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By the Villagers for the Villagers of Sedgefield, Bradbury & Mordon November 2003

New Life for High Street Properties You can’t have failed to notice bogged down, and Phil hopes that the substantial work currently work can now progress from no. 10, under way on the High Street, so through the rear of no. 9 and end in what is going on? Well, about 2 no. 8 some time next year. years ago the buildings were sold In the end there will be three shops, to Phil Smith, who you may Reids Rains remaining as tenants of know from his work at ‘Number one, and four new dwellings above, Four’, his wife Linda’s successful with access to secluded gardens at business. His idea was straight- the rear. This part of the High Street forward; to repair and refurbish will be vibrant again and living them, consolidate retail areas and space brought back to the town re-introduce residences to the centre. upper floors. Plans were drawn The whole development is expected up for nos. 8 and 9, to repair and to employ up to 10 people, as well extend the shop which was to be as the three new jobs created in the vacated by the Secret Garden. reconstruction, and the all local team But having started work at no. 9, of specialist craftsmen who have it soon became clear that parts of the building were carried out the work. structurally unsound. Renovation had turned to So what kind of shops will they be? For the answer to controlled demolition! that, we will all have to be patient a bit longer, but Meanwhile at no. 10, Booze Busters, a national watch these pages to be first to find out! company with hundreds of branches, went into liquidation. Phil’s focus naturally moved to Variety Concert for Mayor’s Charities cleaning out that shop, expecting to re-let it. But Fri. 28th Nov at Sedgefield Community College nothing is ever straightforward with old property Our Mayor, Cllr. Linda Maddison, is doing something and yes, you guessed it, he found that it also was a bit different this year to raise funds for Research into unsafe. Indeed, so bad was its condition that total Alzheimer’s Disease and The Elderly of Sedgefield. collapse was distinctly possible. Remedial work She has organised a concert by local performers, had to start immediately. Not only were horrors including choir and musicians from the Community such as walls without foundations discovered (did College, a local duet taking a light-hearted look at you spending time in there choosing a bottle?) but music, several monologues and a short comedy sketch also some fascinating architectural features, and by members of Sedgefield Players. through them some of the building’s possible 400 There will be songs from popular musicals by year history. was revealed. ‘Friends’- a group which includes members of the At least things have now progressed on no. 10 and Mayor’s own family, and the evening will conclude it is well on the way to being completely renewed. with a performance by Sedgefield Lyric Singers. Structurally sound again, you can expect it to be There will also be a bottle raffle. Lots of enjoyment leased to a new retailer soon. The first step in for 2 very good causes, and all for only £3, including a Pie and Pea Supper & a glass of wine! bringing life back to this part of the High Street will have been taken. Tickets are selling fast. Get yours NOW from A Cut After 21 months, detailed plans for no. 8 are still Above, Post Office, Council Offices, or Selections.

2 Sedgefield News Extract from ‘Diary from Iraq’ November to be From the report of Major Richard Taylor, The Life Guards, “D” Litter Awareness Month Squadron, Household Cavalry regiment, in the Garden of Eden. The Town Council is coordinating The Squadron had crossed into Iraq and completed a relief in place of litter awareness month, after a 5th US Marines in the Ramalah oilfields. They were waiting in the meeting with the Community dark to push north over the Al Hammar canal and break out of a College, County Council, the bridgehead created by 3rd para. The plan was to scout northeast where Borough Council and the Police, to the Iraqi 6 Armoured Division least expected us. explore how they can all work As 1st light appeared on 27th March, 2 troop led over the Al Hammar together to overcome Sedgefield’s canal, which is over a kilometre wide. Pushing ahead of 3rd para we passed a number of abandoned Iraqi artillery and tank positions and cleared 17kms ahead to a holding area on the edge of a large irrigation ditch where we spent a surreal day. At 5am on 28th March we advanced north, led by 3 troop. Later that afternoon, 2 troop was attacked out of the blue by 2 A-10 (American) aircraft. During the first aircraft run 4 of our men were injured. A smoke-screen was raised and the planes flew off. On 1st April one of our AFV’s (Armoured Fighting Vehicles) rolled over whilst crossing a 5-foot deep irrigation ditch. The commander and gunner were both trapped in the turret, which was sitting on the ditch bottom. After winching the vehicle over, both men were litter problem. The Council will rescued. Both men were given CPR, but the gunner failed to respond obtain extra litterbins for the centre and was pronounced dead when landed by helicopter at hospital. of the town and hope to encourage Despite two tragic accidents and intense artillery fire, the Squadron young people to use them by has destroyed a significant proportion of the 111 Corps Artillery and 6 introducing a ‘voucher’ scheme in Armoured Division tanks in the last seven days. partnership with the Community (By kind permission of The Life Guards Association) College. Contributed by David Hillerby, who was himself in the Life Guards Also, the local Junior and Infant 50 years ago; 1953 - 1955 Schools have been asked to take part in a Litter Poster Competition. The winning entries will be displayed throughout Sedgefield and £10 Gift Vouchers will be presented to winners by the Mayor, Cllr. Linda Maddison. It is hoped that local food outlets will enter into the spirit of the scheme by either sponsoring or indeed purchasing extra litterbins for their locality. The idea is that by working together, the amount of litter can be reduced significantly without having to resort to the services of the Borough Council Litter Enforcement Officer who can issue on the spot fines.

Lantern Workshop Just a reminder that there are still places available for the lantern- making workshop on Saturday 1st November at 9.30am in Ceddesfeld Hall. Please register with your £1 at the Council Offices.

3 Sedgefield News Sedgefield News Distribution Our volunteers do a terrific job, out pounding the streets in all weathers, to get the news to you; but occasionally someone needs to take time out to catch cold, take a holiday - give birth to twins! You know, everyday stuff! At present we need people willing to help with the following 4 areas:

The Meadows, The Leas and Cragside: Rosedale Close, Conifer Ave & Pine Ridge Avenue: Naylor Rd, Thurlow Grange, Swift Close & Lyle Gardens:The Miller Homes area of Winterton Park. Please contact us on 629011 if you can help. We try to get the copies to our distributors the weekend before the 1st of the month, giving a few days to get them out before the first event on the Diary page. There Hospital Open Day are obviously times when some are missed, but if yours An open day will be held at the new Sedgefield is not delivered, please let us know. We want you to Community Hospital on Sunday 2nd November receive your copy in good time. from 2 - 5pm. Everyone is welcome and there will be refreshments. Bring the family along and help Cooks’ Corner The 1st in a series of recipes from the celebrate the launch of Bob Abley's book on the Farmers’ Market - this month, Burtree House Farm. history of Sedgefield Hospital. Signed copies of The cooking instructions may seem unusual, but this is the book will be available at £9.99, making it a because their birds are hung for 5-10 days, making the wonderful Christmas present. cooking time shorter and the meat tastier. Perfect Roast Chicken Dinner Songs of Praise Chicken - 2 kg or about 4 lbs, free range, naturally! After a hugely enjoyable first Songs of Praise at St Salt & Pepper; 1 kg potatoes; Vegetables of choice. Edmund’s, the second such venture will be held on Remove giblets and either cook them in a pan of water Sunday November 16th at 4.30pm. with a little salt & pepper to make fantastic stock for You can sing some of your favourite hymns, listen your gravy, or put them in the roasting pan along with to and join in worship with the children of the the chicken. Sunday School, Lyrics Youth Choir and the TBC Season the chicken in the cavity and place breast down Youth Group. in the roasting tin and season again, along the back. Afterwards, stay and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee Put peeled potatoes around the chicken to roast. and cake with friends old and new. Place in oven at 180˚c or equivalent. Don’t cover the Hardwick pupils win sculpture prize chicken with bacon or foil, as this steams rather than In a national competition to draw attention to roasts it and prevents the skin from crisping. recycling Yellow Pages, Sedgefield Hardwick After an hour, turn the chicken on to its back for School’s entry in the sculpture category took 2nd another 15 mins. to allow breast skin to crisp. Your prize. chicken is cooked when the juices run clear on piercing A party of 10 pupils have been to London Zoo to the inside of the thigh with a skewer. receive an award from ‘Yell’ and have promised Once cooked, take out of oven, allow to stand for 10 some pictures for next month, so we can show you minutes. Meanwhile, cook the veg and make gravy with both the sculpture and the award ceremony. giblet stock and the lovely juices from the roasting tin. Meanwhile, congratulations to all concerned! Sedgefield Farmers’ Market

The next market is on Sunday 9th November from 9:30am to 1:30pm As this will be Remembrance Sunday, the Market will close at 11am for the duration of the service at the War Memorial.

Looking forward, the Market on December 14th will be in Dickensian Christmas style, complete with carol singing, holly & mistletoe, seasonal fare & much more.

Local traders always welcome. Please contact Bob Harris on 01740 621273 for details.

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Community Safety with contributions from Neighbourhood Watch, Sedgefield Police, the Road Safety Group, Primary Care Trust

Sedgefield Village Neighbourhood Watch Annual Report, PC Todd reports year ending September 2003, presented by Panel Chairman Once again a conveniently open Mr. Ken Saiger window led to a house burglary, this EXECUTIVE: Continues to meet bi-monthly between Panel meetings. time in Eden drive. The burglar Unfortunately we are still struggling with a regular, no cost and private venue. gained access during the night and The Police Station, our favoured location has been unavailable for most of this helped himself to clothing, DVD’s, year, due to operational constraints. We hope that this will become available credit cards and a bottle of spirits, early in 2004. At present we continue to hold meetings in a member’s home. amongst other things. The same CONSTITUTION: There are no proposals to amend the constitution this year. evening, in The Meadows, a van was COMMUNICATION: We continue to believe that the monthly articles broken into and tools stolen. Also (including our full minutes bi-monthly) in the Sedgefield News are the best during the same night 2 males were means possible for us to communicate with the residents of Sedgefield. disturbed trying to force entrance to Our Panel has established input to and communication with the following a garage. They made off in a small, bodies and organisations: red car. Sedgefield Road Safety Committee; the Primary Care Trust; Carelink; Cavos; These opportunist thieves blight our Town, Borough and County Councils; other Neighbourhood Watch groups lives. DON’T BECOME A VICTIM! throughout the country, sharing ideas and initiatives. Report any suspicious activities MEMBERSHIP: At 12th August 2003 membership stands at 260. There has immediately. been successful recruitment at the Winterton development, though we have Happily, at the latest Pub Watch not yet established a volunteer Area Co-ordinator from these members. meeting, no problems were reported, FLASK in the FRIDGE: Now firmly established in the village, this project has so well done everyone. Let’s keep been handed over to Age Concern for ongoing support and continuity. Age having a pint in Sedgefield the Concern has overseen the roll-out of the scheme since our initiation in happy and relaxed occasion it should Sedgefield, from the Scottish borders down to the Yorkshire boundary. be! FUNDING: An ongoing issue that this year has resulted in the (Panel Till next time, Keith. approved) decision that the working members of the Panel are no longer able to continue with direct fund raising to support the existence of and activities Road Safety Group undertaken by our Panel. In the absence of “new blood” able and willing to Well, the Speed Indicator didn’t last raise funds, the Panel will need to seek funding from other bodies or cease to very long, did it? Only 2 weeks! But exist when current funds run out. Reserves have increased this year primarily rest assured, it will be back shortly as a result of the most successful (one off) Village Raffle. so keep your eyes peeled and your GOOD CITIZENSHIP & ALAN SOWERBY MEMORIAL AWARD: I am foot light on the throttle!

proud to report that these awards continue, issued to a most deserving Now that we are well into Autumn, youngster at each of the Junior schools in the village. the sun is low on the horizon, so AUDIO TAPES FOR THE SIGHT IMPAIRED: We produce and distribute take extra care whether as motorist 15 copies of the Sedgefield News on cassette each month. The tapes have also or pedestrian. Don’t assume that you included potentially beneficial details such as electoral matters, gas and other can see or be seen. Wait or back-off safety information. Tapes from other sources including retailers (Marks & and you will complete your journey Spencer, CO-OP etc), have been included and safely. Motorists should be sure to distributed to residents, the Library and Willowdene. I am pleased to say this reduce speed if they suspect there is is a most appreciated service, and amply serves to demonstrate the needs of frost about. some of our community. The road sign in Stockton Road - “ OTHER ACTIVITIES: We have now fitted more than 400 door bars (at cost), Dual carriageway ahead” - has not and continue with marking property, testing microwaves for leakage & yet been re-instated. However, providing basic security information and smoke detector fitting. Durham County Council say that “it We held a Security & Welfare Exhibition and a Drugs Awareness Evening no longer complies with the this year. Both were extremely informative, but were very poorly attended. regulations” (remember the 2 police Finally on behalf of the Panel I wish to thank Sedgefield Town Council for officers and Middlesbrough their continued assistance and support; Sedgefield Borough Council for their Council). Let’s hope DCC get a new cooperation and support; Carelink for their support; Community Force sign before another death occurs. (notably Tim) for most invaluable assistance and support; Crime Prevention Officers Neil & Peter, Local Police Officers (notably Keith), and Sarah our On that sad subject, thank you for Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator all of whom have given endless support your letters (p.12). They are a and assistance to our Panel and to our village. I also must thank the many welcome response to our article last local businesses for their “regular” support and all those that supported our month. Raffle. Thank you all.

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Sedgefield nurse takes on top role Local people help

Nurse Cate Woolley-Brown, compile new Mental from Sedgefield Community Health Directory Hospital has recently been On October 10th, World Mental Health elected onto the Council for Day, local carers and users of mental the Royal College of Nursing, health services helped Sedgefield PCT and took up her post on 15 launch a comprehensive guide for October. people living and working in Having worked as a district Sedgefield Borough on how to access nurse for 25 years, Cate mental health services. joined Sedgefield Primary It provides information on services for Care Trust two years ago as a people needing advocacy; support for Disability Equipment carers; community services; specialist Educator. services such as hospitals and She will be one of the 29 high community mental health teams; local profile council members from the Royal College of Nursing services such as GP practices, health representing well over 360,000 nurses on a countrywide basis in centres, pharmacists and the voluntary the world’s biggest nursing union. sector. The guide also includes local Cate says she is very excited to have been elected and looks maps to help people find out where forward to the challenge of representing nurses for the northern services are situated. region. Nurses face very challenging times, with the Agenda for Charles McCaughey, Director of Change programme and Foundation hospitals coming up. Primary Care and former Mental Health Project Manager for Sedgefield Light up and be safer - at very little cost! PCT, said: "The Mental Health A message to all householders from Directory will give local people a Sedgefield Neighbourhood Watch panel. simple and clear guide to accessing Unlit property invites the criminal in, but Crime Prevention help about mental health - not just Officer, Neil Langthorne and NHW Manager, Sarah Norman can medical help, but also local community provide Light Timers at a cost of just £1.50 each. They also have a support such as education and training, supply of low cost, energy efficient light-bulbs. advice on housing, substance misuse To take advantage of this unique opportunity and deter criminals and the new Patient Advice and Liaison at the same time, ring Sarah on 01325 742755 Service. Peter Corey, a user of mental health Sedgefield Village Neighbourhood Watch services from Sedgefield said: "I have Monthly Crime figures been very much involved in the Last year 10/9 - 2003 to production of this directory, from 10/9- 10/10 Date discussions about services to 10/10 2003 recommendations about layout and Youths Causing Annoyance nil nil 5 language. World Mental Health Day is about challenging stigma and Burglary Non Dwelling 6 1 10 discrimination, putting users and carers Burglary Dwelling 1 2 9 at the centre. I have really appreciated the opportunity to attend training and Crime Drugs 1 nil 3 education courses. They have helped Theft from Motor Vehicles 2 3 4 me to become more confident and Theft of Motor Vehicles 3 nil 4 independent and because of this I am now actively involved in training Taking & Driving Away nil nil nil courses for other users of mental health Vehicle Interference nil 2 4 services." Copies of the Mental Health Directory Assaults 1 1 8 for Sedgefield Borough are available Criminal damage 4 3 16 from Charles McCaughey at Sedgefield Theft 7 4 22 PCT on 0191 3013820. If you would like further information, please contact TOTAL 25 16 85 Tina Young on 0191 333 3382.

6 Hardwick Country Park - a 2 page feature Garden Trusts study day Friends of Hardwick At the end of September the Parish Hall was the venue for a study day website is organised by The Association of Gardens Trusts. The Trust’s aim is to ‘Pick of the Month!’ help protect, conserve, restore or create garden land in the UK for the education and enjoyment of the public. The day was hosted by Durham www.friendsofhardwick.org.uk

County Council and the Friends of Hardwick. 27 members of the Trust has been chosen by attended the event, many having travelled from the south of England. Communigate’s The theme was Hardwick Country Park and the morning was spent for their monthly award exploring various aspects of the park. Tony Smith, Countryside Group Manager for Durham County Council set the scene, then Fiona The site was featured on the MacDonald talked about the archaeological discoveries; both the home page of Communigate (North East) throughout October. Roman finds in the East Park and the ongoing work to discover more about John Burden’s gardens and follies. The morning ended with The prize that comes with this Martin Roberts of English Heritage highlighting architect John Paine’s award is a pair of binoculars varied collection of buildings in the park and the afternoon was taken which also takes up by a detailed visit, following the route of the old Circuit Walk which digital photographs - will be opened up to visitors during the first phase of work. very useful indeed!

Note this date!! October 30th - Hallowe’en Family Event The Countryside Rangers challenge all genuine Witches, Warlocks, Elves and Goblins to practice their haunting skills in the Country Park.

Even as this challenge is being penned, the Countryside staff are working hard to ensure conditions will be as hauntingly favourable as possible - even to the extent of inviting Humans large and small to be present as potential victims - so come if you dare!

But be warned! Large humans are recommended to bring a small human to hold their hand just in case! And in case the Witches, Warlocks etc don’t ‘bottle out’ we will be in need of some strong human support, so even if no one is turned into a frog, we look forward to providing an enjoyable evening for young and old. Your support for the Hardwick Country Park Summer Family event made it the most successful in the County to date. Please help us to build on that success by joining us on October 30th between 7pm & 9pm.

For further information phone 0191 383 4144 or e-mail [email protected]

7 Temporary speed limit Seven Swans a-Swimming….

Since the £4m Heritage Lottery Grant was confirmed, rapid progress has been made in Hardwick Park and the earth-moving next to the southern entrance is the first sign of progress. Here, a large area of ground is being levelled for the new car park. Drainage will be installed and a landscaping mound added. During the work a 40 mph speed restriction will be placed on the A177 from the Racecourse roundabout 100 metres past the park entrance. Tree removal is taking place in the Fen Carr, opening up the full area of the Lake and the Boardwalk been closed, whilst being cut to allow access for the machinery. Conifers and some beech trees are being removed from in front of the Gothic Ruin causing a temporary diversion of the An idyllic and serene scene. 7 cygnets and their longsuffering path to behind the toilet block. parents seem not to mind the uproar of change one little bit! And now you can “Bus it” right into the Park! As it gets a bit muddy underfoot over the fields, don’t forget that you can use the Village bus to get you to the park for your daily exercise. At present the bus goes into the old 3rd parking area, which now has a turning circle, so you can be delivered safely into our very own haven and picked up again later! There’s a timetable right there, as you can see, but it is also available in booklet form from the usual outlets, including the Library and the Advice & Information Centre. New play area takes shape Those of you who are regular visitors to the Park will have seen the slow metamorphosis of the area next to the toilet block into a children’s play area. Provided thanks to a generous grant from the National Grid, it includes two sets of swings, one for toddlers, the other for older children. There is also a slide with a climbing net, some very tempting bars at different heights and finally, a little train. All the equipment is surrounded by a deep, wood-chip surface for safety, and tables and seats are provided for waiting grown-ups. Progress was slow but it is now ready for use at Halloween and for many years to come.

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Lifelong Learning mistreated and abandoned by her But it made me realise that there In case you’re getting bored with owners. She was probably a cute were many more potential the same old format, this months Christmas present now grown too hazards in Sedgefield for Meg. article is a bit different. I thought big. When we first saw her at the We encountered danger walking instead I’d pass on my recent and back of the kennel, looking very at night to Bells for milk. When ongoing experience of learning. sad, it was love at first sight. we got home I noticed a red mark It’s not about a wonderful After being vetted as suitable on the floor where Meg was College course, or some owners, we were allowed to take sitting licking herself. I thought motivational seminar nor even a her home. This was when our nothing of it at first, until more talk on a brand new product learning started. We suddenly marks appeared. Then I realised guaranteed to change my life for realised that we had a dog with a that Meg’s paw was cut by a the better. few problems. She had to learn piece of glass. On retracing my how to socialise with people and steps in daylight, I noticed all the with other dogs, and the saddest tiny pieces of glass on the part was, she had to learn how to footpaths. They may be no bother play. We also had to learn how to to you and me, wearing shoes be responsible owners and to with hard soles, but it was a recognise the signals she was problem to Meg. I felt that she giving us. Our lives had to be had put her trust in me and I had adapted to take in her needs. let her down. Out walking Meg for the first We have found that owning a dog time, we realised firstly that it is more than just having a was more a case of Meg taking us companion. It’s about taking for a walk than us taking her! But responsibility and being the bigger shock was to realise considerate to others, clearing up the potential hazards we were the mess she deposits, to prevent facing. On her first walk she other dogs and children being managed to find some discarded affected through diseases; This story is about Meg, who has chip papers. Eating what she making sure she is well trained changed my outlook on the things thought was food, she got a chip when walking to prevent road happening around me. fork which got stuck in her and other accidents. Last month, my wife and I took a throat. We managed to force open We have learnt during our walks dog on trial from the NCDL her mouth and remove it, but she where the danger areas are and it complex at Sadberge. Meg is a was very sore. Some care we has made us more aware of our cross Labrador bitch, about 10 were providing to a dog who had surroundings. months old, who had been already suffered in her early life. Perhaps we don’t think of others as much as we should; about the consequences of our actions on STOCKTON SIXTH FORM COLLEGE other people and animals. Bishopton Road West Stockton on Tees TS19 0QD As responsible citizens, maybe we should think about why some places are in this dangerous condition and make sure we don’t add to the hazards faced by th both people and their pets. Thursday 13 November Have fun, Bob & Meg

6.30 – 8.30 pm Citizen of the Year It is still not too late to nominate An opportunity to meet staff and students and find someone for this award. If you wish to put someone out more about what we have to offer forward, pick up a Nomination Tel: 01642 612611 Form from the Advice & Or visit our website: www.stocktonsfc.ac.uk Information Centre, or phone

“Supporting Student Success” 629011 to have one sent to you.

9 Sedgefield News Sedgefield Community College: Notice of the AGM of Join in & be part of our Sporting Sedgefield Development Partnership Ltd Success Story On Tuesday 18th November at 7.30pm in Ceddesfeld Hall, Peter Beardsley MBE was amongst the guests anyone from Sedgefield, Bradbury & Mordon who is and pupils at the recent ‘Celebration of interested in having a say in running this community Success’ who were enthused by the great work enterprise, is invited to attend the AGM of the company. being undertaken by both Sedgefield It is an opportunity to join the Partnership or renew Community College and Sedgefield membership either as a member (individual, family, group Community College Association to develop or business) or as a Director. The meeting will receive sporting opportunities. company reports and vote on the appointment of half of The day was a celebration of the Board of Directors. Only members of the Partnership Specialist Sports College Status and the may vote, but membership is open to all. achievement of Sportsmark Gold, as well as the You might decide to get involved in the organisation opening of the tennis courts, supported by the which brings you Sedgefield News and other projects like LTA, and the Artificial Pitch and Pavilion, First Responders and Lifelong Learning. supported by Sports Lottery Fund Also There will be refreshments after the meeting and a chance highlighted were the commencement of to talk informally to the Directors. So put the date in your th Sedgefield School sport Co-ordinator diary and we will look forward to seeing you on the 18 . Partnership and the opening of the Gymtastic Please note that any nominations for directors, or any Fitness and ICT Suites, supported by proposals for special or general resolutions, must be with the Foundation for Sport and the Arts. You can Company at its registered office no later than noon on Friday 14th November. access all these great opportunities – there’s Sedgefield Development Partnership is a company limited by something for everyone, but in particular come guarantee: Company number 4312745. The Company’s and try out ‘Gymtastic’ the new Fitness Suite. registered office is at the Advice and Information Centre, Full details from Rana Coates, tel. 621097 Sedgefield, Co Durham, TS21 3AT.

New Project - Focus on PTFA News from Sedgefield Community College Gymnastics The PTFA is an active fund-raising group, committed to As part of its role as a Specialist Sports providing students with extra facilities. We organise College, Sedgefield Community College is activities that the whole community can share, not just spreading its support to other schools across the SCC parents. Two events are planned for November. Borough. This is part of a new project called Virgin Vie Cosmetics Evening; Thurs 13th at 7pm. Sedgefield School Sport Co-ordinators which Premium quality cosmetics, but less expensive than many will be managed by Diane Snowsill – a new other brands. Come and try Richard Branson’s make-up - appointment to the College staff. you could end up looking like a millionaire! It takes place The first project local schools will benefit from in the crèche - entry via the main entrance to the College. will focus on gymnastics. A new gymnastics Tickets £1.50 at the door, and there’s a free glass of wine. session will be provided at the Community Annual Outing to York; Saturday 29th November. College with support from South Durham A fantastic return trip by luxury coach, departing about Gymnastics Club on Thursdays from 4-5pm, 8.30 am, with various pick up points in Trimdon, Fishburn after half term. and Sedgefield. Try breakfast at the famous Betty’s For more details please contact Diane Snowsill, tearoom, meander round the Minster, do your Christmas tel. 625300 shopping in the Shambles. Return about 5pm. The trip costs £6 per person or £20 for a Family ticket (4 people) Physical Activity Co-ordinator and only 49 seats are available, so if you fancy a jaunt, A new job is being created by the Community hurry to book your ticket from Sharon on 623963! College, supported by Neighbourhood Renewal Memorial to Mr John Wilson. The college recently Funding. announced a fund to purchase a memorial to Mr Wilson From January 2004 a Physical Activity Co- and thanks to the generosity of friends, colleagues and ordinator will be employed to work in the past & present pupils, a beautiful Hornbeam tree has been Fishburn and Elmfield () purchased and planted near the main entrance to the communities to develop physical activity grounds of the College. A commemorative plaque will opportunities for young people and support soon be added. Thanks to all concerned. local people to gain sporting qualifications. PTFA meeting The next meeting is on November 6th at Interested? Job details and application forms 6.30pm in the Sports Pavilion, and is open to all teachers, from Diane Snowsill, as above. parents and friends. Look out for more news next month.

10 Sedgefield News

Announcements on this page are free to November DIARY non-commercial organisations Bonfire Night Spys Showcase Sedgefield Racecourse Firework Display Sedgefield Players Youth Section Racing fixtures for the month are in Ceddesfield Hall Grounds on present an evening of drama, 11th Nov - 1st race at 12.50pm Saturday 1st November dance and song 25th Nov - 1st race at 1pm at 6:30 pm Friday 14th & Saturday 15th Sedgefield Development Tickets; Adults £1, Children 50p November, 7pm in Partnership AGM available from Council Offices, Sedgefield Parish Hall Tuesday 18th November Post Office & Local Schools Tickets £5 Concessions £4.50 at 7.30pm in Ceddesfeld Hall The Lantern Parade from Selections, members All welcome: details on p 8 will take place prior to the or ring 620091 1st Sedgefield Scout Group firework display. Sedgefield Twinning Christmas Fayre Saturday 22nd November Sedgefield Cricket Club Association from 10am until 12.30 pm 2 Quiz Nights this month! Pie and Pea Supper in the Parish Hall Saturday 1st & at Ceddesfeld Hall at 7.30pm Attractions include Saturday 29th November on Saturday November 15th Santa’s Grotto, Cakes, Tins, starting at 8pm Tickets £5 inc. glass of wine, All welcome Grand Prize Draw, from committee members or White Elephant Stall, Books, Keith & Nancy Wells, 620467 Refreshments, Sedgefield Community Entertainment included. Tombola, Toys & Games Hospital Please note that we will call at Open Day (see p.2) households in Sedgefield on from 2pm - 5pm 0n Songs of Praise Sunday 16th November Sunday 2nd November at St Edmund’s Church th to collect anything that you may Refreshments and book launch Sunday 16 November, at 4.30pm. See p.3 wish to donate. Sedgefield Garden Society In the event that we miss you, we would be pleased to Tuesday 4th November 101 are at at 7.30pm in Ceddesfeld Hall receive your donations The Golden Lion, Sedgefield at the Scout Hall, House Plants - a talk by on 16th November Tony Milan which will be open on Monday, Tuesday and Friday evenings, Guests welcome Family History Group during the week commencing Local History Society Monday 17th November 17th November at 7:45pm at Ceddesfeld Hall Monday November 3rd at 7.45 pm in Ceddesfeld Hall Mr Mick Butler Variety Concert in aid of Grocer Norman Kelly will “Military Records of the Mayor’s Charity talk about the Great War” Sedgefield Community College Bring along photographs, medals th "The Old Grocer's Shop" on Friday November 28 Prepare to be entertained!! etc. to do with the 1st World War £3 inc Pie & Peas supper New members always welcome & a glass of wine. Further details from Judith Edgoose on 620244 Tickets from the Council Offices, Guests and new members welcome , Sedgefield A Cut Above, the Post Office & District Flower Club & Selections Sedgefield W.I. Tuesday 18th November Wednesday November 5th at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall W.I. Market - at 7:15pm in the Parish Hall Open Meeting Fridays in the Parish Hall Melita Butterell presents “Bleak Midwinters” from 9.30-11am A Personal Approach to A demonstration Cakes, pastries, preserves, Embroidery by Philidia C Irving handmade cards, crafts, EE Eggs, Competition for members is ( & Durham plants and garden produce. a small piece of embroidery Area Demonstrator) Tea & Coffee served Visitors Welcome: Entrance £1 Everyone welcome We would love to see YOU!

11 Sedgefield News Your Letters Road Safety - 2 responses speed limit of any sort and we about the residents of small Sadly, on October 1st, as a result have requested signs warning of villages when tearing about in of the accident referred to last the use of farm machinery all to no cars and second, to advise anyone month, the male rider of the avail. trying to get serious responses motorbike involved in the A couple of years ago we finally from DCC’s Highway accident with the minibus, died. saw the light at the end of the Department to be prepared for a It has made me put pen to paper tunnel; Durham County Council generation of correspondence and and suggest two options that will decided that our little community few if any intelligent replies. hopefully make the junction of was to be granted a “village John Burrows. Stockton Road & the A689 safer gateway”! This consists of a few Reason to be grateful than it is at present. They are as yellow lines painted across the rd On Thursday 3 October I had follows. Option 1 involves road and a short section of timber cause to dial 999. This followed a installing traffic lights with speed fencing at each side of the heart attack which I had sustained cameras where the A689 meets carriageway, at right angles to kerb 2 weeks previously, wherein I Stockton Road. line. One mustn’t forget the half had arrested. This time however, Option 2 would involve installing dozen or so red reflectors. We it was a panic attack in the a roundabout where the A689 were thrilled as well to receive a middle of the night, at 2-45am. meets Stockton Road. I am new blue village name sign. First to arrive were First convinced either option would At first the gateway seemed to be Responders Mark & Cathy, after make the junction safer and the effective, even though within a only 8 minutes. Perhaps they two young people involved in the week of painting the lines on the were just waiting for my call! recent tragic accident will not road it was resurfaced and we had Only 2 minutes later the Durham have died in vain. to fight to convince the Highways County Ambulance arrived from Harry Smith Department that yellow lines had Newton Aycliffe. An absolutely ever existed. The problem now is It was sad to read of the first marvellous service from both, that the unpainted timber fence has death on the newly rebuilt deserving praise of the highest become dirty; the green tinted sections of the A689. As always order. My thanks to you all! preservative has turned the fencing on these occasions there is a Phyllis M. Hillerby tendency to seek someone to the same colour as the background blame but usually the truth is a of grass, bushes and trees when Cemetery Praised combination of factors. The seen from a moving vehicle. It was very pleasing to note a vast difficulty is trying to identify the The Parish Clerk wrote to the improvement in the appearance th contributory elements before Highways department expressing of the cemetery today, 5 Oct, accidents occur. We are so often our concerns and offering to paint particularly in attention to detail; told that speed is the main cause the fence white, on the front side in fact the best the cemetery has of many accidents and yet only, at no expense to the County looked for a long time. ironically we all want to get Council. Sadly the mandarins Credit where credit is due. I hope around faster. categorically refused for the most this improvement can be In Bradbury, the residents have spurious and in truth downright maintained, as it does make a been campaigning, to a greater or silly technical reason that, in their difference to the overall lesser degree, for over 20 years to opinion, the paint wouldn’t stick to appearance. have some form of speed the timber. A recent letter to Joan C Wilson reduction through our small County Hall resulted in an acknowledgement and nothing From the Editor: village. We have been told that For inclusion in the December the village isn’t long enough for a more. The purpose of this letter is, first to ask your readers to think issue, send copy before November 15th please to Sedgefield News is supported by the Community Empowerment Fund, the [email protected] Foundation and is a member of the Development Trusts or to Sedgefield News, Association. Advice and Information Centre, Front St, Sedgefield, TS21 3AS, or telephone 629011 We wish to make it clear that views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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