Tag: durham

Free Half-Term Mosaic Workshop Is Perfect For Families

By on 27th January 2016in Lifestyle

The Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership is holding a free workshop to create collage mosaics during half term…

 

The family-friendly session will take place from 10am to 12.30pm on Saturday 20th February at Barnard Castle Methodist Church. The workshop is part of the Partnership’s Crafts and Skills in the Community programme, which aims to encourage the revival and use of traditional and modern crafts.

The activity is suitable for all abilities, and will give participants the opportunity to explore an array of textures and colours. Participants will work towards producing a nature inspired piece of artwork which could be used as a stepping stone or decoration in the garden. A simple nature motif will be chosen and then decorated with a selection of materials.

This workshop has been designed to guide total beginners through each stage of the process, so no previous experience is required. The workshop will be led by local artist, designer and tutor Anna Harding, who teaches art and crafts, leads community projects, and produces creative work in an extensive range of formats.

Anna said: “This workshop is a fusion between collage and mosaic, which uses a greater variety of textures, colours and materials than a standard mosaic. This in turn makes it particularly appealing for children to explore.”

This workshop is free of charge, but places are limited so booking is essential. It is suitable for children aged 5 years and upwards, however younger children are welcome at parent/guardian discretion. All children must be closely supervised at all times.

Please note this activity will involve the use of small objects, so it is not recommended for children under the age of 3. Protective clothing will be provided, but wearing old clothing is also recommended.

To book a place, contact Alex Sijpesteijn on 03000 260842 or email alex.sijpesteijn@durham.gov.uk.

Local Landscape Partnership Offers Free Historical Hedgelaying Course

By on 26th January 2016in Lifestyle

Outdoor enthusiasts can secure a place on a free hedgelaying course this February, thanks to a Local Landscape Partnership…

 

The Introduction to Hedgelaying course is being run as part of the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership Field Boundary Programme, which is aimed at anyone keen to gain a greater appreciation of ancient rural crafts and practical conservation, and will take place at Deepdale Wood Nature Reserve, Barnard Castle on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th February 2016.

The two day course will go through the history and value of hedgerows, while explaining how to use and maintain traditional hand tools such as axes, saws and billhooks to manage the hedgerow. Participants will also get plenty of practice of hedgelaying in the local style.

Rebecca Beeston, a landscape officer at Durham County Council, said: “Hedgerows are an important landscape feature and wildlife habitat in County Durham. However, they are often at risk from neglect, damage or destruction.

“We hope by offering free introductory classes we can enthuse a whole new group of people who will help carry on these traditions.”

The course is being sponsored by the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership – which is supported by Durham County Council – and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Booking is essential as places are limited. For more information and to book a place on the course, email landscape@durham.gov.uk or phone 03000 267 143. Anyone living in the Heart of Teesdale area will be given priority for places.

Northern Ballet Brings Aesop’s Fables To Gala Theatre

By on 25th January 2016in Entertainment

Northern Ballet is returning to Durham’s Gala Theatre with an adaptation of one of Aesop’s most famous fables…

 

Following the sell-out successes of Ugly Duckling, Three Little Pigs and Elves & the Shoemaker, the company is set to perform the latest in their award-winning children’s ballets, Tortoise & the Hare.

Daniel de Andrade, Northern Ballet’s artistic director of the Short Ballets for Small People series, said: “These ballets are classic tales beautifully retold through dance, and are the perfect introduction to ballet for children and young families.

“I am thrilled at how this latest production will bring the magic of ballet to many.

“It will provide a wonderful opportunity for children and their families to enjoy live performances designed especially for them, and will hopefully inspire a new-found love for dance, music and theatre.”

The new show, which is a re-imagining of the much-loved tale of a Tortoise who, tired of being teased for his slowness, challenges a speedy Hare to a race, has been choreographed by the duo who created Ugly Duckling in 2012, dancers Dreda Blow and Sebastian Loe.

It also includes an original score composed by Bruno Merz, set designs by Ali Allen, and live music performed by members of the Northern Ballet Sinfonia.

The 40 minute production – which was praised as “delightfully performed and expertly staged” by The Stage magazine – will be performed in Durham on Wednesday 3rd February at at 2.00pm, 4.00pm and 6.00pm.

Tickets cost £5 per child and £6 per adult. To book, call Gala’s box office on 03000 266 600 or visit www.galadurham.co.uk.

Works To Improve Durham Station Access Begin February 1st

By on 23rd January 2016in In & Around

Preliminary works which will pave the way for better links to Durham Station for cyclists and pedestrians are due to start on 1st February…

 

The £800,000 project – which includes a £600,000 funding award from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) – will see access improved to allow people to reach the station more easily via paths alongside the A691 (Framwellgate Peth). With the station linking Durham City to the North East Main Line, the scheme will increase sustainable transport links as well improving access to key employment sites in Durham City and beyond, providing a boost to the local economy.

The improvements will see a new path constructed for bicycles and pedestrians on the north side, as well as a set of stairs. The existing footpath on the south side will be widened to accommodate cyclists as well.

To allow the main work to go ahead in the summer, preliminary work will take place for around four weeks, starting on Monday 1st February. As well as some ground investigation work, this will involve the removal of trees around the intended sites for the new and expanded paths. Following completion of the project, new trees and wildflowers will be planted around the new layout.

During the work, the path leading to the station from Framwellgate Peth will be closed, with signed diversions directing people to the station via North Road. The path alongside Framwellgate Peth leading down to Durham will also be closed on the north side, however the path on the south side will remain open throughout. Pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to use designated crossing points and to allow extra time for their journeys.

Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “With Durham City the economic powerhouse for the county and the station being a key gateway to the rest of the country, we hope these improvements will benefit business, tourism and residents.”

“As well as making the station easier to access, we also hope these improvements will encourage more people to reach it by walking or cycling, meaning a double boost for healthier and more environmentally friendly travel. We’d like to thank the public for their patience while this work is carried out and the improvements are put in place.”

The project is funded by the North East LEP as part of the North East Growth Deal from Government. The Local Growth Fund supports major capital investments to promote innovation, economic and skills infrastructure and sustainable transport across the North East LEP area. The works have been planned in conjunction with Virgin East Coast as the station operator.

Paul Woolston, chair of the North East LEP, said: “A key pillar of the economic plan is continued investment in projects to help businesses grow and be accessible. Improved access to key transport links is an essential part of the plan, and this Growth Deal funding for Durham Station is the latest step in achieving this.

“Durham is a popular destination with locals and tourists alike. The development will help improve access to the city for visitors, as well as enhance commuter journeys for those living in and around the area. It’s a hugely positive move that benefits everyone.”

Win! Tickets To See Simply Red At Durham CCC

By on 22nd January 2016in Competitions

Simply Red are back and celebrating over 30 years in the music industry with a spectacular anniversary tour…

 

One of the biggest and most iconic bands in the world are set to perform at Emirates Durham ICG, home of Durham County Cricket Club, on Friday 3rd June 2016 as one of only a handful of Simply Red 2016 live shows.

Frontman Mick Hucknall said: “We are delighted to be performing in the open at the Durham County Cricket Club. It’s a superb ground in a great location, and we have many fans in the area. We will ensure that this night is really something special, and hope you can join us in celebrating over 30 years in the music business”.

As the band enters its fourth decade, buoyed by their excellent latest album Big Love, their reputation as one of the great British groups is set for some timely enhancement as they perform their greatest hits, such as Holding Back The Years, If You Don’t Know Me By Now, Something Got Me Started, The Right Thing, Stars, Fairground, Angel and Sunrise.

Do you want to see Simply Red at Durham County Cricket Club? We’ve got two tickets to give away, and all you need to do is answer the question below.

What is the name of Mick Hucknall’s pre-Simply Red band?

[contact-form to=’online@inandaroundmag.co.uk’ subject=’SIMPLY RED COMP’][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Address’ type=’text’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Answer’ type=’text’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

 

County Durham Cracks Down On Public Smoking

By on 22nd January 2016in In & Around

A crackdown is being launched on smoking in County Durham bus stations…

 

Durham County Council officers are teaming up with bus companies Arriva and Go North East to send out the message that smoking will not be tolerated in the county’s stations.

The campaign, which runs until February, will see staff visiting bus stations and issuing fines to anyone caught smoking.

Since 2007, almost all indoor public places and workplaces, including vehicles, have been required to be smoke free by law.

Smoking is also prohibited in all enclosed or ‘substantially enclosed’ public places and workplaces, including bus stations.

But despite the law, some people continue to smoke in and around county stations.

A recent survey carried out at some of the county’s bus stations revealed that over 71% of people have seen smoking in or around the sites.

Public Protection Officers and Neighbourhood Wardens will be visiting stations at Durham, Consett, Stanley, Peterlee and Bishop Auckland while the campaign is running.

They will be reminding people that it is against the law to smoke in bus stations, issuing fixed penalty notices to anyone caught doing so, and providing advice and guidance on smoke free issues.

Information posters will also be displayed in the stations.

Arriva and Go North East are supporting the campaign by spreading the message among their staff, especially those who work in county stations.

Joanne Waller, head of environment, health and consumer protection, said: “Smoking in bus stations is illegal, and yet some people continue to do it.

“It is a health hazard and a nuisance to other station users, and we will be taking action against anyone we catch flouting the law.”

Details Of Gilesgate Roadworks And Closures Released

By on 21st January 2016in In & Around

Residents are being reminded that important works on the main route through Durham City will start on Sunday, 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. Although measures are being taken to minimise the impact on traffic, motorists should be aware that some disruption is inevitable while the work is carried out.

Work on Gilesgate will be carried out in seven phases to reduce the impact on motorists. For the first phase, it will be necessary to close Gilesgate Bank in both directions between 7am and 7pm on Sunday 24th January.

The outgoing lane, heading up the bank, will then be closed every Sunday from 31st January for up to seven weeks. This will allow the road at the bottom of the bank to be widened, the existing traffic island to be removed and for the lights to be installed.

From Monday 25th January, the inbound slow lane of the A690 will be closed every day between 9am and 3pm for one week. Following that phase, one outbound lane of the A690 will then be closed, which will last for six weeks while the work is carried out.

As the project continues on Gilesgate roundabout, further closures will be needed, however these will all be carried out overnight or outside of peak times.

People can see full details at 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 #Gilesgate.

The work at Gilesgate roundabout will last until May 2016, overlapping with the improvements to Leazes Bowl roundabout to minimise disruption. The project is expected to be finished by autumn 2016, and information about the Leazes Bowl work will be publicised closer to the starting date.

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.

Adrian White, Durham County Council’s head of transport and contract services, said: “While we’ve taken all measures to minimise disruption, as we are working on the main route through the city, residents should be aware that there may be delays.

“Once installed, however, the SCOOT system promises to improve journeys for everyone, and we’d like to thank the public for their patience while these important improvements are put in place.”

American Road Trip Exhibition To Open At Durham Art Gallery

By on 20th January 2016in Entertainment

Visitors to Durham Art Gallery are to be taken on road trip across America as the North East’s Cath Campbell unveils her new exhibition…

 

The artist, who studied fine art at Newcastle University, has seen her work displayed across the world.

But this January, her latest show, Canary Yellow With Royal Blue, will arrive in Durham, leading film fans on a dreamlike journey that follows in the footsteps of beat poets like Jack Kerouac.

“The phrase canary yellow with royal blue is part of a description of the location of the Six Gallery, San Francisco, which in 1955 hosted a poetry reading by a group of radical West Coast writers, who later became known as the Beat Generation,” said Cath, from Newcastle, whose exhibition includes two collections of films, projected onto free-standing screens.

“Each film is about an individual state, and is a collage of clips from amateur travel videos found on YouTube. The dialogue in each clip is translated by Google automatic captions, and the resulting subtitles are full of slight mistranslations that provide a disquieting and poetic quality to the narrative.”

Canary Yellow With Royal Blue, which is supported by Arts Council England, runs from 23rd January until 31st March 2016.

Normal admission charges – of £4.20 for adults, £3.15 for concessions, £2.10 for 4 to 16-year-olds and free for children under four years – apply.

Durham County Record Office Introduces Victorian Prisoners

By on 20th January 2016in In & Around

History fans will this week be taken on a journey back to the Victorian era inside the grim walls of Durham Prison to meet the ‘Guests of Queen Victoria’…

 

The 1851 census listed 226 people as being at her majesty’s pleasure in the city, and a talk this Thursday at Durham County Record Office will explore the justice system that led to their imprisonment, while examining some of their stories in detail.

Dawn Layland, education and outreach archivist at Durham County Council, said: “The Victorian justice system is fascinating, and this talk will take a look at it through the eyes of the people who were caught up in it right here in County Durham.”

The event is the first in a series of talks taking place on the third Thursday of January, March, May and August.

Future talks will feature topics including highwaymen and striking miners; letters to George Bowes; dirt, death and disease in Durham City in the 1900s; and “a bit of a historian and a philosopher: the Teesdale Hermit.”

Dawn said: “These talks are an easy and enjoyable way for local historians, or anyone with an interest in history, to find out more about our county’s past.”

The Guests of Queen Victoria talk takes place from 12.30pm to 1.15pm on Thursday 21st January.

Tickets, which cost £2, must be booked in advance by calling 03000 267626.

Lumley Castle Host A Programme Of Tudor Themed Events

By on 19th January 2016in Entertainment

One of the North East’s best loved venues has unveiled a programme of Tudor treats for the coming weeks…

On Friday 12th and 26th February and 4th March, four star Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, is turning back the clock to 1595, with its famous banquets – giving diners and partygoers a fun-filled night, Elizabethan-style.

On arrival at the castle, guests are led to the dungeons before being piped into the opulent Baron’s Hall and seated on benches for dinner, which is served by Ladies of the Court and eaten with a dagger instead of cutlery.

To accompany dishes, such as sticky pork ribs and honey-baked chicken, diners are served red wine and mead in earthenware goblets.

Meanwhile, in between courses, the Castle’s Lord Chamberlain entertains diners with tales of yore and local legends – including the sorrowful story of Lily of Lumley, who was thrown into the castle’s well by priests, and whose ghost has been seen by countless visitors and staff over the years.

Throughout the evening, the Lords and Ladies of the Court, dressed in period costume, perform sketches and a variety of songs, from traditional North East folk ballads to a rousing finale of more popular tunes, with diners encouraged to join in when they can.

Finally, guests can round off the evening by dancing to a disco in the dungeon, with a special price package also available for those wishing to extend the evening with an overnight stay in one of Lumley’s 73 bedrooms.

Along with its Elizabethan Banquets Lumley Castle Hotel hosts regular murder mystery dinners, while its renowned Black Knight restaurant can cater for formal or buffet lunches and dinners, and can also offer private dining.

Lumley’s Elizabethan Banquets cost £35 per person, and the Banquet Bed and Breakfast package is priced from £87.50 per person, based on two people sharing a Courtyard room.

On 26th February alone, the package is on offer at a reduced price of £79.50 per person.

For more information, or to make a booking, call 0191 389 1111, email info@lumleycastle.com or visit www.lumleycastle.com.

ADVERTISERS