Tag: durham

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.

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.

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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.”

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.”

Abbey Leisure Centre Celebrates 25 Years

By on 9th March 2016in Lifestyle

It’s 25 not out for one County Durham sports facility, as Abbey Leisure Centre in Durham marked a quarter of a century…

The centre, built by the former City of Durham Council, transferred to Durham County Council in 2009 and is used by around 3,500 people each month.

Stephen Verde, the longest standing member of the centre’s gym, was invited along to help staff mark the special occasion, on Monday 22 February.

Stephen, a 60 year old retired social worker from Waldridge near Chester-le-Street, joined with his wife Penny 20 years ago.

Stephen tries to go every day, often with his daughter Sarah Taylor who is also a member.

He said: “I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since I became a member, I went to a birthday party at the centre with my wife and we both joined.

“The equipment has certainly improved over those years! I continue to go most days so I have a good rapport with the staff who all know me.”

Nigel Dodds, the county council’s strategic manager for culture and sport, said: “It’s fantastic that Stephen has stayed with us and been such a loyal member.

“Well done to all of the staff at Abbey who work really hard to make it such a much-loved and well-used facility.”

The site is one of ten leisure centres run by the county council.

Whether it’s fitness, sport, or family fun that inspires your visit, Abbey Leisure Centre has a great range of activities on offer including a gym, exercise classes and loads of activities for children to enjoy.

The centre’s sports hall and courts are also available to hire for badminton, basketball, football, squash or table tennis.

Major Roadworks To Begin On A690 This Weekend

By on 3rd March 2016in In & Around

Essential resurfacing work is to take place in Willington…

Work to resurface the A690 West Road between The Burn Inn mini roundabout and Helmington Row will begin on Saturday 5th March, and will be carried out over three consecutive weekends.

The work from 7am to 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays will require temporary road closures, with a signposted diversion route in place. On the first weekends, 5th and 6th and 12th and 13th March, the A690 will be closed between the B6299 North Lane and Helmington Row.

On 19th and 20th March, it will be closed between The Burn Inn mini-roundabout and Helmington Row. The diversion route will take motorists between Crook and Willington via the A689 and B6286, through Howden-le-Wear and Hunwick.

Changes will be made to local bus routes while the work is carried out.

On the first two weekends, services will divert from Willington via the B6299 Watling Terrace, travel up North Lane then back into Crook past the golf course, picking up the usual route from High Jobs Hill.

On the third weekend, services will divert from Willington to Hunswick via the B6286, pass along Holy Well Lane, picking up the normal route from High Jobs Hill. The work is being carried out on behalf of Durham County Council and forms part of its highway capital maintenance programme.

John Reed, the council’s head of technical services, said: “This work is part our essential resurfacing programme to maintain the highway network for everyone who uses the roads across the county. We would like to thank road users for their patience.”

Durham Confirmed To Feature In Major Cycling Event

By on 2nd March 2016in Entertainment

Organisers of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series cycling event have confirmed that Durham City will feature in this year’s race calendar…

The event, now in its eighth year, will take place at 10 different venues between Thursday 12th May and Thursday 9th June.

The series will see six top British professional cycling teams, and possibly some local guest teams, competing in the challenging town and city centre races, which begin in the Isle of Man and end in Portsmouth.

Organisers SweetSpot have confirmed that the Durham circuit, with its tough cobbles and climbs, will feature in round six of the series on Tuesday 31st May.

Last year’s event brought a significant boost to the local economy, with spectators spending an estimated £281,310 during the event.

In total the race attracted 12,500 spectators, and a report commissioned by SweetSpot showed that 82 per cent were from outside of Durham, and that 17 per cent of those visitors booked overnight stays in the city.

The report showed that groups who stayed overnight spent an average of £107 during the event, and those who visited just for the day spent an average of £52.

Cllr Maria Plews, Cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning at Durham County Council, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back the Pearl Izumu Tour Series to the streets of Durham.

“This will be the seventh consecutive year that Durham has hosted the event, which offers an exhilarating experience for both cyclists and spectators, as well as bringing a welcome boost to the local economy.”

The Pearl Izumi Tour Series is unique in world cycling, focussing on a team concept that see’s Britain’s professional cycling teams competing to be the fastest in an action packed, one-hour circuit race.

Highlights of every round are screened on ITV4 and available on demand via the ITV Player.

Award-Winning ‘Best Bar None’ Scheme Returns To Durham

By on 2nd March 2016in Local Biz

An award-winning initiative which aims to ‘raise the bar’ in Durham City’s pubs and clubs is back…

Best Bar None,  a national Home Office supported project delivered locally by Durham County Council and Durham Constabulary, is an accreditation scheme which seeks to drive up standards, encourage good practice and improve customer experience at bars, pubs and clubs.

The local initiative has won national praise and helped establishments increase their turnover and footfall, while also contributing to a drop in violence.

The scheme was set up in Durham City in 2008 and sees bars, pubs and club applying for accreditation on an annual basis.

At the end of each year, participants compete for much sought after awards.

The Durham project had early success when crowned the Most Innovative Best Bar None scheme in the UK, just a year after being established.

Participants last year reported an average 26.8 percent rise in turnover and 15 percent increase in footfall on 2014 figures, while crime data for Durham City for October 2015 showed a 9 percent drop in violence against people compared with before Best Bar None was introduced in 2008.

The Durham scheme was also Highly Commended in the Best Overall scheme category in the latest national Best Bar None awards.

Now back for its ninth year, there has been a rush of establishments signing up to take part, with 42 coming forward.

The 2016 scheme sees a number of changes on previous years.

The accreditation process will for the first time take place over the whole year via a combination of assessment on the premises with management and then three mystery shopping visits across the 12 months.

Also new for this year, licensees will be awarded either a gold, silver or bronze level of accreditation, with them needing to earn a score of at least 90% from their mystery shop to earn the top ranking.

Cllr Simon Henig, county council leader, said: “The Best Bar None Scheme has been extremely successful for everyone involved over the last eight years and receiving Highly Commended in the Best Overall Scheme in the UK recently demonstrates the high regard in which we are viewed nationally.

“But we haven’t rested on our laurels. We have made significant changes to the scheme this year and I would like to thank the trade for their continuous efforts to improve working practices for the enjoyment of all visitors to Durham City centre.”

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Mick McDonnell, national Best Bar None coordinator, said: “The Best Bar None scheme in Durham has in the past received national recognition and always been considered one of our flagship schemes.

“Best Bar None strives to raise operating standards in the pubs and clubs by working in partnership with the statutory authorities and the venues.

“Durham continually demonstrates that partnership working has a positive effect on the night-time economy and because crime is being reduced, footfall and trade are improving year on year. More people are going out at night, and spending more money. Having professionally run, safe venues clearly contributes to that success.

“The commitment by the trade and the support given by the council and the police to this scheme offers much to celebrate, and long may it continue.”

Graeme Draper, manager of The Half Moon Inn which scooped an impressive double in last year’s local awards, said: “The Half Moon team are still beaming with pride after being awarded ‘Overall Winner’ and ‘Best Pub’ in the 2015 awards.

“The team work hard to ensure we operate legally and safely, following policies put in place to maintain these standards.

“In addition to these efforts, we work closely with the council and licensing authorities, to maintain our standing as a traditional English pub that has stayed true to its roots and with a long standing family history and real pub atmosphere.

“We are proud to help make Durham a great place to visit.”

The values of the Best Bar None scheme also support the wider work of Durham’s City Safety Group.

Barnard Castle Welcomes Royal Visitor Today

By on 2nd March 2016in In & Around

One of the region’s most historic buildings will welcome a royal visitor today (Wednesday March 2nd)…

Following a £3.2m regeneration project, which saw The Witham in Barnard Castle restored, refurbished and extended to incorporate the library and customer access point, HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO, a former architect, will tour the popular arts, business and community venue.

The visit follows an expression of interest from His Royal Highness to tour the collection of Grade II listed buildings which date back to 1846, during his visit to the county. The award winning renovation project was completed in October 2013, and was delivered by Barnard Castle Vision, Durham County Council and The Witham Trustees. It resulted in a mixed use community facility offering a café, arts and exhibition areas, performance and events facilities, as well as small business units and a shop featuring local crafts. The original features and historic attributes of the building have been carefully combined with modern additions. Supported by a raft of volunteers, and true to its public service roots, The Witham is one of the most important historical assets in the county and beyond.

During his visit, His Royal Highness will meet the architects and project team responsible for successfully integrating the historic parts of the building with modern structures, and will be shown a display of before and after images.

He will also meet a number of the trustees, staff, volunteers, groups, organisations and partners involved in the management and events programme at the hall.

Amongst those to be introduced is 23 year old Maddy Sutton. Maddy is the marketing and administration intern at The Witham. A keen busker with a first class degree in music from the University of Huddersfield, Maddy was awarded the undergraduate piano prize having majored in performance studies and musical theatre.

Maddy will perform for The Duke in the County Room, scene of many historic public announcements since the building was first opened as Testimonial Hall in 1846.

Also set to meet the royal guest is Mickleton ceramic artist, Judy Caplin. Judy was commissioned to design a piece of public art, which hangs in pride of place above the café.

Inspired by one of Teesdale’s best-known historical figures, Henry Witham, and specifically his interest in botany, the eye-catching installation is entitled Hesperides. It consists of more than 650 individually produced porcelain tiles featuring fossilised plant materials, which Judy collected locally.

His Royal Highness will be presented with a specially produced commemorative tile made by the artist at the end of his tour.

As well as meeting some of the many volunteers involved in running the box office and supporting the wide range of events, theatre, cinema and other performances at the hall, The Duke will enjoy some shadow theatre staged by local children from the Kando Youth Theatre Company. The group runs weekly drama sessions in the auditorium, and will perform a powerful war shadow theatre workshop with historical costumes and imagery, before presenting their visitor with a gift.

Katie Taylor, The Witham CEO, said: “It’s delightful to welcome His Royal Highness to The Witham, our vibrant arts centre – as an exciting venue hub for theatre, music, comedy, business arts and film, we appreciate the recognition that this visit bestows. To have the Friends and Volunteers of The Witham, as well as our hard-working staff, recognised on the day means a huge amount. Come and visit this gem in Barnard Castle high street.”

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for culture and regeneration at Durham County Council, said: “Supporting the refurbishment of this fantastic community venue is something we are immensely proud of. It is a wonderful example of how history, art, architecture and modern ways of living can combine to truly service local needs on so many levels. I am delighted HRH The Duke of Gloucester is honouring us by coming to see what we have done together. I am sure as an architect he will find his tour particularly rewarding.”

Before leaving, The Duke will unveil a commemorative plaque and sign the visitor’s book.

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