Tag: north east

Redcar Handmade Bouquet Business Is Blooming

By on 14th December 2015in Local Biz

Brides all over the UK are exchanging bouquets for buttons, thanks to the talent and craftsmanship of a North East business woman…

Cute as a Button is the brainchild of Danielle Rigg, who creates bespoke wedding bouquets out of buttons and brooches.

The mum-of-one has seen her business bloom since setting up in 2013, with some of her designs making it as far as Italy and Las Vegas.

Working out of her Redcar home, Danielle spends more than 20 hours working on a single bridal bouquet, and already has over 28 orders placed for next year.

Talking about the popularity of her handiworks, she said: “I honestly can’t believe how crazy business has got in the last two years. It’s been incredible how Cute as a Button has really taken off.

“Some of the bouquets I have designed and created have made it all over the world, which is amazing, and I’ve started to get interest from wedding companies abroad, as they’re much easier to carry around and pack in a suitcase. Plus they last longer than traditional flowers… in fact they can be kept forever, which is a great memory!

“I think people also like how personal the bouquets can be, as I’m often asked to put family brooches, bits of jewellery or even photos into the designs.”

It was while organising her own wedding that Danielle created her first bouquet, having been inspired by pictures she saw on Pinterest.

She said: “I thought it looked easy and wanted to give it a go for my own wedding, but after trying it, I found out it wasn’t easy at all.

“My friend Tracy, who owns Sugarcraft in Middlesbrough, offered to help me with the first one, and it took us ages but I really enjoyed making it.

“Lots of people commented at my wedding about how amazing and original the button bouquet looked and then someone contacted me to ask how much I charge for them and it went from there.”

Danielle sources all the materials she needs from the North East – with the bulk coming from Thornaby’s Cleveland Wholesale Supplies and Country Baskets, in Gateshead, and the silk, handmade flowers coming from Scarborough’s ZBaccessory.

“It really is a North East business in every sense of the words, which feels great,” said Danielle.

“In the future, I’d love to be able to work out of a summer house in the garden, as the way things are going, my spare room just isn’t big enough!”

To find out more about Cute as a Button or to place an order, contact Danielle via her Facebook page.

Is your business blooming? Let us know, and we could feature you on In & Around Online!

Jez Lowe Brings Annual Christmas Show To County Durham

By on 14th December 2015in Entertainment, Music

Folk music favourite Jez Lowe is returning to County Durham to perform his annual Christmas show…

 

Fresh from a solo tour of North America, the BBC Folk Awards 2015 nominee, his multi-talented band The Bad Pennies, and special guest Benny Graham, will bring Mistletoe on Tyne to Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Wednesday 16th December.

Their unique take on the festive season is part folk concert and part music-hall revue, with new and old seasonal songs, and a hearty dose of humour,.

Mistletoe on Tyne takes place at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Wednesday 16th December at 8pm.

Tickets are selling fast, but to book your place – priced £10 or £8 for concessions – call the box office on 03000 269 524.

North East Artist Uses Powerful Designs To Help SSI Families

By on 14th December 2015in In & Around

A North East artist wants to help families affected by the closure of SSI by donating 10% of profits he makes from the sale of his artwork…

Graphic designer Graeme Hall has created a series of 150 powerful, limited edition designs depicting the closure of Consett Steelworks, which saw 4,500 people lose their jobs in September 1980.

Having grown up around Consett, the father-of-two witnessed first-hand the devastating impact that such a closure has on a community, which is one of the reasons he has decided to donate to the Teesside Steel Appeal.

Graeme, 43, has also been inspired by the actions of 10-year-old Ben Hebden, from Marske, who started a fund to give a Christmas party and other treats to steelworkers’ children.

He said: “When I saw in the news that this young lad was doing an extremely generous thing to help those affected by the closure of SSI, I thought why can’t I raise some money to show my support for them?

“When the Consett Steelworks shut down, the impact it had on the community was huge, and it took years for the town to recover.

“I knew people who were personally hit by the closure back then, but I couldn’t really help the way I wanted to.

“This time, I can do something to help, even if it makes Christmas better for just one family.”

Each of Graeme’s designs has been created to capture the significant moment in the region’s history, while emphasizing the scale of the steelworks and showing how it dominated Consett.

Taking anything between eight hours and a couple of days to produce, Graeme has used an abundance of reds to portray the processes which were used when the steelworks was running and often left a red glow over Consett.

Having worked as a graphic designer for the last 20 years, Graeme – who is a director of award winning branding and graphic design studio Designs Unique – always knew he wanted to pursue a career in art from a young age.

Although he has never sold any of his work in the past, Graeme currently has designs displayed in Consett’s The Glass and Art Gallery, and now hopes his work will find its place in houses across the North East, while helping SSI families enjoy their Christmas.

To order or enquire about a design, email www.uniquely-yours.co.uk.

There are four different designs available, which come in A3 and cost £45 (double mounted) and £98 (framed).

Pupils Rewarded For Their Recycling Efforts

By on 13th December 2015in In & Around

Pupils at a County Durham school have been rewarded for their efforts to promote recycling…

 

The children at St Benet’s RC Primary School, in Ouston, took part in a competition to design posters earlier this year.

The posters were aimed at encouraging people to recycle at home and to help people understand what can be recycled and which recycling container should be used for different items.

The competition was part of Durham County Council’s Bin it Right campaign, and the design by pupil Sophia Winship, 8, was chosen as the winner.

Sophia’s design has now been printed onto reusable cotton bags, which have been presented to all pupils and members of staff at the school.

The school also received a new litter bin – to help keep their school grounds tidy – which has Sophia’s winning design printed on the lid.

The bin is made from recycled plastic milk bottles, and was donated by Marmax Products Ltd.

People can find out more about what they can recycle at www.durham.gov.uk/whatgoeswhere.

Ramside Spa Offers Relaxing Alternative To Boxing Day Dip

By on 13th December 2015in Lifestyle

North East people who don’t want to brave the cold of the sea on Boxing Day are being offered a warmer alternative by the region’s top spa…

The award-winning Spa at Ramside, at Ramside Hall Hotel near Durham, has unveiled a special Boxing Day package which includes doing a very different kind of dipping.

Guests can book in for a special spa day which includes a welcome drink on arrival, full use of the spa facilities, and a choice of either a two course brunch or a spa Asian-inspired afternoon tea.

The package costs £65 per person, with an additional attraction for groups of between four and eight people – exclusive use of the balcony infinity pool for an hour.

A number of extras can also be added to the package at £30 each, including a 30 minute back or foot massage, a 30 min salt and oil scrub, or an express facial.

“Boxing Day is a time when people often just want to chill out after the excesses of Christmas Day,” said Jill Russell, Spa Director.

“And not everyone is brave enough to go into the sea, so our Boxing Day is a much warmer alternative!”

Bookings for the Boxing Day package can be made by contacting the spa on 0191 375 3088, or by emailing enquiries@ramsidespa.co.uk.

Police And Fire Services Agree Landmark Deal To Work Together

By on 12th December 2015in Local Biz

A landmark deal has been signed by Durham Constabulary and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service…

The “Statement of Intent” sets out the two organisations’ intentions to work more closely together and to enhance co-operation and collaboration.

They hope this will further improve the already excellent service they provide to the public, as well as saving them money.

Police and Fire already work well together operationally, and share estates and facilities such as a joint station at Newton Aycliffe and training centre at Bowburn.

But this deal marks a step change in how they will work together.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Ron Hogg, said: “The people of County Durham and Darlington already benefit from having outstanding Police and Fire and Rescue Services.

“I believe there is great potential for closer collaboration to improve services even further, and to help us manage through the tough financial times that are ahead. I am committed to making swift progress with the Fire and Rescue Authority so that we can achieve improvements and savings quickly, for all our benefit.”

Chair of the County Durham and Darlington Combined Fire Authority, Councillor Michele Hodgson, said: “We already have a very constructive relationship between the fire and rescue service and police in this area. Providing an efficient and effective emergency response for the communities of County Durham and Darlington is our number one priority; any proposals that aim to help us do this must be carefully considered.”

 

Stuart Errington, Chief Fire Officer for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We welcome this opportunity to explore all of the options for collaboration. There is a strong base to build on as we already have strong relationships, and work very closely with the police operationally, in training, on special projects and by sharing facilities and expertise. We will consider any proposals which will safeguard frontline services and, when and where appropriate, support further collaboration.”

Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary, Mike Barton, said: “Stuart Errington and I have worked closely together for several years. This puts our working together on a more formal footing, and will allow us to improve the service we provide to the public.”

Councillor Joy Allen, Chair of the Police and Crime Panel, said: “Partnership working between emergency services is second to none in the region. This statement of intent formally cements these productive and professional relationships, which will deliver tangible benefits to both services, and more importantly help protect valuable front line services.”

Areas on which the services will look to collaborate include estates and assets, control room, safety initiatives, training, back office functions, and community engagement.

Click here to view the Statement of Intent.

Durham Councillors Complete Course To Prevent Extremism

By on 11th December 2015in Local Biz

Councillors in County Durham and Darlington have been taking part in a course designed to raise awareness about extremism…

 

Members of the Durham Police and Crime Panel have completed an e-learning course called Prevent.

The course forms part of the Government’s wider counter-terrorism strategy, which places a new requirement on local councils and police forces to support efforts to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and violent extremism.

It aims to raise awareness and understanding of how some people might be vulnerable to radicalisation, how to recognise when this is happening and what should be done to prevent the situation escalating.

Cllr Joy Allen, chair of the Durham Police and Crime Panel, said: “We’re very lucky that County Durham and Darlington are generally very safe places to live. However, councils have an important role to play in combating extremism.

“In light of the current heightened awareness around the world, it is everyone’s responsibility to be vigilant.”

Cllr Jane Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for councillor development at Durham County Council, said: “We’re encouraging our councillors to take advantage of the Prevent e-learning course.

“We work in the heart of our communities, and this course can undoubtedly assist in identifying potentially vulnerable residents who may be at risk of being drawn into terrorism and violent extremism.”

Members of the panel who have completed the online learning course were presented with certificates by Durham Constabulary’s Deputy Chief Constable Steve Watson.

Deputy Chief Constable Watson said: “In our efforts to combat extremism in all its forms, law enforcement agencies rely to a huge extent on the intelligence provided by local communities.

“We welcome the involvement of the Police and Crime Panel, spreading awareness and learning about these issues can only be a good thing.”

Sunderland Recruitment Agency Celebrates Growth

By on 11th December 2015in Local Biz

A North East recruitment agency has moved into larger premises to accommodate its growing numbers, following a number of successful contract wins…

 

Sunderland-based Willow Hudson was set up by recruitment specialist Gemma Lonsdale in February, and has now moved into new offices at St Peter’s Gate, Charles Street.

Gemma, 31, made the decision to move into the University of Sunderland-run complex after recognising that her company was growing at an impressive pace.

“Since launching Willow Hudson in February, we’ve had some really significant wins, and we have two new members of staff starting with us in the new year,” she said.

“The business has been growing steadily, and we then decided to move into the offices to ensure we had the space we needed going forward.”

Although the company has been in operation for less than a year, Gemma has more than ten years’ experience in recruitment.

Originally from Northern Ireland, she has worked for a range of well-known companies before deciding to go it alone.

Willow Hudson specialises in sales and marketing recruitment across a range of industries, with their current clients including everything from waste management to engineering, along with recruiting for software companies and the oil and gas industry.

“The company has really got off to a flying start,” said Gemma.

“And we’re looking forward to a really busy year in 2016.”

For further information, visit www.willow-hudson.co.uk.

Rent A Cop Episode Seven: Twitter Turns On Francis

By on 11th December 2015in Entertainment, Film & TV

Episode seven of ‘Rent A Cop’ just aired. What do we think?

Well… we enjoyed it.

Francis has been up to his usual shenanigans in this week’s episode, taking charge of event security at Middlesbrough’s balloon festival, and on the hunt for a mischievous fish burglar. It’s a fine display of professionalism and dedication, especially considering he spends the latter half of the show with his arm in a sling.

Meanwhile, and despite having lost his job last week, Pembow is still out on the hunt for new business, doing his best to give away free promotional Sparta Security stickers. Admittedly, his efforts were largely unsuccessful, but fair play to the lad for his determination. A phone conversation between him and Francis reveals that he finally moves on and finds himself new emplyment in industrial cleaning.

Best of luck to him! But will we see him again?

Following Pembow’s dismissal, Francis is forced to pull together a band of local security experts to run operations. A selection of Darlington’s finest attend Sparta interviews, but sadly none quite make the cut.

 

As usual, the episode is packed full of laughs and – of course – Francis’ now famous one-liners, but the tides of opinion seem to be changing over on social media.

On Twitter, comments have been less-than encouraging…

Still, it can’t be all bad, as Francis is now such a huge TV star that he even has his own parody account. You can follow it here: @FrancisJonesNOT.

There’s just one episode left in the series, but with news of a Christmas special on the way, there should be plenty of Francis left to go around. The question is… will he catch the nuisance bikers before the series is out? We really, really hope so…

If you missed episode seven, it’s now available on BBC iPlayer.

To read our write-ups on previous episodes, click here.

What do you think of Rent A Cop and Sparta Security? Well-intentioned and genius, or ridiculous and embarrassing? Leave your comments below!

Call For County Durham To Donate Unwanted Furniture

By on 11th December 2015in In & Around

A call for people to donate unwanted furniture has been issued in County Durham…

 

The County Durham Reuse Forum, a partnership between five local charities and Durham County Council, is urging people to pass on unwanted items which could be used by other people.

The forum is hoping that people getting new furniture and household items delivered in time for Christmas will consider giving their old items to charity.

As well as providing low cost furniture to local people, the forum also provides training and volunteering opportunities and helps to reduce waste – with more than 140 tonnes of furniture reused so far this year.

Anyone with furniture they are looking to donate can contact one of the five charities which make up the forum.

Contact details are:

  • Consett YMCA. Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm. Tel: 01207 588 302.
  • County Durham Furniture Help Scheme, Chilton. Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm; Saturday, 9am – 1pm. Tel: 01388 721 509.
  • East Durham Partnership, Horden. Monday to Friday, 9am – 4.30pm (Wednesday late opening until 6pm); Saturday 9am until midday. Tel: 0191 586 8493.
  • Haswell Mencap Furniture Enterprise. Monday to Friday, 9am – 3pm. Tel: 0191 516 0957.
  • Woodhouse Close Church Furniture Project. Tuesday and Thursday, 9am – 2pm. Tel: 01388 602 935. (collection within an eight-mile radius of Bishop Auckland)

All of the charities collect unwanted household items, such as beds, furniture and electrical items, free of charge if they are reusable and in good condition.

Upholstered items, such as sofas, chairs and beds, should be clean, without tears, and must have the current UK fire safety standard labels attached.

All electrical items should be working, be free from rust, reasonably clean and have intact seals.

Items will need to be checked before collection is agreed and if there is any reason why an item cannot be accepted, this will be explained.

For further information on which household items can be donated and purchased via one of the charities, please visit www.durham.gov.uk/reuse.

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