Community News September 2013 Inside this issue: Community p3 Energy and fuel p4 Events & volunteering p5 Funding p12 Jobs p14 News p16 Training p17 Quick links p19 www.durhamrcc.org.uk Welcome Welcome to the latest issue of Community News. About Community News Durham Rural Community Council is the trading name of Durham Community Action Limited. We are a registered charity (no: 229119), and a company limited by guarantee (no: 309329). We were established in 1935, and are members of ACRE’s Rural Community Action Network (RCAN). This edition of Community News was published by and is © Durham Community Action Limited in September. 2013 Every effort is taken to provide accurate information, however Durham Community Action Limited does not accept responsibility for any error or omission in, or complaint arising from, items in this publication. The views expressed in Community News do not necessarily represent those of Durham Community Action Limited. This issue was compiled by Nicola Patterson and Abby Thompson. Special thanks to everyone who has contributed ideas and material for this publication. If you would like to contribute or provide any feedback about the Community News then please do not hesitate to contact Nicola or Abby at [email protected] or 01207529621. 2 Community The Community Buildings Toolkit The toolkit was a key outcome of the Community Buildings support projects managed by Durham Rural Community Council and supported by funding from North Pennine Dales LEADER, Councillor Anita Savory’s area budget in Weardale, and by East Durham LEADER. It was designed to meet the needs of management committees of community centres and village halls following requests for advice and information in these particular areas. The toolkit contains information sheets, guidance notes and template documents to make it easier for volunteer committee members to fulfil their legal and Charity Commission requirements. The toolkit has been compiled using information from a range of sources, including ACRE Village Hall Information Sheets, BOSS training courses supported by the BIG Lottery Fund, the Charity Commission, Durham County Council, the Health and Safety Executive, North Yorkshire Rural Voice Project, and Performing Rights Society & Phonographic Performance Ltd (PRS/PPL). The guide is available in both hard copy and electronic format, and regular updates will be notified through the Village Voice e-bulletin and on our website at www.durhamrcc.org.uk. The toolkit is available to buy priced at a cost of £15.00 per copy. Please contact [email protected] or telephone 01207 529621 for more details. The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas. The Durham Community Oil scheme encourages communities throughout Durham to join together and make the most of joint buying power to make savings for local people whose fuel costs are high simply because they use oil-fired central heating. The picture below shows Lauren Langton (DRCC’s Oil Buying Scheme Development Officer) and Deb Siddle (Cornsay Colliery Oil Co-ordinator). Local Co-ordinators use whatever means suits them to tell people in their community about the scheme – this may be by email, face to face, or with leaflets through the door. Experience and even better be interested in carbon reduction. The Scheme is continuing to grow and is developing to look at related energy issues. To find out more details, go to www.durhamrcc.org.uk/oilbuyingscheme or contact Lauren Langton or Nicola Pattersionon 01207 529621. 3 Energy and fuel DURHAM RESIDENTS COULD GET HELP TO BEAT RISING FUEL RATES Residents in Durham who are struggling to meet the demands of rising fuel rates could be eligible for a free boiler upgrade, aiding savings of up to £310 a year on heating bills. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) programme is a government initiative, funded by energy suppliers, designed to reduce energy consumption in Britain by providing energy improvements in the home. Under the new programme residents who meet the following criteria could be eligible to replace their old, inefficient boilers with a new A-rated model for free. The programme is open to residents who: • live in privately owned or rented accommodation • have a gas boiler that is faulty or old/inefficient • you have a wall mounted gas boiler • are on certain income related benefits Those that qualify for the programme will receive a free A-grade boiler. The ECO programme also provides a minimum one year parts and labour guarantee on top of the manufacturer’s warranty. Dave Robinson from Carillion Energy Services who are running the programme on behalf of energy companies, said: “The ECO programme recognises that people may struggle with rising fuel rates and offers the opportunity to reduce heating bills as well as protect the environment. We are urging people who may qualify to get in touch to receive the help they are entitled to”. If you think you may be entitled to help from ECO contact Carillion Energy Services on 0800 408 7651 now or visit www.carillionenergy.com. 4 Events & volunteering 2D community fair, the date is booked for this year’s event, so put Saturday the 16th November 10am to 3pm in your diary. The event has grown in popularity over the years, and offers members of the public fantastic opportunities to discover the things they don’t know, meet volunteers from many voluntary and community groups and purchase those gifts for Christmas. It is a unique event bringing together the voluntary, private and public sectors for a mind blowing day. This year we are incorporating the Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership forum event, so the venue Bishop Auckland College will be buzzing. If you wish to book a stall please contact Ann Cairns on 01388 762220 or email [email protected] but hurry it is getting booked up really quickly. Venue Start Box office Final date Show name Name FirstOfPromoterEmail1 name time no. Sun Holmes & Watson - Angus & Ross Whorlton 7.30 pm 01833 [email protected] 22/09/2013 The Farewell Tour Theatre Com- Village Hall 627419 pany Thu Kit Holmes Duo Allan Green- Boldron 8 pm 01833 [email protected] 26/09/2013 wood Village Hall 638210 Sat Holmes & Watson - Angus & Ross Hamsterley 7.30 pm 01388 [email protected] 28/09/2013 The Farewell Tour Theatre Com- Village Hall 488323 pany Wed The Iranian Feast Farnham Bowes & 7.30 pm 01833 [email protected] 02/10/2013 Maltings Gilmonby 628357 Parish Hall Sat Djangologie Djangologie The With- 8 pm 01833 [email protected] 05/10/2013 am Hall 631107 Sun Holmes & Watson - Angus & Ross St John's 7.30 pm 01434 [email protected] 06/10/2013 The Farewell Tour Theatre Com- Chapel 345024 pany Town Hall 5 Events & volunteering LAUNCH OF THE COUNTY DURHAM FOOD CHARTER Durham Farmers’ Market will be the venue for the launch of the County Durham Food Charter at 12.15pm on Thursday 19th September. The Charter has been produced by partners as part of the Sustainable Local Food Strategy project, which is coordinated by Liz Charles at DRCC. Food Charters have been adopted in a few other places in the UK and around the world, including Newcastle in July 2013. They are a statement of how organisations and individuals will work together to develop more sustainable, healthy food systems. Durham is unique in taking a countywide approach, with most other Charters being based upon a city. At the launch event a host of different organisations will be present to publically declare their support and make a pledge to change one thing as a starter in supporting the aims of the Charter. There will also be information stalls provided by some of the partners, and you can make your own smoothie using bicycle power. After the signings three bicycles, one tandem, one solo, and one unicycle, will take the Charter to various venues around the County for more signings. At the same time the Great Gospels Cake Off will take place, also in the Market Place. The fun competition is an opportunity for people to decorate sponges, cupcakes, gateaux, buns and other sweet treats with a design that represents the Lindisfarne Gospels and St Cuthbert’s journey. The entries will then be displayed and judged at Durham Farmers’ Market, with a special 'people’s choice' award. The event will be a fun and imaginative way for people to show what the Gospels mean for them - from the knitted bible, embroidery, stone carving, paintings, calligraphy, music and dance, through to inspirational icing and divine decoration'. Whilst it is hoped that the cakes will taste as good as they look, the most important element will be their appearance. Entrants will be expected to use their imaginations and produce works of 'confectionary art'. There will be categories for novices through to professional cake decorators. The entries will be judged on the day and displayed on the Great Gospels Cake Off stall in the Market Place. Please come along and support us, sign a copy of the Charter to take away with you, make some purchases from local food producers in the Market, and vote for your favourite cake. Click on the links below for more information about the County Durham Food Charter; alternatively e-mail Liz Charles or telephone 01207 529621. Why do we need a Food Charter? The County Durham Food Charter The Food Charter forms part of the Sustainable Local Food Strategy for County Durham. 6 Events & volunteering 7 Events & volunteering Keswick Community Housing Trust (KCHT) open days 17th & 18th September. Book your place by emailing Andy Lloyd:- [email protected] KCHT are now very close to completing their first scheme of 11 homes and want to help inspire other communities to do the same.