www.durham.gov.uk DURHAM Autumn 2017 County News The magazine for people in

Local people at centre of light creations Lumiere to brighten up What do you love Durham for about our county? the fifth time

Win! Theatre and museum tickets The summer may be nearly over but there’s WELCOME plenty to look forward to in the coming to the autumn edition of months including Lumiere and the Durham Book Festival. Durham County News Lumiere is returning for its fifth outing this November and once again we’re working with leading arts charity, Artichoke, to Councillor Simon Henig, produce a festival that will again illuminate Leader of the Council Durham in spectacular and delightful ways. Getting people from across the county involved is fundamental to Lumiere’s success and one of the many reasons it is so special. We are passionate about making art accessible for all and in 2015, 860 children and young people took part in the festival’s community outreach programme – something we hope to build on even further in 2017. It is also particularly pleasing that this year will see an installation which illuminates the people behind so many of our vital services. You can read more about Lumiere’s community projects in our four page pull out. In this issue, we are also launching an exciting new campaign, Celebrating Durham, that will help us shine a light on what an extraordinary and enlightening place Durham is. Over the next 12 months we will celebrate the people, places, stories, history and heritage that make our county a Place of Light – a fantastic place to live, work and visit. Find out more on pages 20 and 21. I hope you enjoy reading the magazine and you can find more stories and videos online at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn Simon Henig

How to enter our competitions Inside... Enter online at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn. Page 4-8 Page 20-21 Or write the answer, along with your name, address, telephone number and email on News Celebrating Durham a piece of paper. Pop your entries into one envelope (don’t forget the stamp) and post to Durham County News, Durham County Council, County Hall DH1 5UF, Page 9 Page 22 or drop them into reception at any of our Wedding venues Libraries access points. Entry closes on Friday 6 October 2017.

Durham County News is written and designed by Page 10-11 Page 23­ Durham County Council, printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd and distributed by The National Leaflet Green living Book Festival Company and Royal Mail. It costs 16p a copy. To contact the editorial team, call 03000 268 059 or email [email protected] Page 12-14 Page 24-25 Children and young Halloween fun Please ask us if you would like this document people summarised in another language or format. Braille Audio Large print Page 15-18 Page 26-30­ [email protected] Lumiere four page special What’s on 03000 268 059

When you have finished with this magazine, please recycle it. Front cover: Harry Dobson enjoying the Supercube, by artist Stéphane Masson, at Lumiere 2015. Making a splash in our swimming pools

As we leave the summer behind, look forward to new pool sessions that are guaranteed to brighten up the darker days and nights.

New sessions for families and those wanting to get fit will be available in four of our swimming pools – Chester-le-Street, Newton Aycliffe, Peterlee and Woodhouse Close in Bishop Auckland.

For adults Brand new water based fitness sessions will be available later this year. The sessions will feature state of the art equipment including hydrorider aqua bikes (like spinning bikes) and trampolines and we’re one of the first in the region to introduce this type of session. Angela Humble, aqua instructor at Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex said: “We’re really looking forward to leading the new sessions. They provide a fun, different and low impact way to get fit and will appeal to a broad range of our customers and fitness levels.”

For families The summer holidays saw the introduction of three new or improved family sessions at the same pools including aquafun, pool inflatables and ‘Ready, Sett, Splash’ our new water-based games featuring our early years character Brock the Badger and his friends.

Investment The new activities are all part of a £2m investment programme funded by us and Sport that will also see improvements being made to the changing facilities at Chester-le-Street and Peterlee.

Find more details about all the activities and what’s on offer at your local pool at: www.durham.gov.uk/swimming Facebook/DurhamThriveActive

Swimming 3 Contact us: News You can get lots of information, and apply online for council New book celebrates services via www.durham.gov.uk sketches of much loved painter Save time do it online Report Apply Book Pay Comment The work of Spennymoor’s beloved painter Norman Report Pay If you Aneedpply to Book phone us, callComment Cornish will be celebrated Customer Services in a new book. 03000 26 0000 Behind The Scenes - The Norman Cornish Sketchbooks is a collection of 8.30am-5pm (Monday-Thursday) sketches taken from the 269 sketchbooks uncovered in his studios. The Garden Waste Missed Bin Generic Bin Street Litter 8.30am-4.30pm (Friday) portfolio will launch at Durham Book Festival next month and shows a Out of hours emergency service range of photographs of his sketches, which were used as the foundations

available.Fly Tipping Pest Control Recycle Concessionary Travel for his acclaimed townscapes, bar scenes and iconic people. If you have a specific query, use The book is available from www.normancornish.com and will also be

oneWaste Permi tof ourCouncil dedicated Tax Large Wa stnumbers:e Registrars available at the new Mining Art Gallery when it opens at Auckland Castle in Streetscene, Highways and Bishop Auckland later in the year. Street Lighting Enquiries Sandbags / Flood Planning School Admission Graffiti Durham Book Festival will also be paying tribute to Norman with a guided 03000 26 1000 walk around Spennymoor and an event looking at his work. There will also Includes rubbish and recycling, street be two days of events for local schools, with events from Mick Manning, lighting faults, potholes, commercial Street Lighting Road Problems Dog Fouling Gritting Brita Granstrom waste, neighbourhood wardens, stray and picture dogs, abandoned vehicles, pest control, street cleaning, litter and dog fouling, book maker grafSalt Binsfiti, fly-tippBlue Badgesing, fly-posting,ASB parks,Calendar­ Tim Hopgood, open spaces and cemeteries maintenance. amongst others. Benefit Enquiries For more

03000S ave26 time 2000 do it online information on Report Apply Book Pay Comment Durham Book Council Tax Enquiries Festival see 03000 26 4000 page 23. Social Care Direct/Children’s First Contact Service 03000 26 79 79 Families Information Service 03000 26 99 95 Improved play facilities for Newton Aycliffe @DurhamCouncil Young people in Newton Aycliffe will soon benefit from improved play /durhamcouncil facilities in the Cobblers Hall area. The new improved facility will cater for children aged 6-14 years of age and include new play equipment, a small linkedin.com/company/ durham-county-council multi-use games area (MUGA), improved access paths and landscaping. /DurhamCouncil It is expected the park, which is being developed and funded by GAMP, Great Aycliffe Town Council and ourselves, will be open next year. /durham_county_council 4 News Key to symbols: C Central Durham N North Durham S South Durham E East Durham

Expansion begins at science park Work has begun to expand a North East science park. Construction has started on a new 1km road which will allow access to a further 26 acres of development land at the North East Technology Park (NETPark) in Sedgefield. NETPark is already home to some of the world’s most innovative companies and this latest expansion could lead to the creation of around 1,400 jobs. This £12.6m expansion, set to be completed by the end of the year, will allow additional space for research and development companies. Watch a video at A ten year strategy for NETPark hopes to see a total of 3,000 jobs www.durham.gov.uk/dcn brought to the area adding £400m to the region’s economy.

Boost for grassroots sport We’ve contributed towards a £600,000 project to create a new community sports hub in Chester-le-Street. A refurbished artificial turf pitch, new clubroom and new changing facilities have transformed the former Roseberry Sports and Community College site at Newfield in Pelton. The project also received a £293,000 grant from the Premier League and FA Facilities Fund, Three cheers for volunteers! which is funded by the Premier League, The FA Volunteers across County Durham came together and the Government through Sport England to celebrate their hard work and successes over the and delivered by the Football Foundation, the last year, at the County Durham Volunteering country’s largest sports charity. Celebration. The event, which took place at Beamish Museum, recognised around 200 volunteers, showcasing the achievements of individuals and groups from across the county. The event was organised by Durham Community Action and sponsored by the council, Banks Group, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Lloyds Bank, Office of Durham Police, Crime and Victims Commissioner and Beamish Museum. To find out more visit www.durhamcommunityaction.org.uk

News 5 News

Victoria Cross hero remembered with day of commemoration Hundreds of people turned out to celebrate the homecoming of a Victoria Cross hero from our county, 100 years after he returned to his home town from the First World War. Durham Light Infantry Victoria Cross recipient Private Michael Heaviside returned to Stanley from battle on 12 July 1917. He was given a hero’s welcome after crawling across No-Man’s Land under heavy fire to take water and first aid Happy birthday to a wounded soldier lying in a shell hole during the battle of Arras. He later risked his life to bring him back to the to Blackhall Library trenches. Children at St Joseph’s, Hesleden and His homecoming, recorded on film, was re-enacted on Blackhall Colliery Primary Schools have Stanley Front Street to mark 100 years since the event. joined in with 1950s themed celebrations at Blackhall Library. Beamish Museum provided costumes for local schoolchildren to get dressed up for the occasion and Cllr Bill Kellett, chairman of the council, Craghead Colliery Band played for the procession which unveiled a mosaic created and given included Pte Heaviside’s grandson Norman. to the library in recognition of the library’s 60 years by pupils at Watch a video about this event at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn St Joseph’s School.

6 News Getting the best out of health and Shops and businesses social care services HealthWatch County Durham is a to get a touch of TLC free service, which ensures families Owners and tenants of shops and get the best out of health and social businesses in need of tender loving care services such as hospitals, GPs, care are being urged to apply for Before dentists, opticians and nursing and funding. residential care in County Durham. For more information telephone Funds are available to support 0800 304 7039 or visit businesses in the Bishop Auckland www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk and North Road (Durham City) areas of the county. It’s hoped the funding will improve After economic activity and generate investment in derelict, underused retail spaces. The funding can be used for upgrades to windows, doors and signage or for plumbing, flooring or tiling. Any improvements which will encourage business growth will be considered. Major schemes Up to 70% of cost up to a maximum of £20,000 Minor schemes Up to 50% of cost up to a maximum of £5,000 Celebrating a new Match funding is required for the remainder of the works era for Horden and For further information on the funds available to businesses in Peterlee Bishop Auckland and North Road, email [email protected] Funding made available via the East Durham Area Action Partnership has enabled Horden and Peterlee Rugby Pupils say Club to be turned into a vital no thanks community hub. A team of volunteers took on the work of transforming the to prison clubhouse and a newly appointed Pupils are community worker has enabled a wide getting a taste of range of activities to take place allowing what life would the building to be used for both the be like in prison rugby club and members of the local as part of a community. project to deter them from a life of crime. Deerness Bridge Update Spennymoor Area Action Partnership granted the Prison! Me! No Way! Scheme £10,000 to enable more than 450 local children to Work has begun on a permanent benefit from crime and safety awareness days and workshops, replacement for the temporary Bailey which see reformed prisoners visit schools to speak to the young bridge linking and New people about prison life. Brancepeth. For the latest information on this project visit The No Way Trust has reached out to more than five million young www.durham.gov.uk/deernessbridge people since it began in 1993 and this latest funding enables a series of sessions to take place with Whitworth Park School pupils. Watch a video at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn

News 7 News Save money Licences for landlords Did you know if you’re a landlord of a house with on bills multiple occupants (HMO) you could need a licence this winter from us? What is a HMO? Free advice to help you Buildings are often classed as HMOs if they have three save money on your or more people sharing one or more toilet, wash hand basin, shower, bath or cooking facilities or if they have energy bills and keep your two or more households (individuals or family units) home warm is available from living in the building, including flats. the Managing Money Better Service. Do I need a licence? An advisor can call to your home to help you reduce A HMO must be licensed if the entire house or your energy bills by switching supplier or by finding apartment is, or is within, a building consisting of a cheaper tariff, as well as helping you make your three or more storeys and is occupied by five or more persons, forming two or more households. home more energy efficient. Why should I get a licence? They can also refer you to other services that can We recently prosecuted someone who failed to obtain help with finances and debt. the appropriate licences for two houses she rented To book an appointment call our Housing Solutions out to students – costing her more than £5,700. Service on 03000 268 000 or email For more information search ‘multiple occupancy [email protected] homes’ on the council website.

Are you ready for Universal Credit?

A single benefit which replaces many of the current welfare payments is being fully rolled out across County Durham by the Department for Work and Pensions this autumn.

From October, Universal Credit will be phased in by It will mean big changes for anyone receiving Universal Job Centre area, starting with Peterlee and Seaham. Credit as it will need to be claimed online and will be paid monthly in arrears into a bank account. The benefit is for most working age people, both in and out of work, who do not have enough money to If you need help with your rent, you will no longer be live on. able to apply for Housing Benefit as this will be paid as part of your Universal Credit payment. This will go It does not apply to pensioners or households with directly into your bank account and you will be three or more children. responsible for paying your rent to your landlord. Universal Credit replaces For more information visit Income Support, Income-based www.gov.uk/universal-credit Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment If you need help with paying your and Support Allowance, council tax you can find out about our Working Tax Credit and Council Tax Reduction Scheme at Child Tax Credit and Housing www.durham.gov.uk/counciltaxreduction Benefit. or call 03000 262 000.

8 News The perfect match… for your special day

With breathtaking scenery and a host of hidden gems, County Durham is the perfect place to celebrate your special day.

Whether you’re planning a big have a bash or an intimate family legal ceremony gathering for your wedding, our prior to the event. ceremony team are here to help. They provide a dedicated service The choice of venue for people wishing to tie the knot for taking your vows with our Registration Service, is very personal. Some guiding you every step of the way. people wish to marry in churches or places Having conducted wedding “These days, you can have almost of worship but many couples ceremonies for 30 years, Anne has any kind of ceremony, from a choose to marry in one of our helped thousands of happy couples. simple ‘I do’ in one of our register register offices, which can cater for “Your wedding is possibly the offices with a couple of friends as up to 55 guests. biggest day of your life and it’s witnesses, to a more grand affair always an honour to be part of such at a licensed venue,” explained If you’re looking for somewhere a wonderful occasion. superintendent registrar Anne out of the ordinary, there are over Robson. “The only restriction is 40 licensed venues in County “So from booking the ceremony to your own imagination!” Durham. These range from historic giving legal advice on your nuptials, castles and fabulous hotels to we always go that extra mile to Almost anything goes, but sporting venues and enchanting make sure every couple has a remember that only registrars teepees at a country pub. perfect day to remember.” employed by a local authority can conduct a legal civil marriage. If you choose one of these it’s For more information, If you’re planning a humanist or important you book your registrar call 03000 266 000, email celebration wedding you must as soon as possible, so that the [email protected] team will be on hand to answer or visit your queries every step of the way. www.durham.gov.uk/registeroffices

The bride and groom Gordon and Kathryn Coates from Crook married this year at Aykley Heads Register Office. “Our wedding day was amazing from start to finish,” said Kathryn. “We chose a civil ceremony in Durham and the help we received before the wedding was invaluable. “The ceremony was perfect and it was the most Our wedding day joyous day, made all the more exceptional by was amazing... the ceremony team.”

County Durham Register Office 9 Green living Guided Walks Feel the fresh air on your skin by joining one of our guided walks. Discover County Durham’s beautiful countryside and learn about the history and heritage of the scenes. Tap in to your creative side with an art or photography walk. There’s a wide range of walks of all lengths and difficulties. Copies of the guide are available from Wharton and Hardwick Parks and a range of other council venues or download a copy from www.durham.gov.uk/countryside

Changes to bin collection Spruce Up-date days – Sedgefield, Teesdale The Spruce Up team continues to make improvements across the county as part of a programme to ‘clean up’ and ‘green up’ front and Wear Valley areas streets. To help us make our bin collections Various improvements more efficient, rubbish and recycling have been carried out in bin collection days will change for ten local communities some households in the former so far, with plans to Sedgefield borough, Teesdale and improve areas in Wear Valley areas. Ferryhill, Langley Moor, Aycliffe and Coundon If your property is affected, you will by the end of the year. shortly receive a letter with a revised collection calendar. Operation Spruce Up involves a range of Changes only apply to rubbish and council teams, recycling collections, the garden waste schools, organisations (council and Rotters scheme) is not and partners taking affected. part in activities to deep cleanse one town or village from each Please continue to place your bins out of the fourteen Area Action Partnerships (AAPs). for collection on your normal collection day until week beginning 9 October. For more information visit www.durham.gov.uk/spruceup If you misplace your letter and calendar you can find out your new collection details online by entering Cleaner air in Durham your house number and postcode in Are you keen to improve the quality of the air to the ‘My Durham’ section of you breathe? Visit www.durham.gov.uk/airquality www.durham.gov.uk for more information and for tips and advice on or give us a call on 03000 261 000. what you can do to help improve air quality.

10 Green living Household waste recycling centre opening times Between 1 October and 31 March, household waste recycling centres will operate the following winter opening hours. 9.00am-3.30pm everyday: “When I’m Annfield Plain; Heighington Lane, Newton Aycliffe; recycled I Middleton-in-Teesdale; Potterhouse Lane, Pity Me; Romanway, Bishop Auckland; Seaham; Tudhoe. want to be a 10.00am-4.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am-3.30pm Saturday, Sunday and bank FOOTBALL holidays: ” Coxhoe; Horden; Thornley. SHIRT 9.00am-3.30pm on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays only: Hett Hills, Chester-le-Street; Recycle all your plastic pots and Stainton Grove, Barnard Castle. give them a chance to be new stuff. For more information go to Recycling – www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc or call 03000 261 000. what goes around New rules for stray dogs comes around Did you know it is now an offence to allow your dog to stray under the new Public National Recycle Week is back, Space Protection Order? 25 September to 1 October! If you do allow your dog to stray, you could be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice or See some of the amazing transformations prosecuted. and find out what everyday household objects can be recycled into. What happens if my dog strays? If a dog is found by a neighbourhood warden, it Daily videos on our Facebook page will will be scanned for a microchip and returned to its show the journey your recycling takes owner. If the owner can’t be identified it will be once it leaves your home. So like us to taken to Stray Aid, our kennel provider based in find out about aerosols turning into parts Coxhoe. If the dog is not claimed within 7 days, it can then be offered for rehoming. for mobile phones or a yoghurt pot becoming a football shirt. There’ll be If your dog does stray and you’re unable to locate it, contact Stray Aid on 0300 999 4247, daily competitions too. www.strayaid.org.uk/found You’ll never look at your recycling in the #FollowOurLead same way! Be a responsible dog owner. Facebook/recycleforcountydurham

National Recycle Week 25 September to 1 October

Watch a video at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn Green living 11 Children and young people

Preparing your children for school Baby Room Project All three and four year olds, and puts county in the spotlight some two year olds, can already get 15 hours free early learning Thirteen of our nurseries have been praised for their ground-breaking in a nursery, pre-school work to improve the care and education of babies. playgroup or with a childminder. They’ve worked with Professor Kathy Goouch, a widely recognised The new 30 Hours Free Childcare specialist in the earliest years of education, care and early literacy on a scheme means working parents of research project into the quality of time devoted to close personal three and four year olds could interactions with individual babies, as well as how songs and rhymes access an extra 15 hours per week, are used. allowing them to increase their hours or get back into work. Professor Goouch from Canterbury Christ Church University said: Find out more at “I was delighted to collaborate with the early years team and have been www.durham.gov.uk/earlyyears rewarded by their energetic, enthusiastic and insightful responses to For more information on childcare the project. or activities for children, visit “I am also impressed that this aspect of early childhood care is www.countydurhamfamilies.info sufficiently important for Durham to commit resources, including time, to improving provision, demonstrating the commitment that the Applying for a school council is offering to babies and their carers in the region.” place for next year Staff at the 13 nurseries looked at their own practice alongside international research and practice to see how it could shape what is Applications for primary and done here in the county. This included the Scandinavian practice of secondary school places open on babies sleeping outside during the day and how a similar ‘snuggle hut’ Tuesday 12 September. for babies could be introduced in our outdoor spaces. Apply online and find out more Professor Goouch and the practitioners are now developing ideas at www.durham.gov.uk/ around care and education of babies, which will be shared as the schooladmissions project develops. or call 03000 265 896 for paper applications. Early years lead, Helen Nixon, said: “We are committed to providing children with the very best start in life and this programme illustrates Applications close at midnight on our commitment to being a forward-thinking county, at the forefront of 31 October 2017 (secondary) and development and change where positive outcomes for children are 15 January 2018 (primary). concerned.”

12 Children and young people Stop for the lollipop School road safety schemes School crossing patrols help our children cross the road safely on We work with schools across the their way to and from school. They also have the legal right to stop county to deliver a range of road traffic to help anyone across the road, child or adult, whether they safety schemes including: are going to school or not. Here are a few reminders of what to do when the school crossing patrol is on duty. 20mph speed limits Drivers We are reducing traffic speeds Where you see a school crossing patrol standing on the pavement: around some schools from 30mph to 20mph to improve road safety and »» slow down and be prepared to stop if the patrol is displaying the help create safer and healthier sign upright communities. »» you must stop when the patrol is in the road holding the sign upright Bikeability »» failing to stop when the patrol is in the road puts lives at risk and is Bikeability training in primary schools also an offence for which you may be prosecuted teaches children basic bike control »» don’t drive off until all the pedestrians have crossed and the patrol skills and how to ride bikes safely on has returned to the pavement both quiet and busier roads. »» do not overtake when approaching a school crossing patrol Junior Road Safety Officers Pedestrians A minimum of two Year 5 and 6 »» stand on the pavement, well back from the patrol pupils are chosen to be junior road safety officers for their school. Their »» wait on the pavement until the patrol instructs you to cross job is to spread road safety messages »» always cross in front of and not behind the patrol by running competitions, speaking »» keep looking and listening while you cross in school assemblies, creating a noticeboard and organising campaigns to improve the safety of We occasionally have vacancies for school crossing patrols around the their fellow pupils. county. For more information go to www.durham.gov.uk/roadsafety or call 03000 268 175.

Watch a video at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn

Children and young people 13 Make ordinary moments with Durham County Council Could you foster a child?

Every day in the county at least one new child is taken into care. We are appealing for people to become foster carers to help us provide these children with loving homes.

Chris (pictured) and Leanne Coulson have provided long-term foster placements with us for ten years. Chris said: “We’d had our daughter very young and we felt like there was a bit of a gap in our lives. We’d already had experience helping out a family member with their children while they were going through a rough patch, so we felt that fostering was something older kids would have to look after the little ones we would enjoy as a couple.” because my mum was too ill to do it.

“Once I was fostered I got back on the right track. Chris and Leanne chose to take me on when I was what some people would describe as a ‘difficult teenager’, they gave me a new chance. This is my home now but when I’m older, I want to meet someone and have a family of my own, then I definitely want to foster after that.”

“We wanted to offer a loving and stable home but not just as a stop gap, we wanted to offer children something permanent so we could nurture them and provide a life for them with some stability so we were delighted that we could do just that with the council.”

Brandon (pictured) was one of their foster children who has chosen to stay with them through the If you could open your home and heart to a Staying Put programme, which allows a foster child to child in need, get in touch on 03000 269 400 stay with their foster family after the age of 18, when or visit www.durham.gov.uk/fostering the standard fostering arrangement formally ends. for more information. He said: “Being fostered changed my life – I used to bunk off school all the time and when I was home us Watch a video of one of our Foster carers at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn

14 Children and young people Four page special

16 – 19 November Andre Pattenden

This year’s festival includes Keep up to date with our The Umbrella Project by show latest Lumiere news at makers Cirque Bijou, a colourful performance artwork that will durham.gov.uk/Lumiere pop up around the city. The mobile art installation of LED-lit #LumiereDurham umbrellas is supported by County Durham Community Foundation and East Durham Creates. Ticket and programme information will be available from mid-October

Lumiere 15 Shining a light on our hidden heroes

Hidden heroes across Durham are set to share their stories with thousands of people as part of the UK’s largest outdoor light festival this November.

More than 50 public sector workers from services including the police, fire and rescue, refuse collection, education and the NHS are part of an Our volunteers in front of the Miners’ Hall, installation named ‘The Common Good’. Video where The Common Good footage will be interviews of the participants will be screened onto screened during Lumiere. Durham Miners’ Hall during the festival to highlight the important work they carry out on a day-to-day School crossing patrol Alan Hebblethwaite also basis as well as shining a light on occasions where volunteered to be part of this year’s festival. they have gone above and beyond. He said, “It’s important to engage the community Two of those whose stories will be lighting up the first of all and I hope people enjoy it.” city are Barbara Tate and Mark Henderson, both Vulnerable Persons’ Advocates at County Durham The installation was created by Shared Space and and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service. Light, who were also involved in Lumiere back in 2015. “We are very proud and excited to be part of this – what better way of reaching as many people as “Our work focuses on revealing hidden stories and possible than Lumiere,” said Barbara. that is very much what we are doing here – giving a voice to people who maybe don’t get recognised as “It’s an excellent way to promote the service and much as they should,” said Giles Thacker, one of the the job we do.” artists working on the project.

“People in the public sector are often in the background, but they are all very special people and in it for a very sound reason. They are giving themselves to the people and public and that deserves recognition.”

The Common Good is supported by County Durham Housing Group and Prince Bishops Homes.

County Durham Housing Group Chief Executive, Bill Fullen, said: “Lumiere is a phenomenal event; it looks spectacular and it brings so many benefits to Durham. As an organisation committed to supporting Barbara Tate and Mark Henderson are filmed as part of The Common Good installation. local people, businesses and the community we were keen to get involved.”

16 Lumiere Charlotte Carpenter, Executive Director of Growth “One of the unique things in terms of Lumiere is that and Business Development at Karbon Homes, which a lot of the artwork is focused on local people. owns Prince Bishops Homes, added: “We’re “It’s so important to delighted to be a part of Lumiere this year. ...a lot of the artwork is feature the public as It’s always such an impressive event, and focused on local people. really harnesses the huge pride that everyone part of the artwork connected with this beautiful city feels.” because they are the inspiration for the festival and so they need to feel Louise Dennison, producer at Artichoke, said included in it – it’s their city and it’s an amazing thing meeting those taking part in the installation had to shout about.” proved a real inspiration. Watch a video at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn

“Everyone is an artist”

Local people are also at the centre of an installation by artist Hannah Fox, whose piece ‘Our Moon’ will be beamed onto during the festival and involves people from the age of six right up to 78.

“There were no criteria for people to get involved – it’s an all-encompassing piece,” she said.

“Something like this breaks down the borders between the ‘experts’ and the people – everyone is an artist really but few people are ever permitted to use that creativity and this is something that allows County Durham youngster Will Kitson (9) them to get involved. has his features transformed for ‘Our Moon’.

“It is their city, their place, their castle wall. Being part of it means they can feel affection and Ros Danson, Head of Business Development at EMG pride for the festival, it generates fun and they can Solicitors which supports Our Moon alongside really celebrate having Lumiere here in Durham.” Durham City AAP, said: “We’re big fans of the Those who volunteered for the project had their Lumiere festival. It’s a real highlight in the cultural facial expressions captured, with the data collected calendar and we’re so fortunate to have such a then digitally brought together. The end result will prestigious festival taking place on our doorstep in see the ‘moon’ made up of these expressions and Durham. We’re over the moon to be supporting the movements – an image which will gradually evolve event this year which is set to be the best yet!” over the course of the festival. it’s an all-encompassing piece.

Lumiere 17 Make the most of your visit to Durham To make the most of this year’s Lumiere don’t forget to buy a festival programme, available from mid-October for £2. The programme includes a special Durham Bid Lumiere Loyalty Card valid for the duration of the festival, which gives you access to Lumiere discounts and offers from Durham businesses.

It’s unbelievably exciting to be part of it... Amy-Rose Welch Celebrate the fifth edition of Lumiere To celebrate the fifth edition of Lumiere, Artichoke has commissioned some beautiful Lumiere souvenirs from T-shirts Local artists’ work and tote bags to fun accessories. On sale from mid-October at also in the spotlight the Gala Theatre and selected retailers. Artists based in the region are also getting ready to showcase their Lumiere Conference work at Lumiere, including Amy-Rose As well as the full public programme of spectacular light Welch who is currently studying at installations, festival producers Artichoke are hosting a one-day New College Durham, another conference in association with the council and the European supporter of the festival. Commission. Her design – a visual response to This year’s conference theme “Who are we and where are we which will reflect headed?” will take a wider view of the cultural impact in the the history of the building and create world today and what this means for the future. The conference a sense of illusion when viewed from takes place on Friday 17 November with tickets priced at £35. different angles – was one of five See lumiere-festival.com for further details on the conference. chosen as part of the festival’s BRILLIANT commissioning strand. “The funny thing is that in 2009 Fancy being a Festival Maker? I went to the first Lumiere with my There are plenty of ways to be part of Lumiere, including mum and a couple of friends and I becoming a volunteer Festival Maker helping to ensure the remember turning to them and festival runs smoothly. saying ‘I don’t know how yet but I’m Anyone aged over 18 can volunteer to take part – visit going to get my art here one day’ – www.durham.gov.uk/festivalmaker for more details. and now it’s happened,” she said. “It’s unbelievably exciting to be part of it, I couldn’t believe it and it hasn’t Commissioned by really sunk in yet.”

18 Lumiere 19 What do you love about your county, what makes it truly great? Is it our breath-taking landscapes, buildings, history and heritage? Is it our world-class cultural and sporting programmes including Lumiere, the Miners’ Gala, the Brass Festival and international cricket at the Riverside? Is it our enterprise and innovation - skills which helped forge the industrial revolution and which, today, support thriving business and technology hubs? Or is it simply the strength and pride of our people and communities?

Here are some thoughts from people you may recognise ...Durham is a along with stories of just two of our shining spirits. guiding light.

The Rt Revd Paul Butler, Sir , international opera “Durham’s singer and Chancellor of Durham people are passionate about University “ is a their heritage, increasingly world top 100 university which buzzes positive about their future and with life and energy. To see some of shine a light on what is the research that takes place here is possible in our world. It is a mind-expanding. place where people make a real difference. From the “Music is my life – full of interest and technology sector through to cast with remarkable people and the celebration of heritage astonishing venues. But it is all and regeneration that is measured against the standard set by Kynren, Durham is a guiding Durham, and Durham wins every time.” light.” Ivor Stolliday, Chair of Visit County Durham and England Durham “There is so much to celebrate cricketer, Paul Collingwood in Durham; a county and a city with “Durham is a very special place extraordinary heritage and history, with hard-working, friendly glorious and unspoilt countryside, a people. What makes it unique dramatic coast and activities for is how warm the people are - everyone. Those of us lucky enough to how proud, educated and live here can be proud of what we can welcoming they can be.” enjoy, on our doorstep.”

20 Celebrating Durham Humble hero is little life saver

A County Durham school pupil is being hailed as a shining example of heroism after rescuing a boy from drowning while on holiday. Blake Stephenson (9) spotted the boy’s lifeless body at the bottom of a swimming pool and dived down to rescue him. Blake said: “I prodded him with my foot to check he wasn’t just seeing how long he could stay down there, but he didn’t move. I knew I had to help him, so I dived down and pulled him to the top with me.” Hero Blake with his dad David and Head Teacher Mrs Murray Blake dragged the young French boy to the pool side where his mum and another member of the public performed CPR until emergency Just weeks before this services arrived. Thanks to Blake’s quick thinking tests have shown the young boy will make a full recovery. holiday, Blake was doing His dad David said: “We’re all immensely proud of Blake. He’s a strong boy life-saving skills as part for his age and a good swimmer and I think his confidence in the water was of his school swimming a real help in this situation.” Blake’s headteacher from Kirk Merrington Primary School, Mrs Nicola Murray, lessons. said: “Just weeks before this holiday, Blake was doing life-saving skills as part of his school swimming lessons. It just goes to show how important these skills are, so that children can keep themselves safe around the water and help others if they get into difficulties. We’re all very proud of him.”

Watch a video at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn Shepherd goes the extra mile

A tour guide from Hall Hill Farm in Lanchester, who is also the Northern Young Farmer of the Year, has been named the winner of Visit County Durham’s Tourism Superstar 2017 award. Richard Darlington, 26, who works as a shepherd as well as an activity leader on his family’s award-winning farm, was chosen through a public online vote. He was initially shortlisted for the award for his excellent customer service and for always going the extra mile to give every visitor to the farm a memorable experience. At lambing time Richard can be seen lambing sheep and giving a commentary, much to the delight of the watching visitors, and also introduced sheep racing – the farm’s most popular event. Richard said: “I’m very surprised but delighted to win this award. It’s an honour when a small attraction like ours gains recognition. I would just like to thank everyone who voted.”

Richard Darlington with his Durham Tourism Superstar ...I’m very surprised but 2017 award delighted to win this award. Over the next year we want you to help us Celebrate Durham as we shine a light on what an extraordinary and enlightening place our county is – a true Place of Light! Tell us why you love Durham using the #celebratingdurham

Twitter @DurhamCouncil Facebook /durhamcouncil Instagram @durham_county_council

Celebrating Durham 21 Durham Book Festival will run between 7-15 October this year and is set to be bigger and better than ever Did you know there are more than before. just books at your local library? It’s a packed programme – over 70 events with leading Every library in County Durham now offers writers, thinkers and regular fun activities for all the family performers, will take place in venues around Durham If you are stuck in a reading rut and are looking to try something different City, with some specially come along to one of our Reading Groups for adults and make new friends as you read and review books. commissioned pieces, to be premiered exclusively for You can also fire up your creative side and join the Get Creative group. festival audiences. Bring along a project you’ve been trying to finish for ages, learn a new Please check craft or pass on your skills to others. www.durhambookfestival.com We haven’t forgotten about the to download the full festival youngsters! programme. For the little ones we have Toddler Time – a fun event for under-fives to help develop their creativity and literacy skills. We also offer a range of activities including reading events and arts and crafts sessions when the kids are off school. To find out about regular activities in your local library visit www.durham.gov.uk/ libraries or pop into your How to book local library. 03000 266 600 www.durhambookfestival.com Gala Theatre 1 Millennium Place, Durham, DH1 1WA

22 Libraries The North East’s own David Almond is the award-winning author of the festival’s Big Read title this year. Three thousand copies of his short story collection Half a Creature from the Sea will be distributed all over the county, at libraries, schools, prisons and businesses. A perfect cross-over collection for children and adults, the magical and moving stories are all inspired by David’s Tyneside childhood and allow readers to imagine the North East as never before.

Faces from the stage and screen will be well represented this year: TV presenter June Sarpong will be talking about her new book, Diversify, which explores whether it is possible to live without prejudice, while Call the Midwife actor Stephen McGann will present a history of his family at Durham Town Hall.

Some of the most exciting names in The Gala Theatre will host appearances from fiction will appear in Durham, with Sir Tony Robinson, presenting his new memoir, appearances from best-selling novelists No Cunning Plan, which including reveals his journey from Tracy Chevalier, child-actor to comedy icon Sophie Hannah Baldrick in Blackadder, and and Kamila Peep Show’s Robert Webb Shamsie, Roddy will talk about his new book Doyle, and Alan How Not to Be A Boy. Hollinghurst.

In response to the current climate of political change and upheaval, the festival programme includes events with Harriet Harman MP, festival favourite Chris Mullin will be looking at the political landscape and asking What Happens Next? and David Goodhart, whose book, The Road to Somewhere investigates the moral fault-lines that divide Brexit Britain.

A special festival commission will see writers Lionel Shriver, Alexei Sayle, Petina Gappah and Benjamin Myers respond to the extraordinary news cycle of 2017 and John Tomaney and Rachel Reeves MP will talk about the history of the Labour movement in the North of England.

Durham Book Festival 23 A better you starts here Celebrate National Fitness day on 27 September! Join for only £5 between 27 and 30 September and pay nothing more until November 2017

www.durham.gov.uk/leisurecentrememberships

It’s time for ghouls, ghosts and great events…

Halloween crafts and monster fun this October at your local library: Barnard Castle Wednesday 25, 2pm-3pm Bishop Auckland Town Hall Friday 27, 10.30am-12.30pm Chester-le-Street Monday 23, 2.30pm-3.30pm Consett Tuesday 24, 11am-noon Crook Monday 23, 2pm-3pm Clayport, Durham Saturday 28, 2pm-4pm Newton Aycliffe Tuesday 24, 2.30pm-3.30pm Peterlee and Seaham Monday 23, 2.30pm-3.30pm Shildon Monday 23, 10.30am-11.30am Spennymoor Thursday 26, 10.30am-11.30am Stanley Friday 27, 2pm-3pm

£1 charge per child and places are limited. Contact your local library to find out more www.durham.gov.uk/libraries

24 Hardwick Park Halloween fun Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 October, 10am-11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm Hardwick’s Professor of Witchcraft and Wizardry shows you how to make the perfect elder wand, join a potions class and some spooky activities and games in our yurt, 6+, £6 per child, book a place 03000 262 899 Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 October, 11am-3pm Wizard School Family Trail, find the magical objects and solve the clues around the park to graduate from wizard school, 50p per trail Friday 27 October, 10am-11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm Friday 27 October, Woodland Trick or Treat, a Halloween quest among 2pm-3.30pm the trees, £4 per child, book a place 03000 262 899 Spectrum’s Spooky Halloween Event Friday 27 October, 11am-3pm £3 per child, adults free, Spooky Crafts, arty fun in the education room, 01388 747 000 £3 per child www.specrtrumleisure Sunday 5 November, 11am-3pm centre.com Bonfire Night arty fun, drop in to the education room to make paper rockets and glittery sparklers, £3 per child Wharton Park, Durham City Monday 23 and Thursday 26 October, 11am-3pm Drop-in Halloween arts and Saturday 28 October, 2pm-3.30pm crafts session, £3 per child, adults free Pumpkin Pentathlon, Harehope Quarry, Saturday 21 to Tuesday Frosterley 31 October, 10am-4pm £2 per pumpkin, Spookfest, Down at the 01388 528 015 Farm, Houghton-le-Spring www.harehopequarry.org.uk Halloween fun, Saturday 28 October, £5.95-£6.50, 5pm-9pm www.downatthefarm.co.uk Halloween Happening, Hamsterley Forest Monday 23, Tuesday 24, Meet at visitor centre, Friday 27, Saturday 28 Jack Drum Arts present a and Tuesday 31 October, scary forest walk with 6.30pm-9.30pm scenes and songs, Halloween evening (wheelchair and pushchair at Beamish friendly), 5+, £6 each, £10-£14 (unlimited passes £20 a family, book on not valid), 01388 265 002 www.beamish.org.uk www.jackdrum.co.uk Tuesday 24 October, 11am-4pm Spooky Folk Tales, The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle Spooky stories with Adam Bushnell, free for children accompanying a paying adult, 01833 690 606 www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Remember, remember the 5th November… information on Wednesday 25 October, 10.30am-noon public Halloween Crafts, The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle firework events will be available Halloween themed crafts, £4 per child who must be on our website from late October, visit accompanied by an adult, 01833 690 606 www.durham.gov.uk/fireworks www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Halloween events 25 Buckle up and get ready for this year’s TakeOff Festival TakeOff Festival, England’s leading children’s theatre festival, returns for its 30th year from 16-22 October with over 90 performances across 26 venues in Durham.

As part of this year’s programme, audiences can embark on a sensory journey through the seasons using poetry, sound and live instruments in Nest (for pre-walking babies) or join in the celebrations with The Party (for ages 3-8), a fast-paced, acrobatic circus show. Retrace Little Red Riding Hood’s path in the woods with two little ones (ages 3-8) as they play a game of ‘what-if’ and pretend. The fun filled TakeOff Festival Family Day returns to Durham City on Saturday 21 October with over 15+ performances, street theatre, arts & crafts and other free event. For the full festival line-up and to book tickets, visit www.takeofffestival.org.uk

TakeOff Festival tickets To win a family ticket for a show of your choice, please complete the following: Which special birthday does TakeOff Festival celebrate this year? See page 2 for details of how to enter.

For under 5s...

The naughty gingerbread man runs amok in Mrs Claus’ Kitchen in this brand new Christmas production from The Gala Theatre. 4 December – 30 December £6.50–£7.50

Box Office: 03000 266 600 Book online: www.galadurham.co.uk

26 Coming up... September to November What’s on Every Saturday, 9.30am-10.30am and 10.30am-11.30am Family Roller Skating Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington Monday 18 September, 7.15pm Saturday 23 September, noon-3pm £2, 01388 747 000 Sedgefield Family History Group Horticultural and produce show www.spectrumleisurecentre.com Ceddesfeld Hall, Sedgefield Bishop Auckland Town Hall Every Friday from 22 September, An 18th Century audience with speaker Annual showcase of local flowers and times throughout the day Lyn Lamport, £1.50 for non-members of vegetables, free, 01388 609 852 A Choir! A Voice! Cleveland Family History Society Shakespeare Hall, North Road, www.sedgefieldfamilyhistory.com Durham Community choir for 18+, senior citizen Tuesday 19 group also meets, various abilities September, welcome, £7-£8.50 per session, 7.30pm 12 week term to be paid in advance, Ferryhill, 0191 447 8130 Sedgefield and District Until Saturday 30 September, Tuesdays Flower Club to Fridays 11am-3pm and Saturdays Sedgefield Hall Saturday 23 September, 8pm-10pm 10am-4pm Members free, non-members £5, Robin Ince - Pragmatic Insanity 07533 752870 All we are saying: Say it with flowers The Witham, Barnard Castle Art Block, Seaham First new stand up show in three years, Work by edan artists focusing on flowers Thursday 21 September to Saturday 23 September, 7.30pm (Sunday 24 14+, £14, 01833 650 930 to represent peace, free, www.funnywaytobe.com Facebook/East Durham Artists Network September, 2pm) The Tearaways Theatre Group present Saturday 23 September and Sunday Until Wednesday 27 September Our House, The Madness Musical September 24, 10am-5pm Mike Connell, In And Around Town Civic Hall Theatre, Shildon Steampunk Spectacular exhibition £3.50-£5.50, 01388 774 838 Locomotion: The National Railway Greenfield Arts, Newton Aycliffe Museum at Shildon Work depicting life in and around Saturday 23 September and Sunday 24 Enjoy a grand exhibition of Victorian Newton Aycliffe, free entry to gallery September, 10am-5pm contraptions, free admission, charge for 01325 379048, www.greenfield-arts.co.uk 1940s Farm steam rides, 01904 685 780 Beamish Museum www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion Saturday 16 September and Head on up to the 1940s farm, Sunday 17 September, 10am-5pm usual admission applies £11-£19, Wednesday 27 September, 2pm-4pm Autumn Steam Gala www.beamish.org.uk Flower demonstration Locomotion: The National Railway by Rebecca Hough Museum at Shildon Lanchester Community Centre The Flying Scotsman will headline this Woodland Wonders theme, free to members year’s gala, cab access, steam train rides, and £4 for visitors, 01207 503 667 trade stands and more, free, charge for steam train rides, 01904 685 780 Thursday 21 September and Sunday www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion 24 September, 10am-11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm Sunday 17 September, 2.30pm-5pm Beamish Museum Story Explorers, The Magic Faraway Young Organists Showcase Tree New Victoria Centre, Win a family day ticket (4 people) to Beamish Museum. Wharton Park Howden-le-Wear Crafts and play based activities for See the Mighty Wurlitzer stars of the future, Question: Which event takes place at 2-5 years, £4 per child, book a place on £8, 01388 762 467, www.netoa.org.uk Beamish on 14 to 17 September? 03000 262 655 www.durham.gov.uk/whartonpark Sunday 17 September to Saturday See page 2 for details of how to enter. 23 September, 7.30pm and Friday 29 September, 7.30pm-11.30pm 2.30pm Sunday Saturday 23 September, and Saturday 30 September, noon-late And a Nightingale Sang by C P Taylor 6.30pm-7.30pm (children until 9pm) The City Theatre, Fowlers Yard, Organ recital with Stephen Maxsom Beer and Music Festival Durham of Grimsby Minster Scarth Hall, Staindrop WWII story set in Newcastle, £6.50- £7.50, St Paul’s Church, Evenwood Over 15 real ales and ciders and hot and tickets from Gala box office, Durham Free cold food, www.scarthhall.co.uk

What’s on 27 September to November What’s on Saturday 30 September, 10am-5pm Harvest Festival and Harvest Home Beamish Museum Celebrate with a harvest festival at Beamish, usual admission applies £11-£19, www.beamish.org.uk

Saturday 30 September, 7pm-12am Thursday 12 October and Saturday 14 Almost Pink Sunday 15 October, 10am-11.30am October, Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington and 1pm-2.30pm 8pm-10pm Music event and disco, £6-£8, Story Explorers The Pajama Men, 07765 181603 Wharton Park, Durham Pterodactyl The Three Little Pigs, storytelling, crafts Nights Saturday 30 September, and play based activities for 2-5 years, £4 The Witham, 1pm-11.55pm per child, book in advance 03000 262 655 Barnard Castle Music Festival www.durham.gov.uk/whartonpark 16+, £13-£15, Rof 59, Newton Aycliffe 01833 650930, www.funnywaytobe.com The SkaBeats, The Whodlums and Share Thursday 12 October to Saturday 14 the Darkness take to the stage, £8-£32 October, 7.30pm (Sunday 15 October, Saturday 14 October, 10am-3.30pm www.rof59.co.uk 2pm) Autumn Volunteer Day C A T S Youth Theatre Group present Harehope Quarry, Frosterley Sunday 1 October, 10am-5pm Mamma Mia Regular volunteering event, concentrating Shildon Vintage Vehicle Rally Civic Hall Theatre, Shildon on access to the quarry, free, 01388 528 015 Locomotion: The National Railway £3.50-£5.50, 01388 774 838 www.harehopequarry.org.uk Museum at Shildon Annual vintage vehicle rally, free, Sunday 15 October, 10am-11.30am 01904 685780 and 1pm-2.30pm www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion Let’s Go Fly a Kite Hardwick Park, Sedgefield Tuesday 3 October to Saturday 28 Design, make and test out your own kite, October, Tuesdays to Fridays all materials provided, £4 per child, book a 11am-3pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm place 03000 262 899 www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark Landmarks Saturday 14 October, 7pm-9.45pm Art Block, Seaham Mighty Wurlitzer concert with Sunday 15 October, 9.30am-4.30pm Edan artists interpret the subject of Damon Willetts landmarks, free Wilderness Survival Skills - Bushcraft Facebook/East Durham Artists Network North East Organ Theatre Association, essentials Howden-le-Wear, Hamsterley Forest Wednesday 4 October, £8, Children free, 01388 762 467 Learn the basics for outdoor survival with 11.30am-8.30pm and www.netoa.org.uk Bruce Ferguson, 16+, £30, 01388 529 154 Thursday 5 October, 10am-4pm www.natureholiday.co.uk Saturday 14 October, 1pm Durham Shopping Extravaganza Milkshake! Live Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham Monday 16 October, 7.15pm-9pm Empire Theatre, Consett Charity shopping fair, now in its 29th year, Prisoners of the British with speaker All singing, all dancing musical £5 Bernard Hope masterpiece, £12.50-£50, 01207 218 171 www.durhamshoppingextravaganza.co.uk Sedgefield Family History Group, www.leisureworks.net Ceddesfeld Hall, Sedgefield Saturday 7 October, 8pm-10pm £1.50 for non-members of Cleveland Steve Bugeja - Summer Camp Family History Society Scarth Hall, Staindrop www.sedgefieldfamilyhistory.com The true story of Steve’s summer working at a kid’s camp in America, 16+, Monday £10-£12, 01833 650 930 16 October, www.funnywaytobe.com 5.30pm-7.15pm The Catholics: Wednesday 11 October and Friday The Church and 14 October, 10am-11.30am and Leisureworks its people in 1pm-2.30pm Milkshake! Live Britain and Funnybones Win a family ticket (4 people) to see Ireland, from Hardwick Park, Sedgefield Milkshake! Live on Saturday 14 October. the Reformation to the present day Family fun session for children aged Question: Complete the name of this Ushaw College, Durham, 2-5 years, £4 per child, book a place well-known Milkshake! favourite – Public lecture with Roy Hattersley, free, 03000 262 899 Bob the... A: Builder B: Baker C: Badger Book a place 0191 334 1656 www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark See page 2 for details of how to enter. www.centreforcatholicstudies.co.uk

28 What’s on Tuesday 17 October, 7.30pm Saturday 21 October The Bowes Museum Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District to Monday 23 Win a family ticket (4 people) Flower Club October, 11am-3pm to The Bowes Museum. Sedgefield Parish Hall, Sedgefield Welly Walk Question: When does The Clockwork Members free, non-members £5, Hardwick Park Garden exhibition at Bowes Museum 07533 752870 Collect your trail from the end? shop and test our crunchy, splashy and Friday 20 October, 6pm-8pm squelchy trail around the park, 50p per See page 2 Diwali special late night opening trail, www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark for details of Durham University Oriental Museum how to enter. Try fun crafts, listen to traditional Indian Saturday 21 October and Sunday 22 stories and sample Diwali foods, October, 10am-5pm Monday 23 October, 10am-4.30pm 75p-£3.50, 0191 3345694 Lanchester Art Group Annual Exhibition Painting workshop, Still Life in Pastel www.dur.ac.uk/oriental.museum Lanchester Community Centre Exhibition and painting sale, 50p, The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle £33-£35, 01833 690 606 01207 521149 Gala Theatre, Durham www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk September Monday 23 October, 10.30am-4pm Launderette Sessions - Boutique music Silver Spiders festival presented by Gala Theatre and The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle the Old Cinema Launderette, various Spider themed crafts, free for children venues. with a paying adult, 01833 690 606 Private Lives - Noël Coward’s classic www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk stage comedy of strong passions, stronger personalities and a battle of Friday 27 October, the sexes. 10.30am-4pm Saturday 21 October, 8pm-10pm Planting Tulips October The Thinking Drinkers - History of The Bowes Museum, Giulio Cesare part I & II - English Touring Alcohol Barnard Castle Opera return with this celebrated opera The Witham, Barnard Castle Plant a tulip in the grounds before of passion, revenge and crisis. Enjoy five free drinks as these award creating a watercolour painting, winning professional drink experts free for children accompanying a paying adult, 01833 690 606 November definitively prove that alcohol has influenced everything that has ever www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Mister Maker and The Shapes happened, 18+, £14, 01833 650 930 - this fantastic family show www.funnywaytobe.com encourages everyone to Tuesday 24 October to Thursday 26 sing, dance and make Saturday 21 October, 7.30pm-9pm October, 10am-4pm some noise. Monteverdi 1610 Vespers: I Fagiolini Celebrate Science 2017 and Durham Singers Palace Green, Durham Durham Cathedral Experiments and hands-on activities in One of the great choral works of the marquee, free Baroque, £10-£25, 07790 148062 www.dur.ac.uk/celebratescience www.durham-singers.org Wednesday 25 October, 2pm-3.30pm Durham Singers Family Roller Disco Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington Win two top price tickets to the £3 per skater, 01388 747 000 Durham Singer’s concert with www.spectrumleisurecentre.com I Fagiolini at Durham Cathedral, to mark the 450th anniversary of the great Italian Wednesday 25 October, 1pm-3pm composer Claudio Monteverdi. Wildlife Crafty Café For the full programme or Question: In which year was Claudio Low Barnes Nature Reserve, to book tickets please visit Witton-le-Wear www.galadurham.co.uk Monteverdi born? A: 1872 B: 1240 C: 1567 Wildlife and nature inspired crafts, or call the box office on £3 per child includes juice and biscuit 03000 266 600 See page 2 for details of how to enter. www.durhamwt.com/events

What’s on 29 September to November What’s on Thursday 26 October, 2pm-3pm Bounce and Soft Play Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington £3, 01388 747 000 www.spectrumleisurecentre.com Friday 27 October, 7.30pm Mad About The Musicals Sunday 29 October, 1pm-4.30pm Empire Theatre, Consett Family Bushcrafts Bishop Auckland Town Hall Starring Britain’s Got Talent Winner Jai Hamsterley Forest MacDowell, £22, 01207 218 171 Build a shelter, light a fire, cook a meal and September www.leisureworks.net make something to take away, bring food The Avison Ensemble - Leading period for a BBQ, 5+, £30 per family (2-4 people) instrumental group celebrates 18th Saturday 28 £10 per additional person, maximum of century composer Charles Avison. October, two children per adult, 01388 529 154 October 7.30pm www.natureholiday.co.uk Some Guys Three Musketeers - All for one and one Have All Tuesday 31 October to Saturday 18 for all! Join D’Artagnan and friends in November, Tuesdays to Fridays their quest against Cardinal Richelieu. The Luck DCN - DKO advert 24/04/2017 12:53 Page 1 Empire 11am-3pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm November George Browell and Karen Thompson Theatre, A Ship of Fools - Strap in as The Captain Consett exhibit paintings and Raoul take you on a playfully Celebrate one of rock’s greatest icons - Art Block, Seaham mischievous rollercoaster adventure. Rod Stewart, £20, 01207 218 171 Free, Facebook/East Durham Artists Network www.leisureworks.net Dick Whittington - Action adventure Friday 3 November, 8pm-10pm panto for the family with topical jokes, Saturday 28 October, 10am-noon Nick Helm: There is nothing You Can non-stop laughter and favourite songs. Autumn Fair Do to Me That I Haven’t already Done to Myself St Clare’s Church, Newton Aycliffe www.parishofgreataycliffe.co.uk The Witham, Barnard Castle Join British Comedy Award winner and Saturday 28 October, 7.30pm-10.30pm double Edinburgh Comedy Award Jez Lowe and Steve Tilston nominee Nick Helm, 16+, £12, Scarth Hall, Staindrop 01833 650 930, www.funnywaytobe.com Your first choice for housing in County Durham Two of the UK’s most well respected folk Saturday 4 November, 10.30am-noon singers. £8. www.scarthhall.co.uk Coffee morning Low Barnes Nature Reserve, Wednesday 25 October, 2.30pm Witton-le-Wear Don’t Dribble on the Dragon £3 per person with all proceeds going to For the full listings please visit Alun Armstrong Theatre, Stanley Durham Wildlife Trust, 0191 584 3112 www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk £9- £35, 01207 299110 www.durhamwt.com/events or call 03000 269524 Saturday 4 November, 7pm To Let The Cobweb Orchestra, Semiseria Choir and members of Durham County Youth No bond No admin fee Orchestra present Requiem Sunday 12 November, 5.30pm-7pm Dark Skies Gazing Durham Cathedral Dale & Valley Homes 0800 083 0333 Karbon 1 0191 385 1900 £6-£10, Tickets from Gala box office Harehope Quarry, Frosterley 03000 266 600 Discover the beauty of the dark skies of the North Pennines, not suitable for young Durham City Homes 0800 068 0013 Karbon 2 01207 521 100 Saturday 4 November, 10am-11.30am children, £5 per person, £15 for family of livin 0800 587 4538 and 1pm-2.30pm four, booking essential, Wild North East Durham Homes 0800 032 0835 Family Bushcraft Discovery 01388 529 154 Hardwick Park www.natureholiday.co.uk North Star Housing 03000 11 00 11 Don’t Dribble Create a den, learn how to light a fire and on the Dragon enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows, Win a family ticket (4 people) £12 per family Saturday 11 November to Don’t Dribble on the Dragon on www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark and Sunday 12 November Wednesday 25 October. Question: Don’t Dribble on the Dragon Wednesday 8 November, 7.30pm Remembrance events is a great magical show; who designed The Nutcracker Local services will be held the magic? Empire Theatre, Consett throughout the county. A: Dynamo B: Paul Daniels Presented by the National Ballet, Please check local www.durhamkeyoptions.co.uk C: Derren Brown £15-£19.50, 01207 218171 newspapers for more detail. See page 2 for details of how to enter. www.leisureworks.net

30 What’s on DCN - DKO advert 24/04/2017 12:53 Page 1

Your first choice for housing in County Durham To Let No bond No admin fee

Dale & Valley Homes 0800 083 0333 Karbon 1 0191 385 1900

Durham City Homes 0800 068 0013 Karbon 2 01207 521 100 livin 0800 587 4538 East Durham Homes 0800 032 0835 North Star Housing 03000 11 00 11

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31 23 November 2017 - 6 January 2018 Tickets: £6 - £17 (Family ticket £50 - £58) Box Office: 03000 266 600 Book online: www.galadurham.co.uk