Community Christmas Lunch Monday 3Rd December 2018

Issue 60 – November 2018

Community Christmas Lunch Monday 3rd December 2018 We are holding a festive celebration at The Avenue Inn with fine food, fine company & a Christmas quiz; why not join us to celebrate the season.

Confirm booking by 23rd November, as this is a busy time of year. Hope you can join us! See page 5 for details.

TRAFALGAR DINNER: SATURDAY 20TH OCTOBER Entertainment provided by the Shincliffe Shanty Band Community Parish Hall, Shincliffe. 7.00pm reception, 7.45pm dinner Bring your own grog for the evening And loose change for the raffle Dress: Nautical: navy, white, hoops or uniform £10 Tickets from Julie Goodhart 0191 3869047 Organised by play park refurbishment fundraisers and St Mary's fundraisers To request vegetarian meal email: [email protected]

HOSPITAL USEFUL INFORMATION University Hospital of North Durham: 333 2333 SHINCLIFFE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Durham & Chester le Street Primary Care Trust, Out Chair: Pete Hagger 386 7085 of Hours service: 215 1333 Secretary: Del Faye 386 0369 CHILDREN’S & YOUTH ORGANISATIONS Email: [email protected] BABY AND TODDLER GROUP: Tuesday & Contact us on Facebook Thursday: 9.30 am – 11.30 am KEEP FIT BY MOVING AND DANCING Contact: Alice Coombes Thursdays at 8pm, WI HUT [email protected] 07894738386 Tuesdays at 12, St Mary’s Church Hall (Gentle Class) SCOUTS, CUBS & BEAVERS Contact: Alison Swarbrick: 383 0346 Website: www.durhamcityscouts.org.uk PILATES Contact: John Little Contact: Alison Brown: 386 1094 [email protected] SHINCLIFFE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE meets in the WI GUIDES/BROWNIES/RAINBOWS Hall in Shincliffe Village on the first Wednesday in the District Commissioner Carole Forster: 372 1786 month. Regional Office 01904 676076 President: Sue Sandham: 375 7274 Website: wwwgirlguidingnortheast.org.uk Hall Bookings: Margaret Chapman: 386 3730 SHINCLIFFE JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB SHINCLIFFE PARISH COUNCIL Communication Officer: Sarah McGuiggan Chair: George Lee: 384 1437 07786911060 Clerk: Kate Cuthbert: 077 0102 7450 POLICE Meetings on the third Tuesday in the month at 7.00 Ring County Police Headquarters, Aykley Heads, for pm (except August) Durham City Police Station and Bowburn Police Email: [email protected] Station: 0845 606 0365 Website: www.shincliffeparishcouncil.co.uk For all emergency calls ring 999 Contacting Shincliffe Parish Council and the Parish For all non-emergency calls ring 101 Clerk: - there are 6 councillors (including the Chairman) who can be contacted by phone: SHINCLIFFE CHURCH OF ENGLAND David Stoker (chair): 378 4300 (CONTROLLED) PRIMARY SCHOOL David Duell: 384 8281 Head Teacher: Mr David Tait: 384 3739 Wayne Fradgley 372 1340 Friends Of Shincliffe School (FOSS) George Lee 384 1437 Chairperson: Andrzej Olechnowicz: 386 5343 Raj Young [email protected] John Wright: 372 1159 The Parish Clerk can be contacted by phone or Email OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS given above County Durham Furniture Help Scheme: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL 0138 872 1509 Councillor: David Stoker 378 4300 County Durham Handy Person Service: 375 3705 Website: www.durham.gov.uk Bus Service Information - Traveline: 0871 2002233 Help Desk: 383 4567 Link 2: dial a ride bus service: 383 5383 SHINCLIFFE LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY meets in Durham City CVS: fund raising/volunteering: the Church Hall on the third Monday in the month 384 4801 Membership Secretary: Barry Lawton: 384 9979 If you wish to have an entry in this section, please Contact: Bill Hateley: 386 5916 send it to the Editor.

Published by Shincliffe Community Association, this issue edited by Yvonne Collingham. Views expressed are those of individuals and not necessarily those of the Association or the Editor. Shincliffe Community Association is registered charity number 1063309 Printed by The Coronation Press Ltd. Coxhoe. www.coronation- press.co.uk 2

WELCOME

Welcome to the November 2018 edition of Shincliffe Community Association Newsletter.

Tribute to Ken Watson It is with great sorrow that we report the sad and untimely passing of Ken Watson, our SCAN editor. He died suddenly while on holiday with his wife Margaret and some friends. Ken had been editor of St Mary's Church Magazine for 20 years, and when he took over editorship of SCAN in 2016, he merged them into a colour format. He enjoyed being editor of SCAN and took great pride in "getting it right". He will be sadly missed by those who knew him. One of his passions was the life of Bonaparte and he would always sign off “salut et fraternité" so:

Salut et fraternité, Ken

Don’t forget to mention SCAN if you contact our advertisers.

Organisers/members should please check the Useful Information section and let us know of any updates/changes.

SCAN Editor: This issue has been edited by Yvonne Collingham: [email protected]. If anyone is interested in taking on this role then please contact Del Faye

Proofreader Catherine Dale: [email protected]

Distribution Team: Alan & Linda Kelly Tel: 384 9661, Bill & Margaret Clatworthy Tel: 375 7480

Advertising: Andrew French Tel: 384 8209

Please use [email protected] for any queries regarding adverts and/or contributions.

3 Wild flower border by A177 (September 2018) REGULAR ARTICLES 20 St. Mary’s Newsletter with 4 The Community ‘Your Parish Priest Association News and Writes…’ ‘From the information about the Registers’, news about the Association’s activities. Church Hall, the garden 8 Shincliffe Primary School party, Belfry News and News from the school and news from the Ringers. FOSS 28 The Parish Council and 8 The Woman’s Institute Horticultural News 12 Elvet Methodist Church 36 Shincliffe Diary 12 Local News/ Announcements Features 12 Shincliffe Local History 14 HMS Shincliffe Society 18 Shincliffe Show Results 23 Trafalgar 24 Village Play Park 31 Observations of a Lepidopterist by Stephen Goodhart

SHINCLIFFE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION NEWS Shincliffe Show Many thanks to all who entered the 2018 Shincliffe Show, once again an amazing display of the interests and talents of members of our community! We had lots of fantastic entries and the full results are shown on pages 18–19. We would like to express our thanks to our judges: Mr P McMeneny (Photography); Mrs C Jackson (Craft); Mrs P Matthews (Flowers); Mrs J Grady and Mrs K Jobling (Preserves); Mr M Stewart (Garden Produce); Nicola and Alex, Avenue Inn (Baking); Mrs A Callaghan (Children’s). We would also like to extend our best wishes to Mrs E Coxon who has retired after being a judge for many years. We are grateful to the Parish Council for their financial support, and to those who donated raffle prizes including: The Avenue Inn, J & I Bridges, Shincliffe Mill Nursery, Janet Maitland Hair & Beauty, Betty Bee’s Coffee Shop, the ladies of Knit’n’Natter and Home Bargains.

Coffee morning in aid of great north air ambulance: Friday 2nd Nov 2018 Knit’n’Natter invite you to join them at the Avenue Inn to raise much deserved funds for this worthy cause, see our advert on page 8 for more details.

Amazon can make our park plans smile! Shopping at Amazon has become a big part of everyday life, so why not help us raise funds for Shincliffe village park by shopping at smile.Amazon.co.uk. More details on page 25.

Community Christmas lunch: Monday 3rd December 2018 You are invited to join us at our festive celebration at The Avenue Inn on 3rd December at 12 noon. There is a choice of a reduced portion size menu from £7.95–£11.95 for 1–3 courses, or the full portion size menu at £9.95–£16.95. We can deliver a menu. Bookings and menu choices need to be confirmed, along with a £5 deposit per person, by 23rd November, as this is busy time of year. If you have any questions or wish to reserve a place, please contact Del Faye at [email protected] or on 386 0369.

Gathering/workshop for Advent windows If you want to make a window, come along to the meeting at 6pm on Friday 23rd November at 1 The Corner House, Shincliffe, for a chat (bring a bottle). Enquiries to Julie Goodhart on 386 9047.

Community Association Membership Membership costs £2 for adults and £1 for children. We deliver SCAN to more than 700 households but have only 90 members of SCA. It is now easier than ever before to join – you can make a payment directly to our bank account: sort code 09-01-56, account no. 23324601. If you wish to join in this way could you also notify us by e-mailing [email protected] with your name(s) and address please. We have also included a membership form; completed ones can be dropped off at 27 Telford Close, High Shincliffe.

SHINCLIFFE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Membership Application for 2019

Name ______

Address ______

______Section______

e-mail______(For us to send community messages only. Your address will not be divulged or shared.)

Please tick box for age range under 18 18+

I agree to abide by the rules of the Association

Signature ______

Fees: Under 18s £1.00, otherwise £2.00 5

Knit’n’Natter Avenue Inn Fridays 9.30 - 11.30 a.m. Only £3 per week and includes tea, coffee and cake! Why not come and join our group of friendly crafters to learn a new skill or enjoy an existing one in like-minded company! We offer the opportunity to share & learn new skills including knitting, crochet, cross stitch and advice on rug making You are welcome to bring along your current projects or join us in charitable knitting as we continue to donate hats, cardigans blankets and many other items. We also welcome donations of wool and needles. Please feel free to contact Del Faye on 386 0369 or call in to see us if you have any questions

SCA now offers you 3 Keep Fit sessions each week Chair-based Keep Fit class on Thursdays, 2-3pm in St Mary’s Church Hall Dance to music whilst sitting on a chair! We have about six regulars in this new class now. Music and rhythm and varied apparatus (scarves, balls, bean bags etc) help you to work on balance, posture, flexibility and strength in a fun way. Each member of the group has a chair – and some of the exercises are done sitting on the chair, others can be done standing, using the chair for support if you wish. Our two well established classes are still running: Tuesdays 12pm–1pm in St Mary’s Church Hall, Shincliffe This class is at a gentle pace and ends with some seated stretches and relaxation (doors open 11.45am) Thursdays 8pm– 9pm in the WI Hut, Shincliffe This is lively class for active adults. (Doors open 7.45pm) All sessions are great value at £3.50 6 If you are interested in any of the classes please contact Alison Swarbrick 383 0346 The sessions take a break over the summer so check before coming!

SHINCLIFFE C.E. PRIMARY SCHOOL Shincliffe School worship dates for the upcoming term: 1st Oct Harvest Service at Church at 10:00am 9th Nov Remembrance Service in school at 10:00am 6th Dec Advent Eucharist in school at 9:10am FOSS Events 1st Nov Bags 2 School 9th Nov School Disco 22nd Nov Christmas Shopping night 8th Dec Christmas Fair 8th Feb School Disco The main Office Roles for 2018/19 are: Chair - Raj Young [email protected], Treasurer - Sara Ebbing, Secretary - Vanessa McEwan. Email [email protected] website: www.shincliffe-foss.org.uk/

SHINCLIFFE W.I. All meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month in the WI Hut, beginning at 7:30pm. New members will be made most welcome.

7th Nov Speaker John Gillette – the Zambesi River Trust 5th Dec Faith Supper Entertainer: Rock Choir 2nd Jan No Meeting 6th Feb Speaker Carolyn Hough – A cookery demonstration 6th Mar T.B.C. 3rd Apr A.G.M.

COFFEE MORNING IN AID OF GREAT NORTH AIR AMBULANCE

Friday, November 2nd 9am–11am Hosted by Knit’N’Natter & The Avenue Join us for tea, coffee, cakes & good company. Knitted Christmas toys, gifts and scarves; handmade cards, Tombola, raffle, cake stall COME ALONG & BRING YOUR FRIENDS! For more information please contact: Del Faye 07503 167131 8

Piano lessons in High Shincliffe Piano teaching for children and adults, for beginners as well as more advanced players. Preparation offered for music exams as well as lessons for those learning for pleasure. For further information and a taster lesson, please contact David on 07810207015 or email [email protected]

ELVET METHODIST CHURCH

Lunch Stop every Wednesday until 28th November. Between 12pm and 1pm. £3.50 for food, fun and fellowship.

LOCAL NEWS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

John McGuiness – FA Coach of the Year 2018 Many congratulations on your success! From helping to found Shincliffe Juniors in 2012 to national recognition in 2018 : an achievement to be proud of.

SHINCLIFFE LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

At the Annual General Meeting in 2017 the committee had advised members that without volunteers coming forward to take on the roles and essential functions of the society, its continuing existence was unsustainable. Several key positions had been vacant for some time, and this number was certain to increase as current Committee members, having served in some cases since the Society was founded, had expressed their intention to step down. Volunteers were accordingly needed both to fill existing vacancies and to take the place of those currently on the Committee when they left. No volunteers were forthcoming in response to that appeal and a further appeal was made with the notice for the March 2018 meeting, which again produced no response. Therefore, the Committee, with the greatest reluctance, proposed to put to the Annual General Meeting held on 17th September 2018 the following: The Committee proposes that if a minimum of 4 volunteers have not come forward to join the Committee by the December 2018 meeting of the Society, the Committee be instructed to call an Extraordinary General Meeting at the beginning of 2019, with a view to setting in motion the winding up of the Society and the disposal of its considerable assets. At present those assets include more than £1,800 cash at bank, in excess of 750 publications, a laptop computer, a projector and stand and two screens. After some debate the Annual General Meeting approved the resolution.

2018/2019 Programme Meetings are held in the Community Parish Hall on Mondays at 7:30pm Entry is £3:00 for non-members

15th Oct John Moreels: The Ward/Philipson Photo Memories Archive 19th Nov David Butler: The death & Funeral of George Bowes 17th Dec Towan Hancock : “Too Long a Winter” a 1973 video re Hannah Hauxwell and the Bainbridge family 21st Jan Michael Galloway: 'Ushaw, 1568-2018: 450 years of history'

HMS SHINCLIFFE AND THE MINESWEEPING WAR Rather like the war in France, the war at sea soon settled into an uneasy stand-off. The German Navy began a series of “raids” on east coast towns, such as the bombardment of Hartlepool, in the hope of luring a smaller British force into an unequal battle. This tactic proved unworkable, so they concentrated their naval efforts on disrupting North Sea trade through the use of mines and submarines. After the Russo-Japanese war of 1905, in which 15 Russian warships were sunk, the Admiralty accepted that mines were a serious danger. The Royal Naval Minesweeping Reserve (RNMR) was formed in 1907, with the purchase of several fishing trawlers for conversion to minesweepers. They were staffed by commercial fishermen used to handling heavy gear at sea and with extensive knowledge of the British coastline, many able to navigate without instruments. By 1918, 550 trawlers and drifters were being used in minesweeping and harbour patrols. The need for more minesweepers was critical from the start of the war. Trawlers were too slow with too deep a draft, so the admiralty began to hire paddle-driven steamers – faster, with a shallow draft and a small crew. They proved to be so successful that it was decided to build a new class of purpose-built paddle minesweepers, and the first of 32 paddlers joined the fleet in April 1916. They were all named after racecourses; carried a crew of seven officers and 43 men; and were armed with 12-pound guns. Being relatively simple and cheap to build at around £55,000 each, the building contracts went to small shipbuilders and engineers. They soon gained a reputation as tough little ships, with only five lost during the war. HMS Shincliffe was built in Dundee, the last of the racecourse class to enter service. In June 1918, she joined the 16th Fast Sweeping Flotilla, based in Granton. She continued minesweeping after the Armistice until December 1919, during which time two crew members were lost overboard: Leading Trimmer Philip Lynch on 4th May 1919 and Ordinary Seaman Albert Swindle on 15th May 1919, both from Tyneside. She was eventually decommissioned in early 1920 and sold to shipbreakers in March 1922. By the time of the Armistice in November 1918, 214 sweepers, an average of one sweeper and half their crew every week, had been lost.

2018 SHINCLIFFE SHOW RESULTS Children’s Categories 1a Photo: 1st Isaac Dale 2nd Millie Young & Amelia Metcalfe 1b Photo: 1st Adam Dale 2nd Ella Berriman 3rd Oliver Pragnell 1c Handmade Crown: 1st Luke Baker 2nd Millie Young 3rd Alma Lee 1d Collage: 1st Isaac Dale 2ndAdam Dale 3rd Jack Baker 1e Paint/Draw: 1st Joanna Denning 2nd Oliver Pragnell 3rd Millie Young 1f Junior Bake Off: 1st Adam Baker 2nd E Ebbing 3rd Elizabeth Denning 1f Best Dressed Teddy: 1st Oliver Pragnell 2nd Neve Pragnell 3rd Oliver Pragnell 1g Poster: 1st Neve Pragnell 1h Ceramics: 1st Elizabeth Denning 2nd Adam Baker 3rd Adam Dale 1i Open: 1st Joshua Denning 2nd Neve Pragnell 3rd Oliver Pragnell

Photography 2a People At Work: 1st Isabel Lunan 2nd Helen Rigby 3rd Kate Ward 2b Street Photography: 1st Isabel Lunan 2nd Helen Rigby 3rd Brian Peart

Craft 3a Knit/Crochet: 1st Del Faye 2nd Ann Pill 3rd Monica Connelly 3b Open Knit: 1st E Smith 2nd Kate Ward 3rd Vera Clarkson 3c Embroidery: 1st Amanda Stobbs 2nd Frederique Gill 3d Sewing: 1st Marie Fessey 2nd Margaret Charters 3rd Margaret Charters 3e Christmas Card: 1st Robert Thomson 2nd Del Faye 3rd Del Faye 3f Paint/Draw: 1st Pat Stewart 2nd Robert Thomson 3rd Neil Rutherford 3g Recycled Item: 1st Jenny Denning 2nd Margaret Charters 3rd Margaret Charters 3h Open: 1st Paul Sewell 2nd Joan Grady 3rd Julie Bowden

Flowers 4a Single Flower: 1st Kathleen Jopling 2nd Yvonne Collingham 3rd Joan Grady 4b Sunflower: 1st G Coakes

Floral Arrangements 5a Table Centre: 1st Pat Stewart 2nd Eileen Marchant 3rd Elsie Cornish 5b Foliage: 1st Yvonne Collingham 2nd Margaret Chapman 3rd Angela Lee 5c: Tea Cup: 1st Joan Grady 2nd Pat Stewart 3rd Jenny Denning

Jars & Bottles 6a Chutney: 1st Del Faye 2nd Carole Seheult 6b Jams & Marmalade 1st Angela Lee 2nd Ann Baker 3rd Andrea Hall 6c Jellies: 1st Carole Seheult 2nd Angela Lee 3rd Elizabeth Morgan 6d Wines &Liqueurs: 1st Chris Gill 6e Open: 1st Chris Gill 2nd Frederique Gill

Garden Produce 7a Apples& Pears: 1st Elizabeth Morgan 2nd Ann Baker 3rd Richard Swarbrick 7b Other Fruit & Berries: 1st Robert Thomson 2nd Kate Ward 3rd Caroline Lee 7c Tomatoes: 1st Margaret Barker 2nd Yvonne Collingham 3rd Margaret Chapman 7d Root Veg: 1st Andrea Hall 2nd Andrea Hall 3rd Harry Morgan 7e Runner Bean: 1st Carole Seheult 2nd Carole Seheult 7f Basket of 5: 1st Andrea Hall 2nd Chris Gill 7g Open: 1st Andrea Hall 2nd Barbara Stainsby 3rd B Elizabeth Morgan

Baking 8a Cake: 1st Colin Jubb 2nd Carole Seheult 3rd Yvonne Collingham 8b Cupcake: 1st Julie Bowden 2nd Natasha Collingham 8c Loaf Cake: 1st Ann Callaghan 2nd Natasha Collingham 3rd Irene Edgar 8d Fruit Scone: 1st Ann Callaghan 2nd Marie Fessey 3rd Julie Bowden 8e Cheese Scones: 1st Helen Jubb 2nd Carole Seheult 3rd Julie Bowden

CUPS & TROPHIES Children’s Rising Star Cup: George Coakes

Shincliffe Parish Council Trophy-Junior Bake Off: Adam Baker

Ken Hampton Photograhy Trophy: Adam Dale

Hazel Fleetham Floral Trophy: Pat Stewart

Shincliffe Parish Council Trophy for Baking: Colin Jubb

Shincliffe Parish Council Trophy for Preserves: Angela Lee

Jean & Jim Harper Craft Trophy: Paul Sewell

Ronnie Stark Best in Show- Fruit &Vegetables: Robert Thomson

Why not look at our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Shincliffe-Community- Association-6448 32418869076/ for more photos.

YOUR PARISH PRIEST WRITES…

One of the boons of being the parish priest at Shincliffe is spending time with people of genuine Pastoral Care maturity and kindness. When Tess and Pete The Pastoral Care Team of Hagger told me they were celebrating 50 years of St. Mary’s Shincliffe offers marriage I asked them to write something for care and support to the SCAN about their experience of marriage. community and parish.

They visit the housebound Thoughts on a Golden Wedding Day and those who are ill. If Chance plays such a large part in choosing a anyone would like to see a partner and then growing together. friendly face and have a Each marriage is different and there are no magic chat please contact Tess formulae that guarantee a happy marriage. At the Hagger 386 7085 start, like all newlyweds, we set out on a journey together with no maps and an unknown destination. We both believed, and still do, that as well as love there needs to be a strong friendship, and that with some nurturing and luck this will grow with the years. Common dreams, goals and values help to cement the friendship. We may not have the same interests and hobbies as our partners, but we can still share their triumphs and commiserate with them on their disasters as though they were our own. Shared experiences, good or bad, bind us together as long as we support each other through them. An asset, in any relationship, is a sense of humour, and this has helped to see us through the hardest times. The overriding feeling we have is how lucky we are to have shared so many exciting, tough, pleasant, sad and happy years together. From the Registers Baptisms 17th June Lawrie Warren Hodgson Weddings 16th August Daniel Laws & Julie Rebecca Forsyth Funerals 18th June Katherine Cragg Lowes (of High Shincliffe) 20th July Alfred Moody (of Shincliffe)

The Church Hall In the last issue of SCAN, I mentioned that we were in the process of submitting an application for a grant from Durham County Council’s Coast and Lowlands LEADER Rural Development Programme fund. We applied at the beginning of July for an 80% grant, equating to £15,358, against eligible expenditure of just over £19,000. We heard on the 6th September that our application had been successful. This is excellent news as it will allow us to proceed with much needed improvements, particularly to the kitchen area of the hall. May I take this opportunity to thank all those people who kindly provided letters of support: 77 from private individuals; nine from organisations currently using the hall; and, encouragingly, two from prospective users. We do not yet have a date for when the work will begin, as this depends on the outcome of discussions with the architect and the builders. Nigel Jackson

SOCIAL AND FUNDRAISING EVENTS AT ST MARY’S Our PCC has a small social committee who organise various fundraising events for our church and hall. We also have an annual nominated charity chosen by the PCC. This year it is The Ifucareshare Foundation (IUCSF) which has three main objectives: suicide prevention, intervention and bereavement support. On 8th June The Elvaston Ensemble wind quartet gave a very well-attended concert at St Mary's, raising £400 each for IUCSF and for The Cobweb Orchestra's Ludworth group, which is conducted by the Ensemble's clarinettist, Tracy Reed. This group has been recently formed to give less-experienced players, and those taking up a new instrument, the opportunity to enjoy orchestral playing. It meets at Ludworth Community Centre, DH6 1NF on Tuesday evenings, 7–9pm. New players would be made very welcome. If you would like to join the Ludworth group, email: [email protected]. The Cobweb Orchestra is a multi-award winning open-access orchestra based across the North of England from Yorkshire to Cumbria. Anyone can join in, whether they are just learning, have been playing for years, or would like to ‘blow the cobwebs’ off their instrument after years of not playing. The Elvaston Ensemble (this time joined by their French horn player Clare Carr) returns to St Mary's on Friday 14th December at 7pm, for an evening of classical and festive music. Tickets £10, with proceeds to be shared between St Mary's Church and The Cobweb Orchestra's Ludworth group. information about The Cobweb Orchestra is at: https://cobweborchestra.org.uk/.

St Mary’s Church Garden Party ‘A quintessential English Garden Party’ was just one of the many complimentary comments made at our Church Garden Party on Sunday 1st July. We were again blessed with good weather and a bumper attendance. We provided entertainment for all age groups which worked well. There was afternoon tea and scones served throughout the afternoon within our church, accompanied by our church organists, which proved popular. There were many stalls and activities for all to enjoy. Alan from The Avenue served Pimms, Prosecco and strawberries, while Noreen from The Seven Stars served a selection of tasty canapés and gin. There was ‘Guess the Weight’ of a very tasty and sumptuous cream sponge cake baked by Helen from Betty Bee’s Coffee Shop, High Shincliffe. Pittington Brass Band were resplendent in their red jackets surrounded by parents and children sitting on the lawn listening to their traditional and popular music. Primarily our annual garden parties are all about bringing our community together, in the hope that people will make new friends and meet old ones. As well as having fun we also raised £3,600: much needed funds for our Community Parish Hall and the fabric of our Church. St Mary’s PCC would like to thank all those who donated prizes or gifts and who helped to make the party such a great success. Belfry News The summer has almost ended, but not the ringing social scene – by any means. Looking back over the weeks, the highlight of many of our calendars was the Richard Turner Tideswell weekend. This is actually a long weekend, with almost all the participants having Durham connections, many going back more than 30 years, and some still of student age. Richard was a language teacher at Peterlee College and Houghall, a brilliant teacher and an excellent ringing teacher and recruiter. Very many of us owe our advancement in ringing to his encouragement. He had a small stone cottage in Tideswell in the High Peak – not far from where he was born. Starting in 1985, he arranged long-weekend ringing tours all around the peak district, and a bit further afield, every August. He also arranged a one-day tour between Christmas and the New Year. Richard sadly died in November 2014 but the tours have continued in his memory ever since, with different people arranging them. The Christmas tour, and the quarter-peal day in August, are usually organised by our own Izabelle and Richard Bimson, who thus frequently meet up with their old Durham friends. This year the Saturday tour was in Cheshire, and the day finished with a dinner for about 30 people, at which we stood and raised our glasses in memory of Richard Turner. The next ringing trip is the Shincliffe trip at the start of October, and we intend to travel up to Berwick, ringing at five or six churches between here and there during the day, and getting back by nightfall. We have all spent many hours ringing for weddings during the summer – always fun – and this summer most couples have had lovely weather for their big event.

Sunday ringing is our main concern, and there has been only one or two Sunday mornings when people were away that we haven’t managed to ring at Shincliffe. I will repeat my usual invitation to anyone who would like to learn to ring, or to come back to ringing after a break and join in all our activities. You will be made very welcome. For details of local towers, do go to www.durhambellringers.org.uk which will give you details of all the ringing going on in and around Durham. Jean Woodward – Secretary to the Shincliffe Guild of Ringers – 0191 384 9957

BRICK CLUB meets in the Church Hall at 9:20am, usually on the third Sunday of the month. If you would like to give Brick Club a try, please do come along, we are always thrilled to see new people!

Poppies for the Remembrance The Parable of the Talents Service at school. Like ‘St Mary the Virgin on Facebook TRAFALGAR The commemoration of The Battle of Trafalgar is held with respect for Nelson and the fallen, but often carried out in a light celebratory party atmosphere, most often for the entertainment of Naval Officers. Here in Shincliffe, our gathering will be in the spirit of remembering our sea-faring nation, most importantly as we have so many North East links. HMS Trincomalee, one of the last ships in Nelson’s Navy, was built after the Napoleonic wars and is now a museum ship in Hartlepool: I think it’s a better visitor experience than the Victory in Portsmouth. As the Shincliffe villages now have the bell from HMS Shincliffe, it seemed an appropriate time to organise a social event around the sea and naval tradition. We all know the Keel Row, but few realise that the version we sing now is The New Keel Row, the old one having made references to Nelson and the navy. So please join us for an entertaining evening at the Trafalgar Dinner, on Saturday 20th October at 7pm at the Community Parish Hall. We will start with live music and a reception, followed by a fish pie or vegetarian supper and the Shincliffe Shanty Band. Tickets cost £10 and are available from Julie Goodhart on 0191 3869047. Bring your own drinks and all are

23 welcome! Funds raised are going towards the development of the village play park and the Parish Hall refurbishment. Once I started talking about Trafalgar, it was amazing how many folk seemed to have connections with HMS Victory: three people in the village had relatives working on it, or nearby, during or after the Second World War. There is a Victory sailor’s hat band to be shown. Several folk have bits of oak from the Victory – these go on sale from time to time. Others have stories (e.g. of the recent finding of Nelson’s purse by Martyn Downer) or memorabilia or books. So we are gathering informally for a social called Talking Trafalgar in the back room at Brambles Coffee shop (Poplar Tree Garden Centre) at 2.45pm for 3pm start on Friday 19th October so we can look at these artefacts. Again, feel free to join us and enjoy the coffee and conversation. The cost is just the coffee/tea you buy on the way in! VILLAGE PLAY PARK UPDATE Shincliffe play park is not just used by families from the village and from High Shincliffe – children from Bowburn, High Shincliffe and Shincliffe all have their football clubs there. Local schools catering for children with additional needs come along too. It’s also a place where local residents tend the grass etc., doing a big job for the community which is greatly appreciated. Julie Goodhart lives opposite and over the years has seen families stopping there and picnicking. Visitors to Poplar Tree Nursery and walking groups also enjoy the pleasant surroundings. All in all it’s a very well used facility. Plans are developing and it will be exciting for children of all ages to experience new play ideas and activities while they exercise outdoors. The kick-about pitch will benefit from new equipment and will continue to host local teams. Proposals also include facilities for a wider range of visitors, including the less able who can enjoy sitting in the new sensory garden which will have raised beds. Access will be improved, so that anyone in a wheelchair or who is less mobile will be able to visit without having to negotiate awkward village paths. Consideration is also being given to a new community notice board at the site. The Parish Council have been very supportive of the project, as has Councillor David Stoker, who has provided valuable assistance, as well as donating funds from his Neighbourhood Budget. Other community events are underway to help with the fundraising - a Baby and Toddler Nearly New Sale held in September and the Trafalgar Night on October 20th are starting the ball rolling. Thanks to everyone for the support so far. There is a long way to go, and if your family has enjoyed the village play park or you have taken visitors there – or hope to – maybe you could make a donation, it would be gratefully received. To donate please send a cheque (made payable to Shincliffe Community Association) to Peter Ferries, Woodland, High Street South, Shincliffe or Paul Stevens, 16 Ancroft Garth, High Shincliffe. Alternatively make a payment online at our donations webpage: www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/shincliffeplaypark (it’s free to donate and 100% goes to the play park fund). 24

SHINCLIFFE PARISH COUNCIL NEWS Shincliffe Parish Council Welcome to my first report as Chairman to Shincliffe Parish Council, with effect from 1st September, 2018. I would like to thank Councillor Dave Duell for taking on the responsibility from May, and congratulate Dave as being Vice-Chairman to the Parish Council for the forthcoming municipal year. I would also like to thank Councillor George Lee for his outstanding contribution as Chairman of the Parish Council over a 3 Year period. George remains on the Parish Council, and continues as Chairman of the Finance Committee. Co-option Process A process of co-option has taken place over the summer period due to the resignation of Councillors Cook and Angela Lee. Both Councillors have made an outstanding contribution to the Parish Council, all of which we can see on a day to day basis with the wonderful Horticulture projects which have been undertaken. A huge thank you to you both Angela and Nia, from the Parish Council. Welcome on Board As mentioned above, given the two vacancies on the Parish Council, a co-option process was undertaken. I am delighted to welcome on board Councillors Ferries and Fradgley. They will both be an asset to the team. Parish Council Meetings From September 2018 the Parish Council now meet on the third Thursday of every month. Meetings are either held at Shincliffe Primary School or St. Mary’s Church Hall. Please check the website or notice boards for the agenda and minutes, and feel free to come along and raise any concerns or share any views that you may have. Local Council Award Scheme The Local Council Award Scheme (LCAS) provides a framework to enable all local councils to meet their full potential. I’m pleased to announce that we have achieved the Quality Award and it is anticipated that this award will be presented by the Accreditation Panel Chairman at the October or November Parish Council meeting. As a Parish Council we are committed to working in a professional and transparent manner; supporting the community on important initiatives, and trying to continuously improve. In the forthcoming months we will begin work on the top award, ‘Quality Gold’, and creating a framework for excellence whereby your Parish Council can be efficient, effective and act on issues that impact our community and achieving the very best for our community. Community Engagement During the Autumn period you will receive, through your letterbox, a survey from the Parish Council. It should only take five minutes of your time to complete and this can be done electronically, or by post to the Parish Clerk. Your opinion really does matter! Cyclists on the black path As some cyclists are using this path (behind Hillcrest) and riding at speed, the Parish Council requested that the County Council erect some barriers. This seems to have mitigated the issue, however if you do witness any incidents of inappropriate cycling,

28 please could I ask you to you report this to the Parish Council. Any further information in relation to the timings of such incidents and also the names of the groups of cyclists would be useful. Shincliffe Village Park Steady progress is being made towards our goal to refurbish the play park in Shincliffe Village. Ideas and designs are being fine-tuned and the latest plans were shown to adults and children alike at the recent Shincliffe Show. The comments were favourable and well received. Fundraising is well underway and already has reached in excess of 25% of the £60,000 target. Applications have been made for a number of grants, including the National Lottery Fund. The outcomes will be known during the coming months. In the meantime there has been generous donations from residents and businesses, whilst community fundraising events such as a Baby and Toddler Nearly New Sale and a fundraising Trafalgar dinner have been arranged by volunteers. It is great to see the community coming together for a common cause. Church Hall Improvements Many congratulations to the Parochial Parish Council, and Nigel Jackson in particular. A large grant of £15k from The EU’s Leader Fund for Durham Coast and Lowlands gets them within touching-distance of completing the phase that will completely redesign and refurbish the kitchen, as well as providing much needed storage space. The Church Hall will be able to cater for up to 60 people. Councillor David Stoker has applied, through his Neighbourhood Budget, to get the final £4,000. Maiden Castle The expansion of Maiden Castle is due to finish by the end of October 2019. This includes: • The reconfiguration and resurfacing • Extension and refurbishment of the of three sports pitches. existing Sports Centre. • Erection of floodlights. • A new Changing Pavilion. • Improved access to car parks. • Two new Beach Volleyball courts. There will be an inevitable increase in traffic, so we must all take extra care. The Parish Council have been working closely with the University to prevent illegal parking on the verges, which blighted Stage 1. Fingers crossed. School drop offs Driving behaviour at High Shincliffe School drop-off and pick-up time continues to cause concern. Drivers are parking on pavements, blocking pavements and driveways, parking on blind bends and driving at speed; all at a time where children are present. The Parish Council remain extremely concerned that someone will suffer injury as a result of driver actions. To mitigate these concerns, the Parish Council continues to work with High Shincliffe School and the Police. As ever, feedback is welcome; so please contact the Parish Council if you witness any of the traffic related issues above. Door to door hawkers The Parish Council have received reports of ex-offenders selling products at the doorstep and some acting in an intimidating manner. Whilst this type of sale may not be

29 illegal, some of the behaviour has been unacceptable and bordering on threatening. It should also be noted that it’s unclear whether those selling the products are doing so in an official capacity. If you experience any concerning behaviour such as the above, please contact the police on 101. Dog Fouling Incidents of dog fouling have been reported at High Shincliffe Park and elsewhere in the parish. This is a great shame so I ask that if you witness any incidents of dog fouling, please report this to the Parish Council. It should be noted that from 1st June 2017, a Public Space Protection Order for Dog Control has been implemented by Durham County Council and any such offences will immediately incur a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice. Litter picks The Parish Council continues to organise two litter picks per year in Spring and Autumn. Both continue to be well-attended with residents and Councillors donating an hour of their time on a Saturday morning to help keep Shincliffe clean and tidy. Thanks to everyone who attended the litter pick for sparing your valuable time. Thanks also to Alan and Nicola (The Avenue Inn) who always invite those in attendance to enjoy some bacon sandwiches and refreshments. I’d like to conclude by encouraging you to visit our website for more Parish information. The website also has a feedback section; please let us know what you think. And finally I would like to thank the Clerk, all fellow Councillors, Committee Chairs, and our Parish Gardener Marc Platts, and especially the Shincliffe Community for their contributions throughout the year. Councillor David Stoker (Chair) SHINCLIFFE PARISH COUNCIL HORTICULTURE NEWS As we move towards the Autumn, so we reach the conclusion of a programme of major projects initiated by our retiring Chairman, Angela Lee. Happily, she will remain as a Community Representative. Cllr Cook, another mainstay of the Horticulture Sub- Committee, has also retired. We see our future role as sustaining the outcome of that programme, although it should be said that we are very willing to receive and encourage new ideas; for example, exploring ways in which we can support the play park in Shincliffe Village. It is sad to relate that the future use of sustainable planting as a policy at the A177 beds has been threatened by the recent theft of the (more expensive) perennials. Both High Shincliffe and Shincliffe Village, as well as Sherburn Hospice, have been entered for the Beautiful Durham competition, the outcome of which will be announced at a presentation on 3rd October. Unfortunately, our own Summer Garden competition has had to be abandoned as a result of unforeseen circumstances although we will be writing to congratulate the finalists. The Parish Gardener, Marc Platts, has completed the mini-orchard scheme and is now working with Shincliffe Primary School in the creation of a wild flower area. With the onset of Autumn, he will be clearing the flower beds in preparation for planting in

October. The opportunity will also be taken to tidy up the Old Mine Site, attacking the brambles and, in particular, the spread of Himalayan Balsam. The offensive against this ubiquitous weed is an area in which the community can make a major contribution. Perhaps we should organise a ‘Balsam Bash’ as the focus of the Spring Gardening Event. Our next Gardening Event is scheduled for Saturday, 10th November. The aim is to clean up the footpath on the A177 between the two High Shincliffe entrances, which is badly overgrown. It’s a job for loppers and spades which we can provide, but you are welcome to bring your own. Certainly, you will need gardening gloves. We meet at 10am outside the Avenue Inn. If you wish to be involved please contact us by email [email protected] or leave a message on 0191 372 1159. Finally, I can only repeat Cllr Lee’s opening words in the July issue which is to offer a big thank you to all those residents who have continued to take part in our efforts to enhance our community environment. Councillor John Wright OBSERVATIONS OF A LEPIDOPTERIST The Beast from the East was quickly followed by a warm but late Spring, which was ideal for butterflies and moths. Being the official butterfly counter for Bishop Middleham, a gem of a limestone quarry near Coxhoe, it was not long before I saw butterflies in the air. Orange Tip, Large and Small White, Green Veined White, Wall, Small Copper, Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Ringlet, Small Heath – they were all there. More exclusively, the rare Durham Argus and Dingy Skipper have colonies there too. People come from all over Great Britain – not only for this duo, but also for the rare orchids. The quarry has the biggest stand of Dark-red Helleborine in Europe, and over 2,000 were counted this year. The Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma and Red Admiral butterflies can all be seen too. They feed on nettles, so it’s good to keep a patch in your garden. The big find this year was a Grayling, which has not been seen at Bishop Middleham before. In Shincliffe, the highlight was Julie finding and photographing a Holly Blue – this is the first time I have seen one in the North East and it was in our garden! The times they are a changing is a classic Bob Dylan song, and 15 years ago you would not have seen a Speckled Wood in the North East. But they are in Shincliffe and Bishop Middleham now, and the late summer ones have been the best. Everyone can do something to encourage butterflies and moths, even in a small garden. If you grow buddleia, borage, marjoram, thyme, sedum, red valerian and verbena you will have butterflies. And don’t be too quick to get rid of your ivy: it has wonderful late flowers, much needed by insects, and the Holly Blue – the name gives the hint – thrives around holly and ivy. Stephen (and Julie) Goodhart

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOX APPEAL 2018 A small shoebox filled with gifts can have such a big impact on a child. Thank you for all your generous support, which is always appreciated by the children who receive your thoughtfully prepared boxes. This year, leaflets will be available in the church, church hall, Poplar Tree Garden Centre, Brambles Coffee Shop and Betty Bee’s Coffee Shop.

The drop-off dates are between the 1st and 18th November. The nearest drop-off point is Shoe Zone, Unit 5, Dragonville Retail Park, DH1 2YB.

For further help and information please contact: Hazel Davis, Registered Volunteer on 0191 384 5349

CHURCH CONTACTS PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN BOWBURN & ELVET METHODIST CHURCHES Parish Priest: Revd. Peter Kashouris St. Oswald's Vicarage Ministers: [email protected] The Revd. Andy Longe 384 1221 Parish Office: 383 0830 The Revd. Shaun Swithenbank: 340 9701 [email protected] Church Wardens: Sunday Worship: Michael Banks 384 0183 Bowburn: 10.30am Michael Stewart 377 9029 Elvet Methodist church: 10.45am & 6.00pm Parochial Church Council: Secretary: Tuesday Kids Club at Bowburn: 5.30pm (term St Mary’s Pastoral Team: time) Team Leader: Tess Hagger: 386 7085 Sunday Services: ‘Messy Church’ at Bowburn: 5.30pm (1st 8:00am Holy Communion (3rd & 5th Sundays) Tuesday in month) 9:30am Parish Eucharist. Once a month there is an all age Eucharist, normally the first Sunday of Wednesday Women’s Fellowship: 2.00pm (1st the month. and 2nd of the month at Bowburn) 6:30pm Evensong at 6.00 pm During university term times we have a Lunch Additional services and changes to the above are Stop at 12 noon at Elvet posted on the notice boards at the church door and outside the Church Hall. ST CUTHBERT’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Confirmation Classes: Details from the Parish Priest Priest: Fr. Andrew Downie, Baptisms & Weddings: Parish Priest: 384 3442 By arrangement with the Parish Priest; contact via Email: [email protected] Parish Office www.stcuthberts-durham.org.uk Ecumenical House Groups: Details from Martin or Joyce Bott Sunday Masses: 10.00 am & 6.30 pm 11, St. Mary’s Close, Shincliffe Village: 386 4021 Weekday Masses: Choir: Music Coordinator – Harry Morgan: Monday 9.15am 384 6874 Tuesday 12.15pm Bell Ringers: Wednesday 7.00pm Keith Hayton: 386 6585 Thursday 12.15pm Jean Woodward (Secretary): 384 9957 Friday 12.15pm Practice night: Tues., 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm Saturday 9.15am Church Flowers: Yvonne Willis - 2, Hill Crest 386 2124 Confessions: Church Cleaning: 2nd Tuesday in the month- Saturday 9.45am – more volunteers welcome. 10.15am Contact Margaret Clatworthy St. Mary’s Church Hall can be booked for: Holy Days – Obligation Masses: *private functions *children's parties *group 12.15pm & 7.00pm meetings *coffee mornings *commercial uses etc. Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals by arrangement Charges: from £30 There is a notice board on the Church gate with For availability and booking please contact: details of services. Susan Banks: Mob: 07796668946 Tel: 384 0183 Email: [email protected] OTHER RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION’S Social Activities: A variety of social activities DETAILS can be found in the Clayport Library, over the year. Details in SCAN delivered to every Millennium Place, Claypath, Durham: 386 4003 house in the parish

SHINCLIFFE DIARY For full details/times/venues/contacts see inside

15th Oct History Soc: John Moreels - The Ward/Philipson Photo Memories Archive 19th Oct Talking Trafalgar St. Mary’s Church Hall 20th Oct Trafalgar Dinner Calendar of Weekly Events th 7 Nov W.I. Speaker: John Gillette - the Mon. Pilates: 9.30-10.30am Zambesi River Trust Tue. Baby & Toddler Group: 9.30- 11.30am 2nd Nov Coffee Morning for Air Ambulance Keep Fit by Moving and Dancing (Gentle Class): 12.00-1.00pm 2nd Nov W.I. Quiz metafit: 6.15-6.45pm Pilates: 7.00-8.00pm th 10 Nov Parish Gardening Day Thu. Baby & Toddler Group: 9.30- th 11.30am 11 Nov Remembrance Sunday Service and Chair based Keep fit: 2-3 pm blessing of the Ship's Bell at St Mary’s Pilates class to be re-arranged

th 18 Nov Operation Christmas Child, Shoebox Notes: Appeal, final date for drop off History Society: 3rd Mon at 7.30pm PCC meetings 4 per year Mondays 7pm 19th Nov History Soc: David Butler - The death PACT every 2 months at 6pm Thursdays & Funeral of George Bowes For Private bookings please contact Susan Banks on 384 0183 23rd Nov Workshop for Advent windows Mob: 07796668946 Email: [email protected]

3rd Dec SCA: Community Christmas Lunch Weekly Events in WI Hut th 5 Dec W.I. Faith Supper Mon Dance your Socks Off: 7pm- th 8.30pm 8 Dec Festive High Tea. A family and Tue Dance your Socks Off Kids Club: community gathering at The Avenue 5pm-7pm Slimmer’s World: 7pm-9pm 14th Dec Clasical and Festive Music Evening at Wed. W.I. meetings (first week of each St Mary’s by Elvaston Ensemble Wind month): 7pm-9.30pm Quartet Thu Keep Fit by Moving & Dancing: 8pm-9pm 17th Dec History Soc: Towan Hancock – a Fri. Zumba class: 6pm-7pm 1973 video re Hannah Hauxwell The hall can be hired for meetings, 23rd Dec Carol Service parties etc. Please contact Mrs Chapman on 386 3730 for bookings. 24th Dec Christingle Services at St Mary’s (3pm and 4:15pm) 21st Jan History Soc: Michael Galloway - 'Ushaw, 1568-2018: 450 years of history' 6th Feb W.I. Speker: Carolyn Hough – A cookery Demonstration 23rd Feb Quiz Night/Fish & Chip supper. St Mary's Community Church Hall