Spring 2020

www.durham.gov.uk

Bishop Auckland Food Festival

More and better jobs Creating opportunities in County Durham £145 million spending plans Investing in our services Easter family fun Egg-citing activities and events Welcome to the spring edition of Durham County News

Spring marks the beginning of another fantastic year of free events across the county, starting Councillor Simon Henig, with Bishop Auckland Food Festival on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April. Find out more about Leader of the Council the great line-up of celebrity chefs and programme of tasty workshops on pages 16 and 17. On page 3 you can find details of an action-packed weekend for thrill-seekers, with the return of Durham Adventure Festival from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 April. Easter is the perfect time to get out and about and we’ve got lots of ideas on pages 22 and 23 to keep the family entertained throughout the school holidays. This edition also includes a feature on the county’s Year of Pilgrimage, information about the work we’re doing to increase employment opportunities for residents and details of our future spending plans and priorities. I hope you enjoy reading this copy of Durham County News. Simon Henig

Inside... Page 10 Pages 14-15 Pages 22-23 Health and Budgets Easter Pages 4-7 Wellbeing family fun News Pages 18-19 Green living

Pages 16-17 Bishop Auckland Food Festival Page 11 Pages 8-9 Towns and Durham’s Year villages Pages 24-31 of Pilgrimage What’s on Pages 20-21 this spring Willington Sacriston Fostering

great prizes in our competitions... Pages 12-13 Enter online at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn. Or write the answer, along with your name, address, telephone number and email on a piece of paper. Pop your entries into one Jobs and envelope (don’t forget the stamp) and post to Durham County News, Durham County Council, County Hall DH1 5UF, or drop them into reception at any of our customer access points. Investment Entries close on Sunday 12 April (unless otherwise stated).

Front cover: MasterChef co-presenter John Torode will headline Bishop Auckland Food Festival Look out for extra content… You can now view extra content wherever you see this icon by going to www.durham.gov.uk/dcn If you live in the Durham County Council area and haven’t received a copy of Durham County Durham County News is written and designed by Durham County News at your home address, please contact us. Council, printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd and distributed by To contact the editorial team, call 03000 268 059 Smart Distribution Services Ltd and Royal Mail. It costs 16p a copy. or email [email protected] When you have finished with this magazine, please recycle it. 2 Durham Adventure Festival

Ready for adventure?

Discover your inner daredevil!

Spring sees the return of Durham Adventure Festival – and the chance to be inspired by the great outdoors. Running from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 April, the popular event brings together top filmmakers, athletes and adventurers, as well as those who have had the determination to take on their own adventures, both big and small. From trail running and wild water swimming, to climbing and mountain biking, this year’s line-up of guest speakers has a wide range of stories to tell, but they all have one thing in common – the desire to share their passion for adventure. As well as a series of awe-inspiring talks, the festival will feature film screenings and the return of its free Basecamp sessions, which proved extremely popular with visitors last year. And with all activities taking place at Gala Theatre, Durham, you really don’t have to go far to enjoy the very best in adventure, exploration and endurance.

View the full programme and get all the latest updates at www.durhamadventurefestival.co.uk

3 Contact us: News

Take a stand against scams

Volunteers are needed to lead the way in cracking down on scams. Visit our website It is estimated that 53 per cent of to use online services people over 65 have been targeted 24 hours a day by scams, with the average scam 7 days a week victim losing more than £3,000. The Friends Against Scams www.durham.gov.uk/ campaign, a national Trading Our trading standards team is Standards Scams Team initiative, doitonline encouraging residents to sign up to aims to protect and prevent people become a Friend Against Scams by from becoming victims of scams by completing an online learning If you need to phone us, call empowering communities to take a course. stand themselves. Customer Services The course covers the types of scams To become a Friend Against Scams, 03000 26 0000 to look out for, how to spot a victim, and complete the online course, visit what you can do to protect potential www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/ 8.30am-5pm (Monday-Thursday) targets and how to report a scam. elearning/durham 8.30am-4.30pm (Friday) Out of hours emergency service available.

For social care and independent living enquiries or adult and children’s welfare issues: Social Care Direct/Children’s First Contact Service 03000 26 79 79

@DurhamCouncil

/durhamcouncil linkedin.com/company/ Wheels 2 Work goes countywide durham-county-council An initiative to help people travel to work has been rolled out /DurhamCouncil across County Durham. /durham_county_council The Wheels 2 Work scheme offers the loan of a moped and a full package of support to people who are struggling with transport.

Please ask us if you would like this document What started as a pilot scheme in the north of the county is now available summarised in another language or format. across the whole county. Braille Audio Large print Since 2016, 168 County Durham residents have used the scheme to help get [email protected] into employment, apprenticeships or further education. 03000 268 059 Find out more or apply at www.w2wcd.org.uk or telephone 0191 303 8442. 4 News Durham Town Hall success More than 13,000 people have taken a look behind the scenes of Durham’s historic town hall since it opened its doors to the public just over a year ago. The building, which has been at the heart of life in the city for more than six centuries, is open every Saturday. Five large oil paintings and eleven wooden coats of arms have recently been restored and rehung in the venue’s Great Hall. These unique artefacts include a portrait of world-famous Scottish poet Robert Burns by local artist Clement Burlison. The town hall is open every Saturday from 10am to 3pm, and admission is free.

Future Business Have your say on Magnates licensing scheme aim to We want to hear your views about plans to improve the standard of save the privately rented homes in County planet Durham. More than 120 A public consultation about a proposed students from Selective Licensing Scheme (SLS) which 17 secondary schools across County Durham are embarking would cover 64 per cent of the county’s on a challenge to come up with business ideas that will private rented sector and over 50,000 protect the planet. properties, is currently underway. Future Business Magnates, organised by Business Durham, the The initiative is part of work to enhance economic development arm of the council, will see teams of Year 8 housing provision and tackle issues pupils working closely with local businesses to develop, create and such as homelessness, empty homes present business ideas. and anti-social behaviour in our towns and villages. If it goes ahead, the SLS is Inspired by several countries and councils’ declarations of a Climate expected to improve the living Emergency, this year’s challenge is to come up with an idea that will conditions of tenants, while benefiting help save the planet or tackle the problems caused by climate change. the wider community. The SLS would require landlords within the designated areas to apply for a Celebrate diversity at Durham Pride five-year licence. This would involve on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May landlords demonstrating that they are ‘fit and proper’ and have adequate This year’s Durham Pride celebrations include a new 5-a-side football management arrangements in place. tournament on Saturday 23 May. The winning team will be presented with the Ron Hogg Memorial Trophy in memory of Durham’s former Have your say until Police, Crime and Victims Commissioner. Monday 27 April 2020 by completing the On Sunday 24 May a parade will leave Palace Green at 1.15pm and online survey at make its way to The Sands for an afternoon of entertainment until 6pm. www.durham.gov.uk/ Housing Find out more at www.durhamprideuk.org Solutions consultation or search for @durhamprideuk on Facebook 5 News Reduction in rough sleepers

Boost for entrepreneur scheme

A charity that provides a helping hand to The number of people sleeping rough in entrepreneurs has been given a financial boost. County Durham has fallen significantly since The Durham-based Finchale Group has been awarded we secured government money to tackle the £584,290 in match funding through our North and South problem. Durham Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Our housing solutions service successfully led a programme. regional bid for £1.6 million from the Ministry of The cash will be used to support the charity’s Business Housing, Communities and Local Government to Boost project, which offers business support and grants of boost rough sleeper services. up to £10,000 to budding entrepreneurs and small/ medium enterprises. A dedicated team, including an outreach worker and rough sleeper navigator, now works with partners to It also offers flexible, tailored one-to-one advice, guidance secure suitable accommodation for people who are and training for existing sole traders and social/ sleeping rough throughout the county. community enterprises looking to expand their business. Find out more at http://bit.ly/fin-bizboost In November 2018, estimates suggested that 12 people were sleeping rough each night in County Durham. CLLD funding is used to help fund projects which aim to In November 2019, the number was estimated at two create pathways into employment, education or training and it is hoped that this will continue to decrease. and promote a more entrepreneurial culture. We’re also launching training for our staff and the Both CLLDs have funding available for projects that public to help dispel myths surrounding homelessness focus on supporting people into employment, business and provide information on how to get help. start-up ideas, development of business spaces or helping businesses to grow. For more information on what you can apply for and eligibility visit l If you are concerned about somebody sleeping www.durham.gov.uk/clld rough, contact the outreach team at www.streetlink.org.uk l If you are at risk of homelessness, contact our housing solutions service on 03000 268 000 [email protected]

Keep informed about Brexit Want to know more about the impact of Brexit? Find out what you or your business may need to do. The government’s information webpage includes advice on what to do if you’re a business which exports or imports goods to and from Europe and what to do if you’re an EU national and want to stay in this country. There’s also information for UK nationals who live and work in EU countries. Visit www.gov.uk/brexit

6 News Top award for Killhope

Killhope lead mining museum has once again been recognised as a top-class tourist destination. Killhope originally gained Accredited Museum status in 2014 and, following a lengthy application process and site visit, the accreditation was renewed at the end of 2019. The family-friendly venue opens for the summer season on Wednesday 1 April, so pop in for a visit this Easter. Take a look at pages 22 and 23 for more information about Easter activities at Killhope and how to take advantage of free admission for children during the school holidays.

Support for a warmer home Grants are now available for anyone wishing to replace their old solid fuel boiler or electric storage heater with a new wall mounted gas boiler and central heating. Grants will cover all the costs of a new gas connection to your home; a new energy efficient gas boiler; and new central heating radiators. To qualify you will need to: l Be an owner occupier or rent from a private landlord l Have solid fuel heating and have no more than one radiator installed in your home l Have a total household income less that £26,000 l Or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit You could save up to £340 per year on your energy bills. To find out more or to apply telephone 0808 169 7127 and quote WHF003.

A bright future for James A Chester-le-Street man has found employment after being given a helping hand to overcome his lack of confidence. Twenty-six-year-old James Parkes was unemployed when his local Jobcentre referred him to our Employability Durham team. Now he’s enjoying working full-time in a warehouse. Employment and Development Adviser, Emma West, helped James to overcome obstacles including anxiety, a turbulent housing situation and gaps in his CV. Emma helped James explore his options, find suitable job vacancies, access training and gain a forklift truck licence. When James secured an interview, Emma helped him prepare, assisting with techniques to help keep his anxiety at bay, sourcing suitable interview clothes and providing him with a travel pass to ensure he was on time. Now James is enjoying his role in a warehouse. He said: “I couldn’t have done it without Emma’s help. I’m really grateful for everything.” Our Durham Advance programme helps people with health conditions, such as James, and those aged over 50 move into or towards employment. It is supported by the European Social Fund. Visit www.durham.gov.uk/employability or call 03000 262 009 to find out more. 7 Durham’s Year of Pilgrimage

Following the success of the county’s Year of Culture, 2020 has been designated as Durham’s Year of Pilgrimage - #Pilgrimage2020.

At the heart of Durham’s Year of Pilgrimage celebrations is the launch of the Northern Saints Trails. Launching in Spring 2020, the six new walking trails are based on historic pilgrim routes that traverse the North East, bringing the fascinating stories of the Northern Saints to light. The trails also serve as an introduction to what our region has to offer in terms of beautiful A pilgrimage is a journey with landscapes, attractions, pubs, meaning and purpose, and in 2020 restaurants and accommodation. there are many reasons for residents and visitors to explore the county The Northern Saints Trails, which and experience their own will position the North East as the Isles, promote the region’s Christian pilgrimage, from wellbeing and Christian Crossroads of the British heritage but will appeal to those of walking to food and sport, and from other faiths too – whether in search events and festivals to art and of relaxation, a walking challenge, history. the chance to get back to nature and discover stunning landscapes, Durham’s Year of Pilgrimage is being or the desire to uncover the region’s celebrated as part of a wider fascinating history. Durham national campaign delivered by Cathedral will be at the centre of the English Cathedrals, which has trails, recognising its role as a designated 2020 as the official Year destination for pilgrims for centuries. of Cathedrals and Year of Pilgrimage. 8 Images: Visit County Durham What is the purpose of a pilgrimage? Michelle Gorman, managing meaning. For many of us that will “Perhaps it is a focus on wellbeing, director of Visit County Durham, be very different from the religious escaping the digital world to tells us about the significance of pilgrimages of the past. explore our wide-open spaces Durham’s Year of Pilgrimage, and and stunning landscapes, such as “Examples could be sporting how the theme can inspire the North Pennines Area of pilgrimages, such as when Durham residents and visitors to make Outstanding Natural Beauty or successfully hosted the Cricket their own pilgrimage to the the raw, unspoilt wildness of our World Cup last summer and fans county in 2020. heritage coast. Or it could even be arrived from all over the world. It a calling to ancestral roots, for could be architecture or art, with the “We view pilgrimages in the relatives seeking to learn more county revered for the works of broadest sense of the word. It means about their family history.” Turner or the Pitmen Painters. to go on a journey with purpose and

Pilgrimage facts and stats

10.5m Emotional the number of Britons wellbeing who visit England’s the top reason for visitors the official hashtag of cathedrals each year to make a pilgrimage Durham’s Year of Pilgrimage

To find out more about #pilgrimage2020 and the events and activities taking place during Durham’s Year of Pilgrimage, visit www.thisisdurham.com/pilgrimage2020 Images: Visit County Durham 9 Health and Wellbeing

Looking for a career change?

Are you interested Dementia Action Week in a career in social care? Perhaps you It is estimated that more than 7,500 people in County Durham aged over already work in the 65 have dementia. From Monday 11 May to Sunday 17 May we’ll be sector and would like to improve your supporting Dementia Action Week. qualifications. Dementia can affect people of any age but is most common in older people. It is a County Durham Care gradual, terminal condition, which causes widespread loss of mental functions and can Academy offers flexible severely affect a person’s ability to carry out simple daily activities. training and support, Dementia Action Week encourages people to take action to improve the lives of people with more than 30 living with dementia. courses available. This could include something as simple as starting a conversation with someone who The free Routeway into you know is living with dementia, to reduce any feelings of isolation they may be Adult Social Care experiencing. course is available at If you are living with dementia, the County Durham Dementia Advisor Service can offer locations across you and your carer support, information and advice to help you to live well. County Durham For more information and to find support near you, throughout the year go to www.durham.gov.uk/dementia or call 0191 389 0400. and is suitable for those who are new to the sector as well as Stitch your way to better health those who already have experience of Did you know that knitting could improve social care. your mental and physical health? To find out more, visit Research has found that the focus required to follow www.durham.gov.uk/ a knitting pattern can distract from chronic pain and careacademy that the repetitive movements involved create a or telephone release of calming serotonin, which can also dull pain and lift mood. 03000 260 222. Weardale’s Area Action Partnership (AAP) is supporting groups and individuals of all ages who enjoy knitting, or who would like to learn to knit, by offering a knitting pattern. Limited supplies of wool and needles are also available. Knitting and nattering in a group is a great way to make new friends and prevent loneliness too, so the AAP is inviting people to share their knitting experience with a group or friend. Find out more about the project by calling AAP coordinator Angelina Maddison on 03000 268 666. 10 Towns and Willington villages Sacriston Focus on Sacriston and Willington

As part of our Towns and Villages programme, we’re working to reinvigorate high streets across the county, to create attractive and vibrant retail areas.

In Sacriston and Willington plans are being developed to improve parking provision, support businesses and bring empty buildings back into use.

We’re supporting businesses in Willington to install Grants are being offered to support shop front decorative vinyls on unsightly security shutters to improvements in Sacriston and to bring empty premises enhance the appearance of empty units and food back into use. retail businesses which only open in the evening. Lauren Burn opened To brighten up the high street further, we’re investing Bespoke, a tea room in improving shop fronts in the village. and gift shop, in the former Lloyds Bank building. She said: “It’s always been an ambition to have my own business in the village I care a lot about. We support several local producers and try to support other local businesses in the area. It was great to have the council’s support to get funding.”

Foster Opticians is just one example of a business which has received funding to improve its premises. When the owner announced his retirement, an existing member of staff took over the business to keep the business local. We offered funding for the installation of a new shop front to modernise the shop’s exterior. Practice manager, Jan Clewes, said: “The previous owner hadn’t done any marketing, instead relying on word of mouth and it wasn’t obvious from the outside what the shop was or that Willington even had an optician. We’ve definitely seen an increase in customers Sacriston’s derelict former Co-op Building is being since we made transformed into Sacriston Enterprise Workshops, housing a the shop front group of social enterprises, charities, workshops and retail changes and start-up spaces. Find out more on the Sacriston Enterprise I’m not sure Workshops Facebook page. we could have done it without help Local businesses can find out more about the support we from the can offer to business by emailing [email protected] council.” or visiting www.durham.gov.uk/retail

11 Jobs and Investment Creating more and better jobs

We’re working hard to bring more and better jobs to County Durham in order to increase employment opportunities for residents and boost our economy. Over the next decade, we’re expecting to see £3.4 billion of investment in the county, resulting in the creation of up to 30,000 new jobs by 2035.

Here, we look at some of the strategic investment sites in the county where many of the jobs will be created.

Aykley Heads £100 million invested in Project Genesis - high quality proposed regenerating the former steel works area in business space in the heart Consett. of the city which will deliver up to 6,000 jobs. Beamish Chester le Street Consett Stanley Aykley Heads Seaham

up to 6,000 jobs A19 Durham Horden Peterlee Stanhope A68 A1(M)

Over £240 million Crook invested on Durham’s Spennymoor riverside including: NORTH PENNINES AONB Bishop Auckland The Riverwalk A689 – a mixture of retail, leisure and student Middleton- accommodation. in-Teesdale Newton Aycliffe

Milburngate – a mixed use A688 development Barnard Castle which will include office, retail, leisure, A66 residential and hotel space.

Milburngate £90 million of up to 1,000 jobs investment by GlaxoSmithKline Durham University into a new - £1 billion masterplan expanding student manufacturing numbers and creating 750 new jobs. facility in £3.4 million also invested in the new Barnard Castle. Durham City Incubator.

12 Integra 61 - £189 million £200 million Jade development next to A1(M) Enterprise Zone and close to Durham City. Jade, Seaham Manufacturing and distribution opportunities on a Beamish Museum up to 3,120 jobs £17 million Remaking Integra 61, Bowburn fully serviced site Beamish project. next to A19 near up to 3,700 jobs Seaham.

Beamish Chester le Street Consett Stanley Seaham

A19 Durham Horden Peterlee Stanhope A68 A1(M) £120 million Durham Gate development near Spennymoor Crook and £10 million in surrounding New £12 million railway station at Spennymoor developments. Horden coming 2020. NORTH PENNINES AONB Bishop Auckland A689

Middleton- in-Teesdale Newton Aycliffe

A688 Forrest Park, Newton Aycliffe Barnard Castle up to 3,280 jobs A66

Over £100 million expansion of NETPark at Sedgefield - home to the North East’s only science and technology park.

NETPark, Phase 3

Bishop Auckland - over £210 million Forrest Park next to A1(M) at up to 2,050 jobs investment into the town, castle and Newton Aycliffe - £170 million surrounding area by The Auckland expansion of Aycliffe Business Project and the county council. Park, home to Hitachi Rail production facility.

13 Budgets

Investing in council services

More than £145 million is to be invested in frontline services and major development projects across County Durham after councillors agreed our Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), which sets out our spending plans and priorities for the next four years.

Despite the challenging financial climate, prudent financial management and robust planning over the past decade have meant that funding is available for additional investment across the county.

An additional £31 million of revenue spending over the next two years alongside £1.9 million from earmarked reserves will be invested, with more money for: roads and potholes additional climate change initiatives in support of the significant commitments already made by the council investment in sprucing up local communities deploying more neighbourhood wardens to improve community reassurance more funding to support some of the most vulnerable residents across the county. 14 There is also a significant investment in the How the additional money will be capital programme, with additional schemes invested over the next two years: worth £104 million in 2020/21 and 2021/22 and a planned total capital programme of £444 million over the next four years. A range highway maintenance, of new capital schemes are set out in the including repairing potholes budget, including significant investment in £5m leisure facilities across the county, investment in schools and further capital spending on highways and major transport schemes.

One of the council’s key strategies since the pilot scheme to increase beginning of austerity has been to protect available social housing frontline services as far as is possible and these £1m services have been prioritised for investment.

This is the first time in more than a decade that funding has been available to reinvest locally. Costs of social care services, particularly in £1.9m children’s services, continue to soar. However, because of prudent financial management £3m tackling over the last 10 years, there is an opportunity poverty to re-invest in local frontline services. adult services

Just as importantly, further support is being provided for the most vulnerable in society with investments in children and adult £2m services. The Council Tax Reduction scheme, children’s services which provides a discount of up to 100 per cent discount on council tax bills to eligible library services residents, will continue in 2020/21.

including Our latest MTFP includes savings of investing in £15.7 million which will be delivered over the £2m the book fund next four years. Once delivered, savings of £250 million will have been made since 2011/12. It is extremely difficult to plan for the culture future because of the significant uncertainty and sport over future funding arrangements for local £3m government. However, the council is in as strong a position as possible to meet the ongoing financial challenges ahead. £10m building on our existing investment in tackling Councillors also agreed a 1.99 per cent climate change increase in Band D Council Tax for 2020/21 with an additional 2 per cent increase to the creation of new Adult Social Care Precept. This equates to a neighbourhood teams to £1.22 per week rise for Band D properties and spruce up communities and £5m tackle anti-social behaviour, an 81p per week increase for the majority of includes 11 additional council taxpayers, who live in Band A neighbourhood wardens properties.

15 Bishop Auckland Food Festival

Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2020 Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April Bishop Auckland Food Festival is back next month with an even bigger helping of free family fun.

Once again, the town’s historic Market Place and surrounding streets will be bustling with more than 150 stalls serving up the region’s finest produce. Exciting street food, tempting tipples and indulgent cakes and desserts are all on the menu, as well as a chance to meet the producers and discover the stories behind the tasty treats on offer. An action-packed programme of workshops, meanwhile, will educate and inspire children and adults alike. Here is a taster of what is in store, with plenty more to be announced in coming weeks. Celebrity chef line-up Entry to the festival has always been free but this year, for the very first time, SERVING UP visitors can enjoy demonstrations by celebrity chefs in our new cookery marquee without buying a ticket. Over the weekend, some of the UK’s most popular and inspirational chefs will showcase their skills, including MasterChef co-presenter John Torode who is headlining the festival on the Saturday. On the Sunday, stunt performer turned chef of the moment Matthew Pritchard, aka the Dirty Vegan, will demonstrate how to create colourful plant-based food that is packed full of flavour. Chef, writer, television presenter and Saturday Kitchen regular Joe Hurd will be sharing his passion for Italian flavours at the festival on the Saturday and Sunday. And reigning MasterChef champion Irini Tzortzoglou will demonstrate her creative approach to cookery at the festival on the Saturday. Fans of the hit Channel 4 show The Great British Bake Off can discover how to make delicious and healthy dishes with last year’s winner David Atherton who will be taking to the stage on the Sunday. David was best known for his unique flavour combinations, interest in healthy ingredients and cool, calm and collected approach to cooking. Fellow finalist Alice Fevronia, meanwhile, impressed the judges again and again with her artistic bakes and will be demonstrating some of her favourite recipes on the Saturday.

16 Learn to bake Live music with Jane Beedle Once again, an eclectic line up of The Great British Bake Off bands and singers will 2016 finalist Jane Beedle is create an uplifting returning to the festival this soundtrack to the year to deliver workshops delicious food on offer. for children and adults in Bishop Auckland Town Hall on the Saturday and Sunday. Little bakers can learn how to decorate Meet the cupcakes with lots of yummy toppings, while people of producers and all ages can join Jane for sweet and savoury bread making masterclasses. Check out the festival website savour the talent for workshop times and prices and to make a booking. The festival has always celebrated the great variety of high-quality produce created in our region but this year we Cheers! are taking it a step further with Meet the Producers at the town hall on both days. Food Gin School is back in 2020, providing a refreshing and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden will interview some of glimpse into the flavours and history of the fashionable the best producers the North East has to offer – from tipple. Expect new gins, and new flavour combinations award-winning cheesemakers to master distillers. as the GINstructors from Savour Magazine take your taste buds on a tantalising journey. Savour Magazine editor and founder, Georga Spottiswood will also be hosting Savour Presents, bringing together the At Beer and Bites, guests can expect banter and brews, region’s most talented chefs to cook up some tasty recipes balanced with bites that have been perfectly paired on our free Market Place Stage. with the tasting notes. With craft ale on the rise, you can expect to try out some great drinks from the region’s best breweries – and tales from the brewers Get themselves. involved Gin and beer workshops cost £12. If you would like to volunteer at the For days and times and to book places visit: festival visit www.durham.gov.uk/ volunteering www.bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk Visit www.bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk for a full timetable of demonstrations and Tickets to meet John Torode classes and to buy tickets. For a chance to win two meet and greet tickets with John Torode, simply tell us, what year did Jane Beedle reach the final of For the latest festival news follow The Great British Bake Off? @bishfoodfest on Facebook, Twitter Closing date Monday 6 April. See page 2 for details of how to enter. and Instagram.

17 Green living Garden waste scheme 2020 There’s still time to sign up for garden waste collections. The service which runs from April to November costs £35. Find out more at: www.durham.gov.uk/gardenwaste

Fall in flytipping County Durham is bucking a national trend with incidents of flytipping falling by five per cent in the past year. l We removed 7,073 incidents of flytipping in 2019, compared to 7,503 incidents the previous year. This is in contrast to national flytipping rates which are increasing. l Anyone found responsible for flytipping can face a fine of up to £50,000 – and there really is no excuse for dumping waste illegally. Big Spring Clean l Unwanted items can be taken to our This year’s Big Spring Clean will once again encourage household waste recycling centres, green-minded groups and residents to take part in donated to charity or you can clean-ups and litter picks in their area. contact us and book a bulky waste collection for a small charge. This year’s event will take place between Sunday 1 March and Friday 1 May in partnership with Darlington Borough Council. l If you pay someone to take your Last year 3,500 volunteers donated their time with 3,318 bags of waste away, it is your responsibility rubbish being collected across the county. to ensure they have a waste carrier certificate. The Civic Pride team can provide all the equipment needed to organise a litter pick so if you would like to take part in this year’s Visit www.durham.gov.uk/flytipping event, get in touch. or www.durham.gov.uk/bulkywaste to find out more. [email protected]

Electrical recycling made easy A new initiative has been launched to increase the number of unwanted or broken small electrical items that are reused and recycled in County Durham. Collection points where old hairdryers, kettles, toasters and other items can be left will be located around the county. Anyone who donates an item will be in with a chance to win a great prize courtesy of the scheme’s sponsors, online electrical store, AO.com. For more information visit www.durham.gov.uk/WEEE or Facebook Recycle for County Durham. Email [email protected] 18 Teams unite to improve communities In Bloom Our Community Action Team are working across the county to tackle the housing and Durham City and Chester le Street will once environmental problems which residents say again compete in Northumbria in Bloom. These most affect them. County Council led entries will also involve an army of volunteers, local businesses and Members of our community protection service, community groups. planning, neighbourhood wardens and housing teams are working with police and community Other areas across the county, led by Town and Parish support officers, and fire and rescue teams, to deal Councils and community groups, including Bishop with a range of issues, including improving housing Auckland, Belmont, Catchgate, Chilton, Fishburn, standards, dealing with empty properties and Middleton-in-Teesdale, Ovington, Sacriston, Seaham, ensuring that litter dumped in gardens or on streets Sedgefield, Stanley and West Auckland will also be is removed. looking bloomin’ lovely as they prepare to enter the annual environmental competition. The team are currently focussing their efforts in Ferryhill Station. They will visit Blackhall Colliery from Spring judging will take place in April with summer 20 April to 5 July, Shildon from 6 July to 20 September judging in July. The results will be announced on and Horden from 12 October to 24 December. 23 September. Residents in each area will be invited to events to Sedgefield have also been nominated to represent the discuss their concerns, which the team will then region in the 2020 Britain in Bloom UK Finals. work to address. Find out more at: To find out more, visit www.durham.gov.uk/cat www.durham.gov.uk/inbloom

Easter and May Bank Holiday bins There will be no change to bin collections over Easter or during the Bank Holiday so remember to put your bin out as normal. Bins should be placed at the kerbside by 7am on your usual collection day. Visit www.durham.gov.uk/mydurham to check your collection day.

19 Fostering

Keeping fostering in the family

With a 93 per cent increase in children in care in the last 10 years, the need to find loving homes has never been greater. This could be through fostering a child, offering supported lodgings to a young person leaving care, or by providing a permanent home for a child through adoption.

Jan and Brian Peel foster with us, alongside their son and daughter-in-law, Simon and Clair, and now they are helping us recruit even more carers for this rewarding role by featuring in our marketing campaign. Jan and Brian have been fostering for around 10 years, after Jan decided to leave her job working with young people with behavioural issues, so that she could have even more impact on their lives. She explained: “I would work with them during the week and then they’d go home at the weekend and sometimes you’d be back to square one by the next Monday – I just wanted to do something where I could be with them for longer and make an even greater difference and fostering just seemed like the perfect way to do that.” Not only is Jan a role model to the young people she fosters, she inspired her son and I love what I do, it’s the most amazing daughter-in-law to take up fostering too. feeling seeing the difference you make... 20 Find out about fostering at one of our information events or call us on 03000 269 400 to ask a question or arrange a private appointment. Wednesday 1 April Durham Room, County Hall, DH1 5UL 4.30pm to 7pm Saturday 16 May Durham Room, County Hall, DH1 5UL 10am to 2pm Wednesday 3 June Durham Room, County Hall, DH1 5UL 4.30pm to 7pm Wednesday 5 August Durham Room, County Hall, DH1 5UL People have funny ideas about teenagers 4.30pm to 7pm in care, but they are just like any teenager...

Daughter-in-law Clair explained: “We had to have IVF to have our own son Now Jan and Brian’s own children and and knew we didn’t want to go through that again but did want a bigger grandchildren are helping us share the family. We could see what a difference Jan and Brian were making to the lives message about fostering further. of the kids they had fostered and even though we’d thought about adoption at The whole family has taken part in a first, we thought we could help more children if we fostered.” photo shoot, showing what real foster families look like as part of our drive to Although Clair and Simon had originally planned to wait until their son was recruit more foster carers. older, when they heard how many children were waiting for foster families, they decided to apply and when their son Josh was just one, they had been Florence Coulter, Fostering Team approved and offered a home to a teenage girl on an emergency Manager, said: “We need more people placement. like Jan and Brian and Simon and Clair to come forward and join our team of Clair said: “Simon has been really involved with Jan and Brian’s fostering foster carers. They are shining examples journey and our son Josh has never known any different – it wouldn’t be right of how families can support each other for every family – but it works for us.” and in doing so become part of our growing family of foster carers. The two families are now a support network for each other, and Jan’s daughter Emma is also hoping to foster when the time is right for her. “People who foster with us benefit not only from the support of our fostering Jan said: “I love what I do, it’s the most amazing feeling seeing the difference team, but also from the wider wrap- you make, and I’m delighted when we get asked to go along to the around and specialist support that is information sessions or foster carer training to help share our experiences with unique to fostering with your local people enquiring about becoming carers. council.”

“People have funny ideas about teenagers in care, but they are just like any If you think you could make a real teenager – they want to feel safe and loved, sometimes they push the difference to a child in care’s life visit boundaries and sometimes they come in and just want a cuddle because there www.durham.gov.uk/inourcare is still a little kid inside them – our job is to be there for them, listen, and guide for more information on fostering, them, the same way we do with our own children and grandchildren.” adoption and supported lodgings.

21 Easter family fun

Make sure the kids have a cracking time this Easter with our guide to events and activities taking place across the county.

Egg-citing museums Killhope County Durham’s multi-award Hop along winning mining museum is to the park open daily from Wednesday 1 April, from 10.30am until Hardwick Park, 5pm. Sedgefield Find out about the lives of the Thursday 9 April, lead mining families of the drop in from 11am-3pm North Pennines, explore the Crack on Crafts stunning setting and visit the shop and café. Get creative and create cracking Easter crafts. £3 per child. No need to book. Kids can enjoy free entry on Mondays during the Easter holidays. Saturday 11 April, various timeslots from Adults £9, concessions £6, under 4s £1, 11am-3pm family (2 adults and 2 children) £25. Easter Bunny in the Park Craft activities, egg hunt and family www.killhope.org.uk entertainment in the yurt as well as the chance to join the Easter Bunny for a chocolate treat. £8.50 per child. Binchester Roman Fort Booking essential. Book online at Binchester Roman Fort offers an https://leisure.durham.gov.uk/bookings/ insight into life as a Roman in County parks Durham. Wednesday 15 April, drop in from 11am-3pm The fort is open every day from Wednesday Escape the Garden 1 April to Saturday 31 October, from 10am-4.30pm. Spring is the time for growing - can you create your own Adults £5, concessions £4, children £3, garden maze from natural materials and escape the garden aged 4 and under free. like Peter Rabbit? £3 per child. No need to book. www.durham.gov.uk/Binchester www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark 03000 262 899 Cracking crafts Wharton Park, Durham Libraries Thursday 9 and 16 April, from 10am-11.30am and There are lots of opportunities 1pm-2.30pm for kids to get crafty at their local Bunny School library this Easter. Have you got what it takes to become an Easter Get in touch to book a place on an Easter holiday Bunny? Enroll and learn how to decorate eggs, craft session. look like the Easter Bunny and complete the Cost is £1 per child, spaces are limited. Bunny Olympics course. £8.50 per child. Booking essential. www.durham.gov.uk/libraryactivities www.durham.gov.uk/whartonpark 03000 262 655 22 Wharton Park, Durham Easter family fun Spring Corner Tuesday 7 April The Great Easter Egg Scramble Tuesday 14 April A Peter Rabbit Tale: A Spring Surprise From 10am-11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm Listen to the story of the week, make a themed craft and hop outside to follow an Easter trail and take part in exciting activities. £4 per child. Booking essential. www.durham.gov.uk/whartonpark 03000 262 655

Eggs-ercise

New Mermaid and shark training Ever wondered what it’s like to swim like a mermaid or dive like a shark? Taster sessions at Newton Aycliffe, Spennymoor and Teesdale leisure centres are guaranteed to give kids a splashing time as they learn how to swim using a fin. £15 for a one-hour introductory session. Children must have passed their Learn to Swim award at stage 5 or be able to swim 10m in a recognised stroke to take part. Sport Babies, tots and infants Holiday multi-sport camps at leisure centres across the Designed for little ones, sessions include Splashtots, Ready, county are a great way to try new sports such as Sett, Splash and Little Ducklings. trampolining, cricket or dodgeball. Frozen 2 fans can enjoy a magical Disney adventure as they Visit www.durham.gov.uk/leisurecentres to find out join Anna, Elsa and the rest of the gang for pool games and what’s on. storytelling from the much-loved movie. For ages 3 to 11 years. Sessions cost £4 for one adult and one child. Eleven to 15-year-olds can sign up for a Young Lifestyle gym membership, which includes access to the gym Family fun (during specified hours), selected fitness classes and Rafts, floats and slides add up to family fun at your local swimming for just £12 per month. swimming pool. Daredevils can take on the slide at Visit www.durham.gov.uk/younglifestyles for more Spennymoor and Consett leisure centres. Normal admission information. charges apply. Visit www.durham.gov.uk/swimming to see what’s on at your local leisure centre. Go outdoors Swimming crash courses Kids can learn to swim or improve their confidence under Whether it’s walking, cycling, water sports or simply a the guidance of qualified instructors at all of our leisure refreshing walk, County Durham is the perfect place to centres. Four-day courses are available during the holidays explore the great outdoors. from £18.40. And Visit County Durham is encouraging people to get out and Contact your local pool or visit about this spring by offering a wealth www.durham.gov.uk/swimming of ideas and inspiration. for more information about swim sessions and classes, To find out more, visit including dates, times and prices. www.thisisdurham.com/outdoors

23 What’s on March to May

Bishop Auckland Town Hall reopens Work to transform Bishop Auckland Town Hall into a equipment in the auditorium, meanwhile, thriving cultural hub has reached a major milestone. will enhance the experience of theatre and The historic building is set to reopen in April following a cinemagoers, and will allow current release £1.5 million refurbishment. An improved layout and films to be shown three days a week modern facilities have paved the way for a more enticing To find out more, visit programme of activities and events for residents – and www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk also a boost to the town’s economy through increased visitor numbers. The improvements include a new library, café and gallery space on the ground floor. New seating and audio-visual

Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 May Empire Theatre improvements A Gala Theatre Production The Empire Theatre in Consett is set to benefit from a £500,000 revamp. Cathy, By Ali Taylor Directed by Conrad Nelson The venue will close at the beginning of April for refurbishment, which will include refreshing the décor, improving the stage, Gala Theatre, Durham lighting and backstage facilities, and making essential repairs to Inspired by Ken Loach’s 1966 television drama, Cathy Come the roof. Home, this affecting play offers a timely reflection on the lives The theatre will re-open in early September with an exciting new of those at the sharp end of economic austerity, faced with programme of events, some of which are already on sale. impossible choices and an uncertain future. £16, £14 During the closure tickets will still be available online at concessions, £12 first night and matinees, £5 under 25s. www.empireconsett.co.uk and a box office will also be available 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk at Consett Library if you prefer to book tickets in person.

24 What’s on GALA THEATRE, DURHAM BISHOP AUCKLAND TOWN HALL

Saturday 4 April, Saturday 18 7.30pm April, 7.30pm THE WITHAM, Lesley Garrett, Gary Delaney BARNARD CASTLE A Diva and a Piano The premier Join Britain’s most one-liner popular soprano comedian of for a delightful his generation evening of song, reminiscences and will perform an chat. Accompanied by Anna Tilbrook, extended set Lesley’s behind-the-scenes stories and showcasing why anecdotes will give audiences a unique he is one of the insight into her life on the stage. £28. most quotable comedians in the country. £20. Friday 10 April, 7.30pm Thursday 2 April, 7.30pm Pete Firman and A Stitch in Time: A Knitting Cabaret The Amazing TBC A selection of the funny and poignant The award-winning lost knitting songs of WWI and WWII. magician/comedian Bring your own knitting or crochet and returns with a magic stitch along. £12, £10 age 16 and under. show like you’ve never seen before. Every night he will be joined by a different special guest who has no previous conjuring experience. £16. Wednesday 15 April, 7.30pm Saturday 25 April, 2.30pm and 6pm Harpy – Talegate Theatre present Starring Goldilocks and the Three Bears Su Pollard Help Goldilocks and her mum, Dame National Dolly Donut, save their circus and treasure Su rescue the three bears from the evil Saturday 18 April, 8pm Pollard gives a one-woman tour-de- ringmaster. It’s a big top family panto Frank – A Tribute to Sinatra force performance in this razor-sharp extravaganza featuring pop songs, Experience stunning recreations of and bittersweet dark drama from Fringe magic and puppets. Sinatra’s greatest concert arrangements First award winner Philip Meeks. £20, £10, £8 concessions, £32 family ticket from his 60-year career, with Frank £18 concessions. (two adults, two children). Cognoscenti and his jazz orchestra. £20. www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk www.thewitham.org.uk 03000 269 524 01833 631 107

LOCOMOTION, SHILDON

Wednesday 22 April, 7.30pm Thursday 23 April, 2.30pm, 7.30pm Crimes, Camera, Action – Presented by New Old Friends This comedy thriller whisks the audience to golden-era Hollywood and introduces Tuesday 21 April to Monday 4 May Friday 8 to Sunday 10 May a new lead detective, a world-weary, Banners and Brass Festival of Steam hard-boiled private-eye in the mould of Humphrey Bogart: meet Stan Explore Shildon’s mining and brass Experience the power of steam, with live steam Shakespeare. £16, £14 concessions. band heritage, and learn more about displays, family learning activities and more. The Wizard and The Typhoon, two www.galadurham.co.uk composers both born in New Shildon www.locomotion.org.uk 03000 266 600 in the early 1880s. 01904 685 780 25 March to May DURHAM COUNTY RECORD OFFICE BEAMISH MUSEUM COUNTY HALL, DURHAM

A ticket for The Bowes Museum’s family fun day

For a chance to win a family fun day pass, Image courtesy of R Michelson Galleries to celebrate the opening of the museum’s Clara exhibition on Saturday 23 May, simply tell us: On what dates will Durham Thursday 2 April to Sunday 5 April Adventure Festival be held this year? Thursday 30 April, 6.30pm-8pm Great North Steam Fair “We have come through” – See an amazing array of steam and See page 2 for Remembering VE Day, 1945 motor transport, from locomotives, details of how This talk explores how Victory in Europe traction engines and steam rollers to to enter. was celebrated by civilians and soldiers fire engines, cars and motorbikes. both in County Durham and in Europe, Usual admission costs apply. on VE Day itself and the days, weeks and months that followed. Free. Advance THE BOWES MUSEUM, booking essential. BARNARD CASTLE

Sunday 5 April to Monday 13 April Runs over three sessions: Tuesdays 28 April, 5 May, 12 May, Easter Fun at Beamish 6pm-8pm Enjoy a cracking day out with lots of egg-citing activities to get involved with. Until Sunday 3 May Fridays 1 May, 15 May, 22 May, 10am-12 noon Pre-Raphaelite Knights: Usual admission costs apply. Reinventing the Medieval World Family History for Beginners Learn the basics of family history, www.beamish.org.uk Explore medieval myths and legends, including civil registration, the census 0191 370 4000 tales of heroic deeds and chivalric and parish registers. honour with masterworks by Rossetti, Booking is essential. £30. Millais and Burne-Jones. REGULAR EVENTS

Tuesday 21 April, 6pm-8pm Saturday 11 April Thursday 23 April, 10am-12 noon Easter Eggstravaganza Family A Closer Look at the Census Fun Day A talk for experienced family historians. Thursday 16 April and Thursday 21 Join the egg trail, find the Easter Bunny Find out how the census worked and May, 9am-3.30pm who will give you a treat, watch Magic how accompanying records such as Andrew’s magic act and more. summary books may be able to help Durham Farmers’ and Producers’ you in your research. £10. Advance Markets Normal museum admission prices apply. booking essential. Durham Market Place Find locally produced food, drinks, pottery, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk www.durhamrecordoffice.org.uk clothing, crafts and more. Free. 01833 690 606 03000 267 619 www.durhammarkets.co.uk/events 26 Every last Monday of the month, Weekday evenings What’s on 10.30am-12 noon in venues across County Durham Wildlife and Wellbeing Walk ManHealth mental health support Durham Wildlife Trust, Low Barns Nature groups Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March, Reserve, Bishop Auckland, DL14 0AG Drop in for support, information and 11am-3pm Connect with the countryside on a gentle friendship. Run by men with lived experience of a mental health condition. Archaeology in Upper Teesdale observational walk. For adults of all ages. Weekend £3. Booking essential. 0191 584 3112 Free. No referral required. www.durhamwt.com/events 01388 320 023, www.manhealth.org.uk Wynch Bridge End Cottage, Moor House, Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve Green Links MARCH Discover how people have lived in and For ages 55+. Enjoy gardening and used the landscape of Upper Teesdale over environmental activities in a social setting. the last 10,000 years with an exhibition of Free. local finds and guided walks. Donations welcomed, walks £5 adults, Every Monday, 11.30am-1.30pm £3 concessions (booking advised). Coundon Community Centre 01833 622 374 DL14 8HN 01388 662 666 [email protected] Every Thursday, 2pm-4pm Pioneering Care Centre, Newton Aycliffe DL5 4SF 01325 464 270 [email protected]

Until Sunday 10 May Saturday 28 March, 7.30pm Backshift: Bob Olley at 80 Durham Singers ‘The Crown of Glory’ Mining Art Gallery, Bishop Auckland St Cuthbert’s Chapel, Ushaw College This exhibition celebrating Bob Olley’s 80th Two masterpieces of Renaissance choral birthday, looks back on his artistic career music from England and Italy: Vox Patris so far and reveals how the heart and caelestis by Mundy and Missa Papae humour of the North East have inspired his Marcelli by Palestrina. £12, £10 students work. £5, £4 concessions, £1 under 16s. and under 25s. 07790 148 062 Every Sunday, 9.30am-10.30am and 01388 743 750, www.aucklandproject.org www.durham-singers.org 10.30am-11.30am (girls) Saturday 28 March, 10am-2pm Every Friday from 9.30am-10.30am Saturday 28 March to Sunday 10 May and 10.30am-11.30am (boys) Chester-le-Street It’s Up 2 U 2020 voting event Social History Art Exhibition Football Development Sessions Park View School, Church Chare Site, Bob Abley Art Gallery, Spennymoor Greenfield Community College, Chester-le-Street DH3 3QA Town Hall DL16 6DG Newton Aycliffe Vote for the projects you think should Significant collection of social history art, Fun football sessions for girls aged 4 to 8 receive a share of £25,000 of Area Action including industry such as mining and ship and boys 4 to 6. Run by qualified coaches. Partnership funding. 03000 266 147 building. Free. 01388 815 276 £2. 07939 045 242, www.nayfc.com [email protected] www.spennymoor-tc.gov.uk

Sunday lunch for five at Beamish Hall Whether it’s sumptuous Sunday roast, indulgent candlelit dinner or light lunch in the delightful al-fresco courtyard, the diverse menu at Stables Beamish offers something for everyone, with an authentic and warm atmosphere and service to match. To win a tasty one course Sunday Lunch for five people at The Stables Restaurant, Beamish Hall, simply tell us: Which MasterChef judge is headlining Bishop Auckland Food Festival this year? Experience must be redeemed by end of June 2020. Advance booking is required and is subject to availability. Sunday lunch available between 12 noon and 8pm. Experience is non-transferable and may not be exchanged for cash or other products/services. See page 2 for details of how to enter. Beamish Hall, Beamish, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0YB. Telephone 01207 233 733 www.beamish-hall.co.uk

27 March to May Saturday 4 to Monday 13 April, 10am-4pm Charity book sale Pemberton Rooms, Palace Green, Durham 12,000 new and used books on every subject, including lots of fiction and children’s books. In aid of Durham Palestine Educational Trust. Free admission. Saturday 28 March to Sunday 10 May www.dur.ac.uk/durham.palestine Coming Home Exhibition Bob Abley Art Gallery, Spennymoor Town Hall DL16 6DG Exhibition of Norman Cornish’s work including art relating to family life. View original works and see the artist’s studio Until Sunday 10 May faithfully reconstructed. Free. Restoration, Redesign, Renovation: 01388 815 276, www.spennymoor-tc.gov.uk Durham Cathedral in the 19th century Durham Cathedral Last Sunday of each month from See the latest temporary exhibition in the 29 March to 28 June, 1pm-4pm award-winning Open Treasure interactive Drama in the Dale Theatre Workshops museum for all ages, and discover how St Thomas’ Church Hall, Stanhope, Saturday 4 to Sunday 19 April, Durham Cathedral was transformed into a Weardale 1.30pm-4.30pm place of welcome for worshippers, pilgrims A series of theatre workshops delivered by Easter holiday opening and tourists in the 19th century. professional practitioners, each with a The Weardale Museum, Ireshopeburn After a period of ‘misguided stewardships different focus such as costume or building DL13 1HD character. All ages welcome (under 12s and carelessness’, the 19th century was a Learn about the history and heritage of the time for sweeping restoration and at times must be accompanied). £20. 07811 221 151, www.dramadale.co.uk Dale in this small folk museum. Activities controversial redevelopment at Durham for children, Victorian kitchen, mining and Cathedral. This exhibition explores some of family history, and more. £3, free for the ways this was achieved and the people APRIL children under 18. 01388 517 433 involved who helped to shape the [email protected] cathedral we know and love today. Open Treasure is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm) and Sunday, 12.30pm-5pm (last entry 4pm). Open Treasure tickets: £2.50-£7.50. Under Thursday 2 April, 7.15pm 5s free, family ticket £17.50. Cestrian Flower Club Park View Community Centre, Tickets to Durham Chester-le-Street Cathedral’s Open June Borrowdale demonstrates The Spirit of Treasure exhibition Sherwood. £5. www.cestrianflowerclub.co.uk For a chance to win a family ticket to Saturday 4 April, 3.30pm see Open Treasure and its Restoration, Louisa Morrison Disaster Dedication Redesign, Renovation exhibition, of Memorial Feature simply tell us: Which birthday is artist Annfield Plain Park, Park Close, Annfield Bob Olley celebrating Plain DH9 7UW this year? Opening of a new memorial feature to See page 2 for details recognise the 1947 Louisa Morrison of how to enter. Colliery disaster. Free. 01207 299 109 www.stanley-tc.gov.uk

Saturday 28 March, 7.30pm Saturday 4 to Thursday 9 April and Sunday 5 April, 7pm The Peas Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 April, various times St John Passion Scarth Hall, Staindrop Durham Cathedral Exciting Easter Holiday Films All your guilty pop pleasures get a The cathedral’s choir joins forces with makeover, from Rick Astley to the Spice The Civic Hall Stanley period instrument performers The Avison Girls, with a bluegrass acoustic rock and roll Great films for all the family at amazing Ensemble to perform Bach’s stunning twist. £10. Two for one offer for under 35s. prices. £3 adults, £1 children. St John Passion. £8-£28. 0191 338 7178 07881 248 478, www.scarthhall.co.uk 01207 299 110, www.civichallstanley.co.uk www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/whats-on 28 Saturday 11 April, 10am-3.30pm What’s on Colour and Composition Art workshop with Bearpark Artists’ Co-op Thursday 16 April, 7.30pm, Bearpark Community Centre refreshments from 7pm For all levels of ability and experience. Dunelm Flower Club Work at your own pace. £50 for the day. Durham High School for Girls, Durham Contact Barrie: 07442 176 704 DH1 3TB Flower arranging demonstration by Jan Faulkner. £6. Contact Dorothy: Tuesday 7 April, 10am-12.30pm 07808 170 969 Holwick, a walk through time Bowlees Visitor Centre Friday 17 April, 10am-12 noon Four mile walk to explore sites in Teesdale Autism Friendly Activities: Amazing where people have lived and worked for Artists thousands of years. Wear sturdy footwear Oriental Museum, Durham and waterproof clothing. £5. Booking essential. 01833 622 145 Children with autism, learning or sensory www.northpennines.org.uk/events impairments and their families can take part in quiet time craft activities. Normal Saturday 11 April, doors at 7pm, museum admission applies. 0191 334 5691 Wednesday 8 April, www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum 10.30am and music from 8pm 1.30pm Driven Serious Wild Wednesday: TCR Hub, Barnard Castle DL12 8TD Hop into Spring An upbeat, folky sound from an incredible Bowlees Visitor Centre six piece band. £12. 01833 690 150 Outdoor and indoor www.tcrhub.co.uk nature activities for children looking for the signs of spring. £6 per child (discounts for multiple children). 01833 622 145 www.northpennines.org.uk/events Saturday 18 April, 10am-12.30pm Table Top Sale St John’s Hall, Meadowfield DH7 8RP Craft tables and refreshments. Entry by donation. Contact Lesley: 07846 542 025

Sunday 12 April, 1pm-4.30pm Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 April, 10am-3pm Family Bushcrafts Hamsterley Forest Easter Holiday Fun Build a shelter, light a fire, cook a meal TCR Hub, Barnard Castle and make something to take away. Spring time activities and an exciting £45 per family (two to four people), outdoor Easter Egg Trail. All ages welcome. £10 per additional person. Maximum of From £2.50. 01833 690 150 two children per adult. 5 years +. www.tcrhub.co.uk 01388 529 154, www.natureholiday.co.uk Thursday 9 April, Monday 13 April, 2pm-4pm 8pm Easter Egg Hunt 100% Simon Ceddesfeld Hall, Saturday 18 April, 7.30pm Brodkin Rectory Row, The Witham, Barnard Sedgefield Floating Thoughts Castle DL12 8LY TS21 2BL Hardwick Park TS21 2DN After three hugely successful BBC series Prize for all who Write a message in remembrance of as Lee Nelson and multiple sell-out tours, take part. Decorated someone special on a floating, candle lit the award-winning, critically acclaimed eggs and Easter lantern and float it onto the lake at sunset. comedian unveils his funniest creation bonnet Min. donation of £3 per lantern in aid of yet… himself. £20. 01833 650 930 competitions. Free. Butterwick Hospice. 01388 603 003 www.funnywaytobe.com Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawns. www.butterwick.org.uk

29 March to May Saturday 25 April, drop in between Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 May, 10am-4pm 2.30pm Saturday/Sunday, Create a garden of the deep from 7.30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday Saturday 18 April, plastic waste The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate 10am-2pm Gala Gallery, Durham City Townswoman’s Guild Dramatic Acorn Annual Petting Zoo Join artist Diane Watson to create Society’s Murder Mystery Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre beautiful flowers from plastic bottles City Theatre, Back Silver Street, Durham which have washed up on the region’s DH1 3RA Indoor family entertainment with beaches. The finished flowers will feature inflatable, petting zoos, balloon modelling, A hilarious comedy where a hapless cast in an exhibition. Free. overcome one disaster after another. £8. face painting, crafts, dog training www.galadurham.co.uk/gala-gallery demonstrations and more. £1. 03336 663 366 www.ticketsource.co.uk/starlight-farndale 01325 321 471 Tuesday 28 April, 11am to 3pm Tuesday 21 April, 7.30pm The Art of the Book Thursday 7 May, 7.15pm Art Block, 74 Church Street, Seaham Cestrian Flower Club Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District SR7 7HF Flower Club Park View Community Centre, Exhibition of work in a variety of sizes, Chester-le-Street Parish Hall, Sedgefield shapes and media. Free. 0191 469 9431 Penny Vincent demonstrates It’s all Booty. Irene Parker demonstrates For the Love of www.edanart.co.uk £5. www.cestrianflowerclub.co.uk Flowers. £8. 07533 752 870 Wednesday 22 April, 2pm Lanchester Flower Club Lanchester Community Centre, Newbiggen Lane, Lanchester DH7 0JQ Demonstration titled Everything Comes in Twos. An entry fee applies. Thursday 23 April, 10.30am-2.30pm Thursday 7 May, 7pm (6.45pm doors) Illustration Jazz at The Lubetkin Workshop Wednesday 29 April to Friday 1 May, The Lubetkin Theatre, Willerby Grove, Greenfield Arts, 6.45pm Peterlee SR8 2RN Greenfield Way, Emma Fisk (violin) and James Birkett Newton Aycliffe In Your Face Theatre Seaham present (guitar) present a programme of early jazz DL5 7LF Madagascar, A Musical Adventure inspired by the pioneering violin and guitar With illustrator and Seaham Town Hall partnership Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang artist Graham Stead. £25. £8 in advance online at featuring jazz standards of the 1920s and 01325 379 048 www.ticketsource.co.uk/iyfts 30s and Venuti and Lang’s own unique www.greenfield-arts.co.uk or £10 on the door. 07754 590 047 compositions. £10, £5 under 18s. 0191 587 2534, www.lubetkinjazz.com MAY

Friday 8 May, 1.30pm-4.30pm Friday 24 April, 10.30am-4pm Friday 1 to Saturday 30 May, Bank Holiday Opening Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm The Weardale Museum, Ireshopeburn St Cuthbert’s Hospice Ladies Lunch DL13 1HD Ramside Hall Hotel TAN 2020 Exhibition Visit the museum and in the adjoining High Sparkling reception, luxurious luncheon, The Witham, Barnard Castle DL12 8LY House Chapel see the Boot Memorial, guest speaker, exclusive raffle, Showcasing the creative talents of artists made from old Army Boots and poppies, entertainment and unique shopping working in Teesdale. Includes textiles, dedicated to the people of Weardale who experience. £38. 0191 386 1170 ext. 5 jewellery, painting, prints, ceramics, served in World War Two. £3, free for www.stcuthbertshospice.com sculpture and collage. Free entry. under 18s. 01388 517 433 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk [email protected] 30 Saturday 9 May, 1pm-4pm Friday 8 May What’s on VE Day Celebration The nation is set to celebrate the Pittington Village Hall, High Pittington 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday 8 May. Check locally for information Entertainment from vintage vocalist and about events close to you. We’ll also Pittington Brass Band, military vehicles, climbing wall, children’s wartime fancy have information on our website and dress competition, war time cooking and social media channels - #VEDay75 recipes. Hot and cold refreshments and bar. Free admission.

Saturday 9 May, 10am-12 noon Saturday 9 May, 1pm-4pm Shark Egg Hunt Buddha’s Birthday Seaham Hall Beach, SR7 7AG Oriental Museum, Durham Sunday 10 May, 2.30pm Join Durham Wildlife Trust for a seashore The whole family can enjoy making, Jean Martyn Mighty Wurlitzer safari to find out about marine animals that meditation, talks on Buddhism and Concert lay eggs like sharks. For children aged 6+. traditional Buddha Bathing. Free. £5 per child, one adult free with every 0191 334 5691 New Victoria Centre, Howden-le-Wear, child. Additional adults £5, siblings under www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum Crook DL15 8EZ 18 months free. Booking essential online Join Britain’s Got Talent Finalist Jean for an at www.durhamwt.com/events or call Sunday 10 May, afternoon of Mighty Wurlitzer musical 0191 584 3112 magic. £9 inc. refreshments. Tickets from 2pm to 5pm www.netoa.org.uk or 01388 762 467 Spring Gentian Walk Cow Green Reservoir, A pair of tickets to Moor House, Upper Teesdale Tickets to Jean Martyn’s Jazz at The Lubetkin National Nature Reserve Mighty Wurlitzer Concert Discover unique wildflowers, special To win a pair of tickets to see Emma Fisk habitats and watch upland birds in For a chance to win a pair of tickets to and James Birkett, simply tell us: stunning scenery. Easy three-mile guided see Jean Martyn, simply tell us: Which TV Which instruments the duo play. walk. £5, £3 concessions (booking talent competition was Jean a finalist on? See page 2 for details of how to enter. advised). 01833 622 374 See page 2 for details of how to enter.

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Online consultations Online consultations Online consultations

Other online services – visit your GP Practice to obtain your user name and password for the following services:

Appointments are Order prescriptions View your medical available to book online which can be record online and online. These can sent directly to your check your test results. easily be cancelled if chosen pharmacist. not needed.

Book appointments Order prescriptions View medical record

To find out more ask at your GP Practice or visit: www.nhs.uk/GPonlineservices

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