Issue 20, March 2007

Esh Leaves Esh Parish Council newsletter for Esh, Langley Park, Quebec, Ushaw and Wilk‟s Hill

Submit articles for the July 2007 edition to: The Editor, 8 Long Garth, Durham City, DH1 4HJ or email to [email protected] or leave at Esh or Langley Park Post Office by 31 May 2007

facilities, with the WHAT’S HAPPENING AT emphasis on USHAW COLLEGE? education and

There is a momentous training. Our visitors occasion approaching range from teachers for Ushaw College, in to astro-physicists, 2008 we will celebrate 200 care workers, artists years of occupancy of the and management Seminary here. On July 19th trainees, and District 1808 the College opened the and County Council doors and the first students Ushaw College Conference Centre organisations use our and staff took possession. facilities regularly. Ever since that time, Ushaw You may have heard some of College has been a resource the ideas around the area Ushaw provides courses in for formation for Catholic about what is happening at Theology and Ministry at all priests for the Northern Ushaw. Some are more levels, from Certificate to a Region of the Catholic believable than others. It has Doctorate in Ministry, in Church in England Wales and been a standing joke here conjunction with our beyond. We continue this that if you ask a taxi driver on ecumenical colleagues and work of training priests to the the way to Ushaw from Durham University‟s present day, but we know that Durham what is happening, Department of Theology and Ushaw has much more to yet another version will be Religion: these are available offer at the moment, and we offered. It is true that we have to suitably qualified lay hope yet more in the future. had a lot of ideas in the past people and are integrated few years about what can be with the training for Seminary Two hundred years is an done at Ushaw to ensure a students. Ushaw‟s achievement in anyone‟s sustainable future, and make educational outreach includes reckoning, and it is a time to better use of our buildings modular courses in give thanks for the great and space here. chaplaincy, youth ministry, contribution to the life of the catechesis and interfaith Church and for the example Our Conference Centre is dialogue, among others. of those who established, flourishing, with over 30,000 Many of these courses are expanded and maintained the visitor days a year, offering available online. College resources and accommodation for all types community. It is also a time to of conferences, religious and Ushaw maintains strong links examine the present position secular, on a day or with our ecumenical partners and look towards the future. residential basis. We offer a at Cranmer Hall where people We realise that Ushaw is in broad range of Conference are trained for ministry in the need of substantial facilities, including en-suite Anglican faith, and the investment to preserve the and standard accommodation Wesley Study Centre where Heritage asset of buildings and a variety of well equipped training takes place for and landscape, and maintain conference rooms. the community that is based Conference organisers from SEE PAGE 2 FOR CONTENTS here. all walks of life are using the Methodist ministers. Many of Conference visitors, perhaps some of the fields on our our degree courses are provide some residential agricultural land. This is a taught in common with their conversion of the old Junior Biomass fuel crop, properly students, which broadens the School here, and provide known as Short Rotation teaching and learning some commercial office and Coppicing. The willow experience for all involved. workshop space. We are also cuttings that have been considering some lettable planted will hopefully provide Turning to buildings and land, holiday accommodation us with a fuel crop in about we have done significant which, together with our three years time that we can work on our future over the conference centre, we hope use as a heat source for the past two or three years, in can support the growing buildings, and perhaps most conjunction with the local initiatives of Durham City importantly with current Planning Department, English towards tourism in the area, initiatives relating to reducing Heritage and other interested and encourage visitors to global warming, the fuel is authorities, and latterly with spend more time in Durham “Carbon Neutral”. We hope to our own architectural, City and the surrounding plant four more fields near Hill planning and landscape area. Top this spring. consultants. Under the rather grand title of a Conservation We are very conscious that So, quite a lot is happening at and Management Plan, we the landscape is an integral Ushaw! We hope over the are now approaching an part of Ushaw, and this next editions of Esh Leaves, overall picture of how Ushaw summer we hope to begin and with the encouragement can come to a sustainable some renovation of the of the Editor, to keep you future, with redevelopment of rhododendron gardens at the informed of how we are some of our unused front of the buildings. We doing, and of any buildings, refurbishment of have secured some funding developments, initiatives and some others, and assistance from this project, news about Ushaw. development of agricultural and intend to establish some and other land. A key part of Permissive Footpaths to allow Peter Seed all of this is the conservation public access to the garden Director of Facilities & of the Heritage asset of area. These will permit Estates buildings and landscape, and access to the gardens from [email protected] the further opening up of the two drives to the south of Ushaw as an asset available the College buildings and we Some of the items in this to the local and broader hope that local people will issue are: community. make use of them to enjoy the gardens. Item Page Langley Park Cricketers 3 We hope to improve facilities Where are they now? 3 for the Seminary and You may have noticed a LP Pre-school Playgroup 4 rather unusual crop in Hall of Fame 5 Wordgram 6 Police Report 7 Competition time 11 News from the Schools 12 News from the Councils 15 Wildlife Corner 22 Fastfit Tyres 22 EQUaL 23 Poets Corner 25 New Businesses 27 IT @ The Tute 27 What are these Langley Park men Mining Memorial 27 pointing at? (See the Radio Golden Wedding 29 Times – Special „Days of Hope‟ Goodbye to Langley Park 29 Edition) in the centre Ushaw College front and Gardens pull-out section.

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So come on all you budding perfectly. LANGLEY PARK Collingwoods, Harmisons and CRICKETERS Plunketts get ringing 0191 1982 saw the release of On Sunday 3rd December we 3733033 NOW! 'Lions In My Own Garden had a Christmas fayre in the (Exit Someone)' on Candle Welfare Club with tombola, WHERE ARE THEY Records. After months of cake, mulled wine, mince NOW? gigging and Martin working pies, hot soup, hot dogs, bric- The Young McAloons on building sites, they had a-brac, and biscuit and Better Known as Prefab saved up enough cash to go shortbread stalls, along with Sprout into a studio and record the Santa Claus in this grotto with single. They even had his two helpers. A big thank Prefab Sprout started life enough cash to get a few you to all who helped, and to playing in a garage in Witton records pressed too! all who attended and bought Gilbert, in the early 1970s. raffle tickets and goods from While customers were filling Local record label the stalls. We raised in up their cars and chammying Kitchenware signed them up, excess of £500 for our funds their bonnets, Paddy and their first album Swoon was to help in running the cricket. Martin McAloon were treating released in 1984. them to cover versions of all their favourite pop The album is a joy to listen to tunes. The punters as it features none of the loved it and so did the elaborate production style McAloon's dad – who that later become a regular ran the garage. coating on every Prefab Sprout album. It was Prefab Paddy McAloon started Sprout on a tight budget, to write his own songs sounding pretty much as they and entertained the did live. However, almost as Cricket Club Christmas Fayre local old folks home soon as the album was with renditions of We started running released, Paddy McAloon 'Faron Young,' a future single training/practice nets at dismissed it as for the band. They later Fyndoune sports hall from 'embarrassing'. That is, until graduated to pubs, playing in Thursday 8th February at electro-popster Thomas their wellies to avoid 6.30p.m. Dolby heard them on the electrocution from their dodgy radio and asked if he could wiring! Anyone interested please produce their next LP, Steve come along both Juniors and McQueen was the result. During the early 1980s, Seniors are welcome. Paddy met his future girlfriend Often appearing in the top Wendy Smith in a pub in Contact Tom Huscroft on Whitley Bay. 0191 3733033 for further Wendy was a big details fan of the band,

and followed Editors note them from gig to

gig. She could If Durham County Cricket also sing and, on Club can provide 3 players for joining the band, the England team then why her ethereal shouldn‟t the youngsters of vocal style our Parish break into the complemented County squad? Paddy's rough

Geordie vocals McAloons service station (now derelict)

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100 albums of all time lists, the Prefab Sprout „Sproutnet‟ However during august 2005 Steve McQueen, is agreed by website vandals pulled down the flue fans to be the band's finest www.prefabsprout.net that was attached to the work. Released in 1985, it states that the re-release of boiler leaving a gaping hole in spawned a top 30 single the 1985 Steve McQueen the roof and damaging the 'When Love Breaks Down.' album which was to have boiler in the process. At about By this time, drummer Neil happened this year is now „up the same time the concrete Conti had joined the group in the air‟ due to the health steps leading from the back and the line-up was complete. problems of Paddy McAloon. door onto the back court were demolished, again the work of In 1988, Prefab Sprout Editors note vandals. This meant that seemed to be everywhere. there was no heating and no With the release of their third Steve McQueen was the fire exit from the rear of the album, From Langley Park to second full length album from building so there was no way Memphis, came the single Prefab Sprout. Reaching No. that playgroup could continue 'Cars and Girls' - very catchy, 21 and remaining in the UK in the youth centre - the very radio-friendly …...but it charts for 35 weeks. The leaders had to accept that flopped. However, the next album contained the single fact. single 'The King of Rock 'n' which first broke the band into Roll' shot to number seven in the Top 25 with the We explored the possibility the UK singles charts. heartbreaking classic When that of using every other Suddenly, everyone had Love Breaks Down. Other public building in Langley heard of Prefab Sprout... for singles taken from the album Park and in Esh village but for all the wrong reasons. The include Faron Young, a variety of reasons none song was unlike anything Appetite and Johnny Johnny were suitable or available so they had recorded before and (originally entitled Goodbye the playgroup did close. We was meant to be a bit of a Lucille #1 on the album). Now gave our toys and equipment joke. It was a lampooning of a digitally remastered, and to other playgroups as has-been crooner, loosely complemented with a second required by our constitution. based on Elvis Presley, disc containing eight acoustic whose trousers are too tight rearrangements specially That‟s the bad news. and fans too old. The video recorded by Paddy McAloon, featured three people a new 2CD Digipack “Prefab The good news is that since dressed in hot dog outfits Sprout - Steve McQueen: July 2006 meetings have dancing round a pool. The 20th Anniversary Legacy been taking place to try to kids loved it and bought it in Edition” is expected to be restart playgroup with the droves. released in early April 2007. same fully qualified leaders as before. It is now possible During the early 90s, the LANGLEY PARK PRE- for playgroup to take place in band toured the world SCHOOL PLAYGROUP Wood View Community promoting their album Jordan: centre because we have The Comeback. With 19 The playgroup was formed in overcome the storage tracks about God, Love, Elvis April 1971 and continued in problem that prevented us and Death, the album put the the youth centre very from holding playgroup there band back into the serious successfully for over 34 in 2005 by getting planning league. The album was years. In July 2005 we the permission for a metal nominated for a Brit Award leaders were aware that the storage unit in the yard. but was beaten to it by youth centre was going to be George Michael's Listen put up for sale but we We are now in the process of Without Prejudice. decided that the playgroup applying to Ofsted to be re- would continue for as long as registered and arranging for Latest News: 31 August 2006 possible i.e. until the youth the premises to be inspected. – First month of the launch of centre was sold. We are also applying for

Esh Leaves Page 4 March 2007 grants to buy new equipment and the future Mrs. Groves etc. we have set a target date were the first boy and girl to of April 16th 2007 for be granted a scholarship to playgroup to restart but this the Durham Johnston School. depends on the length of time Furthering his education Mr. it takes to complete these Ardley went to St. Luke‟s formalities - the start date College, Exeter. may have to be delayed. Before the First World War he took up a teaching post at We plan to hold playgroup on Sacriston and from 1914 – Mon, Wed, and Thurs 1918 served in the Royal mornings from 9.15am - Artillery. Returning home he 11.45am during term time for went back to Sacriston and children aged two and a half later taught at Earls House, years to school age. We are then a young offenders home. now compiling a list of Jack Ardley children who would like to Mitchell who was for many Jack had met Lily Gibson who attend the playgroup years associated with was a dedicated nurse at the including those younger than Langley Park Cricket Club. local Isolation Hospital. The two and a half years so that Mr. Ardley‟s father came from couple married and Mr. we get a picture of future Coggleshalll in Essex. Mrs. Ardley began teaching at needs. Ardley (nee Shorten) was Langley Park. born in Norfolk. The couple Always an enthusiastic If you would like your spent most of their lives in cricketer in the 1920s-1930s child’s name put on the list Langley Park and were the he was well known as or if you want more first couple to be married in captain, batsman and wicket information please contact the newly opened All Saints keeper with Langley Park Linda Evans at 8 Lambton Church in the village. That Cricket Club. Considered by Street, Langley Park, or was in 1888. However, many to be of county phone on - 07729828921, or some hours after the standard he was never email- ceremony they were shocked selected to play. Jack Ardley [email protected] to find they were not legally was in the local team in 1919 married. Due to an oversight when G.E. Hemsley scored a JOHN FOSTER’S HALL the church had not been record 198 not out. OF FAME licensed for weddings. The During the 1939 – 1945 War On this occasion a matter was rectified the next Mr. Ardley was Head of the schoolteacher who was well day but they had been „living Local A.R.P. Wardens. known in the village, in sin‟ for nearly twenty-four Rising to Deputy Headmaster particularly by all the boys hours.!!! at Langley Park County who attended Langley Park The Ardley family became School he retired in the County School over many well established in the village summer of 1955. By this time years, is remembered. as Fried and Wet Fish the new school had been Dealers. They had premises opened and it was now JACK ARDLEY in Quebec Street but during known as Langley Park the normal working day Jack Modern School. At the Jack Ardley was born in Ardley‟s father was employed County School Jack Ardley Langley Park and was one of at Langley Park Colliery. took charge of the class of three children born to John Jack Ardley was born in 1890 boys who were approaching and Laura Ardley. His sisters and attended the British school leaving age. During Hilda and Sybil also became School in the village. (The his teaching days Mr. Ardley schoolteachers. Sybil being building later became The looked after the school well known by her married Church Hall and many years garden and encouraged his name having married Jim later The Youth Centre) He pupils to share his enjoyment.

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Always interested in the WORDGRAM book. subject, in his retirement gardening became his Stuart Harris from Langley Entries with the answers favourite hobby. Park Post Office, has ringed to the Editor, 8 Long Jack and Lily Ardley had two compiled a WORDGRAM Garth, Whitesmocks, children. John studied which contains several places DURHAM CITY, DH1 4HJ in medicine at Newcastle mentioned in John C. Foster‟s a suitably endorsed envelope Medical School. He married book “Looking at Langley by FRIDAY 11th MAY 2007 or Miss Sally Robinson at Park – Memories of a they can be left at Langley Preston under Scar in May Village”. Park Post Office (in the box 1944. She was a nursing on the shelf near the front sister at Darlington Memorial All you have to do is ring the window). Hospital. During war service answers and find the one as a doctor in the R.A.M.C. remaining word(s) related to John was one of the first the book! See page 30 for British servicemen to enter the answers (except for the the notorious Belsan missing word(s)). Concentration Camp. Later he became Medical Officer of The prize will be copy of the Health at Blackburn. He died latest reprint of Esh Leaves in 2001. Daughter Laura and (the book). her husband Frank Heppell still live in Langley Park. Mr. In the event of more than one and Mrs. Heppell have a correct entry there will be a daughter Glynis who now tie breaker followed by a resides in Harrogate. penalty shoot out (actually a Jack Ardley died in 1962. His name drawn out of a well wife died in 1948. worn, dog chewed hat). The (A version of this article tie breaker is this – identify appears in „Looking At the current locations shown in Langley Park – Memories of the following photographs A Village‟ – available at and referred to in John‟s Reay‟s, newsagents, I S O L I U J S E D H C O B E W D Langley Park Post Office A S P R I N G H O M E G U A R D C and The Tourist Information W B O W L I N G H F O R C L U E O Office Durham @ £15 (price D E S T H E G C F Y U M X L A S L includes a £2 donation to B G T V W A R M E M O R I A L C L Langley Park Branch of The D T O J U Y T G C M L U B L T F I Friends of Durham E A F W A L N O O K M I L L W E E Hospitals Postage extra). V E F V N S F B K Y F D S E F Y R G V I H G V F R E H T R W Y W A Y T A C N L H A Y W U Y B H S D A B S C E I I F B T O N N R C W V T A E U E K N D E R R M U I U J S F N A E D O G X Z C K O J T B K H B D D E H R F E A R S T S I N I O Y L I S O L A T I O N H O S P I T A L X C F Y H T R E D E S H W E S B J F T Y C D V H U M R Q L A S P U B N B J O H N C F O S T E R S U A P D E R O G B H N J U F G S E R V N D C F P Z A S W E N R I T Y S I K X C V B N M J U E I Q O A S D F G R C R I C K E T C O E N D F T H J Y T H U I S O L A N O S P I T A L

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Derwentside area so if you wise and click onto the mini- see off-road bikers either off motos link. road or on the public highway please call us on 0845 60 60 Future Beat Surgery dates: 365. If you can give a Off Road Motorbikes description of the rider, Friday 23rd March 2007 names even better. Friday 20th April 2007 We are currently experiencing Alternatively speak with Friday 4th May 2007 a problem in the area with off- PCSO Steve Brown at the Friday 18th May 2007 road motorbikes in the Esh fortnightly beat surgery held Friday 1st June 2007 Parish Council area. at the Housing office (Dates Friday 15th June 2007 below) or post a note into the Friday 29th June 2007 The Law states: „Streetsafe‟ box also in the Friday 13th July 2007 It is an offence to ride a housing office. You can Friday 27th July 2007 “mechanically propelled” remain anonymous. cycle off-road. For example Call in to report incidents, anti on playing fields, public parks Help us crack down on this social behaviour or to request or on the old railway lines, menace in your village. advice. except if you‟re on privately owned land with the Editors note Shed Alarms permission of the land owner (always a good idea to get Rather than use unofficial I have a limited stock of shed this in writing which can be sites why not take advantage alarms for local residents who produced to a police officer of a new club, for mini have sheds and feel they may on request). motorbike riders of 49cc be at risk of shed burglary. machines (mini-motos). To use a “mechanically They are free of charge and propelled” cycle on road Durham Police Motorcycle available from me at requires you to have a driving Section, working in Lanchester Police Office. Tel licence, MOT (if over 3 years partnership with Durham No 0845 6060365 ext. 664 old), insurance and valid tax. County Council (Road Safety 4420. A road includes the highway, Dept.) and County Durham & lay-bys, public footpaths and Darlington Fire & Rescue Steven Brown (PCSO) bridleways. Service, has undergone training with the ACU Local Message from our new Beat A number of local riders have Authority Support Unit and Officer been issued with warning formed the BikeWise mini notices (the first stage). If bike club. My name is PC Fenwick and I they are on a public road they This club will be officially am the new beat officer will also be required to launched mid April. The club covering Langley Park, Esh produce a driving licence and will give children between the Winning and the surrounding the relevant documentation age‟s of six to sixteen the Esh area. I began being the for their bike. Failure to do so opportunity to be licensed by beat officer on 10th January may result in prosecution and the ACU and lawfully ride 2007. I already have points on their licence. If they their mini moto‟s at events experience of being a beat are stopped again (on any that we host. (Parents must officer as I have already off-road bike) the bike will be attend with their children) covered the Leadgate beat seized by police. Further details of the club and for 18 months. forthcoming events will be Part of my role is to tackle What can YOU do? posted on the following site in issues in the area and try to the near future - help solve the long term We have an off-road bike www.durham.police.uk/bike problems that occur. From team who are often in the being on the beat, I am aware

Esh Leaves Page 7 March 2007 that there are numerous calls regarding motor cycles causing an annoyance in the area. Please call our control room if you are suffering from this problem. We have an off road motor cycle team which can cover our area if they know that there is a persistent problem. If drivers of cycles are caught causing an annoyance then we can issue them with a warning notice. If they are caught again, then their cycle can be seized! An artist‟s impression of the old Cross Keys Inn found in the garage attic Please call into the control of the present Cross Keys, and is thought to be the „sepia sketch taken in room if you have any 1794‟ mentioned by Mr. W. R. Wiggen on page 12 of his „Esh Leaves‟ problems with youths causing book, published in 1914. annoyance in the area. If Esh village I never imagined it could actually be the problems persist, then the interest it would create, original sepia sketch painted acceptable behaviour nor that I would become part in 1794, and mentioned in the contracts can be distributed of a detective story to find the book Esh Leaves written by to youths who are causing the artist of a painting that now Mr. W. R. Wiggen the annoyance. In order to know hangs on a wall in the Wallnook miller, that was where the problems are, then lounge/dining room of the published in 1914. I need to be made aware. Cross Keys. As you are aware our PCSO The painting shows how the In his book for the area is Steve Brown. I old Cross Keys Inn would Mr. Wiggen work along side Steve in have looked more than 200 described a order to tackle the problems years ago, and signed by the sketch of in the area. If you have any artist T. N. Liddle. In order to the old problems or concerns then give credit to Mr Liddle for his Cross Keys please give either of us a call painting, which appeared in Inn as on 0845 60 60 365. the article, it was decided to showing a try to find him. Unfortunately, lengthy, but Please remember that we we didn‟t know anyone who low and have a beat surgery in the knew him, so our first instinct picturesque Langley Park Housing Office. was to try the Internet. A structure, The dates are advertised great deal of time was spent having a within the office. There is scouring the Web using a W. R. Wiggen steeply also the Streetsafe box in this variety of search engines, but sloped roof of black thatch, office where you can leave he was nowhere to be found. that silhouetted sharply messages and these can be However, it was about this against the white-washed left anonymously if preferred. time I discovered that the walls and tall grey chimneys, painting in question had been the small windows of the PC 1975 Jacklyn Fenwick. found in the Cross Keys upper chambers being almost Beat Officer. garage attic, and the frame hidden by the thick dark was in such a dilapidated eaves. To its eastern gable OLD WORLD CHARM state it had to be discarded was a weaver‟s workshop, and the painting reframed. and at the western end a When I wrote the article „Old This now sounded like a very smithy. This was an almost World Charm‟ for Esh Leaves old painting indeed and there perfect description of the about the Cross Keys pub in was an increasing possibility painting now hanging in the

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Cross Keys, and I was Cross Keys Inn as it would where checked, including a beginning to feel quietly have looked in the old days. Telephone Directory confident that Mr. T. N. Mel decided to ask his friend Database covering the whole Liddle was indeed the artist Tom if he was interested, and area, but there was no sign of who painted that original Tom immediately accepted Tom Liddle the artist. sketch/painting way back in the job. It was then Tom 1794. remembered the old Esh Unlike his painting, the Leaves book which described whereabouts of Mr. Thomas Confident that is, until one in detail the original 1794 N. Liddle continues to remain day in late November last sepia sketch of the Inn, and a mystery, and there it will year I received a surprise together with a good deal of stay. telephone call from the Cross imagination he set about Keys telling me about a painting his picture from that Terry Chilton. gentleman who actually knew very description. Mr. Liddle. Quickly dialling the gentleman‟s number I So, the mystery of the heard the friendly voice of Mr. painting was now solved. But Mel Angus, who told me the where is Tom Liddle today? I whole story of Tom Liddle the felt sure he would be pleased PRESS RELEASES artist. to know the interest his painting had caused, and that NHS Stop Smoking Services Mel, who lived in Pine Street, it was mentioned in an Esh open weekends and evenings Langley Park many years Leaves article. I decided to in Derwentside to help you ago, told me that Tom Liddle make a few enquiries as to keep your New Year's originally came from Cleadon where the gentleman lived resolution. village, and while living there with a view to presenting him he attended art school at with a full colour copy of the From Saturday 6 January Sunderland Art College from article. 2007 some community 1960 to 1965. It was during pharmacists in the this period he met Mel, who Mel told me that around 1980 Derwentside area will be able was also attending the art he was living in an old to provide a comprehensive school. When Tom left the peoples‟ bungalow in the NHS stop smoking service for Sunderland Art College he village of Witton Gilbert. local people - by providing attended the Goldsmith Unfortunately, no one I spoke services on Saturday University of London where to in Witton Gilbert had ever mornings and evenings. he trained to become an Art heard of him. Teacher. After completing his The following pharmacies training he moved to Then I turned to the Electoral have been trained to give Sunderland, and later Fence Registers of both Durham stop smoking advice and Houses. Eventually he County and Derwentside support, on the following achieved his goal of District Council, but no days: becoming an Art Teacher in person of that name within the village of Boldon. the age group of Tom Liddle could be found, going as far Dixon and Hall, Stanley In 1971 he moved to Aldin back as the year 2000. It – Wednesday and Grange Hall, Bearpark where was a total mystery. That is, Thursdays 6pm – 7pm Mel also now resided, and until some new information Lanchester Pharmacy – they both became regular came to light that Mr. Liddle Saturday mornings 10 visitors to the Cross Keys pub had moved from Witton am – 12 noon in old Esh. One day around Gilbert to the Wear Valley MJ & A Taylor, South 1973, the then Cross Keys area. The search was now Moor – Saturday proprietor asked Mel if he on again. More District mornings 10 am – 12 would paint a picture of the Council Electoral Registers noon

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Lloyds Pharmacy, In addition to support through It doesn't matter how old you Consett - Saturday General Practices and are or how long you have mornings 10 am – 12 community pharmacies there been smoking for, quitting noon are also group sessions can still make a difference to available in Consett and your health and quality of life. Stanley. All you need to do is In 2006 the NHS stop If you need help giving up phone the NHS stop smoking smoking service in smoking then contact your service on 01207 523 628 or Derwentside trained more local GP surgery, one of the 01207 523 627 to book your health professionals to make pharmacies listed above or place. services more accessible and call the Derwentside NHS help local people stop Iain Miller, tobacco stop smoking service on smoking. This has gone control/smoking cessation 01207 523 628 or 01207 523 hand-in-hand with the coordinator for the north 627. development of a range of Durham area of County community based services, Durham Primary Care Trust, For more information please available at different times said: “Local people now have contact Tina Young, head of throughout the area. The a greater choice of where to communications on 0191 333 latest addition to these go for help and have more 3382. services is the Saturday chance of being successful morning and evening services than if they try to do it on their through some community own. Smoking may be a pharmacies in the area. difficult behaviour to change but there are 11 million ex-

smokers in the UK. Smokers The much-enlarged can take confidence from that Derwentside NHS stop fact and that their odds are Biggest ever NHS Survey smoking service helped 608 increased if accessing gives Patients say on GP people to stop smoking last support through the NHS stop Services year and statistics show that smoking services. you are four times more likely Patients in County Durham to be successful if you access will be able to have their say one of these services rather "Helping the people of on how easy it is to book a than trying to do it on your Derwentside to stop smoking GP appointment to fit in with own. is an important priority for improving the health of local their busy lives in the biggest People who want to stop national survey ever smoking through their people and reducing the often devastating ill-health caused conducted - sent out last community pharmacy are week. The GP patient offered: by smoking." If you stop smoking: experience survey, the Free support and advice biggest patient survey of its Within 20 minutes your around how to quit, with kind targeting 4.9 million blood ressure and pulse regular follow up patients across the country, is would return to normal asking patients directly about Nicotine Replacement After 1 hour your their experiences of Therapy (NRT), if circulation would start to accessing services. appropriate. improve

Patients who want to use After 1 day your lungs According to figures from the Zyban or Champix to aid their would work better Healthcare Commission in attempt will have to access And after 6 months the 2005, in County Durham all support through their General risk of getting heart patients who wished to could Practice as these are only disease, cancer and book a GP appointment available, if appropriate, on other smoking related within the 48 hour target. prescription. diseases begins to fall. This compares to 74% nationally. Esh Leaves Page 10 March 2007

Cameron Ward, director of book an appointment COMPETITION TIME commissioning and market with a particular doctor development for County Satisfaction with GP Durham Primary Care Trust, opening hours. In our previous edition we ran said: “Members of the public a competition inviting readers regularly tell us that access to The results of the survey will to write an article on their GPs is one of their top be out by late May 2007 memories of life in the parish. priorities. Our predecessor following which, PCTs and We received a fascinating PCTs worked very hard with practices will work together to contribution from 91 year old practices in County Durham make further improvements. Ronald Dover, from Witton to make it easier for patients Cameron added: "The GP Gilbert, who worked for A. L. to access a GP - for example Patient Survey will provide us Holmes, Bakers, based on by extending opening hours - with a patient's view of how land behind Quebec Street and to see a GP within 48 well GP surgeries measure- (now Meadowbank), Langley hours. It is therefore vital that up on booking ahead, Park. we ensure that our practices telephone access and can be accessed when opening times. Once the Ronald was Transport needed and that patients are results have been received, Manager for the bakery, from satisfied with the quality of the PCT will be using the 1946-1979, and we were service received. information to identify areas delighted to award Ronald a of strong performance and copy of John C. Foster‟s book "The results from the survey highlight areas in which they “Looking at Langley Park - will give us a better can improve services for local Memories of a Village” for his understanding from a patient people and particularly their most interesting contribution. perspective of how well experiences of care." Thank you Ronald and well national priorities are being done. Ronald‟s article follows implemented in our general Taking part in the survey is shortly. practices." completely voluntary for patients, who have been Posters and leaflets informing randomly selected. NHS patients and staff about the new survey have been in Advice/help-lines are GP surgeries since provided for those individuals December, but last week a needing additional support postal survey was sent to (e.g. translation, support for around five million patients. the visually impaired and other special needs groups). The survey questionnaire Speak to your local GP Ronald with his prize includes questions on flexible practice for advice. Robert Thompson, booking, telephone access, Station Master at Witton opening hours and For more information contact Gilbert Station satisfaction levels. Questions Tina Young, head of cover for example: communications on 0191 333 The November 2006 edition 3003. of Esh Leaves contained an Whether people are article titled “The Train now satisfied with how easy arriving at Witton Gilbert” by it is to get through to the Pat Lawlor. Within the article surgery by phone- were some memories of Whether it is possible to Doreen Howe who spent book ahead for an many happy times at the appointment- Station House. Whether it is possible to

Esh Leaves Page 11 March 2007

These are Ronald‟s own Prior to this, while Mr behind their house on Front memories of the Station Thompson was STATION Street. Master. MASTER, he had an old Steam Wagon which was Ronald F.Y. Dover, Witton I was very interested to read about as ancient as Gilbert in your issue No.19 for STEPHENSON‟S ROCKET. NEWS FROM THE November – ESH LEAVES, It had a chimney up front SCHOOLS the story by DOREEN about 6 ft. high, no solid

HOWE. rubber tyres, just the steel Esh C of E wheels to run on the I well remember the limestone roads. It belched “You‟re so lucky!” retirement of Mr Thompson out black smoke and the when the family came to live driver stood up in the open This is a phrase I often hear in the village on Front Street air. Then the drift mine, from distant friends and work and I knew all the family. WHITEHOUSE COLLIERY acquaintances when the was opened at WITTON conversation turns to the The „WATSON‟ wagon he GILBERT in 1919/20, the common concern that all bought in 1922 was certainly steam wagon was driven by parents share: “Where is the NOT old; in fact, if not new, it Mr William Gray, who was best place to educate my was almost new and I think it married to Mrs Thompson‟s child?” And yes, I think I am was EX W.D. from the 1914- sister. He transported coal lucky: I didn‟t have to 18 War. It had a large brass from Witton to the station to consider moving house to get radiator and brass wheel be loaded on to a 20 ton truck my child well educated! I live hubs and the solid rubber for DUNSTON Power Station, in an area that is served by tyres were hardly worn at all. it carried 5 tons per load. We several fantastic Primary It had a canvas canopy over as youngsters referred to the Schools: each one populated the driver‟s cab, which folded steamer as „PUFFING by really hard working down for the fine weather. BILLY‟. I asked a member of individuals who, day in, day Later he had a wooden cab the family in the 70‟s if they out, offer our children a range built for it. The WATSON still had a photograph of it but of stimulating and creative was one of the only six which unfortunately they did not. experiences that make were hand assembled by The last I remember of it was education fun as well as ANGUS WATSON of while out walking I saw it lying valuable. We have a lot to NEWCASTLE. derelict among the apple celebrate in the area reached trees down in the garden by „Esh Leaves‟! His younger son told me that he (Mr Thompson Snr) only used it as a hobby rather than a business and when he ceased to drive, the wagon was stored in a large wooden garage behind the house. They bought the older son Stan a model T. Ford one ton wagon to do the light haulage.

The family were approached several times to sell the WATSON but refused. However, it was subsequently sold to FAIRGROUND people. Esh Leaves Page 12 March 2007

We are also lucky in that these schools sometimes work together to provide the best for our children. Although my son goes to Esh CE School, our holidays would not be the same without Miss Luke and the fabulous Sports Club she runs through St Michaels (the Catholic School) over the road. My 6-year-old son considers her one of his teachers and has lots of friends in a school that he would, in some other places in the country, have nothing to do with. This speaks Children taking part in the Blue Dragon project volumes for the collaboration between the schools that we different age groups is but it worked! Part of its sometimes never see or hear represented. In their mixed success is its methodology; about. age groups they choose from the children have the power a wide range of varied to make the choices, they That said, the school I know activities offered by the staff. have to work together and best is Esh and, when These might range from collaborate. They are, challenged to write something science and technology ultimately, responsible for the about the school that people activities to cooking: they success of their own work. may not be aware of, I even learn French in these decided to write about our groups! Then, on a Friday, Well does it work? We don‟t „Blue Dragon Project‟. The they are able to do whatever need praise from anyone „baby‟ of Mrs James activity they have chosen for outside the school to know (Reception and Year 1) and the last hour of the day: Blue that this is a fantastic addition Mrs Marshall (Year 2 and 3), Dragon time. to our curriculum, but we this project was designed to have that if that‟s what you enable pupils from two The project has been so need to be impressed! What classes to work together, to successful that at Christmas we can do is see the impact share learning and to improve (just gone) the model was, for of the project on the daily transition between them so the first time, taken across lives of our children. They that pupils didn‟t find it such a the whole school. For one are all really keen, and able, shock when they moved day the entire school to access the underlying classes at the end of Year 1. curriculum was suspended learning (planned and The project has now become and the pupils mixed in facilitated by gifted teachers a well-established part of our groups that contained one who design the activities) curriculum and my son, for child from each of the years regardless of their individual one, loves his „Blue Dragon‟ (reception to Year 6). They abilities. As people, the time! worked together on creative children really want to activities to make sense of impress one another: to learn How does it work? Basically Christmas, a Christian festival and do as well as they can. the pupils share a stimulus (a too often reduced to a In and out of the classroom television programme or present fest. To work across the older pupils support the story) and then they split into the whole school was a brave younger ones, not just out of working groups where one experiment (given the age duty but because they have child from each of the ranges and abilities involved) learned that it‟s the best thing

Esh Leaves Page 13 March 2007 to do. The amount of social good judgement, and he Carnegie Medal, Whitbread development and confidence always focused on what was Children‟s Book Award, the building that goes on has the very best for the children. Guardian Children‟s fiction been, and continues to be, His good humour and prize and the Smarties book astonishing (it has made the excellent communication prize. The pupils enjoy playground a more enjoyable skills gave the Governing reading Anne Fine‟s books, place!). It has also improved Body a clear sense of and are very excited about the „family‟ atmosphere in the direction and purpose. her visit. They are busy school because all the pupils preparing questions to ask end up being taught by all the To mark the end of his term her. staff: our class structure of office and as a token of literally breaks down but appreciation for his excellent Family Links that‟s okay, it‟s supposed to! service, Harry was presented with a Waterman pen and a This term, the Family Links I hope you will see from the special card signed by all the programme has continued to photographs that the Blue children. The staff, Governors thrive. Each week, a group of Dragon Project gives rise to and pupils wished Harry parents and their children has satisfying and exciting every happiness for the been joined in a “Big Cook, educational opportunities. future. Little Cook” project and have More importantly for me been involved in cooking and however, as a mum, I‟m really The new Chair of Governors healthy eating activities. pleased that my son goes to is Parent Governor, Tom one of many schools in our Simms. area where good things, like Blue Dragon, happen Anne Fine‟s Visit everyday. After two years of school he still leaves the car Famous author, Anne Fine, is and runs to the school front due to visit Langley Park door every morning – yes, I Primary School during Book am really lucky!! Week. Her most famous book is perhaps “Madame If you would like to know Big Cook Little Cook more about the Blue Dragon Doubtfire” which became a Project or anything that In “Fun with Numeracy” happens at Esh CE School another group of parents and then please get in touch – the children has been involved in school number is 0191 373 Maths games, and also made 1324. some huge 3D structures. They ended their series of LANGLEY PARK PRIMARY workshops with a visit to SCHOOL Hartlepool Marina.

Chair of Governors Retires

Harry Guildford, Chair of Governors of Langley Park Primary School, retired from office at the end of the Autumn Term. Harry had very popular film starring Robin Williams, Sally Field been a Governor for several years and served as Chair for and Pierce Brosnan. Anne Fine has been Children‟s Parents and Children involved the last fourteen years. He in numeracy and 3D shapes served the school with Laureate 2001-2003, and she commitment, wisdom, and has been the winner of the Esh Leaves Page 14 March 2007

Other news taken place to identify just DERWENTSIDE DISTRICT what needs to be done to COUNCIL Recently, Key Stage 1 ensure that we deliver an children saw a fantastic new excellent community building Leisure Services production called “The Tree and library. The original of Life” performed by feasibility study has been Derwentside Leisure Services storyteller Chris Bostock, and updated and expanded and have a large programme of actor Peter Ross. The story costs realigned to 2006 and events scheduled for the followed the African legend of up to four years hence. Easter period from Canoeing Trokki the tortoise and his & Tennis Coaching to Cinema wonderful dream in which he The initial budget, set several & live theatre, for families and sees the Tree of Life. The years ago using existing children. children were enthralled by funds, will not meet the level the storytelling, music and of repair and development For a full programme please puppetry. needed to make this building contact the Leisure Hotline on accessible to DDA legislation (01207) 218 899 NEWS FROM THE and carry out repairs and Mon - Sat 9.00 am – 4.00 pm COUNCILS asbestos removals etc. and Mon - Fri 6.30 pm - 9.00 pm therefore requires additional DURHAM COUNTY gap funding. Funding COUNCIL Has your group received its The Big Lottery: Community fair share? Langley Park Library Libraries Fund, a national Awards for All is a lottery project fund of £80m, available grants scheme aimed at through a competitive bid supporting a wide variety of I am writing to update you on process, will now be community based projects. what has been happening approached to realise this These range from projects behind the scenes since the gap funding. that enable people to take last community meeting. part in art, sport, heritage and Things have moved on and Culture and Leisure are community activities as well despite lengthy legal queries putting together a bid to as projects that promote from the landlord regarding enable Family learning education, the environment community use, and DCC spaces to be created in our and health. The aim of the intentions, the project is still library buildings. The Langley programme is to fund projects moving ahead. Park project additional that will involve people in their funding required is forming a local community. I am sorry that this means core part of this exciting bid. Beneficiaries in Esh Ward in that things have gone quiet the past have been EQUaL and that little appears to be I would like to thank you for Partnership (£4851 for happening. Please rest your support to date and Quebec playground) and assured that work is constant hope that you would continue Langley Park Bowling Club and ongoing on this exciting to support this new initiative (£10,000 for automatic project. Senior Managers of for the residents and visitors sprinkler and tine machine). Culture and Leisure, Estates to Langley Park. Division and Councillor Projects should meet at least Armstrong all meet regularly Please be assured we will one and ideally two of the to ensure that this project keep you informed and Awards for All aims, these progresses. involved of this project. are: 1) To extend access and The Institute building Anne Davison, participation; continues to deteriorate and Divisional Manager North, 2) To increase skill & as a result, extensive Adult and Community creativity; investigations have now Services, Culture and Leisure

Esh Leaves Page 15 March 2007

3) To improve quality of HOMES Ltd Derwentside Homes is still in life. the early stages and the Currently there are preparing service we provide is coming Awards for All grants range the Capital Works under review, and again we from between £300 to programmes for the next 4 will be providing information £10,000. Community groups years, which hopefully will be as we get it, but things are can receive this maximum of published in more detail soon currently changing and £10,000 in any 12-month to all tenants developing so hopefully we period but can only have one will be in a better position to award at a time. We no longer carry out give more details to people Your group must have a homeless interviews, at soon constitution, bank account Langley Park Office, so and a financial statement. anyone requiring a homeless Hope this helps, if I can think interview should contact of anything else I'll let you How to Apply Derwentside District Council know direct You can obtain an application Alan Tubman form and guidance notes from Benefit applications - we can Temp Neighbourhood the Awards for All regional only fully verify benefit forms Manager office or from the Funding for Derwentside Homes Meet the Funders Fayre Support Officer, Ken tenants, in other benefit Tuesday 27th March 2007 Bradshaw at Derwentside applications it is limited what Lamplight Arts Centre, District Council (Tel: 01207 we can do, but please don‟t Stanley, 10am- 4pm 218217). These forms can hesitate to contact us for also be downloaded from the advice Are you a community group website. Applicants should with a great idea for a project receive a response within 8 The office is now OPEN on a but without the cash to turn it weeks. Wednesday (usual opening into a reality? For more information Tel: times) 0191 376 1600 (local office) Would you like: and for an application pack: Police 0845 600 2040 their website advice on filling in is www.awardsforall.org.uk We have fortnightly surgeries application forms? for POLICE, where people to know what type of Housing can talk in confidence to a project can be funded? POLICE officer help with developing a The Derwentside District project idea? Council housing stock We have a Streetsafe box to meet both national transferred to Derwentside where people can leave and regional funders Homes on 4th Dec 2006 messages for POLICE such as the BIG officers, which is emptied on Lottery Fund, Northern The Langley Park a regular basis Rock Foundation, Neighbourhood Office now Lloyds/TSB and belongs to Derwentside The Council MARC vehicle County Durham Homes and is still open for will also be timetabled for Foundation most Derwentside Council Langley Park Services, information and all DDC Payments, as well as Neighbourhood Office Organised by Derwentside Derwentside Homes business CVS, Derwentside District We are continuing service as Council‟s Funding Team and Any payments made by normal and want people to Derwentside Community cheque, the cheque must be still use the office as much as Empowerment network all of made out to DERWENTSIDE possible, at the moment whom can give advice and

Esh Leaves Page 16 March 2007 guidance on funding.

To book please contact Ken Bradshaw, Funding Support Officer, Derwentside District Council, 01207 218217, [email protected] ov.uk

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS

Pantomime

The Parish Council hosted its annual Pantomime at the Wood View Community th Centre on Saturday 27 Jack Drum Art perform Robin Hood at Wood View Community Centre. January 2007. From the (For more photographs see the Parish Council Website) moment Robin Hood first several prizes were on offer lively Rosie and her father. As appeared on the stage he, or for the lucky programme it happened Rosie had only was it a she, threatened “to number and raffle. To make just returned from London rob the rich and give to the sure that no one was left out after receiving a Child of the poor” – not a particularly apt each child (and some Year Award from Strictly remark to make just before parents!) left the Hall Come Dancing star, Brendon the organiser has paid its clutching a bag of goodies in Cole and meeting Nicole fee for the performance! some cases two bags! Kidman and Henry Winkler. So in years to come she will After a break of 3 years Jack A big thank you to all those be able to say “ I remember Drum Arts returned to who supported this event. when I met Nicole Kidman - it Langley Park to perform their was the day before I helped latest pantomime. Over 80 BBC Look North helps Turn turn on the Parish Council‟s parents and children came on the Parish Council’s lights in Langley Park!” along and were well Lights With the BBC‟s permission entertained by a cast of 4 we have set up a link on our very mobile characters and When your Editor invited the web site to see the clip of the some charming puppets (from BBC Look North team to Czechoslovakia) which stole come along to film little Rosie the money, sorry that should Wright turning on the Parish read stole the show. The Council lights he received an numbers were considerably immediate and appreciative up on previous years response from presenter performance thanks to Robin Carol Malia that “they would Hood turning up at the local love to come along and film Primary School to encourage the event”. pupils to attend the show with all their relatives and join in Well came they did with the community singing. culminating in a 2 minute slot

that night on BBC Look North During the interval showing, ever so briefly, the refreshments were served by Anthony Peart, Rebecca Jameson lights being turned on Alison Spenceley, and and Rosie Wright turn on followed by reporter, Keith the Christmas Lights Barbara Heartfield, and Akehurst, interviewing a very Esh Leaves Page 17 March 2007

coverage on Look North – go Mollon together with a to: Woolworths voucher. This event was www.eshparishcouncil.gov.uk/Christma s Lights 2006/christmaslights06.html also covered by the Northern Echo. Readers will also be able to see more photographs of the As usual a big thank event on our web site. you to our sponsors, Olivers Tree Services, Helping Rosie turn on the Wharton Landscapes, lights were 2 other pupils FTL, the Cross Keys from Langley Park School, Inn, Esh and to Anthony Peart, winner of the Langley Park Baptist Church for hosting the refreshments for our guests. Also to Service The Langley Park Primary School boards Direct and NJC Cassidy attached to the tree fencing Wrought Iron for their excellent services and not Next Meetings: least to the pupils and staff from Langley Park Primary 10th April 2007 Annual School for the magnificent Assembly (Notice hereunder) Anthony Peart boards attached to the tree followed by Ordinary Meeting. fencing. Esh Parish Hall Tanya Vickers Memorial

Trophy and Rebecca th Parish Council Meetings 8 May 2007 Annual General Jameson. Meeting followed by Ordinary As a token of our appreciation All Meetings commence at Meeting. Parish Room the Parish Council presented 7.00pm (excepting when Anthony, Rosie and Rebecca th following the Annual 12 June 2007 Parish with a signed Certificate of Assembly and the Annual Council Meeting – venue to Thanks from Carol Malia, General Meeting) in the be decided Keith Akehurst, Chris Bruce Parish Room, Church Street (cameraman) from the Look th Community Centre and 10 July 2007 Parish Council North Studio and Parish occasionally at other Meeting – venue to be Council Chairman, Alan locations. The choice of decided venue is subject to an annual review at Annual Assembly the Annual General Meeting. NOTICE OF ANNUAL ASSEMBLY OF PARISH Members of the MEETING PARISH OF ESH public are welcome to attend the non- NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN confidential part of THAT the Agenda and there is an The ANNUAL ASSEMBLY of opportunity to raise the Parish Meeting for the

above named Parish will be Anthony, Rebecca and Rosie are presented matters of interest held at Esh Parish Hall, Front with certificates by Parish Council at the end of this Street, Esh, on Tuesday the Chairman Alan Mollon part of the Agenda.

Esh Leaves Page 18 March 2007

10th April 2007, commencing DRAFT AGENDA procedure when at 7.00pm. comments are required NB Where appropriate the before the next Such Persons only as are Clerk‟s recommendations scheduled ordinary registered as Local are shown in brackets meeting (Chairman, Government Electors for the Vice-Chairman, Parish will be entitled to 1) Election of Chairman. appropriate Local attend and vote at the 2) Apologies for absence. Member + Clerk). Meeting. 3) Minutes of Annual 9) Standing Orders (Annual General Meeting held on review of the threshold for The Business to be Tuesday 9th May 2006 which written quotations transacted at the Meeting will 4) Election of Vice- are required currently be as follows: Chairman. £1000). 5) Appointment of 10) Financial Regulations 1 Apologies for absence Responsible Financial (annual review). 2 Minutes of the Assembly Officer and Deputy (The 11) Consideration of the held on 11th April 2006 Assistant Clerk and Parish Chairman‟s Allowance 3 Matters arising Clerk). (currently £159.00). 4 Chairman‟s Report 6) Cheque signatories 12) Annual Risk Assessment 5 Parish Precept 2007/2008 7) Membership of the Statement 6 Any Other Business following (existing 13) Changes to the Parish members shown in Council‟s Asset Register Mr G. F. Smith brackets):- 14) Dates, times and venues Clerk to Esh Parish Council a) Allotments (All for future meetings. Councillors + Clerk). Ordinary meetings are nd Could eligible residents b) Playground Working usually held on the 2 please provide the Clerk with Group (All Members of Tuesday of each month at least 3 working days the Council to consider (excepting for August notice, in writing, of any item proposals submitted by when no meetings are that they might wish to raise the EQUaL held) commencing at 7.00 under item 6 at the Assembly. Partnership). pm unless following the c) Trustees for the Annual Assembly (April) Letters to be addressed to: Bridgeway Recreation or the Annual General Mr G. F. Smith, Clerk to Esh Ground (This is a Meeting (May). Parish Council, 11 Bamburgh Charity Commission Road, Newton Hall, requirement for all Annual notice for the DURHAM, DH1 5NW. Councillors to be Parish Council’s Allotment appointed as Waiting List Preliminary Notice Trustees). d) Parish Transport The Parish Council owns a ANNUAL GENERAL Working Group substantial number of MEETING (Councillors Bowyer, allotments on land to the Christie, Coulson, south of the Langley Park Notice is hereby given of the Harling, Mollon, Primary School and to the Annual General Meeting of Rothwell and M. Tyler). west of the Cricket Ground in Esh Parish Council to be held 8) Nominations for:- Langley Park. If anyone is at Esh Parish Hall, Front a) Derwentside District interested in putting their Street, Esh on Tuesday 8th and Parish Councils name on the Waiting List then May 2007 commencing at Liaison Committee please telephone the Parish 7.00 pm for the purpose of (Chairman, Vice- Clerk on 0191 3736687 for transacting the following Chairman + Clerk). further details. The rent for business. b) Planning Applications the 2007 season remains at – Consultation £21 per allotment. Esh Leaves Page 19 March 2007

The rent for the 2008 season has already been fixed by the Parish Council at £25 per allotment. The allotments have the benefit of a water supply via lockable taps.

Residents are advised however that currently there is a LONG waiting list for these allotments.

Parish Clerk’s Working Hours

Readers are reminded that the Parish Clerk‟s working hours are 9.00am – 12.30pm Walkers setting off on the 2007 Winter Walk Monday, Tuesday and th Thursday and that he can be the picturesque parts of the Sunday 13 May again this contacted on 0191 3736687. Parish. year, meeting at 1.00pm on However it is suspected that the railway path at the Esh Parish Council website some walkers were there entrance to Langley Park. We mainly for the refreshments hope to see you there! The Parish Council website (hot mince pies straight from Is any reader able to help has recently been upgraded the office radiator – what with our catering with improved navigation, would Health and Safety say - arrangements? If so please design changes to the front followed by a choice of ginger contact the Editor on 0191 page, more photographs and wine or bitter lemon squash). 3736687. additional information added The winter walk is a to the site. shortened version of the Esh Leaves – The Book Parish Walk, taking in the first Find out more at: half and hopefully avoiding Readers will recall that in www.eshparishcouncil.gov.uk the worst of the mud. That 2002, as part of the Queen‟s or www.langley-park.org.uk said we do have a choice of Golden Jubilee, the Parish shorter routes if the weather Council commissioned a A Winter Walk Followed By really is bad, or we want to reprint of Esh Leaves, the Yet Another Walk get back to the Parish Room book, which was first for those ever so tasty published in 1914. Winter Walk refreshments! Once again our thanks to Sales were better than Last year we begged the local resident Chris Bloor for anticipated and 2 further leading us on our walk and reprints were ordered and the question - How long does it take for a tradition to be making sure that at least 7 of book finally sold out with well established? This year we the 14 walkers managed to over 300 copies being held our 3rd almost New get back home! bought. Year‟s Day walk. Even though the walk was Annual Beating the Bounds The Parish Council continues arranged after the normal Walk to receive requests for the Bank Holiday dates 14 ever book and a few months ago so brave walkers turned up A big note for your diaries - we advertised the possibility for the 2 hour stroll through the annual Parish Walk that there might be a reprint should be held on Rogation costing around £12.50 per

Esh Leaves Page 20 March 2007 copy. About 20 people We can now update as SPACE COMPETITION expressed an interest. follows:- The winner of our competition Since then we have obtained The Elections are rd was Jamie Oldroyd, originally a competitive quote to reprint to be held on 3 from Langley Park and a the book although this time May 2007. former pupil of Esh C of E without a dustjacket but with Voting will be via School, now studying at the addition of a photograph Traditional Polling Salford University. Here he is of the author, W. R. Wiggen. Station & Postal Voting were receiving his prize from our appropriate applications have Chairman. Copies of the book should be been made. available shortly from either Esh or Langley Park Post Nomination packs will Offices, the Parish Room hopefully be available from opposite the Post Office in Monday 12th March 2007 Langley Park or by contacting however formal notices the Esh Leaves Editor on seeking nominations will go 0191 3736687 or by email to out on 27th March 2007. the address shown at the front of this newsletter. Esh Leaves – Back Issues

The price will be £7.50 per Back copies (including No 1) copy + postage where are now available for viewing appropriate. The 2 Post in the Parish Room or at the Offices have kindly agreed to Durham County Record nominate 50p per book sold Office, County Hall, Durham by them. Esh PO to Child City, DH1 5UL – Tel No 191 The Answers are: Helpline and Langley Park 383 3253 PO to Cancer Research. 1. Columbia (Lost over Texas Thank you. You can also read back February 1st 2003) copies of the newsletter (from 2. Eugene A. Cernan No 6 onwards) on the Parish 3. Alexei Leonov Council‟s website 4. Alan B. Shepard Jr www.eshparishcouncil.gov.uk 5. James A. Lovell, Fred W. Haise, John L. Swigert 6. John H. Glenn Jr 7. Walter M. Schirra 8. Mir 9. Helen Sharman 10. Stardust

Esh Leaves

Editor Mr M. G. Ackroyd

Production Assistant Mr D. C. Rider District and Parish Council Regular Contributions by Elections May 2007 Terry Chilton Ronald Dover We advised readers in Esh John C. Foster Leaves Extra February 2007 Alison Hiles of the impeding elections in Esh Leaves issue 1 Pat Lawlor Betty Watt May 2007.

Esh Leaves Page 21 March 2007

WILDLIFE CORNER heather. That day, as eat! Where would all the MARCH 2007 always seems to happen swallows be – or the blue tits when we get together to work and woodpeckers? Without What crazy weather we do in the rec., it snowed and put worms (which are also often have! The spring-like the work off yet again. killed by wormers), would we temperatures have tempted Within less than a week after have blackbirds, thrushes and all the birds into pairing that, it felt almost like robins? activities. The rooks and summer, as it had the week jackdaws in the wood next before as well. We humans may be just door are definitely thinking With so little in the way of another animal species but about nest building and a frost and snow, the weather we are biologically very great tit has taken up doesn‟t kill off the plant and aggressive and, like most occupation of my front animal pests and diseases other species, put the survival garden. He sings a lot from and so organic farmers can of our own species first. The the garden wall and forages look forward to extra work trouble is that as we have busily in the bushes. Each and care making sure that the increased our ability to do time I go out he takes up fruit and vegetables don‟t that, we have become so position on the gatepost and suffer from things like rusts successful that we threaten swears at me vociferously! I and apple scab which the very existence of many can be as near as two feet blemish our food. We‟ve other species and upset the away from him before he become so used to foods „balance of nature‟. In the decides that discretion is the protected by chemicals that process, we have developed better part of valour and flicks we‟re wary of buying things the ability to think about what away over the wall. That like misshapen tomatoes or we are doing to the world. doesn‟t stop him from being potatoes with black scurf Now we are beginning to feel back on sentry duty when I marks. a responsibility to do come back home. Despite something about the damage all this aggression towards From a wildlife point of view, that we are doing, before it me, he is quite happy to allow even the worming doses destroys us too. a cock blackbird in to forage given to our dogs and cats, among the dead leaves for let alone ponies, calves and On that cheerful note, don‟t slugs and snails or even a lambs have as devastating forget that gardens are the pair of blue tits to poke effect on small creatures as largest nature reserve in the around under the bark for a the sprays used on wheat or country and if you‟ve got one variety of small insects. oil seed rape. For a natural you can make a big recycling effect, beetles difference as well as Yet only a and flies breed in cow enjoying the flowers, birds fortnight ago pats and dog droppings and butterflies! th (10 February) and clear them away. we had Modern wormers slow Alison arranged a this natural process day‟s volunteer down dramatically and LOCAL TYRE CHIEF work in the old so the problem of dog PASSES HIS TESTING rec., which mess is made even TEST included worse. Where grazing In the previous issue of Esh planting some animals are used to Leaves we reported that Bill juniper bushes help the preservation of Johnston (Fastfit Tyres, which are now species in nature Hedley Terrace, Langley very rare and reserves, careful Park) was on the verge of grow very thought must be given setting up his own MOT happily and to such things. Insect Testing Station. We are naturally in eating birds can‟t thrive pleased to report that among the Juniper Bush without the insects to following a series of Esh Leaves Page 22 March 2007 personnel checks, and visits to the premises, Bill has now been granted approval by the Vehicle Operator Services Agency to run the village‟s first testing station.

Originally 300 customers a year had to be referred elsewhere for MOT tests but now Bill not only prepares vehicles for testing but tests them as well. Such has been the demand for his new facility that Bill anticipates nearly 1000 vehicles being tested at his station this year. Bill Johnston, Dave Ritson, Trevor Muskett and Chris Owers in front of the new MOT bay After some 19 years in business Bill has finally achieved his ambition to care for his customers vehicles right through their mechanical life. All he wants now is his Since the last Esh Leaves we beloved Newcastle United to have had a very busy period bring home some silverware with a raffle, planned a fun (apart from the Inter Toto cup litter pick, working with that is!) various community groups and helping to set up a new Bill can be contacted on 0191 group focusing on women‟s 3733501 or at his Executive health, as well as on-going Box on each occasion project work and searches for Newcastle United are at funding. home, excepting when Bill is Karen‟s Quote on a weekend break at “We are currently looking at Redworth Hall! the focus of EQUaL and how picture above shows the it, and I, should be working in winning ticket being drawn. WERE YOU A BEVIN and for the community for the Pupils and staff at the school BOY? community‟s benefit. It is so drew other winners. important to have you We are intending include an involved in EQUaL it‟s your The winning ticket numbers article in a future edition of community. Please contact were: Esh Leaves on the Bevin me if you would like to know st Boys. more about how to be 742 1 prize £100 nd involved.” 736 2 prize £50 rd 1215 3 prize £25 If you were a Bevin Boy from Raffle 1241 Sir Bobby Robson‟s our Parish please get in touch st biography, autographed and we will ask one of our Our raffle drawn on the 31 January 2007 raised £357 for 1775 Tin of sweets “reporters” to contact you in 1302 bottle of wine order to share your memories the Sir Bobby Robson Park. After a thorough mixing by 1274 After Eight Mints with our readers. various pupils at Esh Church of England School, the Esh Leaves Page 23 March 2007

All the winners have now to come along and give us a – Yes – we managed to win been contacted and prizes hand and make it fun. £2,950 from the distributed. Hopefully they have not been „Neighbourhood Learning in put off too much and we‟ll see Deprived Communities‟. So We‟d like to say a big thank them next time – see below. please check out the advert you to all the raffle ticket and come along, all levels of sellers who did a sterling job Young People support can be provided and and of course to all those Working with our partners we help to make what might members of the community are hoping that we will be seem complicated, simple who bought tickets to help able to access funding to and fun. raise funds for Sir Bobby enable young people to do Robson Park. some really exciting summer Calling all Community th Sir Bobby Robson Park projects that they have Groups - Saturday 28 Our big news is that we have suggested. Please contact April, 10am - 1.30pm at been granted planning me if you‟d like to know more. Ushaw College permission to build the th playground, MUGA (multi use Miners Memories Originally planned for the 10 games area), and the skate March (see EQUaL‟s park. We are just waiting for There is a lot of work being Newsletter) this is an the leases to be completed by undertaken by many people opportunity to get Langley Park Sports and throughout the Ward on this representatives of Community Social Club and Derwentside project, fundraising, Groups and individuals who District Council, (nearly tournaments, and an are involved in the community there), to put us in a much exhibition is scheduled for the to get together to create a stronger position to apply for end of March. Please keep plan of what Esh Ward and gain the funds for the watching for notices giving people want to see happen park. Once again we need to more details – they‟ll be and how it can be delivered, say a special thank you to advertising it soon. in the future. Gordon Coulson and Harry New Community Group Guildford for stepping in with Anybody interested in a new EQUaL as a community funding from their „Members‟ community group, covering development organisation will Initiative Fund‟ to help with an Esh Ward, which focuses on support residents and groups unexpected increase in women‟s health issues and to come together and identify solicitors fees regarding one encompasses exercise, and plan new resources for of the leases – Thank You. nutrition, emotional well- the villages in the ward but being, meeting and making EQUaL‟s role is not to deliver Our application to People‟s new friends, should contact those new projects/resources. Millions was on the reserve me for more information. list, so although we did well to Transport can be arranged get that far, unfortunately we Yes – we got some funding and lunch is provided and it is did not win any funding this FREE! time. Other funding is being EQUaL was applied for – watch this asked if we Programme for the Day space. could help the 9.30am – 9.45am Arrival tea / coffee Old Recreation Ground Parish Council 10am - Introductions We had planned to hold a to find some 10.10am Timeline exercise Fun Litter Pick on the 10th funds for a 10.30am Vision – Key Question – project to “What do you hope will be the February – I was warned and key achievements for the Esh yes – it did snow, so we had upgrade the IT Ward Community by 2010”? to postpone it due to bad Equipment, help 11.40am Break weather. This was with fees and 12 noon Barriers and Next Steps unfortunate as the Hedley re-launch the 12.50pm Summary and Conclusions drop in sessions 1pm Lunch and chat Hope Volunteers were going Esh Leaves Page 24 March 2007

Please contact me if you are We are pleased to report that Thank you Ruth for your offer a representative of a since publication of the article and we look forward to community group or would Nigel Quinn, from Esh reporting later on the first like to be involved in this day. Winning, has been in touch race for the "new" cup. Even if you are unable to with Ruth and given her some provide a representative for information about the cup. THE ALPHA AWAY DAY this event, we are trying to AT USHAW COLLEGE identify all groups in the ward to be able to ensure your By Stephen Howatt views are heard and that you are all kept informed of the On Saturday 16th December outcomes. 2006 I attended an Alpha course at Ushaw College. Other Future Events We made a start at 10.30am Sunday 25th March 2-4 pm with Alan Bell giving a talk Planting Shrubs at Quebec about being baptised in water Recreation site and the holy spirit, followed by a discussion group. After Sunday 15th April 2-4 pm a song it was lunch time, with Planting Shrubs at Esh a buffet in the refrectory and Recreation site then a look around the grounds. Saturday 12th May 10am- 12pm Spring Event with BBC The J. B. Johnson Trophy Following the break we sang Breathing Places Nigel has been back to Ruth a few songs, on James‟s guitar, and Alan gave another th saying that he has contacted Sunday 10 June 2-4pm a couple of Homing Societies talk about speaking in Planting Shrubs near Sir and subject to approval from tongues. Then it was holy Bobby Robson Park a central body they would like spirit time, a chance to pray to run the race again with the for, or respond to, Jesus. Karen Gibson Trophy as a prize. EQUaL‟s Community We finished at around Capacity Worker We have now heard that The 4.30pm and Alan Bell gave Tel: 0787 943 5422 Club involved in re-instating me a lift back to Witton New e-mail: the Race is the Hamilton & Gilbert. [email protected] District Homing Society Web: www.equal.vcip.org.uk POETS CORNER (based in Esh Winning) and HOMING SOCIETY the Race will be dedicated to the Young Bird National Race TROPHY Readers of the Northern Echo within the Club. The November 2006 edition will doubtless be familiar the of Esh Leaves included an If all goes well Ruth or a regular contribution in the offer from Ruth Oliver to family member would like to Tuesday Poem section from return the Quebec Homing hand over the trophy at the local resident Betty Watt. Society Trophy (The J. B. appropriate time and place. Johnson Trophy) to the We invited Betty to compose Society or its successor. It is thought that the J. B. a few well chosen verses for Johnson, who presented the Esh Leaves and here they Visit the Parish Council Website at Trophy may have been the pit are! www.eshparishcouncilgov.uk or www.langley-park.org.uk manager at the time (1900) - can readers help on this?

Esh Leaves Page 25 March 2007

WATTS WORDS OF Watt’s weather forecast Poached eggs on toast or WISDOM baked beans Grey skies overhead Low fat soup from a can Things of Interest Might as well stay in bed Might be alright for some folk Gale force winds Can‟t say that I‟m a fan The pages of the ESH And heavy rain LEAVES Hope it doesn‟t block the Well I‟m going through this ARE full of information drain menu Something that will catch your That‟s all we need I must say And don‟t fancy anything eye That would really make our there Possibly from days gone by day So I‟ll just have to put off the But cheer up it will get out diet Kids you went to school with fine And end up shaped like a That you haven‟t seen for And soon the golden sun will pear years Shine Changes in the way of life Flowers will bloom and birds Betty Watt, Langley Park Increase in bus fares Will sing Heralding the first of spring Editor‟s note There‟s something in the Then the summer comes magazine along Thank you Betty – hopefully For each and every one Bringing flowers with scent so more from Betty next time. Photographs of good old Strong friends Trees of green, skies so blue And some that now have Rainbows of every hue gone. So thank the Lord every day For his gifts to us natures way We had our milk brought to And when grey skies are the door Overhead In metal cans with a ladle Just praise the Lord with love You‟d get a gill a pint or more Instead. If financially you were able. Watt’s weight watching The coal man came and worries dropped a load Of coal out in the street. I must go on a diet It was a filthy dirty job I‟ll have to give it a try But it gave off lots of heat Lettuce and watercress Into the coal house it had to sandwich go But I could murder a nice Roundies and the slack meat pie When lit it gave a lovely glow But everyone had a bad back. Jacket potato and coleslaw Betty Watt I suppose that will do It‟s nice to look back But I can think of something SPORTS SCHOOL, At things we‟ve heard and nicer CRICKET FIELD, seen A tasty basin of stew LANGLEY PARK So carry on with the good work I know that ham and tomato And keep printing ESH Are very good for the hips Last year‟s event was a great LEAVES MAGAZINE But there‟s something a lot success with almost 70 more tasty children, mainly from the A plateful of cod and chips parish, in attendance. This

Esh Leaves Page 26 March 2007 year‟s event will be held from Are you looking for a Good We offer Internet access 6th – 10th August 2007. Night Sleep? through a Wireless Broadband system and can Further details in the next Good Night Sleep who provide Video Conferencing issue. Make a note in your specialise in allergenic facilities by appointment. We diaries! cleaning are a new business have the full suite of Microsoft to Langley Park. Office Software, Microsoft WELCOME TO SOME They offer a welcome relief to Encarta, 2 scanners, a Laser NEW BUSINESSES IN asthma and other allergy and a Colour printer (capable OUR AREA sufferers by removing dust of printing your family

mites, their excrement and photographs) and software The Pine Gallery other harmful bacteria from capable of re-touching

mattresses, pillows, duvets photographs if you need to do “The Pine Gallery, in Langley and other soft furnishings that. We can offer you basic Park, has reopened, under around the home I.T. tuition covering new ownership, as The Wordprocessing, Furniture Gallery. We offer a Owner Colin Coult states Spreadsheets and Database “many people in the and help and advice on using area (not only the Internet. allergy sufferers) have already seen The book “Looking at Langley a noticeable Park” written by John C. improvement in Foster was 100% prepared their health through using our equipment and with using this service. our technical support and For very little cost, advice, as are his “Hall of you will be Fame” articles for this surprised at what is publication. Why not follow removed from a in John‟s footsteps and pop mattress; the place along and see what we can The Furniture Gallery where you spend up offer you. to a third of your life. wide selection of quality You can find us at Church Dining Room, Sitting Room Full information can be found Street Community Centre, and Bedroom furniture in at Langley Park, between 2-4pm various Traditional, Casual www.goodnightsleep.org.uk on Mondays and and Contemporary styles. We Wednesdays and 5-7pm also offer some great ranges See also in the advertisement Friday evening. We charge of pine furniture – from knot section £1 per hour (half price on a Wednesday) with an extra free to distressed/reclaimed. IT@THE TUTE We also have a huge charge for using the printing selection of accessories and facilities. pictures from around the As this issue of Esh Leaves THE LANGLEY PARK world. goes to press, we will be in MINING AND MEMORIES On top of our normal trading the process of upgrading GROUP hours we are open late every some of our older equipment

Thursday until 8pm and every with new Software and Saturday and Sunday, 10am- Hardware, improving it‟s The group was formed 4pm. performance and helping us following a successful public give our customers the level meeting called by the Esh Please visit to see and feel of service expected from a Parish council to discuss the our stock items or to browse modern I.T. facility. issue of a mining memorial our extensive catalogues.” for the village. The aims and Esh Leaves Page 27 March 2007 objectives of the group are to present and preserve the mining heritage of Langley Park and to further these aims, the group has applied for charity status to maximise fund raising potential.

The priorities of the group are to provide a mining memorial for the village, preserve the „our aim‟ Langley Park banner, seek to provide a replica of the „disappeared‟ banner, working with the schools to educate the Langley Park Colliery children about their mining heritage and to create and March 2007 at the school a say in the sighting and develop a Mining and gymnasium. If you are a design of the mining Memories website which will parent, and you cannot attend memorial. Admission is free run side-by-side with an oral the weekend exhibition at and refreshments are history project so that the Wood View, the school has available. memories of local people who kindly offered an opportunity were connected with mining for parents to see the A fund raising raffle will also can be recorded for local exhibition with their children be held and the group wish to history purposes. between 3.15p.m. and thank Pauline Looby who has 4.00p.m. on 26th/27th March. donated a fully furnished The Langley Park Mining and The school will hold a themed doll‟s house as the main Memories exhibition will be week of activities for which prize. The prize will be on the first of many activities to the exhibition will be the display at the exhibition. be developed in the area and inspiration for all types of will be open for public viewing projects within the school. This is a community project, th th on 24 /25 March 2007 at and as such, depends on the the Wood View Community The Mining and Memories support of the community. Centre. In addition, Langley exhibition at Wood View If you would like further Park Primary School will host Community Centre will give information, then please th th the exhibition on 26 /27 all villagers a chance to have contact the Langley Park Mining and Memories Group c/o 7 Logan Street, Langley Park, Durham, DH7 9YN (0191 3731301) or contact the Parish Clerk, or the Equal representative based in the Church Street Community Centre.

Finally the Group would like to thank Esh Parish Council and District Councillors Gordon Coulson, Harry Guildford and Wallace Tyrie for their support with this Langley Park Colliery project. Esh Leaves Page 28 March 2007

GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Langley Park couple Robert (Bob) and Betty Bradley were married in the All Saint‟s Church, Langley Park on Saturday 9 March 1957, and on Saturday 10 March this year the couple celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary at a party held in their daughter‟s house in Langley Park.

Bob, who was born in Sacriston, moved to Langley Park as a small boy and has lived here ever since. After leaving school he went to work at Langley Park colliery and was a coal miner there until it closed in 1975. He then moved to Bearpark colliery and worked there until Bob and Betty Bradley cutting the cake at their Golden Wedding Anniversary party. around the end of 1983 when the colliery closed, after article and photo in the centre computerisation, the loss of which he took early of this Esh Leaves). pension books and the threat retirement. Betty was born in of closure. We needlessly Esh village, and before being The whole family attended worried about married she worked as a Bob and Betty‟s Golden computerisation, loss of Supervisor at the Horner‟s Wedding Anniversary party “pensions “ to the banks has Toffee Factory in Chester-le- that went on into the early had a much greater impact on Street. hours of the morning, us but we must say a very big Needless to say, a good time thank you to our customers The couple have four was had by all. who have stayed loyal and children; Susan, Robert, supported us in what have Michelle and Graham, and Terry Chilton. been difficult times. Threat of five grandchildren; Jonathan, closure is something that will GOODBYE TO Sarah, Emma, Robert and always be with us but it LANGLEY PARK. Jay. Grandchild Robert is appears the threat has been the fifth generation of Roberts By the time you read this lifted at the moment, please in the Bradley family, and I newsletter the Post office will continue to use your post was told it can get a bit be under new ownership. office and keep it that way. confusing at times. Over the 12 years we have We‟ve enjoyed many laughs Robert Senior‟s son Robert been in Langley Park we with a lot of you, (and some acted in the film „Days of have seen lots of changes in tears) and made some good Hope‟ that was filmed in both the Post Office and the friends. Langley Park. His photograph village. also appeared on a book front We wish Gavin and Judith cover of that name. (See the Our biggest challenges in the good luck and success in Post Office had to be their new venture and thank

Esh Leaves Page 29 March 2007 all of you for your support and friendship over the last 12 years.

Moira and Stuart.

Our Tribute to Moira And Stuart

After 12 years looking after our postal requirements Stuart and Moira are moving on to pastures new. Indeed by the time you read this newsletter they might already have sold their last second class stamp and one those Moira and Stuart at Langley Park Post Office delicious packs of 99p Half Pounders which are always This ensures that your to commit a crime such as on display just where you Assistant Parish Clerk is fraud, deception or theft. can grab them too easily! actually spending Council funds on postage stamps Identity thieves steal or obtain Stuart and Moira took over etc. whilst across in the Post key pieces of personal the Langley Park Post Office Office and not on those information and use them to in January1995 and have tempting Half Pounders! impersonate you and to seen many changes during commit crimes using your their stay. Answers to Stuart‟s name and identity profile. In Wordgram from Page 6 addition to your name and We would like to thank them address information, criminals both for all their hard work Mother‟s Union look for and use utility bills, over the last 12 years and to Home Guard credit card and banking wish them both well in the Cokeworks details, including statements, future. I know that Stuart is Wallnook Mill to carry out their activities, looking forward to breaking Co-Op which often include applying 75 on his local golf course Evacuees for birth certificates and and Moira to many more Angling passports in your name. holidays in the sun. Bowling Colliery Band Stolen identities can be used The Parish Council would War Memorial to open new bank accounts, also like to thank Stuart and Post Office apply for loans and credit Moira for allowing copies of Ball Alley cards and various social Esh Leaves to be collected Hotspurs benefits. from the Post Office and for Isolation Hospital the display of many public British Legion Identity theft on cards occurs notices in the shop window. Cricket when a criminal uses fraudulently-obtained TIPS TO AVOID personal information to open Don‟t be surprised if you see IDENTITY FRAUD or access card accounts in Stuart later in the year in the vicinity of the Parish Room Identity fraud is a growing your name and without your as he has kindly agreed to concern in the UK. It occurs knowledge. There are two continue making himself when a criminal uses your types of identity fraud on available as the Parish personal information, without cards: Council‟s internal auditor. your knowledge or consent,

Esh Leaves Page 30 March 2007

Application fraud - Don‟t share personal when making a where a criminal applies information unless you transaction. Report lost for a card or banking are entirely confident you and stolen cards, or product using your know who you are suspected fraudulent use details. dealing with. Be of your card account to The application may be particularly cautious if you your bank or building supported by stolen or are cold-called by society immediately. false documents, someone claiming to be Keep a note of your bank including utility bills, bank from a bank or the police. or building societies‟ statements, passports or Your bank will only ever telephone numbers so driving licences. ask for specific that you can report lost or characters within your stolen cards. Account take-over - password, not the whole If you move house make where a criminal has password. Ask the caller sure you contact your obtained key personal for their number, check it bank and all other information and uses this and call them back. organisations to give information to takeover Also, be wary of them your change of the running and operation responding to unsolicited address (the Post Office of your account. e-mails requesting can redirect post on information about you. request, for a minimal There is a specific website Ask for proof of identity or fee). designed to provide you with undertake your own practical advice on how to checks. Never disclose A leaflet about ID fraud has protect yourself from being a your card PIN to been produced by APACS victim of ID fraud. This site anyone. (the UK payments also provides practical advice Dispose of financial association), CIFAS on the steps you can take if statements, card receipts (the UK‟s fraud prevention you discover that you are a and other personal service) and the Finance & victim of identity theft. To documents with care. Rip Leasing Association (FLA). view this site go to up or, preferably, shred http://www.identitytheft.org.uk any such documents In the next issue we will be before binning them. giving some warning signs of Tips to help keep your Always check bank identity theft and fraud: identity safe statements, and check receipts against your Our thanks to Cardwatch for Always keep important statements carefully. If allow us to use this material – personal documents, you find an unfamiliar www.cardwatch.org.uk where plastic cards and transaction contact your you will find some more chequebooks in a safe card company or bank useful information on Cards. and secure place. Keep immediately. chequebooks and cards Be aware that your post separately. Valuable is valuable information in documents include your the wrong hands. If you passport, birth certificate, fail to receive a bank driving license, plastic statement, card cards, card receipts, statement, utility bill or financial statements other financial information and even utility bills. contact the supplier. How Without access to this easy would it be for

information a criminal will somebody to intercept find it very difficult to your post? pretend to be you. Guard your cards. Don‟t let them out of your sight Esh Leaves Page 31 March 2007

STOP PRESS ITEMS

Off Road Motorbikes – An update from Page 7

We have been advised that since submitting the initial report FOUR warning notices have been issued and there has been one bike SEIZURE. Miscreants have been warned!

A Musical Concert by Belmont Ladies Choir Alan Mollon, Mike Ackroyd, Geoff Smith and David Rider with the Quality Parish Council submission The Friends of Durham LOOKING AT LANGLEY PARK Hospital present, a Musical Concert by Belmont Ladies MEMORIES OF A VILLAGE

Recently reviewed by Durham Town & Country Magazine Choir, to be held on Friday th COMPILED BY JOHN C. FOSTER 30 March at 7:30pm, at St. Andrews Methodist Church A random collection of memories mainly covering the period 1930s to 1960s with some recollections of earlier and later days. Hall, Langley Park.

Over 170 pages. 81 categories including: Living in Langley Park: 1939-1945 war, The British Legion, School, Transport, The entrance fee will be Doctors, Friends of the Hospitals, Entertainment. Illustrated with photographs £2.50, tea and biscuits will be of people and locations. included. £15. Price includes a £2 donation to Langley Park Branch of the Friends of Durham Hospitals.

Bidding for Quality Enquiries: 0191 373 4223. E-mail [email protected]

On sale at Reay‟s Newsagent, Langley Park Post Office and the In Esh Leaves Extra February Tourist Information Office in Durham City

2007 we reported that the Comments:

Parish Council was on the Received the book today, I’ve not been able to put it down since it’s verge of submitting an arrival -- J.H. of Keighley, West Yorkshire application for Quality Status. I have just read your book and thoroughly enjoyed the memories it We are delighted to report brought back – T. B. Derbyshire that thanks to a great deal of hard work by the Clerk, other ADVERTISEMENTS staff and Councillors the bid has now been submitted.

It is anticipated that it will take approximately 4 weeks for a decision to be made by the County Durham Association of Local Councils on the application.

Watch this space for further details.

Esh Leaves Page 32 March 2007

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Esh Leaves Page 33 March 2007

Langley Park PARK FLOORING

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Complete Heating Systems, Industrial Estate,  FREEPHONE  Witton Gilbert, Condensing Combi Boilers, Durham, Gas Cookers & Fires, DH7 6TX. 0800 1695009 Bathroom Suites, Tel: 0191 3739771 All domestic plumbing Fax: 0191 373 9772

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NO CALL-OUT CHARGE Corgi Registered – No 220821 Esh Leaves Page 34 March 2007

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(Milk, Eggs, Pop, Cream, SPAR Convenience Foodstore

+Organic Milk) In store Bakery, Sandwiches, Hot & Cold Food Door to Door deliveries Quality produce & Fresh Foods

23 Lilian Terrace

Langley Park Off Licence, Newspapers & Magazines, Lottery, DVD Rental, Mobile Phone Top Up & Durham all utility bills can be paid. DH7 9YF

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Esh Village, Durham New opening hours for food Mon to Thurs 5:30pm – 9:00pm Fri 5:30pm– 9:30pm Sat 6:30pm – 9:30pm Sun 7:00pm – 9:30pm

Lunches served every day 12pm – 2pm

Tel 0191 3731279 S & J Taxis

Langley Park Country Style 14 Quebec Street Friendly & Reliable Service at Very Langley Park Durham Competitive Prices

DH7 9XA Telephone 01913736899 Telephone:

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Esh Leaves Page 35 March 2007

VILLAGE JOINERY

KITCHENS FITTED (KITCHEN DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE) UPVC DOORS AND WINDOWS WARDROBES MSelectrical opening times: DOOR HANGING SERVICE ALL JOINERY WORK UNDERTAKEN Monday 09:00 – 14:00, Tuesday 09:00 – 14:00 Wednesday 09:00 – 14:00 (Closed during the school holidays) Telephone Kenny on: Thursday 09:00 – 14:00, Friday 09:00 – 14:00 0191 3739895 Saturday 09:00 – 12:00 FOR FREE ESTIMATE

Member of Durham County Council ALAN MADRELL COACH TOURS registered traders scheme th Stratford upon Avon & The Cotswolds 4 days 11 May £140 Scottish Highlands & Loch Ness 4 days 15th June £140 New quay & Cornish Delights 8 days 21st July £290

NEW FOR 2007 Shanklin Isle of Wight 8 days st th 21 -28 April £240 14th- 21st July £270 th rd 27 Oct- 3 Nov £230

Day excursions to be announced soon. 0191 3733145 3 Ivy Terrace Langley Park Durham DH7 9XW

Esh Leaves Page 36 March 2007