Tag: north east

Darlington Mowden Park RFC Announce Harvey & Hugo Sponsorship Renewal

By on 11th December 2015in Local Biz

Darlington-based PR and Social Media agency, Harvey & Hugo, have announced the renewal of its successful partnership with local rugby club, Darlington Mowden Park RFC…

The thriving rugby club has had a fantastic year hosting numerous events, and has attracted sponsorship from prestigious companies such as Carlsberg, SG Petch and The Northern Echo.

Mowden Park has quickly transformed into one of the largest club rugby venues in the country, and is a key business hub for the region, with its community scheme also continuing to grow which is creating a lasting legacy for sport, education and training.

It is this combination of opportunities which Mowden Park can offer – along with an existing love for sport – that is the reason Charlotte Nichols, Harvey & Hugo’s Managing Director, is looking forward to continuing the partnership.

She said: “As partners, we share the same passion for sport and the North East, and it’s our pleasure to be able to help Mowden Park reach its full potential.

“This will be the second year of our sponsorship, and it’s great value for money. In return, we receive genuine business opportunities, which is fantastic, and it also gives us a chance to be part of the local community.”

Andrew McGreevy, sponsorship and events manager at Darlington Mowden Park RFC, added: “I’m thrilled to be renewing our partnership with Harvey & Hugo. They are an innovative and – most importantly – local business, with a great wealth of experience in the sector.

“We share the same drive to build a positive and sport filled community, and this partnership will help us achieve this.”

For more information on Harvey & Hugo, please visit www.harveyandhugo.com or tweet them at @harveyandhugo.

For more information on Mowden Park RFC, visit their website, Twitter and Facebook.

Hadrian House Care Home Stars In Pioneering Medical Film

By on 11th December 2015in Local Biz

A North East care home, which has taken a pioneering approach to medication, has starred in a film about the subject…

Hadrian House, Wallsend, which belongs to Prestwick Care, part of Newcastle-based Malhotra Group PLC, has been working with pharmacists and GPs to look at ways of reducing the medication being taken by its 50 residents.

And now the newly commissioned care home’s visionary approach has been featured in the first of a series of five films, launched by independent health charity the Health Foundation, looking at ways of tackling the challenges faced by the NHS nationally.

Pills: Reviewing Medication in Care Homes, reveals how the lives of residents were improved when they and their families became more involved in decisions about their medication.

As a result of the review, the amount of medicines prescribed to residents was reduced by 17%, not only saving money but also improving quality of life, by reducing the likes of drowsiness.

“I am delighted that not only were we chosen by Northumbria NHS Trust to be a pilot for this review into medication, but that the results were so impressive,” said Sylvia Dixon, Clinical Governance Manager for Prestwick Care.

“As the film shows, a great deal can be achieved when people work together with a common interest – not least, a better quality of life for the elderly.”

The Power of People films can be viewed on the Health Foundation’s website, and each depicts an innovative project to improve care and show the positive impact good health care can have on people’s lives.                                                                   

Will Warburton, director of improvement at the Health Foundation, said: “These films show what can be achieved when people are given the time and resources to transform and improve patient care.

“There is a lot of excellent work being done in the NHS and beyond, and it’s important to celebrate that. We hope these films will be shared widely and inspire others to recognise the power in themselves to generate change.

“The demands on the NHS are growing. The ideas of the people working in the health service will be essential in meeting this challenge.”

The other four films in the series are Flo: Telecare With a Human Touch, about a project that enables people to better manage their health and wellbeing through the use of text message reminders, and Bottoms Up: Everyone Can Influence Safety, which showcases projects led by health professionals at Ulster Hospital in Belfast.

Recovery College: From Mental Health Patient to Recovery Student shows how the lives of people with serious mental illness can be turned around when they gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to manage their condition.

Gold Line: Bringing Healthcare Home is a moving account of a 24/7 telephone service for people in their last years of life, and highlights the experiences and depth of personal courage shown by people and their families who use the service.

To view Pills: Reviewing Medication in Care Homes, visit http://www.health.org.uk/pills.

Durham Council Pledges To Continue Meetings Over DLI Museum

By on 10th December 2015in Local Biz

Durham County Council has pledged to keep meeting with veterans and campaigners as it develops how best to continue to honour the Durham Light Infantry…

 

Speaking at a meeting of full council on Wednesday morning, the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, Cllr Neil Foster, said meetings have already taken place with many who share strong views on the future of the DLI collection.

He said the council will continue to listen to people who want to help bring the story of the men and women who served to the audience it deserves.

Cllr Foster said: “In adopting this report, the Cabinet members recognised the heritage of the DLI regiment must not only be maintained and preserved for future generations, but honoured as widely as possible.

“We also recognise, as a city containing a World Heritage Site, that it is also important to provide an excellent cultural offer, both for the benefit of our own residents and the many thousands of tourists who come to visit us each year.

“However, we must also recognise that what we have done before may no longer be appropriate or sustainable, and we must therefore look for opportunities for how we can make the most of what we have.

“In consultation with the DLI Trustees, whose role is to do what is best for the collection, and in partnership with Durham University, we have sought to find a new way of telling the DLI story – a way that will take it to the heart of the World Heritage Site, with its more than 600,000 visitors a year, and give it the far greater audience it rightly deserves.

“In addition, we have been working with Army Museums Ogilby Trust, the recognised authority in this area.

“We have already met with many of those who have strong views on the future of this museum, and welcome the opportunity to meet others in order that this can help shape the future of the collection and how we exhibit the many important artefacts it contains.

“We understand there has been significant public concern about the proposed changes, particularly with the idea that we are seeking to lock much of the collection away from public view, but that is simply not true.

“Durham County Council – as one of the few local authorities still funding a regimental museum – is committed to multiple exhibitions over the next five years to showcase much of what is currently on display, as well as many items, photos and stories which aren’t.

“At the same time, we want to provide a new, more suitable home for those items not included in exhibitions, with a publicly accessible research facility at Spennymoor at which curators, conservators and volunteers will be able to study and work on items.

“Both of those are longer term commitments to the DLI. Work is well underway on an exciting programme of events for 2016 that further explore and commemorate the role of Durham men and women at war.

“Rest assured that we are very aware of the importance of the DLI both to the history and people of the county and beyond.

“And we believe our plans which we are developing with the input of many will offer both a fitting tribute to those who served with the regiment, and ensure the continuation of the collection for many years to come.”

The DLI collection is set to move from its current home at Aykley Heads in April, by which time the first of the exhibitions on Palace Green, looking at the involvement of Durham people in the Battle of the Somme, will be open to the public.

A five year exhibition on the History of the DLI will follow later in the year, with further temporary exhibitions on different topics related to the regiment, and a linked programme of events marking the World War One centenary also planned.

To discover more about the county’s involvement in the 1914 to 1918 conflict, visit the council’s archive, museum and archaeology services’ Durham at War website, www.durhamatwar.org.uk.

To hear from those campaigning to save the DLI Museum, read their stories here:

Panto Stars Lend A Helping Hand To Newcastle Animal Shelter

By on 10th December 2015in Entertainment

Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Dick Whittington has gone in search of his cat…

Danny Adams, who plays Dick Whittington in this year’s Newcastle panto, has spent time volunteering alongside fellow star Steve Arnott, who plays King Rat, helping out the charity with their Christmas Appeal.

The shelter is running a pet toy appeal this Christmas, requesting that members of the public donate toys for animals who stay over the festive period.

Danny said: “Everyone knows Dick Whittington wouldn’t have got anywhere without his trusty cat by his side, so I was delighted to come down to help out with these needy cats in Newcastle. I’ve brought the big bad King Rat with me too, just in case these cats want someone to pounce on!”

Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter helps thousands of lost, unwanted, neglected, abused and abandoned animals every year. Leyla Rutter, Chief Executive of the Shelter, said: “We try not to re-home our animals over Christmas because it can be a very stressful time for pets, when houses are at their busiest and most chaotic with visitors and presents. That means we have lots of pets at the shelter over the festive period, and so we’re asking the public to help us out with toys to keep the animals entertained, and also help us to continue their development and socialisation as we get them ready to be re-homed in January.”

Danny Adams and Steve Arnott took time out of their busy panto schedule to volunteer feeding, grooming and handling the cats and kittens at the shelter. Steve said: “We do 92 performances of Dick Whittington over 55 days. It’s a very hectic schedule, but we love it, and it is wonderful to be able to come to places like this in our spare time and give a little something back to the community who support us throughout the season. Being from this area, I know what a great job the shelter does re-homing animals, and it’s a pleasure to be able to help with their appeal this year – I just hope the cats haven’t been trained to chase rats!”

Steve is just one of a clutch of Geordie talent gracing the Theatre Royal stage in this year’s panto.

The Whitley Bay baddie is getting his teeth into the grizzly role of King Rat alongside former Emmerdale actress Charlie Hardwick, who brings sparkle and shine as Spirit of the Tyne. Actor and comedian Pete Peverley takes on the lovable role of Bobby the Cat, and fair maiden Alice Fitzwarren is played by Jarrow actress Alice Stokoe.

The team join the fabulous father and son duo of Danny Adams (Dick Whittington) and Clive Webb (Councillor Fitzfenwick), who are firm favourites with Newcastle Theatre Royal audiences as they fill the stage with non-stop laughter, energy, slap-stick humour and of course the odd ‘acciderrrrnt’! Joining them once again is panto’s most dazzling dame, Chris Hayward, who will be entertaining all her ‘bonny bairns’ as Dame Rita Fitzfenwick, while adding a wardrobe full of glitz and glamour to the show.

The Theatre Royal panto is well-known for its spectacular sets, sensational music and dance, and hilarious comedy routines – and this year is no exception. Add to that plenty of local twists and humour, and you’re in for hods of bonny bairns, canny lasses and the odd radgie gadgie gracing the stage!

Audiences can also expect breathtaking special effects, once again provided by The Twins FX (the award-winning company behind previous years’ looping reindeer sleigh, flying helicopter and magic carpet). Plus, returning again due to popular demand, are incredible 3D special effects.

Dick Whittington is proudly supported by local Media Partner Heart North East and plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Sunday 17th January 2016. Tickets are available from £12.50 (pay less online) and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (all calls are charged at 7p a minute plus your phone company’s access charge, calls from mobiles may vary, please contact your operator for details).

#ThrowbackThursday: North East Police Vehicles From Yesteryear

By on 10th December 2015in Lifestyle

They just don’t make them like they used to…

North East Flickr user ‘Caesarion 1’ has over 200 photographs on his page, and many of them are a window into the region’s past.

Most of the photographs highlight the transport services of the time, giving us a glimpse of yesteryear’s buses and trains, making the rounds in Teesside and Northumbria. For locals who spent their formative years here, it’s one hell of a nostalgia trip.

Particularly notable, and featured in the slideshow gallery below, is an album containing 26 photographs of the North East’s old police vehicles, a lot of which would now be considered classics.

The album features police vehicles from the Northumbria, Cleveland and Durham forces, dating from the latter half of the 20th century.

View the gallery here:

 

Gems include a Durham Constabulary Rover SD1 from the 1980s, a Vauxhall Chevette serving at Teesside Airport, and a Cleveland Police Ford Transit.

See more of Caesarion 1’s classic photographs here.

Do you remember any of these classic police vehicles? Do you have photographs of your own to share? Leave a comment below, or email online@inandaroundmag.co.uk!

Sunderland AFC Offer Sports-Themed Party Package For Fans

By on 10th December 2015in Local Biz

Football fans can now bring the action off the pitch and into their party, thanks to one of the North East’s leading event companies…

1879 Events Management, a subsidiary of Sunderland AFC, has just launched a new sports-themed package for private events at the Stadium of Light, as well as its sister sites, National Glass Centre and the Beach House bistro, Roker.

This package offers a range of benefits, including appearances by former SAFC players and Black Cats mascots, along with signed merchandise from the Barclays Premier League team.

Anyone who books the Personal Celebration package, available until March 31st, can also receive a complimentary arrival drink for all their guests, as well as the opportunity to have professional photographs taken pitch side at the Stadium of Light.

As an added incentive, the package can also include discounts and offers for the new Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, which is due to open adjacent to the Stadium in April 2016.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for SAFC and 1879 Events Management, said:  “We know that people are really passionate about their football, and wanted to offer fans a chance to really get to grips with the game at their next celebration.

“We hope this will prove a popular addition to our wide range of private and corporate packages, and become a regular fixture at birthdays, christenings and even weddings.”

1879 Events Management, which was established in 2012, currently manages catering and events at the Stadium of Light and National Glass Centre, as well as its own stand-alone venue, The Beach House, Roker.

In recent months the company has expanded its off-site operations, assisting at a wide range of gatherings, including leading LGBT festival Newcastle Pride, and its first wedding at a North East garden centre.

The Personal Celebration package, which requires a minimum of between 20 and 100 guests depending on the venue, is one of a number of special offers released by the firm for 2016.

Others include a day delegate rate of £20.16 per person for corporate bookings at the Stadium of Light up to March 31st, and a 10% discount for all off-site events until the end of July.

For more information, or to book, visit www.1879events.com, call 0871 911 1269, email info@1879events.com, or follow @1879Events on Twitter.

Additional specifications for each of 1879’s venues can also be found by visiting www.thestadiumoflight.com and www.nationalglasscentre.com/hire/

Gala Theatre Reveals Extensive Spring Events Lineup

By on 10th December 2015in Entertainment, Events

A pop icon, top comedians, and new work by The Gruffalo’s creators will take to the stage as part of the Gala Theatre’s jam-packed spring season…

Lulu, Chris Ramsey, Rob Delaney, and Mark Steel will all tread the boards alongside the likes of Stig of the Dump, Echo & the Bunnymen front man Ian McCulloch, and the Northern Ballet in a star-studded line up from January to April.

Robin Byers, Durham County Council’s service manager for place and experience, said: “We always aspire to bring the people of Durham the finest in theatre, comedy, music and film. Our spring programme is no exception, with highlights including performances from the internationally-renowned Lulu and Northern Stage’s adaptation of Get Carter.

“As well as live performance, we’re also continuing to showcase the best in British theatre courtesy of the National Theatre, and are delighted to bring world-class art exhibitions to our screens for the first time with the new Exhibition on Screen series.

“There’s plenty to keep our loyal customers entertained, whilst welcoming new audiences to Gala too.”

The season kicks off on Saturday 9th January with The Rat Pack Spectacular, before the Northern Ballet look to follow up its sell-out Three Little Pigs and Elves & The Shoemaker shows with the Tortoise & The Hare on Wednesday 3rd February.

Nashville-based singer song-writer Gretchen Peters brings her 20th anniversary tour to Gala on Thursday 4th February, then playwright John Godber’s new comedy Shafted! will trace what happened to a couple from Yorkshire thirty years after the miner’s strike on Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th February.

After the phenomenal success of last year’s The Phantom Of The Opera, the Gala Theatre Stage School return with an evening of song and dance in GTSS Goes To The Movies on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th February.

 

And Echo & the Bunnymen front man Ian McCulloch completes a stellar week with his performance of stripped down versions of the Merseyside band’s classic tracks, as well as his own solo songs, on Saturday 20th February.

March brings laughter in the shape of US comedian Rob Delaney, the star and co-creator of hit Channel 4 show Catastrophe, on Thursday 10th March.

And there’ll be plenty to shout about as Lulu stops by the Gala as part of her latest tour on Tuesday 15th March.

 

The comedy returns on Friday March 25th as North East stand up and former Hebburn star Chris Ramsey takes to the stage, closely followed by Have I Got News For You regular Mark Steel on Thursday 31st March.

In between the funny men, Gala has Easter weekend covered with a stage adaptation of the classic children’s novel Stig Of The Dump on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th March.

The family fun continues on Thursday 31st March, with the latest show from The Gruffalo creators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales.

Meanwhile, a gritty crime drama, bringing to life the hard and uncompromising world of 1960s Newcastle, a city rife with crime, sex, gambling and violence, will see Northern Stage following in the footsteps of Michael Caine for an adaptation of Get Carter.

Rounding out the season, the Gala welcomes another heart-warming play packed with humour and great sixties songs in Tom Kelly’s Baby Love from Friday 22nd to Monday 25th April, and an evening of folk music courtesy of local lads The Young’uns on Saturday 30th April.

As well as the performers on stage, the theatre will also have a number of special events on its cinema screen.

 

NT Live returns with broadcasts of the National Theatre’s productions of Les Liaisons Dangereuses on Thursday 28th January and Shakespeare’s As You Like It on Monday 29th February.

Then, coming to the venue for the first time, Exhibition On Screen will bring films of art from The National Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts and beyond to the heart of Durham.

Exhibitions on show will include the works of Goya, on Monday 22nd February; Renoir, on Monday 14th March; and Monet and Matisse, on Monday 18th April.

Tickets for all of these events and more can be bought by calling the Gala Box Office on 03000 266 600, visiting the venue in person, or online at www.galadurham.co.uk.

Austerity To Deepen In County Durham

By on 9th December 2015in In & Around

Austerity in Durham is far from over, and here’s why…

 

An update on budget planning for the North East’s largest council – including the impact of the Chancellor’s Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) – will reveal a total savings target of close to £290m by 2020. Members will also hear that whilst austerity will continue, much remains uncertain at this stage as Durham County Council will not receive its financial settlement from Whitehall until mid-December.

However, an action plan, the potential use of an additional £25m from reserves and a continuation of the sound financial management approach adopted by the council means that despite the toughest of times, every effort will be made to minimise the impact of the cuts on the county’s residents.

The budget planning paper before the authority’s Cabinet next week (December 16th) sets out a four year plan which will see continued consultation with the public on spending priorities, and also on the impact of proposed changes. Final decisions will be made on 74 proposals for savings outlined in the report by Cabinet and Full Council in February.

Alongside these measures, continuing efforts will be made to highlight and support the ‘Durham Ask’, a programme which sees the council support communities and the voluntary sector to take over some council buildings and services.

The council Leader is Cllr Simon Henig: “We have done our best to protect frontline services and to respond to the priorities set by the public, and we are committed to maintaining this approach.

“Continuing spending cuts on this scale inevitably means making tremendously difficult decisions including changes to services, altering how we deliver those services and reducing our own costs at the same time.

“As we manage this we will use a potential further £25m in reserves to mitigate the impact on frontline services as best we can.

“We are also committed to ongoing consultation with residents so that we understand how proposed changes may affect people, and we will pay special attention to those who are most vulnerable as well as people living in more remote areas.”

The continuing austerity also means there will be a further impact on jobs at the council. In 2010, then facing budget reductions of £123m, Durham announced workforce reductions of 1,950 posts. That figure remained, despite austerity continuing and a revised savings target of £260m earlier this year. However, facing additional savings the council may have to reduce the number of posts by a further 400. The freezing of vacant posts and redeployment – as well as skills training and the introduction of more efficient ways of working – will be used to reduce the impact.

Cllr Henig again: “We recognise our staff are our biggest asset, which is why we have strived so hard to protect as many jobs as possible, while making greater cuts to management and support costs. Sadly, like many public sector organisations, we may have to reduce our workforce further to prioritise spending on services wherever we can. Again, we will delete vacant posts and use redeployment to minimise the impact.”

The council’s financial planning is based on a 2% increase in council tax over the next four years. However, the CSR offered local authorities the chance to help replace lost central Government funds by adding a further 2% social care precept to council tax bills – with income from this ring-fenced for spending on adult social care. This option will be part of the upcoming budget consultation exercise.

Earlier in the autumn of 2015, the council’s 14 Area Action Partnerships took part in the latest round of consultation on how the council should manage its reducing budget. Feedback from this, and an online consultation option, revealed the public’s spending priorities had not changed. However, residents will continue to have their say via a second phase of consultation, starting December 16th and running until January 12th 2016. As well as an online option at www.durham.gov.uk/haveyoursay, there will be three special events:

December 16, 2015 – St Johns RC, Bishop Auckland     6pm – 7.30pm

December 17, 2015 – Shotton Hall, Peterlee                    1pm – 2.30pm

December 17, 2015 – County Hall, Durham                     6pm – 7.30pm

The full Cabinet report can be viewed here.

Members will note the report’s recommendations when they meet at Durham Town Hall on December 16th.

Durham County Council To Consider Syrian Refugee Support

By on 9th December 2015in In & Around

Details of how County Durham could support the national response to the Syrian refugee crisis will be put before councillors next week…

 

Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked to consider proposals setting out the level of support that could be offered to people fleeing war-torn Syria.

The proposals have been developed by the Durham Humanitarian Support Partnership, which was set up in September to consider County Durham’s ability to provide assistance and to ensure the organisations involved can work together effectively.

It followed the Government’s announcement that the UK would take an additional 20,000 Syrian refugees by 2020, with priority being given to the most vulnerable, including children.

The partnership, which is chaired by the county council, is working with churches, the voluntary sector and other partners to look at the needs refugees may have, including housing, food, health, education, translation services and community support.

Under the proposals being put to councillors, County Durham would agree to take refugees, with a focus on family groups, over the next five years.

An evaluation would be carried out within 12 months of the first group of refugees arriving in the county to see how effective this had been in order to help determine whether additional people could be accommodated.

Cllr Eddie Tomlinson, Cabinet member for assets, strategic housing and rural issues at Durham County Council, said: “We have already pledged our support to this national effort to help refugees escaping from war and persecution in Syria.

“We have had a number of approaches from local people offering to provide accommodation, host a family or to provide clothes, toiletries and bedding.

“At a time when many families here are experiencing hardship themselves, these offers of support to some of the world’s most vulnerable and desperate people is heartening.

“The proposals being put before Cabinet set out the level of support which the partnership feels can be offered in County Durham.

“They recognise that we do not have significant experience of relocating vulnerable refugees in the area and take into account our current ability to support and accommodate people.”

Cabinet will be asked to agree the proposed response to the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme when they meet next Wednesday (16th December).

The Government will work with councils to put in place the necessary arrangements to support and accommodate refugees, and will meet full cost in the first year with funding tapering over the next four years.

What do you think should be done? Leave your comments below.

Durham County Council Offer Three Months Free Gym Membership

By on 9th December 2015in Lifestyle

Fitness fans are encouraged to start their New Year’s Resolution a bit earlier this year…

 

Fitness fans are being offered an early Christmas present, with three months free membership if they take out an annual gym membership during December.

Visitors to Durham County Council leisure centres will receive 15 months for the price of 12 if they take out a membership, and pay up front, between Tuesday 1st December and Thursday 31st December.

Andy Brown, the council’s principal physical activity manager, said: “We know following the festive period many people’s minds turn to getting fit.

“But if they sign up now, they can look forward to three free months of membership – giving them plenty of chance to improve their wellbeing all the way through until the spring of 2017.”

The offer will be available at Abbey, Chester-le-Street, Freeman’s Quay, Meadowfield, Newton Aycliffe, Riverside, Shildon-Sunnydale, Spennymoor, Teesdale and Woodhouse Close leisure centres.

For more information, and to find your local council run leisure centre, visit www.durham.gov.uk/leisurecentres.

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