Former sports coach guilty of historic sexual offences including raping a child

John Regan pictured in the Teesdale Mercury in 1998

A FORMER Teesdale sports coach has been found guilty of a string of historic sexual offences including the rape of a child. John Regan, 66, of South Road, High Etherley, faced 11 charges which were said to have taken place in the 1970s involving two girls aged between nine and 14 who are now both in their fifties.
He was well known for forming Teesdale Gymnastics Club in the 1990s – years after the offences took place.
Regan, who was in his mid-20s at the time of the offences, denied four counts of rape, four counts of indecent assault and three counts of gross indecency.
He was found guilty of all 11 offences today after a trial held at Durham Crown Court. The jury reached a unanimous verdict. Regan has been remanded in custody and is expected to be sentenced later this month.
Last week the court heard how the first victim had been left “frightened” by Regan’s threats to kill her and her parents if she ever told anyone about what was happening.
She said: “He frightened me. He forced me to do things. I was scared of the threats. I thought he would kill me or my mum and dad which he threatened to do on a number of occasions."
Judge Simon Hickey said: "You have been found guilty by unanimous verdicts of the jury on all of these counts. The two complainants who have borne this abuse for so long gave clear evidence and the jury have found guilt on it."
Judge Hickey warned Regan: "It will be a substantial sentence."


Full story in next week's Teesdale Mercury.

Young engineers from Middleton-in-Teesdale build up £1,150 for charity

TEESDALE’S engineers of tomorrow have had a chance to test their building mettle.
Year one and two pupils at Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary School were challenged to build the highest Lego model they could. 
Eggleston’s Steve Waggett, who works at construction company Sir Robert McAlpine, was on hand to help out.
He said: “We’ve built a few schools in the area and the North East – it’s part of the business to give back to the community and it keeps our responsibility up.”
Teacher Vicky Oliver said the children also attempted to build structures using spaghetti and marshmallows.
She added: “It helps in terms of working collaboratively and making the most of what you’ve got to hand.”
As well as the construction challenges, the children of the school raised £1,150 for Children in Need by doing a village charity walk.

‘Crack on with dualling of A66 – it’s already taken you 50 years’

THE dualling of the A66 trans-Pennine route, which is part of the government’s wider plan to “keep Britain moving,” has been welcomed in the dale.
THE news of the upgrade was announced as Chancellor Philip Hammond delivered the Autumn Statement last week. Some £1.1billion will be invested into transport infrastructure to reduce congestion and upgrade local roads and public transport.
This will include the long-awaited upgrade on the A66 between Scotch Corner and Penrith which will help to “ensure the UK’s transport networks are fit for the future”.
When the A66 was upgraded in 2007, a 4km stretch of single carriageway near Ravensworth remained. There is also another stretch near Rokeby and Greta Bridge – the scene of several accidents in recent years.
Delivering his speech to the House of Commons, Mr Hammond said: “Reliable transport networks are essential to growth and productivity. So this Autumn Statement commits significant additional funding to help keep Britain moving now and to invest in the transport networks and vehicles of the future.”
Teesdale MP Helen Goodman welcomed the announcement. She said: “I am delighted that the chancellor has conceded the need to dual the remainder of the A66 and I will be pressing the government to ensure that there is no further delay.
“I will also be recommending that the government uses Hulands Quarry in Teesdale which is providing local materials for the current A66 upgrade.”
For years, campaigners have been calling to have the full stretch of the road made into a dual carriageway having been dubbed as one of the most dangerous roads in the dale. Charles Hall, the owner of the Rokeby Inn, off the A66, said: “When my mother and father, Sonia and Malcolm Hall, moved in here 50 years ago there were rumours it was going to be done then.
“I was over the moon when I found out It will make the A66 more used because I think a lot of people try not to use it because it is single carriageway.
“With the dual carriageway and the single carriageway and the amount of traffic, it bottlenecks and causes accidents. It is long overdue.”
Gordon Vassell lives in Hull but regularly drives across the A66 to visit Keswick. He said: “It’s manna from heaven. I have been using the A66 for 20 odd years.
“When I first started using it I could not believe that it was not dual carriageway. All the years we have been coming over we have been very close to accidents.”
The A66 goes from dual carriage way to single carriage way at Greta Bridge.
Locals say motorists heading east are often left confused for a split second by the layout.
It has been claimed that some A66 drivers think they are on a dual carriageway when they are on the slip road and end up going over on to the traffic island and then on into the Rokeby Park boundary wall. A £500,000 study to improve the A66 was part of the government’s Northern Powerhouse initiative. The upgrade is now part of England’s second Roads Investment Strategy to 2025.
County councillor Ted Henderson said: “It is not before its time. There are a lot of heavy goods vehicles now. If there is anything wrong on the M62 they come up to Scotch Corner and come across the A66.
“It could help to relieve any diversions at any time going through Barnard Castle itself. If you dual the carriageway right across it would mean that if there was an accident on one side you could go on the other side. The sooner the workmen get started the better.”
County Cllr Richard Bell added: “It’s not just about convenience and speed. There are safety issues like the Ravensworth junction that this will sort. Given that a few years ago they did the plans, archeological surveys and public inquiry, I hope they can crack on quickly now.”

Bowlees Visitor Centre’s reward for hard work

A DALE visitor attraction has proved that good things come in small packages after walking away with the top prize in the hardest fought category at the North East England Tourism Awards.
Bowlees Visitor Centre, which is run by the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership, was given the gold accolade in the small visitor attraction category, beating off competition from 22 other entrants.
The awards were made on Tuesday, November 22.
The centre was reopened in June 2013 offering a range of things for visitors to do, including educational opportunities for schools, a children’s nature club and craft workshops. It also provides a venue for sell-out evening events that have attracted performances from best-selling authors and poets. Shane Harris, who is responsible tourism lead for the AONB Partnership, said: “We are delighted to achieve the gold award. It’s a credit to everyone involved in making Bowlees Visitor Centre the welcoming, high quality experience that it is. This recognition of what we’re trying to achieve at the centre means a lot to us and first and foremost it reflects the efforts of our dedicated band of volunteers who give so much to make the place the success it is.”
The AONB Partnership prides itself on offering visitors a hands-on approach to wildlife and the natural world when they go to Bowlees Visitor Centre, as well as fulfilling the role of providing a gateway to upper Teesdale and the wider North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark.
It also provides a platform from which local producers and artists can sell their work. Following on from the announcement, winners now have a chance to showcase their business, and the North East, on a national stage at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2017.
Andrew Stokes, VisitEngland Director, said: “These awards are a fantastic showcase of the quality and sheer diversity of tourism products on offer across the North East of England. They are testament to the passion and commitment of businesses who are working so hard to develop the region’s visitor economy, driving growth from tourism across the country.”
A spokesperson for the centre said it planned to expand its offer and development work will take place over the winter when a neglected patch of land will be transformed into a nature garden complete with new homes for wildlife and a wildflower meadow.
Director of the AONB Partnership Chris Woodley-Stewart said: “We are delighted to win this award for our work at Bowlees Visitor Centre and we are indebted to our many volunteers and supporters, to our café partners, Café Fresh, and of course to all of our visitors who have provided such positive feedback about the welcome we provide. We’d also like to offer our congratulations to the other North Pennine businesses recognised in the tourism awards, South Tynedale Railway and Langley Castle Hotel.”

Car worth just £60 stolen in raid on Mickleton Service Station

A RALLY driver whose garage was struck by callous car thieves says he is beefing up security.
Mickleton Service Station was raided on the night of Monday, November 13, and three cars were taken.
A black Vauxhall Corsa and a silver Saab convertible have been recovered but police are still searching for a black VW Passat.
Manager Alistair Hutchinson said his team had lost a day’s worth of work from dealing with the burglary.
“We’ve had somebody in who should not be here and you feel you have probably had them in for fuel at some point,” he added.
“Everyone coming into the shop has been sorry to hear what’s happened and said how disgusting it is.
“They pinched a lot of Mars bars and the poppy appeal box – we’ve had quite a few people donate to that and we put in our spare change. It shows a total disregard.”
The stolen Corsa was found abandoned in Middleton-in-Teesdale last Tuesday. Mr Hutchinson couldn’t understand the criminals' motives.
“I cannot see why they’ve pinched them – they have no value,” he said. “The Corsa would only be worth £60 for scrap and you’d think scrap dealers would click on where the cars had come from.”
Among the other losses was a safe found bent and empty in a nearby field.
“They had a right go at getting into it,” said Mr Hutchinson. “There was maybe £100 in there – it looks like they threw it away in disgust.”
Mr Hutchinson, from Eggleston, is one of Teesdale’s highest ranked rally drivers and one of the best on Tarmac in the North of England. The 45-year-old was relieved his high performance motor was elsewhere during the raid.
“Thank God the rally car wasn't parked here,” he said.
“They pinched the keys but thankfully I've got another key barrel going on it.”
Business has returned to normal at the garage with motorists gearing up for winter. 
Mr Hutchinson said the police had been “spot on” in their response and vowed to install new CCTV cameras.
“We will have to up our security measures,” he added.
“Up until today, if I’d left my keys in the car I would have got them in the morning but now I think twice.”
Police thanked the public for their help and. The 57 reg Passat was seized after a police chase in Willington.
A grey Ford Ranger was also stolen from Newbiggin last Monday and a quad bike was taken from Harwood – police believe these two incidents are linked.

Primary school pupils stage a Bowes Museum take over

IN a coup de tête of historic proportions, a band of primary school pupils seized control of The Bowes Museum.
Armed with smartphones, some of the children from Montalbo Primary School, in Barnard Castle, hijacked the museum’s Twitter and Facebook accounts, took up position at the front desk and even gained access to the treasury to count out donations placed in the Swan box. The revolt, on Friday, November 18, formed part of a national “Takeover Day” hosted by museums across the country.
The event sees children  take on the rolls of museum staff. Groups of children were involved in packing and unpacking ceramics, creating social media posts to highlight activities at the museum and helping the marketing department produce a poster to be used on the museum’s website. Others created a mock model of an exhibition, stocked shelves, counted money and labelled books in the archive.
Children at the front desk also had the responsibility of sorting the museum’s post and handing out leaflets.

Residents back head's plea on Staindrop Primary School parking

Parents are being asked to do “the right thing” and refrain from parking on residents’ property when visiting a dale primary school.
The call comes after the headteacher of Staindrop Primary School, Steve Whelerton, urged a minority of parents to think about where they park following yet another near miss involving a child.
The incident happened on Swan Wynd last month and was due to some parents parking in the residents-only parking bays behind the former Black Swan Pub.
Instead of using the correct exit, drivers have been cutting across the bordering footpath,  which is used by parents and their children as they walk to and from school.
Mr Whelerton aimed to raise the profile of the school’s own walking zone, which offers information about safe places to park in the village and walking directions.
Resident Paul Fenner, who lives in the cottages, believes that parents should follow Mr Whelerton’s approach.
Mr Fenner said: “They are causing annoyance and inconvenience and an additional risk to the majority of responsible parents and children due to the extra vehicle movements they are creating in what is a very narrow wynd.
“In relation to the small minority of parents who use the residents’ parking spaces – as well as the obvious risk to the children and the sensible parents who do the right thing by following the headmaster’s approach to the safety of the children.
“May we the residents of the cottages at the back of the old pub point out that this is our property and we wonder how the parents using our parking spaces would feel if someone used their driveway twice a day and in the evening when visiting the school for parents evenings, concerts and the school fair?”
A suggestion was made by the school to have bollards installed to prevent such  “dangerous” parking.
Durham County Council was approached about the situation and discussions are believed to be ongoing in order to resolve the issue.
Mr Fenner said: “It is annoying when the minority of parents use what is our property for parking.
“Each of the newly converted cottages has these spaces on the deeds and it is in effect our drive which when we arrive from work is being used for unauthorised and unnecessary parking.
“All the residents that use the wynd do so with consideration of parents and children at school times.
“It is a great shame that some parents are not as courteous and think themselves so important that the rules don’t apply to them.
“The priority has to be the safety of the children.”

Mediator called to settle row about youths on Demesnes, Barnard Castle

AN independent mediator has been called in to help find a solution to problems at a Barnard Castle beauty spot.
Residents living adjacent to the Lower Demesnes raised a number of issues at a packed public meeting in September.
Cars “pulling doughnuts”, speeding, abusive language, littering, drunkenness and drug use were some of the allegations levelled at young motorists who take their often modified vehicles onto the grass. The meeting was called by Barnard Castle Town Council.
A follow-up meeting has been called for Wednesday, November 30, at 6pm, in Woodleigh, on Scar Top. It will be led by Sally Forth a volunteer and case co-ordinator for Darlington-based Restorative Hub. Much of the hub’s work involves dealing with restorative justice, a process which gives victims the chance to get answers or explanations from offenders.
However, another part of Restorative Hub's work is to mediate in incidents of anti-social behaviour.
Barnard Castle town councillor Judi Sutherland said Ms Forth had been recommended by the police, who unlike the first meeting, will not be attending the follow-up. Cllr Sutherland said Ms Forth had organised a smaller meeting with some of the drivers on the receiving end of residents’ criticisms to hear their side of the story.
“The aim may be to get the two sides together ultimately,” said Cllr Sutherland.
She added: “Since the last meeting, I’ve cleared up a few issues that were raised regarding the conservation area and what it means for the Demesnes, and I’ve spoken to Simon Rogers and Kevin Tuck (of Barnard Castle neighbourhood police team) about the things the police can deal with and the things they can't.
“For example some complaints, like noise nuisance, would be council matters.
“One issue the police were interested in is some traffic abatement on Gray Lane so we will be asking residents for their views on that.”
Those planning to attend the follow are asked to confirm by email to clerk@barnardcastletowncouncil.gov.uk

True romantics to meet readers at Barnard Castle library

TWO writers of romantic novels will be talking about their work during visits to Barnard Castle library.
Caroline Roberts and Hazel Osmond will meet readers  over the coming weeks.
Former bank worker Caroline, will be speaking at the library at 3pm on Wednesday, November 30.
The mum-of-two was shortlisted for a Romantic Novelists’ Association award last year following the publication of her debut novel, The Torn Up Marriage.
Caroline’s second book, The Cosy Teashop in the Castle, inspired by Chillingham Castle, was published earlier this year, with its follow-up, The Cosy Christmas Teashop closely following.
Examining love, loss, family and relationships, Caroline’s contemporary fiction is set in the North East and features the landscapes and scenery of her native Northumberland.
Hazel Osmond visits Barnard Castle Library at 2pm on Wednesday, December 14.
A writer of short stories and romantic comedies, Hazel is an advertising copywriter by trade.
In 2008, she won the Woman and Home short story competition and in 2012, her debut novel, Who’s Afraid of Mr Wolfe, was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Romantic Comedy of the Year.
Hazel has lived in the North East for more than 30 years and the area has inspired two of her novels, The First Time I Saw Your Face, and her latest book, The Mysterious Miss Mayhew.
Both talks cost £1 per person, including refreshments. To book a place, call 03000 263 409 or email bdcaslibrary@durham.gov.uk

This week's Teesdale Mercury

The Teesdale Mercury is out in the shops and this week it has a distinctly Christmassy feel, thanks to two lovely photos from lights switch-on events.

This week includes a free 16-page rural life supplement with a special feature on ‘sheepdogs – a farmer’s best friend’ and fears about a ‘bleak Christmas in the uplands’ due to subsidy payment errors.

Here are a few of the headlines in the main paper:

Publican’s row with real ale group follows plans to downside his 200-year-old pub.

Stars so bright – festive switch-on photos from Middleton and Barnard Castle, with a preview of Barney’s big event on Friday.

A grandstand view of D-Day – veteran tells his story.

Historic child sex offences allegation – report from crown court trial.

Cancer fundraisers bring home £65,000 in bid to find a cure.

Government told to ‘crack on’ with dualling of A66.

Seven Barney teaching assistants will lose £21,000 pay through cuts.

Tributes to a stalwart of Teesdale pub domino league.

Panto pictures from Staindrop beavers, guides and brownies.

Couple bid to retain ‘best holiday cottage’ accolade.

Tributes to dalesman, farmer and friend to many – John Alan Scott.

Mediator called to settle row about youths on Demesnes.

Housing plan would ruin Ovington, say angry residents.

Dental cutbacks – chiefs to be quizzed.

Proposal to split villages from rest of Teesdale.

Sport round up including a bid to bring in qualified umpires into village cricket.

Plus what’s on guide, community news, and Remember When.

One last chance to say a final farewell to Startforth Morritt Memorial Primary School

A SCHOOL is to welcome the community through its doors for one final time.
Former pupils, staff, parents and residents are being invited to share their memories of Startforth Morritt Memorial Primary School at a special open day next Wednesday, November 30.
Memorabilia will be on display, giving people the chance to share their stories of the school over the years.
Acting headteacher Vicky Bain said: “Startforth Morritt Memorial CE Primary School has been an important part of the community for such a long time. The staff at school felt that it was only fitting to give people the chance to come and share their memories and stories before the school closes at the end of the year.”
Despite the best efforts of campaigners, with almost 1,800 people signing a petition against the closure, Durham County Council’s cabinet decided there was “no alternative.” The final decision to close the school, amid falling pupil numbers, was made in September.
Ms Bain added: “We have collected together old records, plans, maps, photographs and newspaper articles which will be displayed in school for people to look at.
“It would be good if we could add some more names to faces or add stories to go with images.
“We hope that giving people this opportunity will allow everyone to meet informally and recognise the importance the school has had over many, many years.”
The school will be open from 2pm until 8pm. Refreshments will be available throughout the day.
The school will officially close on December 31. However, all of the children have already left the school following a decision made by parents at the end of September to keep friendship groups together.

Memories made to last at Startforth school

STARTFORTH Morritt Memorial Primary School may have shut but its legacy will live on through the many children who passed through its doors.
And to reinforce that heritage, former pupils received, along with a host of other goodies, a computer memory stick packed with school photographs during a special party on Friday, November 18.
The event at the Hub, on Shaw Bank, took the form of a disco and was attended by children, parents and teachers.
Parent Andy Yeadon said: “It is just to celebrate everything about the school. The council chose to close it, but the kids really loved it.”
Each child received the memory stick in a pack of stationary and a Build-a-Bear soft toy dressed in the school’s uniform.
Teachers were each given a personalised picture of the emblem that adorned the front of the school surrounded by words the children thought best described them.

No-go for Staindrop church's plan to advertise fayre on village green

A group of parish councillors have agreed that it would be “unlawful” to allow local businesses and organisations to advertise on their village green.
Staindrop Parish Council received a request from the church for permission to put up a banner on the village green promoting a Christmas fayre. A suggestion was also made about allowing temporary advertising to help publicise events in the village.
At last week’s meeting, parish clerk Tom Bolton said: “We were asked to consider some proposals for advertising on the village green. There was a suggestion that some advertising be used to promote events at Scarth Hall and other organisations using triangular correx boards that would slip over the bollards.
“There was also a request from the church for putting up a banner on the village green to advertise the Christmas fayre that is going to be held.”
Having sought advice, a report setting out the legal position was presented at the meeting which explained that it would be an offence to put up such signs unless done with a “view to the better enjoyment of the green”.
Mr Bolton said: “We’ve been told that as a public body we cannot grant a permission for what would be in essence an unlawful act.
“The parish council has a role in relation to the village green as a custodial. The 19th century legislation and bylaws essentially make certain issues unlawful. If something is going to happen on the green that is linked to the use of the green such as the annual village carnival, that is entirely consistent with the statutory use of the green.
“Advertising and notices have crept up in the past. We have consistently opposed requests for notices on the village green. Once a notice board goes up on the village green for a particular event or activity it makes it much harder to resist calls for other notices in the future. I am suggesting that we simply continue with the process we have followed in the past.”
However, Cllr Ed Chicken disagreed and said the parish council should be helping local businesses.
He said: “We are talking about the protection of the greens but it is not as though someone is wanting to drive trucks over them or damage them. I’m accepting that we should be consistent.
“I don’t have a problem with consistency but we have litter bins on the green and bollards. I understand we can’t do something that is unlawful. Our role should be seen as trying to find a way of helping local organisations and businesses.”
Cllr Tony Smith said: “I think we sometimes have to be flexible for the village based businesses and support them. I can understand if businesses in the village were putting out A-boards for seven days a week. What if they shut down because they are getting no trade? I just think let’s do something.”
Cllr Roger Humphries expressed his concerns if advertising was to be allowed. He said: “If the banner had been for a Christmas market on the green we could have agreed to it but we are not in a position legally to agree to anything. In addition to that there is a practical issue. I don’t want to be in a position where we would be deciding what is worthy and what is not. Our credibility would be even lower than what it is now. This is the thing that worries me.”
It was agreed that contact would be made with the landowner, Raby Estates, to find out their stance.
Clerk Mr Bolton said: “It might seem pedantic but it is important that we act as a council within the law.”
Chairman Cllr David Reed added: “Our hands are tied. That is the way it is at the moment.”

Tommy's charity comes to aid of crisis-hit forces veteran

A CHARITY founded by a Butterknowle veteran tapped into more than 60,000 people to come to the rescue of a critically ill former soldier who was facing a bleak Christmas.
Omar Barrow, from Gambia, and his family found themselves in a very tight situation after he was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness this year.
The veteran of Afghanistan was discharged from the 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment in July. His plight was discovered by Sporting Force charity founder Tommy Lowther, who helps veterans find employment through sports clubs.
Mr Lowther became aware of the situation facing Mr Barrow, his wife Serreh and four-year-old son Tijan when he helped arrange an interview for a BBC Look North programme about how difficult it is for Commonwealth veterans to find work.
He said: “On the way down we were talking and it became apparent he is very ill and struggling. His worldly possession were his family, a tattered-threadbare couch and a bed. I work with hundreds of veterans and every case I take on personally. Having known Omar I wanted to help him out, so I put an appeal out on Facebook and we were inundated with responses.”
On top of that Leeds United, which is involved with Sporting Force as part of its National Citizen’s Service, put out a tweet which had more than 60,000 responses.
Mr Barrow was to be part of the Leeds United programme and act as a mentor to kids. He was also to undergo an employability course at the club. Mr Lowther added: “He is very much a humanitarian. He always puts other people’s feelings before his own. He wants to inspire and to help others wherever he can.”
In a role reversal, hundreds of people responded to the veteran’s plight and dug deep into their pockets to help.
Among the people who responded to the social media plea was a member of Staindrop Scouts who gave a cheque for £150. Mr Lowther’s nine-year-old nephew, Cameron, gave a huge portion of his toys after finding out that Mr Barrow’s son Tijan had none and their was no hope that he would have presents this Christmas.
The Barrow family now has enough furniture to kit out their home in Wakefield after moving from Catterick Garrison. Mr Lowther said: “Christmas is around the corner and it is a tough economic climate. It shows what people think of veterans and they want to help out. I find it incredible.”
Anyone interested in donating to the charity can contact Mr Lowther on 07739 763079 or email tommy.lowther@sportingforce.org.
Donations can also be made on the website sportingforce.org. 

Barnard Castle tree scheme takes root at last

A DALE tree-planting scheme has grown a new branch in Barnard Ca
Trees for Teesdale, a scheme modelled on the successful Trees for Cotherstone project which aims to plant new trees and replace others that have fallen, has two groups operating in Gainford and Mickleton.
Initial attempts to start an offshoot in Barnard Castle were a struggle, but now a burgeoning number of new volunteers has helped the scheme to take root.
Trees for Teesdale chairman Geoff King said: “The new group has seven or eight members. Trees for Teesdale has supplied the group with tools and materials, purchased in the main from a donation from the Campaign to Protect Rural England.”
The group had their first active session on Sunday, November 13, building two tree cages.
Mr King said: “More cages will be built in the next few weeks, with trees to be planted during December.”
This is the start of a project to plant 12 trees in cages to fill in gaps in an old hedgerow at Middle Farm, Stainton.
Anybody wishing to join the group, or who would like trees planted, can contact the group via the website treesforteesdale.org.uk.

Eggleston martial arts expert punching well above his weight

A SCHOOLBOY martial arts expert is competing at the highest level as he pursues his Olympic dream.
Barnard Castle School pupil Benjamin Taylor is only 11 but is already a taekwondo black belt, 1st dan, second poom and competing against opponents years older.
The year seven student, from Eggleston, competes in open championships across the country in a bid to be spotted by Team GB coaches and invited to national
trials.
His ultimate goal is to compete for his country at the Olympics in eight years time in a sport where his countrymen and women have enjoyed considerable success.
“I love the self control and respect involved in the sport,” said Benjamin, who took up taekwondo when he was just five.
“I’m at the bottom of my weight which means I fight opponents as old as 13 but I have won quite few trophies and am hoping to train with Team GB one day.”
Headmaster Alan Stevens said: “Taekwondo is a sport we offer, starting in prep school, as it requires self-discipline, commitment and focus, qualities that students can also use in their studies and life.
“Benjamin’s accomplishments, at such a young age, are a real credit to him and we all have very high hopes for him in the sport in the future.”

Villagers draw a line under Ovington bridge repairs dispute

A BRIDGE which collapsed more than three years ago has been rebuilt two metres too short, according to villagers.
Ovington Bridge crumbled in 2012 after a spell of wet weather triggered a landslip on its southern side.
Members of Ovington Parish Council have argued the repaired grade II-listed structure is two metres shorter than its original incarnation.  But Durham County Council officials have long disagreed – saying there will be no more work done on the bridge.
Cllr Margaret Towler said: “It is a fact the bridge ends do not match up – county councillor James Rowlandson agreed with us but it’s just gone nowhere.
“Can we not make an official complaint?”
The bridge was rebuilt at a cost of £103,000 and reopened in 2013.
County officials told the parish council the repairs had re-established its integrity and significance – pointing to an “excellent salvage rate” with only one new coping stone needed.
Cllr Maureen Begg revealed English Heritage had also reported back saying they were happy with the works and not seeking to intervene on the county council’s decision.
Villagers have also pointed to screen grabs on Google Earth as evidence the bridge kerb is short.
However, after three years of talks, Cllr Nigel Parkes thought it was time to draw a line under the dispute.
“We could spend a lot of effort on fighting a battle we cannot win,” he said.
“Keep it on record that it is definitely two metres too short – I don’t think it’s worth the energy or the time.
“There’s a danger that the county council say Ovington can have a big ugly crash barrier in front of the fence and we would not want that.”
Cllr Towler added: “If it ever goes again it would be nice to get it back the way it was.”

£8,250 to become lord or lady of Stainton

Another chance to be lord or lady of the manor in Teesdale is up for grabs for just over £8,000 – the third dale manorial title to go up for sale in recent months.
Manorial Auctioneers of London are offering the Lordship of Stainton for an asking price of £8,250. This includes both of the village’s registered village greens which lie behind Streatlam Close.
According to Durham County Council, the Register of Common Land and Village Greens states that the greens are registered in the ownership of Richard John Hanby Holmes.
The Lordship of Streatlam and the Lordship of Cleatlam which included a three-acre village green, were both sold last month by the same London-based auctioneers.
The Register of Common Land and Village Greens stated that Cleatlam village green had also been registered in the ownership of Richard John Hanby Holmes since August 1, 1972. Andrew Hanby Holmes was selling the title which went for £8,250. The Trayne family were the earliest known lords of Stainton in the 1200s. However, the longest-standing family have been the Bowes who came into ownership of the title through the marriage of Sir Adam Bowes to the Trayne heiress Alice in the 14th century.
Just like the manorial titles for Streatlam and Cleatlam, Stainton’s title has royal links with Queen Elizabeth II whose grandfather, Claude Bowes-Lyon, succeeded his father in 1904 as the 14th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne.
According to Manorial Auctioneers, Timothy Patrick Bowes-Lyon, the 16th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne was the last Earl to own the title.
Chairman of Stainton and Streatlam Parish Council and county councillor James Rowlandson informed parish councillors about the sale.
Cllr Rowlandson said: “I had a reply from our clerk who suggested that the parish council could pass on the cost for the upkeep of that part of the village green. No one expressed an interest in buying it.”
It is believed that a change in ownership would not affect local people’s rights to use the greens for lawful sports and pastimes. The new lord or lady of the manor will be able to use the title on their passports, cheque books and credit cards.
They will also be eligible for membership of the Manorial Society of Great Britain.
The new owners of the lordship would be invited to the society’s functions during
the year including an annual reception at the House of Lords.
Anyone interested in buying the title should call 0207 5821588 or visit www.msgb.co.uk.

Volunteers give Middleton Village Hall a much needed makeover

A GROUP of volunteers have given their village hall a mini-makeover which they hope will last until a new facility is built in about five years.
People in Middleton-in-Teesdale have ambitious plans to build a new village hall worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, but until that becomes a reality they have to make do with a building that is showing its age.
Not satisfied with the mouldy toilet walls and poor state of the kitchen, 11 volunteers spent their weekend redecorating.
Hall committee member and organiser of the village toddler group Faye Docherty said: “We've given everything a good clean and painted all the walls and cupboards. In the toilets we had help to skim the walls and repainted them. We’ve just brightened it up really.”
Paint and other materials for the spruce up were provided by the Stephen Mitchell Memorial Fund.
Meanwhile, the committee is gearing up its fundraising efforts for the new hall to complement funds  already committed by Durham County Council.
Committee chairman Julian Robinson is positive they will be able to raise the money they need to construct the new hall, which is to be
built behind the village fire station.
He said: “It is in its early stages. We have signed a five-year lease on the existing building as an interim measure and we have £143,000 from the county council as a starting point. Hopefully, we think five years is enough to raise the money needed.
“We are putting a business plan together and we will be doing a full community survey to get the information we need to take to funders.”
The survey will collect data on demographics, as well as the type of activities villagers would like to see at the new hall.
The committee has already secured the buy-in of parish councillors, school governors and the village vicar for their plans.
The current facility, Mr Robinson said, is home to a mum and toddler group, Rainbows, Brownies, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Women’s Institute and a martial arts club.
Middleton Primary School holds plays and its nativity performance there and parents use it as a venue for children’s parties. An annual flower show and other community events are also hosted inside.
Mr Robinson added: “It is busy most days of the week. I think if we have a new one it will be well used.”
The plan is to provide a multi-use venue that will tap into the nearby cricket pavilion and fields so that people can enjoy outdoor sports such as football, as well as indoor sports such as badminton.
Through the provision of these activities, the committee believes it will be able to secure cash from Sports England to help build the hall.
With the addition of a function room, the new hall would attract extra events such as weddings to create more income for the maintenance of the site, Mr Robinson said.
So far the committee has raised almost £1,400 through community events such as a coffee morning, a colour run and a sponsored walk.
People who took part in the hall’s spruce up were Julian Robinson, Faye and Craig Docherty, Julia Longstaff, Christine Gilbert, Ernest Craggs, Lyn McLoughlin, Michelle Mitchell, Natalie Watson, Grace Crawford and Kelly Manser.

Barnard Castle Beavers set to lose weekly session without new leader

A NEW leader is being sought for a dale beaver colony which is at risk of losing one of their two weekly sessions.
Barnard Castle Beavers are appealing for a volunteer to come forward who would be willing to spare a couple of hours on Saturday mornings.
As the long-standing Saturday leader is due to leave, a new leader would need to be in place for the beginning of next year. Martyn Maughan has been leading the Thursday night session for almost three years.
He said: “Our current plan is to merge two groups into one. The only way to avoid us going down to one session is to have a new leader in place for 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter. As a Beaver leader my only intention at the outset was to be a parent helper but when I thought about it I had no real reason why I couldn’t do it.
“On occasions balancing everyday life with Beavers is a real chore but seeing the kids grow in confidence, maybe becoming more vocal, conquering a fear of heights, considering others more or sleeping over with their mates, giving parents a night off, is great to see.”
About 30 youngsters are  part of the Beavers who meet at the Scout hut in Wilson Street on Thursdays from 6.15pm to 7.45pm and Saturdays from 10am to 11.30am.
The children are encouraged to make new friends, enjoy new experiences and above all have fun.
Mr Maughan said: “It is a hugely inclusive organisation that is accessible to all.
“Whenever possible the children enjoy the great outdoors. The Bowes Museum grounds are much used and going further afield they are introduced to the beauty of Teesdale and beyond.”
Anyone interested in taking on the role would need to complete a basic portfolio and have to be CRB-checked.
They would be required to cover a one-and-a-half hour session each week during school term time. Prospective leaders are welcome at the sessions to see what they think. Mr Maughan said: “We realise that volunteering on a Saturday is probably off putting for many, therefore we could run the second session early Wednesday or Friday evening.
“As things stand we will be losing our Saturday session in the new year but if you step up this can be avoided.”
For more information contact Mr Maughan on 01833 695713 or 07736084409 or by emailing martynmaughan@yahoo.co.uk.

Thumbs up for Ryan's real ale bid

LICENSING for Teesdale’s first micro pub has been welcomed by councillors.
Ryan Stones, from Caldwell, wants to open a real ale micro-pub on Bakery Mews at the back of Market Place, in Barnard Castle.
Indoor recorded music and the sale of alcohol have been requested from noon to 10.30pm Monday to Sunday.
Town councillors were only too happy to back the bid.
Cllr Emma Rowell said: “I think we should encourage any development of our night-time economy because it needs a makeover.
“This will drive in a different clientele – it will be about real ale.
“In principle, we need to do as much as we can for new businesses.”
Cllr John Yarker said a similar licensing application had been successful at the cricket club.
“Real ale is very popular at the moment,” he added.
Planning permission has already been granted for the pared down pub and Mr Stones hopes the venue will be ready for opening at the end of this month.
Town mayor Cllr John Blissett added it was nice to see properties being filled in the town.

Saturday sports round up

CRUNCH: Glaxo's Jamie Dougall challenges the Stanhope keeper

BOWES FC bowed out of the Weardale Cup, losing 5-0 to rivals Shildon after having a man sent off in the first half.
In the Crook and District League, Evenwood Town came from behind three times to defeat Bishop Welcome 4-3, while in division two, Glaxo Rangers were beaten 3-0 at home by Stanhope Sports and Social Club.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Glaxo, who created enough chances in the first half to be leading comfortably.
As it was, they went into the break one down and never recovered.
In the Ebac Northern League, West Auckland returned to winning ways, coming from behind to defeat Sunderland RCA 2-1.
In rugby, the weather had the final say in Barnard Castle's visit to bottom of the table Ryton – the game was called off due too a frozen pitch.
Don't miss next week's Mercury for a full round up of all the local sport

Middleton Christmas tree lights switched on

A LARGE crowd turned out to see Middleton-in-Teesdale's carnival queen, 11-year-old Lucy Watson, switch on the village Christmas tree lights.
However, the star of the show was Santa, while carols were played by Middleton and Teesdale Silver Band and sung by the Altogether Choir, made up of children from Middleton and Forest schools.
We'll have more pictures in next week's Mercury.

Floodlight bid for Dawson Road play area backed by Barnard Castle Town Council

A YOUTH-LED plan to illuminate a Teesdale games area has been backed by their senior counterparts.
Members of Barnard Castle Town Council were happy to back a request for floodlights at the Dawson Road play area from the fledgling town youth council.  Cllr Roger Peat, chairman of the services committee, said he’d been heartened by views and help he’d received from young people on Dawson Road.
“I have just been involved with getting the Galgate Greens connected up and I have experience of some of the pitfalls,” he added.
“I would like to discuss it and see what we can do – it’s a good idea, it’s worthwhile and I’d like to do it.”
Cllr Frank Harrison also gave the Dawson Road plan his wholehearted support.
The youth council was formed with the help of Teesdale YMCA and the town council earlier this year.
Member Josh Barker, 18, came up with the idea for floodlights at the five-a-side Muga (multi-use games area) and revealed his ideas to members last week.
“We would like to have our opinions listened to and get some say on what money should be spent on,” he added.  Hannah Parratt, from the YMCA, said the youth team was working well.
“The group is really good at critically talking about what should happen in an analytical way,” she added.
Town mayor Cllr John Blissett backed the Dawson Road plan and was happy with a representative from the youth council having a seat at the table on council committees.
“It’s something we need to do and we need to listen to the youth,” he added.
“I think it’s a good idea – it’s not a voting position but at least their voice is there.”
The plans for floodlights will be debated again by councillors at a future meeting.
Meanwhile, a plan to give the youth council control of £2,000 taxpayers’ money was backed by some members.
But others were a little concerned with the amount and where the money was going.
Cllr Peat said: “I’m not against it but £2,000 seems a lot of money.”
Cllr Sandra Moorhouse added: “We would not be against this – perhaps we need to look at what would be the best use of that money.”
Councillors agreed more discussions were needed on set up costs for the youth council.

Winston heart-start machine could save lives on 'danger highway'

THE last of a county councillor’s neighbourhood budget is to go towards life-saving kit in Winston.
The village has seen a spate of collisions in the recent past and it is hoped that the installation of a defibrillator at the local hall will help save lives.
Winston parish chairman Mike Taylor said: “The thing that stirred us is that we have had accidents in the village and at the crossroads.
“Recently a cyclist died when he crashed into the back of a car in the village.”
Although a Great North Air Ambulance Service helicopter arrived at the scene, they were unable to save the cyclist’s life. 
County councillor for Barnard Castle East George Richardson has set aside £2,107 for the heart-start machine, as well as a new bench, finishing off his annual neighbourhood budget allocation of £20,000. The bench will replace an existing one along a pathway next to the A67 which has become dilapidated.
Mr Taylor said: “A lot of people use the circular walk and enjoy taking a rest. The one there at the moment is pretty knackered.”
The parish council is also in discussion with county officers about maintenance of the pathway which has become overgrown and is breaking up in parts.

Butterknowle youngsters turn to older generation to learn more about their village

CHILDREN in Butterknowle learned more about their village’s past directly from the people who are part of its history.
A tea party at the village primary school saw pupils in key stage two meeting older people from the community to learn about their own heritage. Teacher Anne Dauber said the event formed part of a broader creative learning theme about northern life.
Along with learning about the Vikings and other parts of the region’s history, the focus is now on the history and geology of Butterknowle.
Ms Dauber said: “The children are learning about things in Butterknowle that happened a long time ago, so they wanted to draw on the memories of people who live in the village. There are hidden things that they know that you don’t find in books.
“A lot of the children’s families have lived in Butterknowle for years and years. We are trying to work more with the community and to get the community into the school.”
The Kellett and Blackett families are among those that go back many generations and the children were particularly interested in the death of Thomas Kellett, who died during a mining accident in 1882, aged just 13. Thomas was listed as a driver for a local pit.
Ms Dauber said: “He was similar to their age so they couldn’t believe he was working.” As part of their learning experience, the children are putting together a newspaper front page which features the tragic accident.
Pupils also learned from their classmates, such as Connor Simpson whose family runs Copley Coal. He gave a talk about the different types of coal including which is the most expensive and burns the best.
He said his favourite part of learning about history of the area was discovering more about the railway that once ran alongside the village.

Staindrop Carnival saved at D-Day meeting

A VILLAGE carnival put at risk because of dwindling committee numbers has not only been saved but is planning to expand.
Staindrop Carnival, one of the larger summer events in Teesdale, was facing the end because there were only seven people left on the organising committee.
But now it has a new lease of life after 11 people signed up to help out during a public meeting on Monday, November 14.
Carnival operations manager Tony Smith said: “It went very well – there are now 18 members and we have agreed to a name change from Staindrop Carnival Committee to Staindrop Carnival Events, just to modernise it a bit. We are over the moon.”
The rejuvenated group wants to host a series of events over the year and plan to introduce a carboot and yard sale at the village’s primary school, as well as a carnival concert to replace the Big Gig that used to happen at the school. Mr Smith said there was good support for the group from the school.
Other plans are to expand activities during the carnival day with games such as tug-o-war and a wheelbarrow race.
Also coming soon is a new website.
Mr Smith said: “We want to make it a bit more successful, so watch out 2017.”
He paid tribute to former carnival organiser Liz Cronin without whom the carnival might have folded many years ago.
The bolstering of the group’s numbers follows a host of successes in the village.
Over recent years Staindrop has seen its vandalised playground rebuilt with new equipment for young children, a new scout hut is being built and the Scarth Memorial Hall has undergone a complete revamp that included the installation of high-tech equipment and facilities.
A second phase of the upgrade of the children’s playground is expected in the coming months.

Festive lights shine brightly on Galgate greens

The first of Barnard Castle's Christmas lights were switched on tonight (Friday).
The displays on Galgate greens were made possible thanks to the installation of an electricity supply paid for by fundraising from the Barnard Castle Christmas Lights committee.
Those present for the switch-on were told the displays included a memorial tree around which people could hang a bauble in memory of a loved one or simply to recall happy times in Barnard Castle.
After the lights were switched on by Marie Yarker, chairwoman of the Friends of Richardson Hospital, Neville Turner, from the Dickens in Teesdale group,
read Kathy Parenteau's moving poem How Grateful I Would Be To Have Just One More Day.
Full story and pictures in next week's Mercury.

A66 closed in both directions after major crash - heavy traffic in Barnard Castle

THE A66 was closed in both directions after a multi-vehicle crash near Barnard Castle on Friday afternoon.
Durham Police advised people to avoid the road after the collision, involving four vehicles, happened at Greta Bridge and was reported at 12.30pm.
Emergency services say a male and a female were taken to James Cook University Hospital by air ambulances. One aircraft came from Tees Valley and the other came from Penrith
Firecrews at the scene included a team from Ripon as well as firefighters from County Durham.
Residents and motorists reported "gridlock" in Barnard Castle town centre caused by the diversion.
The road was reopened by 4.30pm.

Touching tributes to gifted teacher Eva

A TOP university educator from Barnard Castle is to be laid to rest after a six-year battle with cancer.
A senior tutor and vice master at University College Durham, Eva Schumacher-Reid, showed remarkable strength in her fight against the disease, working full time up to the end.
She died at Darlington Memorial Hospital on November 11, aged 62.
Mrs Schumacher-Reid’s husband, Ian Reid, paid tribute to her, saying it was a privilege to have shared her life.
The couple met during a town-twinning anniversary between Wuppertal, in Germany, and South Shields in 1991.
At the time he was a director of education and she a head of languages at a German college. They moved to Barnard Castle in the 1990s where they initially presented language and cultural courses for young businesspeople, principally from engineering conglomerate Siemens, helping to fill local guesthouses and marketing the town to internationals.
Mr Reid said: “She was a gifted teacher, creative and resourceful, who demanded high standards.”
Later she was appointed to the German department at Durham University where her abilities were recognised when she became a teaching fellow in the Excellence in Training Scheme.
She developed a German language translation course for undergraduates, of which she was immensely proud.
A university representative described the vice master’s battle with cancer as highlighting her incredible determination and strength of character which focussed on the students until the very end. Of her achievements, the university said: “Eva introduced the weekly newsletter to all Castle students and staff, the crier, and recruited Otto, the Castle welfare dog, to the editorial team. Eva’s weekly advice to students, and Otto’s guidance and community, were read by many.
“Eva also introduced the current mentoring scheme which has been a huge success, and connected students to academics and leading members of the Durham community on a routine basis.”
Mr Reid added that Otto, their pet dog, had a huge fan base, particularly the persona of a cat named Melisande, who spoke fluent Latin and Greek, just as Mrs Schumacher-Reid did.
Mr Reid said during holidays and spare time, she worked as a specialist tour guide touring all over the world, including the British Isles.
Mr Reid said: “She knew more about England than I did.”
She frequently shared her extensive world knowledge during talks she gave back in Germany. On the social side, Mrs Schumacher-Reid was an avid reader, particularly of crime novels, and once dressed up and spoke as Miss Marple during a Ladies’ Night Ball with students.
She had a committed social conscience and served as chairwoman of the Darlington and District Soroptimist Society and was touched by international charities which she advocated among her students. Perhaps her most significant quality though was her dedication to high standards.
Mr Reid said: “There was no second best for Eva, whether you were a student, senior member of staff, porter, cook or manager of a supermarket store, there were no excuses and she was fearless.”
Mrs Schumacher-Reid’s funeral will be held at St Mary’s Church, Barnard Castle, at 2pm on December 1.
The Chapel Choir from the Evensong she regularly attended and strongly supported will perform during the service. She is survived by her husband, Ian, sister, Jutta, and mother, Magdalena.

St Teresa's Hospice benefits from Headlam Hall refurbishment

A COUNTRY hotel’s facelift has had discerning shoppers checking in to the region’s latest charity shop.
A huge donation of furniture, fixtures and fittings from Headlam Hall Country Hotel and Spa proved to be the perfect haul as St Teresa’s Hospice opened its latest venture in the North Yorkshire market town of Thirsk.
The four-star hotel, spa and golf course, near Gainford, recently underwent a major refurbishment of its 38 bedrooms, restaurant, lounges and bar.
The two-month renovation, by a 40-strong army of tradesmen, saw the hall fittings relocated and sorted in two huge grain stores – and to fit in with the makeover much of the furniture was deemed surplus to the hotel’s new requirements.
A vast array of furnishings, from chairs, tables and settees to lights, mirrors and pictures, were donated to St Teresa’s Hospice for its popular charity shops St T’s.
Teams of volunteers collected, sorted and spruced up the cache, much of which ended up stocking the newly opened St T in Thirsk Market Place.
Each piece has been itemised and so far sales of the furnishings have raised more than £8,200 for the hospice, which serves Darlington, South West Durham and North Yorkshire.
Headlam Hall managing director Thomas Robinson said: “We could have sent it to the salesroom but this only realises a fraction of its worth, whereas the hospice will ensure it maximises its return for a very good cause.
“We have supported the hospice for many years and hosted a variety of events in aid of St Teresa’s. We are delighted to have been of service and the timing for the Thirsk launch could not have been better.”
Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “Our shops have a much more retail and commercial feel than is often associated with charity ventures and that is down to the quality of the goods that end up on our shelves.
“Headlam Hall provided us with some fantastic material which we were proud to offer to the public. The fact it has sold so readily and raised so much is testament to the incredible relationships we have with our donors.”
St Teresa’s Hospice’s shops provide a significant proportion of the charity’s annual operating costs of £2.2million which provide peerless care to patients and their families.
For more information on the work of the hospice, including the shops, donations, services, volunteering and fundraising, visit darlington
hospice.org.uk.

Deerbolt prison offers protest at 'unacceptable level of violence'

PRISON officers took part in a 24-hour protest in front of Deerbolt Young Offenders’ Institution against an “unacceptable level of violence” in UK prisons.
Officers who took part in the protest on Tuesday, November 15, say that while there is no significant problem with violence at the Teesdale prison, the protest was held in support of the health and safety of colleagues based at other prisons across the country.
George Reilly, secretary of the Prison Officers Association (POA) at Deerbolt, said: “Deerbolt is in quite a decent position because of the work done by the POA in conjunction with the new governor.
“He takes on board what is said and he works with the union to make the most of what there is in terms of officers and prisoners.”
Mr Reilly added that while officers had withdrawn their labour for the 24-hour protest action, they would return to their posts in the event of an emergency such as a fire or an emergency escort.
The secretary said 54 prison officers took part in the protest.
He added: “That is more than we would have in the gaol on a normal day, so we have the support of non-POA members and officers on rest days.”
Senior prison staff and non-POA members continued to run the prison while the protest action took place.

Code of conduct to protect Low Force beauty spot

A CODE of conduct has been drawn up to protect an iconic Teesdale beauty spot.
The River Tees at Low Force is one of the most popular locations for river sports in England.
The river bank is also important for rare plants and is in the Moor House-Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve.
The North Pennines AONB Partnership has created a code to limit damage.
A spokesman said that The Pennine Way trail runs alongside the southern bank of the Tees and over the years the area has come under pressure from walkers, as well as those seeking access to the river.
“To ensure that people accessing the river do not unintentionally damage the habitat, we have built an access launch, marked a clear exit route and developed the Low Force River Access Code of Conduct, so that people can continue to enjoy this special place responsibly,” the partnership said.
As well as giving details on how to access the river, the code of conduct advices uses to avoid the grassed and vegetation area to launch, not to camp or light fires and keep groups to a maximum of ten.
Visit www.northpennines.
org.uk or contact Simon Wilson, on simon@northpenninesaonb.org.uk

France awards its highest honour to Barnard Castle D-Day veteran after a kind-hearted resident put him forward

Colin Hall with his medal

A TEESDALE D-Day veteran who helped keep the channel clear for the Normandy landings has been awarded the Legion d'honneur.
Barnard Castle's Colin Hall was a radar operator during the biggest amphibious operation in military history. 
The 92-year-old was bestowed with France's highest honour earlier this month after being put forward by ex-forces resident Maxine Moore. She met Mr Hall at the funeral of Joe Swinbank in March this year. Mr Swinbank was given the Legion d'honneur in 2015 but Mr Hall hadn't received one, so Ms Moore applied on his behalf.
Mr Hall joined the Royal Navy aged 19 in August 1943.
After a spell in North Atlantic convoys, his ship, the HMS Vimy, was transferred to the English Channel ahead of June 6, 1944.
“I was one of the lucky ones – I was there at the end of the war when things were beginning to turn in our favour,” he said.

The Normandy beaches in June 1944

“It was a grey day so my vision would only carry so far but the sight of all those ships was absolutely awesome.”
The son of an MBE, Mr Hall was born in Durham and lived there for more than 70 years.
On leaving the navy, he began a teaching career spanning five decades.
A 16-year-old Sir Bobby Robson was one of his many students.
He added: “I shall never forget the excitement of these times and I am proud to have been there, but I'm ever mindful of the non-survivors who paid the supreme sacrifice.”

Read more of Mr Hall's D-Day experience in a special feature in next week's Teesdale Mercury.

Campaigners turn to Kirkby Stephen for advice on Barnard Castle lorry ban

A LOBBY group is hoping to embark on a fact-finding mission in Cumbria to try to resolve issues caused by HGVs passing through Barnard Castle.
In an attempt to ensure that the town does not become a “rat-run”, Barnard Castle’s HGV action group is hoping to begin investigating the possibility of having a HGV licensing system put in place.
A traffic regulation order was introduced in Kirkby Stephen in 2000 to alleviate problems caused by HGVs.
Over the past 16 years, the order has been a success, say residents of the Eden Valley town. Campaigners in Teesdale want to speak to Kirkby Stephen Town Council about how successful the restriction has been and how to go about getting one in place in the dale. Barnard Castle town councillor and HGV Action group member Judi Sutherland said: “In Kirkby Stephen they have really helped with the issue where HGVs were rat-running through the town from the A66 to the M6. They have introduced some sort of licensing system so that local traffic can still get through.
“Arranging a meeting is on our list of things to do. We are hoping that someone from Durham County Council will be able to come along too.
“It will be a bit of a fact-finding mission for us to see what they have got in place and how they have done it. 
“We are hoping to meet with them informally to find out how well it is working. It may be something we consider for this town.”
The order in Kirkby Stephen applies to vehicles over 18 tonnes. Exemptions are in place for deliveries and the transportation of animals.
Kirkby Stephen Town Council clerk Jeanette Cooper said councillors would be happy to speak to Barnard Castle’s HGV action group about it.
She said: “Like a lot of these towns, they were not designed for large vehicles coming through. There was damage to parked vehicles, people were trying to get across the road but it has eased it now for everyone.
“It has been much improved with the road restrictions but there are still some that come through that we think probably should not. For the most part though, they follow the weight restriction.
“I can’t see any reason why we would not speak to them about it. It has worked well here.”

Adventurer Abi hopes to inspire girls with international polar expedition

AN UPPER dale outdoor enthusiast is hoping to win readers’ votes to be in with the chance of embarking on an adventure of a lifetime.
Abi Atkinson, 26, who runs the Kingsway Adventure Centre in Middleton-in-Teesdale with her husband Rob, has entered a competition to go on an international polar expedition next April.
The trip, better known as Fjällräven Polar, would see Mrs Atkinson led by sled
dogs on a week-long journey through 300km of wilderness in the Arctic tundra.
Despite her love for the outdoors, Mrs Atkinson has been motivated to face the challenge after noticing a significant change in the social expectations of young women.
She said: “Our next generation is growing up thinking they can’t get their hands dirty. It is having a huge impact on the next generation of females.
“You look at children these days and it is completely different to when I grew up. My favourite thing to do was playing in the woods and getting covered in mud. Technology has a lot to answer for. I feel that they are missing out on a bit of childhood.
“We are currently in a time where outdoor adventurers who are getting the most exposure all seem to be males. It is amazing for boys as they are so inspired but there are no female role models in the outdoors in the media.
“Young girls growing up have so much pressure put on them to look good. Playing in the outdoors can give children so many positive things.”
If successful, Mrs Atkinson would be one of about 30 people from 15 countries taking part in the adventure where survival instincts would be vital. Her determination and resilience would be tested in temperatures as cold as minus 30 degrees celsius.
Despite this, Mrs Atkinson is keen to prove that girls are capable of enjoying and exploring the outdoors just as much as boys. 
She said: “It would be an incredible experience for me but I want to prove to younger girls that everyone can go out and have fun in the outdoors.
“I still have fears but I think it would be an incredible place to challenge myself.
“I’ve never been to a place like that. I love going on adventures and seeing what I am capable of. It would be an opportunity of a lifetime.”
To vote for Mrs Atkinson and watch her video entry visit http://polar.fjallraven. com/contestant/?id=117
Voting closes on December 15.

Cross-party support to keep Teesdale united

Divided line: The proposed boundary changes

UNITED condemnation has met a proposal to split Teesdale down the middle.
Barnard Castle Town Council has shunned moves to shift the current wards, Barnard Castle West and East, into
separate parliamentary constituencies. The council has won local cross-party support on its stance.
Town mayor Cllr John Blissett went to Darlington last Thursday to voice the town council’s disapproval of the Boundary Commission’s plan.
Members agreed that Teesdale should remain united with Barnard Castle West put in a suggested seat called “Bishop Auckland and Teesdale”.
Tory county councillor Richard Bell threw his full support behind the town council amendments to the proposals currently on the table. He added: “The simplest thing to do would be to keep Barnard Castle West into Bishop Auckland constituency and Willington and Hunwick into the North West Durham seat.
“Hopefully they will accept that logic – if the town council agrees with that or something very similar it can only be a good thing.”
County councillor James Rowlandson agreed.
“Teesdale is Teesdale – it’s not half of Teesdale,” he said.
“It’s its own place and should remain so. We should fight tooth and nail to keep it that way.”
Labour town councillor Judi Sutherland said Bishop Auckland was no longer a safe seat, suggesting it would be tightly fought over by Labour, the Conservatives and UKIP.
When it came to the boundaries, she pointed to Bishop Auckland as Barnard Castle and Teesdale’s nearest centre of gravity.
“When you need services Bishop Auckland is the place you go,” said Cllr Sutherland.
“It’s the natural focus of our community which is why I agree with Richard Bell.
“Any MP fighting Bishop Auckland is likely to be fighting for us – in West Durham the focus of the population is 50 miles from Bowes in Blaydon and Consett – we have nothing in common with those people.”
Former town councillor John Watson told last Monday’s town council meeting it was “extraordinary” for a rural community to be split in two.
But he thought the current boundary situation was “unsatisfactory”.
“Barnard Castle would better be served in the proposed rural North West ward where no one community dominates and rural concerns are shared.”
Phil Hunt, from Teesdale’s Labour party, fully supported Cllr Bell’s proposed solution but suggested Darlington as a possible boundary bedfellow.
However, county councillor George Richardson wasn’t a fan of the Darlington suggestion.
Cllr Bell added: “We think Barnard Castle should not be split – if we do not get what we ask for, that should be the emphasis of our response.”

Mum's the word on free sessons for toddlers

A parent and toddler group just for young parents is hoping to attract more mums, dads and children to the free weekly sessions.
Run by Teesdale YMCA and One Point Barnard Castle, the group welcomes all mums and dads aged 25 and under with their pre-school aged children.
YMCA’s youth and community development manager, Hannah Parratt, runs the session with One Point family support outreach worker Vicky Taylor.
Ms Parratt said: “The weekly group is here to offer support to young parents under 25. We do different activities and games, as well offering advice to the parents.
“We help them to get back into college as well as looking at how they are coping themselves with being a parent.
“At some parent groups, people feel they are looked down on because they are young. This fills that gap. They are welcome here.”
The sessions are held every Tuesday from 10am to 11.30am at Barnard Castle’s Outreach Centre, next to Charles Dickens Lodge.
As well as providing advice on how to get back into education or work, the sessions also offer support to young mums and dads about the day-to-day life of bringing up their child. Meanwhile, the children can build new friendships during playtime.
Ms Taylor said: “It is also an opportunity for young mums and dads to ask questions about their child’s development if they have got any concerns.” Chloe Allinson, 20, lives in Barnard Castle and attends the sessions with her two year-old son, Logan.
Ms Allinson said: “I’ve been coming since Logan was six months. It’s good because you get to talk to people your own age.”
Amy Middleton, from Cockfield, also attends with her two children, Timothy, 2, and eight-month-old George.
She said: “I have been to other play groups with older mums but here there is no judgement. We don’t judge here because we are all the same age and in the same position. It’s also good for the children.”
To find out more about the sessions contact Ms Parratt at Teesdale YMCA on 01833 695780.

Top title for Barnard Castle apprentice

AN AGRICULTURAL service technician from Barnard Castle has won an apprentice of the year award against stiff competition.
Lloyd Ltd Bishop Auckland’s Harry Fenwick took the title at Oatridge College in Livingston.   The 20-year-old had just successfully completed his three-year agricultural technician apprenticeship and was surprised and delighted to receive the award ahead of the 30 other participants on the course.
He said: “I never thought that I stood a chance of getting this award as they were all great technicians on the course, some from big dealers.
“It’s a real honour to have my achievements recognised and to know that I’ve made the right decision for my career. 
“I’ve been working at Lloyd Ltd throughout the three years of the course to build my practical skills and it’s great that I am starting my working life there as an agricultural service technician after all the support they have given me.”
Lloyd Ltd Bishop Auckland’s new dealer principal Alistair Whitby, who has recently been promoted from being the branch’s groundcare sales specialist for the past 15 years, has been impressed with Mr Fenwick’s skills and attitude.
He said: “Harry has been dedicated to developing his skills over the past three years so it’s no surprise to us that his progress has been recognised with this award. 
“Combining on-the-job practical training with college-based learning requires focus and commitment, which Harry has constantly shown – just the kinds of skills that we require from our staff – so we had no hesitation in taking him on full-time now he is qualified. 
“We wish him all the best as he begins his career with Lloyd Ltd.”