Tag: county durham

Findley Academy Looks To Build Roof Over Skills Gap

By on 1st June 2016in Local Biz

A leading North East roofing specialist is launching its own academy to help invest in the region’s youngsters…

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Washington-based Findley Roofing, will take on four to six apprentices at the Findley Academy over the coming months, where they will be trained to acquire the skills needed to become the best in the business.

Each student will be put through an apprenticeship, while at the same time benefitting from hands-on training from the Company, which has over 30 years’ experience in the industry.

The scheme, which will run from centres in Washington and South Tyneside, will include one to one training, regular appraisals and the opportunity for apprentices who are excelling to earn more, through an accelerated programme.

A short supply of skilled tradesmen is the catalyst behind the idea and the Company hopes resolving this issue, will help them become the roofing powerhouse in the North East.

General Manager Chris Dodds said: “There is a skills gap emerging and we need to help close it by investing in young people.

“It’s not easy to find hardworking, loyal people but we believe young people are the future and this is why we are keen to invest our time, money and effort into helping them.

“As there is currently a short supply of tradesmen, now is the perfect time for young people to get into a trade, as they will have the opportunity of a strong career.”

Findley Roofing is a family run company covering the whole of the North East, from Alnwick to North Yorkshire.

Having experienced huge success over the last 12 months, which has seen the team double in size to 38 and a huge increase in turnover, the company is looking towards the future as it plans to maintain this same level of growth over the next five years.

Chris continued: “We want to be ‘first for roofing’, just as it says on our strapline and truly believe the Findley Academy is the way to achieve this.

“We’re looking for young people who are keen, hardworking, have character and want to learn, as there will be opportunities for them to become team leaders in the future.

“We’re also looking for team players, as the dedicated, professional team we currently have, is one of the reasons for our success.”

Ian Wright, from Hebburn, knows just how important the Findley Academy will be to young people across the region and the difference it could make to them. The 25-year-old has been working for Findley Roofing for 18 months and having excelled in his training, will soon be leading a team of roofers.

“The knowledge and confidence I have gained since being taken on by Findley and working alongside my mentor, Mick, is huge,” said Ian.

“I know I wouldn’t be half the person I am today if they hadn’t given me a chance and I would tell any future apprentices to stick at it, as it’s the only way they will learn.

“A lot of young people give up too easily and if they’re not happy just leave, but if you put your faith in the Company and work for them, you will reap the benefits.”

Findley Roofing is one of the only roofing companies to be backed by Barclays Bank, meaning it can offer finance deals to its customers. The Company prides itself on the quality of the service and products it provides, guaranteeing roofing services for 10 years.

To find out more about Findley Roofing and the Findley Academy, visit: http://www.findleyroofing.co.uk/

Twitter: @Findley_Roofing

North East Lettings Agency Lobbying For Change

By on 26th May 2016in Have Your Say

A North East-based lettings agency has launched a national pledge to help challenge the unethical practices that go on in parts of the industry…

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The Ethical Lettings Pledge is the creation of Carla Keegans, who supports the Government’s proposals to tackle rogue criminal agents, but believes much more needs to be done in the wider industry.

With more than two million private landlords currently operating and over 12 million tenants living in the private rented sector, many people turn to lettings agents for help, but are increasingly let down or excluded.

Carla, who in July 2015 set up The Ethical Lettings Agency in Redcar, has been working on the pledge since December, seeking advice and feedback from trusted individuals around her.

She said: “It’s only right landlords expect agents to be properly qualified and experienced to help navigate round the increasingly complex legislation and issues that are now common in the sector.

“Unfortunately, many agents are not and there are numerous examples, backed up by national research, which indicate many landlords feel ripped off by agents.

“This pledge will show landlords and tenants that agents operate to some clear ethical standards, and if agents signed-up to the pledge fail to deliver, then landlords and tenants can challenge them on this.”

Landlords, tenants, and members of the public can also sign a formal petition to lobby for national legislative change, which will shortly be accessible via The Ethical Lettings website.

As a community interest company (CIC), The Ethical Lettings Agency fully understands the impact letting agents can have on local communities too, which will benefit as much from the pledge as tenants and landlords.

The Agency has already created two new jobs in Redcar, a town which has suffered from 1000s of recent job losses; perhaps a reason why the Agency was recently invited to meet Prince Charles.

Political figures have already shown support for the pledge, including Cabinet Member for Housing at RCBC, Cllr Lynn Pallister.

She said: “This social enterprise delivers ethical services and investment into our community and we are proud to support it for the benefit of our residents.”

Saltburn-born Carla, spent several years working in a senior housing role within the City of London Corporation, before returning home to start The Ethical Lettings Agency. Her time spent in the capital inspired her to create the pledge, which she hopes will attract as many signatures as possible, to help create national change.

Carla, a long-standing Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, added: “My experience working for various housing and public sector organisations had already convinced me there was a need in the market for an agency that provides a better service to landlords and tenants, which is why I set up The Ethical Lettings Agency.

“The Ethical Lettings Pledge is simply an extension of my vision and the company’s ethos, which is to shake up an industry which is letting people down time and time again, by making the system fairer.”

The Ethical Lettings Agency is open to all landlords and tenants in the Redcar and Teesside private rented sector. In particular, the Agency works with landlords to help manage their rental properties as a business, to reduce rental risks and save money.

To show your support for the pledge, visit http://theethicallettingspledge.co.uk/ or for more information about The Ethical Lettings Agency, visit http://www.ethicallettingsagency.co.uk/.

Twitter: @EthicalLets

Employability Project Is ‘Best In Show For Young Entrepreneurs

By on 4th May 2016in Local Biz

A new canine company has become the latest business start-up to get help from Durham County Council’s partnership approach…

Following a period of unemployment due to ill-health, Caniquest UK founder Matt Greensmith, was finding it difficult to get back into work. However with help from the council’s Employability Project and Generation NE Youth Employment Initiative – as well as the South Durham Enterprise Agency (SDEA) and plenty of determination – Matt now has a thriving new business and career.

An enthusiastic dog agility competitor and former worker in the agricultural sector Matt was inspired to start Caniquest UK which offers a wide range of canine supplies.

After being referred by the job centre, the employability team, SDEA and Generation NE worked together with Matt to provide support and advice for his new business as well as helping him access funding to help get started.

Matt said: “The time I spent unemployed was very frustrating so it’s amazing to be able to say that I’m now the proud owner of my own new business. I have a tremendous amount of gratitude towards everyone who helped me get Caniquest UK off the ground.”

Matt’s isn’t the only success story however as his website was designed by Infranautics, a website and software developing business was also launched thanks the partnership’s work.

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Caniquest UK is a brilliant example of both the support the council provides and how we work in partnership with other organisations to help people like Matt not just get back into work but create entirely new businesses.”

As well as mentoring and careers advice to help people get back into work, the council’s Employability Project encourages people to start their own business, helping them develop their ideas and help them create their own career. For more information contact 03000 262 383.

Generation NE is a collaboration between five local authorities, including Newcastle, Durham, Gateshead, North Tyneside and Northumberland, and the North East LEP.

It aims to support over 2,000 young people aged between 17 and 24 years into work over the next three years. For more information call Generation NE on 0191 230 0491 or visit www.generationne.co.uk.

School Pupils Lend A Hand In Tudhoe Community Project

By on 2nd May 2016in In & Around

Pupils at Tudhoe Colliery Primary School helped to spruce up their village as part of a community project…

The children, who are in Year 3 at the school, worked with Durham County Council’s neighbourhood services team to make landscape improvements to a seating area in Tudhoe.

The community project used plants leftover from other schemes and includes ornamental sculptures.

The result is a low-maintenance and attractive communal seating area which can be enjoyed by everyone in the village.

Steve Johnson, Durham County Council’s street scene supervisor, said: “This has been a great opportunity to carry out low maintenance yet visually striking improvement in Tudhoe with the help of Tudhoe Colliery Primary School pupils.”

Dan Watson, Year 3 teacher at Tudhoe primary school added: “We really enjoyed our planting session and contributing to the community in general.”

Volunteers Sought To Shine Light On 10th Battalion

By on 30th April 2016in Have Your Say

Volunteers are being urged to “join up” and help unearth the history of the Durham Light Infantry’s “Shiny Tenth”…

The regiment’s 10th battalion was raised in 1914 as part of Kitchener’s New Army and fought across the Western Front, including the Battles of Ypres, Hooge, Delville Wood, Arras, Inverness Copse and Passchendaele.

But in the 100 years that have followed nobody has written the full story of the “Shinies” – a situation Durham County Record Office is set to rectify.

“The 10th was the first of 15 battalions the DLI raised for Kitchener’s army,” said principal archivist Gill Parkes, “but their story has never properly been told.

“To make sure it now is we’re recruiting volunteers to help with the creation of an online history, which will be available through our Durham at War website.

“We would like to hear from anyone who has an ancestor who served in 10 DLI during the 1914 to 1918 period, who is interested in any aspect of the battalion’s war service, who enjoys researching or writing about the First World War, or who just likes solving puzzles and organising information.”

The project will have access to a wide variety of source material, including previously unpublished family papers and the records of the battalion’s commanding officer, Colonel Hubert Morant.

Gill said: “To give an example of how little is known about 10 DLI we have one photo of three grave crosses on the Ypres Salient in early February 1916 that contains at least six stories waiting to be uncovered.

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“That is not just who the three soldiers were, but how they died, where the graves were and why another soldier came to have the photo.”

To find out more about the “Second to None – The Story of the Shiny Tenth” project and to sign up, visit Durham County Record Office at County Hall on Thursday 5 May, from 4pm to 7.30pm.

The first research session will take place at County Hall on Saturday 11 June from 10am to 12.30pm.

People living elsewhere in the country or overseas can also take part in the project by contributing online.

To register email contactdurhamatwar@durham.gov.uk or telephone 03000 267 621.

Killer Queen Set To Bring A Kind Of Magic To Chester-Le-Street Fake Festival

By on 26th April 2016in Entertainment

With summer just around the corner it’s time to think about this year’s big days out – so we’re delighted to be back at Riverside Park for an amazing fourth year on Sat 6th August – when 3 world-class tributes to Queen, Arctic Monkeys & Stereophonics, will be headlining a Fake Festival that has something for everyone.

In a year that sees the real Queen & Adam Lambert touring major European cities – we bring you the next best thing – the amazing Flash – a tribute every bit as good as the original Freddie in sound, performance & attitude!

We’ll also be bringing you 5 of the very best local bands to support our headliners – already confirmed are the brilliant Riverain, Edenthorn, The Firelight Opera & Sean Hainey – who will be performing a fabulous mix of original music and covers for your enjoyment!

We’re also very excited about our new look festival food options – which include the Fat Hippo Burger Bar, delicious wood fired pizzas, speciality barbecued pulled pork and amazing local fish & chips! We guarantee they will whet your appetite and have your taste buds dancing too.

Families are welcome too and there’s plenty for kids to do – with a professional face painting team and a secure outside entertainment zone. Doors for the all-day event open at 12:30pm – and those who come down before 2pm to support the local bands will be rewarded with a free drink of your choice from the fully licensed bar.

Local event organiser Bec Evans says, “We’re amazed at the popularity of these one day music festivals – but the quality of the tribute bands, the atmosphere generated inside our giant marquee and sheer value for money have made it the local event not to be missed!”

So if you’re up for a great day out this summer – get in quick and take advantage of the Early Bird discounts which are available until midnight on Wed 6th July. Tickets are available now from www.fakefestivals.co.uk – or our outlets: Costcutter (Garden Farm Estate) & M J O’Brien’s Newsagents (Chester le Street High Street).

Tickets bought up to and including 6th July: Adults (18+) £17 – Young Person (10-17) £9 – Family (2 x Adult + 2 x Young Person) £43. Tickets bought from 7th July: Adult £20 – Young Person £11 – Family £51. Under 10s are always free with a paying adult.

Finishing Touches Added To Durham Northumbria In Bloom Displays

By on 21st April 2016in In & Around

They’ve all been found to be ‘blooming great’ in the past and now they’re gearing up to welcome the judges once again…

Teams at Durham City, Chester-le-Street and Stanley are all putting the final touches to efforts to spruce up their communities ahead of the visit of judges from Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Northumbria in Bloom in the coming days.

Durham City is among the contenders in the ‘Champion of Champions’ category having won double gold and overall category winner in 2014 and 2015.

Impressively, Durham will also be in the ‘Champion of Champions’ category in the national Britain in Bloom competition this year, having also struck gold in that competition in 2014 and 2015.

Chester-le-Street is competing in the large town category, having scooped a Silver Gilt last year.

Stanley is among the runners in the town category in just its second year in the competition, with the community having secured a Silver in its first in 2015.

The communities’ entries have been led by their respective ‘In Bloom’ groups and submitted with support from Durham County Council.

Judges will assess horticultural developments and will make a second visit in the summer.

Various projects and locations will be assessed and judges will meet some of the local volunteers, community groups and organisations which support and take part in schemes throughout the year.

Results will be announced in the autumn.

Alan Patrickson, the county council’s head of direct services, said: “We are extremely pleased to be welcoming the Northumbria in Bloom judges to Durham City, Chester-le-Street and Stanley.

“This will provide a platform to showcase how well partners and organisations make a difference to where they live, work or visit.

“Volunteers and groups work exceptionally well in maintaining and transforming open spaces. Their commitment inspires others to have pride and enthusiasm for other horticultural schemes that add value and will benefit others well into the future.

“We wish all entries well, across the county and North East region as a whole, and we are hopeful of a positive outcome once again for County Durham.”

Judges will be in Durham City on Friday 15 April, Chester-le-Street on Tuesday 19 April and Stanley on Monday 25 April.

To find out more visit www.durham.gov.uk/inbloom or phone 03000 261 000. To keep up to date with Durham City’s Champion of Champions bid on Facebook log on to: www.facebook.com/durhambloom

1916: No Turning Back Simulates Sights, Sounds & Smells Of The Somme

By on 20th April 2016in In & Around

Accompany a new recruit as he volunteers to fight for his country, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the trenches and experience one of the bloodiest battles in human history…

1916: No Turning Back promises to be an exhilarating experience for audiences who will feel the fear of the front line first hand, gain insight into the camaraderie of the battalion and rush for cover in the bunker before making the push ‘over the top’, witnessing the imagery of the brave men who took part in the Somme Offensive.

The experience continues in a field hospital as audiences learn that for some the war is over, but for most they are patched up and sent back out or to return home as changed people.

Starting on Thursday, July 21 and running until Sunday, August 28, 1916: No Turning Back is unlike anything previously staged at Durham County Council’s Gala Theatre and tickets are on sale now.

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for culture and economic regeneration, said: “The Pals battalions of World War 1 were specially constituted battalions of the British Army comprising of men who had enlisted together in local recruiting drives, with the promise that they would be able to serve alongside their friends, neighbours and colleagues, rather than being arbitrarily allocated.

“1916: No Turning Back will take audiences on a walkthrough experience like no other seen here before and ensure the bravery and sacrifice of the Durham Pals is remembered in this special year of commemorations.”

Robin Byers, service manager for place experience said: “The centenary of the Battle of the Somme is a poignant anniversary and a time to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of Durham men and women.

“The experience is going to be something that is completely new for our audiences and we’re excited to be developing plans for the transformation of our auditorium.”

1916: No Turning Back is part of Durham Remembers, a wide range of events, exhibitions and experiences commemorating the centenary of The Battle of the Somme and remembering the bravery of the Durham Pals. More info www.durham.gov.uk/DurhamRemembers

Tickets are now on sale for the experience priced £7.50 (£6.50 concession) and can be purchased at www.galadurham.co.uk or by calling the Gala Box Office on 03000 266 600.

Lumley Castle To Host Swinging Afternoon Tea This May

By on 19th April 2016in Entertainment

Enjoy afternoon tea with a difference at a special event at Lumley Castle Hotel this May…

On Sunday 22nd May, Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street are hosting a swing afternoon tea in their breath-taking surroundings with live music by singer Alexander Lomas.

Starting at 2.30pm visitors will enjoy the ambience of the castle in their Garter room which oozes elegance and luxury. Combining historic architecture with views from the County Durham landscape the setting is truly a dream come true.

Alexander Lomas has 15 years of experience within the industry and has won many awards including North of England Wedding Awards for entertainment. He encapsulates his audience with classics from greats such as Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Bobby Darin and Tony Bennett.

Not only will guests revel in fabulous music, they will relish in Afternoon Tea designed by our top class restaurant team. Including a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and delicious cakes your taste buds will be tantalised.

“This event has always been a hit at Lumley Castle and we are very excited to be running it again,” said the hotel’s director of sales Tina Lowes, “Alexander Lomas is a great entertainer and makes the experience of our fabulous afternoon tea even more enjoyable.”

“We guarantee that anyone attending will have a fantastic afternoon in one of the castle’s most beautiful rooms, and we already planning more events like this for the future.”

Places for Swing Afternoon Tea at Lumley day cost £20 and can be booked by calling 0191 3895845 or emailing banquets@lumleycastle.com.

www.lumleycastle.com

Restaurant Review: Le Raaj, Sedgefield

By on 11th April 2016in Lifestyle

Andy Knowles shares his thoughts on Sedgefield’s newest premium dining experience…

For years I had been driving past the derelict Little Chef building at the round-a-bout between Sedgefield and Stockton. A road I use each evening on my way home from the office in Chester-le-Street so when I noticed the Le Raaj ‘coming soon’ signs appear I was quite excited. Not only is it great to see one of our clients expanding from Durham into my region of Teesside, its also great that a new Indian restaurant was opening as I consider myself an Indian food aficionado.

After many weeks of anticiptation I noticed the ‘we are open’ banners were on display so I made a mental note to organize a babysitter and treat my other half to a night of beer and a curry. Who said romance was dead!

As we arrived at the restaurant the grand entrance looked stunning with a pitched roof and marble pillars that stood out with mood lighting similar to something you might expect to see at an exclusive members club in Mayfair, London. We were both very impressed.

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On entering the restaurant there was a great ambience and we were greeted by the polite manager who ushered us to a comfy seating area where we ordered some drinks and were handed the menus that were so new and the ink was must have barely dried. This was going to be a great evening I thought.

After a comfortable and relaxing wait the manager took our orders and we were showed to our table by the window. The restaurant was relatively busy considering it was a Tuesday night and the sound of chatter and music made the atmosphere really great and added to the overall ambiance.

As we caught up with each other on this very rare ‘date night’ the waiter arrived with poppadum’s and pickles and it wasn’t long before we started to break them up and work our way up to the lime pickle.

After another comfortable break it was time for the starters. My wife opted for Tikka chicken paneer that was described as marinated boneless chicken in tandoor and served with homemade Indian cheese. I opted for Onion Baji that was one of the best I’ve ever tasted.

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For main course Kelly selected a predictable Chicken Korma and I went for one of the chefs special dishes called ‘Goan chicken’ A classic northern dish, slow cooked with aromatic spices, whole zera, garlic Goan chilli and coconut – spicy dish

We finished off with a nice coffee and complimentary chocolate before heading home after a great evening of good food and exceptional service.

So would I recommend Le Raaj in Sedgefield? Absolutely! And I hope its not too long before we get to visit again.

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