Tag: lifestyle

Alex Nelson’s Places To Go: Bishop Auckland

By on 10th February 2016in Have Your Say

Stationmaster Alex Nelson has been suggesting places to go by train every month for ten years. This month, he’s headed to Bishop Auckland…

Great things are afoot in Bishop Auckland!

Last year I spent an hour with Jonathan Ruffer, the visionary wealth manager and barrister who bought the 13 paintings of Jacob and his Twelve Sons in Auckland Castle from the Church Commissioners, and then bought the Castle to keep them in. The Castle and tearooms have been closed for winter maintenance during January, but are now back open. Throughout the year, they are open every day except Tuesdays, and the admission is £6 for adults, free for under 16s.

Auckland Castle offers guided tours at 11.30 and 14.30 every day (no extra charge), excluding Tuesdays, where you can see the splendid rooms and vistas, as well as the paintings by Francisco de Zurburan (1598-1664). There are other events throughout the year (details on the website), including the popular Bishop Auckland Food Festival, which this year is on 23rd/24th April. A walk in the park costs nothing, although you might get your shoes rather muddy, so take boots. The Deer Shelter is in the care of English Heritage, but there is no charge to walk round it.

Ten trains a day run to Bishop Auckland, which is a branch from the main line at Darlington. So to get there, head for Darlington first. A visit to Bishop Auckland can easily be combined with a free visit to Locomotion, the branch of the National Railway Museum. On arrival at Bishop Auckland, walk up Newgate Street, which is the straight shopping street heading north to the Market Place, and turn right for Auckland Castle where the Bishop of Durham still has an office (although he lives elsewhere in the town).

It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the Castle, which is the focal point of a one-man effort to regenerate a whole town. Even the mediocre old Postchaise and Queen’s Head hotels are being remodelled to create one single mid-market boutique hotel. Already there are 30,000 visitors a year now, compared to 800 when the Bishops were in residence.

Jonathan Ruffer said to me: “I don’t want it to be interesting. I want it to be astonishing.”

This summer, there’s something really astonishing: an epic production on the land to the north of the Castle called KYNREN, the epic story of England, covering 2,000 years on a 7.5 acre stage including a large lake, and 1,000 performers and crew. The scale is truly breathtaking. I saw progress on the site even during my hour with Mr. Ruffer. KYNREN will be performed on 14 occasions over the summer of 2016, starting from Saturday 2nd July until Saturday 17th September. It’s on various Fridays, Saturdays and one Sunday (28th August), and tickets are available now. This is a live action night show that starts as late as 21.30 and finishes 90 minutes later. If you think ‘2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony’, you’ll be thinking along the right lines.

In other news…

Keep the date: Sunday 13th March!

I’m organising a mass visit by train to Teesside Airport station, to ensure it is not the least used station on the National Rail network in 2015/16. The only train of the week leaves Darlington station at 11.05, and you can spend just over an hour at the airport before joining the only train back at 12.35. For one of the weirdest excursions of the year, suitable for children, led by an experienced team… full details soon!

Alex Nelson
Stationmaster

Garden Waste Collection Service Deadline Approaches

By on 9th February 2016in In & Around

Residents in County Durham wishing to receive garden waste collections this year are being reminded to sign up now…

 

Durham County Council offers 17 fortnightly collections between spring and autumn for an annual fee of £20.

Householders can subscribe at any time during the year, but to receive all collections in 2016 they should sign up by 14th February. Collections will start in March for those signing up by this date.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “More than 47,000 residents are already signed up to receive garden waste collections in 2016.

“For those who haven’t yet subscribed, we would like to remind them that they need to do so by February 14th if they want to receive all 17 collections this year.”

Everyone who signs up for the service will receive a pink sticker for their garden waste bin and a calendar giving details of this year’s collection dates.

Those who signed up for three years in 2015 will automatically receive their sticker and calendar.

To find out whether their property is eligible for the collections, and to sign up, people can visit www.durham.gov.uk/gardenwaste or telephone 03000 26 1000.

A series of roadshows are being held around the county to enable people to find out more about the garden waste collections.

Details of the roadshows are:

 

  • Tuesday 9th February – Stanley Asda. 9am – 1pm
  • Thursday 11th February – Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre. 4pm – 6pm
  • Friday 12th February – Seaham Asda. 9am – 1pm
  • Saturday 13th February – Durham Market. 9am – 3pm

Garden waste collections in Teesdale are provided by Rotters, working in partnership with Durham County Council.

Residents in this area should contact Rotters to make arrangements for collections by visiting www.rotters.org or by telephoning 01833 690 022.

Task Force Funding Secures Further Jobs For SSI Apprentices

By on 8th February 2016in Local Biz

SSI Task Force Funding has helped more former Tees Valley steel apprentices back into employment…

Cameron Owen and Lewis Mitchell were about to start the first year of their apprenticeships with SSI when the company closed. With help from the SSI Task Force and Middlesbrough-based technical training provider TTE, they have now found new placements where they will go on to complete their training.

A £1.7m Task Force Fund has been created to encourage employers to take on one or more of the 51 ex-SSI apprentices. TTE is coordinating securing placements for the ex-SSI apprentices. The employers are given financial support throughout the period of the young people’s training.

Lewis, 16, of Redcar, is now employed by Chemoxy International Ltd, one of Europe’s largest independent chemical manufacturers, as a Science Industry Maintenance Technician.

Cameron, 17, who lives in Ormesby, has been taken on by Lotte Chemical UK, a subsidiary of KP Chemical Corporation, as a Science Manufacturing Technician.

Both Lewis and Cameron were supported by the Task Force throughout the application process. It also will cover their salaries during their training.

As part of their three-year apprenticeships, Cameron and Lewis will gain practical and theoretical knowledge at TTE, as well as receiving on-the-job training with their sponsor companies.

Lewis said: “When the steelworks closed I was very worried about my future. I am extremely grateful for the amount of support I have received from TTE and the Task Force, and I can’t thank Chemoxy enough for taking me on.

“I now feel positive about my future, and hope to build a successful career at Chemoxy.”

Andrew Purvis, training and development manager at Chemoxy, said: “Lewis is showing lots of enthusiasm, and is proving himself to be a hard-working, diligent individual with a great future ahead of him.”

Cameron said: “I am very thankful to Lotte for taking me on as an apprentice; it will allow me to have practical on-site training while also gaining qualifications.

“It was a very worrying time for all those involved following the closure of the steel works. I am very pleased I’ve been able to find something with great career prospects so quickly thanks to the Task Force funding.”

Jackie Petford, HR Manager at Lotte, stated: “We are delighted to have been able to help Cameron continue with his career path. Cameron has great enthusiasm to learn and build new skills, and we are sure he has a bright future ahead of him.”

TTE has so far placed 25 of the 51 former SSI apprentices on their books. All of the remaining first year apprentices are back in full-time training with the technical training group while it works to secure new placements for them.

Amanda Skelton, Task Force Chair and Chief Executive of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “I’m pleased that our local businesses have been so supportive and it’s key that more individuals and companies come forward and take advantage of the funds that the SSI Task Force has to offer.”

Steve Grant, Managing Director at TTE, said: “The skills gained at SSI puts the former apprentices in good stead for future employment. Cameron and Lewis will be a real asset to their new employers and have promising careers ahead of them.

“TTE is still working very closely with the Task Force to help its remaining SSI apprentices complete their training and find new jobs.”

Details about all the SSI Funds available for individuals and businesses can be found on the Tees Valley Unlimited website at www.teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk.

Kevin Keegan Officially Opens Ramside Spa

By on 6th February 2016in Local Biz

One of the North East’s leading venues welcomed Kevin Keegan to mark the official opening of its new state-of-the-art spa…

The former football manager, player and Newcastle United legend unveiled a special plaque at Ramside Hall Hotel’s multi-million pound Spa at Ramside, as part of an official opening ceremony yesterday.

“I’ve been a frequent visitor to Ramside Hall over the years, and it just gets better and better,” said Kevin.

“The spa is absolutely amazing, as good as any I’ve seen anywhere in the world.”

The Spa at Ramside, near Durham, includes a hydrotherapy pool, an outdoor vitality pool, five heat experiences and a 25m swimming pool, along with a balcony infinity pool, which overlooks the hotel grounds.

“We’re absolutely delighted and honoured that Kevin Keegan agreed to officially open our new Spa,” said John Adamson, owner of Ramside Hall Hotel.

“The facilities that our spa offers really are among the best in the region, so it’s great to be able to mark the hotel’s newest addition with the help of such a regional icon.”

The £8m spa is part of Ramside Hall Hotel’s recent £16m extension, which also included a second golf course and a new wing of bedrooms.

Nominations Open For County Durham’s Chairman’s Medal

By on 5th February 2016in Have Your Say

There’s a new look to County Durham’s top award, as big-hearted people who’ve made a difference in their communities are being sought for the Chairman’s Medal…

 

A new category has been introduced with special emphasis on honouring the county’s outstanding young people. The Chairman’s Medal is awarded by the Chairman in recognition of significant achievement and outstanding effort in all walks of life.

It’s the highest honour the council can bestow, and Area Action Partnerships (AAPs) are looking for countywide nominations in the run-up to a major presentation later this year.

Cllr Jan Blakey, Chairman of Durham County Council, will double the award recipients from 14 to 28 when she announces the names of the successful entrants in May.

The Chairman has introduced a new Young Person’s Medal to rank alongside the Chairman’s Medal, and nominations can be made for both categories in each of the 14 AAP areas.

The medal has been County Durham’s top civic award since it was introduced in 2007, and Cllr Blakey will hold ceremonies just before her term of office ends in May to honour chosen ‘individuals for voluntary effort’ or ‘outstanding charitable organisations’.

The Chairman is working with the AAPs to find people and organisations that have gone above and beyond to make a difference, and in particular is keen to highlight the Young Person’s Medal.

Cllr Blakey, said: “I am certain we will have many outstanding entries to be considered for both categories.

“We have some wonderful young people throughout the county who richly deserve recognition for the selfless work they do – work that very often goes unnoticed, but is so vital to the individuals or communities it helps.

“I want this presentation event to be a celebration of the achievements and effort that people of our county put in every day. We do care about what they do, and I can’t over estimate the value that we place upon these people.

“I am writing to all AAP forum members and voluntary organisation partners to ask for nominations, and there are no fixed guidelines – anyone can nominate someone.”

The deadline for nominations for both the Chairman’s Medal and the Young Person’s Medal is Monday 14th March, and completed forms should be forwarded to: The Chairman’s Office, Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham DH1 5UL.

For more information, call 03000 267 202, visit www.durham.gov.uk/ChairmansMedal, or email chairmansoffice@durham.gov.uk.

TV’s ‘First Dates’ Host Invites Lonely Valentines Aboard The Love Train

By on 5th February 2016in Lifestyle

Stuck for what to do on Valentine’s day? The Virgin Trains love carriage is set to be a one-of-a-kind speed dating experience…

Virgin Trains is offering passengers a romantic train journey from London King’s Cross to York on the 14th February. This one off event will be hosted by service expert and TV celebrity Fred Sirieix, the charming French General Manager of Galvin at Windows and founder of The Art of Service. Get your love life back on track by booking yourself a ‘single ticket’ and make it a Valentine’s to remember.

This unique experience at 125mph will set your heart racing. Playing cupid, Fred has designed a world-class experience using his service expertise, and will guide passengers on their journey of love up the east coast. Fred is known for his charisma and hospitality, and is the perfect host to get singletons in the mood for love.

As one of the UK’s top rated Maître D’s with plenty of dating experience, Fred will help the lucky singletons find their perfect match on the love carriage. Virgin Trains on-board staff will be given a masterclass in the art of service by Fred to ensure the evening goes off with a bang.

This revolutionary dating experience will see 24 singletons switching seats throughout the journey, meeting potential suiters. The carriages will be decked out with red roses, romantic music and prosecco to set the mood. Sit back, relax and get on board for a chance at finding love.

Tickets will sell out fast, so visit www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/lovecarriage to ensure your love life doesn’t go off the rails. The singles only carriage will leave King’s Cross at 2.52pm, and returns at 7.52pm.

Fred Sirieix commented: “Valentine’s Day should be celebrated by all, and I am over the moon that Virgin Trains has brought me on-board to host the festivities and officiate as the on-board matchmaker. Both happiness and love are within each of us. The thing is we need to go and get it, and we have laid it on especially for you with top service and hospitality in a first class carriage this Valentine’s Day. It’s here for the taking, so come and join us!”

David Horne, Managing Director of Virgin Trains on the east coast route said: “Here at Virgin Trains, we want all our amazing customers to enjoy Valentine’s Day, including our single passengers. The love carriage is the perfect place to meet new people, and who knows, romance could be one train-ride away.”

High speed dating guests are invited to enjoy the excitement of the ‘Love Carriage’ upon one of Virgin’s newly revamped trains. Virgin Trains recently announced a £42m investment for its East Coast route, including money for refurbishing the interior and exterior of the trains, as well as an engine overhaul for the fleet ahead of the arrival of Hitachi Super Express Trains in 2018.

#HaveYourSay Over Pelton Fell Community Council

By on 4th February 2016in Have Your Say

Residents in Pelton Fell are being given a further opportunity to have their say on the proposal to create a community council…

 

A second round of consultation has been launched following a petition by Pelton Fell Community Partnership, calling for the creation of an independent community council.

Pelton Fell currently has no parish or community council.

A community council has the same powers as a parish council, however, it would be known as a community council as it reflects the style of the parish for that area.

An initial round of consultation was carried out last year, as the responsible body for parish boundary reviews.

A total of 900 questionnaires were sent out in September, asking households whether they wanted a community council or no change. Residents were given six weeks to have their say, and a total of 110 responses were received (a 12% return).

Of those, 56% were in favour of creating a community council (6.87% of the total households consulted), and 5.33% of the total households consulted were against.

The second round of consultation is now underway, with feedback forms sent to residents, which they can complete and return.

Further information has been provided to residents about what a community council would look like if it was established, including council size and the precept that would be set for its first year. Written representations and any comments or queries can also be sent by email to durhamcgr@durham.gov.uk.

Feedback forms have also been sent to other statutory consultants, including the local MP, councillors, the Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnership, and County Durham Association of Local Councils.

The deadline for all responses is 2nd March.

Colette Longbottom, our head of legal and democratic services, said: “This consultation is extremely important for the area, and we would encourage as many people to respond as possible.”

Further information about the review is available online at www.durham.gov.uk/communitygovernance.

Primary School Pupils Participate In ISS Science Project

By on 4th February 2016in In & Around

Budding scientists from Witton Gilbert Primary School are preparing for a delivery that’s out of this world – 100 seeds from space…

 

The school will be taking part in the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Rocket Science Experiment.

The national project, which is run in partnership with the UK Space Agency, aims to encourage pupils to think about how plants might grow in space and to help them understand the difficulties of living, growing and eating in space.

In September, 2kg of rocket seeds were flown to the International Space Station (ISS) on board the Soyuz 44S.

The seeds will be held in microgravity for six months, and British astronaut Tim Peake will be in charge of them during his time on the ISS.

The seeds will come back down to earth in April, and Witton Gilbert Primary School will be one of the lucky recipients.

The school will then grow the space seeds alongside some seeds from here on earth to find out if there have been any differences in growth.

Nobody from the school will know which seeds have been to space and which have stayed here.

Pupils will care for the seedlings, record their growth and observations over seven weeks, and enter the information into a database. Once all the data has been collected, the results will be analysed by professional statisticians.

Leading scientists from the RHS and European Space Agency will interpret the results and draw possible conclusions before publishing the finds on the RHS Campaign for School Gardening website.

Paula Nelson, Witton Gilbert Primary School head teacher, said: “We are delighted to be taking part in Rocket Science. It will be an exciting way for our young scientists to contribute to a national experiment, and share their learning with the whole school community.

“Hopefully their experience with the project will encourage them to get involved in growing plants, and also inspire them to find out more about future careers in STEM subjects including horticulture, plant science and the space industry as a whole.”

For more information about the Rocket Science project, click here.

The ISS can be tracked here, and you can follow the project on Twitter with #RocketScience, and on Facebook.

John Godber Brings Mining Drama To Durham Gala Theatre

By on 3rd February 2016in Entertainment

Miners will take centre stage this month, as BAFTA Award-winning playwright John Godber brings his latest play to Durham’s Gala Theatre…

 

Shafted! follows the lives of former pitman Harry and his wife Dot – played by Godber and his wife Jane Thornton – in the thirty years after the strikes of 1984, as the pair struggle to settle into new jobs and to rebuild their community.

Fresh from its premiere at the Theatre Royal Wakefield, the comedy arrives in Durham on Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th February.

For more information about the show, which will be performed at 7.30pm each night, or to book tickets – priced £15 or £13 for concessions – call the Gala box office on 03000 266 600, visit the venue in person, or book online at www.galadurham.co.uk.

Carnival Themed Charity Ball Set For Ramside Hall

By on 3rd February 2016in Entertainment

Ramside Hall Hotel is being transformed into Rio de Janeiro for a colourful, carnival-themed charity ball…

The fifth annual Moorbennhall Charity Ball, organised by Andrew Bennett and Calvin Moore, will be held at the luxury hotel near Durham on Saturday April 16th.

Guests at the event, including Gogglebox favourite Scarlett Moffatt, celebrity make-up artist Armand Beasley and star of TV show Real Housewives of Cheshire, Ampika Pickston, will enjoy a fabulous four course dinner, as well as live entertainment running throughout the night.

This includes performances by top comedian Brendan Healy, popular North East singer Jerome Remblance, and a troupe of Rio Carnival dancers.

Proceeds from the black tie ball, which has a filthy rich and fabulous dress code, will be donated to Rochdale-based charity, GEM Appeal, which funds research into genetic diseases affecting children across the UK.

To date, The Moorbennhall Charity Ball has raised £50,000 for the appeal, and charity patron and TV star, Denise Welch, is expected to attend this year’s event to show her support.

Event organiser, Andrew Bennett, said: “Calvin and I attended a fundraising event for the GEM Appeal many years ago, and were really touched by the charity’s efforts to help children and their families struggling with genetic disorders and inborn errors of metabolism.

“Establishing The Moorbennhall Charity Ball seemed like a natural extension to our own work among young people with learning disabilities, and we’re delighted to have raised such a significant sum over the past four years.

“This year’s event looks set to be one of our most glamorous yet, and we can’t wait to see everyone dressed up and shaking their maracas in a night not to be missed.”

Bronze tickets for The Moorbennhall Charity Ball at Ramside Hall Hotel are priced at £50 per person, including limited seating and a drink on arrival.

A Silver option is also available at £65 per person, with the addition of a wine package, while top tier Gold tickets, incorporating preferential seating and a goodie bag, are priced at £85 per person.

For more information or to book, call Entertainment Today Events Ltd on 0161 4840876 or email info@entertainmenttoday.co.uk.

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