Tag: county durham

Oxjam Darlo: One-Day Festival Returns For 2015

By on 13th October 2015in Entertainment, Music, What's New?, What's On?

After the mammoth success of Oxjam Darlo 2014, the festival is back for 2015, and intends to build on the huge achievements from last year. After raising a staggering £8,000 and smashing the original target by more than double, the money raised by Oxjam Darlo contributed hugely to helping those who are in need in the UK and abroad.

Takeover manager, Chris Jenkins, reflected on last year’s festival. “Oxjam Darlo was an amazing experience for everyone involved in 2014; the bands, venues, volunteers, gig goers and of course us, the organisers! It was a fantastic event for Darlington and was a huge success for Oxfam and the people that ultimately benefited from the money raised.”

The date is already set for this year’s event, where venues across Darlington will once again open their doors to music lovers from a wide range of genres. The one day festival (on October 25th) will also focus on promoting home-grown talent as it showcases some of Darlington’s finest musicians.

Fundraising efforts are in full swing, with the Oxjam team holding a very successful ‘Ultimate Music Quiz’ in early September at the Voodoo Café. Takeover Manager Chris also took part in a white knuckle bungee jump during a recent trip down under, and team member Jonny Lancaster endured the 13.1 miles of the Great North Run on behalf of the festival.

Music fans also enjoyed getting revved up for the main event by attending the festival’s launch party at The Green Room on September 25th, where they got a little taster of what to expect from the main event!

Tickets (which will be exchanged for wristbands on the day) are on sale for the one day festival and are priced at £8. – Take a look at Oxjam Darlo’s social media pages (Facebook and Twitter) for details on where they can purchased.

North East Walks: God’s Bridge

By on 8th October 2015in Lifestyle, Places To Go, What's New?

Gary Richardson, Darlington-based freelance photographer and writer, details the North East’s best walks. This month, he’s visiting God’s Bridge…

 

Route Info:

7.5 miles/12 Km with 630 feet/190m of ascent
Maps: 1:25K OS Outdoor Leisure 31 or 1:50K OS Landranger 92
Start: Bowes village. Grid ref: NY995135 …. Post Code: DL2 9HU
Parking: small parking area opposite the village hall.
Where to Eat and Drink: The Ancient Unicorn Inn, Bowes village. 01833 628321

Route Map

An interesting walk around through the River Greta valley, which before the local government reorganisation in 1974 was part of North Yorkshire, but now is part of County Durham.

The walk makes use of the two sections of the ‘Bowes Loop’ on the Pennine Way. The first half, over the bleak remote heather covered Bowes Moor, is in stark contrast to the return leg which follows, for most of the way, the wild flower meadows along the banks of the River Greta.

The walk starts in Bowes village, located a few miles south of Barnard Castle, alongside the busy A66 trans Pennine road.

 

 

From village hall car park head west straight along main street through village. Just after passing Dotheboys Hall, which features in Charles Dickens novel Nicholas Nickleby, turn right with the road to cross the A66 and climb up to Clint Top. There are good views over the Greta valley from here.

Continue along road passing through remains of an old military storage site, where the foundations of many bunkers can still be seen. There are plenty of warnings signs advising of unexploded bombs and poisonous gas. Don’t worry! It’s years since this site was used, and as long as you stay on the road, there will be no danger.

After about 1.5 miles you will reach the isolated farm of West Stoney Keld (A).

 

Here go through gate in stone wall, and then leave Pennine Way by turning left and take rough vehicle track heading SW towards Ravock, at first following the wall on the left. Where this track makes a sharp right turn, go straight ahead to follow a faint path through heather which is waymarked with posts and cairns, to reach a boundary stone (B).

Even though there is a faint path, in poor weather/visibility this section of the walk could require the use of map and compass.

 

 

Keep on across the heather moor and after about a mile another wall is reached. Turn right to follow it west to reach the other branch of the Bowes Loop on the Pennine Way, close to the farm buildings at Pasture End. Turn left and follow the track downhill towards the busy A66.

Luckily there’s no need to risk your life having to cross this, on reaching the fence beside the road, go to the right to find an underpass. Go through this and go left over the fields, following the track downhill to God’s Bridge (C).

This is a natural limestone bridge over the River Greta. The river bed is usually dry, as it runs underground, as is common with lots of rivers and streams in limestone areas.

Leave God’s Bridge by going through gate in wall to find a new graded track through the fields (a permissive path not shown on OS map). This takes you through the meadows along banks of river, past East Mellwaters to footbridge over Sleightholme Beck at West Charity (D).

 

After crossing bridge, go left across the field to reach a track. Go right along this and pass through yard of the farm. The track then turns left and heads through fields towards Lady Myres. Pass through farm and continue on track to reach a finger post. Turn left and head across field to reach footbridge over River Greta.

Cross this and climb to Swinholme where a lane is joined heading back towards Bowes. There are good views of the castle from here. Upon reaching a stile over the fence on the right you have a choice of routes. Either follow Pennine Way over the fields to Bowes Castle and back to the village, or follow the stream (right) downhill through the field to reach River Greta again.

Turn left and take the path downstream to reach the lovely waterfall of Mill Force. From there take the path heading diagonally uphill across field to walled lane, and follow it uphill to reach lane close to church and castle. Turn right and follow this lane back to car park.

For more of Gary’s work, visit www.garyrichardson.me.

Your Recommendation: CBT Tests With Ace Motorcycle Training

By on 6th October 2015in Have Your Say, Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

Andy Knowles waxes lyrical about passing his Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) with Ace Motorcycle Training.

 

Passing my CBT is something I’ve always wanted to do, because I’ve always had a passion for Vespas. I just loved the idea of riding to the coast, taking in the scenery, grabbing a coffee, and socialising with other scooter riders who share the passion.

I’d previously dealt with Jimmy Rimmer and his company at Ace Motorcycle Training,
so booked in my CBT last year. They were extremely professional from the start, and the customer service I received on the telephone was extremely polite, talking me through everything I should expect on the one-day training course.

On the day of my test, my instructor explained all of the necessary safety information, including riding position, the correct helmets to purchase, protective clothing, and even choosing the right bike.

When it came to the practical side of things, the instructor took me through bike safety checks and maintenance advice, and then we took position and began doing some riding around Ace’s own circuit.

After lunch we took the bikes onto the public roads, and rode for about an hour. We were linked up to the instructor through radios so we could take instructions, meaning there was never a breakdown in communication.

I must admit that I was quite apprehensive before going onto the public roads, but the instructor’s knowledge and expertise helped ease my nerves. His advice was ongoing throughout.

At the end of the day, I was extremely pleased to be told I had passed, and was awarded my certificate. A fantastic end to a great day!

I went on to purchase a 2006 Vespa PX 125 in black, and I take it out most weekends. I find it very relaxing and love the freedom it gives me.

 

If you’re thinking about riding a scooter (or even something bigger), I’d highly recommend Ace Motorcycle Training. They have centres in Durham and Billingham, and the instructors are highly knowledgable in both.

Thanks, Ace!

Have you had a great experience with a North East business? Want to make your own recommendation?

Email online@inandaroundmag.co.uk and tell us all about it!

4 Things Exotic Animal Owners Need To Know

By on 5th October 2015in Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

Kevin Stevens, owner of Coast To Coast, the North East’s leading exotic animal dealer and breeder, shares five essential tips for first-time owners…

 

Reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas and invertebrates aren’t everyones cup of tea, but for many people they make an ideal pet or hobby. There are now more reptiles in UK homes than cats and dogs!

But education is paramount, and in no particular order, these are the five most important tips that we at Coast To Coast always give to budding exotic animal keepers…

1. Always Maintain Reptiles In Purpose-Made Vivaria

Housing your reptile correctly is critically important. By keeping them in purpose-made vivaria, you can be sure there are no rough edges to harm them, or to make cleaning out difficult. Plus, there are no means of escape!

Think about whether you’d like a vivarium made from glass, melamine or plastic. They all have various advantages and disadvantages, so choose the best for you.

2. Consider The Associated Foodstuffs

You’ll need a separate area in your freezer for frozen mice, and if you have a lizard (not all but most) you’ll need to look after live insects too. Make sure crickets and locusts are kept in a purpose designed plastic tank and fed correctly to ensure they are ‘gut loaded’. This means that added vitamins and minerals can be eaten via the insect’s stomach contents!

One bonus to using a purpose made livefood tank is that you don’t need to handle the insects. They have an ingenious hiding tube that enables you to move them from the tank into the vivarium! Plus, you’ll save money by looking after your livefood correctly because they won’t die quickly!

3. Don’t Handle Newly Acclimatising Reptiles Too Often

This is especially important for baby snakes and lizards. Handling too often can cause them to become stressed, stop feeding and ultimately become ill. For the first week, handling should be limited to once or twice for five minutes, with a gradual increase over the following weeks.

After handling, clean your hands with a good quality anti-bacterial soap, as like all animals, reptiles have been known to carry Salmonella. Likewise, don’t kiss your reptile!

4. Take Advice From The Experts…

…and not from a local ‘expert bedroom breeder’. For example, the correct heating and lighting is critical, and this kind of knowledge can only be gathered from years of contact with thousands of reptile keepers. Did you know that a heat mat is perfect for a Leopard Gecko, but detrimental to a Tortoise’s health? We do, because we have the experience to back up our knowledge.

Coast to Coast Exotics is one of the UK’s finest and oldest exotic animal stores, and has been providing excellence in their field for the last three decades. It is owned by Kevin Stevens, well known herpetologist who sits on the committee of the IHS, FBH and REPTA – the three main organisations involved in the reptile hobby and industry.

Find Coast To Coast at 122-124 North Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 2EJ. Call on 01325 283 756, or email info@coasttocoast.co.uk.

Durham Pilates Instructor’s Inspiring Road To Recovery

By on 5th October 2015in Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

Denise Ord is channelling her vibrant and positive mission into ‘CanDoPilates’, her
new business venture in Carrville, Durham.

A year ago, Denise was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Following a brief period of illness, she underwent surgery to have it removed, and believes that her swift post-operative recovery and rehabilitation is largely down to the practice of Pilates.

A qualified instructor since 2012, she firmly believes that Pilates can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age, gender or physical ability. Denise wants her journey to inspire those who believe that they are incapable of physical achievement due to health issues or injury.

“It strengthens core muscles and helps to protect the spine,” she says. “Anyone with health issues can do these exercises. If I can do it, anyone can.”

“As I lay in hospital recovering from the operation, I was determined to do everything I could to get back to full health. I couldn’t do anything for the first few months, but as soon as I was told by doctors that I could exercise, I drew up a plan to get fit through Pilates and Yoga. I’ve practised Pilates for over ten years, and knew it would be key to my recovery”.

Pilates can help to improve posture, muscle tone, balance and joint mobility. It increases flexibility, and relieves stress and tension. Many GPs, physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths recommend Pilates to patients requiring support in their rehabilitation, or to improve posture and body alignment.

Denise says that the beauty of Pilates is that it can be individually tailored to wherever you are in your health and exercise journey. It is relevant to all ages, and is becoming more and more popular with both men and women.

 

Her CanDoPilates studio offers a range of Pilates, Yoga, stretch, tone, and relaxation classes to suit each client’s individual preference.

Group classes are run for those wanting to work out with others and benefit from the social aspect of working together. To make sure each client receives individual attention, the group sizes are kept to a maximum of eight. Clients wanting an exercise plan tailored to suit their own needs and fitness level can benefit from private one-to-one sessions.

The studio can be found on Front Street, Carrville, Durham, and Denise also runs classes from Framwellgate Moor (FWG) Community Centre on Friday mornings. She says, “When you join us, you will receive an individual assessment which provides a pilates health plan for you to follow, either in a class, one-to-one session at the studio, or at your home”.

To contact CanDoPilates, you can call 07939 538044, email denise.candopilates@gmail.com, or visit www.candopilates.com.

What’s On? October Roundup

By on 1st October 2015in What's New?, What's On?

Haven’t picked up your copy of this month’s In & Around magazine yet?

Straight from the pages of the North East’s favourite monthly publication, here’s your handy guide to the region’s top events this month!

 

Every Tuesday
Local Food, Produce and Craft Market
South Causey Inn, County Durham
Support our local traders! Our resident band plays from 11am-1pm, great to listen to whilst you have a coffee and a scone. Purchase the best fruit and veg, speciality cheeses, locally sourced meats, gourmet pies, craft stalls, vintage items & antiques.

Tuesday 6th October
Durham Book Festival
Various Venues In And Around Durham City
The North East’s biggest book festival returns this October for twelve days of author talks and new commissions in Durham City and beyond. The festival brings big name authors to Durham, as well as celebrating our home-grown talent with a feast of inspiration and entertainment for curious minds.

Friday 9th October
Milky Way Night
Hamsterley Forest
There’ll be no moon, meaning dark skies! Come and see our very own galaxy stretched across the night sky. Tickets should be bought from the cafe in advance. £6 per ticket. In the event of poor weather, the event will go ahead indoors with a presentation and simulated stargazing. Food and drinks will be available at each event from the cafe. Remember to dress warmly!

Friday 16th – Sunday 18th October
Pickering Wartime & 1940s Weekend
Pickering
Pickering steps back in time to the Second World War. 1940s clothing, vehicles, music, and events take over for the weekend.

Saturday 17th October
Antarctica: Explorers, Heroes, Scientists
Palace Green Library
This winter, Palace Green Library’s Durham exhibitions consider the Polar Regions, focusing particularly on the discovery, exploration, and ongoing work taking place in Antarctica.

Saturday 24th October
Halloween Half Term
Hall Hill Farm
Are you brave enough to come to Hall Hill Farm between 24th and 31st October for a ghoulishly good time? Activities include making your own scarecrow, carving a pumpkin lantern, having your face painted, and seeing the puppet show, plus all the usual activities of donkey rides, tractor and trailer rides, and the Barrel Train. Also open 1st November 2015. There are small additional charges for pumpkins, donkey rides (£1.00), and the Barrel Train (£1).

Thursday 29th October
Lumley Castle Halloween Party
Lumley Castle
The evening includes a three course banquet feast and entertainment by the friendly Ghosts of Lumley. Fancy dress competition and a goody bag for all children attending. Dungeon Bar opens at 6.30pm, banquet at 7.00pm, and finishes at 10.30pm. Fancy dress encouraged!

Friday 30th October
Murder Mystery: Too Much At Stake
Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham
Join us for the 5th Annual dinner of the S.P.O.O.C (Society for the Preservation of Old Cinema) Horror Convention. Examine the crime scene and solve the clues as ‘Too Much at Stake’ is played out throughout the three course meal. Who has it in for one of the celebrity guests? Tickets are £35.00 per person. To book contact our Events Team on 0191 372 7200 or email events.durham@radissonblu.com.

Friday 30th October
Festival Of Remembrance
Empire Theatre, Consett
From 7pm in aid of The Poppy Appeal. Advanced Booking Advised, tickets are £1 each and are available from the Empire Theatre Box Office. Call 01207 218171.

Saturday 31st October
Grown Up Halloween
Crook Hall
Crook Hall, Durham City’s oldest and spookiest house, provides a perfect scary setting for what promises to be eerie evenings of frightening fun. Mulled wine, ginger cake and ghostly tales and appearances. £9.50 pre-booking essential.

Saturday 31st October
All Hallows In The Park
Auckland Castle
Mischievous tales of Bishop’s past and present mixed with local fables will play out along a riveting 45 minute trail meandering through the Castle’s parkland. Young performers from Jackass, Wolsingham and W.A.S.H. Youth Theatres have created a series of unique drama sketches that will be performed at 20 minute intervals throughout the evening. Plenty of layers, warm coats and walking shoes or wellies essential! BRING ALONG A TORCH TOO! A great way to enjoy a festive autumn night with stilt walkers and drumming too! Walks will start out from Auckland Castle’s coffee shop, with the first walk for families with children under 5 setting out from 5.30pm. Subsequent walks for all ages start from 6.30pm (approx. 6 in total). Tickets £4.

Two New Appointments At Lumley Castle Hotel

By on 30th September 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

One of the North East’s leading luxury hotels has strengthened its team with two new appointments.

Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, has welcomed Ashley Small to the position of Meeting and Events Manager, and Adele Lockey to the role of Meetings and Events Coordinator.

Ashley, 30, from Gosforth, Newcastle, brings more than 10 years experience in the hotel and event industries to the role, having held key sales positions with both Marriott and Holiday Inn.

She joins four-star Lumley Castle Hotel from Newcastle-based hotel booking agency Accommodations UK, where she looked after the Conference and Exhibition departments.

As well as consolidating 73-bedroom Lumley Castle Hotel’s reputation as one of the region’s favourite wedding and event venues, Ashley will be tasked with raising its profile within the business and leisure communities both regionally and nationally.

She will be supported in her role by Adele, 31, from Consett, who also has strong sales background having worked at De Vere Slaley Hall Hotel and, latterly, at Allout Adventures; an activity centre based in the Hexham hotel’s grounds.

“I am delighted to welcome both Ashley and Adele to the Lumley Castle Hotel team,” said General Manager, Christine Gott

“The hotel is unique in terms of the style and variety of its event spaces, which is why it is such a popular destination for everything from weddings and parties to conferences, gala dinners and meetings.

“I am confident that, not only will Ashley and Adele be able to consolidate its existing client base, but also expand it, by introducing the hotel to a whole new audience.”

For more information call 0191 389 1111 or visit www.lumleycastle.com.

Jak Inc MD Receives Goldman Sachs Award

By on 29th September 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

Managing Director of design & marketing agency Jak Inc, Andrew Knowles, has been awarded the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Award, following his involvement with the global investment banking firm’s entrepreneurial initiative.

 

Jak Inc, based on Station Road in Chester-le-Street, specialise in boosting the profiles of other small businesses, organisations, and events. Comprising a marketing agency and a print supplier, they are known for high-quality marketing campaigns, web design, and print products.

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses initiative is an investment to help entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing greater access to education, capital, and business support services.

Andrew says, “I was extremely pleased to be accepted into the programme. It’s given me immense practical education, and the business support that every business leader needs to create opportunities.”

He goes on, “The programme arrived at a perfect time for Jak Inc, as I had just been made Managing Director, and I needed the extra support to take the business to the next level.”

 

Jak Inc is currently in its tenth year of operation, and is currently undergoing a period of expansion and great success. Making use of the Business Growth Plan developed under the supervision of the Goldman Sachs initiative, Andrew is taking the company from strength to strength.

“The award will take pride of place in my office, alongside the 32-page business plan. All of us in the company are aware of our shared vision, and we look forward to our future here with great anticipation.”

Recent Jak Inc work includes campaigns for a number of national charitable organisations, along with a great deal of local businesses in the North East region. You can keep up to date with their work by following the Jak Inc Blog, or visit their website for contact details.

Get To Know: Cloudy2Clear Windows

By on 15th September 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows…

 

The company, which specialises in repairing windows that are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes, has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services.

Managing Director Tony Telford feels that it’s all about service. “Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up, we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee.”

He goes on, “It’s not just about saving people money, although that helps. Many tradespeople have struggled since last year, and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires, and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service, which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.”

Cloudy2Clear service the Durham, Sunderland and Washington areas, and Tony is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success. “The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job, but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.”

If your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged, give Tony a call for a free quotation on 0800 6121118.

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