PARISH NEWS For Gainford and Winston JUNE 2020

PARISH NEWS for Gainford & Winston

Editorial Team: From The Editors Jenny Harrison Peter Dransfield We may possibly allow ourselves to hope that Paula Holmes some semblance of normality may be possible very Neil Russell soon. But hope should be realistic. Christine Maughan Email: [email protected] We are trying to find our way out of a maze. For every suggestion the Government makes, another The Editors welcome items for publishing in the one is offered by its opponents. Mistakes will Parish News magazine - articles and photos of local be made; after all, we are in uncharted waters. interest, publicity, notices, reports, events, letters, It is entirely proper that those with experience, etc. A name and address must be provided but knowledge and training should challenge may not be published if requested. The editors decisions, but criticism which comes from those reserve the right not to publish an item if no space who have a political agenda, or who want to sell is available in the current magazine and to edit any newspapers, is unhelpful. material submitted for publishing; or reject content which they consider unsuitable. It is also inevitable that theories which claim to All comments and opinions expressed in articles know the source of the virus are being reported, are those of the authors and not necessary those of from Donald Trump’s claim that he has proof that the editors. China manufactured the virus, to fundamental Christians who believe God sent the plague as punishment for human sin. The former is another Copy deadline: 15th June Trump thoughtless comment and the latter a belief Send items to: that God is a being who intervenes in our world. Jenny Harrison, 39 Low Green, Gainford Tel. 730487 If the answer is to be found, it will be by exhaustive Peter Dransfield, 36 Balmer Hill, Gainford human research and God will be present as the Tel. 730450 source of all being in every human heart as eternal Chrissie Barnett, 3 Church Mews, Winston Love. Tel. 730112 Neil Russell

or email: [email protected]

Our Annual Appeal Our annual envelope appeal has been postponed until we start again later with a printed magazine. In the meantime your donations will be still be welcome to enable the magazine to continue providing a useful service to the community. There is a collecting box in the Post Office or you may pay by bank transfer to Parish News, account: 25693285, sort code: 09-01-53. Thank you. Editors

Cover Photo:- High Green, Gainford - home of Dr Mike Neville The World Pivots

t is heartening when one’s foresight is realised. June is more than ever the fulcrum month of the ILast month I had written that it “would be good year when the world may find a new and life- news if (relaxation of measures) correspond to giving future. The Summer Solstice in our northern markedly lower new C-19 cases, markedly higher hemisphere occurs this year on June 20th, and in number of recovered patients, and markedly less the places of the south it is their Winter Solstice. loss of life across the country. May relaxed measures The word ‘solstice’ is taken from the Latin word involve the opening of garden centres, hardware ‘solstitium’, ‘Sol’ meaning ‘the Sun’ and ‘stitium’ shops, computer retail centres, and D-I-Y stores meaning ‘still or stopped’. This is a pivotal time for to encourage productive expending of energy as the world regardless of whether we are in the north we remain at home…”. This is happening in many or the south. Will we find the spread and mortal countries in Europe, in the UK, and across Asia. threat of Covid-19 stilled or stopped? Will our lives be lightened because we are enlightened? As Spring breathes life into Summer and buds have burst forth into blooms, the Spirit of Pentecost The first Sunday in June celebrates the Holy Trinity: moves us from May to bless us in June. Shall we God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy be renewed by the Holy Spirit, having sown good Spirit. We are called to celebrate the power and seed in time of adversity, so that we may live to nature of the completeness of God in unity, and rejoice with blessings together? For many weeks, this power and unity is ours to receive and to live. we have helped each other to remain resolute in The first missionary, St Paul, whose life had been discipline; brought cheer and enthusiasm with transformed by this holy power, wrote: community events; and together acknowledged with applause the NHS and key workers saving For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and lives. And now, more is asked of us. The changing drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the situation concerning our children’s education is a Holy Spirit Romans 14.17 challenge. Working arrangements as relaxation is And hope does not disappoint us, because God has offered is a challenge. The use of technology for poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy live broadcast and mass connectivity is a necessary Spirit, whom He has given us. 1 Corinthians 2.10-11a benefit but has been found wanting under the strain of unanticipated new users. Movements in public In the past months of unintended and unplanned places is as unwelcome to many as it is welcome enforced shared experiences, we can look back with to some. Debates among clergy about how to thankfulness. Nature has breathed, been renewed, prepare for the re-opening of churches for prayer, and refreshed like never before in our living worship, and sharing of Communion, is giving me memory, greatly blessing all in its liberation. We more headache than the reality requires. We have have been blessed by the help and encouragement become familiar with statistics and graphs, but will of strangers, our communities showering love in these bring relief and gladden us or show unlearned practical ways. We have prayed for one another, history such as the second and third spikes of the for ourselves and for others we have never met. Spanish Flu? More than ever before we require the Let us resolve for this month to be momentous Spirit that has brought us together and filled us with in delivering and sustaining a future that we can both wisdom and love through these first months thankful for. against Covid-19 to defeat it and to fully realise hope. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen Rev’d Eileen Harrop Face to Face with Dr Mike Neville

transcribed my notes for this Face to Face on the Iday the nation commemorated VE Day. I was in isolation as a result of the Corona virus pandemic, now recognised as the greatest crisis this country has faced since the events which led to the moment, 75 years ago when peace was restored in Europe. The notes were the fruit of my meeting with Dr Mike Neville using online technology, a resource we are all having to grapple with.

Approaching the age of 65 Mike has decided that it is time to bring to a close his work as a General Practitioner in Gainford. He has served the community faithfully and with dedication for 38 years and is known and loved by everyone in the village and surrounding area. It was a tremendous privilege to be asked to interview him for Parish News and to convey to him how much the community values all that he has done to facilitate health care locally. Dr Mike Neville Royal Army Medical Corps in Malaya he joined Dr Mike could not have imagined that, in the few Hickey in his General Practice in Gainford. Their weeks prior to his retirement, the world would be home, West Cottage, Spa Road, was also the surgery in such a turmoil. He described the situation as and Mike recalls that the 5 children were expected ‘unprecedented’. Thousands of people have lost to be especially quiet during surgery hours. their lives, among them health care workers who were aware of the risk but continued to care for their Mike’s first school was St Colette’s Infant School patients. The NHS is engaged in a battle to stop which was situated at 16 High Green, a building the virus spreading and to destroy it. Doctors and which was to become Gainford Surgery. He nurses at Gainford Surgery have responded quickly remembers his 2 teachers well, Sisters Winifred and effectively to ensure the surgery continues to and Agatha who were based at St Peter’s. His next provide a safe, professional and efficient service, school was St Mary’s Primary School in Barnard and much of the credit for that goes to Mike. Castle where he stayed until he was 11. It was then that Mike was to spread his wings to spend the Mike admitted that it was a sad and difficult time for remainder of his school years in a boarding school him and the staff, with consultations taking place by in Ireland. He was the only one in the family to go to telephone. “I am particularly concerned for those the school. who are vulnerable, including our older patients but I am encouraged by the positive response of the Mike decided he, too, would like to become a staff and patients.” doctor and obtained a place at Sheffield University where he studied medicine. The training included Mike then began to reflect on his life and career, placements in Hospitals and in General Practice and from childhood through to retirement. He was born it was in General practice that he saw his future. His in 1955 in Bishop Auckland General Hospital to father had run the practice, now situated at 16 High parents Bill and Toni Neville. Bill came from County Green, single handed since Dr Hickey’s death, and Cork in Ireland and after National Service with the welcomed Mike into the practice in 1982. (continued on next page) Mike and Annie were married in 1982 and brought The most recent addition to the team of doctors up their 4 children, Katie, Lizzie, Bill and Vicky in the at the surgery is Mike and Annie’s daughter, Lizzie, village moving to High Green in the late 1990’s. As who is proud to be the third generation of Neville well as bringing up the 4 children Annie worked as doctors at the practice. A further appointment will practice nurse in the surgery for many years and she be made in the near future. too is fondly remembered by many patients. Dr Bill retired in 1988 and died in 2001. Toni still lives on Meanwhile, Mike is looking forward to spending Low Green. more time in his garden, fishing in the Tees, golf at Barnard Castle and walking with his dog, as well Dr Ian Waldin joined him at the practice on Dr Bill’s as more time with Annie and their children and retirement. In due course they realised that the grandchildren, who all live in the village. surgery building was no longer fit for purpose and the search began to find a suitable site where a He now passes the baton to his successors and purpose built surgery could be constructed. They he is aware of the challenges they face as the NHS were made aware that Gainford Garage was to struggles to meet the increase in expectations close and the doctors were able to buy the land. of patients. Mike has built the practice on solid Initial objections by the District Council Planning foundations and I wish him and his family a fulfilled Committee were overturned, resulting in the retirement. construction of the building we are fortunate to have today.

Conscious of the disappointment many will feel that the Corona virus pandemic prevents any community form of celebration of Mikes’ career, I asked some people who know Mike well for a few words about him and here is what they said:

Yvonne Thomson - Patients Participation Group: “Mike regularly joins our lively quarterly patient participation group meetings. His extensive GP and wider NHS knowledge and experience adds great value to any of our discussions. He actively listens to suggestions and feedback whether positive or negative and acts on it to help make things better for his patients and practice. It’s understood that he thinks our group is valuable to the practice and especially right now supporting our most vulnerable patients with the Covid 19 Volunteer Prescription Delivery Service, a collaboration of the Patient group, practice and parish council. Thank you for your dedication and care over the years and we all wish you a happy retirement”.

Nicola Finch - Gainford Surgery Practice Manager: “As well as being a dedicated GP, Mike is so good to work with in the practice. He is a great team leader and is very professional and fair to everyone. Outside the practice, in other NHS teams, Mike has been a key contributor to many of the improvements to patient care. He has a sense of humour which is needed in his job. The practice team and I wish Mike a long and happy retirement”.

Lisa Johnstone - Chairperson of Gainford and Langton Parish Council: “As a village we come together in thanking you, Mike, for your wonderful care. I am sure that many will join me in thanks for the years of service you have dedicated to this most unique of village practices. Thank you for delivering a service with a combination of professionalism, humour and care. On behalf of your many patients in Gainford, Langton and beyond, can I wish you a happy and healthy retirement.”

A J Cronin, creator of the fictional Doctor Finlay, wrote these words which reflect the thoughts of us all: ‘Gratitude is something of which none of us can give too much. For on the smiles, the thanks we give, our little gestures of appreciation, our neighbours build their philosophy of life.‘ Neil Russell Computer Help & Tuition PIANO TUITION Do you have a problem with computers, want Retired Professional advice, help, tuition? Experienced Teacher of Piano THE COMPUTER MAN Associated Board Examinations Computer Lessons all grades 1 - 8 CRB clearance one-to-one in your own home beginners & elderly especially welcome contact Margaret Williamson ARCM 1 - 3 hour tuition @ £10 per hour 01325 730215 call me, no obligation, advice freely given 07905 650459 Tel. 01325 730450 PILATES Gainford Village Hall Monday 2.00-3.00pm Thursday 10.00-11.00am Pilates for Men Tuesday 4.00-5.00pm Pat Kenneally 07791 630726

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Gainford Village Hall Mondays 7pm - 8.30pm Patricia Hancock Dip. BWY mob: 07970 802248 email: [email protected] Gainford Patient Participation Group ‘The New Normal’?

he new normal: I’ve heard that a lot since technology systems and apps making them the new TMarch. Life has changed, and many are saying normal and we, as patients, will also need to adapt that things will never be the same again. Many to these new ways. changes seem to be for the better. Gainford and the surrounding villages have long been known for Telephone consultations were enforced upon us their community spirit and this Covid 19 pandemic all over the last 2 months as the surgery was closed appears to have brought out the best in us. to general access. For patients who experienced a telephone consultation, in the main, most patients None more so that the dedicated Gainford surgery have believed them to be as effective as visiting the Covid 19 Volunteer prescription delivery service. Set surgery and they are here to stay for those who can up and working within 2 days at the end of March, benefit from them. by the time you are reading this the keen volunteer team have delivered over 1800 prescriptions to our The next step could be using one of the many elderly or most vulnerable patients keeping both video apps to have a face to face consultation. patients and practice staff safe. Many patients have already been using these apps to keep in touch with friends and family so video As our volunteers return to work and as the practice consultations could be used soon…watch this space! reopens, the delivery service will reduce and stop. The new normal in the practice includes practice Telephone prescription ordering will be withdrawn staff treating us in PPE, safety screens at reception almost immediately when the practice is fully open. by end of May with continued social distancing at When the pandemic was at its worst, telephone 2m and in and out queues to maintain safety for all. prescription ordering had been reintroduced for those who couldn’t order prescriptions online and Another ‘new normal’ is that Dr Mike Neville will no to minimise patients coming to the surgery to post longer be at the practice. He is retiring on Friday their script. This will revert back to online ordering 12th June after nearly 40 years dedicated service to or posting prescriptions in June unless you already his patients mostly at Gainford. Many people have had an exemption agreed with the surgery prior to privately thanked Mike and this forum joins them by the Covid 19 lockdown. publicly thanking him for the support he has given all his patients and the Patient Participation group. Many more patients have taken this time to register for online services; ordering prescriptions, booking As Mike’s surgery door closes and he goes off to GP appointments and other services like test results, enjoy his retirement, another one opens for Dr summary medical record and text reminder. Alison Crisp, his replacement partner. Alison will be familiar to many of you as she, her husband and Please stay safe, see the instructions on the next three boys live here, and they are often out and page on how to register for ‘Gainford Surgery about. Originally from London, she has lived in Online’. Once you have registered and used the many parts of the UK before settling in the North service, you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner! East. She has spent the last eight years at Hallgarth Surgery in Shildon and she brings with her a wealth The ‘new normal’ is here to stay and we will all have of knowledge and experience and we look forward to live with it in various areas and adapt to change! to her joining our very popular practice. How does this make you feel? Please let me know, get in touch at [email protected] Due to Covid 19, the NHS has been forced to Yvonne Thomson accelerate its technology changes with more use of Gainford and Durham Dales Patient Representative Stay Safe “Gainford Surgery Online” Stay Safe Register to order your repeat prescriptions, book GP appointments and more!

What to do 1. Search Gainford surgery on internet 2. Tap to Gainford surgery (opens up homepage) 3. Go to “Quick Links” (on right) -click Online services 4. Download patient online registration form/print off 5. Fill in, tick all boxes to obtain full services and sign 6. Next step – you have 2 choices a. Either – scan completed application form, scanned copy of driving licence or passport and your most recent prescription or bill and email to [email protected] b. Or – Post completed application form with a photocopy of your driving licence or passport and your most recent prescription or bill to the surgery. 7. The Practice team will email you your user ID and temporary password within 72 hrs. 8. Please ACTIVATE your online account and change your password within 24 hours or it will expire. 9. If you can’t get activated, please ring the surgery on 01325 730204 to be reactivated.

Nicola and her Practice team have made this even easier 1. Print off the registration form as described earlier. 2. Fill it in and post in the surgery letter box with an attached photocopy of your driving licence or details page from your passport. The Practice team will set up your log on ID and initial password and you’re up and running.

On behalf of the Parish News and its readers we would like to say a huge THANK YOU to Dr Mike Neville who has looked after so many of us as patients. We wish him a long and happy retirement, much of which will, we suspect, be spent on the golf course. Enjoy Sweet Potato Pudding Cake …no flour needed! A delicious recipe! - great served as a dessert, maybe with a little yogurt or custard.

Serves 8; Prep 25 minutes; Cook 2 hours 15 minutes. Each 176g serving contains (excludes serving suggestion) Kcal 260; Carbs 44.0g; Fibre 3.8g; Protein 5.0g; Fat 5.8g; Saturates 1.50g; Sugars 25.0g; Salt 0.60g

Ingredients 900g sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped 25g butter 100g soft dark-brown sugar 3 tbsp dark rum (or 3tbsp lemon juice for a non- alcoholic version) grated zest and juice 1 lime 4 eggs Method 4 tbsp skimmed milk 1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas 4. Place the sweet half tsp ground cinnamon potatoes in a large pan, cover with water and cook half tsp ground nutmeg for 20–25 minutes, until tender. Drain and mash well, 2 tsp baking powder cool a little then stir through the butter, sugar, rum 75g raisins (or lemon juice), and lime zest and juice. 2. In a separate dish, beat together the remaining Chefs tips ingredients, and stir into the sweet potato mixture. 3. Grease and line a 900g (18cm x 8cm deep) loaf tin. • You could also put the mixture into individual Turn mixture into the tin and bake for approx 1½–1¾ ramekins/dishes and bake for around 45 mins. hours until firm. 4. Check the firmness by inserting a skewer – it • Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm up a should come out clean when the dish is cooked. slice and serve with reduced-fat crème fraiche or yogurt. Reprinted with permission from Diabetes UK The Black Horse Ingleton 01325 730374

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he victory following a time of battle, a time of discipline, sacrifice, Tterror, and yearning for hope, is a victory firstly against tyranny: a tyranny of evil, of evil of any and all kinds that is rampant and indiscriminate. Victory is secondly about the triumph of all things good and worthy: valour, courage, determination, resilience, selflessness, discipline, sacrifice. But victory is incomplete even when the power of tyranny is overcome, is toppled, unless there is the victory of love: putting the wrong-doings, even intentioned harm, behind: to love, welcome and rejoice with the contrite and confessing wrong-doer while acknowledging that we may at any time be the wrong-doer ourselves.

God is love. In the Gospel reading, which tells the story often referred to as ‘The Prodigal Son’, the father receives with joy and celebration the son who wronged his father, lived a wayward life, and who has returned. The victory in that scene is love that forgives; about wrong that is acknowledged, and love that celebrates reunion and a new life together. God’s nature of love is in us. Victory is always to be celebrated, as we celebrate today. We will sustain Victory when we love and continue to love as God loves us. Amen Rev’d Eileen Harrop VE Day News Headlines Teesdale Mercury 9 May 1945 • Leader in Teesdale Mercury 9 May 1945 called ‘After the night, the dawn’. “The flags and bunting are out. The courage, the endurance of this nation has prevailed and given us victory…” • Concludes: ‘Many today will mourn the loss of loved ones and this little corner of England has helped pay the price of victory. Let us not forget what they died for and let us try again to build a happier land’.

16 May 1945 VE Festivities reported Celebrations in Winston: • ‘Sports programme for children was held on Wednesday [9 May 1945] in glorious weather in a field loaned by Mr Huntingdon. All children, whether winners or losers, received prizes. There was a Victory Tea in the school where the children sang the National Anthem, led by Commander Curtis of the Royal Navy. At night, there was a whist drive and dance for adults.’

Gainford Parish Magazine June 1945 • reported that there had been a special VE service and more attended than usual came to church.

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marklomas 07462101976 01833 696750 - 07340 922386 www.facebook.com/lomasplastering www.highforcescaffolding.co.uk Colin Mackie Remembers His Father John Rudd Mackie 11

Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of VE was special and personal for many, including Gainford resident Colin Mackie whose father was killed in the war.

I asked if Colin would share his father’s story.

John Rudd Mackie II was killed at Mezidon on 19th August 1944, about 25 miles from the French coast. His name can be found on the plaque inside our parish church of St Mary, Gainford, which commemorates the new gates.

The Normandy landings were on 6th June 1944. Colin’s father was wounded then and sent home for a week to a Liverpool hospital and a week at home before returning to his unit. That is when John Rudd Mackie II saw his son Colin for the only time.

He was killed on his return to fight with his unit just a few days before Paris was liberated on 25th August 1944, and a few months before VE day on 8th May 1945.

The Durham Light Infantry account of the engagement where my father was killed trying to take the Chateaux Mont De La Vigne accompanies this article. It includes a list of the fatalities. Note their young ages. The first name on the list was from West Auckland, another from Bishop Auckland, and most were fairly local.

Colin produced a composite photo of the display in his porch for VE day 75: a photo of his Father, a copy of the good service certificate signed by General Montgomery, and letters from his commanding officers which are particularly moving. There is also King George’s consolation note with signature, the George VI commemorative scroll, the CWGC certificate, photograph of his Father’s grave and also Rex Whistler’s grave in the same cemetery. Colin also displayed outside his home the ceramic poppy that came from the Tower of London. Rev’d Eileen Harrop on behalf of Colin Mackie (continued on next page) In Memory of Lieutenant John Rudd Mackie

138536, 10th Bn., Durham Light Infantry who died on 19 August 1944 Age 27

Son of John Rudd Mackie and Dorothy Blanche Mackie, of South Shields, Co. Durham; husband of Olive Mackie, of South Shields. Remembered with Honour Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery

(continued on next page) Durham Light Infantry Assault on the Chateaux Le Mont De La Vigne

10th DLI Mixed Fortunes August 1944

he 10th and 11th DLI spent six weeks at of its officers,including 138536 Lieut John Rudd TEmieville but with the Americans and Mackie and 300704 Lieut Albert Henry Herring. It Canadians pushing on in other sectors 70 Brigade was decided to put in a two company attack as soon too were eager to advance and the bridgehead as artillery support could be arranged. The support was left far behind; but the danger of mines was a secured the operation was ready to start at 20.30hrs. constant worry and progress hampered by bridges blown either by the retreating Germans or by The The artillery barrage appeared to be very effective Allied air forces desperate to cut off any German and apart from some fire at the second stream, lines of retreat. On the 18th August 1944 the the Companies had little difficulty in reaching the Durhams had reached Mezidon on the River Dives, orchard. However as ‘D’ Company approached all but at Mezidon the wheel of fortune turned against hell was let loose from Spandaus and small arms the DLI once more. firing from the hedgerows. Those not immediately killed or wounded blazed away at the hedgerows. The town itself was clear of the enemy, but it was The battalion history states 249834 Lieut Clifford dominated by a hill, the Mont la Vigne, which Vincent Thomas got within thirty yards of one post, overlooked Mezidon being situated some four miles threw a grenade into it, got up to assault it, but beyond. It soon became clear to the Durhams that it was killed outright by small arms fire. Most of the was upon this ground that the enemy had chosen to Company had by this time closed in and were racing stand. ..It was not long before bitter resistance was into the orchard firing from the hip and swearing encountered and a fierce encounter battle ensued. profanely. Captain Riley, its commander, was hit Up till now the country had been pretty flat, but the by a bullet through the shoulder, but the Company advance had now reached the first of a range of carried on up the side of the orchard. 4450404 thickly wooded hills. The road ran along the edge of Sergeant Frederick William Brown, cleared a cottage the range, but between it and the Mont de la Vigne on the way single handed and enabled the 10th DLI there were some six hundred yards of open fields to advance and reorganise just below the chateau intersected by two streams, each about twenty feet for their final assault. wide and, although fordable, they had sheer banks up to twenty feet high. At the top of the hill was a As the last shells from the supporting barrage came chateau in a thick wood and below it an orchard down the Regimental History The DLI at War states sloping away towards the flat plain. ‘Private Jenn alone attacked three Germans in a post and took them prisoner, and Sergeant Brown and On the 18th/19th August 1944 the leading company Private Ward did great work in clearing it. The 10th of 10th DLI ran into trouble as soon as it reached the DLI captured fourteen prisoners in the chateau itself, orchard, where it was met with withering spandau including the German company commander and fire from close range. 284905 Captain Harry Keith another officer. Corporal Fisher and Lance-Corporal Sanderson, the company commander and formerly Rupert Edwards both did extremely well in the of The Royal Artillery, was hit in the face as he rushed attack, the latter knocking out several machine gun into the orchard. Captain Sanderson was the son posts single-handed.’ of Harry Herbert and Maude Annie Sanderson, of Hull. The Company suffered heavily and lost most (continued on next page) 10th DLI Mixed Fortunes August 1944 (continued)

The price in men had been heavy. There were only From then the situation rapidly deteriorated about forty or so of ‘D’ Company left to reorganise for the 10th DLI companies, the Germans were around the chateau and ammunition was short...... liberally supplied with automatic weapons and the It was left to Sergeant Green and Sergeant Fullerton, forward DLI companies were desperately short of with some eight men, to reach the Company’s ammunition. Gradually each company in turn was objective which they successfully did and for the rest forced back, fighting a desperate action against of the Company to fight their way through to join a better equipped enemy and when a second them as soon as they possibly could. By this time it German company appeared, at first light, all DLI who was dark and the newly won positions would not be remained were ordered to fight their way out in small easy to hold because of a ridge which extended to groups if possible. the left of the chateau and overlooked it. Moreover, the ridge was thickly wooded and still occupied by This they successfully did and, as the sun came up, the enemy. There was no road up to the chateau and the battered companies took up new positions and German patrols had already been encountered in consolidated a firm front at the foot of the hill. The the woods. battle was over. The Germans did not attempt to dislodge the Durhams and within twenty-four hours The streams in the area were difficult to cross in the the Battalion had not only been relieved, but had dark and it took some time to bring up any food or received the sad and, indeed, bitter news that the ammunition. Evacuating the numerous casualties battle of Mont de la Vigne had in fact been its last. was also a big problem. Everyone was tired and hungry but just as the food began to arrive, between War Graves 0300hrs and 0400hrs in the morning a German The Commonwealth counter-attack was launched down the ridge and War Graves Commission directed at the left of the two DLI Companies. tend the graves of The attack was well organised and carried out at least thirty five by troops who obviously knew the ground well. members of the 10th There was no doubt that the enemy had intended DLI who lost their lives to hold these positions and its loss had deprived on the 18th/19th August them of a commanding view of the surrounding 1944 most during the countryside. This strong counter attack brought actions in/around Mt la a confused melee of hand-to-hand fighting in the Vigne. Amongst these pitch blackness of the French countryside. The men were;- Germans brought down a heavy Artillery and mortar 4451922 L/Cpl George Banks, aged 23 yrs barrage and managed to infiltrate one of the DLI son of Joseph and Bessie Banks; husband of companies under cover of it. Many of the attacking Sheila Banks, of West Auckland, Co. Durham. German Infantry called out in English and some were 4470617 PTe Norman Bell aged 19 yrs mistaken for troops of another Brigade who the DLI son of Frances Octavius and Elisabeth Ann Bell, of were expecting to Seaburn, Sunderland, Co. Durham. move up on their 14553941 Pte Leslie Carr aged 20 yrs left flank but these son of William and Margaret Carr, of Sunderland, troops had never Co. Durham. even arrived in 4468929 Pte Ernest Norman Cox aged 21 yrs the area having son of John George and Mary Ann Cox, of been delayed by Darlington, Co. Durham. the streams. The Chateaux Le Mont De La Vigne Colin Mackie (from DLI archives)

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We hope you are all well and managing to keep happy and healthy during the ongoing situation.

Online Meeting community. The poem was written by a teacher and The Parish Council held an online meeting widely distributed on social media. Many thanks go on Wednesday 29th April. Members of the to Fiona Divers who arranged the art so cleverly and public logged in and contributed within public who organised a great team of volunteers. participation and a journalist from The Teesdale Mercury attended. VE75 It was good to be able to meet virtually. Our last Wow! The village looked amazing. Well done to all meeting was at the beginning of March, prior to the who decorated their homes, held socially distanced restrictions. front garden parties and, I did hear that Eden Park even had one family in 1940’s clothing! We look Covid-19 Response forward, very much to being able to hold a proper The council’s response to the Covid-19 situation was party when it is safe to do so. discussed at length and all councillors were updated about the outstanding work of our volunteer team. Allotments As of Friday, 15th May the team have delivered The allotments were discussed with payment for 1369 prescriptions. They have received the grateful 2020 being due by the end of April. The link to pay is thanks of so many of the most vulnerable in our here https://gainfordandlangtonparishcouncil.org. community. It is worth repeating and remembering uk/product/allotment-rent-2020-2021/ that this figure represents a saving of 1369 journeys Thanks to those who have already paid. made to the surgery to collect prescriptions. Decreasing the need for people to travel, attend and If any allotment holders are experiencing financial decreasing social contact. difficulty and are unable to afford the allotment The Parish Council would like to commend this rent, due to the Covid-19 crisis, please email us selfless team of volunteers for the contribution they on [email protected] and let us know. have made to the people of our parish during this We will examine each case. We would encourage most difficult of times. all allotment holders to continue working their A special mention to David & Sandra Pullen who allotment. If anyone wishes to give up their allotment have worked tirelessly coordinating the volunteers’ please do let us know, as we have people waiting for efforts, maximising efficiency, and minimising risk. one.

Planning Scarecrow Trail On the agenda were several items of planning The Parish Council were delighted to work with and councillors were brought up to date with the members of the community and support our first new permissive path which Raby have now gated scarecrow trail and by the time you read this, there providing access along the river and back up to the should be a collection of scarecrows around the A67. The Parish Council have passed on our thanks village. to Lord Barnard and the Raby Estate team for the use of this path. Moving On As we now move towards an easing of the lockdown, Postcards I would like to express the desire that you all stay Households within the parish should have received safe, keep social distancing, keep looking after each their postcards and we hope that they provided a other and together we will learn how to live with the bright moment in this dark time. The original art was new normal. created by some of the youngest members of the Lisa Johnstone Postcard from Gainford & Langton Parish Council

Even apart, we are in this together. Gainford & Langton Parish Council

A New Development in Gainford

An application has been submitted to Durham County Council for the erection of 79 residential dwellings (Use Class C3), associated infrastructure and landscaping and demolition of existing agricultural barn on land to the North and South of Spa Road Gainford. This is on land owned by Raby Estate on the Western approach to Gainford

A copy of the planning application can be viewed an artist impresssion of the proposed new development online on the County Durham web site by copying and pasting the following link into a web browser: https://publicaccess.durham.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=QA9XO7GDH9P00& activeTab=summary Parish News Delivered by Email Have your own copy of the Parish News magazine sent direct to you by email - FREE send a request by email to: [email protected] Whinfield Farm Nurseries (between Gainford & Winston on the A67) Bedding Plants, Shrubs, Perennials, Alpines, Herbs Tea Room with Award Winning Ice Creams Open 9.30am - 4.30pm 5 days a week Closed Thursdays Open Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm Closed November - March Tel. 01325 730044 Church Cottage Luxury 5 Star gold

2 bedroom accommodation on Gainford village green. Kate Hodgson 01325 730339 www.teeswatercottages.co.uk

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hen it became apparent the Coronavirus and the medical staff safe. The Council were able Wwas going to have a major impact on us to secure grant funding in order to provide these all, the Parish Council organised a letterbox drop volunteers with the appropriate PPE to keep them to every house in the parish, inviting everyone safe. to join in a Contact Network on Gmail, in order to provide a line of communication for relevant The Council was also able to organise a regular information and assistance if required. Over ninety weekly food delivery service from Mainsgill farm families responded, some seeking help and over shop. The ‘Winston Wednesday’ has proved a thirty offering to provide help and support to popular free delivery system and helped keep the others. The majority are internet users but there villagers supplied and helped keep a local business are also a number who rely on the telephone only. operating. Later we were able to send out more These people were separately identified and the information as other businesses in the area got appropriate links were verified to keep these people organised with deliveries along similar lines. More as well informed as possible, thanks to the kindness recently, a village resident has begun to offer links to of people ringing round. free online arts and cultural events to help us all vary our ‘diet’ of repeats on television. The urgent need in the first two weeks was to provide information, to help people secure essential The number of calls coming through to the support food supplies and to ensure that everyone was able line has now shrunk to a relatively small number of to access medication or any other assistance. In individual problems, and to date, we have been able order to help protect staff at Gainford Surgery we to service all of these by drawing on the kindness were able to set up a Winston Prescription Team of the large number of volunteers who have offered to join the delivery service being operated out of and provided help. Gainford Surgery. This has proved a huge success and the surgery staff are extremely grateful. A Although we are now almost two months into separate service was also set up to meet the needs lockdown and some restrictions are due to be of those residents who use Barnard Castle surgery. eased, it seems like we will not be back to normal for Everyone in the village has been able to have their some time. In the meantime, the Parish Council will regular prescriptions safely delivered to their door. continue to send out updates and be available to Our thanks are due to the volunteers who have provide support to those in need. carried out these deliveries, keeping the village Jane Ayre

Gainford WI We were sorry to cancel our Spring Programme of speakers, but think it best to cancel any further meetings for the present and will let members know when we can resume. We will continue to deliver our newsletters. Best wishes from the committee. Keep Safe, Sue Taylor

The River Tees - A Journey from Sea to Source

Previously we made it to Yarm where we still remain until Neil emerges from self isolation Neil Russell and Will Bartle Birdwatching with Will

ften when it comes to writing these articles I have a bit of head scratch and wonder what I am going Oto write about, particularly so when it is a quiet month or I haven’t been out and about as much as I would have liked to. Other months it is exactly the opposite and I have too much I want to mention. This month’s article falls into the latter category so apologies if it is linger than normal!

My main focus this month is on Wagtails, a species of bird that gets their name because of their continuously wagging tails. No-one really knows why this is but it has been suggested it may be because it helps to flush up prey. What prompted the focus on these was seeing all three of our native breeding species in one day – something I don’t think I have done before! The three in question are the Pied, Grey and Yellow Wagtails. Here are some notes on all three:

Pied wagtails Pied Wagtail - this is small black and white (pied) bird, often noticed by their high-pitched “chissick” call when in flight. I don’t see them so often in the village but do see them occasionally when passing local farmyards. They feed predominantly on insects that they finds while searching lawns, fields and verges and build their nest in holes in walls, buildings, or old nests of larger birds but they will also use open-fronted nest boxes. Pied wagtails are also well known for roosting in flocks in urban areas. There is safety in numbers and there have been roosts as large as 4000 individuals recorded. I once saw approx. 200 or so at a motorway service station – a welcome distraction for my travel weary eyes. There is another subspecies, the White Wagtail that is more common in Europe and has a grey back, rump and wings. These sometimes are passage migrants in the UK in spring and autumn

Grey wagtails – these have the longest tail of the wagtails and like the others Grey Wagtail its tail is wagged continually. They are actually more colourful than their name suggests having blue-grey upperparts contrast with black wings, bright yellow breast and belly and yellow- green rump. These are the most common wagtails to see in the village with two-three pairs nesting near the river each year. The Grey Wagtail’s call is similar to the Pied Wagtails, but higher pitched and shorter, and sounds more like “chic”. Their diet comprises insects, such as midges and ants, which they find alongside rivers, etc. They will also take water snails and tadpoles from shallow water. The nest is placed in a location close to a fast-flowing river, usually between hollows, or nooks and crannies among stones and rocks; sometimes, they can be found within man-made structures and, typically, nests are lined with moss and hair.

(continued on next page) Yellow wagtails Yellow Wagtail – unlike the previous two which are resident all year round these wagtails are summer visitors from Africa. They spend their summer in pastures, meadows, marshes, riversides and arable fields, and can often be found around cattle and horses, feeding on the invertebrates, such as flies and beetles,that the livestock disturb with their hooves. I have only seen one of these previously in the village but after a tip-off I discovered 4-5 individuals on the river near High Boaty. They are probably just migrants passing through to their usual breeding haunts. The male Yellow Wagtail has bright yellow underparts and face in the summer, with olive-green upper parts and black-brown wings; females are duller with much browner backs and very Singing Garden Warbler pale buff-yellow below. Their call is often described as a sharp “Sweet”, often heard in flight.

The female builds the nest, which is either on the ground in a hollow or in thick grass. The nest is cup-shaped and made from grass, plant stems and roots, with a lining of hair or fur.

Other birding highlights this month include the first singing Whitethroats, Garden Warblers, and Willow Warblers. I also saw a Redstart on the edge of the village - a village first for me. It was probably only passing through but it would be brilliant to think these striking birds were nesting locally.

Our Swifts are back screeching over the village, and Sand Martins are back too along the river checking out next sites at both High Boaty and St Peter’s (will this be the year they find a river bank suitable to nest in – let’s hope so!)

I have heard my firstCuckoo of the summer too, albeit distant. It reminded me of an amazing story I came across in the national press about one of these birds called Carlton II who was tracked completing a 3,000 mile journey from the Ivory Coast in Africa to Carlton marshes in Suffolk. It took him just over a week to complete the journey which is pretty good going!

And finally, a bit of little light-hearted relief in these strange times is being offered by a female Greylag goose who has decided to take advantage of the deserted platforms and nest in York railway station. At time of writing she has laid four eggs and is fast becoming a social media star after making her home in a raised flowerbed in the middle of the main concourse. The goose looks well and truly settled and is now being watched by thousands of people via a series of ‘goosecam’ feeds posted by the rail firm LNER, which runs the station. So, at last we come to the end of this longer than normal article – it’s a welcome distraction to see so much going on in the birding world! Greylag Goose nesting in York Station- photo LNER Will Bartle

‘The Phoenix Singers’ Rehearse via Zoom

oom is not an ideal platform for choirs can only hear Jane and ourselves singing along in Zbecause of the time lapse. Unmuted, we are a front of the computer. It’s been a tonic and I’m sure cacophony! Thanks to Jane Ford , musical director, when we can get together and rehearse properly, it who has given her time once a week to keep us in will all fit together seamlessly, rising from the ashes touch, we have been able to chat and wave and of lockdown. laugh with each other. Then we are muted and we

We’d love to hear how others have been keeping themselves amused and in touch during lockdown. How have you responded? What are your thoughts? Email [email protected] Paula Holmes

The Parish News is Still Alive and Kicking!

Although it is not being distributed in printed format, many people are still receiving a copy by email straight into their inbox each month. Don’t miss out on your copy! If you wish to receive a copy, send a request by email to [email protected] and please keep sending in your items to be included in next months magazine. The 1918 Influenza Pandemic in Teesdale

s an ex-medical researcher and keen historian, as effective against all respiratory complaints and AI have a great interest in the 1918 influenza as a preventative medicine if taken before going (“Spanish flu”) pandemic. It is thought that up to out in ‘muggy weather’. Fortifying the body with 100 million people may have died of Spanish flu beef tea was also recommended. Mr Simpson, the worldwide, more than were killed in the two World butcher at Cockfield, offered to deliver surplus Wars combined. It particularly affected young beef to householders for the purpose. Some of the adults. As we battle COVID-19, my thoughts have preventative measures were more dangerous than turned back to 1918. the influenza. There was advice to smoke more, gargle with Milton fluid and use Jeyes’ Fluid in the Spain was neutral in the First World War and bath. therefore more open about the influenza so the name stuck. Mass communication in 1918 was by We are used to being told to wash our hands to newspaper and fighting countries limited their prevent the spread of COVID-19. An advertisement reporting for fear of affecting morale and damaging for Lifebuoy soap in 1918 claimed that washing with the war effort. The Teesdale Mercury perhaps felt the soap before attending school would protect less constrained than national newspapers in what it pupils against infection. At first, there was reluctance said and their online archives are a valuable source to close schools. By 13 November 1918, influenza of information about the disease in Teesdale. was prevalent in Gainford. Six children had been sent home ill from the village school and attendance Cause was only half what it should have been. The paper first commented in July 1918 on the outbreak of influenza, expressing surprise at its appearance in the summer, when influenza was mainly a winter disease. It put this down to a ‘lowering of vitality’. The doctors of the time had no idea that influenza is a viral illness: they mistakenly thought it was caused by bacteria and the Mercury noted the “direction of the wind and the density of the atmosphere affecting the spread of influenza in the hill country and the valleys”. We now know that the 1918 pandemic was caused by the H1N1 strain of influenza and that the virus was very similar to bird flu. Bacterial infection caused the pneumonia which was a common complication, sadly often fatal. Spread of the virus, as with coronavirus, was by close person to person contact.

Prevention Dr William L Hickey was the doctor in Gainford and immunisation officer for Staindrop district. He would have been busy attending the sick in the district, although he certainly would not have been administering flu vaccinations as none existed. Knowles the Chemist in Barnard Castle was selling its own Original Cough Mixture which it advertised 1918 advertisement for Knowles’ cough cure, courtesy of Teesdale Mercury

(continued on next page) The 1918 Influenza Pandemic in Teesdale - (continued)

No Social Distancing and December 1918. The Mercury commented in The advice given by doctors in the area in the December 1918 on the “alarming death toll” from summer of 1918 that anyone showing symptoms of influenza and pneumonia in the district. Behind influenza should immediately go to bed in isolation the statistics are human tragedies and so far I have was correct. However, advertisements and reports identified 11 of the 153 deaths as being due to in the Mercury suggest that there was little social influenza, all under the age of 30, with three of these distancing among the healthy and life went on at Gainford. In some communities, it is possible that more or less as normal, with council meetings, there were more victims of Spanish flu than there church services, films at the Victoria Hall cinema in are names on the First World War memorial but Barnard Castle, concerts to celebrate the Armistice their deaths are largely forgotten and they have no and advertisements encouraging shopping for monument. We should remember them. Christmas goods. I am researching a paper on Spanish flu in Teesdale How many victims? for Bowes Museum to archive alongside their First The Spanish flu eventually disappeared in the World War material. If anyone can tell me more summer of 1919 but how many victims were there in about Spanish flu in Teesdale, or identify any victims Teesdale? It was at its peak in the autumn of 1918, (no names will be used without permission), please reflected in the total of 153 deaths recorded in the contact me on [email protected] Teesdale district (which included Gainford, Winston, Ingleton and surrounding villages) between October Gillian Hunt

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Louis Smith Motors Staindrop Louis Smith Motors has been a family run business that was established in Barnard Castle over one hundred years ago. Cleatlam Lane In 1999 Louis Smith Motors relocated the servicing and MOT Staindrop centre to Staindrop. Brian Atkinson was employed by Louis Smith Motors for 34 years and will continue to run it as a family Darlington business, now trading as Louis Smith Motors Staindrop. DL2 3XD We are located opposite Staindrop School The services we offer at Louis Smith Motors Staindrop: • MOT 7 days a week • Servicing and repairs on all vehicles • Tyres • Batteries • Exhausts • Engine diagnostics • Wheel balance • Tracking Louis Smith Motors Staindrop prides itself on providing a good professional service that is competitively priced and that is committed to maintaining the reputation of the long established business. Tel. 01833 660050 Mobile: 07599 784131 Email: [email protected] Quaranteen for Young People

Quaranteen North East is a scheme to help the young people of Gainford and the surrounding area during the lock down, and will hopefully help in the absence of St Youths monthly meetup. It’s based around a Facebook page, on which we post a weekly video which includes a craft activity, an exercise for your physical/mental health and a Christian teaching to tie it all together.

So far we’ve had upcycling crafts like making colourful fish from empty loo rolls and elephants from empty milk bottles, and we’ve encouraged physical exercises like skipping and jumping jacks

Check out our past activities

Week 1 Hi everyone, here’s the first video in our Quaranteen scheme, made to give you ideas for what you can do to keep healthy and happy during the UK lockdown. I’m hoping to release a video like this each week. This is a temporary replacement for the St Youth monthly group, until we can all meet up again for more fun and games. Feel free to share with your family and friends. Until we see you all again, stay safe, enjoy the video, and skip to stay hip!#QuaranteenNE

Week 2 In this week’s video we tell the story of Joseph and his robe of many colours, while showing how to make a colourful elephant from your old plastic milk containers, and start our next fitness activity - pushups for the pharaoh :D I hope that you enjoy and take some positive thoughts from the video. Thanks, God Bless, and see you next week for more quarantine fun! #QuaranteenNE

Week 3 In this week’s video we tell the story of Jesus and the miraculous catch of many fish, while showing how to make a colourful fish from your empty cardboard toilet rolls. We also start our next fitness activity - jumping jacks for Jesus! :D I hope that you enjoy and take some positive thoughts from the video. Thanks, God Bless, and see you next week for more quarantine fun! #QuaranteenNE

(continued on next page) Quaranteen (continued) Week 4 In this week’s video we tell the story of Thomas the doubtful disciple, while showing how to make a beautiful sunflower painting with your hands! We also start our next health activity - this time we have an activity for your mental health, so keep in high spirits everyone! :D I hope that you enjoy and take some positive thoughts from the video. Thanks, God Bless, and see you next week for more quarantine fun! #QuaranteenNE

Week 5 In this week’s video we tell the story of David and Goliath, and encourage you to paint on rocks and place them around your local area. Hope you enjoy the video, stay safe, and God Bless #QuaranteenNE

Week 6 In this week’s episode we tell the story of the feeding of the 5000, and I show you how to cook a quick and easy stir fry. We also encourage you to participate in the #NorthFeast challenge, donating 5 items of food to your local food bank, and helping to feed the 5000 all over again. Thanks for watching, I hope you enjoy, God Bless, and see you next week for more fun. #QuaranteenNE

Week 7 In this week’s episode we tell the story of Jesus walking on the water, and I show you how to make a paper boat. We also encourage you to write a prayer on your paper boat so that when you set it afloat you’ll be putting your prayer into God’s safe hands. Thanks for watching, I hope you enjoy, God Bless, and see you next week for more fun. #QuaranteenNE

We’d encourage you all to check out the Facebook page and watch the videos, to share it with your family and friends, and to join in the activities we showcase and share your results on the page. Thanks, and hopefully we’ll see you there! #QuaranteenNE Alexander Jones From My Faith Journal by Alexandra Kirkup

lexandra, 10, is a young member of The Parish AChurch of St Andrew, Winston and is being prepared for Confirmation. She also attends the Bible Group at St Mary’s Youth and the Youth Group.

One of my favourite verses in the Bible is: “Through God’s love, we are the rich soil where roots grow and seeds flourish. Luke 8:4-15”

It is the Christian vision of my school, Staindrop C of E Primary, which is founded on St. Luke’s Parable of the Sower. The school is the rich soil that enables the children within it to develop deep roots and flourish. It aims to ensure that everyone grows to fulfil their potential in an environment where learning, laughter and friendship are at the heart of the whole school.

In these strange times where we are not able to actually go to school, I am reminded every day of this verse and what it means to me. Despite not being able to take part in lessons in a class environment, our teachers have amended our work to continue our learning journey at home in a fun way. Friendships which I treasure are being allowed to flourish with the help of Microsoft Teams and Zoom, where I can show my friends the work I have been doing despite it being through a computer screen. It has also been nice to be at home and see my brothers and sister flourish and come out of their shells to create their own path.

However, the parable of the sower is also very relevant in my current life at home. Living on a farm, where I can see lots of things flourish; like the chicks that have just hatched or a cow bonding with its first calf. I love to see the impact on the green fields when they are cut, it reminds me that you have to tend your mind to grow stronger in life. In these very surreal times, I hope that you can all watch this You Tube video called “The Great Realisation” https://youtu.be/Nw5KQMXDiM4 which I think shows us that despite the challenges we are facing we can still grow and flourish with God’s guidance Alexandra Kirkup From Beth’s Faith Journal Blessings of Spring Life during Lockdown in Winston

his Springtime our family Thave had four pheasants visiting the garden, three females and one beautiful male. For Christmas, from my Auntie, I received a flower press and I found an old photo album. Throughout this spring I have been learning the different flowers along the river and pressing them to put in the album. I found some labels and wrote down their names so that I won’t forget them. My favourites are Marsh Marigolds, Forget-me-nots, and Red Campion.

I have 15 new pets and they’re all snails! We dampen the box and do a head count every morning and night. Sometimes we go to the river and take the Kelly Kettle to make hot chocolate. We see lots the board walk near the Millennium Field is a boggy of different dogs at the river, especially a golden patch. Back in March we found some frog spawn Labrador called Busby who is five years old and and every time we go to the river we check on the very cute. Busby loves sticks and every time we see tadpoles to see if they’ve started to grow legs. him it’s hard to find one because he’s either taken Until this Spring I didn’t realise how much nature is them all home or snapped them! Busby belongs to on my doorstep and how great it can be to see it. Dorothy who is our organist at church. At the end of Beth Poole

Parking

A man was driving down the street in a panic because he had an important meeting and couldn’t find a parking place. Looking up toward heaven, he said “Lord, take pity on me. If you find me somewhere to park, I will go to church every Sunday for the rest of my life.” Miraculously, a parking place appeared.

The man looked up again and said, “Never mind. I found one.’” ...er... the good news is the youth group have made a great start by pressure-washing the west window... Gainford Baby & Toddler Group Gainford Village Hall 9.30am - 11.30am every Friday (during term time) £1.50 for one adult and two children 50p each additional person includes drink and healthy snack fantastic toys and craft table 01325 732115 Facebook: Gainford Baby and Toddler Group RACHEL LOGAN MCFHP MAFHP Foot Health Professional OFFERS A VISITING PRACTICE FOR ALL YOUR DAY-TO-DAY FOOT HEALTH REQUIREMENTS Nail Trimming & Correction, Skin Conditions, Heel Pain Removal of Hard Skin Corns, Callus, Verrucae, Blisters Athletes Foot, Fungal Infections, Diabetic Foot Assessment Ingrowing Toenail Management, General Footcare Advice Telephone: 07825 314487 email: [email protected]

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A Message from Father Grieves

I waited for the Lord, he inclined unto me, he heard my complaint. O blest are they that hope and trust in him. From ‘A Hymn of Praise’ (Lobgesang) by Felix Mendelssohn

Dear All, As Eastertide draws to a close, I hope and pray you’re well and preparing, in a very limited way, to celebrate the Ascension of the Lord and Pentecost Sunday. I’ve attached a pastoral letter, a card and a link for a Youtube sound track. I hope you will play the music before reading my letter, as it was the inspiration for what I wrote. It’s music I’ve known and loved since I was a boy chorister. The words are so appropriate to our present time and Mendelssohn’s music is sublime, as are the two trebles! It is an anthem we will perform when we’re able to celebrate Mass with music and our churches are open again to the glory of God. Please be assured of my continued prayers and good wishes. May God bless you always, Father Grieves https://youtu.be/6Dw4aP_xfgo (copy link into your browser to listen)

Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire!

Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth. A Happy and Blessed Pentecost Sunday from Father Grieves St Osmund’s Catholic Church, Gainford A Message from Father Grieves

Dear Friends,

s I write to you, the world is anxiously waiting new purpose Ato be released from some of the constraints and mission in and limitations of the lockdown brought about by life. When Jesus the Covid 19 pandemic, and the Church is waiting left them and and preparing for Pentecost Sunday. Everywhere returned to his Christians, perhaps more than ever, are remaining in Father they were prayer to receive the Holy Spirit. These are the days invited to wait again – this time to wait for the life of the original novena (nine successive days) when empowering and life changing gift of the Holy Spirit. the Church waited in prayer for the gift of the Spirit. The patient witness of the apostles is an example to At this time of the year we are encouraged by the all who follow Jesus Christ. Church to wait patiently with mind and heart open to God. There are many ways in which we can patiently wait on Christ and open our hearts and minds to Having been in a state of ‘lockdown’ and having him, while our lives are limited and our churches to ‘stay at home’ for almost eight weeks, we know remain closed to public acts worship. Perhaps the only too well that neither ‘patience’ nor ‘waiting’ are simplest way is through prayer. In our daily prayers popular concepts in our modern world today, or of thanksgiving, blessing, praise and supplication we at any time. It is rather speed and being active and are able to speak to God as a son speaks to a father busy, doing what we want, when we want, which who he knows loves him; or according to St Ignatius are prized by our society. Before the pandemic our of Loyola, ‘as a friend speaks to a friend’. towns and shopping centres were full of fast food establishments where meals can be prepared, It often said that the greatest gift a person can served and eaten in minutes. Our kitchen cupboards give to another is the gift of their time. This is true are probably full of ‘instant meals’. Busy people are not just in our relationship with others, but also in an advertiser’s dream, and products are marketed our relationship with God. In these days before to appeal to those who are busy about all sorts of Pentecost, and especially in our present crisis, which things. will never overcome us, we should use this time to wait and listen to the word of God with a spirit of As waiting is out of fashion so patience is no longer openness and trust. So, seek out that secret place seen as a virtue. Although many people suffer where God himself can speak to you. The message because of the speed and stress of contemporary of our anxious world, and this holy season, calls us life, few are prepared to speak out against it, or to slow down, wait patiently and listen, and prepare on the importance of patience. However, the ourselves to receive a gift that is infinitely greater threat of the Covid 19 pandemic and its very grave than any provided by a high-speed, high-tech consequences, have given us all time to pause and society reflect, and made us wait and be patient. Within the Christian tradition there is a long history of Please pray for me as I pray for you, and may we all waiting, of waiting on the Lord and of being patient know something of the life changing and healing in all things. It is only through waiting in patience power of the Holy Spirit. and trust that we will be open to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The first disciples of Jesus waited May God bless you always, patiently after his death. Then the risen Christ Father Grieves, appeared amongst them and they began to see a Parish Priest For quality care you can trust, PlanArch PlanArch Design contact us on: Kingsway Court 01325 467833 54 Kingsway www.homeinstead.co.uk/darlington Bishop Auckland Specialists in providing older people Co Durham with non-medical care in their own homes DL14 7JF • Companionship PlanArchDesign • Light housekeeping • Local transportation • Respite support Architectural & Town Planning • Shopping Consultants • Personal care ...... and much more Home. There’s no place like it. Tel. 01388 608166

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GAINFORD

St. Mary's (Church of England) www.gainfordwinstonanglican.com

Vicar: Rev’d Eileen Harrop, The Vicarage, Gainford. Tel. 733154 Churchwardens: Mr Peter Graham. Tel. 730351 Mrs Sue Taylor. Tel. 730379 Mr Geoffrey Taylor. Tel. 730379

Services: Sunday 10.45am - Parish Communion St. Osmund's (Roman Catholic) Web site: stosmund.org.uk www.darlingtonordinariate.weebly.com

Parish Priest: Father Grieves, St. Osmund’s Presbytery, Main Road, Gainford. Tel. 730191

Masses: Sunday 9.30am - Parish Mass; 11.30am - Solemn Mass Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 10.00am Monday 12 noon, Friday 7.00pm Confessions: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday after Mass

WINSTON

St. Andrew's (Church of England) www.gainfordwinstonanglican.com

Rector: Rev’d Eileen Harrop, The Vicarage, Gainford. Tel. 733154 Churchwarden: Mrs Joyce Wilson. Tel. 730392 Mrs Chrissie Barnett. Tel. 730112

Services: Sunday 9.30am - Parish Communion

Methodist Church

Minister: Rev’d John D. Howard (Acting Superintendent) Tel. 07810 423219 email: [email protected]

Bible Readings for June 7th June (Isaiah 40.12-17, 27-31;) Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 13.11-13; Matthew 28.16-20 14th June Psalm 116.1,10-17; Romans 5.1-8; Matthew 9.35 - 10.8 21st June Psalm 86.1-10; Romans 6.1-11; Matthew 10.24-39 28th June Psalm 13; Romans 6.12-23; Matthew 10.40-42 (29th June Petertide) Psalm 125; Acts 12.1-11; Matthew 16.13-19 DIRECTORY

Gainford & Langton Parish Council www.gainfordandlangtonparishcouncil.org.uk Lisa Johnstone (Chair person) Virginia House, 5 North Terrace 07966 516270 Simon Platten 31 Main Road 01325 730897 Sarah Hannan 31 Main Road 01325 730897 Richard Roff Snow Hall Lodge 01325 730497 Mark Charge 10 North Terrace 01325 730934 Linda Britton n/a 07540 495503 Andy Smith n/a Joe Coomer n/a Martin Clark (Parish Clerk) 66 Chestnut Court, Toft Hill 01388 835712

Winston Parish Council email: [email protected] Mike Taylor (Chairman) Readers Cottage 01325 730034 Elizabeth Fenwick Burncroft 01325 730680 Richard Smith 1 Church Mews 01325 733319 Jim Cook 7 Highcliffe Edge 01325 730455 Kathryn Race Chestnut House 01325 730752 Chris Clark 8 High Garth 01325 730646 Tom Rixon 6 High Garth 07908 106109 Jane Ayre (Parish Clerk) [email protected] 01833 650699

Gainford C.E. (Controlled) School Head: Mrs Christine Riley 01325 730274

St. Mary’s R.C. School, Barnard Castle Head: Mrs Lesley Box 01833 637029

Gainford Village Hall (bookings) Tony Kennan 01325 730922 Neil Russell 01325 733140

Winston Village Hall (bookings) Geoff Freeman 01325 730818 Gill Woodhouse 01325 730580

St. Osmunds Centre (bookings) Anne Lavender 01325 730492

Gainford Surgery www.gainfordsurgery co.uk Dr. M. Neville and Dr. I. Waldin 01325 730204

Gainford Post Office [email protected] Diane Crossley 01325 730201

Police: PC David Williamson [email protected] 101 DIRECTORY

GAINFORD Allotment Association n/a Bell Ringers Alex Johnston 01325 730458 Children’s Sports Committee Wendy Withers 01325 730826 Drama Club Enid Burdon 01325 730537 Friends of Gainford School [email protected] 01325 730274 The Phoenix Singers Barbara Levett 07909 184841 Gainford Leek Club John Challen 01325 730778 Gainford Local History Group Maggie Nichols 01325 730565 Gainford Rainbows Michelle Briggs 07784 265448 Gainford Beavers Katy Hebdon 01388 710453 Gainford Cubs Alastair Logan 01325 730738 Gainford Scouts Andrew Wilkinson 07904 622277 Gainford Walkers Peter Wilson 01325 730709 Luncheon Club Tracy Turnbull 07855 082804 Meditation Group Paul Place 07795 561955 Parent & Toddler Group Fiona Divers 07789 312113 Alison Blain 07766 441108 Pilates Sarah Rutter 01325 730059 Teesdale Quilters Amanda Thomas 01325 733164 Tuesday Table Tennis Neil Russell 01325 733140 Tennis Courts Lesley Renteurs 01325 733158 Jane Ford-Farrand 01325 733268 WI Sue Taylor 01325 730379 Yoga Patricia Hancock 07970 802248

WINSTON Art Class Anne Howe 01325 377231 Gentle Exercise Class Val Raper 01325 730811 Luncheon Club Tracy Turnbull 07855 082804 Playing Fields Louise Poole 01325 733225 Tea & Chat Val Raper 01325 730811 Vintage Piping Society Barry Waldron 01833 660562 Workout Class Annie Dolphin 01325 730912 Staindrop & District Young Farmers Club Claire Boyes 07760 340716 Barnard Castle Rugby Club Dave Bottoms 01833 627446

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Parish News email address: [email protected]

GAINFORD PARISH CHARITABLE TRUST Providing funds for charitable purposes in the civil parish of Gainford. For further information and application forms contact: Sec. Ann Napier, Tel. 732039

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