Tag: north east

Journalism Student Nominated For National Radio Award

By on 3rd March 2016in Lifestyle

A final year Journalism student from Northumbria University has been nominated for a national award that recognises her talent for broadcasting…

Lizzie Longley has been shortlisted for ‘Student Journalist of the Year’ in the prestigious IRN (Independent Radio News) awards, which are run in association with Sky News.

The awards celebrate and showcase the very best journalism in UK commercial radio – and this year has seen a record number of entries.

Lizzie submitted a piece of radio news which looked at the debate around the provision of sexual consent workshops for young men in UK universities. The 20 year-old travelled around the country to interview key individuals, before recording and editing all the footage herself – all while studying for the final year of her degree. She was over the moon to find out that the hard work paid off.

Lizzie said: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw my name alongside the other nominees – I kept having to double check, then I rang my Mum and burst into tears.

“I’ve wanted to be a journalist since I was 10 years old, so to be graduating from university in a few months with so many opportunities ahead of me is just a dream come true.”

The ‘Student Journalist of the Year’ award recognises an individual who ‘excels in producing and presenting news content’, and is sponsored by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) – the UK’s largest independent journalism accreditation body who accredit Northumbria’s journalism courses.

But the IRN judges aren’t the first to spot Lizzie’s talent. Mark Davenport, Programme Leader for Journalism at Northumbria, whose industry background includes 12 years as a Senior Producer with ITV Tyne Tees, said: “Lizzie has a flair for broadcasting and has shone as a radio reporter as well as a TV presenter.

“Our journalism course aims to give students practical skills like interviewing technique, writing across a range of media, and audio and video editing. We also ensure they are given an insight into theories so they can understand and analyse news.

“Lizzie’s brought those skills together and combined them with her own drive and determination, and her nomination is the fruit of her efforts. I think we’ll be hearing and seeing a lot of her in the industry in the very near future.”

The winners of the IRN awards will be announced on Thursday 10th March at a ceremony in London, hosted by Sky News and Sky Sports presenter Sarah-Jane Mee.

For Lizzie, this will be the perfect networking opportunity ahead of her graduation – which she admits will be bittersweet.

“I’m so glad I studied at Northumbria. It’s the best thing I could have done, so I’m excited to start my career, but really sad to be leaving university.

“The lecturers have been so supportive. They will always make time to help you if you need it, and really go above and beyond to make sure you have the best possible experience. You can completely trust their opinions because they have had successful careers as journalists themselves.

“For me, the biggest thing I’ve gained over the past three years is confidence. At school, teachers said I had no confidence, but the academics here really make you believe in yourself and feel like you can achieve anything you put your mind to.”

For more information about studying Media and Communication courses at Northumbria, click here.

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.

Newcastle Bar Introduces Menu For Doggy Visitors

By on 2nd March 2016in Local Biz

An award winning Newcastle bar has created a special menu for its four legged clients – which even includes a doggy beer…

City Tavern on Northumberland Road is renowned for being dog friendly, and has come up with a menu of dog treats to complement the food offering that is available to its human visitors.

Dogs can enjoy a range of biscuits, flavoured with everything from Scottish salmon to country game, venison chews, and fruit and vegetable flavoured snacks.

And there’s also the option to wash it down with a pint of Belgian Snuffles Dog Beer, which is non-alcoholic and made with beef and chicken, along with malt barley extracts, minerals and vitamins.

Bar owner David King is a dog lover, and his own pooches – three Irish terriers – also have pride of place at the bar.

David said: “We have three ales which have been specially created for us, and one of our dogs, Dillon, appears on one of the logos.

“We’ve also named our Hector’s Cloudy House cider after another one of our dogs.”

The rareness of Irish terriers means that other Irish Terrier owners have also travelled from far and wide to see David’s dogs.

He said: “We’ve had people ring up to check if the dogs are in, as they want to come especially to see them.

“But of course, we welcome any breed, and we find people really appreciate a city centre pub where dogs are also valuable customers.”

City Tavern, widely recognised for its Tudor style façade, was taken over by Mr King early in 2014, and then enjoyed a £450k refurbishment to create a state-of-the-art bar, while still retaining the venue’s historic features.

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.

Warm Up North Scheme Installs Free Central Heating

By on 1st March 2016in In & Around

Residents in County Durham are set to benefit from a new scheme which sees free central heating systems fitted to a number of homes without, or with only partial, central heating…

As part of Warm Up North, and thanks to a £6.5m government grant, Durham County Council in partnership with eight other North East local authorities and British Gas, will begin installing free central heating systems into qualifying properties.

The £6.5m funding was awarded to a scheme involving nine North East local authorities – Northumberland County Council, Durham County Council, Darlington Borough Council, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, South Tyneside Council, Sunderland City Council, Hartlepool Borough Council, Gateshead Council and Newcastle City Council – with the emphasis on rural areas.

A number of residents in County Durham who may be eligible for the fund will shortly receive a letter with full information.

Cllr Eddie Tomlinson, Cabinet member for housing and rural issues at Durham County Council, said: “We’re very pleased to be part of this scheme which offers help to people who need it most.

“By tackling fuel poverty, we can help to ensure people can afford to heat their homes, which in turn can have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.”

People can find out more information by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/freecentralheating or by calling Warm Up North on 0800 294 8073.

Twenty projects nationwide were awarded funding, totalling £25m as part of the Central Heating Fund scheme, which will improve the energy efficiency of more than 7,000 households across England.

North East Solicitor Backs Calls For Funeral Payment Reforms

By on 1st March 2016in Local Biz

A North East solicitor has backed calls for grants towards funeral costs to be increased for low income families, as the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee hears evidence on the matter…

Andrew Simpson, Lead Panel Solicitor with Seaham-based Ensure Inheritance, supports a reform of the present system of the Department for Work and Pensions’ Funeral Payments scheme which provides help to anyone on a low income. He has added his voice to calls from funeral directors for the system to change.

Mr Simpson says: “The Funeral Payments scheme is simply ineffective at present. Applicants are not told how much they will get until after the burial or cremation, and often the money is not enough to cover the deposit of a funeral.

“The average grant is £1,375 towards individual burial and cremation costs, plus up to £700 for further expenses. But a basic burial costs at least £3,000, providing worry and money problems for low income families.”

According to Mr Simpson, many older people on pensions can struggle to meet the costs of a funeral, which is becoming more expensive.

He says: “The average cost of a basic funeral has increased by 65% in the last eight years, particularly as the prices for cremation services and burial plots charged by local authorities have gone up, making it even more expensive to give a loved one a proper send off. One way around this is to plan for funeral costs in advance through a pre-paid funeral plan or to make regular payments into a savings account.

“People generally do not like to think about their funeral and how their life will be celebrated, but taking time and trouble to do this, and paying for their funeral in advance can remove money worries and bring peace of mind to them and to their loved ones,” says Mr Simpson.

As part of its estate planning service, Ensure Inheritance provides advice on pre-paid funeral plans. They can be contacted on 0191 338 5143, via email at info@ensureinheritance.co.uk or via www.ensureinheritance.co.uk.

Based in Seaham in County Durham, Ensure Inheritance provides a range of legal and financial planning services which help protect financial assets to provide their clients and their loved ones with peace of mind. Services include long term care planning, funeral planning, will and estate planning, inheritance tax planning, powers of attorney, court of protection deputyships, and probate.

Share Your Memories Of Barnard Castle

By on 29th February 2016in Have Your Say

Do you have memories of the way Horse Market in Barnard Castle was in the past?

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Where exactly was the Co-op? Where was the best place to meet friends, or get your hair cut? Which businesses always seem to have been there, and whatever happened to places like the Star Inn and Angel Hotel? How has market day changed over the years?

Children in Barnard Castle will soon be working on a fascinating project to develop a new walk booklet aimed at children, looking at the history of Horse Market in Barnard Castle. The project is seeking memories and stories about the shops, the pubs and the market itself.

This project is part of the Heart of Teesdale’s ‘Trails Through Teesdale’ Programme. This programme aims to provide local people and visitors with the knowledge they need to make the most of exploring the area, by providing leaflets, booklets and audio trails. Children from local groups will be involved in developing the walk book, as well as families and other members of the community.

“The project will result in a walk booklet taking in the history and stories of Horse Market,” says project leader Jude Irwin.

“For example, several people have already told me about a shop where takings were put into a container and whizzed around the shop on wires, with the person’s change being delivered moments later in the same container. It must have seemed pretty high tech at the time. I’d love to know which shop this was, and whether anyone remembers working or shopping there.”

The project has already started gathering photos and anecdotes about the street’s past. The project is also willing to hold reminiscence sessions in local care homes and with community groups to collect more.

If you have some memories or photos you would like to share, or if you would like to arrange a visit to your care home or group, call Jude Irwin on 07766 485188 or email theworddoctor@btinternet.com.

Lumley Castle Appoint New Director Of Sales

By on 29th February 2016in Local Biz

A former Barclays business leader has been appointed Director of Sales at a top North East hotel…

Tina Lowes, from Sunderland, who worked at director level for the bank as head of premier and small business for the North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, has joined the team at Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street.

In her new role, Tina will be tasked with introducing the historic four-star venue to a wider corporate and leisure audience.

As well as consolidating the hotel’s reputation as one of the region’s favourite wedding and event venues, she will aim to raise its profile within the business community both regionally and nationally.

“Lumley Castle Hotel is not only magnificent; it’s unique,” said Tina, who has also just completed a six-month contract as Director of Partnerships and Commercial Development at Tyne Metropolitan College.

“With spectacular state rooms, opulent bedrooms and, of course, its renowned Black Knight restaurant, there really is nowhere else like it, and increasingly corporate clients are looking for places which offer something a little bit different.

“Lumley Castle is fast becoming a key venue for meetings, conferences, private lunches and large scale events and I shall hope to build on that.”

Christine Gott, General Manager at Lumley Castle Hotel, said: “Tina has a strong business background, along with great energy and enthusiasm, and we are delighted to welcome her to our team.”

For more information, call 0191 389 1111 or visit www.lumleycastle.com.

Award-Winning North East Bar And Distiller Join Forces

By on 29th February 2016in Lifestyle

Two of the biggest names in North East gin are joining forces to offer discerning drinkers even more choice…

Newcastle bar City Tavern, which currently stocks more than 80 gins from around the world, will now be serving spirits from Sunderland-based Poetic License.

The independent small batch distiller, established by entrepreneur Mark Hird, currently crafts two award-winning gins and a vodka using its own still at the Roker Hotel.

From this week, City Tavern, based at Northumberland Road, will be stocking the brand’s Northern Dry Gin and Old Tom Gin, which are both carefully crafted to be enjoyed as a stand-alone drink or as part of a cocktail.

David King, Owner of City Tavern said: “We pride ourselves on offering visitors a wide range of popular and unfamiliar drinks, including several that are brewed exclusively for City Tavern.

“Poetic License’s artisanal processes and unique flavours fit well with this philosophy, and I’m sure they will make an excellent addition to our collection.”

City Tavern, which benefitted from a £450k investment by Mr King in 2015, is the latest high profile venue to begin stocking products from Poetic License, which has only been operating for around four months.

While the brand’s handmade approach limits production to around 400 bottles per week, all three of its core products can already be found in a wide range of bars, restaurants and hotels around the region, as well as leading stores Fenwick, Newcastle and Lewis and Cooper Ltd, Northallerton.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with how well Poetic License has been received and what we have been able to achieve in a relatively short space of time,” said Poetic License’s owner Mark Hird.

“The staff and customers at City Tavern really know their gin, and we’re delighted that both our Northern Dry Gin and Old Tom Gin meet their strict selection standards.

“Our focus now is on targeting more state-of-the-art bars like this and extending our distribution on a national scale.”

For more information about City Tavern, visit www.citytavern.co.uk and for Poetic License log on to www.poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk. All trade sales enquiries for the distillery should be directed to Luke Smith on 0191 5103564 or luke@poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk.

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