Tag: durham

Society Lends A Helping Hand At Dementia Cafe

By on 8th December 2016in In & Around

Darlington Building Society’s Lynn Marriott swapped banking for baking to volunteer at a local Dementia Café.

The Society encourages its staff to commit to two working days per year to carry out voluntary work in the community and Lynn, a customer service consultant at its Bishop Auckland branch, used one of her days to volunteer at the Memory Lane Dementia Café hosted at Cornerstone Christian Centre in Evenwood.

During her day volunteering, Lynn, who lives in Evenwood, served the café’s patrons some of her home-baked goodies, spent some time listening to their stories and joined in with activities which test skills affected by dementia, such as hand and eye co-ordination and numeracy.

In addition, the Society has made a £100 donation from its Community Fund, which was established to support local causes as part of Darlington Building Society’s 160th anniversary celebrations.

Dementia Cafes provide a safe and supportive environment for people with dementia and their carers to socialise, take part in activities designed to help delay the onset of dementia, and is also a chance for those with dementia to get information and advice from others with similar problems

Lynn said: “Darlington Building Society encourages all of its staff to take time out of the business to support local organisations. As I only live down the road from the Dementia Café I’ve seen how popular the sessions are and I wanted to use my volunteering day to support this fantastic local initiative

“I had a great time and got to speak with some very interesting people. It was fantastic to see how much the cafes benefit people living with dementia and their carers.”

Some Easy-To-Overlook Gems In County Durham

By on 7th December 2016in In & Around

National Railway Museum Shildon

You only have to think of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which operated from 1825 until 1863, to recall what a huge influence the railways have had on County Durham. You might be disappointed, then, that this area doesn’t have a railway museum… except that it actually does! Yes, many physical remnants of the North East’s railway history are reassuringly right on our doorstep for easy viewing. Perhaps you had previously considered the York-based National Railway Museum to be the closest railway museum, but that same organisation has a notable presence over here, too.

To see it, make your way to the County Durham town of Shildon, which is just 13 miles south-west of Durham city and easy to reach by a direct train from Darlington. At Shildon, you can enjoy browsing what is officially known as the National Railway Museum Shildon, an annexe of the main museum in York. The Shildon site comprises a 1 km demonstration line, along which you can follow a trail taking in, for example, the original Sans Pareil steam locomotive and the house of early 19th-century engineer Timothy Hackworth. He was the Stockton and Darlington Railway’s first locomotive superintendent.

If you are a railway enthusiast, you will likely appreciate the programme of events which, before the year is out, includes opportunities to take your kids to meet Santa. There’s no doubt, then, that the National Railway Museum Shildon has plenty to keep you occupied before you head off to check out NRMYork as well. Even if don’t currently have a keen interest in the history of the railways, visiting both of these attractions could inspire you to read up on it. The local story of the Stockton and Darlington Railway is certainly fascinating when read in thorough detail, and is commemorated at Darlington railway station to this day.

No Place

“Hang on a minute,” we can imagine you thinking. “Have they just given up now?” Yes, have we really decided to give you only one “easy-to-overlook gem” to check out this month, leaving the rest of the article to… well, admit in a long-winded way that we haven’t got any other place to recommend to you? No, of course not; there is genuinely a place in County Durham called No Place. Before you even visit, simply reading about its unusual name could engross you.

No Place is a small village between the town of Stanley and the village of Beamish. Beamish is itself, of course, notable for its large and exciting open air museum – so if you’ve visited that, you could find getting to No Place surprisingly easy. Before you make your way there, though, we have to ask ourselves from where No Place’s name originates. It’s unclear, but theories have included that the name is simply a shortening of “North Place”, “Nigh Place” or “Near Place”, or that the village originally stood on a boundary separating two parishes that were both unwilling to accept the settlement, leaving it… nowhere.

On your way to No Place, you might spot signs pointing to both No Place and “Co-operative Villas”. This is the result of the now defunct Derwentside Council’s attempt, in 1983, to give the village this name, only to be met by protests from residents. Still, some residents have liked the proposed new name enough for it to stay on local signs to this day. This peculiar story about “Co-operative Villas” has been kept on record by the website of the Beamish Mary Inn, the much-loved real ale pub where you could enjoy a drink once you’re in No Place.

Pub Review: The Company Row, Consett

By on 2nd December 2016in Food & Drink

While there are many fascinating aspects of the County Durham town of Consett, any discussion of its history cannot ignore that it morphed from a village into a boom town in the 19th century on account of the discovery beneath its ground of coking coal and blackband iron ore. With limestone also being found nearby, it wasn’t long until local blast furnaces were doing their bit for the North East’s then thriving Industrial Revolution by pumping out iron and steel.

What does any of this, admittedly compelling history have to do with one of the most unashamedly modern eating and drinking spots in today’s town? Well, this was always a pub conceived to recall Consett’s glorious past, with its very name – The Company Row – referencing the Company Rows of houses that the Derwent Iron Company built for its workers after its foundation in the 1840s. Sadly for the North East’s current-day history buffs, most of these Company Rows were demolished in the 1920s, with the site subsequently becoming a marketplace.

Still, it’s also very obvious that the pub that serves to remember these remarkable houses in its moniker is not merely paying tribute to a long-dead history, but is playing its part to make the 21st-century Consett a key social destination. The decor of this spacious JD Wetherspoon establishment feels up-to-the-minute, as do the amenities, with step-free access, TV screens broadcasting live news and Wi-Fi all present and correct. When you also consider the licensed outdoor area and the general family-friendly vibe, it becomes clear that this really is a pub serving all of Consett’s inhabitants.

That impression becomes clearer still when you sample the food and drinks menu, which covers all of the pub lunch essentials and a bit more. Those arriving on a morning may order such Breakfast Club options as an all-day brunch, breakfast roll with Quorn sausage, bagel with cream cheese or even a gluten-free or children’s breakfast. Indeed, it’s vital to highlight just how welcoming a pub The Company Row is to the young ones, as is also signified by the presence of a dedicated children’s menu offering the likes of cheesy pasta, fish and chips with beans, beef burgers, chicken breast burgers and so many more well-priced and delicious kid-oriented dishes.

As a matter of fact, whatever the kind of meal for which you may visit The Company Row – perhaps one of its ‘Deli Deals’ like a BBQ chicken, bacon and cheese panini or a jacket potato with cheese, or instead something from the extensive small plates, sharers, burritos, pub classics or ‘fresh from the grill’ ranges – you are sure to leave with the feeling of having enjoyed a proper pub lunch. After all, for many North Easterners, while there may have been many pretenders down the years, no operator really knows how to do pub grub quite like JD Wetherspoon.

All of this is without us even touching on the various drinks options, which – as you would naturally expect from a Wetherspoon pub – are great and many. If you aren’t in the mood for something from the real ales and beers range such as a Ruddles, Shipyard or Devils Backbone, what about a craft beer or cider like Brewdog Punk IPA or Hazy Hog cloudy English Cider?

In fact, with everything from draught ciders, lagers and spirits to world beers, wine, champagne and cocktails available, as well as soft drinks and hot drinks such as a good old-fashioned cappuccino, hot chocolate or espresso, you may never even feel the need to venture into one of the local coffee shops when you have the option of The Company Row. Why not pop in to see for yourself on your next visit to Victoria Road?

What’s On In Chester-Le-Street And Durham

By on 1st December 2016in What's On?

Durham City’s Traditional Christmas Festival

If you’re set to be anywhere near Durham City over the weekend of Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th December – and why wouldn’t you be? – you really need to get to down to the Traditional Christmas Festival, which will take place across various venues in the historic centre.

Based principally around the Cathedral and Castle, the event will provide excellent opportunities for Christmas shopping, alongside festive entertainment.

So, where to head first? Here at IN&AROUND, we are certainly looking forward to the Craft and Gift Marquee on Palace Green, where more than 190 stalls are planned, although there will also be plenty of activity in the Cloisters of Durham Cathedral, where more than 30 regional food and drink producers will be present.

All of this is without us even mentioning the outdoor markets in Durham Market Place and Millennium Place, or the more than 50 additional traders in the Market Hall.

Oh, and there’s also set to be a wide range of family entertainment and activities, including live music performances and bands, live reindeer, Cathedral carol services and the Saturday afternoon Children’s Christmas Lantern Procession, which will see children leading a procession to the Cathedral for the St Nicholas service.

Please note that these details are not final and could change.

Christmas Market, the Bowes Museum

For a modest cover charge of £2.50, visitors to one of the region’s most esteemed museums can enjoy not only free admission to the museum itself, but also a feast of festive food and creative craft stalls, together with use of the Santa bus ‘park and ride’ facility.

Taking place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December, the event presents the perfect opportunity for visitors to sample quality produce – including breads, cakes, cheeses, gourmet scotch eggs, speciality hot chocolates, local beers and more – from some of the region’s finest suppliers.

Alternatively, you might look to pick up a quirky gift from an assortment of fascinating locally made jewellery, wreaths, ceramic and glass art, leather goods, toys and upcycled furniture. There will even be stalls for your dog!

Nor will there be a shortage of entertainment, with seasonal singing provided by the popular group No Added Sugar, and Barnard Castle Band and the Andreas Ensemble also on hand with a festive repertoire. Even Smooth Radio will be on site right through the weekend, playing festive music and offering gift wrapping master classes.

Throw in Christmas craft activities and the opportunity for your child to visit Santa in his grotto and even receive a gift from him (all for £5), and it becomes even more obvious that if you visit just one Christmas market this year, it should be this one.

Seann Walsh: One for the Road

Given how he stormed his last gig at Stockton’s Arc a few years back, it’s unsurprising that this dishevelled comic with the eye for the absurd is primed for a triumphant return to the same venue on 9th December.

For someone known as ‘the Lie-in King’ with a penchant for staying in watching Sky Sports News, the Lewisham-born stand-up has shown remarkable stamina in building up his career to date, being nominated for the Foster’s Comedy Award and appearing on the likes of 8 Out of 10 Cats, Live at the Apollo, The Jonathan Ross Show, Alan Carr Chatty Man and Tonight at the London Palladium.

Walsh is also quite the sight to watch live, pacing the stage and working the room as he makes good use of his well-attuned observational mind to drive his audience to hysterics. Described as “Unquestionably the best observational comic of his generation” by The Guardian and “This generation’s Dylan Moran” by Time Out, Walsh is a man you won’t want to miss when he brings his brand new, perfectly delivered show to the North East.

Teaching Assistant Dispute in County Durham Update

By on 1st December 2016in In & Around

The following statement is issued following a third round of productive talks with Unison regarding seeking a solution to the current dispute involving the terms of employment for teaching assistants in County Durham.

John Hewitt, Corporate Director of resources at Durham County Council, said: “I am pleased to say these talks have been positive and productive and an agreement has been reached which means tomorrow’s industrial action by Teaching Assistants in Unison has been called off.

“We are clear that an equal pay risk exists that needs to be addressed. However it is also important to properly examine aspects of the employment of teaching assistants which merit further review given some of the information which has come to light recently.

“We have agreed to undertake a review of teaching assistants’ role, function, job description and activities within the breadth of school activities, to establish whether current job descriptions adequately describe the role being undertaken.

“This review will not re-open the single status agreement currently in place. The timescale for its completion is by the 1 September 2017.

“To enable this to take place, as an act of good will, we have agreed we will suspend the dismissal and re-engage process while the review is undertaken within the timescale above.

“This is a very complex situation and it has also resulted in us having further discussions with other recognised trade unions. We look forward to working with these trade unions on the way forward and very much appreciate Unison’s decision to call off tomorrow’s planned action.”

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.

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.

DLI-b2

“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.

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

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