Issue No 982 At the heart of our wonderful community Friday 11th December 2020

STUTE APPEAL CLOSES WITH RMT BRANCH DONATION

THE PUBLIC appeal for donations to help the historic Railway Institute financially sur- vive the remainder of the Coronavirus pandemic received a late and wel- come boost on Saturday, when a representative of the Newcastle Railway and Catering Branch of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union presented a donation of £1,000 on behalf of the members of that branch. The Branch Secretary, David King, told the team behind the campaign that, “Having seen recent Fred Langley, founder of Shildon & Dene Valley Independent Party, outside the soon-to-be party headquarters at 50 Church Street. articles in the local press, members of my union raised concerns that we cannot allow a significant INDEPENDENT PARTY LAUNCHED part of our railway and community heritage to disappear.” FOR SHILDON & DENE VALLEY The Save Our Stute Party, which will have a cated in Shildon, attend- “Nationally focused campaign was invited to EXCLUSIVE permanent office, open to ing the Council School political parties have address members at a A LOCAL commu- the public, in the town’s and then the late Shildon failed to oversee the branch meeting to explain nity campaigner has Church Street. Boys’ Modern School. recent development of the predicament in more launched an independent Having registered as “I played football for Shildon and Dene Val- detail and outline the political party to chal- an official political party Shildon Works Juniors, ley when compared with historic significance of lenge the status quo in with the Electoral Com- with Henry Nicholson surrounding towns like the organisation, building Shildon. mission, it is now ready to amongst others, before Crook, , and its place in the com- Fred Langley, a Shil- interview candidates to setting off on a lengthy Aycliffe and Bishop Auck- munity. Afterwards a don-born local resident stand for the Shildon and educational journey. land. resolution was moved on and educationalist, who Dene Valley ward at next “A short while ago I “It’s our belief that part providing support to the has been vociferous in year’s Durham County retired to Shildon and of this problem is due to campaign. campaigning to save Council elections. voiced my opinion about the fact that these parties Save Our Stute cam- Sunnydale School, has Speaking exclusively to the lack of development are controlled by party launched the Shildon & the Crier, Mr Langley said: in the town since my CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 Dene Valley Independent “I grew up and was edu- departure in 1973. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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Published at: 3-4 First Floor Offices, Shildon Town Council, Civic Hall Square, Shildon DL4 1AH • Editorial: 01388 775896 • Advertising: 07909 992731 • Email: [email protected] • Online: www.swd.news/crier • You can read all our sister papers online at www.swd.news: Spennymoor News • & Chilton Chapter • The Bishop Press For more news from Shildon and across South West Durham visit: www.swd.news Friday 11th December 2020

Published by South West Durham News Classifieds 3-4 First Floor Offices All about local people ... Shildon Town Council Civic Hall Square Shildon DL4 1AH Passed Away Birthdays Editorial: Classifieds in the Crier 01388 775896 Margaret Comerford Daniel Plews Advertising: Our offices are currently closed to the public, so if you would like to place a December 1st 2020 12th December 07909 992731 Margaret passed away message to your loved ones in The Crier, you can contact us by email, private Email: peacefully in hospital, message on Facebook or by phone. We will reply and let you know the price for aged 76 years. Loving [email protected] mam of Gary and Kevin, your message and you can pay by debit or credit card over the phone. Online: much loved nana of Abbie, Natalie and Jack. www.swd.news/crier Call: 07909 992731 or email: [email protected] Her funeral service Please be sure to provide us with a contact phone number You can read our will be held at Durham Crematorium at 3.30pm so that we can get back in touch with you. sister papers online: on Monday 14th December

www.swd.news/chapter Happy 40th birthday dad Love you always, SPENNYMOOR Rest in Peace NEWS xxx Lots of love from, www.swd.news/spenny Isabelle, Alex & Bertie xxx Margaret Comerford Passed away peacefully on Post or hand this form into: 1st December aged 76. Daniel Plews 3-4 First Floor Offices, Town Council Building, www.swd.news/bishop 12th December Civic Hall Square, Shildon, DL4 1AH Happy 40th birthday Daniel Please note: All prices include VAT at standard rate. SEND US YOUR STORIES If you have a story you CLASSIFIED FORM: would like us to cover, we Love would love to hear from you. OCCASION: (Please tick) Jade xx We are especially Birthday Obituary interested in good news, be it personal Anniversary For Sale achievements, local Christmas Birth To Let fundraising, community She was a loving wife, service or any other mother and nana and will positive stories. Call us be forever in our hearts Messages Congratulations Services on 01388 775896 or Appreciations Acknowledgement email [email protected] You can send Seasons Greetings to your friends, Memoriam Birthday Memoriam Love, family and neighbours DISCLAIMER Gary, Kevin, Abbie, safely through Number of separate messages:...... Shildon & District Town Natalie and Jack Crier cannot be The Crier. Message(s): Please write in clear BLOCK CAPITALS and continue on a held responsible for Classifieds cost just 42p separate piece of paper if necessary advertisers offering Christmas Greetings per word, plus £7.20 for goods or services...... As a general rule we would an optional photograph. Best ...... advise anyone not to The Christmas edition part with any money Playing safe this year; will be distributed from ...... until an order has been so to all our friends - we completed to your wish you a safe, peaceful Thursday 17th December...... full satisfaction. Christmas and hope that The deadline for All information is correct, 2021 is a much better ...... submissions is noon on to the best of our year! God bless. T uesday 15th December. Total number of words = ...... knowledge, at the time of From, printing. Jean and Jim Best xx You can submit messages Amount x 0.42p, (includes VAT): ...... Shildon & District Town via email to crier@swd. Crier accepts articles in Photograph included? (£7.20) Yes No good faith and takes news, via our Facebook no responsibility for J. DUNN page or over the phone on (if yes, please include a stamped addressed envelope if you would like your picture returning) errors and/or omissions. HEATING & PLUMBING 01388 775896 or 07909 Total (inc. photo): ...... BOILER 992731. Although our office INSTALLATIONS, is closed to the public, you PLEASE NOTE: Cheques should be made payable to: Community Newspaper Support CIC Support your local SERVICE & REPAIR can pop your messages Contact Name: ...... community newspaper Gas Safe Registered into the Town Council post by mentioning the All plumbing & gas box which is located on Address: ...... Shildon Town Crier work carried out the wall to the right of the ...... when contacting Tel: 07826 527952 building (facing towards Contact Number: ...... advertisers. 01388 720009 the Civic Hall).

2 Friday 11th December 2020 For more news from Shildon and across South West Durham visit: www.swd.news

INDEPENDENT PARTY LAUNCHED

FROM PAGE 1 “We are in the process of setting up a party web- whips and party leaders site and we are happy to who restrict local opin- commit to a regular col- ions and local actions umn in the Town Crier to in favour of county and keep people informed of country-wide policies. activities and develop- “Independent council- ments. lors are unhindered by “With these avenues of party machines and thus communication in place, more able to truly repre- we can guarantee that sent their constituents at S&DVIP councillors will county level. be held accountable for “It is for this reason that their activities and be I have now registered with approachable by the gen- the Shildon & Dene Valley eral public throughout Independent Party (S&D- the year. VIP) with the Electoral “We aim to make Shil- Commission with the aim don a more pleasurable to contest all three Shil- place to live and work don allocated seats on and will be publishing our Clare Massey outside her former home at Vale in Shildon, which remains boarded manifesto shortly. up and cordoned off after being struck by a lorry in September. Inset, the crash scene. Durham County Council in next year’s elections. “Our activities will “The Independent con- include passionate and CLARE SAYS THANK YOU TO RESCUERS cept is not new of course, energetic support and a loud campaigning A CHILDMINDER from as she had been due to forting her while the two and of the 126 seats at voice at County Council Shildon, whose house collect her own daughter men waited with the lorry DCC, 23 are taken by a for every aspect of our was damaged when it from school when the driver for an ambulance variety of Independents, community, from our was struck by a lorry in incident happened. to arrive. making this movement education facilities and September, is saying a Meanwhile, Paul Haux “Paul and Jordan’s quick the second largest group the safety of our school public thank you to the of , and reactions have restored at County, second only to children to mediation and two rescuers who helped his apprentice, Jordan my faith in humanity, the Labour Party. support for renters and her and the child she Latcham, were passing especially when you think “New representation landlords and dealing was caring for escape when they witnessed the of the danger they could in Shildon would fur- with the scourges of fly to safety, writes Josie incident and rushed to have been putting them- ther reflect that there tipping and dog litter. Eldridge. help. selves in,” said Clare. “It is county wide dissatis- “We will continue to When the accident hap- With swift thinking, Paul didn’t even enter their faction with the current campaign to save Sun- pened, Clare Massey, a switched off the gas and heads to be afraid”. major political parties. nydale school and the lei- 44-year-old mother of electric to Clare’s home In a Facebook post “In a recent short sur- sure centre, which is one two, became separated and turned off the engine in the aftermath of the vey we conducted, no of just two in County Dur- from her ward, a one- of the lorry - the driver incident, Clare’s rescuer, one interviewed was able ham not to receive addi- year-old child asleep in of which had suffered a Paul said: “I’m sure any- to name all three of the tional funding in a £62m their buggy, who became head injury. one would have done the current DCC councillors transformation of the trapped in the kitchen He then took the child in same in the same situa- and no one could remem- county’s leisure facilities. when the lorry veered off the pushchair out of the tion. I’m glad Clare and ber receiving information “We will be supporting the roundabout imme- kitchen via the back door, the bairn are okay and about any of the council- and promoting activities diately outside and col- while Jordan helped Clare hope the driver makes a lors’ activities outside of ahead of the 200th anni- lided with the front of the to navigate the stairs speedy recovery. an election period. versary of the coming house. among the rubble. “I’m sure I speak for “This has led to signifi- of the railway in 2025, Seeing smoke and Not knowing her rescu- Jordan too when I say cant voter apathy in the in which Shildon has a flames billowing from ers’ names at the time, I’m just thankful that we town and a belief that unique and historic part the lorry, Clare, who was Clare and her eldest were in the right place at nothing will change and to play. upstairs and unable to daughter created Face- the right time to be able that Durham will continue “And we will be engag- descend through the book posts about the to help.” to ignore Shildon. ing with the town’s young wreckage of the dam- accident in the hope of Clare has now relocated “Politics is about com- people, not to tell them, aged staircase, shouted finding their details so to alternative accommo- munication between but to ask them what they to neighbours from the they could thank them. dation elsewhere in the the electorate and their want and need and giving front window to let them “They are heroes with- area, saying she doesn’t chosen representatives,” them a voice. know the whereabouts of out capes,” said Clare. feel comfortable about said Mr Langley. “As such “The four pillars of the child. Neighbours from the the idea of moving back communication will be a Shildon and Dene Valley Her next instinct was adjacent house also to the house and that she cornerstone of S&DVIP. Independent Party are to call the child’s mother arrived to help, offering would have a ‘constant “In addition, we will aim integrity, communication, as well as her ex-partner, cups of tea and com- worry’ about its location. to restore faith in local politics and to bring back accountability and pas- democratic, meaningful sion. Pass + and accountable politics “So, if you believe in Driving School to Shildon in order that Shildon and Dene Val- ley and are interested in 30 years experience the people will make their their future, we would be High Pass RAte voice heard regarding the development of this delighted to hear from ** Special Offer ** unique and historic town. you.” 4 lessons only £40 “We will achieve this by To contact the party, Call Ian on opening a party office email Fred Langley on 07989 802481 in Church Street where [email protected] regular surgeries will be or call Mr Langley on held. 07809 617716.

3 For more news from Shildon and across South West Durham visit: www.swd.news Friday 11th December 2020

David and Janet Gray with gifts, cards and flowers received Cllr Garry Huntingdon, centre right, and Cllr Shirley Quinn, centre left, with delighted bell on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. ringers from St John’s after the church’s famed bells were successfully restored. DAVID AND JANET CELEBRATE CHURCH BELLS RESTORED TO ON BEHALF of the town The day was spent cel- council, Shildon’s mayor, ebrating with an array of FORMER GLORY THANKS TO FUNDING Cllr Peter Quinn, sent a socially distanced deliv- message and flowers to eries including presents, ST JOHN’S church bells boosted by the church’s are an important part David and Janet Gray to cards and flowers from in Shildon have been unu- own funds, generous of Shildon’s heritage congratulate the couple close family and friends. sually quiet recently, but donations from local peo- and now they can help on their Golden Wedding The day was finished off thanks to a £30,000 refur- ple and grants from the the town commemorate Anniversary, which they with an online Zoom party bishment project, they Durham and Newcastle events and mark mile- celebrated on Monday which included games, can once again chime. Bell Ringers Association, stones for generations to 28th November. fun and lots of laughter. The bells of St John’s the Busy Bees and the All come.” were originally installed Churches Trust. Cllr Shiry Quinn added: by North Eastern Railway Tower captain Trevor “One of my pleasures ADD YOUR CHRISTMAS in 1902 and are widely Thompson said: “With- is listening to the bell considered to be among out the support we have ringing rehearsal on a WISHES TO THE TOWN’S TREE the best ring of eight received - both financially Wednesday night. RESIDENTS CAN share message to council bells in the country. and physically - this work “As soon as I was made a festive message with @shildon.gov.uk. As well as helping to just wouldn’t have been aware of the need to help the town this year by Your message will mark local and national possible and so we are restore the bells it was contacting the Town then be printed and dis- events for more than a incredibly grateful to something I really wanted Council on 01388 772563 played on the town’s tree century, the bells are a everyone who helped us to help with. or by emailing your throughout December. popular destination for reach our fundraising tar- “I have had the great school trips and gener- get. pleasure of visiting the ations of children have “This refurbishment will bell tower to see for learnt the art of bell ring- ensure the ringing can myself the fantastic work ing in the church’s tower. continue and Shildon will that has been done and Now children as young continue to boast one that can be enjoyed for as eight are part of the of the best ring of eight generations to come. regular ringing band and bells in the country. It will “This is another great bell ringers from other also enable children and example of our community View our vehicles at www.rmhcarsales.com areas often visit. young people to discover pulling together to enable St Helen Auckland Retail Park, , DL14 9TT To ensure the bells can more about the town’s this fantastic result.” continue to ring for years heritage. Cllr Huntington said: 07582 570308 to come, the church “We had to cancel our “I’m delighted to have launched a fundraising rededication service due been able to help with the mission to secure the to the coronavirus pan- restoration of the bells BLINDS FACTORY SHOP £30,000 needed to refur- demic but plan to hold a at our fantastic local bish them. celebration of the bells church. FREE MEASURE & FITTING Bishop Auckland and as soon as it is safe to do “Keeping Shildon’s his- buy direct from the Shildon Area Action so.” toric buildings in great FREE factory and save £££’s Partnership (AAP) was Andrew Walker, Bishop condition is essential for among the organisations Auckland and Shildon our town. HOME SELECTION SERVICE to help the church reach AAP coordinator said: “All credit to everyone Phone the North East’s original master blind maker its target, with Cllr Shirley “I am delighted we have who has helped secure Quinn and Cllr Garry Hun- been able to support this the funding particularly Siesta Blinds on 01325 309003 tington contributing a project through Cllr Quinn the church staff and Siesta House, Whinfield Drive, Newton Aycliffe DL5 6AU total of £3,000 from their and Cllr Huntington’s employees for their con- Ask about our next day fitting on vertical blinds neighbourhood budgets. neighbourhood budget. tinued commitment and www.siestablinds.com The project was also “The bells of St John’s efforts.”

4 Friday 11th December 2020 For more news from Shildon and across South West Durham visit: www.swd.news

BIKERS TOY COLLECTION FOR THE past 12 years, shop at 27-29 Church members of Newton Street in Shildon, has Aycliffe Motorcycle Club, stepped in to say that she based at the Turbinia in is happy to collect and the town, have collected deliver the toys this year. toys for underprivileged Claire said: “If anyone children from local pubs has any new toys for any and clubs, but unfor- age and would like to tunately cannot do so donate them to a worthy this year due to the pan- cause, please drop them demic. off in my shop and I will As a result, Claire Dent, make arrangements to who runs Denty’s clothes get them delivered.”

Paula Nelson from Shildon Alive and Trish Pemberton deliver the Christmas hampers to Santa. ROTARY HELPS SHILDON ALIVE ROTARY NEWTON Pat Henderson-Pickers- boxes to St. Paul’s Cen- Aycliffe has this week gill came up with the idea. tre in Spennymoor and to handed more than forty Rotary President, Trish the Newton Aycliffe food- Christmas hampers to Pemberton, who became bank. Santa, destined for deliv- involved with Shildon Trish said: “The club ery to local food banks Alive when she was a was delighted to agree throughout the area, Town and County Coun- to this wonderful initia- including to Shildon Alive. cillor and Shildon Mayor, tive and we would like to Members and friends was on hand to help Paula thank everyone who got of the Rotary club filled Nelson of Shildon Alive involved in any way. There was lots of fun and laughter earlier this week at Holly boxes and bags with to deliver the hampers to It was a real community Lodge Care Home in Shildon, when all the staff came in Christmas goodies, toys Santa, who will also be effort and we could not dressed as elves for Elf Day. All the proceeds raised are to be and gifts, after Rotarian, distributing some of the have done it without you.” donated to the Alzheimer’s Society.

5 For more news from Shildon and across South West Durham visit: www.swd.news Friday 11th December 2020

FREE FLU VACCINE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER PEOPLE WITH breath- the flu vaccine, particu- ing conditions are being larly among those with urged to take up their breathing conditions. free flu vaccine offer to It is part of the joint protect themselves and #DoYourBit campaign David King, Secretary of the Newcastle Railway and Catering Branch of the RMT (left) with help reduce pressure on set up across the region Julia Teasdale, Shaun Thompson, Dave Reynolds and Sue Clarke. the NHS this winter. to encourage people to Almost 16,000 people protect themselves and with a breathing condi- others by getting the flu RMT BRANCH SUPPORTS STUTE APPEAL tion in vaccine. FROM PAGE 1 ing to do captured their and £2,500 in match have not yet taken up By keeping the number attention and support.” funding from the North the offer of a flu vaccine, of flu patient admissions paigner Dave Reynolds, As a symbolic demon- East Local Enterprise meaning they and their to hospital as low as pos- having presented the stration of that extended Partnership. loved ones are still at sible, the NHS will be bet- case at the RMT branch kinship, the cheque for Along with donations risk from this potentially ter placed to cope with meeting, said the experi- the donation was handed made by public well-wish- life-threatening illness. the additional pressures ence had reinforced his over on Saturday 5th ers offline, the appeal had There are approxi- of coronavirus during the convictions that trying December on the steps accrued a total of £12,950 mately 27,000 people winter season. to save the Institute for of the Institute, with the for the Institute, with a of all ages living with a Also, by getting the flu future generations was bright banner of the RMT few more to come. chronic breathing con- vaccination now, people an important goal. Union branch, featuring Dave Reynolds also dition, such as asthma, can ease the burden on “To be approached by Newcastle’s High Level waxed lyrical about the emphysema, cystic fibro- those administering the a branch of the RMT was bridge and generations of warmth and generosity sis and chronic obstruc- Covid vaccine when it remarkably touching,” he locomotives, in the back- shown by the members tive pulmonary disease becomes available. said. “It’s easy to think, ground. and wider public towards (COPD), in the county and As well as those with because rail engineering Mr King presented the the Institute. they are all eligible for a respiratory conditions, ended in Shildon decades cheque to Save Our Stute “We’re all incredibly free flu vaccine. other people eligible for ago, that we’re no longer volunteer, Sue Clarke, moved by how people ral- People with breath- a free flu vaccine include considered part of the whose grandfather had lied to this cause, espe- ing conditions are at everyone aged 50 and extended railway family; been a representative cially in these toughest increased risk of getting over; pregnant women; however as this gesture for the National Union of of times for so many; and flu and being seriously children aged two to demonstrates it couldn’t Railwaymen, the forerun- we really can’t thank peo- affected by it and are three years; people with be further from the truth. ner to the RMT, during his ple enough. also seven times more certain health condi- “Our town may be retired working life at Shildon- “Many offered sub- likely to die from flu than tions; people in long-stay metaphorically, but to the Works. Also present were stantial donations far in someone without an residential care; those rail family nationally, and Shaun Thompson and excess of anything we underlying health condi- on a carer’s allowance or even globally, our town Julia Teasdale, secretary expected from individu- tion. anyone who is the main is still the cradle of the and chair of the Institute als or families. It’s com- However, the latest fig- carer for an older or dis- railway and something to respectively. pletely shifted our under- ures from Public Health abled person; people liv- care for and respect. The campaign’s online standing of the Institute, have revealed ing with someone at high “It’s also a reminder of public appeal drew to a its remarkable story, and more than one third of risk from coronavirus; the power of our local successful close on Sun- the part it has played in those eligible for a free and frontline health and press,” he added, “with- day with a flurry of last so many lives. flu vaccine on these social care workers. out whom our plight minute online donations. “Though we’re being grounds have not taken More information is might have gone unno- It was also bolstered warned that months of up the offer. available at www.nhs.uk/ ticed across the region. by further contribution restrictions remain, we This has prompted the conditions/vaccinations/ “We’re really apprecia- pledges of £500 from the now have greater cause NHS and Public Health flu-influenza-vaccine/ tive that what we’re try- Livin Community Fund to be hopeful.” organisations to join To find out more about forces to raise aware- #DoYourBit, visit www. ness of the importance of doyourbit-nenc.co.uk. 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6 Friday 11th December 2020 For more news from Shildon and across South West Durham visit: www.swd.news

DCC car parks will be free after 3pm throughout December. FREE PARKING AFTER 3 AN ANNUAL scheme to where possible into retail support businesses dur- centres. The Royal Livingstone Express set off full of excited children and teachers with Bushtracks ing the Christmas period Many retailers are offer- Africa providing a live stream back for children in the UK to watch. has returned this month. ing online services such Durham County Coun- as click and collect or MUSEUM HELPS SCHOOLS ENJOY VIRTUAL cil has brought back its delivery. A directory of ‘Free after 3’ parking offer local businesses can which will see free park- be found through Visit TRAIN RIDE WITH ZAMBIAN CHILDREN ing available in all coun- County Durham’s web- FIVE NORTH East schools month to maintain it. the train, everyone in Liv- cil-owned car parks and site, thisisdurham.com/ are supporting a school in John Gillette, a Zambezi ingstone does, but in nor- on-street Pay and Display support-durhams-local- Zambia with the help of Sunrise Trust trustee, mal circumstances they after 3pm, every day in businesses. Locomotion museum in contacted Bushtracks would not have a chance December. Small businesses in Shildon. Africa, which operates to go on it. As the county has need of financial assis- Cramlington Village the service to see if they “We are extremely grate- moved into Tier 3 restric- tance can apply for the Primary School, Durham would take some of the ful to Bushtracks Africa tions, essential and business support grants School (and its junior disadvantaged children for so enthusiastically non-essential retailers which are available school Bow), Hesleden from Linda Community embracing the idea and are allowed to open and through the government Primary School and Sto- School on its next outing. offering the children a the council says it wants support packages. More bhillgate First School They immediately steam safari: it will be to support businesses in details can be found (Morpeth), have been sup- agreed and 80 children something they never for- the run-up to Christmas, online at www.durham. porting Linda Community and teachers from the get. particularly those who gov.uk/covid19business School in Zambia by fund- school travelled on the “Likewise, Locomotion have been significantly Drivers are advised raising, donating edu- train for a special steam were immediately open impacted by the corona- that payment machines cational materials and safari on 27th November. to hosting a simultane- virus pandemic. will not be switched off through letter exchanges. In a stroke of coinci- ous event at the museum Visitors can return to at times when charges The links between the dence, Locomotion is for our local supporting retail areas and town are not in place and that schools were established home to a historic steam schools, focussed on their centres but are reminded money paid will not be through the work of the engine that ran on the ‘sister’ Zambian train. to continue to social refunded. Zambezi Sunrise Trust, same line in Zambia. “Unfortunately, the pres- distance, wear face cov- Those who are planning based in County Durham. To connect the schools ent Covid restrictions erings indoors in public a Christmas shopping trip The charity works to from Zambia and the meant that it could not be spaces, and follow the when shops reopen are support the education of North East, the char- held at the museum, but current guidance to keep reminded to keep space disadvantaged children in ity and the museum we were so happy to have themselves and others between themselves and Zambia. arranged with Bushtracks everyone linked on the safe while shopping. others, wash their hands, Linda Community Africa to have a live video day by video. The council is also ask- wear a face covering School is a school for link session for the sup- “It was such a memora- ing drivers to plan ahead and follow safety advice 500 vulnerable children porting local schools. ble day for everyone con- for their journey and con- inside and outside shops. that the Zambezi Sunrise This showed the train’s cerned, with something sider using car parks on Help keep everyone safe Trust has been construct- journey and gave the good coming out of a dif- the periphery of an area #HandsFaceSpace. ing over the last three schools in the North East ficult situation”. they intend to visit to Details of all council years in Livingstone. a chance to learn about allow for social distanc- car parks can be found The Covid-19 pandemic the story of Zambia’s Little Linda & Little Kev ing and support healthier at www.durham.gov.uk/ has drastically affected railways and animals, as travel by walking further parking tourism in Zambia and well as see their friends in the Royal Livingstone Zambia. The Cleaners General Cleaning, LOCAL PLUMBER GUTTER Express, a prestigious John Gillette explained: SMALL JOBS EXPERT CLEANING steam train that ordinar- “When I saw the news Shopping services UNDERTAKING ALL THE ily takes tourists to see that the Royal Livingstone & Dog Walking SMALL JOBS THAT BIG Gutters & Downpipes Cleaned the Victoria Falls, is no Express was, sadly, hav- COMPANIES DON’T WANT No Ladders Used longer able to operate in ing to run empty it was No Job Too Big FROM DRIPPING TAPS TO Soffits, fascias & its usual capacity. too good an opportunity or Too Small BROKEN TOILETS conservatories cleaned Since March, there have to miss. The children for Family run business CALL JOE FOR A FREE Gutters repaired and/or renewed QUOTATION AND been no customers. How- whom Zambezi Sunrise 07518 117 486 ever, the now empty train NO CALL OUT CHARGE ON 07519 376870 Trust have built a school (local) still needs to run every in Livingstone know of 07825 345 427 07535 362591

7 For more news from Shildon and across South West Durham visit: www.swd.news Friday 11th December 2020 Sport Local leagues, competitions and events...

Hallam FC’s Sandygate is officially recognised as the oldest football ground in the world. This Ginology hamper is among eight sumptuous hampers VASE GAME SET FOR LIVE BROADCAST waiting to be won in the Shildon AFC Christmas raffle. SHILDON AFC are set to Shildon’s last fixture Their home record is HAMPERS AND SHIRT TO BE WON IN travel to Sheffield on Sat- was their 2-0 success two wins, one draw and urday to face Hallam FC, away from home against one defeat while their SHILDON AFC CHRISTMAS RAFFLE the world’s second old- Bootle in the First Round goal difference of plus TICKETS ARE now on Payments should be est football club, in the of the Vase, with Joe Pos- three is comprised of 18 sale for the Shildon AFC sent to Shildon AFC Second Round of the FA thill and Chay Liddle scor- goals for and 15 against, Christmas raffle. Ltd at account number Vase at Sandygate, which ing second half goals to suggesting a strong There are eight sump- 10739634 and sort code has been officially rec- see off their Liverpudlian attack but an almost tuous hampers to be 40-41-24 and should be ognised by the Guinness opposition. equally weak defence, won in the draw, includ- referenced as ‘raffle’. Book of Records as the Ahead of the game, the providing both warning ing food hampers, sweet There is no limit on the ‘oldest football ground in sides are already aware of and encouragement for hampers, Mrs Hinch- number of tickets that the world’. their next opponent after the Railwaymen. style Domestic Goddess can be purchased. Covid-19 restrictions the Third Round draw was A frantic opening to hampers and three boozy A private message can mean it is not possible, made on Monday and, their First Round tie hampers. then be sent to the Shil- for the second round should they prevail this against AFC Blackpool In addition the star prize don Football Club Face- in succession, for Shil- weekend, it will be another last weekend saw five is a Shildon AFC first book page to indicate don fans to travel to the away encounter for Shil- goals scored in the team shirt, signed by all how many strips you game, but the home club don against a familiar foe. opening 18 minutes and the players. have bought and you will has confirmed that it will The winners have been Kieran Watson notching Tickets are £1 a strip be sent a picture of your broadcast the match live, paired with Stockton a first half hat-trick after and due to covid restric- tickets for your reference. as they did last weekend Town in the next round scoring in the 7th, 15th tions, payments must be The raffle draw will be when an audience of over and Shildon have recent and 34th minutes for the made directly to the foot- made on Tuesday 22nd 1,600 watched the side painful memories of a cup home side to go in at the ball club bank account. December. defeat AFC Blackpool by defeat at the hands of the break with a 4-2 lead. 4-3 to set up this encoun- Anchors when they exited In an altogether quieter ter with the Railwaymen. the FA Cup in their first second half, Blackpool LEAGUE FIXTURE CHANGES “We will be streaming competitive game of the reduced the deficit to one this game live on Satur- season in monsoon con- with a 63rd minute pen- THE NORTHERN League December has now been day”, said a spokesper- ditions. alty, but the hosts held has announced a number rescheduled for Tues- son. “The URL for our live Hallam currently sit out to earn their spot in of league fixture changes day 26th January while stream is https://tinyurl. mid table in their league, the Second Round know- as a result of Tier 3 the Guisborough Town com/y3rstp26. having played just seven ing in advance that they restrictions, including two v Shildon, match which “Access to the stream is games, which is fewer would be entertaining affecting Shildon. should have taken place completely free and there than most clubs, barring Shildon. The Shildon v Billing- this week on 9th Decem- is no sign up required.” bottom side, Selby Town, Should Shildon over- ham Town match, orig- ber, has been moved to The Northern Counties who have played six. come the world’s second inally scheduled for 5th Wednesday 13th January. East Football League With a record of three oldest club, the Third Division One side are one wins, one draw and Round tie will take place LOTTO ON LOCKDOWN HOLD step below Shildon in the two defeats, they have the following Saturday. football pyramid and like amassed ten points and Alternatively, they will SHILDON AFC Support- Players can continue to the Railwaymen, until last are 14 points behind play top of the table, ers Club’s regular weekly check the Crier and Shil- week, hadn’t played com- league leaders, Cam- Hebburn Town if league lotto remains on hold don AFC Facebook page petitive football since pion, who have played 11 matches are permitted to while the area is in Tier 3 for announcements of the October. games. resume. restrictions. game’s return.

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