County Durham Magazines

Construction work which will revamp of a council civic centre, improving access to services for customers and delivering a new library, starts on Monday (January 30). Preparations for the Durham County Council scheme, which will upgrade the facility to a state- of- the- art customer access point, get underway tomorrow (Saturday), with the physical work beginning next week. The council wishes to remind all its Crook customers that they can continue to access the building to get information on services and support from staff via the rear entrance of the building. The front entrance will be closed until the work in the vicinity is complete. The work is expected to last approximately 20 weeks. Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and partnerships, Councillor Brian Stephens, said: “This is a very exciting investment in one of the council’s key regeneration towns. Not only will residents continue to have access to information on a very broad range of services but there will also be a brand new library facility. “This means that for the first time our customers will be able to access all local services under one roof making it far more convenient. “I appreciate there will be some disruption during this time, with access to the centre only possible via the rear entrance just off Albert Street, but I feel sure the benefits will be wide ranging when it’s complete.” For the duration of the work a temporary customer service desk will operate just inside the building’s rear access door where information will be available as usual. The council wishes to thank customers for their patience during this time. Information on the following services will continue to be available throughout and afterwards at the civic centre: • Housing and Council Tax Benefits • Buss Passes • Highways • Council Tax         • Waste and Recycling • Planning and Building Control       • Housing Solutions • Registrar Service • Library Service • Councillor and MP Surgeries • Dale and Valley Homes via Durham Talk  

The mysteries behind the battle of the sexes will finally be revealed next month when a successful stage show makes its UK debut in Durham. Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, based on John Gray’s best selling book of the same name, promises to provide audiences with the key to understanding the opposite sex. The witty one-man show, which has already been seen by more than 700,000 people across Europe, is at the Gala Theatre on Saturday, 11 February. According to Gray, men and women live on two different planets and as a result we are often confronted with, or irritated by, incomprehensible behaviour on the part of the opposite sex. The show sees the narrator, played by Ian Houghton, take the audience through a series of everyday situations, looking at why they can be so frustrating and what we can do to make them better. Directed by Kate Golledge, the current resident director of Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium, the show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £15.00 per person or £13.00 for concessions. To book, visit the Gala box office, call 0191 332 4041 or go online at www.galadurham.co.uk

Following consultation with the public Durham County Council is now able to offer residents an update on the possible creation of two new town councils. Following requests from local people in Crook and Durham City the authority asked people for their views on a number of options relating to community governance late last year. Now the results of that process have been collated and will need detailed consideration given the complex nature of the feedback received. The Constitution Working Group will meet next week and in March to review the responses. Head of legal and democratic services, Colette Longbottom, said: “The consultation feedback has revealed a more complex result than anticipated. “Whilst there appears to be overall support for the creation of a town council in Durham City, there is a division of opinion in Newton Hall where there is a preference for a parish council for that area alone.” 1,334 responses were received for Durham The results for Crook revealed a first preference not to have a parish council, with second choices varying with each area. Residents of Crook Central indicated a second choice of the formation of a parish council for the area described as Crook Central in the petition submitted by residents. However, the second choice for Crook South was one single council for the whole ‘unparished’ area, whilst the area referred to in the consultation documents as Crook North selected a second preference for a separate parish Council for the north of Crook. 860 responses were received for Crook. Colette Longbottom again: “The working group, which comprises of representatives from all the political groups in the council, will meet in February and March to carefully consider the responses and representations received during the consultation period and members will use these to form proposals for further consultation.  “Following a meeting of full council all households in the affected areas will be asked for their views on those draft proposals."

County Durham Youth Offending Service has won a prestigious national award for the second year running. County Durham YOS is the only youth offending service in the country and the only organisation in the North East to receive a Butler Trust commendation this year. Volunteer Kate Fenwick has been awarded the fantastic accolade for her excellent contribution over the past ten years as a passionate, dedicated and highly respected volunteer with the YOS. Gill Eshelby, head of Durham County Council’s Youth Offending Service, said: “This is a considerable achievement for Kate personally, the service and the County Council. “This is our second commendation and recognises the invaluable contribution of our volunteers – and volunteers in the youth justice system nationally.”  The Butler Trust received approximately 250 nominations this year from across the United Kingdom with Trustees granting only nine awards and 23 commendations. Kate will receive her award from HRH The Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace in March.   Kate, who also recently won a Volunteer of the Year award from CAVOS, is 59-years-old and has been a volunteer for many years. The mother-of-one and grandmother lives in Wellfield in Wingate and decided to become a volunteer because she worked for DISC, based in Peterlee and was asked to conduct some partnership work with the Youth Offending Service. She recognised the quality and care the service offered, eventually grabbing the opportunity to become a community panel member. She said of her commendation: “I’m very overwhelmed and cried when I found out. I know it does sound like a cliché but working as a team and having that support is very rewarding. “If you are open to young people and are committed to them you can encourage positive change. “My mother who is 90 this year is absolutely over the moon, I have said she can keep my commendation safe for me as she has my volunteer of the year award.” A spokesperson for the Butler Trust said: ''The Butler Trust is delighted to recognise the outstanding contribution made by Kathleen Fenwick as a dedicated and highly respected volunteer for County Durham Youth Offending Service. “We look forward to welcoming Kathleen to our Award Ceremony on 6 March 2012, where she will be presented with her commendation by our Royal Patron, HRH The Princess Royal.”  

A free advice day for people in the Consett area proved to be a big hit with more than 45 families taking advantage of the chance to get advice on everything from debt and benefits to volunteering opportunities. Organised by Durham County Council, Derwentside CAB and Derwentside Homes, the purpose of the all day event yesterday at Gelnroyd House was to provide free confidential advice and support to local residents. Partner agencies were also on hand with information including Prince Bishop Community Bank, Housing Options, Stonham Housing, JCP and the YMCA. Cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, Councillor Neil foster, said: “The advice day was a great success with more than 45 families coming along to make the most of the help on offer. “Issues raised ranged from debt matters to welfare rights and I am pleased so many people were able to get the help they needed and hopefully some of their concerns allayed.”  

A street in Howden-le-Wear has undergone a transformation thanks to the Three Towns Area Action Partnership (AAP) and a local councillor. When a railway line was removed from the village in 1965 a concrete and steel fence was put up at Bridge Street. Local people saw the fence as an eye sore and the AAP has funded a project to have it replaced via Councillor Patricia Jopling’s neighbourhood budget. Sophie Cockburn, chair of the Howden-le-Wear Community Partnership, said: “It looks superb. The centre of the village looks as if we really care for it, which of course we do. The hideous concrete and steel pipe made our village look down at heel. “Now, the combination of the new fence, finger post, flower tubs and new trees has made the centre of our village somewhere to be very proud of. “Many villagers have commented on how lovely it all looks.” The issue of a new fence was flagged up by local residents at community partnership meetings as parts of the old fence were broken and rusty and had sharp edges. Durham County Council’s Neighbourhood Services department installed the fence and will maintain it.

Services to care for and keep children safe in County Durham are outstanding. That’s the judgement made by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following a recent inspection of Durham County Council’s safeguarding and looked after children’s services. The decision, announced today (Jan 25) means that Durham County Council is only the second local authority in the country to be graded as outstanding overall in this area of work. The inspection, which took place over a two week period in December 2011, looked at safeguarding and child protection work as well as services for children who are looked after by the council, which includes those in living in children’s homes and in foster care. As well as looking at the work of Durham County Council, the inspection also looked at the contribution made by local NHS partners and others, including The Children’s Trust, Durham Local Safeguarding Children Board, schools, foster carers, Durham Constabulary, parents, community and voluntary organisations. Inspectors also spoke to 54 children and young people who are receiving services so that they could take their views into account. In a report published today (Jan 25), the inspectors state that the overall effectiveness and the capacity for further improvement of safeguarding services is outstanding.  They also described leadership and management, ambition and prioritisation, partnership working, the engagement of looked after children and performance management as outstanding. In addition, the report states that the overall effectiveness of services for looked after children is good, with an outstanding capacity for further improvement. In their report, inspectors said: “County Durham has a clear vision setting out where its priorities lie, an ability to translate its aspirations into clear actions and a good track record of improvement.” They also noted: “Where concerns about a child or young person’s safety are identified, effective, prompt and robust action is taken to reduce the risks they face and to protect them.” Key points noted by the inspectors include:  the determined leadership of the Children’s Trust, which was described as providing outstanding strategic multi-agency leadership and setting clear priorities and a strong focus on improving the lives of children and young people  the strong and effective role of elected members in championing the children of Durham and the highly effective leadership of the Chief Executive, the Director of Children’s Services and his senior management team in driving successful working with a clear focus on ambitious priorities outstanding work in identifying and safeguarding vulnerable children who are at risk due to domestic violence  the introduction of the “dynamic and flexible” One Point service, which brings a range of services for families together under one roof to make it easier for people to get the right support  strong and highly effective links between the county council and the voluntary and community sector  the council’s genuine commitment to consultation, with the views of children, young people and their families being used effectively to help improve services, particularly in relation to the development of short breaks for disabled children and young people  excellent support for staff, including training and professional development opportunities, which has helped to achieve high staff retention rates and a reduction in the use of agency workers  timely and effective action to protect children and young people who are at risk from neglect  effective action to improve the educational achievements and school attendance of vulnerable and disadvantaged children  successful support services to work with children and families to prevent exclusion from school  effective preventative services that work with families to avoid the need for children to be taken into care  rigorous and robust performance management which ensures a comprehensive level of self-knowledge and a commitment to using this information, resulting in sustained improvements in performance since 2008 Following their inspection, Ofsted and the CQC had particular praise for partnership working in County Durham, which they described as outstanding. In praising the Local Safeguarding Children Board in their report the inspectors said: “All partner agencies in Durham are highly committed to safeguarding children and young people and work exceptionally well together to make certain that the most vulnerable children and young people are protected.” They also found leadership and management to be outstanding, particularly in respect of the support given to social work staff. The report said: “Social workers seen during the inspection are passionately committed to their work, to improving children’s lives and report that they are proud to work in Durham. They say they choose to work in Durham because of the extensive and sustained support they receive from skilled, experienced and accessible managers.” The report identified some areas where further improvements could be made, including ensuring GPs have up to date health information, ensuring that the views of parents are included in assessments, ensuring young people have timely access to services and maximising apprenticeship opportunities for looked after young people and care leavers. David Williams, corporate director of children’s services at Durham County Council, said: “Everyone working in our safeguarding and specialist services (SaSS) team can be justifiably proud of this report. But the inspection wasn’t just about the SaSS team.  The success is down to everyone involved in this work both within the County Council and its partner agencies. “The findings reflect their professionalism and their dedication to their work to ensure that the most vulnerable children in County Durham are effectively cared for and protected. “To be only the second council in the country to achieve an overall outstanding rating for safeguarding children and young people is an amazing achievement. “We must, however, now guard against complacency.  Safeguarding children is a difficult and complex task.  Our teams and partners will need to continue to be vigilant and work with their customary dedication to continue to keep children safe.” Councillor Claire Vasey, Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said; “I am thrilled with the outcome of this inspection. “As the inspection report notes, despite very difficult financial circumstances, Durham County Council has maintained its level of commitment to our looked after children and young people. “The inspection result is a true testament to the very skilled and committed staff we have working to improve the lives and opportunities for children who are vulnerable.” Notes for editors: Up to 5 January 2012 Ofsted had published reports of inspections of Safeguarding and Looked After Children’s Services in 92 local authority areas    There are 4 “headline” judgements in these reports:  Overall effectiveness of Safeguarding Services  Capacity to improve Safeguarding Services  Overall effectiveness of Looked After Children’s Services  Capacity to improve Looked After Children’s Services  County Durham was rated outstanding for 3 of those 4 judgements (it was “good” for the overall effectiveness of looked after children’s services).  Lincolnshire is the only other area which has achieved 3 ratings of outstanding in the 4 headline judgements.  No authority has yet scored “outstanding” for the effectiveness of looked after children’s services.  Ofsted judgements in these inspections are on a four point scale:  Grade 1 Outstanding  Grade 2 Good  Grade 3 Satisfactory  Grade 4 Inadequate  The inspection involved 5 inspectors over 12 working days in December 2012.  It involved over 100 interviews with staff from a range of agencies, including schools and GPs, focus groups with service users such as parents, children and young people, and a very extensive analysis of case files and performance data.  The Durham Children’s Trust is a strategic partnership, Chaired by David Williams, the Director of Children’s Services, comprising senior representatives from a range of agencies including the County Council, police, NHS, schools and the voluntary sector which has oversight of a range of work with children in the county , relating to education, social care and youth justice.  The Durham Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) is an independently chaired strategic partnership board of agency representatives which has a more specific remit than the Children’s Trust.  It focuses on promoting the safety of children and young people and on holding agencies to account for the effectiveness of their safeguarding work.  

A project to give residents in the Stanley area the chance to have a say how money is spent launched this week. Stanley AAP and Stanley Town Council have launched ‘It’s Up 2 U 2012’, a scheme which gives people living in the Stanley area control of the purse strings and allows them to vote for worthy local causes, groups and initiatives. ‘It’s Up 2 U 2012’ will give local organisations, schools and community and voluntary groups in Stanley the opportunity to apply for funding of between £2,000 and £12,000 to deliver their local project. The overall funding pot for the project will total £120,000. Anyone interested can submit an expression of interest from Monday 23 January. Following this, an event will be held on Saturday May 26 that will allow Stanley residents to vote for the projects which they think should be given the go-ahead. The overall aim is to help local people have control over what happens in their area by giving them a say on which projects cash is granted to. Stanley AAP is one of 14 set up by Durham County Council in 2009 to help residents better engage with the council and have a say on how money is spent. For more information about Stanley AAP or to receive an ‘It’s Up 2 U’ expression of interest form contact the AAP. Tel: 01207 218927 Email: Stanleyaap@durham.gov.uk The deadline to submit an expression of interest form is Friday March 2 2012.  

One of the three surviving widows of the Easington Colliery Pit Disaster has celebrated her 100th birthday. Eva Hunt, affectionately known as ’Supergran’ by her seven grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, reached the magnificent milestone on Sunday. It was in May 1951 that Eva’s husband of 13 years, Bill, was one of the 83 men to lose their lives in the disaster. After living half of her life in West Avenue, Eva is now a resident of Ashwood Park in Easington Colliery. A devout Catholic, Eva began her working career as a nurse at an epileptic colony in Lingfield in Surrey before returning to the family home in Easington Colliery to look after her family after it was bombed in the Second World War. Eva who has an adopted daughter, Margaret McGann, was a former treasurer of the women’s section of Easington Royal British Legion. She also has a love of singing and was a member of the Silverthreads Choir until she was 92. Faimily and friends attended Eva’s 100th birthday celebrations at Ashwood Park after she had Mass said in the day at Our Lady’s RC Church, Easington.

Funding through the Mid Durham AAP Sportstart programme has enabled Deerness Gymnastics Academy to put on four week pilot freestyle gymnastics sessions starting this Sunday (January 29).  The sessions will take place on each Sunday until 19 February between noon and 1.00pm. The sessions will be aimed at the skaters and bikers that accessed the mobile street ramps provided outside the Deerness Academy during the summer and autumn months and will look to provide an urban approach to gymnastics but in a safe and structured environment. The youth workers from the Brandon and Carrside youth club who delivered the mobile street ramp project found out the young people attending were interested in being coached on balance and freestyle tricks similar to those used in free running. The Mid Durham AAP Sportstart programme has been put in place to introduce young people to sport and leisure and hopefully get them to take up more leisure activities. The AAP has initially supported the project with £400. Previous sport introduction sessions have included the ramp sessions, surfing, climbing and dance. Julie O’Connor, youth leader for Brandon and Carrside Youth Club, said: “We built up really good relationships with the young people attending the ramps sessions over the summer and are keen to provide them with something a little different that would appeal to their urban sport nature, hopefully this will do the trick.” Depending upon how the pilots go the Deerness Gymnastic Academy will assess the continuation of the sessions with further support from the AAP and possible use of other funding streams. Mid Durham AAP is one of 14 set up by Durham County Council in 2007 to help the council engage with residents.

Do you want to have a say on how money is spent in your area? Do you want to make a difference to where you live? Do you want to influence local decision making? If so, the Three Towns Partnership has a vacancy for a public representative. Public representatives must live or work in Crook, Willington, Tow Law or the surrounding villages and must be over the age of 16. The AAP board welcomes applications from all members of the community so the board represents a wide range of people. The closing date for applications is Friday February 17 2012. Three Towns Partnership is one of 14 AAPs set up by Durham County Council in 2009 to give members of the public a chance to engage with the council and have a say on how money is spent. To discuss the role or request an application pack contact Sandy Denney, AAP coordinator. Tel: 01388 761989 Email: threetownsaap@durham.gov.uk  

Durham County Council’s Fostering and Adoption Service is appealing for a family to provide a loving home to an 11-year-old sporty, football loving boy called Thomas. He says: “Hi my name is Thomas and I’m 11-years-old. “I love football, I’m a star player in my local team and Newcastle United is my favourite team in the whole world. “I love telling jokes and riding my bike. I have many schools friends and my favourite subject is science because I like discovering cool, new things. “When I first came into foster care I was scared and angry that I couldn’t live with my mam or dad and sometimes I didn’t behave very well. Now I try very hard. “I would like a foster carer who is lively, fun and enjoys being outdoors, just like me! “A pet would be nice too!” Thomas needs a long term, permanent foster carer who is patient, caring and can welcome him into their family. Long term foster carers support children and young people who are growing up, sharing life’s ups and downs just as you would with your own children and can be very rewarding. As a foster carer you will be working with a team to support children and young people. You will have your own social worker to offer advice, financial support, a wide range of training including the opportunity to complete a Diploma Level Three in Health and Social Care (Children and Young People), the benefit of local support groups, an emergency duty team and a whole range of other specialist services for times when carers need that extra bit of support.    Anyone interested in fostering can attend a drop-in session on one of the following days: Tuesday 24 January, Chester-le-Street Community Centre, any time between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. Thursday 26 January, Eden Arms, Rushyford, anytime between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. Drop-ins provide the chance to meet the fostering team who can answer questions and foster carers will also be available to share their experiences. Durham County Council Fostering Service is rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

German state prosecutors quiz Ecclestone - German state prosecutors confirm questioning Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone over the 2006 sale of the sport's commercial rights. [Motorsport]

O'Driscoll declines royal invite - Ireland rugby captain Brian O'Driscoll turns down the chance to attend Friday's royal wedding in order to prepare for Leinster's Heineken Cup semi-final. [Rugby Union]

Wembley Arena to host 2012 events - Wembley Arena is confirmed as the venue for badminton and rhythmic gymnastics events at the 2012 Olympics. [Gymnastics]

Biggest transfer saga ever? - LeBron James's summer move has basketball fans enthralled [Basketball]

Aberdeen sign goalkeeper Howard - Goalkeeper Mark Howard completes a move to Aberdeen after being released from his contract at St Mirren. [Football]

Racing in crisis, says Johnston - Middleham trainer Mark Johnston says the racing industry needs to change if it is to survive. [Horse Racing]

ITV sacks Earle over cup tickets - ITV World Cup pundit Robbie Earle is sacked by the broadcaster after tickets for his family and friends were passed onto a third party. [World Cup]

Tuesday's World Cup 2010 round-up - Carlos Tevez says only outright victory in South Africa will suffice for Argentina [World Cup]

Cup chiefs rule out vuvuzela ban - World Cup organisers say they will not ban vuvuzelas from stadiums in South Africa despite numerous complaints. [World Cup]

Cahill hopeful of beating Germany - Australia and Everton midfielder Tim Cahill is hopeful his side can get a positive result from their World Cup opener against Germany. [World Cup]

IMF chief Christine Lagarde, World Bank President Robert Zoellick, UK Chancellor George Osborne and Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney discuss global economic trends in 2012.

More than 50 GPs involved in the groups that will control have warned the NHS may be "in peril" if government changes are derailed.

Senior cleric John Sentamu says the government should not overrule the Bible when it comes to defining marriage.

A man dies following a one vehicle car crash in County Tyrone.

The BBC has seen further evidence that former supporters of Colonel Gaddafi have been tortured in Libyan jails.

Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka compete in the Australian Open women's final and for the right to become world number one.

Violence breaks out in Senegal after the country's top court rules that President Abdoulaye Wade can run for a third term in office.

A former pub is opening its doors again in an attempt to get local Welsh speakers to have a drink and a chat in their own language.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is in the UK to discuss with Prime Minister David Cameron the departure of British forces.

The BBC hears accounts from prison inmates in Libya suggesting that supporters of former leader Col Gaddafi are being tortured in detention.

A prisoner who escaped when two guards taking him to a Suffolk hospital were threatened at gunpoint is arrested.

Some papers argue for end to 'witch-hunt' of bankers

England are chasing 145 to win the second Test against Pakistan after Monty Panesar takes 6-62 on the fourth day in Abu Dhabi.

Closed sections of an Elizabethan town house in Kent featured in the work of Charles Dickens are opened to the public for one day only.

Snowstorms and sub-zero temperatures have hit parts of south-eastern Europe, leaving at least one person dead and thousands more without power.

Where have the garden birds gone?

The mother of murdered black teenager Stephen Lawrence says the government is not doing enough to tackle racism.

The UN Security Council is considering a draft resolution against Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, amid an upsurge in violence.

The notorious 20-year-old former fugitive known as the Barefoot Bandit has been sentenced by a federal judge to six-and-a-half years in prison.

Communities could be encouraged to make their own assessments of the direct benefits they get from nature.

To raise valuable funds to help families in the North East who are coping with a child who is suffering with a life threatening or terminal illness. Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is holding an event where participants will take part in either a fire walk or glass walk. This exercise is not only challenging but will develop the mind and body connection, a two-hour motivational seminar will be held before. If you are looking for a challenge and want to support this charity please visit our website for further details and to register for this event: http://www.rainbowtrust.org.uk/Rainbow_Trust_Childrens_Charity_Shop/Event_tickets/Firewalk+North+West.htm Spectators will be welcome to watch the fire walk and glass walk and other spectacular entertainment provided, and food/drink will be available to buy.

Lion Dance through the Library at approx 2.00 pm Dragon Crafts 2.15 pm to 3.15 pm – (FREE) in Junior Lending Library

By Jane Austen, Adapted for the stage by Laura Turner Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company for an evening of Regency wonderment, as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood make their first forays into the excitingly decadent world of eighteenth-century society. This brand new adaptation of Jane Austen’s lively tale follows the sisters as they fall in love, make mistakes and experience heartbreak for the first time in their quest to find a balance between sense and sensibility.

Sale of new and next-to-new goods from over 20 stalls. For local charities and church funds. Morning Coffee, Snacks, Cake Stall and Light Lunches Stalls can be booked for only £5.00. Tel 01325 263645

Join Pierre Lacroix of Berkmann Wine Cellars, in a revolution against tradition and a night of discovery, quelling the myths that port and red wine are the best accompaniments to cheese. Explore new territories with pairings you couldn’t imagine and will challenge your thinking forevermore. Tickets are limited and cost £20.00 each.

A showcase of young local talent. Alcohol-free event organised by PAYP (Positive Activities for Young People

The Castle Players present this hilarious play which is a searing and timeless lampoon of a society obsessed by wit, fashion, idle gossip and public reputation with a vindictive and venomous cast of characters.

Today we welcome Anna-Marie Jackson to our lunchtime concert accompanied by George Hetherington in a programme of memorable songs.

During experiments to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease, a genetically enhanced chimpanzee uses its greater intelligence to lead other apes to freedom. Cert: 12A, 105 mins. Advisory: Contains intense threat and moderate violence.

Sports Camps Run through the school holidays daily from 10.00-2.30pm for children age 5-15 years. Lots of different things to do - trampoline, football, cricket, rounders, dance, gymnastics, fun team games, basketball. Keep you kids fit over the school holidays in a fun and friendly environment. Comfortable, sensible clothes must be worn and bring a packed lunch. Easter Sports Camp - two weeks Mon 2nd April - Thurs 5th April and Tues 10th April - Fri 13th April Summer Sports Camp - four weeks - Mon 23rd July - Fri 27th July, Mon 30th Jul - Fri 3rd Aug, Mon 6th Aug - Fri 10th Aug, Mon 13th Aug - Fri 17th Aug October Sports Camp - TBA

March 9th 2012 @ 7.30pm To mark Fairtrade fortnight 2012, Great Lumley Methodist Church are delighted to be hosting a concert by nationally renowned singer/songwriter Gareth Davis-Jones. For tickets contact 0191 3885866 £6.50 adults £4.50 unwaged. Advanced bookings will enjoy a £1 discount.

Saturday 25th February The Affordable Homes Show is the best place to be if you’re looking to buy a home of your own at a price you can afford in the Durham and Tees Valley area. A range of developers and the Time2Buy team will be on hand to explain the properties currently on offer through the Government’s HomeBuy scheme. Expert financial advice will also be available to help you take that first step onto the ladder.

Jackass Youth Theatre present: 'Fair and Tender' Inspired by their work with folk group ‘The Unthanks’, who are appearing at the Town Hall in April, ‘Fair and Tender’ tells tales of wronged women and their strong sisters as they experience murderous trysts, true love and tragic entanglements.

Jackass Youth Theatre present: 'Fair and Tender' Inspired by their work with folk group ‘The Unthanks’, who are appearing at the Town Hall in April, ‘Fair and Tender’ tells tales of wronged women and their strong sisters as they experience murderous trysts, true love and tragic entanglements.

Come along to Seaham Library to learn basic computer skills and receive an IVQ qualification at the end of the 10 week course.

Depression and Suicide - Prevention, Awareness and Support. Negative feelings can be overwhelming, but with the right support and treatment people who have felt suicidal have been able to carry on with their life and the negative feelings have passed. Here, you will find information that may be able to help you through a difficult time.

There are now more than 1000 activities on the IMPACT social prescribing website. Members of the public and professionals can access information on activities that aim to improve the population's health in County Durham and Darlington. Most of the activities are free and the majority do not require medical referral. The website welcomes organisations in County Durham and Darlington to submit activities for inclusion on the site. Activities on IMPACT include physical activity, arts and creativity, learning, volunteering, befriending and self help.

With more choices, more flexibility, and more ways to stop this could be the time for you to go smokefree. More choices will help you to find the best way for you to quit smoking.

Andy Murray insists last year's straight-sets Australian Open final defeat to Novak Djokovic will not be on his mind when they meet in the semi-finals on Friday.

Security staff were forced to release Andrew Farndon, pictured, as he arrived at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmonds, where staff said they saw a man with a gun.

Royal Bank of Scotland boss Stephen Hester is to receive a bonus of almost £1m for his work at the bank, which is 83% owned by the taxpayer.

Royal Bank of Scotland boss Stephen Hester is to receive a bonus of almost £1m for his work at the bank, which is 83% owned by the taxpayer.

Amir Khan still does not have a deal with Lamont Peterson over a rematch with the US boxer waiting until his appeal has been heard.

Argentinian President Cristina Kirchner condemns PM David Cameron for accusing her government of "colonialism" in the Falklands.

Paul O'Connell warns Wales that Ireland are desperate to erase the memory of their World Cup quarter-final defeat in next weekend's Six Nations opener.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says the chance to play for his hometown club at Wembley is a "superb" feeling.

Rights campaigners have criticised plans to ask search engines to demote illegal sites in order to fight piracy.

A study of DNA revealed that indigenous people in North America actually came from Altai in southern Siberia - walking across the Bering strait around 13,000 years ago.

Bowes Museum wins award for the best gallery

25/01/12 EXTRA Bookstart Baby Rhymetime sessions will start from Tuesday 7th February 2012.

24/01/12 - Applications are now open for the 2012 NHS North East Health Visiting Awards and the region’s NHS is asking families across the north east to nominate their health visitor. The awards...

RESIDENTS in Darlington can join in the Chinese New Year celebrations at Joseph Pease Place today, Monday 23 January 2012.

20/01/12 - BUSINESSES and community groups are needed to help ensure Darlington’s Community Carnival has a sporting chance this year.

20/01/12 - RESIDENTS in Darlington are being offered the chance to win one of 200 Fitbug memberships to help them improve their health and wellbeing by making simple changes in their day-to-day lifest...

20/01/12 - DARLINGTON Council is urging householders, landlords and tenants to consider installing carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

19/01/12 - RUNNERS, walkers and joggers are being asked to pull on their trainers and join in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile.

18/01/12 - WOMEN considering popping the question on February 29 are being asked to think about tying the knot in Darlington.

18/01/12 - PEOPLE are being encouraged to think green and donate any old, clean material to this year’s Green Fair.

16/01/2012 - The funeral of Private John King will take place at 11am on Tuesday 17th January.

16/01/12 - RESIDENTS of Darlington are invited to attend the last Talking Together event to give their views on Darlington Borough Council’s budget proposals. The event will take place on Tuesda...

13/01/12 - YOUNG cyclists from a Darlington school are looking for sponsorship as they prepare for a 965 mile charity bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

13/01/12 - KNITTERS are needed to recreate some of Darlington’s landmarks in wool for an exciting new project.

13/01/12 - THE annual Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremony will take place in Darlington on Thursday 26 January.

13/01/12 - DARLINGTON has been chosen for a unique English Heritage pilot study of historic suburbs.

 

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Ensuite Twin Bedded Room from £59 per night.This includes vat. FREE breakfast, FREE Parking, FREE Internet FREE toiletries.
 

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Single Ensuite from £49.00 per night This includes vat. FREE breakfast, FREE Parking, FREE Internet FREE toiletries
 
 
 

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Executive Ensuite Room Single Occupancy from £59 per night incs vat. FREE parking FREE internet FREE toiletries
 

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Executive Ensuite Room Single Occupancy from £59 per night incs vat. FREE parking FREE internet FREE toiletries
 

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