www.durham.gov.uk DURHAM Winter 2016 County News The magazine for people in County Durham

Behind the scenes at our perfect panto

Win luxurious overnight breaks . Huge panto giveaway . Bumper winter what’s on WELCOME to the winter edition of The nights may be getting darker, but in my role Durham County News as Chairman of the Council I am meeting so many people who make our county a brighter place to be. These include people who give their time or make our county a better place to live, like those Councillor Edward volunteers who turned our towns and cities into a Bell, Chairman of kaleidoscope of colour and contributed to our 18 the Council ‘In Bloom’ success. (See page 18) Over the autumn, I was proud to represent our county at The Somme to see the new memorial bench to the 18 Durham Light Infantry Pals battalion unveiled. The public gave generously to this fundraising campaign, and it is both humbling and inspiring to think that 100 years on the valour 8 of these soldiers still inspires people to give and remember. 27 Our commitment to remembering the Durham Light Infantry also saw the opening of the DLI Collection research and study centre last month (see page 8).

As we also look forward to the fun and festivities of Christmas in this issue, I would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy 2017. Cllr Edward Bell 24 10 Competition entries Inside... Competition entries should be received Page -5 Page -16 by Monday 28 November 2016 (unless 4 14 News We’re ready for winter the competition states otherwise). Pop your entries in one envelope (don’t forget to use a stamp!) and post to Durham County News, Durham County Page 6-7 Page 19 Council, County Hall, Durham DH1 1RH Investing in innovation A stepping stone from or drop them in to reception at any of leaving care our access points. Durham County News is written and designed by Page 8-9 Page 20-23 Durham County Council, printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd and distributed by The National Leaflet DLI Collection: Amazing Local news pages Company and Royal Mail. It costs 16p a copy. evidence of daring deeds To contact the editorial team, call 03000 268 059 or email [email protected] Page 10-11 Page 24-25 Please ask us if you would like this document Peak behind the curtain at 12 days of Christmas in summarised in another language or format. the panto Durham Braille Audio Large print Page 12 Page 27-31 [email protected] Manage your money at Our biggest ever 03000 268 059 Christmas winter What’s On

When you have finished with this magazine, please recycle it. Front cover: Paul Dunn is ‘in the pink’ as Dame Trott in The Gala Theatre’s Jack and the Beanstalk production this winter. A place to remember

November 11 is always a time to remember; to remember the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom.

And 2016 has been a special year filled with occasions to remember, in particular the harrowing events of the Somme 100 years ago. The Battle of the Somme began on 1 July 1916 when 60,000 British soldiers climbed out of their trenches and began to move across No Man’s Land. Within one hour, over half of these men were dead or wounded - among them men from 18 DLI, the Durham Pals, who in 24 hours lost 75 men and saw 250 wounded. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. And you too can remember by pausing, contemplating and remembering at a new memorial bench to the Durham Pals, on Durham’s riverbanks. Its identical partner bench has been placed at Thiepval, the official Franco-British memorial to the missing. The benches mark the start and end of the Durham Pals’ fateful journey into battle. They were miners, bakers and farmers; sons, fathers and brothers; all embarking upon what was for many, their first and final journey beyond the shores of Great Britain. The memorial benches were funded by a public appeal by the Somme Memorial Partnership, made up of Durham Cathedral, Durham County Council, Durham University, the DLI Trustees and The Northern Echo.

A place to remember 3 Contact us: NEWS You can get lots of information, and apply online for council Your area, Your views services via Get involved with our Area Action Partnerships (AAPs) this winter and help make things happen in your community! Vote on what you www.durham.gov.uk think are the main priorities for your area and find out more about the work of your AAP. This year some AAPs are hosting their own Save time forums or going along to local events. Find out what’s happening in do it online your area at www.durham.gov.uk/aaps Report Apply Book Pay Comment

If you need to phone us, call Rediscover Customer Services County Durham 03000 26 0000 Check out Visit County 8.30am-5pm (Monday-Thursday) Durham’s new-look official tourism website. It showcases (Friday) 8.30am-4.30pm our glorious county to the Out of hours emergency service max with its bold design, available. wonderful photographs and easy navigation for desktop If you have a specific query, use PC, laptop, tablet and mobile. one of our dedicated numbers: www.thisisdurham.com Streetscene, Highways and Street Lighting Enquiries 03000 26 1000 Includes rubbish and recycling, street lighting faults, potholes, commercial waste, neighbourhood wardens, stray This month will see us dogs, abandoned vehicles, pest control, opening our doors to street cleaning, litter and dog fouling, children and young graffiti, fly-tipping, fly posting, parks, people and them taking open spaces and cemeteries maintenance. over adult roles. It’s all part of the Children’s Benefit Enquiries Commissioner's Takeover A truly great outdoors 03000 26 2000 Challenge which puts children and young All eyes were on Durham’s great outdoors Council Tax Enquiries people in decision- this autumn when Ben Fogle visited the 03000 26 4000 making positions and county to film an action-packed video. encourages organisations Social Care Direct/Children’s to hear their views. The adventurer was commissioned by Visit County Durham to film an episode of First Contact service his online series Ben Fogle’s Great British 03000 26 79 79 Adventure here. Broadcaster Ben said: “This video will help to raise the profile of Families Information Service Durham’s outdoor activities - and inspire even 03000 26 99 95 more people to visit and see for themselves.” Watch it online at www.britainisgreat.com @DurhamCouncil

/durhamcouncil Be enlightened linkedin.com/company/ Watch out for the big Lumiere durham-county-council announcement coming your way www.youtube.com/user/ in November. DurhamCouncil www.durham.gov.uk/lumiere #LumiereDurham instagram.com/durham_ county_council 4 News Listening to your views on our budget

Thank you to everyone who got involved in our budget consultation this autumn. We headed out to Area Action Partnership meetings, community Council Leader, Simon Henig listens to residents’ views on the budget. groups, youth groups, leisure centres, local markets and even the supermarket to get your thoughts. And almost 3,500 people talked to £185.9 us about how we should prioritise services and manage our budgets. million As you’ll be aware, we’ve faced the largest challenge in our history - savings made saving more than £180 million as funding from central government We have 2,109 has gone down year after year. fewer posts But it is now harder than ever to find savings and not affect frontline services. And, with £29.1 million of savings needed for 2017/18, we felt it was the right time to come back to you for your views. Funding from Savings still needed government has for 2017 to 2020 are We asked what you had thought of the changes so far; and what you been cut by £64.1 million thought of our proposals for the future. around 49%

Although we are still looking at your feedback, initial results show that despite the huge cuts in funding around 55 per cent of people felt council services had stayed the same or improved; and most people feel we have taken the right approach. The majority of people agreed they would like to see more protection given to frontline services, like budgets for children and families; gritting and snow clearance; and job creation. And most people agreed they would prefer to see larger savings made from back-office areas. We’ll bring you more news of our budget planning and how we’re responding to your feedback in our spring edition.

Get into the festive spirit with Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa There’s a whole host of fantastic seasonal surprises in store, with Christmas party nights and lunches for those who like a little daytime revelry. With a range of live music tribute acts and delicious food, it’s the perfect location for friends, families or colleagues to have fun. Visit www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk to view all of the party packages and festive seasonal offers. We’ve teamed up with Ramside Hall Hotel so one lucky winner can enjoy an overnight stay in a premier room with breakfast the next day and use of the award-winning Spa at Ramside. To enter, just tell us the name of one of Ramside’s restaurants......

Name ...... Address ......

Tel ...... See page 2 for entry details. Email ...... Postcode ...... Tick here to receive further information:

News 5 Investing in innovation today for a better tomorrow We want to celebrate County Durham as a leading light in the business world; a county that’s ablaze with fresh ideas and new ways of working; where we focus on building a better future for residents. Over the last year we’ve worked with Business Durham, our economic development company, to launch several innovative projects to create high value jobs, generate economic growth and even solve health problems. We put the spotlight on three big projects.

Investing in bright “Creating a stronger economy is one of commercial cluster in healthcare; futures our highest priorities. That’s why we’re winning investment, and creating taking direct action to support business more and better jobs. We’re shining a light on County and create and protect local jobs.” Durham being a fantastic place to do Council Leader Simon Henig said: business. And we’re so passionate A leading light in “We are rallying our local knowledge, about this that we’re prepared to put expertise, resources and networks, to our money where our mouth is. healthcare strive towards a more prosperous County Durham and to tackle health That’s why we’ve set up Finance Two big priorities of ours are improving inequalities.” Durham, a £20 million investment health and boosting business. fund to grow local businesses. And with ‘Durham Smart County’ A brilliant start for The investment fund will make we’ve been thinking outside the box; businesses financial investments in local finding an innovative solution to tackling health problems and We’re giving new and growing businesses and those relocating here. businesses a bright start by purchasing Within the first ten years it’s predicted encouraging high-value economic growth in our county at the same time. a business incubator building that the fund will: leaves a lasting impression. 3 create or safeguard 2,000 jobs; So why health? Because we want to Salvus House, in Aykley Heads, 3 support over 500 businesses; and see improvements in life expectancy, obesity, alcohol abuse, self-harm and Durham City, was praised for its 7 3 directly invest in up to 0 businesses. smoking in County Durham. dramatic design when it was built in 2005. When it came up for sale this The scheme will make similar So ‘Durham Smart County’ sees us join year, we felt it was the perfect location investments to those of a traditional forces with local health organisations, for cutting-edge business start-ups venture capital fund. So not only will the voluntary sector, universities and needing city-centre office space, and companies benefit from the support private companies to identify specific we snapped it up. but, by targeting businesses with health issues. We’ll then support them potential for high growth, Finance to come up with innovative products The award-winning offices will be Durham is estimated to make a and services which will make a managed by Business Durham. £6 million return in its first 10 years. difference to people’s lives, and Some of the space will be available for We’ll then have the option to realise prevent people from ever becoming businesses to lease whilst the rest will these profits or invest in even more patients. house a new Durham City Incubator. businesses. We believe it will lead to advanced This incubator will see us work with Durham University and New College Coun Neil Foster, our Cabinet member solutions to our healthcare problems Durham to help entrepreneurial for economic regeneration, said: and, at the same time, help establish a businesses to thrive.

Free after three Shop locally and don’t pay for parking with free after three parking during December. All Durham County Council car parks across the county and on-street parking in Durham City will be free after 3pm during December and from 10am on Small Business Saturday - 3 December.

6 Investing in innovation Spotlight on success 3Spectrum in Seaham has increased its occupancy from 15 per cent to 60 per cent, approximately 2,000 new jobs. 3We’ve attracted investment from ambitious companies that want to grow, from new tech companies at NETPark in Sedgefield; to ResQ with 1,300 jobs, the single biggest inward investment in Durham in recent times. 3We‘ve encouraged the location of four national technology centres at NETPark managed by CPI: Printable Electronics, Healthcare Photonics, Graphene Applications, and Formulation. 3We’ve supported existing businesses to grow; such as Thorn, Bristol Laboratories, Atom Bank and Hitachi.

Leading lights in Find out more at business (from top www.businessdurham.co.uk to bottom): 03000 261 261 Centre for Process Innovation; Smart-7; Hitachi; Discover how we are PolyPhotonix; illuminating our future at Salvus House and www.DurhamPlaceofLight.com Thorn Lighting.

a luxurious break at the Best Western Beamish Hall Beamish Hall has a long and interesting history. With roots firmly in the 13th century, it was a wedding gift to celebrate the union of two Norman families. Passing through the hands of many northern aristocratic families, it was also the original home of Beamish Museum. Now owned and run by the Craggs family, it is a four-star country house hotel with 24 acres of woodland, parkland and landscaped gardens to enjoy. Visit the historic Eden Tearoom, Stables Restaurant or on-site micro-brewery - brewing seven real ales. 01207 233 733, www.Beamish-Hall.co.uk One lucky couple can win an overnight stay with evening meal in the Stables Restaurant and tour of the micro-brewery with a couple of tasters. To enter, tell us how many acres of land Beamish Hall is set within.

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Name ...... Address ......

Tel ...... See page 2 for entry details. Email ...... Postcode ...... Tick here to receive further information:

Investing in innovation 7 Lest we forget From the uniforms to the weapons to the medals, the Durham Light Infantry Collection provides amazing evidence of the daring deeds of our county’s own regiment.

The lovingly-handmade crafts, closely-kept keepsakes and sporting memorabilia also give Charlotte unveils a wooden roll of honour. a startling insight into soldiers’ lives, loves and leisure time. How much of the collection Now this collection of artefacts is accessible? is available for research and study For the first time in its history, the in a new centre in Spennymoor. full collection of 15,000 artefacts is We met Collections Managers, The other parts of the collection, accessible. Like most museums, Gillian Kirkbride and Charlotte like uniforms, weapons and 80 per cent of the collection at the personal effects are being kept in Barron to find out more. former DLI Museum was kept in our new research and study area storage with only 20 per cent on What are the new here at Spennymoor. display. arrangements for the How can people get the Over the years we’ve worked with DLI Collection? most from their visit to the dedicated volunteers to produce a full inventory. And with the move, The DLI Collection is very wide research and study area? every button, badge and bullet had ranging. In planning the new Talk to us about your area of to be accounted for - all 80 pallets, arrangements we’ve thought interest before you come. Whether 24 rails of costumes, 12 crates and about how best to care for the it’s a family or village connection, 63 boxes of medals! The new collection and the best way for or a particular period in the DLI’s specially refurbished storage is people to access it. history, if we know what you want helping us keep items in better Parts of the collection will be used to get from your visit we can condition and given us easier in public exhibitions, like the research which items are most access to share individual pieces Somme 1916 appropriate and with people. exhibition held have them ready. Why is it important to at Palace Green Library. Other What sort of conserve this collection and items are used things can keep it accessible? by our education people view? This collection is so important to outreach team to The collection County Durham. After all, the life deliver schools we lead today is in some part down workshops. spans a long history of the DLI, to the bravery of these people and Medals are available to view by with the oldest items from 1758 the experiences they went appointment at the Barker and the most recent from 3 Rifles through. Reading Room in Palace Green campaign in Afghanistan in 2010. This collection helps you relive Library, near Durham Cathedral. It ranges from fire arms and those events in a way that books DLI archives, such as diaries, uniforms; to china, silverware and can’t. Having this research and letters, photos and maps can be decorative items from the mess; to study area and our schools viewed by appointment at the personal items like embroidery education programme ensures the Record Office in County Hall, and keepsakes. bravery of these soldiers is never Durham. forgotten.

8 DLI Collection: Amazing evidence of daring deeds How to see the DLI Collection Gillian inspects a jacket. See key items online at Gillian’s www.durham.gov.uk/dlicollection favourite Book an appointment piece at the study and resource centre at These two windows Greenhills Business Park, Spennymoor are not that old, DL16 6JB by calling 03000 266 631 or emailing from 1952-1953, but [email protected] this is the first time we’ve been able to Visit the Collection Library properly unwrap on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am-3pm when and view them. Soldiers in Korea created them for their hand-built volunteers and Friends will help you. church which had ammunition tin walls, a thatched roof and these beautiful windows hand-painted with images To make an appointment to see medals at of St George and the Venerable Bede. The Barker Reading Room, Palace Green Library, Durham Charlotte’s call 0191 334 2972 or favourite piece email [email protected] Open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. It’s the astonishing story behind this Albert For the DLI archives at first-class medal from 1916 that makes it so Durham County Record Office, moving. It was awarded County Hall, Durham to Lance Corporal call 03000 267 619 or George Alderson 10 Bn DLI. He was storing bombs when email record.off[email protected] he heard a Newton Pippin rifle grenade fall from the to make an appointment (Monday to stands. He would have known he had just four seconds Wednesday). Check the online catalogue at until detonation, but he didn’t flee for his life as many might. Calmly he carried the bomb to the window, but www.durhamrecordoffice.org.uk on seeing men working outside, he headed to the door to throw it outside Coming soon: A new DLI exhibition at Palace instead. It exploded in his arms and Green Library opens on Saturday 11 March 2017. More details to follow in our next edition. he died from his injuries. The Albert To coicide with Remembrance Day, a DLI display medal was one of only 64 awarded will open in the The Wolfson Gallery at Palace and one of only 15 not exchanged for Green Library this November. the George medal in 1949.

DLI Collection: Amazing evidence of daring deeds 9 We lift the curtain on the perfect panto

You take your seat in the Counting down… theatre; the curtain rises; the auditorium hushes. 12 months to go - the clock has only just It’s the start of two hours struck midnight on 2015’s of magic and mayhem. Cinderella, but joint writers and directors Neil Armstrong and Paul Hartley are already thinking big about 2016. Neil (who hams it up But for the scores of people as the baddy) and Paul (the unlucky-in-love sidekick) get straight involved - from actors, to writing the script in January. dancers, and musicians to Paul explains how they get their inspiration. “Jack and the Beanstalk stagehands, set designers stood out as the ideas and jokes just kept popping into our heads. This year we had the script finished by March. The sooner we’re done, the musical and costumer makers - director can start thinking ‘ooh I’ll do a big number for that scene’; the it’s the culmination designer knows what characters to design costumes for; and everyone of 12 months involved from lights to sound to choreography can start work.” of hard work. Nine months to go - every panto needs top tunes. We went behind Adding the right blend of music is the job of Musical Director, Mark Thompson. Jack and the Beanstalk will be his fifth pantomime, the scenes to see so he knows a jolly panto tune when he hears one. what goes into “I get the script in April. Sometimes the directors might specify a song and putting on the sometimes they might say ‘Find a fairy song for here’. I find inspiration everywhere, from the charts to old time musical hall songs. But I might Gala Theatre’s need to cut them, change the tempo or rewrite the lyrics for it to work for biggest production us. Once we know the songs, I write the band parts and produce rehearsal tracks for the cast to practice too.” of the year - their perfect panto! Seven months to go - it’s April and the casting starts. Getting the right chemistry on stage is all important, so casting starts early, as Neil explained: “We’ve a huge amount of acting talent in the North East and we’re always keen to use local actors. We loved Paul Dunn as an Ugly Sister last year so he’s back as Dame Trott, and Sally Collett will play Fairy Moonflower. As well as these familiar faces, we have some new actors. Jamie Brown stars as hero Jack and Sarah Boulter is our feisty Princess.”

Three months to go - it’s full throttle with sets and costumes. Andy Stephenson, the show’s designer, has spent the summer finalising designs for costumes and sets which a local set production company will create.

10 Peak behind the curtain at the panto His amazing costumes are coming to life on local dressmakers’ tables, with actors’ final fittings arranged throughout October. The panto gives Andy the opportunity to go to town: Three weeks and counting “This year I’ve had a ball designing the set, with oversize - the elements come together. props for the giant, and wacky inventions which produce hilarious results. It’s all go to be ready for the big night. Cast and dancers rehearse in full. “For the costumes, we returned to the original storybook The band joins them in the last origins of Jack and the Beanstalk with a lovely mix of week, and lighting and medieval-inspired and fairytale costumes. But the dame is technology checks ensure always a chance to go big, bright and a bit crazy! it sounds and looks amazing. “Actors need several outfits that are quick to change; easy The Gala Theatre is stocked to move in; and tough enough to get through around 50 with enough popcorn to performances.” blow your mind and an iceberg-sized order of 10 weeks - dancers step up to the mark. ice-cream’s placed. Youngsters from the Gala Theatre Stage School It’s curtain-up time! get the chance to shine. Choreographer, Georgina Take your seats… Mannifield has the tough job of choosing the dancers and extra cast members. Georgina said: “The kids are awesome and work so hard. It’s great to give them a chance to be part of a production like this.” Now see the magic first hand! Jack and the Beanstalk performances from 24 November 2016 to 7 January 2017. £6-£17.50 (family £50-£58). Gala Theatre Box Office 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk

Peak behind the curtain at the panto 11 Save yourself from Christmas debt

Wanting that special Christmas but dreading dealing with the debt?

There’s a way to save yourself worry; save yourself heartache; and save yourself from crippling debts. You might even manage to A Christmas credit union loan is save some money to much more affordable than weekly cover the costs of next payment stores. Christmas. Credit union We priced up two popular Christmas gifts. e.g: iPad How? Weekly payment store £470 credit Talk to your local credit union loan unions, NEFirst and e.g: iPad The Prince Bishops Buy the iPad from an established £15.25 high street retailer for £469. Community Bank. or Credit Unions are not- every week Pay back £9.88 per week to the for-profit savings and for 104 weeks. credit union over 52 weeks. loans organisations run Total payment: £1,586.00 Total payment: £513.42 for the benefit of the local community. (saving £1072 from the weekly payment store) Their savings are protected by the Bank of England and they’re Credit union regulated by the Financial Conduct e.g: Xbox Authority. £270 credit union loan What’s good Weekly payment store Buy the Xbox about credit outright from a high street unions? e.g: Xbox supermarket with a similar games They want to help - £7.00 bundle for £269. or they have a history of every week Pay back £5.67 per week to the helping people with for 130 weeks. credit union over 52 weeks. poor credit histories. They offer simple ways Total payment: £910.00 Total payment: £294.55 to help you save, even (saving £615 from the weekly payment store) just a pound or two a week. Save, save, save! They offer loans of up to £500 that won’t cost Getting both items with credit union loans is £1,688 cheaper than the earth to pay back. from weekly payment stores. Pay that into a credit union savings account and Christmas 2017 is sorted too!

12 Manage your money at Christmas Beware of Christmas cons Safe Durham Partnership

From suspicious emails and products and bargain booze can be Don’t dodgy websites to dishonest dangerous. shop door salesmen and postal scams, For advice or to report fakes, call the ‘til you drop beware of fraudsters this Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline Christmas. on 03454 04 05 06. Be spending savvy with our Festive fakes, such as designer tips. handbags, watches, perfumes and Check out our advent calendar for tips to stay 4 Write a list and set a toys are often poor quality and unsafe due to the lack of safety safe online this Christmas at budget for your www.durham.gov.uk/crimeprevention Christmas spending. testing. Whilst cut-price tobacco 4 Use your loyalty cards - they aren’t earning interest so use them to Winter security get presents. Long dark nights can see crime rates go up so 4 Pay off credit cards and check your home, car and personal security. store cards quickly; • Check doors and windows are locked, and make they’re an expensive way your home look occupied when it’s not. A light on to borrow. If you can’t an automatic timer and a radio playing will make it pay off the balance in seem like someone’s home. full, talk to your credit union about a loan to pay • Don’t leave car keys, ID cards or valuables on show, especially near them off. Their interest windows, doors or letterboxes where burglars can reach through. rates on a loan will be • Stay with your car while you defrost it and don’t leave it running whilst cheaper than a credit or unattended, the frost might not be the only store card. thing you find has gone on your return! 4 Check your overdraft. Make sure it’s authorised • Going out at night? Avoid dark short cuts, (unauthorised and you’ll park in well-lit places and wear reflective get a high charge). or light coloured clothing. 4 Look for deals and keep • If you’re not sure if a taxi is licensed, Remember County Durham receipts in case presents DON’T get in. Look out for a taxi sign is a safe place to live. You can need to be exchanged or and official licence plates and report help keep it this way. For more refunded. concerns to us on 03000 261 016. tips, visit www.durham.gov.uk

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Security guide 13 We’re ready for winter Weather warnings Keep up to date with Met Office weather warnings at www.durham.gov.uk/ weatherwarnings Winter service information Keep up to date with social media for news on weather warnings and gritting information. Facebook/durhamcouncil Twitter @DurhamCouncil Salt bin refills #twittergritterNE We provide more than 2,300 salt bins. If a salt bin needs refilling, let us know by completing Snow and ice the online form at www.durham.gov.uk/saltbins or call 03000 26 1000. We presalt around 1,700km of roads to prevent ice and frost forming. If heavy snow falls, we clear the main routes first. To see which routes we grit, visit Potholes www.durham.gov.uk/winterinfo To report a pothole, visit www.durham.gov.uk/potholes or call 03000 26 1000. New for this winter - live tracking of our gritters in action together with planned gritting and confirmation of routes that have already been Flooding - Sandbags gritted. Go to www.durham.gov.uk/winterinfo and If you need sandbags to protect your property from select ‘Today's gritting plans’. flooding, call 03000 26 1000.

Our winter planning 1 in numbers 2⁄2 hours 4:30am The time gritter drivers The time it takes to start work for an early , salt all priority 1 morning grit. 1 700km routes.

The length of roads we pre-salt in normal winter weather conditions (priority 1 routes).

42,000 5.2m £Our winter maintenance tonnes budget for this year. The amount of salt we have We have 37gritters; in stock for this winter. 33 trailer gritters and 6snow blowers.

14 We’re ready for winter Make sure you’ve Protect against flu got winter health Don’t put off getting the flu vaccination. If you’re eligible, get it now. It’s free because you need it. all wrapped up Get the jab: • If you’re over 65. Winter can be bad for your • If you’re pregnant. health, particularly if you are • For your children if they’re aged two to four. older or have existing health This is not an injection, just a quick nasal spray. Keep conditions. warm • If you’re the main carer of an older or There are lots of ways to disabled person you may be eligible. to keep well keep yourself and your • If you live in a long-stay residential home. Keep warm in winter - both inside and outdoors - it can family well. Visit • If you have a long-term health condition help prevent colds, flu and www.nhs.uk/staywell like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary more serious health problems. disease), bronchitis, emphysema, for tips and advice. Heat your home to at least diabetes, heart, kidney or liver disease 18°C (65°F). Make sure you’re or have suffered a stroke. receiving all the help to heat Contact your GP or pharmacist your home that you are to get the flu jab now. entitled to. Find out more at www.nhs.uk/staywell. Wrap up warm outdoors, have regular hot meals and drinks and keep active. Flu and first signs If you start to feel Pick up a unwell, even if it’s prescription just a cough or If you’ve been prescribed cold, don’t wait antibiotics or other until it gets more medication, pick up your serious, get help prescription before the from your Christmas holidays start. pharmacist. The Many GPs and pharmacies sooner you get will close over the advice the better. holidays.

Everybody needs good neighbours Keep an eye out for elderly relatives and neighbours. Supporting them in the cold weather can help them stay well this winter.

Be prepared and keep your water pipes cosy to avoid bursts and To find out more, visit: For help over the holiday period when www.nwl.co.uk/btf save money. @nwater_care your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111 or visit www.nhs.uk

Winter health 15

Real Christmas Festive period tree collections If you’d like your real Christmas closures tree collected free of charge in the new year, save time and do this online between Monday 19 December and Over the festive period, there’ll be Sunday 8 January at www.durham.gov.uk. Alternatively changes to services that you need call 03000 261 000. to know about… Or take your real Christmas tree to a household waste Most of our public-facing council buildings will be recycling centre (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s closed over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Day). Visit www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc for locations and opening hours. Customer Access Points will close at 4.30pm on Friday 23 December and reopen at 8.30am on Tuesday 3 January. Say No-el Library opening times may vary, call into your to Christmas waste local library (or check our website) before Christmas for opening times. • Send e-cards! Recycle any cards you receive at supermarkets or in your Leisure centres will be closed on Christmas Day, recycling bin. Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and will close at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. • Place extra recycling in clear plastic bags (not black bags) next Children’s centres will close or have restricted to your recycling bin for collection. opening times over the Christmas period. Don’t leave cardboard where it can Call into your local centre before Christmas to see get wet and always separate glass. when they’ll be open. Take small electrical • Day centres for adults will remain open, except items, hard plastics like toys and large cardboard to your local on bank holidays. household waste recycling Register offices will be closed on Christmas Day, centre. Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and Bank Holidays 27 December and 2 January and open • Recycling six mince pie foil tins saves enough energy to watch Eastenders on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve for weddings Christmas Day. only. Bishop Auckland and Aykley Heads House Durham register offices will be open between 10 million turkeys will be bought in • Christmas and New Year for appointments only - the UK in December and about one quarter of that binned. phone 03000 26 6000. Visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com Travel Response Centre - the pre-bookable for ways to make use of your leftovers. transport service to hospital appointments remains open for telephone bookings. Other www.durham.gov.uk/whatgoeswhere booking services are closed from 12 noon Christmas Eve until Tuesday 3 January. Christmas bin 03000 26 9999. collections Useful numbers There’ll be no changes to Emergency out of hours number 03000 26 0000 bin collections during the 24/7 automated payments line 0300 456 2771 Christmas and New Year period. (debit/credit card) Place your bins out on your usual collection day. Find out collection details by entering your You can get lots of Save time information and do it online house number and postcode into the Report Apply Book Pay Comment ‘My Durham’ section at www.durham.gov.uk apply online for

or visit www.durham.gov.uk/bins council services via www.durham.gov.uk

16 Be ready for winter

NEWS Entente cordiale We’ve strengthened our educational links with France so pupils have even more opportunities to learn from their French counterparts. We signed a new education cooperation agreement with the Académie d’Amiens. The council has been linked to the Somme County since 1980, with over 130 individual school partnerships already in place. Chairman Cllr Edward Bell and Madame Valérie Cabuil, the This new agreement will lead to even more new school links. recteur of the Académie d’Amiens sign the agreement.

National Fraud Initiative Will your child be 2016/17 five on or between 1 September 2017 We share personal information to combat and 31 August 2018? fraud and save you money. In October we shared your personal information If so, complete an with the Cabinet Office. They match our data application to tell us which against data from other public bodies, such as school you’d like your child to attend from September other local councils and the NHS. 2017 by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/schooladmissions For most people, the checks show no issue. You must still apply even if your child already has a sibling For a few people, the check shows evidence of a at the school. The application process also includes mistake or potential fraud. applying for a place in a junior school for an older child. Find out more at www.durham.gov.uk, Deadline: midnight on 15 January 2017. email [email protected] 03000 265 896 or call 03000 266 745.

Your first choice for housing in County Durham

ToNo bond Let No admin fee Cestria Housing 0191 385 1900 Durham City Homes 0800 068 0013

Dale and Valley Homes 0800 083 0333 East Durham Homes 0800 032 0835 livin 0800 587 4538 Derwentside Homes 01207 521 100 North Star Housing 03000 11 00 11

Derwentside Homes www.durhamkeyoptions.co.uk

News 17 Green living

Northumbria in Bloom Durham has scooped gold and been named overall winner in the Champion of Champions category in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Northumbria in Bloom competition, winning the Bob Woolley award in honour of the founder of Northumbria in Bloom. The city was selected to take part in the Champion of Champions category after the city won gold and was the overall winner in the Large Town category in 2014 and 2015. Chester-le-Street received a silver gilt award and was overall winner in the Large Town category, while Stanley, competing for only the second year, won silver in the Town category. Many other town and parish/community led entries across the county also picked up various awards for their In Bloom campaigns. See www.northumbriainbloom.co.uk for details. And… a hat-trick for Durham at Britain in Bloom Durham City scooped a horticultural hat-trick at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom awards. It received a third national gold medal in three years; this time in the prestigious national Champion of Champions category.

Garden waste collections resume next spring. Details to sign up will be available soon. If you subscribed for three years you’ll receive your bin sticker and calendar for 2017 collections in the new year. www.durham.gov.uk/gardenwaste Recycling centre Have your say: ‘Like’ extended New enforcement recycling The Frosterley mobile recycling powers centre in Weardale will Check out our continue until August 2017. Have your say on our dedicated proposal to implement a Facebook page The mobile recycling centre, countywide Public Space for handy tips on which is operated by the Protection Order for Dog reducing waste, reusing, recycling and HW Martin group, is open on Control. These are new composting. Middleton-in-Teesdale resident alternate Saturdays 9am- enforcement powers to help Julia Nelson won a £50 voucher for being one 12 noon. Next month this will protect parks and open of the first to ‘like’ the page. “I needed advice be 3, 17 and 31 December. spaces against irresponsible on recycling coffee pods and had a helpful reply The site will close in very bad dog owners. very quickly,” Julia said. weather. 03000 26 1000, Have your say online at www.facebook.com/recycleforcountydurham www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc www.durham.gov.uk/ consultation Environment Awards 2016 or request a copy by calling Winners of the 2016 Environment Awards will be announced at a ceremony on 3 5 5 0 000 26 86. 10 November. Check online at www.countydurhampartnership.co.uk/envawards Closes: Monday 5 December.

18 Green living Moving towards independence

When young people leave care they often need a halfway house - a place where they can start to be more independent, but with someone to guide and support them.

Our Supported Lodgings service offers this stepping now successfully stone to independence for many young people leaving moved out and is care and vulnerable adults who are not ready to live living independently. independently. I felt safe in David was nine when he was taken into care. He had Supported Lodgings. five foster placements and a brief period in a children’s I was responsible for residential unit. myself, but had the Against advice, he decided at 16 to move into a stability and ‘semi-independent property’, where he would live in a reassurance of the shared flat and be supported to manage his tenancy. family I was lodging But David struggled. It quickly became a party house with. It was a relief living in a well-kept home, and David felt he had no power to tell people to leave. surrounded by caring people and not having to face Things became out of control and eventually David the stresses of living independently, David said. was persuaded to go into supported lodgings. Supported Lodgings placements are provided by Could you help a young person take those first steps individuals and families in their own homes. They help to independence? the person to prepare to live independently, teaching Find out more about becoming a supported lodgings them skills for life like how to manage money, plan provider at www.durham.gov.uk/supportedlodgings, shopping and cook meals. David says his placement or email [email protected] increased his confidence and independence. He has or phone 03000 262 272 to find out more.

From care to career We’ve committed to giving our 240 care leavers a great start on the career ladder. Care leavers can struggle to find work opportunities for a number of reasons. And as we have supported them throughout their care, we feel it’s the natural step to help them take their first steps into the world of work. Our services will be looking at ways of providing work experience, traineeships, apprenticeships, internships and graduate opportunities. Already our Care Leavers’ Service has worked with the Adult Learning and Skills Service to provide nine traineeships to care leavers. They recently completed these and received a special award at our annual Adult and Learning Skills award ceremony.

Stair lift servicing We offer stair lift and platform lift maintenance services. Fully trained tradespeople will provide a trouble-free annual lift servicing package from as little as £72.60. Call 03000 269 359.

Health and wellbeing 19 CENTRAL and

EAST Durham Have a caring Official opening Christmas of city-centre park The pop up charity shop Cards for Good Causes Durham City found itself in the national is open for business at spotlight when HRH, The Duke of Kent arrived to officially reopen Wharton Park Alington House, 4 following its stunning £3 million makeover. North Bailey, Durham. Open 10am-4pm The gem in the heart of the city has gone from strength to strength since it reopened Monday to Saturday in May and looked stunning for the duke’s arrival. until 16 December. www.cardsforcharity.co.uk Generations together Durham University students are bridging the age gap to bring people together. Volunteers are pairing up with older residents to offer friendly conversation and companionship. Second year History student Bethany Holden said: “I decided to volunteer with Generations Together because I wanted to North Road revamp break out of the student bubble and do something worthwhile in our local community while making new friends.” Work to improve road layouts and pedestrian safety on North Road in If you are interested in joining the scheme call 0191 334 1208 or email Durham City is underway. [email protected] Following public consultation, an £8 million bus station is also earmarked for development in the next two to Family fitness three years. This is set to make More than 200 East Durham shopping in the area easier and more accessible and transform North Road residents are reaping the into the gateway to the city. rewards of an eight-week health and fitness course. My Sporting Chance gives families the opportunity to try lots of fun activities to make people healthier and happier. Free sessions are running for parents and youngsters aged 6-13 years, contact 03000 266 592. Dementia drop-ins People living with dementia or caring afternoon tea for two for someone with the condition can Set in a Georgian listed building; the Townhouse hotel now get free, confidential support. in Durham City has 11 completely indulgent, individually designed rooms and secluded apartments. It offers a delicious Sessions are 10am to noon: homemade afternoon tea (48hr advance booking). 0191 384 1037, www.thetownhousedurham.co.uk • Peterlee Library - first Monday of To enter, name a type of tea...... every month • Blackhall Library - second Friday Name ...... Address ...... of every month Tel ...... • Seaham Library - third Wednesday of every month Email ...... Postcode ...... See page 2 for entry details. For more details, call 0191 389 0400. 20 Central and East Durham news NORTH Durham Northern Writes Stanley residents can join an exciting six-month programme of poetry and music, thanks to with younger pupils at North Durham Academy, while support from the Heritage older students will hear nationally acclaimed poet Lottery Fund and Stanley Area Simon Armitage read. Kirsten Luckins, BBC poetry Action Partnership. slam finalist, will work with community group Just for Women. Stanley-based arts in education agency, The Forge, is running There are also creative writing workshops and a music Northern Writes, a series of events themed around the programme which kicks off with “Wor Tommy’s a works of the pitman poet Tommy Armstrong. Mazer” night at Tanfield Lea Club on Saturday 19 November. There’s lots for everyone. Folk artist Katie Doherty is working with 12 primary schools to produce their own All tickets FREE but must be booked in advance. new ‘Song for Stanley’. Poet Bob Beagrie is working 01207 284 515, [email protected]

Wicket improvements An £85,000 scheme to improve a community cricket ground is underway. Work to install a new drainage system and level the outfield playing area at Leadgate Cricket Club should be complete by March. Funding came from our Derwent Valley Area Action Partnership and Sport England’s Protecting Playing Fields initiative.

Lookingng forfor Oak & Iron Be part of the Land of Oak and Iron project and a new ggym?ym? help enhance and celebrate the Derwent Valley and Ɣ Over 100 free exercise classes surrounding area. Ɣ Multi-site access Join the Woodland Conservation Team to work on the Ɣ Free swimming within your group Plantation at Burnopfield or help to improve Ɣ Swimming memberships also available interpretation materials at Blackhill and Consett Park. The partnership is led by Groundwork NE & Cumbria and supported by £2.2 million Heritage Lottery funding. www.landofoakandiron.org.uk, Facebook\LandofOakandIron, call 01207 524 883.

Beat the Scammers Age UK County Durham would like to hear from volunteers who can help them deliver a ‘Beat the Membership Scammers’ initiative across the Derwent Valley AAP from £17.00 area. The project helps older people develop skills and a month* *Refers to group 2 and 3 concessions rate confidence to protect them from telephone fraud. It has been supported by Derwent Valley AAP and wwwwww.durham.gov.uk/leisurecentres.durham.gov.uk/leisurecentres Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg. Call 0191 374 6569 or email [email protected]

North Durham news 21 SOUTH and WEST Durham New home for Newton Aycliffe library Newton Aycliffe library will move from Central Avenue into newly refurbished premises at the leisure centre later this year. The scheme, part of a £1 million project to help rejuvenate Newton Aycliffe, will transform shop units adjoining the centre; construct a new shared entrance and reception for the library and leisure centre; and create a new plaza area. The new-look facility will also offer residents the opportunity to make an appointment to discuss revenue and benefits queries with customer service staff. The work is set to be complete in December. Blue plaque for Ferryhill writer A plaque celebrating the life of influential writer Sid Chaplin has been unveiled at his former home on Gladstone Terrace in Ferryhill. Sid Chaplin’s work included the BBC series When the Boat Comes In Teesdale Business and also inspired the iconic stage musical Close the Coalhouse Door. Born in Shildon, the acclaimed author was considered one of the Awards finest writers working in the north in the 20th century. Nominations are open for the sixth annual Teesdale Business Awards. AAP co-ordinator Michael Wilkes with the Twelve categories will celebrate project team. What’s On in achievements in all aspects of business Spennymoor development and success in the world of commerce and social enterprise. Spennymoor AAP is Categories include Best Business, supporting a scheme to Best Customer Focus and Apprentice publicise the range of of the Year. activities available for Last year’s winners included Apprentice youngsters in the area. of the Year - Gemma Barrett from The What’s On in Spennymoor Zhoo Hair and Beauty Salon; and Best project includes leaflets, a website and social media updates. Business went to Stable Hearth. The project was previously funded by the AAP and Success (NE) and The awards are on Wednesday 15 has now been successful in obtaining financial backing to continue February at The Witham, Barnard the project throughout 2017. For more details or to join the network Castle. www.e-house.co.uk contact 01388 824 800, [email protected]

Before school One Point For support, advice and activities for During children, young people and families school Service

After school Call us today on: 03000 261 111

22 South and West Durham news Activities in Crook The Crook Local Community Activity Team promotes Crook, raises awareness of the range of activities on offer - from jujitsu to samba drumming - and provides opportunities that benefit the wellbeing of local people. Facebook (Local Community Activities in the Crook Area), [email protected] Norman Cornish’s studio Would you benefit from a buddy? Love the work of Norman Cornish? Experience the artist’s studio at a special exhibition opening soon at Spennymoor Buddies Befriending Service, funded Town Hall Art Gallery. through our Great Aycliffe and Middridge Area Action Partnership, aims to help The artist’s studio in Whitworth Terrace, Spennymoor, was reduce loneliness and isolation in the over dismantled after his death and gifted to Beamish Museum, 50s by matching them up with a friendly including items from the studio, furniture and unfinished artwork. befriender for company and support. Norman's studio will be on loan from the museum and recreated Find out more 01325 329 933, in full in the town hall’s gallery, forming part of the very successful [email protected] Coming Home exhibition. The items will then be returned to Beamish Museum so they A night out can replicate Norman’s former home in Bishop’s Close Street, like no other Spennymoor, as part of the planned 1950s town. The Remaking Over 16 and looking for Beamish project has received initial support from the Heritage a work out that feels Lottery Fund for a £10.75 million grant. more like a night out? Call 01388 815 276 or email Try Clubbercise. Weekly [email protected] sessions are taking place on Mondays at Teesdale Leisure Centre, 8pm-8.45pm, Wednesdays at Woodhouse Budding Close Leisure Complex, 7.30pm-8.15pm bobbies and Shildon-Sunnydale Leisure Centre, Wednesdays 6.45pm-7.30pm. Book on at on the your local leisure centre. beat www.durham.gov.uk/leisurecentres

Now open Newton Aycliffe youngsters are Alopecia support laying down the law. Local residents Alopecia Support County recently celebrated Durham Constabulary and Great Durham is a new group for the re-opening of Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership women aged 16 and over Scarth Memorial Hall in (GAMP) joined forces with local who would like support, Staindrop following its children to introduce the Mini advice and tips on living refurbishment through Police project in four schools: with hair loss. a Big Lottery grant of St Francis, Sugar Hill, Woodham The next meeting is at 7pm on Wednesday, almost £500,000. We Burn and Stephenson Way. 21 December at the Pioneering Care supported by funding Centre in Newton Aycliffe. Performing their duties dressed in new lighting down the uniform, the volunteer new recruits [email protected] side of the hall and will be helping the police and Facebook: alopeciasupportcodurham ramp access. taking part in community events. twitter: @alopeciafriends www.scarthhall.co.uk

South and West Durham news 23 12 days of beautifully decorated Durham tree Get your home spruced up for Christmas with a trip to If a partridge in a Raby Castle, near Staindrop. Pick out pear tree is not your your freshly cut cup of tea, then try Raby Estates real Christmas tree our alternate 12 before heading into days of Christmas the Christmas shop. Open 1 to 23 December instead. 10am-5pm (3pm on 23rd). www.rabycastle.com

hundred stalls magic Durham City’s Traditional train rides Christmas Festival returns from Whether you choose the Friday 2 to Sunday 4 December, Weardale Railway’s providing excellent festive Polar Express, shopping and entertainment. A huge marquee on Palace Green The Tanfield houses 185 craft and gift stalls Railway’s North whilst in the Cathedral Cloisters, Pole Express or the Regional Producers’ Market Locomotion’s Santa features more than 30 traders. Christmas Special, Open Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday you’re sure to get 9am-5pm and Sunday 12 noon- Christmas right on track with a 4.30pm. Durham Market Hall will railway seasonal special. also be open and there’ll be festive markets in Durham Market Find details of all three at Place and Millennium Place. www.thisisdurham.com/whats- www.durhamchristmasfestival.com on/christmas-events

men a-singing sad sticks Christmas Original X-Factor stars and Can you help Stick Man return classics operatic vocal quartet G4 bring to the family tree, his Stick Lady Oh the joy of curling up with a their atmospheric Christmas By Love and his stick children three? cuppa and a good book. Candlelight show to Durham If you love this Julia Donaldson We’ve got hundreds of Cathedral on 14 December. Christmas story, head to Christmas favourites www.durhamcathedral.co.uk Hamsterley Forest for this 1.5 mile at our libraries, from forest trail, perfect for little legs. Not your cup of cocoa? Enjoy Dickens’ classic Christmas www.forestry.gov.uk/hamsterleyforest Christmas with Durham Cathedral Carol to Dr Suess’ How the Choir on Saturday 10 December Grinch Stole Christmas. when you’ll hear the choristers So whether you want gripping; sing with the gentlemen of the bodice-ripping; or side-splitting Choir and the Reg Vardy stories, we’ve got it covered. Band. Tickets on There’s also access to 189 03000 266 600 or emagazines and a huge range of www.galadurham.co.uk free to download ebooks. www.durham.gov.uk/libraries

24 Out and about skaters skating towns thousand stars There’s nothing as nice as a a-twinkling a-sparkling spin on the ice. So head to the Durham City, our towns and There are 9,096 stars apparently Beamish Museum to take a turn many villages have an array of visible to the naked eye so take on the wonderfully traditional real awesome events lined up, from time to lift your eyes to the skies. ice rink, visit Father Christmas, carol You could even head to one of the meet his magic reindeer and go singing to 16 Dark Sky Discovery Sites in the nuts for roast chestnuts and switching North Pennines. Find out more at mulled wine. www.beamish.org.uk on festive www.northpennines.org.uk. lights. Check our what’s on and keep an eye out locally for events.

days of fun Durham City has 10 festive days of fun planned. Starting with the unveiling of the magical Christmas lights on 20 November, through to bands and carollers and the live nativity. See www.durhambid.co.uk for details.

a year of family fun at Crook Hall We’ve teamed up with Crook Hall and miles for Gardens in Durham City to give five lucky families a season ticket. walking For the chance to win, just tell us the Burn off those Christmas calories, date their Christmas fun begins. and join voluntary ranger Steve magic Shippen for a Waskerley Way walk moments ...... on Boxing Day, Mon 26 December. Starting at 10am from the Rowley There are 12 days Name ...... Station Picnic Area, south of of festive fun at Castleside, and taking around 5.5 Durham City’s hidden gem, hours to cover the 11 miles. Crook Hall and Gardens. From Tel ...... All booked up on Boxing Day? when they first deck the hall with Don’t worry, we have loads of walks boughs of holly on 2 December, Address ...... planned, including a four-mile walk through to their final Traditional at Castle Eden Dene on Sun 18 Christmas event on 23 December ...... December; or discovering Foxholes with Santa and snowball fights, and Horsleyhopes on a seven-mile Postcode ...... walk on Fri 23 December. you’ll be enchanted by the magic. See a full list at Book online at Email ...... www.crookhallgardens.co.uk www.durham.gov.uk/countryside See page 2 for entry details. Tick here to receive further information:

Out and about 25 It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Panto Season Get ready to cheer, boo and shout “they’re behind you!”

Thursday 24 November to Saturday 7 January Thursday 12 to Jack and The Beanstalk Sunday 15 January Gala Theatre, Durham Cinderella The Gala Theatre team is back to bring Park View Theatre, you this heroic and hilarious tale. Chester-le-Street Various times. £6-£17.50, F £50-£58. A rags-to-riches story 03000 266 600, www.galadurham.co.uk featuring panto favourites Buttons and the Fairy Godmother. Various times. Saturday 26 to Monday 28 November Thur: £8, Fri-Sun: A £10, Con £9. 0191 388 3362, Aladdin www.dryburntheatricalworkshop.ticketsource.co.uk Bishop Auckland Town Hall A family treat of a pantomime with spectacular illusions and Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 January lots of laughs. Various times. £8, Con £6. 03000 269 524, Sing a Song of Sixpence Blackhall Community Centre www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk A must-see, with lots of fabulous fun and laughter. 7pm. Plus Sat 2pm. £4. 0191 586 7396. Thursday 1 to Saturday 3 December Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 January Aladdin Everyman Theatre, Spennymoor Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs A whopper of a show, with panto Civic Hall, Shildon favourites Widow Twankey and Wishy This enchanting tale will put a spell on Washy. 7pm plus Sat 2pm. £6, F £20. you. 7.30pm plus Sun 2pm. A £5.50, 01388 816 430, C £3.50. 01388 774 838. www.spennymoorsettlement.co.uk Friday 3 and Saturday 4 February Friday 2 to Saturday 31 December Puss in Boots Sleeping Beauty Everyman Theatre, Spennymoor Empire Theatre, Consett Spennymoor Youth Theatre & Performing Expect glitzy costumes, audience Arts School presents lots of music and lots participation and fast-paced family fun. of laughs. 7pm, plus Sat 2pm. £5. 01388 811 364, Various times. £15, Con £13, F £48. www.spennymoorsettlement.co.uk 01207 218 171, www.leisureworks.net perfect panto prizes Wednesday 7 to Saturday 10 December We’ve got a panto-tastic offer with a family ticket to Jack and the Beanstalk each of these performances to give away. Park View Theatre, Chester-le-Street To enter, simply name one of the dwarfs in Snow White. Riverside Musical Theatre Company’s adventure promises a feast of laughs and a ...... sprinkling of magic. 7.15pm plus Sat 2.30pm. £10, F £35. 0191 385 7500, Name ...... www.ticketsource.co.uk/rmtc Tel ...... Wednesday 7 to Saturday 10 December Dick Whittington and his Cat Address ...... Easington Social Welfare Centre ...... Postcode ...... Seaham Theatre Production brings to life a witty and warm delight of a story. 7.15pm plus Sat Email ...... 1.15pm. Advance £5, Door £8. 0191 513 1314, www.ticketsource.co.uk/seahamtheatre Tick the show you’d prefer: Jack and The Beanstalk at Sleeping Beauty at Seaham Tuesday 20 to Thursday 22 December Durham Cinderella at Sleeping Beauty Aladdin at Bishop Auckland Chester-le-Street Seaham Town Hall Aladdin at Spennymoor Sing a Song of Sixpence This spellbinding fairytale of a beautiful Sleeping Beauty at Consett at Blackhall princess cursed to fall asleep for 100 years is Jack and the Beanstalk at Snow White and the performed by In Your Face Theatre. 6.15pm. Chester-le-Street Seven Dwarfs at Shildon Advance £5, Door £8. Dick Whittington and his Puss in Boots at www.ticketsource.co.uk/inyourfacetheatrenortheast Cat at Easington Spennymoor See page 2 for entry details. Return by Tuesday 22 November 2016.

26 Panto what’s on November WHAT’S ON to March Make some magical memories this winter.

Wednesday 16 November Beginner Digital Photography Greenfield Arts, Newton Aycliffe Learn the basics and how to develop as an artist. Five weeks. £25. 01325 379 048. Saturday 19 November to Saturday 24 Friday 18 November December Mowtown ‘70s Christmas at Beamish Blackhall Community Centre Beamish Museum Get your groove on. 7.30pm. £3. Meet Father Christmas; visit the Winter 0191 586 7396. Fun Fair and ice rink. Find presents and tasty food at the new Beamish Bazaar. Tuesday November 8 to Saturday 19 November 0191 370 4000, Saturday 14 January www.beamish.org.uk/whats-on Xmas Fayre St Mary’s Church in Time and St John’s Church, Meadowfield Place Saturday 19, Sunday 20 November and Craft stalls, tombola, raffle and Tuesday 27 December The Art Block, Church Street, Seaham refreshments. Noon. Exhibition includes painting, Toy and Train Fairs calligraphy and ceramics. Tue-Sat Saturday 19 November Locomotion, Shildon 11am-3pm. Free. 0191 649 9431. Toys, collectables and railwayana for sale. Willow Burn Hospice Christmas Fair 10am-4pm. Free. 01388 777 999. Wednesday 16, 30 November and St Bede’s School, Lanchester 14 December Santa’s grotto, stalls, raffle, tombola and refreshments. 12.30-3.30pm. 50p. Tea Party 01207 523 900. St Oswald’s Church Institute, Durham Meet new people, with tea, cake and Saturday 19 November entertainment. 2pm-4pm. Free. St Cuthbert’s Hospice Christmas

REGULAR Fair Ushaw College, Ushaw Moor First and Third Tuesday Stalls, crafts, raffle, tombola and guest of the month appearance from Santa. 11am-2pm. Tea Dance Admission by donation. St John’s Church Hall, Sunday 20 November Moorside Saturday 19 Christmas Market Enjoy an evening of dancing. and Sunday 20 Spectrum, Willington 7.45pm-10.30pm. £2. November Gifts and treats for the festive season. Designer 11am-4pm. Santa visit £3. 01388 747 000, Every Wednesday Makers' www.spectrumleisurecentre.com Tea and Tango Market

Events Sunday 20 Bearpark Community Centre The Witham, Barnard Castle November Learn ballroom-style dance Original and contemporary work on offer. steps. 1pm-3pm. Free. 10am-4pm. Free. 01833 631 107, Santa on a www.thewitham.org.uk Motorbike Every Friday Wolviston Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November Singing the Faith to Bishop Community Centre, Swimathon Auckland Runnymede Court, Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre, Durham All Santas Bishop Auckland Swim for a worthwhile cause at this get a bacon sandwich. £12.50 includes Santa suit and The choir sings well-known charity event. Teams of 4-6. Half-hour medal. 01388 603 003, hymns at various venues. swim. 0300 026 8488, www.butterwick.org.uk/santamotorbike All welcome. 01388 604 151. www.durham.gov.uk/freemansquayleisurecentre

Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family. What’s on 27 WHAT’S ON Sunday 20 November Father Christmas Needs a Wee Bishop Auckland Town Hall Fantastic music, fabulously funny and full of sparkle. 2pm. £10, Con £8. 03000 269 524, www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk Saturday 26 and Monday 21 November Sunday 27 November Sedgefield Family History Group Christmas Craft Ceddesfeld Hall, Sedgefield and Gift Fair Talk is ‘Raby Castle through the Ages’. Locomotion, near Shildon Friday 2 to Sunday 4 December A £1.50, Con £1. Free to members. Unique presents to make Christmas extra Durham Christmas Festival 01740 620 367. special. 10am-4pm. Free. 01388 777 999, Palace Green, Durham www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion Award-winning festival, see page 24. www.durhamchristmasfestival.com

Saturday 3 December Belshazzar’s Feast The Witham, Barnard Castle A Christmas-themed show mixing folk, classical and jazz with pop and music Friday 25 to Sunday 27 November hall. 8pm. Advance £14, Door £16. Brancepeth Castle Christmas 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk Craft Fair Saturday 26 November to Saturday 24 Brancepeth Castle December Saturday 3 December 75 craft stalls and delicious home- Winter Wonderland Willow Workshop with cooked food. A £2.50, Con £1.50, Adventure Valley, Brasside Sheila Walton Under 14s free with paying adult. Make decorations in the elves’ workshop, Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope 0191 378 9670, meet reindeer, skate in the roller rink, see Make unique Christmas decorations. www.brancepethcastle.org.uk white snowy owls and visit Santa’s grotto. 10am-12.30pm. £25. 01388 527 650, 10am-5pm. 0191 386 8291, www.durhamdalescentre.co.uk Saturday 26 November www.adventurevalley.co.uk Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December Christmas Fair Saturday 26 Nov, 28 Jan & 25 Feb Wooden Reindeer Craft fair and seasonal entertainment. Castleside Dance Hardwick Park, Sedgefield 11am-4pm. 01388 527 650, Village Hall www.durhamdalescentre.co.uk Make your own reindeer. 10am-noon, New members always welcome. 8pm. £5. 1pm-3pm. £24. Booking essential. NEW DATE: Saturday 19 November 03000 262 899, Sunday 27 November www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark PCP Community Christmas Fair Durham Rambling Club Pioneering Care Centre, Newton Aycliffe Saturday 3, 10 and 17 December Great stalls and tasty treats. 10am-1pm. Pick Up Points Around Durham 01325 321 234, www.pcp.uk.net Two walks around Beadnell, 9m & 12m. Meet Santa Claus Coach fare £10. See their Nov-March Bishop Auckland Saturday 26 November walks programme at Meet Santa at Beales Department Store www.durhamramblingclub.org.uk on Sat 3 Dec, 9.30am-3pm. On Sat 10 & Christmas Market 17 Dec Santa joins stilt-walkers and a Pittington Village Hall Sunday 27 November choir at Newgate Shopping Centre. Santa’s grotto, stalls, tombola, raffle and Christmas Wreath Making Free. 9.30am-3pm. 01388 609 852, refreshments. 10am-1pm. www.bishopaucklandtownteam.org www.pittingtonvillagehall.org.uk Workshop St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham Sunday 4 December Saturday 26 November Join expert florist Rebecca Hough, gold Santa Run Dane Baptiste - medal winner at Chelsea Flower Show. 10am-12.30pm or 2pm-4.30pm. £30. Hardwick Park, Reasonable Doubts Booking essential. 0191 386 1170, ext. 5. Sedgefield The Witham, Raise money and get Barnard Castle Friday 2 December into the festive spirit. Funny Way To Be Rock and Roll Night 10.30am. Includes Comedy presents one Santa suit. A £12.50, of the most exciting new comic talents British Legion, Meadowfield Fancy dress encouraged. 7pm. £3. C £6, Dog £4. 01388 603 003, in years. 8pm. 16+. A £12, Con £10. www.butterwick.org.uk/santarun 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk Facebook: stjohnshallmeadowfield

28 What’s on Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family. Monday 5 December Friday 9 to Sunday 11 December tickets to Bowes The Witton Gilbert WI Musical Tree Festival Enjoy a magical day out at Evening St Cuthbert’s Church, Shadforth The Bowes Museum. We’ve got a Witton Gilbert Community Centre See delightfully decorated trees. family pass to give away. To enter, name A performance by the Witness Choir 11am-5pm. £2. the town the museum is in. and music from The Durham Miners Association Brass Band. 7pm. £4. Saturday 10 December ...... 0191 372 3207. Christmas with Durham Cathedral Name ...... Choir Wednesday 7 and Durham Cathedral Tel ...... Saturday 10 December Magical concert in the candlelit Toddler Tails and cathedral. 7.30pm. £26, £22, £18 & £10, Address ...... Trails Con £22, £18, £15 & £8. Pre-concert supper, 5.30pm, £23.50. 03000 266 600, Hardwick Park, ...... Sedgefield www.galadurham.co.uk Fun for tots with Postcode ...... storytelling, park trails Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December and crafts. Toddler Tails and Trails Email ...... 10am-11.30am, 1pm-2.30pm. £4. Wharton Park, Durham See page 2 for entry details. Booking essential. 03000 262 899, Fun for tots with storytelling, park trails www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark and crafts. 1pm-2.30pm. C £4. Booking essential. 03000 262 655, Wednesday 14 December Wednesday 7 to Tuesday 20 December www.durham.gov.uk/whartonpark Derwent Valley Flower Club Teesdale Christmas Art Fair Dene Court Communal Rooms, The Witham, Barnard Castle Saturday 10 and 17 December Hamsterley Unique art from exciting regional artists. ‘80s Disco Night Christmas workshop and tea. 2pm. 01833 631 107, www.thewitham.org.uk Planet Leisure, Maple Way, 01207 505 576. Newton Aycliffe Thursday 8 December Nostalgic night with a prize for best Wednesday 14 December Durham City Live Nativity fancy dress. 7pm. £19.95. Mayor’s Christmas Carol Service Market Place 01325 310 989, St Cuthbert’s Church, Peterlee Live camels and donkeys, actors and a www.planet-leisure.co.uk Hear festive carols. 7pm. community choir. 6pm. Free. www.stnics.org.uk or www.durhambid.co.uk Sunday 11 December Friday 16 December Traditional Christmas Party Bishop Auckland Choral Society Thursday 8 December Spectrum, Willington Bishop Auckland Town Hall Gala Preview Evening Bouncy castle, craft corner, magician A Christmas concert filled with carols. St Cuthbert’s Church, Shadforth and party games. 11.30am-3.30pm. £2. 7pm. A £8, Con £6. 01388 834 359. Music, wine, cheese, canapés. 7.30pm. Santa visit £3. 01388 747 000, £8. Booking essential. 01429 823 400. www.spectrumleisurecentre.com Monday 12 December A Christmas Triptych Saturday 17 December The Bowes Museum, An Evening of Festive Music Barnard Castle Elvet Methodist Church, Durham Create a folding set of Get into the Christmas spirit with Durham three pictures based Choral Society. 7.30pm. A £7, C £3.50. on the Christmas story www.durhamchoralsociety.org.uk Friday 9 December in this art workshop. 10am-4pm. Saturday 17 December Durham University Chamber Choir £35, Con £33. Concert of Christmas Music St Margaret’s Church, Crossgate, Durham Booking required. Methodist Church, Chester-le-Street Christmas concert to bring festive cheer. 01833 690 606, Carols performed by The Argus Singers. 8pm. www.duchamberchoir.org www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk 7pm. £6.

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

Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January Christmas in the Park December 10-week Courses Wharton Park, Durham Christmas Market Greenfield Arts, Newton Aycliffe Meet Father Christmas, and enjoy festive The Bowes Museum A range of adult learning courses trails and crafts. 11am-3pm. Free. Fabulous food, creative crafts and from yoga to beginners Spanish. 03000 262 655, seasonal entertainment.10am-4pm. 01325 379 048. www.durham.gov.uk/whartonpark A £2.50, C Free. 01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Friday 13 January Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December A Choir! A Voice! Swirling Snowflakes Saturday 17 to Wednesday 21 Shakespeare Hall, North Road, Palace Green Library, Durham December Durham Create a snowflake decoration to hang Father Christmas in the Park Community choir’s spring 12-week term at home. 1pm-3pm. Hardwick Park, Sedgefield starts. A £8.50, Con £7, term in advance. www.dur.ac.uk/palace.green Festive activities and Father Christmas. 0191 447 8130. Various times. £7.50. 03000 262 899, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark Tuesday 17 January Mighty Wurlitzer to Saturday 18 Tuesday 20 December New Victoria Centre, February Howden-le-Wear Comedians and Carols Showcase Traditional Christmas spectacular with Durham Cathedral The Art Block, Church Street, Seaham Matthew Bason. Sat 7pm, Sun 2.30pm. Laughs for the entire family, East Durham Artists’ Network’s £8. 01388 762 467. interspersed with carolling... but not exhibition includes cartoons and always the way you’d imagine. 7.30pm. photography. Tue-Sat 11am-3pm. Free. £15 & £10, Con £13 & £8. 0191 649 9431. www.durhambid.co.uk/events/ comedians-and-carols Thursday 19 January and Thursday 16 March Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 December Dunelm Flower Club Wild Winter Trail Durham High School for Girls Low Barns Nature Reserve, Delightful floral demonstrations. Visitors Witton-le-Wear welcome. 7.30pm. £5. Spot wildlife, make a bird feeder and enjoy hot chocolate around the Saturday 21 January campfire. A Free, C £5. 0191 584 3112, Fantastic Fans Mighty Wurlitzer www.durhamwt.com Durham University Oriental Museum tickets Check out the lovely Korean fan and We’ve got tickets to give away Thursday 22 make your own. 1pm-3pm. Normal for the 17 December. To enter, tell us what December admission applies. 0191 334 5694, musical instrument the wurlitzer is. Little Red www.dur.ac.uk/oriental.museum Riding Hood ...... and Other Tales Thursday 26 January Bishop Auckland An Introduction to Durham Name ...... Town Hall Wildlife Trust Music, chilling Low Barns Nature Reserve Tel ...... moments and plenty of laughs. Discover how the trust helps local 6.30pm. £8, Con £6, 03000 269 524, wildlife. 4pm. 0191 584 3112, www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk Address ...... www.durhamwt.com Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 December ...... Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 January Twelfth Night Celebrations The Knitted Bible Exhibition Beamish Museum Postcode ...... All Saints Church, Newton Hall Perfect post-Christmas outing with Browse 33 scenes at this anniversary first footing, music and song. event celebrating 50 years. Email ...... 0191 370 4000, 0191 384 0143, See page 2 for entry details. www.beamish.org.uk/whats-on www.allsaintsnewtonhall.org.uk

30 What’s on Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family. Friday 27 January Saturday 11 March A Viennese Strauss Gala Model Railway exhibition Empire Theatre, Consett Youth Centre, Burn Lane, Newton Aycliffe The European Orchestral Ensemble Rotary Club of Newton Aycliffe’s charity recreates the romance and glamour of exhibition has 19 layouts, trade stands the Viennese festive season. 7.30pm. and preservation societies. 10am-5pm. A £18.50, Con £17.50. 01207 218 171, A £4, Con £3, C 50p, F £8. 07870 210 269. www.leisureworks.net Thursday 23 and Friday 24 February Saturday 28 January Jays Animal Encounters Christmas lights Lucy Porter - Consequences The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle switch on and The Witham, Barnard Castle Meet marvellous creatures, including Funny Way To Be Comedy presents a tarantulas, snakes and scorpions. festivities show of heart-felt personal revelations Various times. A Free, C £6. Booking Thursday 17 November required. 01833 690 606, and incisive cultural observations. 8pm. Haswell – lights 7pm 14+. £14. 01833 631 107, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk www.thewitham.org.uk Friday 18 November Thursday 2 March Bishop Auckland – from 4pm Durham Flower Club Sunday 20 November Sherburn Village Community Hall Durham City – festivities noon onwards Fun, flowers and friendship. 2pm. Membership £25, Visitor £5. Friday 25 November Chilton – festivities 6.30pm, lights 7pm Friday 3 March Peterlee – festivities 3.30pm, lights 5.45pm-6pm – festivities 3.30pm, lights 4pm Cestrian Flower Club Spennymoor Park View Community Centre, Saturday 26 November Chester-le-Street Middleton-in-Teesdale – 3.30pm to 4pm Saturday 28 January Explore the theme of Metalflora. 7.15pm. Sunday 27 November Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín £5. 0191 389 4730. Crook – festivities 11am onwards, lights 5pm Durham Cathedral Hear the story of Jewish prisoners Saturday 4 March Tuesday 29 November during WW2 who performed Verdi as Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers Murton Village Green – 6pm a statement of defiance. Includes Empire Theatre Consett performance of Verdi’s oratorio and The Bay City Rollers return with all their Thursday 1 December video testimony from surviving hits. 7.30pm. £22. 01207 218 171, Chester-le-Street – 4pm-5.30pm members of the choir. £25, £22, £10, www.leisureworks.net Willington – festivities 6pm, lights 7pm Con £20, £18, £8. 03000 266 600, Friday 2 December www.galadurham.co.uk Sunday 5 March Barnard Castle – festivities 5pm, lights 6.30pm Paws for – festivities 4pm, lights 6.30pm Sunday 29 January to Sunday 4 February Consett a Cause Esh Winning – 5pm The Hound of the Baskervilles Riverside Park, Seaham – 6pm to 7.30pm The City Theatre, Fowlers Yard, Chester-le- Shildon – 4.30pm to 5pm Durham Street Trimdon Village – 6pm to 7.30pm Holmes’ most spine-chilling mystery Join St Cuthbert’s Ushaw Moor – 3.30pm set in modern times. 7.30pm (29 Jan Hospice in a Saturday 3 December 2.30pm). £7.50. Tickets available 10 Jan. sponsored dog walk. 0300 026 6600, www.galadurham.co.uk Hawthorn – festivities 3.30pm, lights 5pm Registration 10am. Walk 11am. Sedgefield – festivities 1pm, lights 4.30pm www.stcuthbertshospice.com Saturday 11 February Stanley – from 4pm Lunar New Year Lantern Festival Friday 10 March Sunday 4 December Durham University Oriental Museum Last Night of the Proms Langley Moor – festivities 4.30, lights 5pm Celebrate the Lunar New Year with fun Lanchester Methodist Church Wednesday 7 December crafts, stories and gallery hunt. Lanchester & District Choral & Operatic Charges apply. 0191 334 5694, Easington Village – 3.30pm Look out Society perform. 7.15pm. £8. locally for www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum 01207 521 458. Wednesday 14 December more details. Horden – 6pm

Price key: A = Adult; Con = Concession; C = Child; F = Family. What’s on 31