Tag: kids

Putting Young People At The Heart Of Decision-Making

By on 19th January 2017in In & Around

A range of schemes that enable children and young people to get involved in decision-making in County Durham were outlined to councillors onWednesday, 18 January.

Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet heard how the authority, its 14 Area Action Partnerships (AAP) and other organisations working together as the County Durham Partnership are using a range of methods to engage with younger residents.

This year, for the first time, young people aged 11 years and older living or attending school in County Durham were able to take part in voting for AAP priorities in their area. More than 3,000 young people took part.

Teesdale and Three Towns AAPs, meanwhile, encourage young people to fill in applications for Small Grants Funding themselves, with other young people asked to appraise and approve submissions.

In the Mid Durham area, members of the Youth Area Committee, which includes young people from six local villages, have been working with the AAP for a number of years. The AAP also regularly works with primary and secondary schools.

Mid Durham and Stanley AAPs have a young person’s representative on their board, with 17-year-old Liam Bell, the Stanley rep, receiving a Chairman’s Medal for his voluntary work.

The report to Cabinet also outlined how County Durham Economic Partnership and the county’s Children and Families Partnership, the Health and Wellbeing Board, Safe Durham Partnership Board and the Environment Partnerships are also working to involve children and young people in their work.

Initiatives include the Erasmus+ project, which saw five council apprentices spending two works working with their counterparts in Gothenburg; the launch of the inaugural Student Voice Survey, which more than 8,000 secondary school pupils took part in; and involving children in designing the logo and branding for the 0 to 19 health visiting and school nursing service.

More Than 2,000 People Sign Up For DurhamWorks help

By on 12th January 2017in In & Around

More than 2,000 young people have now signed up to a £17 million project designed to develop their skills, increase opportunities and help them into work.

The DurhamWorks programme is aiming to improve the prospects of County Durham’s 16 to 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training.

And just six months into the more than two year project it is well on course to put almost 6,000 people on the path to employment by summer 2018.

Cllr Ossie Johnson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services said: “In only a few months DurhamWorks has successfully signed up over 2,000 County Durham 16 to 24-year-olds  who were not in employment, education, or training.

“Unfortunately due to issues including the late introduction of increased requirements by the Department of Work and Pensions, and a delay in the payment of funding from the Government, we have had to request that our original target for sign ups in 2016 be reduced.

“Yet the overall target of involving 5,830 people in the DurhamWorks programme by July 2018 remains unchanged and, having now introduced a system to gather and verify eligibility, we expect the numbers of participants to increase significantly in the coming weeks.

“We are working with employers and Business Durham to make sure there are jobs and apprenticeships for people to progress into, and we remain confident that the project will be a success.”

Already more than 300 small firms are working with the project to help create new job opportunities for the county’s young people, with businesses saying they appreciate the support they are receiving  to help them recruit the most appropriate people.

And more businesses are being encouraged to find out about working with the project, to help find the young staff they need.

The council’s Cabinet will receive an update on the programme on Wednesday January 18.

For more information about DurhamWorks, and how to get involved, visit www.durham.gov.uk/durhamworks

Deadline For Primary School Place Applications Approaches

By on 5th January 2017in In & Around

Parents in County Durham are reminded they are running out of time to apply for primary school places for their children.

The deadline for applications for the next academic year, which starts in September 2017, is Sunday 15 January 2017.

Cllr Ossie Johnson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “In our county we benefit from many schools with superb facilities and dedicated, talented staff, and we hope that through our admissions system people can express their preferences and see children enjoy a happy and successful education.

“We know that the decision of where to send your children is a big one, and can be difficult, but we would urge parents to make sure they apply by the deadline as a late application greatly reduces your chances of getting into your preferred school.”

Applications can be made online, at www.durham.gov.uk/schooladmissions, or by post.

Forms can also be requested by phoning 03000 265896 or by writing to the School Admissions and Transport Team at Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UJ.

If posting, the forms should be sent back using signed for or special delivery services.

Offers of places will be made to parents on 16 April 2017.

If you apply online you will receive an offer email. If you apply by post you will receive an offer letter. These should arrive by no later than 16 April.

Tickets On Sale For Spring Shows At Gala Theatre

By on 20th December 2016in Events

A new production of Willy Russell’s classic play Educating Rita is among the highlights of another packed season at Gala Theatre.

The spring programme at the Durham City venue also includes a varied and exciting line-up of comedy, music, film screenings and much more.

Intelligent, funny, and as relevant today as it was when it was written in 1980, Educating Rita is a modern classic. Hairdresser Rita is unhappy in her job. With a thirst for knowledge, she signs up for an Open University course in English Literature, where her tutor Frank is a middle-aged alcoholic. Forming an unlikely bond, brash Rita and academic Frank begin to inspire each other.

The Gala-produced show follows September’s critically acclaimed The Fighting Bradfords, which was the venue’s first theatre production outside of its pantomime for six years.

Educating Rita runs from Tuesday, 4 April to Saturday 8 April, with a two-for-one ticket offer for Gala members on opening night.

There’s more live theatre in February, with The Empty Nester’s Club. Mum Vicky shares her story of empty bedrooms, fresher’s flu, boyfriends, long goodbyes, motorway service stations and trips to Ikea. She also tells how she fought back to be the woman she is today.

Presented by the John Godber Company and Theatre Royal Wakefield, who return to Durham after last year’s Shafted!, The Empty Nester’s Club is at Gala Theatre on Monday, 6 February and Tuesday, 7 February.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) presents The Tempest via the big screen on Friday, 3 February. The production sees Simon Russell Beale return to the RSC after 20 years to play Prospero in a ground-breaking and unforgettable show.

On a distant island a man awaits. Robbed of his position, power and wealth, his enemies have left him in isolation. But this is no ordinary man and no ordinary island. Prospero is a magician, able to bend nature to his will.

There’s a second RSC screening on Wednesday, 26 April with Julius Caesar. As the race to claim the empire spirals out of control, betrayal turns to violence in Shakespeare’s epic political tragedy.

The new season also brings more screenings from the National Theatre’s NT Live programme. Game of Thrones star Lucian Msamati takes on the role of Amadeus on Thursday, 2 February, while The Affair’s Ruth Wilson stars as Hedda Gabler on Thursday 9 March.

Spring also brings music to Gala Theatre with songs and sounds to suit all tastes.

The Pitmen Poets share songs and stories on Sunday, 5 February and there’s a chance to relive the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr on Saturday, 25 February with The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular.

Elkie Brooks, one of the most popular singers the UK has ever produced, performs on Sunday, 5 March. With numerous hit singles and million-selling albums, Elkie promises an evening that will be a treat for fans new and old.

Also taking to the stage are the Yamato Drummers, who will be captivating audiences with an explosive visual spectacular on Tuesday, 11 April, while guitarist and singer-songwriter Chantel McGregor, showcases a bigger and bolder rock sound on Thursday, 13 April.

There are also plenty of laughs lined up with a gaggle of top class comedians set to entertain audiences over the coming months.

Susan Calman celebrates her 10th year in comedy with a brand new show, which she brings to Gala on Sunday, 12 February.

And, later in the month, on Friday, 24 February, audiences can expect a heady mix of spontaneous stand-up and outlandish musical talent courtesy of Alex Horne and The Horne Section.

In The Sound of Mucus, showbiz legend Count Arthur Strong pays tribute to one of the best musicals he can remember, recreating the salient and poignant moments for the audience’s enjoyment. Demand for tickets has led to a second date being added, with the show now running on Wednesday, 22 February and Thursday, 23 February.

Publican, politician and philosopher Al Murray – The Pub Landlord embarks on a common sense campaign to re-Great Britain in his brand new show at Gala on Saturday, 18 March, while Lee Nelson is back on the road, visiting Durham on Sunday, 30 April.

Other comedy highlights include Love Island narrator Iain Stirling (Monday, 27 February), Mock the Week’s Andy Parsons (Sunday, 23 April) and writer, journalist and DJ Danny Baker (Wednesday, 8 March).

Fans of Gala’s regular The Comedy Store slot, meanwhile, can snap up a season ticket. Valid for three shows (Sunday 29 January, 26 February and 16 April), it means a saving of £2 per show.

The new season at Gala also includes plenty of fun for all the family with a selection of shows aimed at younger theatre-goers.

Sponge is a fabulously kitsch adventure for babies aged from six months to children under four and their grown-ups. At Gala on Friday, 24 February and Saturday, 25 February, the show is infused with audience participation, improvisation and multi-sensory experiences.

Dare you take on the dangers of Dinosaur World? Grab your compass for a journey across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing and remarkably realistic dinosaurs. The whole family can enjoy the interactive show on Saturday, 15 April and Sunday, 16 April.

The Scarecrow’s Wedding is at Gala on Tuesday, 18 April and Wednesday, 19 April. From the creators of The Gruffalo, this truly heart-warming show is bursting at the seams with style, wit, drama and wedding bells.

Robin Byers, Durham County Council’s service manager for place and experience, said: “Gala is well established on the touring circuit for many of the country’s top comedians, musicians and performers, and each season we try to select the very best of that work for our audiences.

“We feel we have a really strong season this spring, and we know it will appeal to our regular Gala customers, as well as bringing new people to the venue.”

To view the full spring programme and book tickets, visit Gala Theatre box office, call 03000 266 600 or go online at www.galadurham.co.uk

Cabinet To Discuss More 20mph Limits Around Schools

By on 11th December 2016in In & Around

A successful scheme to introduce 20mph speed limits on roads near County Durham schools could be extended.

Part-time limits are already being put in place near more than 30 schools across the county following the launch of the initiative in 2014.

Now members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet are being asked to approve a list of 33 more schools to be included in the scheme.

The schools have been selected based on factors including traffic speeds, accident data and potential risk to pedestrians.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “Lower speed limits have now been implemented at almost all of the schools chosen for the first phase of the scheme.

“This is not only ahead of schedule but also under budget. That’s why, earlier this year, Cabinet was able to agree that the money we have left should be spent on doubling the number of schools covered by the scheme.

“Our aim is to improve road safety and promote a healthy and active lifestyle by encouraging more people to walk or cycle instead of using the car.”

The project is funded by a one-off Public Health Grant of £952,850 and is accompanied by an education programme which aims to make children more road aware, promote cycling and walking and increase speed awareness among motorists.

Cabinet meets at County Hall on Wednesday, 14 December.

If the recommendations are approved, part-time 20mph speed limits would be introduced on roads near the following schools:

 

Annfield Plain Infant School, Annfield Plain

Annfield Plain Junior School, Annfield Plain

Byron Sixth Form College, Peterlee

Chester-le-Street C of E Primary, Chester-le-Street

Cockton Hill Infant and Junior School, Bishop Auckland

Consett Academy, Consett

Delves Lane Primary, Consett

Easington Academy, Easington

Easington Colliery Primary School, Easington

Framwellgate Moor Primary, Durham

Framwellgate School, Durham

Green Lane C of E Primary, Barnard Castle

Neville’s Cross Primary, Durham

New College, Durham

Our Lady and St Thomas RCVA Primary, Willington

Our Lady of the Rosary RCVA Primary, Peterlee

Our Lady Star of the Sea RCVA Primary, Horden

Pelton Community Primary, Pelton

Ropery Walk Primary, Seaham

Roseberry Primary and Nursery School, Pelton

Sacriston Primary, Sacriston

Seaham Harbour Nursery, Seaham

Shield Row Primary, Stanley

Shotton Hall Primary, Peterlee

St Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School, Peterlee

St Bede’s RCVA Comprehensive School, Lanchester

St Joseph’s RCVA Primary, Stanley

St Leonard’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Durham

Tanfield School Specialist College of Science and Engineering, Stanley

Teesdale School, Barnard Castle

The Academy at Shotton Hall, Peterlee

Whitworth Park School and Sixth Form College, Spennymoor

Willington Primary, Willington

Coffee, Crafts And Cards At Spennymoor Library

By on 10th December 2016in Events

Coffee, crafts and card-making are among the Christmas activities at a County Durham library.

Spennymoor Library is hosting a series of festive special events over the coming weeks.

On Thursday, 15 December, there’s a Christmas coffee morning between 9.30am and 11.30am, with warm drinks, nibbles and a tombola.

Youngsters can make their own Christmas tree decoration at a craft session on Tuesday, 20 December. Starting at 10.30am, the session costs £1 per child and places should be booked in advance.

Free Christmas card-making workshops are also taking place from Monday to Saturday throughout December.

For more information on any activities, contact Spennymoor Library on 03000 269 531.

More Foster Carers Needed In County Durham

By on 9th December 2016in Lifestyle, Uncategorised

The number of foster carers in County Durham continues to rise – but more prospective parents are needed to help provide a loving home for looked after children.

Councillors will next week hear how Durham County Council’s fostering service has seen an increase in the number of potential foster placements – but that the number of children in care continues to outstrip that supply.

A report to Cabinet, on December 14, will set out four main priorities for the service over the next year, including recruiting more foster carers to ensure that children remain in County Durham communities; and developing its Foster Xtra scheme that supports children with some of the most complex needs.

Margaret Whellans, the council’s corporate director of children and young people’s services, said: “The majority of our looked after children are placed within our fostering service, but it is increasingly challenging to manage the growing demand for placements.

“Our foster carers tell us that nothing gives the same feeling of love and warmth as fostering and by working with us you could make an enormous difference to a child’s life.

“We know that there are many myths that surround fostering and so we would encourage people to find out the facts before they rule themselves out.

“You don’t need any special qualifications – just a genuine interest in caring for young people, patience, understanding and a sense of humour – and we can offer you training and specialised support along the way.”

For more information about fostering with Durham County Council visit www.durham.gov.uk/fostering.

Beyond Chester-Le-Street And Durham

By on 4th December 2016in Events

Snow Ball, Gateshead

Head to St Mary’s Heritage Centre on 10th December for the return of this popular dance night, based on a dress code of Snow and Sparkles. Two international DJs and a great live band will be in attendance, giving you the perfect opportunity to strap on your festive dancing shoes.

The evening will get underway with DJ Andy Lewis getting the Swing Dance Social going, after which, it will be time for a short taster Swing session for the early arrivals, with the talented Lindy Jazz introducing novices to the easy style and fun of Swing, while nicely warming up the more seasoned dancers.

Then, from about 8:30pm, will be the Snow Ball itself, enabling you to bust out your favourite moves to music spanning the 1920s to 1950s, courtesy of the incomparable Strictly Speakeasy Band. Taking place in a gorgeous location overlooking the River Tyne, the event represents the perfect relaxed Christmas party for all couples, friends and colleagues with a love for live music and dancing.

There will even be best-dressed competitions, while the evening will be closed out by the ever-dependable DJ Gillian Scott. How could you possibly hope to round off your year any more stylishly than this?

The standard ticket price is £18, although advanced £16 tickets are available to those booking by Saturday 3rd December. Visit www.lindy-jazz.co.uk, call 07719 174 544 or email events@lindy-jazz.co.uk for more information.

The Tales of Beatrix Potter, Gateshead

The wonderful world of Beatrix Potter continues to enchant and delight audiences young and old, and when they pop into St Mary’s Heritage Centre between 20th and 24th December, they can remind themselves of all of its charms of such characters as Peter Rabbit and friends, Jeremy Fisher and Mrs Tiggywinkle.

This special showing, which takes place at various times over the five days, is directed by Dianne Jackson and carefully captures the originality and joy of Beatrix Potter’s own drawings, perfectly supported by the music of Colin Towns and introduced with cameo performances by Niamh Cusack.

The showing takes place in a specially created starlit setting, with 900 years of Gateshead history transformed into a film theatre. We really can’t think of many more befitting ways to celebrate 150 years of Beatrix Potter’s life, whether you and your family are familiar with her works or are only just becoming acquainted with her remarkable universe.

Tickets are priced from £5. If you are interested in a private early screening for a group, special occasion or birthday party, simply call 0191 433 4699 or email heritage@gateshead.gov.uk for costs and details.

The Biscuit Factory Festive Weekends, Newcastle

There’s a rich contemporary art scene to enjoy here in the North East. However, while many of us are familiar with such institutions as the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (mima), it’s easy to forget that our region is also home to the UK’s largest commercial art, craft and design gallery, The Biscuit Factory.

This year, the venue hosts an eclectic programme of Festive Weekends to truly bring the Yuletide spirit to Newcastle’s cultural quarter. On 3rd December, for instance, there is the opportunity to create a decorative garland for your fireplace, courtesy of Boutique Floral. This, and other workshops hosted by Boutique Floral across the month – covering such subjects as how to design a festive table arrangement or create your own Christmas door wreath – are priced at £30 per person and must be booked in advance by calling the gallery on 0191 261 1103.

With various other workshops and demos taking place throughout the month, including Simon Griffiths’ demo of wildlife sculpture on 4th December and Carruthers & Kent’s ‘ask the expert’ event on pairing wines with your seasonal dishes on 11th December, the gallery will remain a hive of activity right up to Christmas Eve.

Visit www.thebiscuitfactory.com to learn more about the full programme of events

School Pupils Lend A Hand In Tudhoe Community Project

By on 2nd May 2016in In & Around

Pupils at Tudhoe Colliery Primary School helped to spruce up their village as part of a community project…

The children, who are in Year 3 at the school, worked with Durham County Council’s neighbourhood services team to make landscape improvements to a seating area in Tudhoe.

The community project used plants leftover from other schemes and includes ornamental sculptures.

The result is a low-maintenance and attractive communal seating area which can be enjoyed by everyone in the village.

Steve Johnson, Durham County Council’s street scene supervisor, said: “This has been a great opportunity to carry out low maintenance yet visually striking improvement in Tudhoe with the help of Tudhoe Colliery Primary School pupils.”

Dan Watson, Year 3 teacher at Tudhoe primary school added: “We really enjoyed our planting session and contributing to the community in general.”

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

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