Tag: durham

County Durham Gets Fit For Free In 2016

By on 30th December 2015in Lifestyle

Friends could win the chance to improve their fitness for free as part of a three month effort urging more people to exercise this New Year…

 

Durham County Council is committed to improving the health of families, and is introducing new offers across its 10 managed leisure centres.

To celebrate, the authority is seeking one individual or two friends to take up the challenge and try out the centre of their choice for three months, with their progress tracked to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Further encouragement will come in the form of free exercise classes, open to all members of the public, from Monday 4th January to Friday 15th January.

The sessions – which will include new Body Combat classes – will give visitors a chance to try out new things, and learn techniques and routines.

Then, on the weekend of 16th and 17th January, all 10 centres will be hosting a free workout weekend, with open access to gyms, swimming pools and classes.

That will include Spennymoor Leisure Centre, which on 20th December will see its pool re-open following essential maintenance and improvements to its changing rooms.

If visitors choose to join as swimming or gym members during the free weekend, they will receive their first month’s membership for free.

To be in with a chance of getting fit with a friend for free, email your details to sportandleisure@durham.gov.uk by Friday 8 January 2016.

Full terms & conditions are available on the Durham County Council website at www.durham.gov.uk/leisurecentres.

Durham Fashion Shop Wins Retailer Of The Year Award

By on 29th December 2015in Local Biz

A North East designer menswear store is celebrating in style – after being named Retailer of the Decade…

Woven, at The Gates Shopping Centre, Durham, took the accolade at the city’s retail awards along with two other awards on the night –  Independent Retailer of the Year and Retail Person of the Year.

And for owner Chris Hayes, there was an added bonus in the latter award – as it went to his son, Oliver.

This is the latest in a long line of successes for the independent menswear store, which launched in Durham five years ago.

Chris, originally from Teesside, launched Woven after decades in the clothing trade, having launched top designer store Van Mildert in 1995 with two friends.

Struggling initially to get anyone to finance the plan, Chris and his colleagues eventually got a loan from Durham Miners’ Pension Fund for £25,000, and created a business which – at its height – had a £7m turnover.

The company was sold in 2010, and Chris decided to concentrate on opening a dedicated menswear store.

“It’s a fantastic honour to have been given this award,” he said.

“Everyone at Woven is dedicated to providing great levels of service and offering our customers the best in men’s designer wear, and it’s very gratifying to see this recognised in this way.”

Council Provides Essential Winter Weather Tips

By on 29th December 2015in In & Around

Following the continued wintry weather, people in County Durham are being urged to stay warm, well and safe…

 

Durham County Council is reminding everyone that online resources are available at www.durham.gov.uk/warmandwell to ensure that no one is left out in the cold this winter.

As well as advice on staying healthy and looking after elderly or vulnerable neighbours, there’s also information on coping with the snow and ice. This includes everything from finding out the location of your nearest salt bin, to tips for driving in wintry conditions.

There’s also guidance on how to make sure your home is warm and energy efficient, including information about the Government’s Warm Homes Discount Scheme, whereby energy companies must offer extra help to their most vulnerable customers, with a possible one-off rebate of £140 on energy bills to those who qualify.

Cllr Eddie Tomlinson, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for assets, strategic housing and rural issues said: “With the winter weather well and truly underway, we’d like to remind everyone that a range of advice and information is available on our website to keep people warm, well and safe.”

County Durham Curbs Nuisance Problems Throughout November

By on 26th December 2015in In & Around

Dozens of nuisance problems which damage the environment and affect people’s lives were tackled in November…

 

Neighbourhood wardens from Durham County Council handed out 77 Fixed Penalty Notices throughout November for offences such as littering and untidy back yards.

The council’s neighbourhood protection teams work with police and other partners to improve the environment and promote safer communities.

Using powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, they tackle nuisance issues that affect people’s quality of life, including persistently straying dogs or anti-social behaviour.

In November, 66 Fixed Penalty Notices were handed out for littering, one for dog fouling, nine for untidy yards and gardens, and one following a waste carrier stop and check operation.

A further 64 Community Protection Warnings were issued to properties with untidy gardens or yards.

Wardens removed 110 stray dogs, a total of 173 anti-social behaviour incidents were investigated, and the council’s Civic Pride team educated more than 500 children and young people about caring for the environment.

Meanwhile, as part of Operation Stop It, a multi-agency taskforce set up to tackle flytipping, six people were prosecuted for offences around illegally dumping waste.

More than 560 flytipping incidents were reported and investigated in November, and 12 CCTV cameras were deployed in areas know to attract flytips.

Seven stop and check operations were carried out – one failed to produce waste transfer notes and was issued with a notice, known as a producer, requiring them to provide the documents, one person was referred for prosecution, and two people were prosecuted.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, Durham County Council, said: “It has been another busy month for our neighbourhood protection teams who have been working hard to tackle those issues that cause a nuisance in people’s everyday lives.

“When enforcement action is needed, we will not hesitate to use the powers available to us, but our aim is always to educate people from an early age about the importance of looking after the environment.

“We live in a beautiful area, and we will continue to do our best to keep it that way.”

Find details about Household Waste Recycling Centres at www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc or call 03000 261 000.

Environmental crimes can be reported at www.durham.gov.uk or by calling 03000 261 000.

Businesses can find a licensed waste carrier at www.gov.uk/find-registered-waste-carrier or arrange a council trade waste collection at www.durham.gov.uk/commercialwaste or by calling 03000 262 660.

Unlicensed waste carriers and waste crime can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.

Free dog microchipping is available for County Durham residents at Stray Aid in Coxhoe and by The Dogs Trust. Visit www.durham.gov.uk/microchipping for more information or call Stray Aid on 0300 999 4247.

Secret Santa Donates £10,000 To Durham Trinity School

By on 23rd December 2015in In & Around

Pupils at a Durham school have received an early Christmas surprise – thanks to a £10,000 gift from an anonymous donor…

 

During her year in office as Mayor of Durham City, Cllr Jan Blakey, who is also chairman of Durham County Council, has been raising money for Trinity School and Sports College, which is hoping to buy a new minibus.

And her Mayoral Appeal received an unexpected boost thanks to a mystery donor.

Cllr Jan Blakey made a recent visit to the school at Aykley Heads.

Cllr Blakey, said: “I was absolutely staggered when I received the donation of £10,000 to my fund for Trinity School.

“It was a truly incredible gesture, and the timing could not have been better. I knew that Trinity School were trying to raise enough funds to purchase a new minibus for their pupils.

“When I told the school of their windfall, everyone was absolutely delighted and they are now ready to press on with the purchase of the minibus, which will be ready next year and will be a wonderful boost for the pupils.”

Alison Jefferson, business manager at Trinity School has already written to the Lord’s Taverners to inform them of their fundraising exploits.

The organisation provides accessible transport for schools catering to young people with disabilities.

The iconic green minibuses enable schools to engage pupils in sporting and recreational activities, and help them develop life skills such as visiting shops and interacting with people in the local community. Most importantly, the minibuses provide transport to and from school.

Since 1976, the Lord’s Taverners have put almost 1,100 accessible minibuses on the road across the UK.

Alison said: “The gesture from Cllr Blakey came totally out of the blue – a complete surprise. We cannot thank her enough, and the person who made this wonderful donation. I can’t express how much this means.

“The Lord’s Taverners told us when we started fund raising last April that they would more than match the funding once we reached £17,000, which is what we have now achieved thanks to a lot of hard work and generous donations.

“I am waiting to hear back from them, as the mini-bus will be specially adapted to accommodate wheelchairs.

“I can’t imagine a better Christmas present.”

Pantomime Star Joins Durham Park Run

By on 21st December 2015in In & Around

Amateur athletes were bright as Buttons as they were joined by a pantomime star for Durham Park Run…

 

With the Gala Theatre’s Cinderella half way through its run, the cast must dig deep ahead of the more than 20 performances still to come.

But showing he still has the stamina for the weeks ahead, writer, director and actor Paul Hartley pulled on his trainers and dashing blue Buttons costume to start the 5km course at Maiden Castle.

Cinderella, which Paul wrote and directed alongside Neil Armstrong, has been praised by audiences and critics alike, with many performances sold out over the Christmas period.

The show runs until Sunday 3rd January. Tickets, priced from £8, are still available – with the best availability for performances on the final weekend. For more information, call the Gala Box Office on 03000 266 600, or visit www.galadurham.co.uk.

2016 Adult Learning Courses Are The Perfect New Year’s Resolution

By on 21st December 2015in Lifestyle

Thinking of making your New Year’s resolution to learn a new skill, brush up on your maths or English, or get qualified for a whole new career?

 

Durham County Council’s Adult Learning and Skills Service offers a wide range of courses, and details can be found in its new Spring 2016 Learning Guide.

As well as helping people boost their skills, confidence and job prospects, courses offer the chance to meet new people, and many can also lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

This year’s classes include Maths and English at all levels up to GCSE equivalent, Information Computer Technology courses, and vocational qualifications in subjects including Childcare, Health and Social Care, and Business and Administration.

The service also offers apprenticeships at intermediate and advanced level in a wide range of employment-related areas including Business Administration, ICT, supporting teaching and learning in schools and customer service.

There’s also a range of self-improvement courses including Starting Your Own Business, Confidence Building, and Family Fitness.

Most courses are held in community venues, where they offer a friendly and welcoming learning environment. However, some are also available online, offering people the chance to learn at a time and place that is convenient for them.

Cllr Maria Plews, Cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “If you’re looking to make a positive change in the New Year, our courses are an ideal place to start. Meet new people, feel more confident in your skills, get the new job you deserve, or start a whole new direction in life. With courses on getting back into work, setting up your own business, or a recognised qualification to take you onto a new level in your career, there really is something for everyone.”

With courses starting in January, people are being encouraged to enrol now. The Spring Learning Guide is available to download at www.durham.gov.uk/adultlearning.

For further information on courses and how to enrol, contact the Adult Learning and Skills Service on 03000 266 115 or email alss@durham.gov.uk.

Durham County Cricket Club Announce 2016 Super Sunday

By on 18th December 2015in Entertainment

Durham cricket fans are getting themselves in a spin over DCCC’s announcement regarding next year’s Super Sunday…

Following the announcement this summer that Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground is set to host the second Spring Investec Test between England and Sri Lanka (27th-31st May 2016), Durham County Cricket Club has today unveiled the third test day will be dubbed ‘Super Sunday’ – offering spectators a family-friendly day of International Cricket with a distinct local accent.

David Harker, chief executive at Durham County Cricket Club, said: “Super Sunday is going to be just that – a brilliant day, excellent food, drink and of course, some top-class cricket! The test match will be a great advert for cricket in the region, but Sunday in particular will be an occasion with real carnival atmosphere, whether you’re a regular at the ground or not.

“We have long-hosted high-profile cricket matches right here in the heart of the North East, and it is always an honour to do so.”

It’s estimated that the second Spring Investec Test between England and Sri Lanka will have an overall economic impact of £1.5m, highlighting the value of hosting international sporting events. Full details about what’s on offer to spectators across Super Sunday will be confirmed in the New Year.

David added: “The five-day Investec Test Match will bring the thrill of international sport back to the region, and will also be an exciting preview to a series of international matches set to take place in the coming years, including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. We hope Super Sunday will allow us to add to the already exciting cricketing experience with fantastic local fare and entertainment.”

Tickets are now on sale for what will be the first Test Match at the ground since England dramatically won the Ashes in Durham in 2013. It is the only opportunity for fans to see England compete internationally in the region in 2016, and special early-bird ticket prices are available until Christmas.

Visit www.durhamccc.co.uk/international-cricket/ for more details and to buy tickets.

Cinderella Stars Take Panto Magic To Children’s Ward

By on 17th December 2015in Entertainment

As stars of Cinderella brought festive cheer to a North East hospital, children found that if they can’t go to the ball, the ball will come to them…

 

The cast of the Gala pantomime visited Treetops, the children’s ward at the University Hospital of North Durham, to meet patients, parents and staff.

Dressed in full costume, Hazel Pude, James Hedley, Sally Collett and Paul Hartley brought their Christmas alter egos (Cinderella, Prince Charming, the Fairy Godmother and Buttons) to give youngsters a boost before the Christmas period.

Writer, director and actor Paul Hartley said: “Having two little girls myself, I was extremely honoured to be asked to go to Treetops and help raise some smiles for Christmas.

“The bravery displayed by the children was great to see.

“And the great attitude of the staff and the parents, who often work under extremely difficult and trying circumstances, was an inspiration.”

Cinderella began a six week run on November 26th to rave reviews, with critics praising its “wonderful set, terrific lighting, top-class dancers, eye-catching costumes and live music.”

The show runs until Sunday 3rd January 2016, with tickets, priced from £8, available by calling the Gala Box Office on 03000 266 600, or online at www.galadurham.co.uk.

Changes To Bin Collection Dates Over Christmas Period

By on 16th December 2015in In & Around

There will be changes to some bin collections over the festive period in County Durham…

 

The changes, during Christmas and New Year weeks only, affect rubbish and recycling bins which are normally emptied on a Friday.

Collections which would have been due on Friday 25th December will instead take place on Monday 28th December.

And collections due on Friday 1st January will be carried out on Monday 4th January.

All other collections, including those due on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, will not be affected.

Normal collections will resume on Tuesday 5th January.

Residents are also advised that Durham County Council’s bulky waste collection service will not operate between Monday 21st December and Monday 4th January.

People can arrange to have their real Christmas tree collected free of charge by contacting the council on 03000 261 000 before Friday 8th January.

People can check their bin collection dates by entering their postcode on the My Durham section of the council’s website.

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