Tag: county durham

Truly Tempting To Hold Budding Chocolatier Masterclass

By on 8th April 2016in In & Around

Budding chocolatier’s, both young and young at heart, can enjoy a taste bud-tingling masterclass at one of the region’s biggest food festivals this month…

Bishop Auckland Food Festival (BAFF), which boasts 150 producers and traders, returns for a weekend of foodie fun April 23 and 24, with a range of fantastic masterclasses at its heart. BAFF is a Durham County Council event and is partnered by The Auckland Castle Trust and Bishop Auckland Town Council.

Amongst those set to provide mouth-watering entertainment will be Truly Tempting Chocolate. Their indulgent classes will offer would-be chocolatiers a flavour of what it’s like to work with one of the world’s most loved ingredients. There are separate sessions for adults and children for just £5 per person.

They’ll be run by David and Wendy Sanderson from Darlington who pride themselves on using only quality Belgian chocolate for all of their products, sourcing as many natural ingredients as possible and making many of the added flavours themselves like peanut butter and crystallised ginger.

Looking ahead to another fabulous festival Wendy said: “Bishop Auckland Food Festival is a great event as it’s local to us and we have family that live nearby. Also the quality and variety of food produce is excellent and as most of the stall holders are the producers of the food that is great.

“The best thing about working with chocolate is being creative and coming up with new products and flavours as well as the tasting, it’s also great when customers try our products and the lovely reactions and feedback we get from them.”

With his masterclass planning complete David can reveal exactly what participants can expect: “We run two different chocolate workshops, one for adults and one for children.

The adults get to make two different kinds of chocolate truffles and the children make a chocolate lolly and a chocolate caterpillar.

“We have a lot of fun doing the workshops and really like educating people about good quality chocolate and how it’s made from the cocoa beans, and just having fun and getting messy with our groups as everyone loves chocolate.”

Cabinet member for culture and regeneration, Cllr Neil Foster, said: “The festival masterclasses have proven to be a real hit with foodies and this year we won’t disappoint.

“We are offering 13 different workshops across 26 sessions, ranging from chocolate and charcuterie to cheese and craft beers, but don’t forget to book your place because tickets are selling like hot cakes!”

Details on the full range of classes can be found at http://www.bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk

Tickets for workshops can be purchased in person from Gala Theatre and Cinema box office in Millennium Place in Durham or by calling 03000 266600.

Sedgefield Primary School Are DJs For A Day

By on 7th April 2016in In & Around

Pupils from Sedgefield Primary School were DJs for a day as a reward for being the sustainable travel stars of the winter term…

As part of this year’s ongoing MEGA Motion campaign, supported by Durham County Council, children at schools across south Durham have been using healthier and more environmentally friendly ways of getting to school. Earning points every time they walked, scooted, cycled, car shared or took public transport, Year 6 pupils from Sedgefield Primary accrued the most between October and December 2015 and were rewarded with their own media day with Star Radio.

This saw youngsters, helped by staff from the station, research, plan and then record their very own radio show to be broadcast on Star Radio at 7pm on Easter Sunday.

The special day was the latest MEGA Motion event, which comes under the wider Local Motion campaign, promoting sustainable transport throughout south Durham. The campaign aims to encourage children to try greener and more sustainable journeys to school, making them aware of the health and environmental benefits from an early age.

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “MEGA Motion is a brilliant scheme that encourages our children, in a fun way, to be healthier and more environmentally friendly every day. We’d like to congratulate Sedgefield Primary School on being the first term winners this year and encourage pupils from other schools to keep up the good work and see if they can be the next!”

Further Durham City Roadworks Begin 11th April

By on 6th April 2016in In & Around

Major works on the main route through Durham City will start on Leazes Bowl roundabout in April which will result in easier journeys in the future…

Durham County Council’s £2.5m SCOOT system will see traffic lights installed on the Gilesgate and Leazes Bowl roundabouts during 2016. The installation of the traffic lights will also see improvements to pedestrian and cycle facilities on both roundabouts.

With work progressing well on Gilesgate roundabout, work on Leazes Bowl roundabout will get underway on Monday, 11 April. Although all measures are being taken to minimise the impact on traffic, motorists should be aware that disruption is likely while the work on Leazes Bowl is carried out.

As well as the installation of traffic lights, the improvements will also see the configuration of the roundabout changed with the number of lanes being increased. Paths will be widened with dropped kerbs installed to improve accessibility and two new eastbound bus stops will be installed, set back from the carriageway.

The work will be carried out in a number of phases over the next 25 weeks to help reduce the impact on people travelling through the city.

From 11 April, the first phase of work will see the eastbound approach to Leazes Bowl roundabout reduced to one lane from just past Milburngate Bridge on the A690 for the first part of the week. However the restriction will be removed during the evening rush hour – between 3.30pm and 7.00pm.

Heading westbound on the A690, there will only be one lane open on the approach to Leazes Bowl roundabout, through the works and over the roundabout for the duration of the week. However the restrictions will be removed during the morning rush hour – 7.00am to 9.30am. All lanes over Milburngate Bridge will remain open and the approach to Leazes Bowl roundabout from New Elvet will also be reduced to one lane at the junction with the roundabout throughout the week. The subway under the bridge will be closed with pedestrians diverted over Claypath.

Future phases of the work will be publicised closer to the time.

People can see full details at either www.durham.gov.uk/LeazesBowl or www.durham.gov.uk/Gilesgate which also includes changes to bus services, links to traffic cameras that people can check before setting off and tips to avoid delays. Motorists are also advised to keep up to date with the latest on social media using #LeazesBowl and #Gilesgate.

Adrian White, Durham County Council’s head of transport and contract services, said: “Once installed the SCOOT system promises to improve journeys for everyone travelling through the city in addition to improving the roundabouts to make life easier for pedestrians.

“While we’ve taken all measures to minimise disruption, we are working on the major route through Durham City so people should be aware there may be delays. We would like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out these important improvements.”

The work at Gilesgate roundabout is expected to last until May with the work at Leazes Bowl finished by autumn 2016.

Once installed, the new traffic lights will be coordinated with those already in place on the Milburngate roundabout to better manage the flow of vehicles through the city. This will mean much more predictable travel through Durham City at peak times making journeys easier for motorists and helping bus operators to plan services.

It will also enable the council to more effectively deal with the impacts of incidents and planned events on the road network. The council hopes to start using the SCOOT system in 2017.

Master Glaze NE: What Makes Our Business Stand Out

By on 1st April 2016in Local Biz

Local biz Master Glaze tell us what makes their business special…

Master Glaze NE Ltd is a small family run business, established in 2001. We are proud to be FENSA registered, assuring our customers of our high standards, and as a member of the Glass And Glazing Federation offer an insurance backed guarantee with our installations.

Keeping the company small ensures that we can stay with our customers every step of the way on their journey to having new windows, doors or maybe a conservatory. We specialise in traditional sliding sash windows, and also offer a totally unique composite bespoke design service if your looking for the wow factor at the entrance to you home, or something a little more traditional we have a huge range of door and window designs to choose from in a fantastic rainbow of colours.

We can help with planning and design where required to take some of the leg work and pressure from our customers. We recycle all of our waste products and so are working towards a greener environment.

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We also work closely with landlord and letting agency’s, offering a repair and remedial service. So everything from a failed/misted unit to a broken lock.

We use all local suppliers and can offer our customers a hands on visit to our showroom in Birtley where they can see the quality and range of products available.

We offer genuine quotes and great prices for the highest quality products we use Duraflex diamond plus profile is a market leader.

We do not employ salesmen so no hard sell from us either.

If you would like some advice or for one of us to pop out and see you then just TEXT windows and we will call you back or call on  Graham 07947804983 /  Dawn 07904501431 / 01207 231481.

Or email us on masterglazene@gmail.com and we will get right back to you.

Canny Beds Celebrate Newly Opened Team Valley Store

By on 31st March 2016in Local Biz

Leading North East furniture supplier Canny Beds are celebrating the opening of their brand new store…

We all know how difficult it can be to find good quality furniture and beds at prices you can afford, which is why Canny Beds & Furniture believe they have brought together the best possible furniture at down to earth prices.

Whether it is the bedroom, dining room or living room you’re looking to add beautiful furniture to, you can rest assured that you’ll find it here for the best price online.

CannyBedsApr 16

Canny Beds’ brand new store is now open in Team Valley, which means you can choose between that or the Chester-le-Street store to pop in and find your new furniture. Want to check availability beforehand? Call 0191 410 9994 to chat to one of their staff in advance.

Testimonials:

“Seamless ordering and delivery. Bed of good quality and assembled easily. Great price.”

“Brilliant communication, bought bed for my 3 year old and it is excellent quality and very easy to assemble. All round excellent product for price.”

“Speedy delivery and the cheapest I found the bed anywhere!”

“Brilliant. Lovely comfy mattress. Great price and service.”

Lumley Castle Hosts Wild Food Event

By on 20th March 2016in Entertainment

Foodies keen to find out more about foraging are invited to a special event at one of the North East’s most historic venues…

On Sunday 22 May, Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, is giving visitors the chance to learn more about ‘wild food,’ with the help of bush craft and survival expert Bruce Ferguson, of Wild North Discovery.

Throughout the morning he will take them on a tour of the 600-year-old castle’s ancient woodland in the search for wild ingredients, such as garlic, herbs, edible roots and berries.

Not only will he teach them to seek out and identify wild ingredients during a one and a half hour walk, but chefs from the hotel’s renowned Black Knight restaurant will then serve lunch, incorporating the foraged food.

Between courses, Bruce, who has been foraging for wild food for more than 30 years and recently took actor and presenter Robson Green seashore foraging for an upcoming episode of hit TV show, Tales from Northumberland, will give a talk about safe, legal and sustainable foraging.

He will also talk about food to look out for later in the year that may not yet be in season and the various types of location at which wild food can be found.

“This is the first time we have held an event of this sort,” said the hotel’s director of sales Tina Lowes “and we are all very excited to see what edible treasures can be found in Lumley Castle’s grounds.

“Not only will visitors enjoy an interesting and informative morning but they will then be served a wonderful lunch, incorporating the fruits of their labours.”

Places for the Foraging at Lumley day cost £29.50, to include lunch and can be booked by calling 0191 3895845 or emailing banquets@lumleycastle.com.

Durham Foster Carers Lauded At Awards Ceremony

By on 19th March 2016in In & Around

The amazing efforts of foster carers in County Durham have been lauded at an awards ceremony…

Durham County Council has held its Foster Carer Awards Ceremony, an annual event to recognise the work of foster carers and celebrate their achievements.

Foster carers were recognised for completing national training qualifications and long service.

Four foster families were also given Special Achievement Awards for going the extra mile in caring for children and young people.

Thursday night’s celebration at County Hall in Durham was organised by the county council’s fostering service.

More than 70 people joined in, including authority staff and members led by chief executive Terry Collins, corporate director of children and adult services Rachel Shimmin, cabinet member for children and young people’s services Cllr Ossie Johnson, and chairman of the corporate parenting panel Cllr Peter Brookes.

John Angus and Keven O’Shea, who are long term foster carers for three children, received a Special Achievement Award.

John said: “This is the first Fostering Awards Ceremony we have attended and we were overwhelmed!

“We see fostering as something normal that we do, but being recognised for everything we do for the kids is just amazing.

“Fostering can be challenging sometimes, but to us it’s the best thing we have ever done, we love having the children as part of our family.”

Florence Coulter, the council’s fostering team manager, said: “Foster carers make a real difference to the lives of the children and young people that they care for.

“We have amazing carers in County Durham and these awards are our way of saying thank you for everything they do.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer can contact the fostering service on 03000 269 400 or visit www.durham.gov.uk/fostering.

Princess Anne Awards Youth Offending Service Butler Trust Award

By on 17th March 2016in In & Around

Two staff from County Durham Youth Offending Service have received a prestigious national award for their innovative work…

Practice improvement officer Sarah Caden and speech and language therapist Susan Stewart have been given a Butler Trust Award 2015/16 – an “Oscar” of the criminal justice world – for their “outstanding dedication, skill and creativity” in transforming the service’s approach to young people’s communication needs.

And at St James’s Palace, the pair were presented with their accolade by the Trust’s patron, HRH The Princess Royal.

Sarah Caden said: “Receiving this award is brilliant as it gives us a platform to highlight the significant needs of young people who offend.

“Sixty to 90% of them have speech, language and communication needs and we hope to transform youth justice to put meaningful conversations at the heart of everything we do.

“This award is for all the young people we work with.”

Sarah and Susan – who is seconded to CDYOS from North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust – won one of just 10 Butler Trust awards handed out to staff working in prisons, probation and youth justice services across the UK this year, following over 300 nominations.

Lord McNally, chairman of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, attended the award ceremony and praised the work of the Durham duo.

Lord McNally said: “It was a real pleasure to attend the Butler Trust award ceremony and to see so many inspiring examples of dedication and innovative work being formally recognised.

“Congratulations in particular to Sarah Caden and Susan Stewart at County Durham Youth Offending Service on their award and the tremendous work they have done in improving the service’s approach to young people’s speech, language and communication needs.”

Canny Beds & Furniture Open New Team Valley Store

By on 11th March 2016in Local Biz

Leading North East furniture supplier Canny Beds are celebrating the opening of a brand new store this month…

We all know how difficult it can be to find good quality furniture and beds at prices you can afford, which is why Canny Beds & Furniture believe they have brought together the best possible furniture at down to earth prices.

Whether it is the bedroom, dining room or living room you’re looking to add beautiful furniture to, you can rest assured that you’ll find it here for the best price online.

CannyBeds

This month (March), Canny Beds’ brand new store will be open in Team Valley, which means you can choose between that or the Chester-le-Street store to pop in and find your new furniture. Want to check availability beforehand? Call 0191 410 9994 to chat to one of their staff in advance.

Testimonials:

“Seamless ordering and delivery. Bed of good quality and assembled easily. Great price.”

“Brilliant communication, bought bed for my 3 year old and it is excellent quality and very easy to assemble. All round excellent product for price.”

“Speedy delivery and the cheapest I found the bed anywhere!”

“Brilliant. Lovely comfy matress. Great price and service.”

Darlington Building Society Helps Local Florist Put Down Roots

By on 11th March 2016in Local Biz

Recent visitors to the Darlington Building Society in Northallerton might have noticed a new addition to the High Street branch in the form of an in-branch florist…

The Wallflower Floral Artist, which is owned and run by 32 year-old Lisa Sopekan, held a special pop-up shop at the branch from which she sold her signature bouquets and single flowers customers.

As part of its 160th anniversary celebrations Darlington Building Society has pledged to use its resources to help local business and organisations. One of the ways it is doing this is by sharing spaces in its 10 branches that can be used for a limited amount of time for businesses and customers to reach new people.

The Wallflower Floral Artist, which specialises in floristry for weddings and other events, is the first local business to take advantage of the opportunity to reach new customers in Northallerton.

Lisa Sopekan, owner of The Wallflower Floral Artist, said: “When I saw that Darlington Building Society was offering space in its branches for local businesses I jumped at the opportunity to reach new customers and spread the word about my business.

“I’m new to the world of business, but I have always loved flowers and floristry. I think my passion comes across when I get to speak to customers face-to-face.

“The company is only a few months old, so it’s really important that I get out there, to allow people to see examples of my work. In this line of work a lot of the customer base comes from word of mouth.”

Kayleigh Turner, Branch Manager at the Northallerton branch of Darlington Building Society, said: “It’s fantastic to have The Wallflower Floral Artist using the free space we have in the branch. A big part of the ethos of the Society is supporting local people so it’s great to be able to help a new business get off the ground in this way.

“Although this is the first time we have had a pop-up shop from a local business at the branch we hope to have many more throughout 2016 as we celebrate the 160th anniversary of the formation of the Society.

“We’re always looking to support local people, businesses and organisations in any way possible, from opening up spaces in our branches, to helping move equipment around and even financial support.”

If any local organisations or businesses would like the opportunity to share some space of one of Darlington Building Society please contact them direct on contact-us@darlington.co.uk or pop into your nearest branch.

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