Tag: north east

The Blues Band Return To Gala Theatre

By on 19th January 2017in Events

Music fans can swap post-festive blues for rhythm and blues as The Blues Band returns to the Gala Theatre on Saturday 4, February 2017 at 7.30pm as part of their 38 Years and Back for More international tour.

Their soulful performances have dazzled audiences at venues throughout Europe including Glastonbury. Formed in 1979 by Paul Jones and Tom McGuiness from Manfred Mann as a band “just to play the blues”, two and a half decades and 16 albums later, the band are still touring and are acknowledged across the world as among the finest rhythm and blues bands around.

Tickets are £22 and can be booked online at www.galadurham.co.uk or by calling the Gala Theatre box office on 03000 266 600 or in person.

Responding To Poverty

By on 12th January 2017in Lifestyle

Councillors will hear about the continuing work to respond to tackling poverty across County Durham when they meet next week.

Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet will hear about the work of the authority and its partners to help those affected through changes made as a result of the Government’s welfare reform programme and the challenges of continuing austerity.

More work is planned through an in-depth study into child poverty to further develop understanding of the issue in County Durham.

Councillors will be asked to give the go-ahead for the research to help develop further approaches to tackling poverty when they meet at the Glebe Centre, Murton, on Wednesday, 18 January.

Cllr Lucy Hovvels, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for adult and health services, said: “Poverty can affect every area of a child’s development – social, educational and personal.

“Living in a poor household can reduce children’s expectations of their own lives and lead to a cycle where poverty is repeated from generation to generation.

“If we want to give children the best start in life, we need to target everything from health, education and employment to behaviour, finance, family and personal relationships.

“In order to do this, we need to carry out detailed analysis of the issue and come to a better understanding of how it affects the lives of families in County Durham.”

If it goes ahead, the research would include mapping service provision across the county in order to identify where new approaches and interventions are needed.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the council will continue its work as a member of the North East Child Poverty and also take up the opportunity to work with the North East Child Poverty Commission.

The report also highlights the pressure within the Discretionary Housing Payments budget in 2016/17 due to increasing demand for support from residents struggling with housing payment demands.

Spring Season At Bishop Auckland Town Hall

By on 7th January 2017in Events

A varied and exciting line-up of comedy, music, film screenings and much more is set to entertain audiences at Bishop Auckland Town Hall in the New Year.

Tickets for the town centre venue’s spring season are now on sale and there’s plenty of choice to suit all tastes.

A host of top notch comedians are set to entertain audiences over the coming months courtesy of Hilarity Bites Comedy Club, which returns on Friday, 20 January with headliner Carl Hutchinson. Carl recently performed to three sell-out audiences in Gala Theatre’s studio.

Daliso Chaponda headlines Hilarity Bites on Friday, 17 February, with Steve Shanyaski taking the helm on Friday, 17 March and 2014 Comedian’s Comedian Award-winner Gavin Webster stepping up on Friday, 21 April.

There’s Gothic storytelling at its very best on Wednesday, 8 March with Northumberland Theatre Company’s visually exciting production of Dracula. Imaginative, scary and atmospheric yet also funny, the show will appeal to family audiences with a mix of audience participation, music and humour.

There’s more live theatre in the spring with The Chef Show on Wednesday, 25 January. Father and son, Abdul and Kamal, are having a busy night in their restaurant as they struggle to deal with customers ‘out front’ and staff in the kitchen.

And the drama continues on Saturday, 18 March, when Blackeyed Theatre presents a brand new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Gothic horror masterpiece Frankenstein, fusing storytelling, live music and puppetry with stunning theatrics.

There’s also plenty to entertain music fans, with a wide range of acts performing at Bishop Auckland Town Hall throughout the season.

Prolific songwriter John Wrightson and north east entertainer Bert Draycott hit the Town Hall stage with their folk music extravaganza Life in a Pit Village on Saturday, 11 February.

Fusing rock, blues, folk and punk, The Pistoleros, perform on Saturday, 25 February, while award-winning folk singer-songwriters Tilston and Lowe take to the stage on Friday, 7 April, having joined forces for a series of concerts filled with music and banter.

There’s fun for all the family, on Monday, 3 April with Kitchen Zoo bringing to life Edward Lear’s The Owl and the Pussycat, a curious tale of an unexpected sea voyage to a curious land.

Film-lovers are also well-catered for this spring with a collection of Hollywood blockbusters and a more local production.

On Thursday, 26 January, the town hall will be screening The Legend of Tarzan; on Thursday, 23 March, it’s the 2016 production of Ben Hur; and on Thursday, 27 April, there’s a chance to catch The Girl on the Train.

There will also be a screening of Chris Anderson’s documentary A Story of Bishop Auckland, celebrating the people and activities that have put the town firmly on the map in recent years, on Wednesday, 1 March.

Capping off the season on Wednesday, 26 April, Ballet Theatre UK presents Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Based on Lewis Carroll’s much-loved children’s books, the show is a captivating piece brimming with wit, humour and charm.

The full programme is available at www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk. To book tickets, contact the box office on 03000 269 524.

 

Road Widening Will Reduce Queues At Thinford Roundabout

By on 6th January 2017in Events

Work to widen a section of the A688 to the east of Thinford roundabout is set to begin in the New Year.

The scheme, being carried out by Durham County Council, aims to increase capacity at the junction and reduce traffic queues. Widening of the road at this location has been a longstanding aim which is only now possible due to the demolition of the former Thinford Inn.

It will also include the creation of a new junction, which will provide a right turn lane from the A688 and access to a new development due to open later in the year.

Work will begin on Monday, 16 January and is expected to take about three months to complete, during which time the eastbound lane of the A688 will be closed from the roundabout towards Metal Bridge.

Businesses normally accessed via this section of the road will remain open, with parking provided in the layby to the east of the A167 southbound carriageway approaching Thinford roundabout.

The layby will be closed to other traffic while work is ongoing and will remain closed once the scheme is complete.

A diversion will be in place, taking drivers via the A167 to Rushyford, the A689 to the Sands Hall roundabout at Sedgefield and then the A177 to Tursdale.

Several full closures of the A688 will be required towards the end of the works. Further information will be provided in advance of these closures.

Adrian White, Durham County Council’s head of transport and contract services, said: “These essential works will support the regeneration of the area and reduce waiting traffic at what has become something of a bottleneck.

“There will be a diversion in place and motorists should expect some disruption. We would like to thank them in advance for their patience.”

As well as street lighting, signage and drainage works, the scheme will include the diversion of utilities.

 

 

Baldwins Enhances Northern Presence Through Formation Of North East Board And Significant Team Expansion

By on 5th January 2017in Lifestyle

Baldwins Accountants has formed a North East board out of three local firms, in a bid to enhance its northern presence to better serve the region’s businesses.

The board, made up of Evolution Director, Martin Barber, Rowlands Director, Andrew Little, and Dawn Walton, Director of Alnwick Accountants, will oversee the running of the existing combined firms and expand expertise in order to build an exciting and dynamic accountancy practice fit for the future.

Combining 75 years of industry practice between them, the new board will benefit companies around the North East by combining talent, experience and expertise across the region.

“We’re excited at the prospect for the firm within the North East and as likeminded individuals, we feel we are well placed to deliver excellent career opportunities,” said Martin.

Andrew added: “Through this new, combined larger approach, we will be able to help more businesses, who will benefit from enhanced expertise and top quality, local service.”

Establishing a North East board is just one of the ways the firm, headquartered in the West Midlands, is increasing its profile in the area.

A recent recruitment drive, which saw 11 new starters added to the Baldwins North East group, takes its current team of staff to over 200.

The new members, four of which are apprentices, cover a range of roles within the company and are based all over the North East.

About the new employees, Dawn said: “It’s fantastic to see the North East team expanding so rapidly and with such an eclectic mix of talent and experience.

“We feel it’s important to employ apprentices alongside more experienced members, because we like to give talented youngsters a real career opportunity and our strong links to local education establishments have made this possible.”

With over 10,000 clients and a turnover in excess of £10m in the North East alone, Baldwins is regarded as one of the fastest growing accountancy practices in the UK, a factor which attracted Accounts Senior, Andrew Harrison.

He said: “The chance to work for such a progressive and expanding firm was too good an opportunity to overlook.

“The fact Baldwins keeps growing, yet retains the local accountants’ office feel, really interested me.”

This is a sentiment echoed by Sarah Hale, newly appointed director in audit, who said: “I love the vision and the progressive attitude the firm shows and I also like the idea of working with customers who really need us and value us.”

Tax apprentice Ben Harrison added: “Baldwins jumped out as a great firm to work for when I was applying for apprenticeships, from doing original research on the company website, right down to interview process.

“I was delighted when I was offered a position here and knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”

Baldwins Accountants is one of the largest, independent accountancy firms in the UK with 33 offices and over 800 staff. The firm specialises in accountancy and business advisory services, including corporate finance and specialist tax advice to all businesses from start-ups to mature companies, across a broad range of business sectors.

For more information, please visit: http://www.baldwinsaccountants.co.uk/index.php

Twitter – @baldwinsandco

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.

Landlord Accreditation Scheme Racks Up Century

By on 5th January 2017in What's New?

A scheme to support landlords and protect tenants across County Durham has reached a new landmark.

Durham County Council’s Landlord Accreditation Scheme has welcomed its 100th member, Paul McFarling, bringing the total number of properties covered by the scheme to well over 2,000 across the county.

The project sees landlords working with the council to ensure they offer quality accommodation and gives tenants peace of mind that their landlord is registered with the local authority.

Paul said: “Being accredited means that people looking to rent can see that I’m a reputable landlord who offers good quality, well managed accommodation. There are so many programmes on television these days showing rogue landlords using dodgy practices that it’s a brilliant and easy way to reassure people looking to rent.

“By working with the council I also get a range of support and advice, like being kept up to date with all of the latest changes to legislation, so it’s something I’d definitely recommend all landlords consider joining.”

Landlords who sign up to the voluntary scheme agree to work in line with a code of practice which ensures that tenants can rent with confidence. In return their properties are advertised on the Durham Key Options website – the online portal for social housing – giving them access to a waiting list of potential tenants. They also get access to a tenancy referencing service, receive updates on changes in landlord legislation and can apply to the council’s empty property loan scheme, which has so far provided nearly £1.5 million to bring long-term empty homes back into use across the county.

Cllr Eddie Tomlinson, Cabinet member for strategic housing, said: “Our Landlord Accreditation Scheme is making a real difference in County Durham and we’re delighted to welcome Paul as our 100th member.

“It provides help and support to ensure landlords can offer quality homes but it also gives tenants peace of mind, knowing they’re renting from someone who adheres to a code of practice enforced by the council.”

“With landlords also getting access to our empty homes loan scheme it’s helping to bring hundreds of long term empty properties back into use, improving housing and entire communities across the county.”

Prospective tenants can rent with confidence knowing that the council inspects the properties on offer, that their tenancy is protected by a written agreement and that they may qualify for a deposit guarantee scheme.

Landlords can find out more about the scheme and how to sign up by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/landlordaccreditation

Tenants looking for accredited landlords can find properties at: www.durhamkeyoptions.co.uk.

North Road Improvements Resume

By on 5th January 2017in What's New?

A major refurbishment of a key area of Durham City will restart in January.

Improvement work started in North Road in October as part of a Durham County Council scheme. Although all shops remained accessible during the works, the project also included a planned suspension to support traders over the busy festive period.

Following this, the work will resume as scheduled on Wednesday, 4 January.

The improvements will see the road layout altered to improve traffic flow and make the area safer and easier to use for pedestrians. New paving will also be installed using a more attractive and durable stone with wider areas created for outdoor seating.

John Reed, Durham County Council’s head of technical services, said: “Following the planned break to support businesses on and around North Road over the Christmas period, these major improvements are now set to get underway again.

“We’d like to thank retailers, residents and shoppers for their continuing patience while we work to make North Road more attractive, safer and easier to use for everyone.”

While the work is underway, diversions to buses and the relocation of the taxi ranks will resume. More details on the changes can be found at: www.durham.gov.uk/northroad.

The improvement work is part of a £1.84 million programme to upgrade roads and footpaths around Durham City over the next two years.

Darlington Building Society Supports North East Homeless Charity

By on 5th January 2017in In & Around

Darlington Building Society in Stockton is helping to tackle youth homelessness in Teesside after giving its support to a local charity.

The Stockton High Street branch of the Society has supported the Youth Homeless North East (YHNE) charity, by making a donation from its community fund to allow the charity to purchase important items including hygiene products and warm clothing.

Working in collaboration with partners throughout the region to bring about change, YHNE has the ultimate aim of eradicating homelessness amongst young people through the promotion of best practice, influencing policy and strategy, and working with young people to help them overcome barriers to housing.

Linda Masterman, Customer Service Consultant at Darlington Building Society, said: “When the branch heard about the work that Youth Homeless North East does with youngsters in Tees Valley, we wanted to help and put it forward to receive a donation from our community fund.

“It does fantastic work helping to keep young people safe and off the streets, so we’re pleased to be able to give them our support.”

Kieran Platts of Youth Homeless North East said: “We’d like to thank Darlington Building Society for its support. It’s important for us to have the backing of organisations, like the Society, which have a passion for giving back to the community.”

Adults Only Sleepover Announced For Newcastle’s Great North Museum: Hancock

By on 19th December 2016in What's On?

The Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle has announced that it will host an ‘adults only’ sleepover for the first time early next year.

The ticketed event on Saturday 4 March 2017 is part of the new Great North Nights programme of late events at the museum.

Visitors will get the chance to bed down next to the museum’s iconic exhibits, including its Egyptian mummies and T. rex, as well as after-hours access to the forthcoming exhibition Bones: Skeleton Secrets of the Animal World.

There will also be live music from North East band The Cornshed Sisters, a cash bar, late night DJ, food and activities led by the museum’s experts.

Caroline McDonald, Manager at the Great North Museum: Hancock said:

“We’re excited to try something new with this event and allow visitors to live that dream of spending a night at the museum.”

“We have had youngsters stay overnight in the past but this is our first sleepover designed solely with grown-ups in mind. I’m pleased that we’ll be able to show the museum in a different light.”

Tickets for the sleepover are limited and priced at £75 (plus booking fee) for adults and £70 (plus booking fee) for concessions. The price includes a complimentary welcome drink, hot buffet dinner, late night snacks, all entertainment, activities and breakfast the following morning.

Musical headliners for the night The Cornshed Sisters are four singer-songwriters who weave together pop, folk, protest, ballad and gospel music into a unique and distinctively English style.

Following the release of their debut album ‘Tell Tales’ they performed a live session for Marc Riley (BBC Radio 6 Music), toured the UK with The Futureheads, appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Loose Ends and played Glastonbury acoustic stage in summer 2016. Their second album is currently being recorded and produced by Peter Brewis at Field Music’s Studio on the banks of the river Wear.

Tickets for Great North Nights: Grown-up Sleepover are available now via www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

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