak Inc is one of the North East’s leading design and marketing agencies, with the unique ability to provide extensive printing solutions as well. To find out more, visit www.jakinc.uk.

Win! Tickets To See Simply Red At Durham CCC

By on 22nd January 2016in Competitions

Simply Red are back and celebrating over 30 years in the music industry with a spectacular anniversary tour…

 

One of the biggest and most iconic bands in the world are set to perform at Emirates Durham ICG, home of Durham County Cricket Club, on Friday 3rd June 2016 as one of only a handful of Simply Red 2016 live shows.

Frontman Mick Hucknall said: “We are delighted to be performing in the open at the Durham County Cricket Club. It’s a superb ground in a great location, and we have many fans in the area. We will ensure that this night is really something special, and hope you can join us in celebrating over 30 years in the music business”.

As the band enters its fourth decade, buoyed by their excellent latest album Big Love, their reputation as one of the great British groups is set for some timely enhancement as they perform their greatest hits, such as Holding Back The Years, If You Don’t Know Me By Now, Something Got Me Started, The Right Thing, Stars, Fairground, Angel and Sunrise.

Do you want to see Simply Red at Durham County Cricket Club? We’ve got two tickets to give away, and all you need to do is answer the question below.

What is the name of Mick Hucknall’s pre-Simply Red band?

[contact-form to=’online@inandaroundmag.co.uk’ subject=’SIMPLY RED COMP’][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Address’ type=’text’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Answer’ type=’text’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

 

Lumley Castle Host A Programme Of Tudor Themed Events

By on 19th January 2016in Entertainment

One of the North East’s best loved venues has unveiled a programme of Tudor treats for the coming weeks…

On Friday 12th and 26th February and 4th March, four star Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, is turning back the clock to 1595, with its famous banquets – giving diners and partygoers a fun-filled night, Elizabethan-style.

On arrival at the castle, guests are led to the dungeons before being piped into the opulent Baron’s Hall and seated on benches for dinner, which is served by Ladies of the Court and eaten with a dagger instead of cutlery.

To accompany dishes, such as sticky pork ribs and honey-baked chicken, diners are served red wine and mead in earthenware goblets.

Meanwhile, in between courses, the Castle’s Lord Chamberlain entertains diners with tales of yore and local legends – including the sorrowful story of Lily of Lumley, who was thrown into the castle’s well by priests, and whose ghost has been seen by countless visitors and staff over the years.

Throughout the evening, the Lords and Ladies of the Court, dressed in period costume, perform sketches and a variety of songs, from traditional North East folk ballads to a rousing finale of more popular tunes, with diners encouraged to join in when they can.

Finally, guests can round off the evening by dancing to a disco in the dungeon, with a special price package also available for those wishing to extend the evening with an overnight stay in one of Lumley’s 73 bedrooms.

Along with its Elizabethan Banquets Lumley Castle Hotel hosts regular murder mystery dinners, while its renowned Black Knight restaurant can cater for formal or buffet lunches and dinners, and can also offer private dining.

Lumley’s Elizabethan Banquets cost £35 per person, and the Banquet Bed and Breakfast package is priced from £87.50 per person, based on two people sharing a Courtyard room.

On 26th February alone, the package is on offer at a reduced price of £79.50 per person.

For more information, or to make a booking, call 0191 389 1111, email info@lumleycastle.com or visit www.lumleycastle.com.

Lumley Castle Host Murder Mystery Afternoon Tea

By on 16th January 2016in Entertainment

Can you guess whodunit and why?

 

Amateur sleuths and budding Miss Marples are invited to an afternoon of cake and crime at an historic North East hotel.

On Sunday 7th February, 600-year-old Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street, will provide the setting for a Murder Afternoon Tea.

Following the discovery of a body, guests will be invited to turn detective and unmask the murderer, before settling down to a traditional afternoon tea of hand cut sandwiches and freshly baked cakes and pastries.

As the story goes…

“In the early 1970′s, a murder took place at Lumley Castle. Lord Marcus Lumley, the aristocratic but impoverished owner of Lumley Castle has been found dead. He appears to have had a heart attack, despite the fact that a recent check up found him to be in excellent health. Lord Lumley spent his last evening in the company of his wife, a family friend and a clairvoyant that he had invited to the castle. Was his death due to natural causes, or did one of his companions have a motive for murder?”

Tickets for the Murder Afternoon Tea, which begins promptly at 2.30pm, cost £20 and can be booked by calling 0191 389 1111, emailing info@lumleycastle.com or visiting www.lumleycastle.com.

Mr And Mrs Winter Exchange Wedding Vows As Snow Falls

By on 14th January 2016in Lifestyle

Meet Mr and Mrs Winter – a North East couple who exchanged their wedding vows just as snow began to fall…

As bride Rebecca Thompson walked down the aisle at 600-year-old Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street, to marry 31-year-old civil servant, Michael Winter, morning rain had turned to sleet.

And by the time the happy couple, from North Shields, had exchanged their wedding rings, the ancient castle was crowned with snow, giving their Winter’s tale a truly story book ending.

“It was magical, really,” said Rebecca, a 28-year-old recruitment consultant. “Michael’s surname was the inspiration for us having a winter wedding in the first place, but we never dreamed it would actually snow.”

Around 100 friends and family members attended the wedding in the four-star hotel’s Garter Suite, followed by a reception in the Baron’s Hall for 140.

“We’d chosen William Shakespeare’s play, The Winter’s Tale, as our theme,” said Rebecca, “and our table centrepieces were copies of the play.

“Lumley Castle is a story book setting at the best of times, but the snow turned it into a fairy tale.”

“A very great deal of thought and care went in to planning the wedding,” said Lumley Castle’s wedding coordinator Claire Sanderson.

“But, of course, no one can plan the weather – and it couldn’t have been more perfect.”

To book your own fairytale wedding at Lumley Castle, call 0191 389 1111, email reservations@lumleycastle.com or visit www.lumleycastle.com.

7 Big Mistakes Businesses Make Online

By on 29th December 2015in Local Biz

Chester-le-Street based Design & Marketing Agency Jak Inc share their insight into making the most of your online presence…

 

As veteran website designers and experts in mobile optimisation, we often get to see behind the scenes of some of the best and worst web presences.

In doing so, we’ve identified five of the biggest mistakes that businesses are making online. Read on to find out what they are…

1. Websites aren’t mobile-friendly.

Let’s start with a biggie. On average in the UK, we each spend nearly two hours per day browsing the internet on our mobile devices, and in the last few years, mobile shopping has surpassed desktop shopping.

The trouble is, users are still being turned away by sites that aren’t optimised for mobile screens. If a site isn’t intuitive to use on the devices that are now becoming the standard, potential customers are inclined to go elsewhere.

Mobile-optimisation isn’t an option or a recommendation anymore. It’s a necessity.

Plus, Google has recently begun penalising non-mobile-friendly websites by moving them further down in search results. It’s a big price to pay for failing to keep up with digital trends.

2. Web and social media is rarely updated.

The internet is a fast-paced environment, and users are always hungry for new content.

The really successful web presences are the ones that are never short of an update or two, and the ones that are well-practiced in delivering fresh, exciting, entertaining, and original content. As you’d expect, it keeps audiences coming back for more.

Unfortunately, however, keeping content moving is a time-consuming process, and is difficult to keep consistent. If you haven’t already lost your audience thanks to your non-mobile-friendly site, chances are your lack of updates will do it, so make sure you set aside some amount of time every day to update your presence.

3. Imagery isn’t utilised where necessary.

They say a picture can say a thousand words, and the phrase has never been truer than in the context of the internet and social media.

These days, users have neither the time nor inclination to read more than they have to. The web is endlessly scrollable, and nothing can make a viewer click the ‘next’ button faster than a wall of text. Images, however, are far more effective at grabbing attention and communicating a message.

Don’t take your audience’s attention for granted.

A great place to utilise imagery is Twitter. Thanks to the platform’s 140 character limit, a well-chosen photograph or graphic can help get across a message that wouldn’t otherwise have fit!

4. Websites aren’t user-friendly.

When somebody visits your website, there are usually only a handful of things they’re really looking for. In most cases, they want to know who you are, what you do, and how they can obtain your services.

This is the information that should be immediately available to your visitors, and not buried behind a slew of pages and hyperlinks. If it takes more than five to ten seconds to have their questions answered, you may have lost their interest for good.

Assess exactly what your own visitor’s objectives will be, and ensure you meet them. Check out our guide to a great homepage for more tips.

5. Call-to-actions are vague or non-existent.

Let’s assume that you’ve successfully lured visitors to your website or social media pages. Now what? What exactly do you want them to do?

Your call-to-action will depend on your business, but it could be that you want visitors to book an appointment, buy a product, or download something. Too often, visitors have no immediate indication of how to do any of that.

Let’s say you want visitors to fill in an appointment form. That form needs to take centre-stage on your website homepage, right next to a brief explanation of who you are, and why anyone should fill in this form.

6. Download speeds are unnecessarily slow.

This one is a classic.

Designing your first/new website can be exciting, and there’s often the urge to fill it with as many fancy images, videos, and widgets as possible. All of those things are great, but are they really worth slowing your website down?

Simplicity is often key with website design. Implement what you need to implement. Slow loading times caused by extra content can very quickly put a visitor off returning.

7. Stuck in the past.

If you’ve made it this far into this article, chances are that this one doesn’t apply to you, or that it doesn’t apply to you anymore. By now, you’re already considering whether or not your own website is ticking the right boxes, and wondering how you can use our advice to improve it.

But despite the now considerable age of the internet, there are still a lot of business owners out there who write it off as a luxury. The truth is, however, that an online presence is now critical to success, and ignoring that fact can be a big mistake.

If you aren’t already doing so, keep on top of the ever-changing digital landscape. It’s a business owner’s best friend.

Not sure how to avoid these mistakes? Want to find out exactly how to best utilise your digital presence?

At Jak Inc, we’re putting the #DigitalRevolution into motion. Book a consultation to find out how you can become a part of it, and how we can reinvigorate your online marketing.

Disabilities Support Service Backs 20mph Speed Limit Campaign

By on 28th December 2015in Have Your Say

A group of people with disabilities, and the service which supports them, have backed the roll-out of 20mph speed limits throughout County Durham…

 

Durham County Council is introducing the lowered speed limits near 33 schools as part of its Slow to 20 for Safer Streets campaign.

The aim is to reduce road casualties and provide a safer environment for children who walk and cycle to school, also helping them to be more active.

The campaign has now received backing from Bishop Auckland-based Innovations, which supports people with challenging behaviours, provides specialist services for people with physical and sensory needs, and community support for people who are more independent.

The organisation works with the council’s road safety team to train its 124 drivers to drive more safely and efficiently through its Safe and Fuel Efficient Driver Training programme, thanks to funding from the Local Motion project.

Trisha Leonard, office manager, said: “Innovations is supporting the campaign because we believe it is important for all those who rely on our services and everyone else in the community to be able to get out and about safely.

“Our drivers cover thousands of miles each year, and we welcome any measures to improve safety on the roads for them and their passengers.”

Colin Heaviside, 64, from Shildon, who is partially sighted and has relied on the service for more than a decade, is also supporting the campaign.

He said: “I really enjoy coming to Innovations, and have made a lot of friends over the past 12 years.

“Being partially sighted, I rely on the staff at Innovations to help me stay independent – if I wasn’t able to get out, I would be stuck at home most days. That’s why it is great that the 20mph speed limits are being brought in, as they will help make it safer on the roads for all of us.”

The part-time 20mph speed limits are being set up at schools in the county where child accident rates have been identified as twice the national average.

So far they have been introduced outside St Cuthbert’s Primary School in Chester-le-Street and Etherley Lane Primary School in Bishop Auckland.

The campaign also involves providing road safety education to children, including road awareness and safe cycling programmes, offering healthy lifestyle initiatives to encourage walking and cycling, and providing speed awareness schemes.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “We are delighted that Innovations are backing our Slow to 20 for Safer Streets campaign – they provide vital services to those who need them the most, so it’s a real bonus to have their support.”

John Reed, the council’s head of technical services, added: “The support of local organisations like Innovations is key to encouraging the whole community to sign up to slower driving near schools and in the surrounding areas.

“We would urge any other businesses or organisations who would like to support the campaign to get in touch.”

For more information about the Slow to 20 for Safer Streets campaign, visit www.durham.gov.uk/slowto20.

A Little Progress Every Day: The Jak Inc Story

By on 27th December 2015in Local Biz

Now in their 10th year, Chester-le-Street Design & Marketing Agency Jak Inc are pushing forward, but not forgetting their roots…

 

Back in 2004, father and son John and Andy Knowles found themselves in the enviable position of possessing a great idea, and having the means to put it into motion.

Keen to showcase the diversity of North East business, they founded JAK Publications, and published the first issues of the In & Around magazine. Despite operating out of a humble spare bedroom, the magazine was an instant success, and the foundations of a great business were laid.

Fast-forward to 2009, and JAK Publications had become JAK Print, now offering great value print and design to the North East. The team had bolstered its ranks with some of the region’s finest Graphic Designers, and moved into larger premises in Chester-le-Street and Darlington.

Crucially, JAK also purchased wholesale print website Full Colour Cards, which took the business from local to national. With the introduction of the Print Partner Affiliate Scheme, www.fullcolourcards.com became one of the UK’s leading online print suppliers.

In 2014, JAK closed the doors of their Darlington office, and consolidated the team under one roof in Unit 4 Station Road, Chester-le-Street, rebranding the business as Jak Inc Ltd. Now comprising a print and design agency, a print wholesaler, a marketing agency, and an online caricature website, a portfolio business was finally nearing completion.

Notably, Jak’s Station Road premises overlooked the site of the famous Horner’s Sweet Factory. The Jak team immediately identified with the fabled creativity and passion with which Horner’s had approached their work. In homage to the shared work ethic, Unit 4 was dubbed ‘The Sweet Factory’.

Today, Jak Inc continue to undergo extensive growth and continued success, forever looking to the future, but never forgetting the spare bedroom in which everything started. As they say, “a little progress every day adds up to big results.”

To find out more about Jak Inc, or to discover how they can revolutionise your business, visit www.jakinc.uk.

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