Tag: north east

Society Lends A Helping Hand At Dementia Cafe

By on 8th December 2016in In & Around

Darlington Building Society’s Lynn Marriott swapped banking for baking to volunteer at a local Dementia Café.

The Society encourages its staff to commit to two working days per year to carry out voluntary work in the community and Lynn, a customer service consultant at its Bishop Auckland branch, used one of her days to volunteer at the Memory Lane Dementia Café hosted at Cornerstone Christian Centre in Evenwood.

During her day volunteering, Lynn, who lives in Evenwood, served the café’s patrons some of her home-baked goodies, spent some time listening to their stories and joined in with activities which test skills affected by dementia, such as hand and eye co-ordination and numeracy.

In addition, the Society has made a £100 donation from its Community Fund, which was established to support local causes as part of Darlington Building Society’s 160th anniversary celebrations.

Dementia Cafes provide a safe and supportive environment for people with dementia and their carers to socialise, take part in activities designed to help delay the onset of dementia, and is also a chance for those with dementia to get information and advice from others with similar problems

Lynn said: “Darlington Building Society encourages all of its staff to take time out of the business to support local organisations. As I only live down the road from the Dementia Café I’ve seen how popular the sessions are and I wanted to use my volunteering day to support this fantastic local initiative

“I had a great time and got to speak with some very interesting people. It was fantastic to see how much the cafes benefit people living with dementia and their carers.”

What Does Donald Trump’s Shock Presidential Victory Mean For The UK?

By on 8th December 2016in In & Around

In the initial planning process for this month’s issue of IN&AROUND, we intended to devote our current affairs section to a rather more mundane subject, albeit one of undoubted importance – the grammar school debate.

However, with the surprise rise to the presidency of one of the most talked-about figures of recent times, we couldn’t help but divert our attentions towards a certain Mr Trump and what his new position as the most powerful man in the western world means for the UK.

How will the ‘Special Relationship’ evolve under Trump?

Much has been made down the years of the US-UK ‘Special Relationship’, which takes on a new complexion in a world that has seen the shock poll victories of not only Mr Trump, but also the Leave campaign in the EU referendum.

Given outgoing President Barack Obama’s comments about the UK being at the “back of the queue” for trade talks in the event of a Brexit vote, with Mr Trump’s defeated opponent Hillary Clinton having also voiced a preference for Britain to remain in the EU, the American Apprentice star’s ascendancy should be good news for a post-Brexit UK seeking a trade deal with the US.

Indeed, Mr Trump declared the Brexit vote a “great victory” and was quickly pictured in the aftermath of his win with UKIP leader and key Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage. However, with the latter having said that Trump’s team has “reservations” about Theresa May’s government, it is yet to be seen quite how ‘Special’ the ‘Special Relationship’ will continue to be in the months and years to come.

Big implications for British foreign policy, too

There could be a big change in the balance of power in Europe and the wider world as a result of Mr Trump reaching the top job, with knock-on effects for the UK.

The president-elect has called for warmer relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, for instance, suggesting that it could be “a good thing” in the fight against ISIS. However, security experts have voiced concerns over comments by Mr Trump indicating a tolerance for Russia’s aggression in Eastern Europe.

He has also denied claims that he grilled a foreign policy advisor with whom he was working as to why the US could not use nuclear weapons. He has expressed contradictory views on nuclear weapons in public, describing them as the “single biggest problem” facing the world, but also suggesting that he would “never, ever” rule out using them.

A less globalised approach to defence and security

Although Mr Trump has been accused of isolationism, he has described his foreign policy stance as being about “Americanism, not globalism” – suggesting, for example, that Nato countries failing to pay their dues into the military alliance could be left unprotected by the US in the event of an invasion by another country like Russia.

This would not have a direct effect on the UK, which has met its Nato spending target. However, it has been suggested that a stronger Nato would be best for the UK as it leaves the EU. Former senior policy advisor to 2008 Republican presidential candidate John McCain, Kori Schake, has said that he thinks Mr Trump will “quickly discover how much the US gets from our allies and how important their contributions are to what the US tries to get done in the world. It’s pretty lonely out there without Nato allies.”

At the very least, certain diplomatic wounds will need to be healed in the wake of Mr Trump’s unexpected triumph, not least after he was criticised by both Mrs May and now-Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, over his suggestions last year that parts of London had become so radicalised that police did not dare enter. Whatever the coming months and years hold for the UK with Mr Trump in the White House, they are sure to be gripping ones for anyone invested in the broader direction of the western world.

Some Easy-To-Overlook Gems In County Durham

By on 7th December 2016in In & Around

National Railway Museum Shildon

You only have to think of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which operated from 1825 until 1863, to recall what a huge influence the railways have had on County Durham. You might be disappointed, then, that this area doesn’t have a railway museum… except that it actually does! Yes, many physical remnants of the North East’s railway history are reassuringly right on our doorstep for easy viewing. Perhaps you had previously considered the York-based National Railway Museum to be the closest railway museum, but that same organisation has a notable presence over here, too.

To see it, make your way to the County Durham town of Shildon, which is just 13 miles south-west of Durham city and easy to reach by a direct train from Darlington. At Shildon, you can enjoy browsing what is officially known as the National Railway Museum Shildon, an annexe of the main museum in York. The Shildon site comprises a 1 km demonstration line, along which you can follow a trail taking in, for example, the original Sans Pareil steam locomotive and the house of early 19th-century engineer Timothy Hackworth. He was the Stockton and Darlington Railway’s first locomotive superintendent.

If you are a railway enthusiast, you will likely appreciate the programme of events which, before the year is out, includes opportunities to take your kids to meet Santa. There’s no doubt, then, that the National Railway Museum Shildon has plenty to keep you occupied before you head off to check out NRMYork as well. Even if don’t currently have a keen interest in the history of the railways, visiting both of these attractions could inspire you to read up on it. The local story of the Stockton and Darlington Railway is certainly fascinating when read in thorough detail, and is commemorated at Darlington railway station to this day.

No Place

“Hang on a minute,” we can imagine you thinking. “Have they just given up now?” Yes, have we really decided to give you only one “easy-to-overlook gem” to check out this month, leaving the rest of the article to… well, admit in a long-winded way that we haven’t got any other place to recommend to you? No, of course not; there is genuinely a place in County Durham called No Place. Before you even visit, simply reading about its unusual name could engross you.

No Place is a small village between the town of Stanley and the village of Beamish. Beamish is itself, of course, notable for its large and exciting open air museum – so if you’ve visited that, you could find getting to No Place surprisingly easy. Before you make your way there, though, we have to ask ourselves from where No Place’s name originates. It’s unclear, but theories have included that the name is simply a shortening of “North Place”, “Nigh Place” or “Near Place”, or that the village originally stood on a boundary separating two parishes that were both unwilling to accept the settlement, leaving it… nowhere.

On your way to No Place, you might spot signs pointing to both No Place and “Co-operative Villas”. This is the result of the now defunct Derwentside Council’s attempt, in 1983, to give the village this name, only to be met by protests from residents. Still, some residents have liked the proposed new name enough for it to stay on local signs to this day. This peculiar story about “Co-operative Villas” has been kept on record by the website of the Beamish Mary Inn, the much-loved real ale pub where you could enjoy a drink once you’re in No Place.

Library To Close In Preparation For Move

By on 2nd December 2016in In & Around

Newton Aycliffe Library will temporarily close later this month in preparation for a move to a new location.

The library is set to reopen in refurbished premises within the town’s leisure centre in late December.

In the meantime, the existing library building, on Central Avenue, will be closed to the public from 12.30pm on Saturday, 10 December. The last day for revenue and benefits appointments at the current site will be Tuesday, 6 December.

The library move is part of a £1million scheme, being carried out by Durham County Council to help regenerate the town centre.

The initiative will see the transformation of a number of shop units adjoining the leisure centre, in Beveridge Way, and the creation of a new shared entrance and reception for the centre and library.

Cllr Maria Plews, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “This is a very exciting time for current and future library users in Newton Aycliffe.

“We are working to keep the transition period between the closure of the current library and the opening of the new location to a minimum.

“There will be a short wait for customers but I’m confident that the new facility will be well worth the wait.”

The new library will include sections for children and teenagers, a study area and updated computer facilities offering internet and email access.

Residents will also be able to make an appointment to discuss revenue and benefits enquiries with customer service staff.

For further information and to find out more on the progress of the scheme, visit www.durham.gov.uk/NAlibraryrelocation

Pub Review: The Company Row, Consett

By on 2nd December 2016in Food & Drink

While there are many fascinating aspects of the County Durham town of Consett, any discussion of its history cannot ignore that it morphed from a village into a boom town in the 19th century on account of the discovery beneath its ground of coking coal and blackband iron ore. With limestone also being found nearby, it wasn’t long until local blast furnaces were doing their bit for the North East’s then thriving Industrial Revolution by pumping out iron and steel.

What does any of this, admittedly compelling history have to do with one of the most unashamedly modern eating and drinking spots in today’s town? Well, this was always a pub conceived to recall Consett’s glorious past, with its very name – The Company Row – referencing the Company Rows of houses that the Derwent Iron Company built for its workers after its foundation in the 1840s. Sadly for the North East’s current-day history buffs, most of these Company Rows were demolished in the 1920s, with the site subsequently becoming a marketplace.

Still, it’s also very obvious that the pub that serves to remember these remarkable houses in its moniker is not merely paying tribute to a long-dead history, but is playing its part to make the 21st-century Consett a key social destination. The decor of this spacious JD Wetherspoon establishment feels up-to-the-minute, as do the amenities, with step-free access, TV screens broadcasting live news and Wi-Fi all present and correct. When you also consider the licensed outdoor area and the general family-friendly vibe, it becomes clear that this really is a pub serving all of Consett’s inhabitants.

That impression becomes clearer still when you sample the food and drinks menu, which covers all of the pub lunch essentials and a bit more. Those arriving on a morning may order such Breakfast Club options as an all-day brunch, breakfast roll with Quorn sausage, bagel with cream cheese or even a gluten-free or children’s breakfast. Indeed, it’s vital to highlight just how welcoming a pub The Company Row is to the young ones, as is also signified by the presence of a dedicated children’s menu offering the likes of cheesy pasta, fish and chips with beans, beef burgers, chicken breast burgers and so many more well-priced and delicious kid-oriented dishes.

As a matter of fact, whatever the kind of meal for which you may visit The Company Row – perhaps one of its ‘Deli Deals’ like a BBQ chicken, bacon and cheese panini or a jacket potato with cheese, or instead something from the extensive small plates, sharers, burritos, pub classics or ‘fresh from the grill’ ranges – you are sure to leave with the feeling of having enjoyed a proper pub lunch. After all, for many North Easterners, while there may have been many pretenders down the years, no operator really knows how to do pub grub quite like JD Wetherspoon.

All of this is without us even touching on the various drinks options, which – as you would naturally expect from a Wetherspoon pub – are great and many. If you aren’t in the mood for something from the real ales and beers range such as a Ruddles, Shipyard or Devils Backbone, what about a craft beer or cider like Brewdog Punk IPA or Hazy Hog cloudy English Cider?

In fact, with everything from draught ciders, lagers and spirits to world beers, wine, champagne and cocktails available, as well as soft drinks and hot drinks such as a good old-fashioned cappuccino, hot chocolate or espresso, you may never even feel the need to venture into one of the local coffee shops when you have the option of The Company Row. Why not pop in to see for yourself on your next visit to Victoria Road?

What’s On In Chester-Le-Street And Durham

By on 1st December 2016in What's On?

Durham City’s Traditional Christmas Festival

If you’re set to be anywhere near Durham City over the weekend of Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th December – and why wouldn’t you be? – you really need to get to down to the Traditional Christmas Festival, which will take place across various venues in the historic centre.

Based principally around the Cathedral and Castle, the event will provide excellent opportunities for Christmas shopping, alongside festive entertainment.

So, where to head first? Here at IN&AROUND, we are certainly looking forward to the Craft and Gift Marquee on Palace Green, where more than 190 stalls are planned, although there will also be plenty of activity in the Cloisters of Durham Cathedral, where more than 30 regional food and drink producers will be present.

All of this is without us even mentioning the outdoor markets in Durham Market Place and Millennium Place, or the more than 50 additional traders in the Market Hall.

Oh, and there’s also set to be a wide range of family entertainment and activities, including live music performances and bands, live reindeer, Cathedral carol services and the Saturday afternoon Children’s Christmas Lantern Procession, which will see children leading a procession to the Cathedral for the St Nicholas service.

Please note that these details are not final and could change.

Christmas Market, the Bowes Museum

For a modest cover charge of £2.50, visitors to one of the region’s most esteemed museums can enjoy not only free admission to the museum itself, but also a feast of festive food and creative craft stalls, together with use of the Santa bus ‘park and ride’ facility.

Taking place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December, the event presents the perfect opportunity for visitors to sample quality produce – including breads, cakes, cheeses, gourmet scotch eggs, speciality hot chocolates, local beers and more – from some of the region’s finest suppliers.

Alternatively, you might look to pick up a quirky gift from an assortment of fascinating locally made jewellery, wreaths, ceramic and glass art, leather goods, toys and upcycled furniture. There will even be stalls for your dog!

Nor will there be a shortage of entertainment, with seasonal singing provided by the popular group No Added Sugar, and Barnard Castle Band and the Andreas Ensemble also on hand with a festive repertoire. Even Smooth Radio will be on site right through the weekend, playing festive music and offering gift wrapping master classes.

Throw in Christmas craft activities and the opportunity for your child to visit Santa in his grotto and even receive a gift from him (all for £5), and it becomes even more obvious that if you visit just one Christmas market this year, it should be this one.

Seann Walsh: One for the Road

Given how he stormed his last gig at Stockton’s Arc a few years back, it’s unsurprising that this dishevelled comic with the eye for the absurd is primed for a triumphant return to the same venue on 9th December.

For someone known as ‘the Lie-in King’ with a penchant for staying in watching Sky Sports News, the Lewisham-born stand-up has shown remarkable stamina in building up his career to date, being nominated for the Foster’s Comedy Award and appearing on the likes of 8 Out of 10 Cats, Live at the Apollo, The Jonathan Ross Show, Alan Carr Chatty Man and Tonight at the London Palladium.

Walsh is also quite the sight to watch live, pacing the stage and working the room as he makes good use of his well-attuned observational mind to drive his audience to hysterics. Described as “Unquestionably the best observational comic of his generation” by The Guardian and “This generation’s Dylan Moran” by Time Out, Walsh is a man you won’t want to miss when he brings his brand new, perfectly delivered show to the North East.

Teaching Assistant Dispute in County Durham Update

By on 1st December 2016in In & Around

The following statement is issued following a third round of productive talks with Unison regarding seeking a solution to the current dispute involving the terms of employment for teaching assistants in County Durham.

John Hewitt, Corporate Director of resources at Durham County Council, said: “I am pleased to say these talks have been positive and productive and an agreement has been reached which means tomorrow’s industrial action by Teaching Assistants in Unison has been called off.

“We are clear that an equal pay risk exists that needs to be addressed. However it is also important to properly examine aspects of the employment of teaching assistants which merit further review given some of the information which has come to light recently.

“We have agreed to undertake a review of teaching assistants’ role, function, job description and activities within the breadth of school activities, to establish whether current job descriptions adequately describe the role being undertaken.

“This review will not re-open the single status agreement currently in place. The timescale for its completion is by the 1 September 2017.

“To enable this to take place, as an act of good will, we have agreed we will suspend the dismissal and re-engage process while the review is undertaken within the timescale above.

“This is a very complex situation and it has also resulted in us having further discussions with other recognised trade unions. We look forward to working with these trade unions on the way forward and very much appreciate Unison’s decision to call off tomorrow’s planned action.”

Tarmac Sending Trainees To Sim Academy Simulation Training Event

By on 3rd October 2016in Local Biz

Tarmac, the UK’s leading building materials supplier, will join forces with Sim Academy to send two of its trainees to an innovative simulated training scheme…

The organisation, which currently employs 6,000 people at over 400 locations across the UK, is working with the Academy to road test the new scheme before an official launch later in the year.

Sim Academy is offering simulated training exercises using its state-of-the-art machinery to achieve realistic and engaging experiences across the agriculture, construction and mining sectors.

The scheme negates the need for on-the-job training in dangerous industries, meaning that employees and machinery can remain in operation while new recruits are trained off-site.

The equipment can be adapted to simulate a range of industry machinery such as track excavators, wheel loaders, tower cranes and articulated hauliers, delivering a safe and environmentally-friendly alternative to on-the-job training where one-on-one vehicle time can be limited.

Simulation training is already used in industries such as air travel and medicine.

Speaking of the new training scheme, Mr X, a spokesperson for Tarmac UK, said: “Bringing simulation into the construction industry is a really interesting concept, and we’re excited to be sending two of our trainees to experience the simulators first hand.

“Training new recruits on-site can be demanding – not only for our employees who have to take time out of their schedules, but for our existing fleet which has to be taken out of operation during training exercises.

“A simulated, off-site alternative is a great idea, and we’re excited about what this means for the future of training at Tarmac”.

Mick Gray, who is an experienced educational facilitator, will head the Sim Academy project.

With decades of experience working with organisations such as Caterpillar, UK Coal and managing his own training solutions firm, Competency Training Solutions, Mick will be able to offer his skills and expertise to trainees looking to meet the industry’s competency requirements.

Speaking of his new venture, Mick said: “I’ve always been interested in finding new ways to improve the safety and efficiency of training employees in using machinery, so simulation makes sense.

“It’s great to see businesses such as Tarmac take an interest in our brand new simulation training. We’ve already had a lot of enquiries regarding our open days, but we still have spaces available if you want to see what Sim Academy can do.”

Sim Academy is holding open days between 10th and the 14th of October to showcase its innovative training solutions. To find out more or to book a place, visit simacademy.co.uk.

Lord Lieutenant Commends Newly Qualified F. Jones Apprentices

By on 7th July 2016in Local Biz

Apprentices at Teesside’s award winning specialist work surface manufacturers, F Jones Cleveland, received distinguished approval for their hard work, when they were awarded their vocational certificates by the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire…

The Lord Lieutenant, Mr. Barry Dodd CBE, Her Majesty’s representative in the County and charged with upholding the dignity of the Crown, visited the Middlesbrough based company to present 16 members of staff with their Intermediate Level Apprenticeship qualifications.

Mr. Dodd CBE, who is also Chairman of GSM Group Ltd, spoke highly of the accomplishments of the young F Jones apprentices.

“You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves”. He said: “It takes great determination to go out there, find a job and then push yourselves to study and do further training. Your achievements here clearly illustrate the practical value of learning and I’m sure this experience will be of enormous help in ensuring you have the right tools to go on to even greater success in your chosen careers”.

In the three decades since its foundation in 1982, the Company has developed into the largest and most successful of its kind in the UK; a genuine market leader, pioneering many of the logistical and fabrication techniques that are now considered industry standard.

Chairman, Mr. Fred Jones, credits much of this success to the highly skilled and motivated workforce and the company’s close links with local government learning organisations. “Our aim is to give young people access to a pathway to employment through training”, he said. “F. Jones Cleveland has been running successful training courses since 2007 with all but two of our current team having come through an apprenticeship or training to work schemes”.

The Company prides itself on creating and maintaining strong community links, working with local organisations and people to build its workforce and goes the extra mile for apprentices by supporting and providing literacy, numeracy and IT training, private healthcare, banking, and in-house financial support schemes to ensure young people have the best possible opportunity for success.

Speaking about the event which took place at F. Jones Cleveland’s state-of-the-art, 60,000 square ft factory in Riverside, Mr. Fred Jones said: “It was a privilege to have the Lord Lieutenant visit and join us in support of the young apprentices here at F Jones Cleveland.  The presence of the Lord Lieutenant gave emphasis to the value of their achievements and made the occasion even more significant and memorable for us all. Everyone has worked incredibly hard for these qualifications, and what better recognition than to have our honoured guest present their certificates to them.”

To find out more about F. Jones visit www.fjonesltd.com/.

Fascinators Are Odds On Favourite As North East Women Prepare For Ladies’ Day

By on 13th June 2016in Lifestyle

Ladies from across the North East are being encouraged to dress to impress for Redcar Racecourse’s Ladies’ Day with superb designer prizes up for grabs…

The Teesside racecourse’s annual Ladies’ Day Premier meeting, on Saturday June 18th, is always a glamourous occasion and this year won’t disappoint, as thousands of women will don their most fabulous outfits for an afternoon at the races.

In keeping with the tradition of Ladies’ Day there are fabulous prizes to be won for the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ and the ‘Best Hat’, which have been kindly donated by Market Cross Jewellers, Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty, Lynne Young Chic Hats, and Eastwood Photography.

Amy Fair, Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, said this is one of her favourite Premier meetings of the season as it’s always a magnificent event.

She said: “With fascinators, dresses, bubbly and glamorous prizes to be won, what more could a girl want? This is the most highly anticipated event of the racing season and we’re looking forward to welcoming ladies from across the region to Redcar Racecourse.”

“This is the perfect event for social racegoers and racing enthusiast alike. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a great excuse to get dressed up, then you need to attend Ladies’ Day.”

Competition ‘spotters’ will mingle with the crowds throughout the afternoon and select the ten finalists for the hotly contested ‘Best Dressed Lady’ and ‘Best Hat’ competitions.

The lady judged to be the ‘Best Dressed’ will be invited to represent Redcar Racecourse in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Grand Final at Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday 22nd October.

The prizes for the ‘Best Dressed’ ladies are: (1st) A Gucci necklace and bracelet and £150 gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers, and a cut and blow dry voucher from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty; (2nd) Links of London necklace, Chlobo pearl star ring, Chlobo pearl bracelet, and £100 gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers; (3rd) Daisy heart necklace, Swarovski slake bracelet, £50 Nomination gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers. All three placed winners will also receive Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty gift packs.

The prizes for the ladies with the ‘Best Hat’ are: (1st) Bespoke fascinator and matching bag from Lynne Young Chic Hats, a makeover photoshoot for two from Eastwood Photography, and a gel nails voucher from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty; (2nd) Lola and Grace collier crystal necklace from Market Cross Jewellers; (3rd) Michael Kors logo stud earrings from Market Cross Jewellers.

Racegoers are being encouraged to put on their best accessories for a chance to win one of 20 #TopSpot goodie bags on the day.

The racecourse has teamed up with local charity Teesside Hospice to showcase a ‘Dress For Less’ fashion show after the 2nd race at 2.05pm. All of the outfits have been sourced through the Teesside Hospice shops proving that you can look fabulous without spending a fortune and you’ll be supporting a great cause at the same time.

In the run up to the big day, Redcar Racecourse is also giving one lucky racegoer the chance to win a VIP day for four. The winner and their three friends will receive a three course meal with wine in the Voltigeur Restaurant, VIP Grandstand Admission badges and racecards, and a luxury gift, all with an estimated value of more than £500.

Anyone who wants to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize should head over to Redcar Racecourse’s Facebook page and follow the instructions.

Amy added: “Ladies’ Day is always an incredible event and winning a VIP day at the races would make it extra special for any racegoer.”

Alongside the seven races, local performing arts company, Page2Stage, will help to deliver another grand day with entertainment for all the family, including appearances from princesses Snow White, Cinderella, and Rapunzel.

Admission prices on the day start from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. The admission gates will open at 11am and the first race is scheduled to start at 1.35pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/ and to enter the Ladies’ Day VIP competition, visit https://www.facebook.com/RedcarRacing/.

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

2016 remaining Premier meetings:

Saturday 18th June Ladies’ Day

Sunday 17th July Help for Heroes Family Fun Day

Saturday 6th August Caribbean Carnival Day

Saturday 27th August Ladies’ & Gents’ Evening

Saturday 1st October Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day

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