Issue 52 – April 2016
Incorporating Shincliffe St. Mary’s Newsletter
Shincliffe Autumn High Street High Shincliffe Pictures by Terry Fairless
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS ISSUE: Shincliffe Show Application Form Page 18
Old Durham Gardens Page 23
Ring the Bells Spring is on the Way Page 26
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Published by Shincliffe Community Association and edited by Ken Watson. Views expressed are those of individuals and not necessarily those of the Association or the Editor.
Shincliffe Community Association is registered charity number 1063309 www.shincliffe.org.uk Printed by Courante Music Services, Durham www.courante-music.com
IN THIS ISSUE…
Editorial Welcome ...... 3 Shincliffe Community Association News ...... 4 Murder At St Teresa’s ...... 5 Keep Fit! ...... 6 Knit ’N’ Natter ...... 7 Fibre Broadband Now Available To Order In Shincliffe Village . 7 Shincliffe C.E. Primary School ...... 9 Shincliffe Local History Society...... 9 Shincliffe St Mary’s Newsletter ...... 11 Belfry News ...... 16 Shincliffe Women’s Institute ...... 17 Shincliffe Show Entry Form ...... 18 Shincliffe Parish Horticulture News ...... 21 Old Durham Gardens ...... 23 Elvet Methodist Church ...... 25 Elvet Methodist Church Lunch Stop ...... 25 Ring The Bells, Spring Is On The Way ...... 26 Parish Council News ...... 29 Shincliffe Junior Football Club ...... 30 Useful Information ...... 34 Shincliffe Diary ...... 36
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EDITORIAL WELCOME Welcome to the April Edition of Shincliffe Community Association Newsletter. This is the first edition incorporating Shincliffe St. Mary’s Newsletter and my term as editor. I would like to thank Alison Swarbrick and Eleanor Cook for their editorship over the last few years and I hope that I can keep up their high standards. We also have a new distribution team who are coordinating the individual distributors on whom we totally rely to deliver your copy. They have combined the two newsletter lists and are currently ensuring that the most efficient distribution is achieved. In combining the lists we will have more distributors than needed and I hope you will be supportive of the team’s efforts. If you have any comments or issues would you please contact them directly. And there is a new Advertising Manager to replace Eleanor and help to maintain our financial stability. We would also like to thank Councillor Stoker and the Parish Council whose support has ensured our publication for the rest of the year. Inside you will find updates on activities in the area provided by people working and volunteering in our local community. Our main aim remains to foster friendship and community spirit within Shincliffe, High Shincliffe, Houghall, Sherburn House, and the outlying farms – a total of over 700 homes. Ken Watson SCAN Editor [email protected] 5, Meldon Way, High Shincliffe, DH1 2PZ, Tel: 386 8955
Distribution Team: High Shincliffe: Alan & Linda Kelly Tel: 384 9661 Village and Houghall: Bill & Margaret Clatworthy Tel: 375 7480
Advertising: Andrew French Tel: 384 8209
Please use the above email address for any queries regarding adverts and/or contributions.
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SHINCLIFFE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION NEWS High Shincliffe Park The football pitch has now been installed; watch the SCA Facebook page for updates on completion. We all look forward to our children being able to use the park all year round, what a great community asset. Keep Fit Classes The ‘Move and Dance’ sessions lead by Alison Swarbrick continue to thrive. If you want to come along you will be most warmly welcomed. The Tuesday lunchtime session is gentle while the Thursday evening session is a bit more energetic; both classes offer different levels of participation to suit your fitness level. Tuesdays in the Church Hall 12.00 – 1.00 p.m. Thursdays in the W.I. Hut 8.00 – 9.00 p.m. Ring Alison Swarbrick for more details on 0191 383 0346 Alison is an affiliated teacher with the Exercise, Movement and Dance Partnership:www.keepfit.org Knit’n’Natter Continues every Friday at the Avenue Inn. We are very grateful to Alan and Nicola, whose support has enabled us to run this group, more details in the group’s advert. Shincliffe Show The Shincliffe Show committee is now busy planning the 2016 show, which will take place at Shincliffe School on Saturday 17th Sept with lots of familiar categories and the opportunity for everyone to show their talents! See the advert for more details or Shincliffe.org.uk or the centre pages for the entry form. Community Association Membership Now is the time to renew your membership or join the Community Association, a membership form is attached. Insurance costs us £200 per annum, which we must have to cover those taking part in and attending any activities and events. Currently our membership subscriptions do not cover this, we need more members to enable us to continue and, hopefully to, expand our activities. Continued on page 5
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Completed forms can be left at The Avenue Inn or to Del Faye, 27, Telford Close High Shincliffe.
You would be most welcome to join us in planning existing activities or to organise new ones, you can contact us at: [email protected] …coming soon – Murder Mystery night
Shincliffe Community Association presents: MURDER AT ST TERESA’S Shincliffe Church Hall Saturday 7th May Come and join us as a murder mystery play unfolds around you! Will you be the one to solve the crime? The evening will include a three course meal, around which the mystery will unfold and will begin promptly at 7.15 p.m. – be seated in time or miss the crime! Tickets are £10 each with seating at tables of 6 –8 detectives. Please bring your own refreshments Tickets available from: Jane Ranns 0191 386 2141 Del Faye 0191 386 0369 Or contact us on www.shincliffe.org.uk
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Shincliffe Show 2016 Saturday 17th September Shincliffe Primary School Classes include: Local Life Photography, baking, crafts, flower arranging and home-grown produce! Entry forms available at www.shincliffe.org.uk and in the centre pages of this newsletter
KEEP FIT! Move and dance to a variety of music. Daytime: Tuesdays at 12 noon till 1pm, in St Mary’s Church Hall, Shincliffe. The Tuesday class is at a gentler pace and includes some seated exercise. (Arrive from 11.45am onwards please) I also lead an evening session: Thursdays 8 till 9pm, WI HUT, Shincliffe (near Rose Tree pub) (Doors open from 7.45pm) Slightly more energetic class! Newcomers are welcome. My aim is to help you stay flexible and maintain good posture to prevent aches and pains. Please contact me if you would like to know more. Alison Swarbrick on 0191 383 0346 I am a Keep Fit Association (KFA) Teacher, working for Shincliffe Community Association. If you have access to the web you can find more information at www.keepfit.org.uk
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KNIT ’N’ NATTER Avenue Inn 9.30 – 11.30 a.m. Fridays Only £3 per week, to include tea, coffee and cake! Why not come and join us to learn a new skill or to enjoy an old one in like-minded company. We will shortly be celebrating our first birthday and in that time have donated many hats, cardigans, blankets and Christmas stockings to the special care baby unit at University Hospital North Durham – 87 items in total. We have held starter sessions in mat making and currently cross-stitch is on the agenda. Any one able to teach us crochet would be a welcome addition to our friendly group of crafters. We have been given some cross-stitch kits by an internationally renowned designer, which are for sale via the group to raise funds for charity. Please feel free to contact Del Faye on 0191 386 0369 if you have any questions, or to enquire about the kits. FIBRE BROADBAND NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER IN SHINCLIFFE VILLAGE Shincliffe Village properties connected to the new ‘All in One’ cabinet (located at the village entrance Low Road) can now upgrade to fibre based broadband. Your current broadband service will not just speed up, and you will need to upgrade to fibre broadband if you're interested in taking up the service. You can check if you can upgrade now on the Openreach site: http://www.superfast-openreach.co.uk/where-and-when/ Independent broadband comparison sites can often help you find the best deals from Internet Service Providers (ISPs). You can try www.cable.co.uk who are online and can also be contacted on 0800 840 5395. Other sites are available if you Google broadband comparison. Remember to look for fibre broadband and not standard or basic broadband (ADSL) which is what you may currently have. Whilst orders for the service need to be placed with an ISP, you can contact [email protected] with any other queries about the programme.
Thalina Milburn ([email protected])
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SHINCLIFFE C.E. PRIMARY SCHOOL
During early January our Year 6 pupils thoroughly enjoyed a three day residential visit at the Robinwood Activity Centre near Alston participating in various adventure activities including canoeing, climbing, caving, problem solving and the intriguing sounding ‘Piranha Pool’. Our Year 1 and 2 Class Assemblies were well attended and the children were able to share with enthusiasm some of the topics they have been studying this term including ‘Houses and Homes’ and ‘Chinese New Year’. We marked Safer Internet Day on 9th February with an assembly led by our School Council to reinforce messages around staying safe online. Once again, we held a Chinese New Year Celebration Day on 8th February that marked the end of a week’s activities to explore Chinese culture. The children greatly enjoyed the opportunity to participate in Chinese cooking and crafts led by staff and parent volunteers. We marked the beginning of Lent with a Eucharist Service on Ash Wednesday which was well-attended by both parents and members of the community. Looking forward to Easter, our Easter Coffee Afternoon will be held on 17th March and our School Eucharist will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church at 10am on 22nd March.
Mr. David Tait – Head Teacher
SHINCLIFFE LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY. The History Society's Year had a good start with talks as follows 18th Jan Mr John Dixon – Jeremiah Dixon and the Mason-Dixon Line 15th Feb Mr John Balmer – the Bishops of Durham 21st Mar Mr Richard Annis – Dunbar to Durham - the Scottish Soldiers Project The programme until May is as follows 18th Apr Dr Win Stokes – Victorian Women and their Money 16th May Mr Phil Dyer – Children of the Pit Villages The arrangements for the June meeting are to be confirmed All are welcome - admission for non-members £3
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SHINCLIFFE ST MARY’S NEWSLETTER 2016 Easter Services Sunday 20th March Palm Sunday 8:00am Holy Communion 9.30am Parish Eucharist Blessing of Palms, Procession from Church Hall 6.00pm Joint Evensong at St. Oswald’s Church. Holy Tuesday 10:00am Shincliffe School Eucharist – at Church 7:00pm Holy Communion at St. Oswald’s Thursday 24th March Maundy Thursday 7:00pm Supper & Holy Eucharist Friday 25th March Good Friday 10:30am All age Liturgy 1.30pm Liturgy of the day and Sung Passion – at St Oswald’s Sunday 27th March EASTER DAY. British Summertime begins 8:00am Holy Communion 9.30am Parish Eucharist 6:30pm Evensong
Your Parish Priest Writes… The Easter story is in part a telling of the story of Peter. Beginning with his affirmation of allegiance to Jesus at the Last Supper, then his denial whilst warming himself at the fire in the courtyard and then to his restitution when Jesus welcomes him to eat fish cooked on charcoals and then to his commission to feed the sheep. It is the story of the restoration of a fallible human being and his re-integration into his own vocation and purpose. Think about the situation of our teachers and doctors today, how good is our society at nurturing the vocation of its young professionals? Do we have forms of assessment that, whilst facing up to weaknesses honestly, then seeks to integrate people more deeply into the practice of their profession? Or do we have processes that seek to merely expose weakness, something that really is not that hard to achieve, after all. I am delighted to say that all the schools with which I have a pastoral link have exceptional leadership that fosters the staff’s development in a humane way for the good of the whole community. I fear that the culture within
Issue 52 APRIL 2016 11 which schools have to operate, is however, often overwhelmingly negative. The language of holding to account, of pay by results, and the amorphous attitude of blame that teachers and other professionals are subject to does not lead to the well-being of schools. It is no wonder that the teaching profession is loosing thousands of teachers. Where do they end up? How impoverished are our schools by their loss? The same problems face our junior doctors. We all know that particularly in the early stages of a career you need that steadying senior hand to assure you that you can do it. Managers busy filling in appraisal forms are not necessarily well suited to offer that guiding hand. My point is far from a party political one, no one set of policies is responsible for this malaise. It is far deeper than that; it is about the way we think about the human person itself. Do we believe that people can fulfil a great role even though they are fallible? The Easter story is needed in our society today as much as ever. Peter
A Lenten letter (published in St. Oswald’s Magazine) Posture in prayer is a subject not much discussed. It is dismissed as an indifferent, or elementary matter, that no longer concerns us. I hope in this letter for Lent I may raise what has become a subject of more interest to me. In corporate prayer, there must be known and agreed protocols for posture. At the Eucharist, for example, it is now customary to stand for the Eucharistic Prayer, as a sign of joining in the celebration of the Lord’s resurrection. Basic protocols are certainly necessary, beyond that we normally associate specific forms of posture with other religions, for example prostration in Islam. A book I recently read (The Sound of the Liturgy by Cally Hammond) reminded me that in fact attention to posture in prayer is very much part of the Christian tradition as well, certainly until modern times, and definitely in the Prayer Book which takes much care in the rubrics about what posture should be adopted. Co-incidentally my father last week described to me the customary night prayer he knew as a boy in Cyprus, and, in passing, commented that you would turn East to say this prayer. Posture is probably more important to us than we realise: our churches face East, so mostly we are facing East when we pray in church. Notice also how people, outside of a church setting, will respond when invited to pray, they will adjust themselves, maybe sit up more straight, or uncross their legs, conscious that some special position is
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appropriate, even if the scope for adjustment of the body is pretty limited. Such instinctive responses are very telling. Reading this book, with its somewhat meandering content, I suddenly apprehended that an argument of real weight was being made. I have long thought it important to retain a sense that prayer at its centre and heart is supplication. Prayer is lots of other things as well, but supplication, asking for things, is where Jesus’ teaching focuses. The point is made in the book that supplication must be bound up with an appropriate bodily posture. This morning the New Testament reading was Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. There Jesus is recorded to have thrown himself to the ground in his earnest prayer to the Father, three times repeated, that “your will be done not mine.” This is not a prayer that could be made from a comfortable seated position. Hammond notes that in contrast to the tradition “Twenty-first-century Christians are likely to think of “real” prayer as an internalized, mental and spiritual exercise, or an attitude of mind.” (P.58) The comfortably seated position regularises that view of the nature of prayer. You cannot really ask for something from a higher or greater power if your body does not indicate your intention as well as your mind. Furthermore, I wonder if as well as establishing in our selves what we are doing when we pray, that is either supplicating God or feeding our own internal attitudes, bodily posture can also teach us more clearly what is the nature of what we are doing, just as much as our minds can do. One of the difficulties people have in conceiving of prayer as supplication is that it seems clear that we cannot change the course of events by our prayers. A bodily position of supplication, such as kneeling, soon teaches us that no such high and great aspirations can possibly be within the sway of any of our actions, maybe least of all our prayer. Instead the suppliant posture make us realise that we need help to take responsibility for our own way in life, that we need the mercy, grace and guidance of God in order to live that life. It teaches us our urgent need for God’s help that we may be enabled to live our lives as we should in order to be a child, and servant of God. With thanks and prayers, Peter
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Church Hall Since the last newsletter discussions have taken place with an architect to consider what we can do to improve the Church Hall with particular emphasis on the heating. It is well known that this can be a "cold" building and fairly typical of a 1920's construction when heat retention may not have been the priority that it has today. For example, the windows are single-glazed and there is no cavity wall. The architect will be shortly producing a feasibility plan at which time further consideration will be given to the way forward within the budget available. We are in the process of applying for grant assistance.
Social Events at St. Mary’s There have been two recent events. One was the Harvest Festival Quiz night and the Advent supper at the beginning of December. Both were successful and mention should be made that despite the power cut on the Saturday afternoon of the Advent supper, Michael Stewart, Churchwarden and chef (in his leisure time!), did a sterling job in cooking for 40 people. Fortunately, power was restored about half an hour before people arrived and they enjoyed the food and a warm Church Hall. Forthcoming events include "An evening with Di Johnson", which follows last year's similar event with Peter Kashouris in the hot seat, and, looking further ahead, the Garden Party is on Sunday 3rd July. Please make a note in your diaries for this event. More details will be circulated in due course. From the Registers Wedding 16th Jan Rob Baggaley & Katie Goodhart Baptism 6th Dec 2015 Alma Margaret Lee Funeral 23rd Nov 2015 Ethel Brown of Chester le Street ______
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Pastoral Care The Pastoral Care Team of St. Mary’s Shincliffe offers care and support to the community and parish. They visit the housebound and those who are ill. If anyone would like to see a friendly face and have a chat please contact Tess Hagger 386 7085 Durham Churches Together www.durhamchurches.uk This Website has a map and gives links to the 34 churches -including St Mary's Shincliffe. (Submitted by Revd. Alan Middleton) Children’s Society The total this year from the boxes people have in their homes was £894.38. Three box holders have moved from the area this year so the total number of boxes for which I am responsible is now 30 of which 29 were handed in for emptying. If anyone else would like a box, please speak to Elizabeth Morgan. A Choir for all seasons at St Mary’s Shincliffe. At Christmas time we have around 20 members of our Church who come together to form a choir and sing at the Christmas Carol Concert.
The matter of a more permanent choir for St Mary's has recently been discussed at PCC and with Harry Morgan our Musical Director.
It was agreed that some moves should be made to create a group of core singers who would be able to sing on more occasions than just at Christmas and that an appeal would be made on our Facebook page and in SCAN to move towards forming that core group of singers and hopefully progress to form a choir that could practice and then perform on a regular basis.
Appeal for a Choir Co-ordinator. That choir will need a musical director, as Harry does not have the time needed throughout the year to devote to such a task.
Continued on page 16
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Continued from page 15
If we are able to recruit such a person, suitably qualified and willing to give their time freely to form a new choir, then that person will liaise with Harry and will be known as Choir Coordinator.
Singing for St Mary’s. If you have the talent and time to motivate other like minded people or you just wish to participate and join a group of core singers, of all ages, especially teenagers and children, then it may be possible for St Mary’s to have a choir again.
If you are interested in singing for St Mary’s, please contact Bill Clatworthy. Email: [email protected]
A BIG DATE FOR YOUR DIARY. On Saturday 11th June 2016 our Queen will be celebrating her 90th Birthday. To coincide with this momentous occasion, St Mary's Church Shincliffe and FOSS will be hosting a community celebration in the grounds of Shincliffe School. There will be a party atmosphere with a picnic, Pimms Tent, celebration stalls, face painting, fancy dress competition and Royal Games for all the family. Come along and join in the FUN. For further information and details contact Bill Clatworthy at St Mary's PCC or Claire Ketley at FOSS. BELFRY NEWS The best of times; the worst of times To get the worst over first – we have had the sad task of attending and, in one instance, ringing for the funerals of two ringers, and the stepfather of another. The two ringers rang at the Cathedral and at Consett respectively. As always many ringers from all over the Dioceses of Durham and Newcastle joined together for these events. All are part of the local ringing ‘family’. Continued on page 17
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Continued from page 16. As always in this country, important events are marked by bell-ringing, whether it be funerals, weddings, major national or international events; the visitations of royalty or other dignitaries; or important anniversaries. This summer we have an important anniversary to ring for at the Cathedral. On June 18th is the Cathedral service celebrating the fact that it is the Cathedral Chorister School’s 600th anniversary. Moreover, there are plans afoot to teach Chorister School pupils the principles of ringing via a mini-ring that it is hoped will be taken into the school. It would be wonderful if we can teach some of the children enough to help us in the Cathedral tower on the big day.
We always welcome newcomers to the ringing community. If you would like to learn on the easy little bells at Shincliffe do come along on any Tuesday at 7.30pm, and you will be made very welcome.
SHINCLIFFE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE All meetings take place on the first Wednesday of the month in the W.I. hut, beginning at 7.30 p.m. New members will be made most welcome.
FORTHCOMING MEETINGS: Wednesday April 6th Annual General Meeting Wednesday May 4th Speaker: Tracy Latimer; Subject: Aloe Vera Wednesday June 1st Speaker: Maureen Martin; Subject: A Tour of Durham Cathedral ********************** Additional events in this period Wednesday May 18th Birthday Dinner: The Three Horseshoes, Leamside Please note: The W.I. hut is used every Friday evening from 6.00 – 7.00 p.m. for Zumba classes and on other evenings for a variety of activities including, Dance your socks off, Slimming World and Keep Fit. See Shincliffe Diary on back page.
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SHINCLIFFE SHOW ENTRY FORM
The Shincliffe Show 2016 will be held on Saturday 17th September at Shincliffe School.
Classes are 50p per entry and you can enter as many as you like. Please complete the entry form below and return it with payment to any one of the following drop off points: Shincliffe Primary School, Nia Cook – 46 Ancroft Garth; Jane Przyborski – 3 Foxton Way; Del Faye – 27 Telford Close; Rachel Shaw - 3 Rose Acre, Shincliffe Village; Jim Milburn, Lever Flat, Sherburn Hospital, Sherburn House.
Please bring your exhibit to the school hall between 10am and 12 noon on Saturday 19h September. After judging the show will be open to everyone from 2pm onwards.
Entries appreciated by 12th September (but can be entered on the day)
Categories
Photography Craft (Size max A4 mounted 3a Crochet and Knitting min 5”x7”) 3b Embroidery and Sewing 1a Local Life 3c Handmade Card 3d Painting / Drawing Children’s category 3e Open Category (Y6 and under) 2a Children’s baking Flowers 2b Handmade Cards and 4a Rose (single) Crafts 4b Sweet Peas (bunch) 2c Painting / Drawing 4c Dahlia (single) 2d Animal Photography 4d Open single flower 2e Vegetable Monster
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Floral Arrangement 7f Onions 5a Arrangement of home- 7g Root Vegetables grown garden flowers 7h Tomatoes 5b Arrangement of foliage 7i Eggs and herbs 7j Open Category
Jars Baking 6a Chutney 8a Bread / Loaf 6b Jam 8b Open Scones 6c Marmalade 8c Pie (Sweet / Savoury) 6d Pickles 8d Quiche 6e Honey 8f Carrot Cake 8e Open Category Garden Produce (3 of each type) 7a Apples 7b Basket of 5 Vegetables 7c Beans 7d Courgettes 7e Leeks " ------
NAME (Block capitals please) ...... Tel: ......
Classes entered (50p per entry). Please write each code in the spaces provided, i.e. for ‘Apples’ write 7a etc.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
I have entered ______categories and enclose payment of £______
If you would like to enter more than 8 items please continue on a separate sheet.
Thank you for supporting the Shincliffe Show
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SHINCLIFFE PARISH HORTICULTURE NEWS v Update on beds, spring bulbs and Old Mine Site planting As the sustainable beds are starting to become established, we are introducing further planting to ensure colour and interest throughout the seasons. We hope to see new spring flowers in the Old Mine Site soon, following the hard work of the local school children last year in planting hundreds of bulbs and plug plants. Other drifts of spring bulbs planted last year are also coming through now and we expect to plant more later this year as part of our on-going commitment to sustainable planting. If you have suggestions for new locations of bulbs, please let us know. v Parish Survey results (Horticulture) Many thanks to those of you who supported the introduction of community gardening sessions and who left your contact details. If you weren’t able to complete the survey but would still like to be contacted about community gardening events, please telephone or email the Parish Council (details below). There was strong support for the sustainable beds, including some support for introducing sustainable planting in the entrance beds. We are also considering requests for wild flower areas in the parish. Residents expressed concern about some overgrowing trees and shrubs on the parish paths and also the state of some footpaths. We are planning to address these issues and greatly appreciate residents keeping us informed about any problem areas. v Parish Front Garden Judging As usual, the Parish Councillors will be judging different areas of the parish and nominating their favourite gardens. The previous year’s winner will then judge all nominations to determine the winners. Spring Front Garden Judging takes place 4th April – 8th April Summer Front Garden Judging takes place 4th July – 8th July Just a reminder for any new residents: you do not need to enter the competition as we judge only gardens that are visible from the roadside. If you would like to become involved in our horticultural developments or have any comments, we’d be very pleased to hear from you - please contact the Parish Council: Email: [email protected] or telephone 0191 3865188. Cllr Angela Lee, Parish Council Horticulture Committee
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OLD DURHAM GARDENS Old Durham dates back to Roman times, being the site of a Roman Villa, and until the 1800s it was part of Shincliffe Parish. Surprisingly, although it is close by, many people in our Parish may not have not heard of Old Durham Gardens.
These charming gardens with their terraces and fruit trees are open year round with the walled garden section open on Thursday and Sunday afternoons from 2-4 pm from March 24th until October 2nd 2016.
The gardens were established sometime between 1630 and 1665 as the gardens of the nearby Hall owned by John and Margaret Heath. The hall is sadly no longer standing but the gardens over the centuries have been much used both for recreational and commercial use. Dances were held there between the wars, although only soft drinks were served as the Pineapple Inn in the vicinity had lost its license in 1926, some say due to its ’unsavoury reputation’. Tables divided by screens made of bi-plane wings surrounded the open-air dance floor.
The gardens are now owned by Durham County Council but are managed under an agreement with the council by the Friends of Old Durham Gardens that has just gained charitable status. The Trustees this year have worked hard to improve the infrastructure so that more events such as the annual Music in the Garden afternoon can be held.
Volunteers are always being sought to help with gardening, a regular group meets on Thursday mornings. If gardening isn’t your thing, there are volunteering opportunities to meet people on the Thursday and Sunday walled garden openings as well as helping at events or with administration. If you are at all interested in helping in anyway or have any knowledge or photos of previous uses of the gardens do email [email protected] or ring 0191 3865188. More information about the gardens can be found at olddurhamgardens.co.uk . You will be made most welcome if visiting or volunteering.
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ELVET METHODIST CHURCH Tuesday 12th April: “Millennium” Banquet A delicious Indian meal at the Millennium Restaurant, Framwellgate Moor. £20 Saturday 16th April: 10am – 2pm Table Top & Bric-a-Brac Sale at Elvet. Hire a table to recycle unwanted gifts or come and buy some bargains. Refreshments available. Ring 07522444788 to book a table; £5.00 donation Saturday 14th May: Games Night. ‘Call my Bluff’ meets ‘Would l Lie to you?’ At Elvet be in a team (of 3) or just come to watch; a fun night - with nibbles. £5.00 pp. Saturday 18th June: Open Church and gardens – A Treasure Trail and refreshments. Follow the clues in a fun, indoor (and weather permitting outdoor) trail and discover things in and around the church you didn’t know about to solve the puzzle. Fun for all the family.
ELVET METHODIST CHURCH LUNCH STOP
A warm welcome and a tasty meal await you here! Day: Wednesday Time: 12.00-1.00 Cost: £3.50 for a freshly cooked two course meal and drink Next term begins on April 20th and runs until June 22nd. Please come and visit us. You'll be very pleased that you did; and so will we.
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RING THE BELLS, SPRING IS ON THE WAY Looking back more than 20 years to the Christmas holidays in Shincliffe, in 1992 it was so cold there were ice sheets on our window in the bedroom and at one point it was -8 degrees during the day. The Houghall pond froze over, that is the old one near the Houghall housing, and you could hear the twanging and burbling echoes resonating across, when heavy twigs landed on the ice - but if you broke it –there was stagnant water underneath – and oh, how terrible the smell. The whole area is cleared now and seeing its regeneration this spring will be very good. Talking about the mild weather has become the normal conversation this winter year and there has been a rose flowering all through the winter at Corner House through December, January and February. Not much snow early on but boy has it rained. On Sunday 6th Dec the river was high on 7th Dec the wind was blowing hard, the river was up onto the upper paths and almost over the banks. A tree came down on the power lines sparking in Shincliffe woods and huge amounts of flotsam and jetsum were left up in the trees – the Electricity Board fixed it quickly. Country File lost no time telling us how the birds adapt to the floods, the kingfishers flying more at the coast, and seagulls spreading into the new lakes in the fields. One of these flood lakes on the Houghall side was quite busy with birds. Walking further on than Shincliffe Hall and along the river, on the same day, (7th) there was sight of a flock of curlew, 39 of them on the other side. Their slow and plaintive whooping call is a wonderful sound. So it is onto the Spring now. There will be a lot that is new. I am going to check against a list over 20 years old of the flowers seen on 10th April 1993 and work out which of these are out this February! The list was Bittercress (hairy), butterbur, chickweed, (water and common), coltsfoot, crossword, daffodil (wild),daisy, dandelion, dead nettle (white and red), dog violet, ground elder, goose grass, groundsell, jack-by-the-hedge, parsley (cow), red campion, speedwell, stitchwort (greater), strawberry (barren), sweet cicily, townhall clock, wild garlic, wood anemone. These are the ones to look out for soon. Today is Valentines Day, Sunday 14th February the rabbits are back on the Corner by Shincliffe Village park and though 700 bulbs were planted under there, fairly late, but only one or two are through. I hope it is not the new dining outpost and the rabbits getting them. Also spotted today was a tree creeper in the gardens behind the village post box and its lovely that the crocus, snowdrops and aconites are out. What can be finer than those joyful flowers on the verge? It lifts your heart as does the surety that very soon, they will be joined by hundreds of nodding daffodils. Julie and Stephen Goodhart
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SHINCLIFFE HOME IMPROVEMENTS
All Aspects of Joinery Service Including
v Kitchens Supplied and Fitted v Wood and Laminate Flooring v Stairs – Handrails and Spindles Supplied and Fitted in Hardwood and Softwood v Doors and Windows v Decking All Building Work Considered
Over 35 Years Experience
Paul Ogilvie Tel: 0191 3848319 Mob: 07840825076
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PARISH COUNCIL NEWS Shincliffe Parish Councillor Vacancies During December 2015 and January 2016, I received resignation letters from Councillor Pat Hudson and Councillor John Lightley. Pat and John have devoted a significant amount of time and effort to the Shincliffe Community over a number of years, and the Parish Council feel that this should be recognised. We are looking into something appropriate, but for now, on behalf of the Parish Council, I would like to express sincere gratitude for their valuable contribution over many years and wish both Pat and John all the best for the future. As a result, the Parish Council has two vacancies that will be filled by co- option. If you would like to apply for the role, or just interested in finding out about what being a Parish Councillor entails, you can do so by contacting the Parish Clerk. The closing date for applications is 31st March 2016. Shincliffe Parish Survey During November, the Parish Council distributed a survey to all residents in the parish. The purpose of the survey was to engage and communicate with you, the Shincliffe community, and to generate feedback on how the Parish Council can best serve the community. Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey. The number of responses was extremely positive and the Parish Council welcome having this information to help inform future decisions and plans. A summary of the survey is imminent and will be communicated via the Parish Council website and noticeboards. Paper copies can also be made available, on request. Foliage blocking pathways As part of the feedback received from the survey, it was noted that pathways, foliage and overhanging branches (impeding or blocking pathways) were a particular concern within the Parish. Please could I request that residents contact the Parish Council if you spot something of this nature? Shincliffe School Traffic The volume of traffic and actions of some drivers at High Shincliffe School ‘drop off’ and ‘pick up’ times continues to cause a problem. The Parish Council remain extremely concerned that residents or children will suffer injury as a result of driver actions. We are continuing to work with the Police and have requested more regular Police presence during these times. Please could residents contact the Parish Council if you witness any of the traffic related issues above.
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Speeding along the A177 The Parish Council continues to closely follow progress on initiatives to reduce the speeding along the A177. Road markings were placed in advance of the 40mph sign and the results of a speed check to review the effectiveness of the change are due shortly. We are hopeful that further initiatives will be deployed during the year. Litter Pick The first litter pick of the year will take place on Saturday 9th April at 10.00am. It only takes an hour of your time so if you would like to be involved, and help to keep Shincliffe as litter free as possible, please contact the Parish Council. Cllr George Lee Parish Council Chairman
SHINCLIFFE JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB Shincliffe Junior FC is a fully accredited football club with FA Charter Status. The club is about creating a fun, rewarding environment for young players through well-structured training, delivered by FA qualified coaches. Currently there are four teams: under 10s through to under 13s. There is also a development squad for younger players from school years 1-3, run by an experienced coach with the aim of creating under 8s and under 7s teams in the near future. The club welcomes any children keen to become involved in football. Experience is not important, just an enthusiasm to play, learn and be part of a team. Training is once a week, on a Thursday evening, currently at Durham City FC 3G pitches next to Soccarena, with matches on a Saturday morning in the Russell Foster League. If you would like any more information, please contact: John McGuinness on 07976 025357 or Sam Dale on 07825 334071
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SEVEN STARS INN Telephone Number 0191 3848454 email [email protected] ******* SET MENU SPECIAL Available 12.00 - 2.00Tuesday to Saturday 5.30 - 9.00 Tuesday to Thursday Two Course £9.95 Three course £11.95 Set menu changes on a regular basis ******* FISH ON FRIDAY £5.95 Available 12.00 - 2:00 5oz North Sea Beer Battered Haddock Fillet, with hand cut chips, peas, bread and butter and a pot of tea ******* HOMEMADE PIZZA Sunday from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Monday to Thursday till 7:00 pm 25% OFF TAKE AWAY PIZZA Excluding Happy Hour ******* LAZY SUNDAY EVENINGS Sunday 6.00 to 8.00pm Enjoy a free starter when you order any Sunday Roast ******* CREAM TEA Served between 11.30 and 5.00 Monday to Saturday Fresh homemade scone with jam and cream served with a tea or coffee £2.95
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Neil Carter YOUR LOCAL DAIRYMAN
11 Frederick Street South DH7 8LZ
Local Organic milk
All grades of milk supplied. Also fruit juices, yoghurt, eggs and cream
TEL: 0191 378 0466
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ROSE TREE INN Telephone Number 0191 3868512 email [email protected] Food Served All Day Monday to Saturday 12.00 to 9.00 Sunday 12.00 to 6.00 ******* Picnic Bench Afternoon Tea 2.00 – 5.00 Monday to Saturday Selection of open sandwiches home-made scones with jam and cream, cakes and pastries
£10.95 ******* Two Course Special £7.95 Monday to Friday 12.00 - 6.30pm (excluding Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays) ******* All Day Breakfast Served 12.00 – 5.00 Excluding Sunday
£5.95 Sausage, Bacon, Fried Egg, Black Pudding, Beans and tomato Tea or Coffee
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Contacting Shincliffe Parish Council and the USEFUL INFORMATION Parish Clerk: - there are 6 councillors who can be contacted by ‘phone: - SHINCLIFFE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Pat Hudson: 386 1237 Chair: Jane Ranns 07974 265214 Angela Lee: 386 5188 Secretary: Claire Ketley 07515 918685 David Duell: 384 8281 Email: John Lightley: 384 7900 [email protected] Jonathan Lovell: 384 4933 Web Site: Shincliffe.org.uk Andrzej Olechnowicz: 386 5343 Contact us on Facebook The Parish Clerk can be contacted by phone KEEP FIT BY MOVING AND DANCING or Email given above Thursdays at 8pm, WI HUT DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL Tuesdays at 12, St Mary’s Church Hall Councillor: David Stoker 378 4300 (Gentle Class) Website: www.durham.gov.uk Contact: Alison Swarbrick: 383 0346 Help Desk: 383 4567 PILATES POLICE Contact: Alison Brown: 386 1094 Ring County Police Headquarters, Aykley SHINCLIFFE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE meets Heads, for Durham City Police Station and in the WI Hall in Shincliffe Village on the first Bowburn Police Station: 0845 606 0365 Wednesday in the month. For all emergency calls ring 999 President: Yvonne Willis: 386 2124 For all non emergency calls ring 101 Hall Bookings: Margaret Chapman: 386 3730 COUNTY TRAVELLING LIBRARY – SHINCLIFFE LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Alternate Thursdays 12.40p.m. - 1.45 p.m. meets in the Church Hall on the third Monday High Shincliffe (outside 6 High Street) in the month 1.50 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. Shincliffe Village Green Contact: John Lightley: 384 7900 Membership Secretary: Barry Lawton: HOSPITAL 384 9979 University Hospital of North Durham: 333 2333 Durham & Chester le Street Primary Care CHILDREN’S & YOUTH ORGANISATIONS Trust, Out of Hours service: 215 1333 BABY AND TODDLER GROUP: Tuesday & Thursday—9.30 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. SHINCLIFFE CHURCH OF ENGLAND Contact: Julie Swinbank (CONTROLLED) PRIMARY SCHOOL [email protected] 07818007346 Head Teacher: Mr David Tait: 384 3739 Friends Of Shincliffe School (Foss) SCOUTS & CUBS & BEAVERS Co-Chairpersons: Website: www.durhamcityscouts.org.uk Rebecca Powell 07973 101 747 Contact: Giles Radford: 384 0407 Claire Ketley 07515 918 685 GUIDES/BROWNIES/RAINBOWS District Commissioner Carole Forster: OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS 372 1786 County Durham Furniture Help Scheme: Regional Office 01904 676076 0138 872 1509 Website: wwwgirlguidingnortheast.org.uk County Durham Handy Person Service: SHINCLIFFE JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB 375 3705 Communication Officer: Sarah McGuiggan Bus Service Information - Traveline: 07786911060 0871 2002233 Link 2: dial a ride bus service: 383 5383 SHINCLIFFE PARISH COUNCIL Durham City CVS: fund raising/volunteering: 384 4801 Chair: George Lee: 384 1437 Clerk: Kate Cuthbert: 908 9540 Meetings on the third Tuesday in the month at 7.00 p.m. Email: [email protected] Website: www.shincliffeparishcouncil.co.uk
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PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY THE BOWBURN & ELVET METHODIST VIRGIN CHURCHES Parish Priest: Revd. Peter Kashouris Ministers: St. Oswald's Vicarage The Revd. Andy Longe 384 1221 [email protected] The Revd. Shaun Swithenbank: 340 9701 Parish Office: 383 0830 Sunday Worship: [email protected] Bowburn: 10.30 a.m. Church Wardens: Elvet Methodist church: 10.45 a.m. & 6.00pm Michael Banks 384 0183 Tuesday Kids Club at Bowburn: 5.30 p.m. Michael Stewart 377 9029 (term time) St Mary’s Pastoral Team: ‘Messy Church’ at Bowburn: 5.30 p.m. (1st Team Leader: Tess Hagger: 386 7085 Tuesday in month) Sunday Services: Wednesday Women’s Fellowship: 2.00 8:00 am Holy Communion (3rd & 5th p.m. (1st and 2nd of the month at Bowburn) Sundays) During university term times we have a Lunch 9:30am Parish Eucharist. Once a month there Stop at 12 noon at Elvet is an all age Eucharist, normally the first Sunday of the month. ST CUTHBERT’S ROMAN CATHOLIC 6:30 pm Evensong (3rd Sunday in month at CHURCH St. Oswald’s at 6.00 pm) Priest: Fr Benjamin Earl OP, Additional services and changes to the above Parish Priest: 384 3442 are posted on the notice boards at the church Email: [email protected] door and outside the Church Hall. www.stcuthberts-durham.org.uk Confirmation classes: Sunday Masses: 10.00 a.m.& 6.30 p.m. Details from the Parish Priest Weekday Masses: Baptisms & Weddings: Monday 9.15 am By arrangement with the Parish Priest; Tuesday - 12.15p.m. contact via Parish Office Wednesday 7.00p.m. Ecumenical House Groups: Thursday 12.15p.m. Details from Martin or Joyce Bott Friday 12.15p.m. 11, St. Mary’s Close, Shincliffe Village: Saturday 9.15a.m. 386 4021 Confessions: Choir: Music Coordinator – Harry Morgan: Saturday 9.45a.m. – 10.15a.m. 384 6874 Holy Days – Obligation Masses: Bell Ringers: 12.15p.m. & 7.00p.m. Keith Hayton: 386 6585 Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals by Jean Woodward (Secretary): 384 9957 arrangement Practice night: Tues., 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. There is a notice board on the Church gate Church Flowers: with details of services. Yvonne Willis - 2, Hill Crest: 386 2124 OTHER RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION’S Church Cleaning: 2nd Tuesday in the DETAILS can be found in the Clayport month-more volunteers welcome. Library, Millennium Place, Claypath, Durham: Contact Barbara Stephenson: 384 2822 386 4003 Parochial Church Council: Secretary: Pat Gibbs St. Mary’s Church Hall can be booked for: If you wish to have an entry in this section, *private functions *children's parties *group please send it to the Editor. Please inform meetings *coffee mornings *commercial uses the Editor of any changes to, or errors in etc. these entries Charges: from £35 For availability and booking please contact: Jim Milburn: 372 3562 Social Activities: A variety of social activities over the year. Details in SCAN delivered to every house in the parish
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SHINCLIFFE DIARY For full details/times/venues/contacts see inside
For Easter Services see St. Mary’s St. Mary’s Church Hall Calendar of Easter Newsletter inside Weekly Events Mon. Pilates: 9.30-10.30am Spring Front Garden Judging takes Tue. Baby & Toddler Group: 9.30- 4-8 Apr place 11.30am Keep Fit by Moving and 6 Apr W.I. Annual General Meeting Dancing (Gentle Class): 12.00- 1.00pm Elvet Methodist Church “Millennium” Metafit: 6.15-6.45pm 12 Apr Banquet Pilates: 7.00-8.00pm Durham City Harriers: 8.15- Elvet Methodist Church Table Top 16 Apr 9.15pm and Bric-a-Brac sale Thu. Baby & Toddler Group: 9.30- 11.30am History Soc.: Dr. Win Stokes – 18 Apr Pilates class to be re-arranged Victorian Women and their Money Notes: History Society: 3rd Mon at 7.30pm W.I. Speaker: Tracy Latimer: Subject: 4 May Parish meetings 4 per year Tue 7pm Aloe Vera PACT every 2 months at 6pm Thursdays Murder at St. Teresa’s For details 7 May For Private bookings please contact see inside Jim Milburn: 372 3562
14 May Elvet Methodist Church Games Night MURDER AT ST TERESA’S Shincliffe Church Hall 15-21 May Christian Aid week Saturday 7th May Come and join us as a murder mystery History Soc. Phil Dyer – Children of 16 May play unfolds around you! the Pit Villages Will you be the one to solve the crime?
W.I. Birthday Dinner: The Three Weekly Events in W.I Hut 18 May Horseshoes, Leamside Mon Dance your Socks Off: 7pm- 31 May SCAN deadline for copy 8.30pm Tue Dance your Socks Off Kids W.I. Speaker: Maureen Martin: Club: 5pm-7pm 1 Jun Subject: A Tour of Durham Cathedral Slimmer’s World: 7pm-9pm Wed. W.I. meetings (first week of 11 Jun Queens Birthday Celebration each month): 7pm-9.30pm Thu Keep Fit by Moving & Dancing: Elvet Methodist Open Church and 8pm-9pm 18 Jun gardens Fri. Zumba class: 6pm-7pm
3 Jul St. Mary’s Garden Party The hall can be hired for meetings, parties etc. Please contact Mrs Summer Front Garden Judging takes Chapman (386 3730) for bookings. 4-8 Jul place
Shincliffe Show – application form 17 Sep inside
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