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

A taste of Food Festival

Win a spa break, Durham VIP passes & Beamish tickets

Easter what’s on guide

Plans to steer the county’s growth Spring is the perfect time to get out and WELCOME about – and there’s plenty to do around to the spring edition of County Durham over the next few weeks Durham County News and months. Our park life feature on pages 24 and 25 includes lots of suggestions for enjoying the great outdoors and there’s more listed in our what’s on guide on pages 26 to 31. Councillor Simon Henig, Spring marks the start of another fantastic Leader of the Council year of high profile events and festivals 12 across the county. Bishop Auckland Food Festival kicks it all off with a weekend of food, drink, music and comedy in April. Read more about what’s in store on pages 12 and 13. And there are details of the new DLI Collection Gallery now open at Palace Green on page 16. We are shining a light on Durham on page 15 to highlight 16 our wonderful county. And if you would like to know more about how we’re investing in and shaping towns across 24 6 the county, highlights of what we have achieved so far from our County Durham masterplans are on pages 6 to 9. I hope you enjoy reading Durham County News and take a moment to explore our new online content by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/dcn Simon Henig 8

Competition entries Inside... Competition entries should be received by Page 4-5 Page 16 Friday 7 April 2017 (unless the competition News Discover the new states otherwise). Pop your entries in one DLI Collection Gallery envelope (don’t forget to use a stamp!) and post to Durham County News, , County Hall, Durham Page 6-9 Page 18-19 DH1 1RH or drop them in to reception at any Planning the county’s Setting our budget for of our access points. NEW - you can now economic growth 2017/18 enter online at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn

Durham County News is written and designed by Page Page Durham County Council, printed by Acorn Web 10-11 20-23 Offset Ltd and distributed by The National Leaflet Green living Local news pages Company and Royal Mail. It costs 16p a copy. To contact the editorial team, call 03000 268 059 or email [email protected] Page 12-13 Page 24-25 A taste of Bishop Auckland Discovering park life in Please ask us if you would like this document Food Festival County Durham summarised in another language or format. Braille Audio Large print Page 14-15 Page 26-31­ [email protected] Shining a light on Durham What’s on this spring 03000 268 059

When you have finished with this magazine, please recycle it. Front cover: Colin Burn tests the water at in preparation for the opening of a new water sports activity centre (see page 7). Get set for awesome entertainment in 2017

Prepare to make memories this year as County Durham hosts yet another year of world-class entertainment. Thousands of people helped make events a success last year, and with 2017 promising to be even bigger and better, there’s plenty to look forward to.

Bishop Auckland Kynren – An Epic Tale Durham Christmas Food Festival of Festival Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 Saturday 1 July to Saturday Friday 1 to Sunday 3 April 16 September December Shout out to the foodies! More than 100,000 people Jingle your way Flavoursome dishes made were captivated by Kynren through Durham’s with local food promise to last year. Showcasing 2,000 Christmas festivities tantalise your tastebuds at years of British history, myth with craft, gift and food one of the country’s premier and legend, the epic open-air stalls at the city’s ever- food festivals. See pages 8 & 9. show is set to return bigger, popular festive market. www.bishopaucklandfood better and brighter in 2017. Lumiere www.durhamchristmas festival.co.uk www.kynren.co.uk Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 festival.com November Heritage Open Days Lumiere is back for the fifth Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 time. Artists from around the September world will illuminate the city Discover hidden architectural in delightful and unexpected treasures and enjoy a wide ways, with a series of range of tours, events and stunning light installations activities bringing to life local to explore and admire. Pearl Izumi history and culture. New www.lumiere-festival.com May (dates to be confirmed) venues interested in taking Cheer on professional cyclists part contact 03000 267 133, Brass as they take on Durham City’s heritageopendays@ cobbles in a thrilling test of durham.gov.uk Friday 7 to Sunday 16 July their skill and speed. Durham Brass Festival returns under the guidance of new www.tourseries.co.uk artistic director Paul Gudgin. A brass player himself, Paul has Durham Book Festival taken the reins of a number of prestigious events, including Saturday 7 to Sunday 15 the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and is looking forward to his Durham Miners’ Gala October Saturday 8 July latest challenge. Brass opens the day before the Miners’ Gala With readings, performances and ends with Streets of Brass. Highlights include the BBC Celebrate County Durham’s and discussions covering a Big Band celebrating the legendary Dizzy Gillespie, Brass on mining heritage as marching wide range of genres, there’s Broadway, some brassed-up Northern Soul and a Venetian bands parade through plenty to lose yourself in at concert in Durham Cathedral. So grab your dancing shoes, Durham City with traditional Durham Book Festival. find your rhythm and dance like no-one’s watching! colliery banners. www.durhambookfestival.com www.durhamminers.org/ www.brassfestival.co.uk

Watch highlights of last year’s events at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn Entertainment in 2017 3 Contact us: NEWS You can get lots of information, and apply online for council services via www.durham.gov.uk

Save time do it online

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ReporIf yout Aneedpply to Book phone Pa us,y callComment Customer Services 03000 26 0000 8.30am-5pm (Monday-Thursday) Garden Waste Missed Bin Generic Bin Street Litter 8.30am-4.30pm (Friday) Out of hours emergency service available. Lighting the way Fly Tipping Pest Control Recycle Concessionary Travel A talented inventor has developed the first upgrade to the school crossing If you have a specific query, use patrol sign in five decades and believes lives could be saved as a result.

oneWaste Permi tof ourCouncil dedicated Tax Large Wa stnumbers:e Registrars Andrew Turner, who has an office at the North East Technology Park (NETPark) Streetscene, Highways and in Sedgefield, County Durham, is to meet with distributors about his Street Lighting Enquiries illuminated lollipop design after winning the backing of the Road Safety GB Sandbags / Flood Planning School Admission Graffiti 03000 26 1000 charity. Includes rubbish and recycling, street The prototype, which uses edge lit plastic and has an eight-hour battery life, lighting faults, potholes, commercial waste,Street Lighting neighbourhoodRoad Problems Dogwardens, Fouling strayGritting was produced thanks to support from Thorn Lighting, in , who he dogs, abandoned vehicles, pest control, was introduced to by Business Durham. street cleaning, litter and dog fouling, We conducted a survey, which showed that drivers were braking up to 40 per

grafSalt Binsfiti, fly-tippBlue Badgesing, fly posting,ASB parks,Calendar­ open spaces and cemeteries maintenance. cent faster with the new stick than with a normal one.

Benefit Enquiries 03000 26 2000 Save time do it online Holocaust Memorial Day Report Apply Book Pay Comment Council Tax Enquiries A three-day public exhibition held at County 03000 26 4000 Hall told the widely unknown story of the Porrajmos, or Gypsy Holocaust, when Social Care Direct/Children’s hundreds of thousands of Gypsies were First Contact Service persecuted during the Second World War. 03000 26 79 79 Marking the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust’s theme of How can life go on?, members of the Families Information Service public lit LED candles, viewed authentic Roma 03000 26 99 95 recipes and provided pictures, poetry and their thoughts on how to learn from the past to prevent discrimination and hate crime. @DurhamCouncil For more information visit www.hmd.org.uk /durhamcouncil linkedin.com/company/ Register online for care jobs durham-county-council Personal assistants looking for a job helping those in /DurhamCouncil need of care and support can now register their details on our Locate website. Call 03000 268 200 for an application form. /durham_county_council

4 News Double success at Keep Britain Tidy Awards We’re thrilled to have ‘cleaned up’ at the Keep Britain Tidy Awards, taking home prizes for best local authority and best campaign. We won the coveted Local Authority of the Year honour and also scooped Environmental Campaign of the Year for our anti-fly-tipping programme Operation Stop It, which has led to a 22 per cent reduction in flytipping. Memorial trail honours war The awards celebrate the achievements of local authorities, businesses and land managers in improving heroes the quality of public spaces through campaigns, A new heritage trail explaining the history of innovations and partnerships. The local authority of the South Moor has opened to the public. year prize was in recognition of our commitment to Those following the trail at Twizell Burn can learn improving and protecting the environment – often about the village’s creation shortly before the First involving the local community. World War and how miners shaped the community before 200 of their number were sent to the frontline. The trail, which is part of a major regeneration scheme, has been created by the council with funding from Heritage Lottery Fund and Stanley Town Council.

Beat the Street Thousands of families are expected to take to the streets of Ferryhill and -le-Street this spring as both areas are transformed into giant walking and cycling games. Running from Wednesday 29 March to Wednesday Scheme is Best Bar None 17 May, Beat the Street is a free, fun challenge where people are rewarded with points and prizes for An awards scheme that aims to raise the exploring a town on foot or bicycle. bar in Durham City pubs and clubs has received a national honour. Special sensors, which people will need to swipe with a fob or card for a chance to win a prize, will be located Best Bar None, which operates in 34 towns on lampposts across the two areas. and cities, promotes the responsible management and operation of licensed Schools will be competing against each other to see premises. who can clock up the most miles travelled. The initiative is being delivered by Intelligent Health on The Durham version has now landed a behalf of the council. national prize – being named best overall scheme in the country for 2016. www.beatthestreet.me/clsferryhill

News 5 County Durham Masterplans We’re working to bring investment and improvements to communities across County Durham. This work is guided by 12 town masterplans. Here we look at a few highlights of what has been achieved so far.

Chester-le-Street Children are making a splash following a major investment by the council in facilities at Riverside Park. Funding of £250,000 was set aside for a Splash Pad to help kids cool down in the summer months. The play area, which is the only one of its type in County Durham, includes interactive water features. The Splash Pad is open every day during the May half term and throughout the school summer holidays, offering fun for families with kids from tots to early teens. Plus: Improvements to roundabouts at Stanley the A693 Drum Industrial Estate and the A167/A693 Northlands. People in Stanley are now enjoying easier access to a range of council services. New war memorial The town’s library, Customer Access Point (CAP) unveiled in 2014. and registrars’ service are now all conveniently located together at the recently refurbished Louisa Centre. North Durham The services are based on one level in bright and modern accommodation at the leisure centre. The library and CAP form the fifth and final phase of a wider refurbishment project that has been carried out at the Louisa Centre to improve leisure facilities and reduce running costs. The project has also seen the extension of the A priest has said crossing children’s soft play area, a new space for aerobics to the other side is easy - classes and new gym and weight room facilities. thanks to a new bridge! Plus: Father David Cleugh has given his blessing to the 74 residents helped into employment through new £2.4 million Villa Real the Stanley Apprenticeship Programme. Bridge at Consett – making a hellish journey heavenly. Works in the town centre including new paving, With only one lane available and two sets of traffic lights, navigating lighting, street furniture and planting. the old bridge used to be something of a wing and a prayer job for the cleric. Now though - after work by the council - the two-lane replacement has been met by a chorus of approval from local people. Father Cleugh, who looks after St Ives Parish, Leadgate, said: “The new bridge is great for business. Everyone I speak to says it’s much easier to cross than the old one.” Plus: A £44 million investment has seen the creation of the new Consett Academy and Leisure Centre, with facilities including two swimming pools, gym, squash courts and 3G pitch.

6 County Durham Masterplans Durham Down by the river will soon be the place to be as the banks of the Wear receive a major facelift. Plus: The private sector redevelopment of the Milburngate House site and The city’s biennial Lumiere is now The Gates is set to completely transform the area, with brand new recognised as the biggest and best light restaurants, cinemas, office space and housing. festival in the UK. This new-look riverside will also provide stunning views of Durham’s £3 million regeneration of Wharton Park. historical beating heart, while bringing some modern architectural beauty to the banks of the Wear. The relocation of the Passport Office and National Savings from Milburngate House to Freeman’s Reach helped retain about 1,200 jobs and was the biggest Government property contract outside of London. This came about after we took a 35-year lease on the scheme to provide certainty and generate an income for the council.

Central and Seaham East Durham A new water sports activity centre is set to make a splash in Seaham. The £900,000 centre, due to open this spring, will be based at Seaham Harbour Marina. Peterlee The marina is a Plans are on track to create a new rail station at Horden. joint venture A public consultation has revealed overwhelming support for project between the proposal. With more than 98 per cent of the 1,300 people ourselves and the Victoria Group Watch a video about the centre at who took part in an online survey saying they supported the www.durham.gov.uk/dcn station and over 50 per cent saying they would use it every (Port of Seaham week. owners) and is managed by a separate company, the Seaham Harbour Community Interest Company By providing much easier travel to Newcastle, and (CiC). Middlesbrough, the station will help residents in the surrounding area access jobs and opportunities across the The council has secured funding from Sports region. As well as boosting the local economy and improving England to help the CiC establish a comprehensive the prospects of people in the area it is hoped it will also programme of activities. encourage more environmentally friendly travel. The centre will provide a variety of opportunities to Funding from the North East LEP Local Growth Fund has try different activities, including stand up paddle- conditionally been approved, while a second application to boarding and kayaking, all under the watchful eye the Department for Transport’s New Stations Fund is also of trained professionals. being considered. Plus: We are currently working with Network Rail, train operators New ResQ call centre at Spectrum Business Park and other key stakeholders on the project plan, proposed has brought hundreds of new jobs to the town. design and operation of the new facility. £14 million investment in new Seaham School Plus: of Technology. £25 million investment by Bristol Laboratories to set up a new manufacturing base.

New bike and skate park. More masterplans overleaf.

County Durham Masterplans 7 County Durham Masterplans

Bishop Auckland We’ve already carried out an award-winning multimillion pound regeneration of Bishop Auckland Market Place, which took place in 2011. And we’re now in the middle of another £2.2 million project, supported by the North East LEP, to improve the links between the market place and Auckland Castle – realigning the road, creating new parking and event spaces and improving the market area itself. All of this will complement the ambitious work being carried out by the Auckland Castle Trust and Eleven Arches. We’re working closely with them so that Bishop Auckland can make the most of the opportunities offered by Kynren and the planned Welcome Building. New tourism signs, more spaces at Bondgate car park and improvements to the train station will all make the town even more welcoming to new visitors and residents alike. Plus: 92 residents helped to get back into employment through apprenticeships with local businesses. Etherley Cricket Club given an £8,000 grant to enhance their community cricket programme.

Crook Getting active South and moving at and West any age is now Durham easier than ever thanks to the Parklife sports scheme. Barnard Castle Activity sessions, The £3.2 million restoration of aimed at young The Witham at Barnard Castle and old alike, has seen the transformation of take place every one of the region’s most historic week at buildings. Glenholme Park, where newfound sportsmen The regeneration project, and women are trying their hand at tennis, managed by the council, Barnard cricket, football, table tennis and even gentle Castle Vision and The Witham, workouts. brought much needed All activities are led by a qualified coach in improvements to the Grade II outdoor park areas as we’re particularly keen to listed Witham Testimonial Hall. encourage families to get more active by The revamped facility now includes the town’s library and Customer making more use of the park and recreational Access Point as well as a café, arts and exhibition areas, performance grounds. and events spaces, a shop and small business units. The Parklife programme is delivered in The changes even sparked the interest of HRH The Duke of Gloucester. partnership with Sport England and Change4life. The duke visited the buildings, which date back to 1846, and met the Plus: architects and project team responsible for Plus: Shop fronts in Hope Street given a integrating the GlaxoSmithKline set to expand its makeover under our Targeted Business historic parts of the operations with a new £92 million facility. Improvement scheme. building with modern structures. Five-year Heart of Teesdale Landscape Almost £1 million is to be spent on Partnership delivered £2.7 million worth improvements at Crook Primary School. of projects.

8 County Durham Masterplans A County Durham firm making bespoke drum kits continues to be a big hit – snaring high profile customers from around the world. Among the big-name stars beating a path to Liberty Drums, on the Dabble Duck Industrial Estate, are Coldplay and Nicki Minaj. The order book has swollen by 60 per cent in three years fuelled by industry buzz. Liberty Chief Executive Andrew Street is now aiming to double his workforce to cater for demand. Business Durham, the economic development company for County Durham, worked hard with Andrew to find him new commercial premises after the company outgrew its previous base in Newton Aycliffe. Watch a video about Liberty Drums at Plus: www.durham.gov.uk/dcn £9 million private sector investment at Future Durham Business Park. Spennymoor £100,000 project to regenerate the town centre in preparation for a visit from the Flying It’s no longer just swings and roundabouts at Ox Close Scotsman in 2016. Primary School, where a £1.25m project has been improving children’s play areas. Two new classrooms, a new multi-use games area (MUGA) and an extension of the school’s hall have been built in an improvement project designed and completed by the council. Headteacher Daniel Harrison said: “The new facilities are magnificent and have already enhanced our provision beyond belief. “They allow us the space in which to learn and explore, an area in which we can perform with musicians and artists and the perfect arena in which to hone our widely renowned sporting acumen.” Plus: £300,000 worth of town centre improvements since 2009. Newton Aycliffe DurhamGate set for further expansion with additional office space and possibly a car showroom, crèche and café. Ambitious plans to bring up to 3,200 new jobs to Newton Aycliffe’s Forrest Park are well underway. The North East LEP has provided £13 million to give the 52-hectare site, situated alongside the existing Aycliffe Business Park, all the infrastructure it needs to attract new businesses. A new road and pedestrian crossings are among the changes being made to an area which suffers from severe congestion at peak times. The council is carrying out the work – which could ultimately lead to a £140 million investment from the private sector and the scheme is due to be completed by the autumn of 2017. Plus: The £82 million Hitachi factory is now well established. Relocation of the library to the leisure centre.

County Durham Masterplans 9 Green living

Come and join Litterfree Durham’s

RHS Northumbria in Litterpicks are taking place throughout ✿County Durham and Darlington Bloom competition every day until Sunday 16 April. Four council-led entries will take part in this year’s Royal Horticultural Get involved: Society (RHS) Northumbria in Bloom www.durham.gov.uk/bigspringclean competition. Durham City will compete in the Small City category, Chester-le-Street in the 39120 Big Spring Clean advert 2.indd 1 22/02/2017 11:39 ✿ Large Town category and Stanley and The Big Dig Bishop Auckland, with Coundon, in the Town category. Are you a keen gardener? www.durham.gov.uk/inbloom Groups across County Durham are on the lookout for volunteers to take part in the Big Dig in April. Groups looking for help to prepare community gardens for the growing season include: On your marks, • Blackfyne Allotment Association, Blackhill, Consett, 07476 937 121 get set, grow! or [email protected] Can your community group grow • Cultivate 4 Life, Bishop Auckland, the tallest sunflower or the [email protected] or 07472 012 121 largest pumpkin? • Friends of Wharton Park, [email protected] Take part in our summer growing challenge for the chance to win a £100 • Shildon Alive, Shildon Alive Community Garden, Furnace Ind. Est., voucher for gardening equipment. 01388 417 600 or 01388 417 474 Email [email protected] • The ALT Group, Blackhill, Consett, [email protected], with your contact details and 07793 953 899 group name by Monday 10 April and we’ll send you free • Trimdon Community Garden, [email protected] seeds and more information. Email [email protected] for groups in other areas.

Garden Fortnightly collections from the kerbside between and for County Durham waste spring autumn­­­ collections Annual fee £25 For collections in the Teesdale area, Terms and conditions apply. contact Rotters Composting www.durham.gov.uk/gardenwaste 03000 26 1000 www.rotters.org 01833 690 022

10 Green living Easter and May bank holiday bin collections We’re looking for sponsors for our annual Environment Awards, which Household bins will be emptied as recognise outstanding environmental normal during the Easter holidays projects around the county. (weeks starting 10 and 17 April) For details of the packages available, and May bank holiday week visit (Monday 1 May). www.countydurhampartnership.co.uk/ Place your rubbish, recycling or envawards garden waste bins out for collection or call on 03000 265 545. by 7am on your usual collection day. Get composting To check your collection day, We’ve teamed up with Let’s talk rubbish! use the ‘My Durham’ section of getcomposting.com to Schools and community groups www.durham.gov.uk offer exclusive offers on can now book a free home compost bins. waste and Get a 220 litre bin for £17.98 recycling talk. or a 330 litre bin for £19.98. Sessions last Or buy two bins and get the between 20 second half price. to 30 minutes www.getcomposting.com and include a or call 0844 571 4444 presentation quoting DCC11L. showing what can and can’t be recycled, where recycling is taken and Offers valid until 31 March. what it is made into. They also include information and tips on home composting, reducing food Operation waste and reusing items. Spruce Up Email [email protected] or call 03000 266 102. We’re working with schools, businesses and partners to clean Household waste up main streets in 14 recycling centres towns and villages From Saturday 1 April, household across the county. waste recycling centres will stay open Operation Spruce Up longer for the summer months. has already seen Check opening times at improvements in Spennymoor, Fencehouses, Framwellgate Moor and www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc Crook, with other areas to follow. or call 03000 26 1000. Find out more at www.durham.gov.uk/spruceup To apply for a waste permit visit www.durham.gov.uk/ householdpermit Dog control consultation Hett Hills household waste recycling We are working to implement a Public Space Protection Order centre will be open longer during the (PSPO) later this year to encourage responsible dog ownership. busy Easter period. From Friday 14 It follows a consultation last autumn, when we asked for your views April until Friday 21 April, it will be on the PSPO, which will replace the current Dog Control Order. Look open 9am to 6pm. It will return to out for the next edition of Durham County News for more details. weekend only opening from Saturday 22 April.

Green living 11 Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April

Bishop Auckland Food Festival returns this April for two tasty days of food, drink, music and comedy.

The festival’s food and drink market will feature lots of familiar faces as well as some exciting new additions, with an expanded street food and artisan drinks quarter.

You’ll be able to eat your way around the world from America to Greece and Thailand to Mexico, as well as sample some of the finest regional cuisine, courtesy of the north’s foremost producers.

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

For more information visit www.bishopauckland foodfestival.co.uk TV’s Rosemary set Sit back and watch the professionals at work at one of the food festival’s many cookery demos. You can also book tickets for to cook up a storm masterclasses, children’s The inimitable Rosemary Shrager will be in the sessions and The Big Comedy demonstration kitchen on Saturday using ingredients sourced during a visit to the Feast here. Taste Durham producers the day before. Watch out for details of some Rosemary has appeared on TV in many guises; from teaching haute cuisine to the very special pop-up venues contestants on Ladette to Lady to cooking for her campmates on I’m a Celebrity… which will be appearing during the festival. Get Me Out of Here! She was recently one of the guests on The Real Marigold Hotel.

12 Bishop Auckland Food Festival If you’re looking for Tips from Lots for From masterclasses to exploding the masters inspiration and want rockets, there’s plenty to entertain to flex your cookery little chefs junior chefs at this year’s festival. muscles, why not try one of our masterclasses? Let your little ones get hands-on at Truly Tempting Chocolate Tom and Henry Herbert from Hobbs House Bakery workshops or pizza, bread and biscuit masterclasses. There’s (and stars of Channel 4’s Fabulous Baker Brothers) also fantastic Food Lab sessions, complete with exploding will be hosting hands-on sessions where you can rockets and fizzy cocktails! learn how to make soda bread and flavoured butter. Or if you fancy making your own lunch the The children’s sessions are always popular so we advise you to boys will teach you how to make a ‘posh kebab’ book early as they sell out fast. from scratch. To get the royal seal of approval The Big Comedy Feast for your efforts, join Rob Dave Johns, star of BAFTA-winning film Kennedy. Rob is Executive Chef I, Daniel Blake, will headline BAFF’s first of the prestigious Royal Military comedy night. Settle in on Saturday for Academy Sandhurst and an evening of stand-up and street food. regularly cooks for the Royal Family and world leaders. He’ll be running four workshops on Saturday – local lamb burgers, perfect roast chicken, grab and go Mexican wraps and delicious desserts. Rob will also be hosting a tasting kitchen on Sunday: part demonstration, part tasting menu, he will create a delicious three-course meal inspired by Durham produce – which you then get to eat.

tickets to a masterclass We’re giving away two tickets to one of Rob’s masterclasses. For the chance to win, simply tell us which of Rob’s masterclasses you would like to attend...... A collection of brass-tastic street bands A taste of will offer visitors a taster of Durham Name ...... BRASS Festival, which is set to take BRASS

Tel ...... place in July. Across the weekend there will be the chance to hear bands Address ...... including Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, who won the 2016 ...... ‘Golden Trumpet’ award and festival-favourites Oompah Brass, who will be donning their lederhosen and pairing up Postcode ...... with Steam Machine Brewing Company to recreate an Email ...... Oktoberfest Bier Keller. Newcomers Back Chat Brass will also See page 2 for entry details. give their very first Durham performance. Fill in the form or enter online at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn

All details correct at time of going to press, please check before travelling. Bishop Auckland Food Festival 13 Ben showcases county’s great outdoors A national campaign to promote Durham’s great outdoors is encouraging people to follow in the footsteps of adventurer Ben Fogle. The Visit County Durham campaign features an episode of the online series Ben Fogle’s Great British Adventure, which Visitor numbers… showcases the exciting Durham’s visitor economy is looking buoyant outdoor experiences ...showcases the visitors can have during “ with 18.6 million people visiting the county in a break in our area. The exciting outdoor 2015, up by three per cent on the previous year. video has already had experiences visitors The new figures show a vibrant and healthy more than 280,000 views. can have... picture for tourism in the area, with an increase not As well as showing Ben just in visitor numbers but also in expenditure and taking part in a range of ” the number of people employed in tourism. activities including gorge-walking at Low Force, mountain Visitors to Durham in 2015 spent £777.5 million, biking at Hamsterley Forest and paddle boarding at the a two per cent increase on the previous year, Durham Heritage Coast, the film also highlights the county’s while the number of people employed in tourism stunning scenery and natural attractions. in the county stood at 10,961, up by 1.5 per cent To watch the programme, visit on 2014. www.thisisdurham.com/outdoors Pocket Guide The 2017 edition of the Durham Pocket Guide is now available. A quarter of a million copies of the official visitor guide VisitEngland/Visit County Durham have been produced by Visit a Durham VIP Pass County Durham. A survey The Durham VIP Pass offers two people free entry or evaluating use of the 2015 great discounts to some amazing attractions across the edition found that £7 million county – and we’ve got five to give away. For the chance to win, simply tell us how many people visited Durham in 2015. of additional spending was generated as a result of the publication – an ...... increase of 11.7 per cent on 2011 figures. Name ......

Tel ......

Address ......

...... Postcode ......

Email ...... See page 2 for entry details. Tick here to receive a monthly Fill in the form or enter online at e-newsletter for the latest Durham www.durham.gov.uk/dcn news, events and competitions:

14 This is Durham, Place of Light Shining a light on Durham

Confidence in the local economy, a thriving cultural scene, the perfect location to call home – just three reasons why Durham is shining brightly.

The county, with its new place brand, providing the confidence and strength in Durham City and the expansion of ‘This is Durham, Place of Light’, is they need to grow, supporting the customer contact centre company, flourishing and according to creation of more and better jobs.” ResQ to Seaham, building on success Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of the in their first centre in Hull. In the past three years 20 Council, “there has never been a more multinationals, unique and niche But it isn’t just the business sector that exciting time for the county.” companies have invested and is being put in the spotlight; Durham The Place of Light brand has been re-invested in the county, and is also being showcased as a vibrant developed by Visit County Durham, over 3,400 businesses have been destination for visitors and residents the destination management supported to relocate, set up or alike – the most recent figures show organisation for the county, core expand here; equating to thousands the county attracted 18.6 million funded by the authority, and is being of jobs and generating £187 million visitors in 2015. used as part of the council’s campaign for the economy in the last four years. to change perceptions about the Cllr Henig said: “Providing a rich and county. diverse cultural offer in some of the most unique and spectacular backdrops Following a celebration event at Durham is fast becoming is a key priority for us. We are proud Durham Cathedral at the end of “ to once again be host this year to last year, the brand was showcased a go-to destination... world class cultural programmes, on a national scale at the House of ” such as Kynren and the UK’s largest Commons on Monday 6 February. The council has been praised by light festival, Lumiere. These events Over 100 business leaders, industry business leaders for its innovative draw hundreds of thousands of visitors partners and invited guests learned and supportive approach, alongside and residents alike, alongside our more about the brand and the Business Durham, the economic popular annual festivals: Brass, The ambassador stories that illustrate why development company working Durham Book Festival and Bishop Durham is such a unique county. on behalf of the authority. Auckland Food Festival. It is no surprise Cllr Henig said: “We are raising our that with so much to offer, Durham is profile globally to show what a great Recent success stories include the fast becoming a go-to destination for place the county is to live, work and first train to be produced by the many visitors and investors.” invest in. We have a proven track Hitachi plant at Newton Aycliffe, record in attracting businesses to the opening of office space and a For more information please visit the county and are focused on business incubator at Salvus House www.durham.gov.uk/PlaceofLight Visit County Durham

Watch a video about Place of Light at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn Shining a light on Durham 15 A new, free DLI Collection Gallery - Courage, Comrades and Community - is now open at Durham University’s Palace Green Library.

In the heart of the county’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the new exhibition charts the history of the regiment from its origins as the 68th Regiment of Foot in the 1750s through to its legacy as part of The Rifles today. Curators have drawn on the DLI Collection to tell the story of the Durham soldier and highlight the special place the regiment has in the lives of the people of County Durham. Visitors can “...see objects that see objects that have have never been on never been on display before as well as some display before... favourites from the ” collection. These include the magnificent Lahore Trades Cup, uniform and medals, a wonderful engraved glass goblet dating from the early nineteenth century and a church window that was handcrafted by DLI soldiers serving overseas. The Barker Research Library, on the ground floor of the Palace Green building, also hosts the DLI medal collection. Medals are available to view by making an appointment. This can be done by emailing [email protected], calling 0191 334 2972, or simply popping in during opening hours. ice How you can access the DLI Collection

The DLI Collection’s objects, including uniforms, weapons, equipment and relics, are based in one place, at the new DLI Research and Study Centre at Sevenhills, near Spennymoor. The centre’s specially designed stores allow for the greater care and conservation of the collection, and give curators the chance to offer public store tours - which is something they couldn’t previously do. Images courtesy of Durham County Record Off

Alongside the stores, a new research and study centre – featuring an anti-tank Watch a video about the exhibition at gun manned by Victoria Cross recipient Private Adam Wakenshaw – has been www.durham.gov.uk/dcn created and makes available over 1,500 periodicals and books to aid study on the regiment, weaponry and dress. For more information about the DLI Collection visit The story of the DLI continues to be taken out into the community, with our educational outreach programme last term seeing over 1,200 pupils getting www.durham.gov.uk/dlicollection hands on with history. To organise a visit to Sevenhills call 03000 266 631 or email Meanwhile, the DLI archives continue to be cared for and accessible at [email protected] Durham County Record Office. Or just follow the signs from the A167 to The archive catalogue is available online, at www.durhamrecordoffice.org.uk, the DLI Research and Study Centre, on and the website offers a chance to view over 34,500 DLI related images for free. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am-3pm.

16 DLI Collection NEWS Support for parents A support group has been set up for the parents of children with SPD, ASD, ADHD, Down’s, ADD and other Fulfilling Lives challenging conditions. People with learning difficulties and their carers can find The group, which out about everything from health checks and training to meets to chat, enjoy social activities and holidays at a regular get together. refreshments and listen The next Fulfilling Lives event takes place at New College, to guest speakers, gets together every six to eight Durham on Monday 29 May between 10am and 5pm. weeks at Tree Tops Children’s Occupational Therapy, in Newton Aycliffe. Meeting times vary in order to accommodate working parents but new members are always Top marks for tackling fuel poverty welcome. For more information, email County Durham has been given top marks for its efforts [email protected] to tackle fuel poverty. The County Durham Health and Wellbeing Board, led by the council, has been given a perfect rating of six out of six Slow to 20 by National Energy Action (NEA) in recognition of the A successful scheme to action it is taking on cold-related ill health. The board, introduce 20mph limits on which is also made up of representatives from local NHS trusts, was one of only 14 in England to achieve the score in roads near County Durham NEA’s Get Warm Soon survey, making it one of the top schools is to be extended. performers nationally. Part-time limits are to be put in place near a further 33 schools, bringing the total across the county to 66. Changes to gambling policy The project to improve road safety and promote a Following public consultation last summer, changes to healthy lifestyle has also seen community the Gambling Act 2005 came in to effect on 7 December newspapers launched at participating schools, an 2016. art competition and pedestrian and cycle training. For further information on the changes search Gambling Act Visit www.durham.gov.uk/slowto20 at www.durham.gov.uk or call the licensing team on 03000 261 016. A swimathon in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care will take place at Freeman’s Quay and Chester-le-Street leisure centres on Saturday 8 April. Be a foster carer Visit www.swimathon.org to take part. Across County Durham our foster carers make ordinary Veterans rise and shine moments extraordinary for East Durham Veterans’ breakfast club is a hundreds of children. meeting place for County Durham veterans and Yet we need many more people serving members of the armed forces. to come forward to offer loving homes for the increasing The group meets for a brew and banter every number of children in care. Could that be you? Saturday from 9.30am to 10.30am at The Five Quarter (Wetherspoons) in Peterlee. Find out more by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/fostering, calling 03000 269 400 or at one of our information events People can drop-in to any session and there are on 16 and 27 March, 20 April and 2 and 18 May. no fees or subs. Contact [email protected]

News 17 MON£Y MATT£RS

With the Government continuing to reduce local authority funding for council services, we’re facing increasing financial pressures. However, we are continuing to work hard to protect frontline council services.

We have now agreed our Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan for the coming financial year. As a result of the Government’s austerity programme, we need to cut £36 million from our revenue budget in 2017/18. This will form part of the £245 million of savings that need to be made between 2011 and 2020. long as possible. This has only been possible because Despite these financial pressures, we are working hard of our prudent financial planning. to provide the highest levels of service across the As part of the budget, council tax will rise by 1.99 per county. We will continue to focus on our key priorities cent and, in line with the Government’s approach to – encouraging the growth of the economy and funding social care, an additional 2 per cent precept redoubling our efforts to make Durham a safe, clean will be levied to help cover the cost of providing these and green place to live. services. We will also continue to protect those services In 2017/18, we have chosen not to impose the prioritised by the public, such as job creation and maximum 3 per cent adult social care council tax winter maintenance, while also supporting a fully increase allowed by the Government. funded capital investment programme. While many other councils are increasing this element However, we do have to reduce costs and have now of the council tax by 3 per cent, we recognise the identified £23.4 million of savings for 2017/18. In the impact this will have on our council tax payers and we autumn, we asked for feedback on these plans. Almost will, therefore, maintain our increase of 2 per cent in 3,500 residents responded, with nearly two thirds line with our Medium Term Financial Plan. backing our proposals. We will also be maintaining our Local Council Tax The remainder of the shortfall will be met with Reduction Scheme, which helps those who would £12.6 million from our Budget Support Reserve – have previously received support under the council allowing us to delay cuts to frontline services for as tax benefit system. We are one of a small number of

Nearly 3,500 businesses across £12.6 million County Durham are set to benefit from reserve from lower business rates...

We need to cut £36 million from our revenue budget Savings of in 2017/18. £23.4 million

18 Money Matters NEWS Spending survey Thousands of people have helped to shape spending plans for their local communities. More than 6,500 residents across the county took part in an online survey asking for their feedback on the key issues and concerns about the area where they live. A further 3,300 young people also had their say by completing the survey through their school or a young people’s group. Their comments will be used to shape spending councils that have maintained the benefits of this priorities for the council’s 14 Area Action scheme despite Government funding for this area Partnerships for the coming financial year. being cut. This year is the first time a survey has taken place to help set budget priorities and the results will Boost for businesses also influence the work of special groups set up to tackle specific issues. Nearly 3,500 businesses across County Durham are set to benefit from lower business rates over Countywide, the top three priorities were: the coming year. • children, young people and families older people New rules affecting how much individual businesses • pay in taxes will come into force from April. • health and wellbeing Community safety was also deemed a priority With complex threshold and rate-relief categories among young people, while older voters were changing, it means firms in County Durham will pay concerned about employment, enterprise and a combined total of £4.3 million less in rates than training. during the previous financial year. More than 15,000 firms in County Durham pay Get involved business rates - currently totalling More than 500 people who took part in the main £125 million. survey expressed an interest in joining their local AAP forum. An additional 350 young people said they would like to know more about a new countywide virtual youth forum, which would give them further opportunities to have their say. If you are interested in becoming a forum member, email [email protected] If you are aged between 11 and 16-years-old and would like to find out more about our virtual forum, email [email protected]

Money Matters 19 CENTRAL and Cash for cricket club EAST Durham Amateur cricketers have been bowled over after receiving cash Call for volunteers for improvements to their ground. A £5,000 grant has Volunteers are needed to help run a busy enabled members of Horden community centre in . Cricket Club to buy a new Hamsteels Community Centre opened to the public six months ago, following scoreboard and pavilion clock. a campaign to raise nearly £600,000. Activities range from baby yoga and boxercise to arts, crafts and IT. Facebook: HamsteelsCommunityCentre, 0191 447 2332, www.cornsaypc.org.uk North Road update Work has uncovered an old, Restoration reinforced concrete road below the surface of the street as well as of Ushaw six coal chutes outside of the College former cinema building and this gardens has resulted in the improvements taking longer than expected. The grounds of Extra resources have been put in Ushaw College, in place for the project, both during Durham City, look the day and overnight, in order to set to get a major minimise any delay. Work is now makeover. due to be finished in May. The college’s www.durham.gov.uk/northroad trustees are hoping to revitalise the formal gardens and parkland by creating a network of wheelchair-accessible paths, wildflower meadows and a garden of contemplation. An estimated £20,000 is needed for the project, with local councillors having already contributed £13,000.

High praise New homes for newts for charity Frogs, toads and newts are settling into new homes at Easington Local Nature Reserve, A Durham City charity thanks to funding from Northumbrian Water. Langley Moor has been honoured Cash was awarded to housing development with the Queen’s Regeneration Partnership to improve two Award for Voluntary A new development providing ponds at the site and create special Service. apartments for people with underground homes for the amphibians. sight loss or hearing loss is set Veterans at Ease helps to open in Langley Moor. people overcome their It’s Up 2U traumas of war and in The scheme will include one and Five community groups are celebrating the last five years over two-bedroom properties close to after receiving a share of a £40,000 cash pot. 150 veterans have shops, amenities and public Fishburn Academy Band, St Albans Luncheon transport routes. The site is being accessed its services. Club, Fishburn Allotment Association, Future built by Rae Bro Developers, who The award is the Leisure in Coxhoe, and Fishburn Youth and are working with Reside Housing highest accolade a Community Centre were the successful Association and County Durham voluntary group can projects in East Durham Rural Corridor AAP’s Sensory Support Team. receive in the UK. latest It’s Up 2U voting event. Call 03000 263 940.

20 Central and East Durham news NORTH Durham

Lottery boost for Burnhope Plans for a new community centre in Burnhope have been boosted with a £529,000 lottery grant. The Big Lottery Fund Reaching Communities programme has awarded the cash to Burnhope Community Centre Committee, which is now Businesses well on its way to achieving its fundraising target of £720,000. Go for Growth in 2017 Additional funding has been provided by Mid Durham AAP and local Support and expert mentoring for councillors. small businesses is available through More than 30 people have already volunteered to help run the centre, Derwentside Business Network (DBN). which will provide much-needed community facilities for the village. DBN, which is supported by Derwent Valley AAP, runs monthly networking meetings and a hugely successful Business Growth Skills Academy and is planning an exhibition and Celebration of Achievement event this year. For more details visit Advice in www.derwentsidebusinessnetwork.co.uk Stanley Wildlife boost Code Clubs in the Advice on issues ranging Derwent Valley from debt and money New wildlife habitats are being Children in the Derwent Valley area are management to benefit created through a project to learning basic computer programming claims and housing improve water quality at Twizell at after-school Code Clubs. problems is now available Burn in Stanley. at The Venue, in Stanley. Pupils at ten primary schools spend one The Living Waterways initiative, hour a week designing games, animations led by the Wear Rivers Trust and Sessions are run by the and websites at the sessions, which are supported by Stanley AAP, aims to Advice in Durham funded by Derwent Valley AAP. improve the ecological quality of Partnership and supported the burn and surrounding by Stanley AAP and Stanley woodland. Chester’s Town Council. Local residents and schools are Best Services are available: encouraged to get involved. A new award scheme will Citizens Advice County 01388 488 867 • recognise those Durham [email protected] who make the Tues and Thurs Chester-le-Street 10am-4pm. Hang up area a better • Welfare Rights and brighter Wed morning for drop-in on fraud place to live and work. advice and afternoon A new project is The Chester’s Best Awards, supported by for appointments. helping older Chester-le-Street and District AAP, will people ‘hang up’ on telephone honour individuals and communities who • Foodbank Mon, Wed and Fri fraudsters. Beat the Scammers, led have carried out environmental 10am-12pm. by Age UK County Durham and improvements, with honours including best supported by Stanley AAP, aims to garden or yard, best allotment, best • Durham Money Advice prevent older and vulnerable people neighbourhood area, best group project Centre becoming victims of crime. and best business frontage. Mon, Wed and Fri For info 0191 374 6568 Entries are open until Friday 19 May. 9am-12pm. [email protected] [email protected]

North Durham news 21 SOUTH and WEST Durham New library is open for business Newton Aycliffe Library has reopened to the public with a new look in a new location. The library’s new base, within the town’s leisure centre on Beveridge Way, includes sections for teenagers and children, a study area and updated computer facilities. It also offers a wide selection of current and classic titles as well as ebooks and emags. Free wifi is available throughout the building. The move from the library’s former base is part of a wider £1 million scheme we are carrying out to help regenerate the town centre.

Fitness Friends An exercise class set up by jobseekers in Newton Aycliffe is celebrating its first year of success. The Wellbeing for Life Fitness Friends group was established by people who met while attending Employability Pitstop drop-ins funded by Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP). They now meet every Wednesday at the Pioneering Care Centre to chat and exercise. Anyone is welcome to join. Contact [email protected] or 01325 321 234.

Cash boost for new IT kit A centre that offers IT classes for the over-50s and the unemployed has received £1,600 to update its computer equipment.

People who attend the classes at Spennymoor Settlement are given tips on using the internet to contact friends and family, shop safely and book services such as medical appointments. Bishop Auckland improvements They can also learn how to make payments – update online, write a CV and search and apply for jobs. Local councillors A scheme to improve links between Bishop Auckland have donated Market Place and Auckland Castle is now well underway. £1,200 to enable Yorkstone paving has been installed on footpaths in the the centre to buy market place and on the approach to the castle, while north new computer and southbound traffic can now pass through the market equipment. place following the completion of carriageway improvements. www.durham.gov.uk/bishopworks

22 South and West Durham news Watch your speed Speeding motorists are the target of a new initiative in the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership area. The partnership has bought an electronic sign, which warns drivers of the speed limit. It will be used at six locations around the GAMP area.

a stay at Help for jobseekers Ramside Hall Hotel Two dozen people in the Spennymoor AAP area have Chase away those winter blues received financial help to top up their skills and qualifications. and step into spring with a fabulous one The group received a share of a £20,000 pot made available to night stay at Durham’s own Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa. Relax by the pool – or pay for training to help unemployed people get back into work. should we say pools – and simply let the The Employability Skills and Discretionary Fund, is managed by stresses of everyday life pass you by. , and funded by Spennymoor AAP. One lucky winner and their guest will Contact [email protected] or 01388 443 078. enjoy an overnight stay at the luxury hotel with a hearty breakfast the following day, with full People’s use of the spa Garden throughout. And that’s A new community not all – garden is there’s also a £50 voucher which you can providing a safe use to dine at either the Fusion Asian place for people restaurant or the acclaimed Rib Room. living with Further details about the hotel are dementia and their available at www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk families to relax and www.ramsidespa.co.uk and enjoy the great outdoors. For the chance to win, tell us how many bedrooms there are at Ramside Hall. The People’s Garden at the ...... Hub, in Barnard Castle, is fully accessible and features raised planters, a summer Name ...... house and poly tunnel. It has been created by the Veg Out in Barney project, which is supported by Teesdale AAP. Local firms Tel ...... have also provided equipment and their time for free. Address ...... For more information, contact Ann Barmby on 01833 630 812.

......

Fighting ...... loneliness Postcode ...... The Buddies Befriending Service, funded by Great Email ...... Aycliffe and Middridge See page 2 for entry details. Fill in the form or Partnership, is helping dozens enter online at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn of older people overcome loneliness. Tick here to receive further It offers the over-50s the chance to get out and about and form new information about Ramside Hall: friendships. Find out more 01325 329 933 or [email protected]

South and West Durham news 23 Park life!

People in many parts of Britain might be green with envy at what’s on offer in County Durham’s parks. Play! Top priority for our younger visitors! There are few things better than whizzing round on a roundabout or kicking your feet in the air on a swing. Even a few grown-ups secretly want a go! As an example of the various revamps taking place, in Park Close, Stanley has seen the installation of two types of swings for older and younger children, a roundabout with wheelchair access and two multi-use play units.

Walk or run A simple pleasure, that’s free and keeps you fit. Pick any one of our With longer days and warmer many parks to keep active at weather fast approaching, what whatever pace suits you best. better way to start blowing away Public parks in Britain have been those winter cobwebs than by around for more than 170-years, visiting your local park? and walking in them is one of County Durham boasts some our favourite ways to spend time. truly stunning green spaces, offering everything from beautiful grounds to brand new Skateboarding play equipment. If you are looking for something to set More than £1.75 million is the pulse racing a little bit faster, then currently being spent revamping pop along to Consett’s new £85,000 swings, slides, climbing frames skate park. and other attractions, putting a Opened in September last year, it’s at smile on the faces of children and the Consett Academy and Leisure Centre parents. – with the skateboarders themselves So whether it’s exercise, peace advising on the design. and quiet or practising your latest moves at a brand new skate park, there’s something for everyone. Children’s car track Here’s our guide to just ten of the Wharton Park has its own mini grand prix circuit, where budding Lewis Hamiltons things you can do to brighten can race and chase safely. Our mini racing cars are available every day between your day in parks across County 1pm and 4.30pm, weather permitting, with the cars being suitable for children Durham. aged between three and 10-years-old – and it’s only £1 a go.

24 Park life! Coffee and cake Bowls A favourite among the grown-ups. A game Many of our parks have somewhere you synonymous can grab a cuppa or a cool drink, along with carefully with something to nibble on. cared for lawns and whiling away a lovely summer’s day. There are lots of bowling greens to choose from – including Bishop Auckland town Nature recreation ground, which features a bowling green, If flowers, trees and four tennis courts, football pitch, play equipment and a wildlife are more BMX and skateboard park. your thing, then our parks are sure to have something to offer. We might not have elephants or tigers roaming around – but bugs, birds and the occasional squirrel are just as fascinating. At View Park, Stanley, you can also enjoy some striking timber and stone structures – including a giant wooden acorn! Spying No. Seriously. Potential James and Jane Bonds can learn what makes a great secret agent at Hardwick Park, Sedgefield. It’s just one of a number of activities, supervised by adults, making use of the surroundings in a fun and imaginative way. There are also toddler trails and tales, and a wood club.

and finally... Mud Muddy Mayhem returns to Hardwick Park on Sunday 1 October. As the name suggests, it’s a fun obstacle course with lots and lots of mud. Competitors run – or maybe slog – their way around either a 5K or 10K course negotiating everything from cargo nets to climbing Celebrate our heritage walls and tunnels. Whether you loved it the last time or are What better way to spend a relaxing looking for a new challenge, it’s a great way to test your afternoon than lounging in a deckchair stamina, agility and strength – or just to have a laugh with listening to live music? Blackhill and Consett your mates. Early timeslots, which are popular with our Park has its own replica Victorian bandstand, where most competitive runners (and those who don’t want to get colliery bands pay tribute to the county’s heritage as muddy) are already filling up fast. Choosing your timeslot during regular summer concerts. Located in the as soon as possible is also the best way of ensuring you can Blackhill conservation area, the park also boasts take part in the same wave as your friends. Runners must cultivated lawns, decorative beds and borders, be aged 16 or over to enter and have a reasonable level of woodland areas and an original Victorian fountain. fitness. Apply at www.durham.gov.uk/muddymayhem

Park life! 25 A Gala Theatre Production Out and about

by Willy Russell Directed by Rebecca Frecknall

May 2017 to April 2018 Ps Project Locations around the county We’re taking sculpture out into the community this summer with an Tuesday 4 to Saturday 8 April intriguing mobile artwork. Educating Rita Louise Plant’s Ps Project features Gala Theatre, Durham numerous standalone cast iron sculptures which are arranged May (dates to be confirmed) This Gala-produced version of differently depending on their Willy Russell’s award-winning play surroundings. Pearl Izumi follows last year’s critically acclaimed Each P is intended to embody a Durham City The Fighting Bradfords¸ which was sense of freedom and adventure. the venue’s first theatre production The Tour Series returns to Durham Together, they examine how we outside of its pantomime for six City in 2017 for its ninth season. interact and make relationships. years. The unique team-based cycle race Over the next year, the Ps Project Hairdresser Rita is unhappy in her takes place at ten locations around will be available to view in four job and signs up for an Open the country, with Britain’s fastest locations around the county – University course in English teams once again set to take on the Nose’s Point in Seaham; Wharton Literature, where she forms an thrills and spills of Durham’s cobbles Park in Durham; Bishop Auckland unlikely bond with her tutor, Frank, in May. and Hamsterley Forest. a middle-aged, alcoholic academic. Join the crowds to cheer on the We’ll be working with schools in Intelligent, funny, and as relevant professionals during a test of their each of these areas to deliver drama today as it was when it was written skill and speed. and dance workshops linked to the in 1980, Educating Rita is a modern Ps Project and there will also be a Keep up to date with all the latest classic. film telling the story of the Ps being Tour Series news on Facebook and www.galadurham.co.uk cast at a foundry in Halifax and Twitter or visit 03000 266 600 delivered to the four locations. www.tourseries.co.uk

Killhope Lead Mining Museum Killhope reopens to the public on Saturday 1 April following its regular

winter shutdown. Bell MT bold Famous for its iconic working waterwheel, the museum also offers visitors the chance to take a trip down a Victorian lead mine, explore stunning landscapes and even stay overnight in a yurt. www.killhope.org.uk

26 Out and about at’s on this E Wh ASTER!

Saturday 8 to Sunday 23 April Easter holiday fun Down at the Farm, Houghton-le-Spring Bottle-feed the lambs, hold a chick and enter the Easter egg Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April decorating competition. 10am-5pm. Easter at Wharton A £5.75, C £6.25. 0191 5841 873, The Bowes Museum, Wharton Park, Durham www.downatthefarm.co.uk Barnard Castle Mobile animal farm, egg hunt, Monday 10 April music performances and crafts. Monday 10 to Thursday 13 and Felting Easter 11am-5pm. C £4, adults and under Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 April eggs 3s free. 03000 262 655, (excludes Wednesdays) Create a colourful 2D Easter www.durham.gov.uk/whartonpark Children’s craft drop-in egg. 10.30am-12pm. Age 5+ Chester-le-Street Library C £4.50. Booking essential. Saturday 15 to Monday 17 April 10am-12pm. Free. 03000 269 512, Easter activities [email protected] Tuesday 11 to Thursday 13 April Raby Castle Easter crafts Easter trail, crafts and outdoor activities. Tuesday 11 April 10.30am-12pm and 1.30pm-3pm. C £4. 11am-5pm. A £7, C £3. 01833 660 202, Egg decorating workshop Booking essential. www.rabycastle.com The Witham, Barnard Castle Friday 14 April Sunday 16 April to Monday 17 April 10.30am-12pm. 01833 631 107, Easter extravaganza – Family [email protected] Easter activities Fun Day Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham Saturday 15 April Make an Easter basket, create a card, 10am-5pm. Included in admission. decorate an Easter bunny pot and 0191 384 8028. Easter Extravaganza follow an Easter trail. 11am-4pm. Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin Included in admission. Face-painting, bunny trail, egg-decorating, mask-making. 01833 690 606 Junior Activity Camp 11am-3.30pm. C £5. www.thebowes Monday 10 April – Teesdale www.visitbowlees.org.uk museum.org.uk Leisure Centre Tuesday 11 April – Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre Easter fun at Locomotion: the National Railway Wednesday 12 April – Museum at Shildon Meadowfield Leisure Centre Easter crafts, egg hunt, bouncy Saturday 8 to Sunday 23 April castle and soft play for children aged 5-11. 9am-4pm. £20. FREE family learning trail Osaka Trains and the story of Japan's global gateway city explores Junior Sports Camp how Osaka's rail companies helped to make Osaka a world powerhouse city. Pick up a free trail sheet and follow the clues to learn more about the Tuesday 18 April – Shildon history of Osaka's train companies - and the famous Shinkansen. Sunnydale Leisure Centre Wednesday 19 April – Friday 14 to Monday 17 April Meadowfield Leisure Centre Thursday 20 April – Teesdale Easter Fun activity packs Suitable for children aged 4-11. £1. Leisure Centre Multi-sports, dance, fun and games for children aged 5-11. 1pm-3pm. £4.

Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family. What’s on 27 March to May WHAT’S ON Until Saturday 1 April Shop Shape – East Durham Artists’ Network The Art Block, Church Street, Seaham Exhibition highlighting the history, architecture, proprietors and customers of Seaham’s shops. Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, Sat 12pm-4pm. Free. Facebook: East Durham Artists’ Network

Until Saturday 10 June Open Treasure – Beasts! Durham Cathedral Discover a world of weird and wonderful beasts and monsters. £2.50-£7.50. www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/open-treasure

Until Saturday 25 March A Dream of Sunday 26 March the Sea Robots in Space! The Witham, North Pennines Observatory, Barnard Castle Allenheads Exhibition Family-friendly talk about the latest offering an escape to the sea. developments in space-age technology. 5pm-8pm. A £5, Con £2, F £10. Booking Saturday 18 March 10am-4pm. Free. 01833 631 107, essential. 01388 528 801, Tunes from Teesdale [email protected] Newbiggin Chapel, www.northpennines.org.uk near Middleton-in-Teesdale Wednesday 22 March Sunday 26 March Concert by youth folk band Cream Tees Lanchester Flower Club to mark the closure of the oldest Bushcraft Essential Survival Skills Lanchester Community Centre, Hamsterley Forest Methodist chapel in continuous use in Newbiggin Lane the world. 2.30pm. £5. 01833 638 263, Learn the basics for survival in a forest [email protected] Flotsam and jetsam-themed demo by environment. 9.30am-4.30pm. Age 16+. Lucy Smith-Richmond. 2pm. £25. Booking essential. 01388 529 154, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March Non-members £4. www.natureholiday.co.uk Traditional Crafts Weekend Saturday 25 March Sunday 26 March to Saturday 1 April Durham University Botanic Garden Demonstration by silversmith Les Howe, 50-50 Dance Natural Causes and his wife Vivienne, an artist and card Castleside Village Hall, near Consett City Theatre, Durham designer, 10am-4pm. A £4, Con £3, Old time and modern dancing with music Black comedy presented by Durham C £1.50. [email protected] by Alan Chandler. 8pm-11.30pm. £5. Dramatic Society. Sun 2.30pm, Mon-Sat 7.30pm. £7.50. 03000 266 600 Monday 20 March Saturday 25 March Sedgefield Family History Group Archaeology Open Day Wednesday 29 March to Sunday 2 April Ceddesfeld Hall, Sedgefield Wynch Bridge End Cottage Talk on Skinningrove social history and Start at Bowlees Visitor Centre for an Old King Coal development due to ironstone mining easy 1km, 20-minute walk looking at Beamish Museum and iron production. 7.15pm. archaeological remains. 11am-3pm. Join banner parades and enjoy Non-members £1. 01833 622 374, performances by local brass bands. 10am-5pm. 0191 370 4000, [email protected] [email protected] www.beamish.org.uk/whats-on Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 March Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March Saturday 1 April Carousel Fantazmagoria Gala Theatre, Durham Wildlife Watch – Pond-dipping Locomotion, the National Railway Low Barns Nature Reserve, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Museum at Shildon masterpiece presented by Durham Witton-le-Wear Musical Theatre Company. 7pm, Steampunk and sci-fi displays, Learn about the life cycle of mini beasts matinees at 2pm on Wednesday and demonstrations and trade stands. and take part in a river fly survey. Saturday. £17-£18.50. 03000 266 600, 10am-4pm. Free. 01388 777 999, 10am-12pm. £1 per child. www.galadurham.co.uk www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion 0191 584 3112, www.durhamwt.com

28 What’s on Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family. Saturday 1 April Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 April Tuesday 11 April Comedy Night with Mighty Wurlitzer Family Pond Dipping and Gavin Webster The New Victoria Centre, Wild Sculptures Alun Armstrong Theatre, Civic Hall Howden-le-Wear Low Barns Nature Reserve, Stanley John Mann in concert on Saturday at Witton-le-Wear North East comedian. 7.30pm. £10. 7pm and Sunday at 2.30pm. £8. Find the elusive water scorpion, learn 01207 299 110, 01388 762 467, www.netoa.org.uk how water beetles breathe and create www.civichallstanley.co.uk some wild sculptures. 1pm-3pm. £3 per child. 0191 584 3112, www.durhamwt.com Monday 3 April Dark Skies Star Gazing Wednesday 12 April Harehope Quarry, Frosterley Taste, Touch and Texture Explore the wonders of the night sky. Bowlees Visitor Centre 8.30pm-10pm. £5, F £15. 01388 529154, Explore textures and patterns in www.natureholiday.co.uk nature during a half-mile walk. 11am-3.30pm. C £3. Tuesday 4 April www.visitbowlees.org.uk to Saturday 6 May Wednesday 12 and Wednesday 19 Cells and April Bio-Medicine Saturday 8 April to Sunday 9 July Family Roller Disco The Art Block, Painting the Theatre: Garrick in Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington Church Street, Action 2pm-3.30pm. £3. 01388 747 000, Seaham The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle [email protected] Works inspired by the microscopic A celebration of actor David Garrick, world. Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, Sat 12pm- marking the 300th anniversary of his Wednesday 12 April, Friday 5 and 4pm. Free. Facebook: East Durham birth. 01833 690 606, Wednesday 10 May Artists’ Network www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Derwent Valley Flower Club Denecourt Communal Room, Saturday 8 to Monday 17 April Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 April Hamsterley The North’s Premier Charity Great North Steam Fair Friendship and Fun with Flowers themed Book Sale session. 2pm. £4. 01207 505 576 Beamish Museum Pemberton Rooms, Palace Green, Amazing line-up of visiting vehicles Durham Thursday 13 April from motorcycles to steam lorries. 10,000 new and used books, including Alice in Wonderland 10am-5pm. 0191 370 4000, Alun Armstrong Theatre, Civic Hall www.beamish.org.uk/whats-on fiction and children’s books. In aid of Durham Palestine Educational Trust. Stanley 10am-4pm. Free. Family musical brimming with Friday 7 April www.dur.ac.uk/durham.palestine/ nonsensical fun and excitement for the Ladies lunch in aid of whole family. 2.30pm. £12/£10. St Cuthbert’s Hospice Sunday 9 April 01207 299 110, Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham Northern Bygones Rally www.civichallstanley.co.uk Three-course lunch, stalls, talk and Locomotion, the National Railway Thursday 13 and Thursday 20 April entertainment. 11am-3pm. £36. Museum at Shildon 0191 386 1170 Bouncy castle and soft play Classic and vintage vehicles. 10am-4pm. Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington Free. 01388 777 999, www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion 2pm-3.30pm. £3. 01388 747 000, Saturday 8 April [email protected] Durham Singers – The Night in the Garden Sunday 9 April to Tuesday 11 April Friday 14 April Ushaw College, Durham Pirates & Princesses Champions of Magic Choral music for Holy Week, including Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham Gala Theatre, Durham Allegri’s Miserere. 7.30pm. £12. Pirate and princess fun for little ones. World class illusionists present a night of www.durham-singers.org 10am-5pm. Included in admission. magic. 7.30pm. £20 Con £17. or 07790 148 062 0191 384 8028 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk

Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family. What’s on 29 WHAT’S ON

Saturday 15 April Rob Rouse – Are You Sitting Comfortably? The Witham, Barnard Castle Funny Way To Be Comedy presents one of comedy’s most lively and loveable Monday 24 to Friday 28 April performers. 8pm. 16+. £14. 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk Chester-le-Street Art Society Exhibition Monday 17 April Chester-le-Street Library Sedgefield Family History Group 03000 269 512, Ceddesfeld Hall, Sedgefield [email protected] Talk on The Langworthy Mystery. Wednesday 26 April 7.15pm. Non-members £1. Saturday 29 April to Monday 1 May [email protected] Garden tour Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham Spring Toy Fair Wednesday 19 Take a tour with the hall’s head Locomotion, the National Railway April gardener. 2pm. Included in admission. Museum at Shildon Slugs, Snails 0191 384 8028 Trade stands offering railway modelling, die cast, collectables and more. and Tall Tales 10am-4pm. Free. 01388 777 999, Bowlees Visitor Wednesday 26 April www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion Centre, Newbiggin Lanchester Flower Club Author Teresa Lanchester Community Centre, Sunday 30 April Dewhirst reads Newbiggin Lane North East Early Music Forum from her Slug Time Flies themed demonstration by Performing Day adventures during Katie-Jane Pridmore. 2pm. The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle a troll trail. Non-members £4. Early music from the medieval to the 11am-3.30pm. baroque period. 12pm-4pm. C £3. www.visitbowlees.org.uk Thursday 27 April 01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Thursday 20 April Drawing workshop Dunelm Flower Club The Witham, Barnard Castle Sunday 30 April Durham High School for Girls, Durham Using soft pastels to create landscapes. Mighty Wurlitzer 10.30am-3.30pm. £57. 01833 631 107, All Creatures Great and Small by Kate [email protected] The New Victoria Centre, Kerr. 7.30pm. Visitors welcome, £5. Howden-le-Wear The New Vic All Stars in concert. 2.30pm. Friday 28 April Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 April £8 including cream tea. Booking essential. at Work Peter Donegan £3 on the door with tea/coffee only. Alun Armstrong Theatre, Civic Hall Beamish Museum 01388 601 596, [email protected] Stanley Ponies, carriage horses, heavy horses and a cavalry display. 10am-5pm. Music and stories from the son of the late Lonnie Donegan. 7.00pm. £15/£13. 0191 370 4000, www.beamish.org.uk/whats-on 01207 299 110, www.civichallstanley.co.uk Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 April World Heritage Weekend Saturday 29 April Durham Cathedral 50-50 Dance Celebrate World Heritage Day with Castleside Village Hall, near Consett family activities. www.durhamwhs.com Old time and modern dancing with Sunday 30 April and Monday 1 May music by Lynne Valley Duo. May Day Celebrations 8pm-11.30pm. £5. Saturday 22 April and Saturday 6 Beamish Museum May Parades, music, Maypole dancing and headdress making. 10am-5pm. Black Grouse Morning Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 April Northumbria Basketry Group 0191 370 4000, Langdon Beck www.beamish.org.uk/whats-on Observe the weird and wonderful 10th anniversary celebration behaviour of the rare black grouse Durham Dales Centre Sunday 30 April and Monday 1 May during their courtship displays. Weaving Our History exhibition, Mary Poppins 5am- 9am. £25. Booking essential. demonstrations and workshops. Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham 01833 622 374, 10.30am-4pm. [email protected] Mary Poppins-themed fun. 10am-5pm. [email protected] Included in admission. 0191 384 8028

30 What’s on Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family. Sunday 30 April and Monday 8 May Saturday 13 May Beginner Ukulele Treasures of Classes Thursday 18 May Widdybank Fell Alington House, Durham Dunelm Flower Club Cow Green Reservoir 10-week ukulele course. Durham High School for Girls, Durham 6.15pm-7.15pm. £54. Guided walk along the Incredible India by Elaine Bedford. Booking required. 07939 166 806 Nature Trail at Widdybank Fell. 7.30pm. Visitors welcome, £5. 2pm-5pm. 01833 622 374, [email protected] Wednesday 10 to Friday 12 May Friday 19 May Musicals from Around the Lanchester Flower Club Monday 1 May World Hannah James – Jig Doll Lanchester Community Centre, Park View Community Theatre, Newbiggin Lane The Witham, Barnard Castle Chester-le-Street A Night to Remember themed A combination of clogs and folk music. Riverside Musical Theatre Company demonstration by Anne Codd. 7pm. £7. £12 advance. 01833 631 107, performs hits from the musicals. 01207 503 667 [email protected] 7.15pm. £9 Wed, £10 Thurs and Fri. 0191 385 7500, Thursday 4 May www.ticketsource.co.uk/rmtc Squabbling, Babbling, Feeling: What did Exile do to Early Modern Friday 12 May Catholics from Britain and Ireland? Jason Cook Ushaw College, Durham Scarth Hall, Public lecture. 6pm. Free. Booking Staindrop preferred. 0191 334 1656 Funny Way To Be Comedy Thursday 4 to Wednesday 31 May presents Antinomies Hebburn star family tickets for by Helen Winthorpe Kendrick and writer Beamish Greenfield Arts, Newton Aycliffe Jason Cook World-famous open air supported by Art exhibition exploring juxtapositions. museum Beamish tells the story of life Mon-Thurs 10am-9pm, Fri 10am-4pm. Steffen Peddie. 8pm. 16+. £10/£12. 01833 650 930. in during the 1820s, [email protected] 1900s and 1940s. We’ve joined forces with them to give Saturday 6 May Saturday 13 May History Walk away two family day tickets. Each ticket Non-Native Invaders admits four people and is valid until the Low Barns Nature Reserve, Durham Cathedral woodlands and riverbanks end of October. For a chance to win, Witton-le-Wear answer the question below. Learn about non-native invaders in the Guided tour of the cathedral’s historic UK and help with some Himalayan woodlands and riverbanks. Beamish brought its railway station balsam bashing. 10am-12pm. C £1. 10.30am-12.00pm. £3. Booking essential. stone by stone to rebuild at the museum. 0191 584 3112, www.durhamwt.com 0191 386 4266, Where from? [email protected] Sunday 7 May ...... Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May Photography workshop – Water Name ...... and its moods Meccano Exhibition Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin Beamish Museum Tel ...... Hints and tips for capturing on camera Working models and construction sets the waterfalls of Low Force. 10am-4pm. dating from the early 1900s. 10am-5pm. Address ...... £90. www.goingdigital.co.uk 0191 370 4000, www.beamish.org.uk/whats-on ...... Until Sunday 7 May Postcode ...... Only in England Sunday 14 May The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle Mighty Wurlitzer Email ...... Exhibition of photographs by Tony The New Victoria Centre, See page 2 for entry details. Fill in the form Ray-Jones documenting England in the Howden-le-Wear or enter online at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn late 1960s. 01833 690 606, Jean Martyn in concert. 2.30pm. £8. Tick here to receive www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk 01388 762 467, www.netoa.org.uk further information about Beamish:

Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family. What’s on 31 New car... mortgage... mobile phone..?

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