In this week's Teesdale Mercury..

Teesdale Conservation Volunteers is campaigning against plans for 162 new homes on land next door to its composting site, claiming operations would be severely hampered if the development goes ahead.

Plans for 100 new houses at Toft Hill have been labelled 'too much for the village to take'.

Tributes have been paid to sports, fundraiser and family man Trevor Joel.

Two of the dale's amateur dramatics groups are gearing up for spring shows.

Primary schools across Teesdale will be hit by funding cuts – find out which schools are affected and how much cash is being cut.

Officials at the Veg Out in Barney are hoping a £10,000 Lottery grant will inspire more volunteers to come forward.

Barney's popular mini-golf course has been given a spruce up in time for the summer visitor season.

Artist Andy Beck has completed a ten-year project to reproduce Alfred Wainwright's sketches in full colour – all 1,500 of them.

In sport, Barnard Castle RUFC returned to the top of Durham/Northumberland 1 after a narrow win against Gateshead Fell, while some of the town's cricketing veterans are planning to pull on the whites for a Masters tournament later in the summer.

Plus, we've all your letters, Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg's column, business and jobs, motors, Remember When, farming and much more.

Only in this week's Mercury

Laser survey will uncover hidden Teesdale

THE hidden past of upper Teesdale is about to be unravelled thanks to a project being launched by the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) partnership.
LiDAR Landscapes has been developed with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to enable experts and volunteers to use the latest laser technology to uncover what is hidden beneath the landscape.
Although much is known about the history of the upper dale, many historic sites remain undiscovered because they are hard for the naked eye to see.
The modern technique of LiDAR – Light Detection and Ranging – uses laser beams to survey the ground below which then generate detailed images that show up every lump and bump.
It is hoped these images will reveal new facts about what the area was like centuries ago.
Paul Frodsham, LiDAR Landscapes officer at the AONB partnership, said: “LiDAR has revolutionised how we look at the historic landscape.
“Patches of uneven ground that have so far gone unnoticed, whether in ploughed fields or on open moorland, will become clearly visible on LiDAR maps.
“A similar project in Northumberland recently recorded more than a thousand ‘new’ sites, dating from prehistoric to recent times.”
The project will be launched at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, on March 1. The event is open to anyone interested in finding out more about the historic landscape of the North Pennines.
Also involved in the launch is Channel 4’s Time Team landscape archaeologist Stewart Ainsworth.
Mr Frodsham added: “We want as many people as possible to get involved; no previous knowledge or experience is necessary.
“We’ll be running a number of workshops to train volunteers to take part in assessing the LiDAR data and potentially discovering previously unknown sites.
“Why not come and join us? You might just find something amazing.”
To book a place at the launch event, visit northpenn ines.org.uk.

Teesdale's riding club saddles up to celebrate tenth anniversary

A GOOD yahoo is what horse enthusiasts do best. Barnard Castle and Teesdale Riding Club (BCTRC) is entering its tenth year and its sense of fun has not diminished.
“We are planning a tenth anniversary pleasure ride – we have not set a date for that yet as we’re waiting for a venue,” says club chairwoman Lezley Aldrich.
“We are going to have a party and we’ll probably do something around Christmas time as well as something to finish off the end of the year.”
From a small core of founders, the group is now 124 members strong and has some grand plans for the year ahead.
Ms Aldrich, 60, was one of three friends who saw a gap for a new equestrian club in 2007.
“It was a tiny idea and it’s just grown out of all proportion – I never envisaged this happening,” she says. “I always knew when I came back to it there wasn't much about to do with horses.
“It feels like it’s for all the horsey people who want to have fun.”
However, while fun might be the main aim, rosettes and recognition have come to the door of many a club member.
Its junior section has flourished in recent years and the club continues to churn out a number of precocious talents.
Ms Aldrich adds: “We have seen a lot of our lead rein children progressing to off the lead rein and into proper careers.
“We’ve got a core of competitive juniors from eight upwards and they are doing very well.
“It’s the way they have grown – that’s the biggest thing. The way that we’ve competed and participated in the area competitions.
“Last year we had representation and qualifiers at both national and regional championships. That in itself shows the work our members put in to get there.”
Summer season for the club starts on April 23 but the dead of winter hasn’t brought a halt to riding.
Winter leagues and trips out tide over club members as the days lengthen.
“We try and cater for anyone,” Ms Aldrich explains.
“If you ever wanted to do a ride up Helvellyn we would try and get it for you.
“We are going to plan a beach ride trip to the seaside because everyone loves a blast on the sands.”
Relationships with neighbouring clubs have to be strong for equestrian sports to flourish in the Teesdale area.
A merger between the North and East Yorkshire Endurance Teams has suited the club’s popular new endurance outfit and shared membership deals have brought value for money.
Ms Aldrich adds: “We work closely with Hamsterley Riding Association – any riding club member can now come to our events. We are all in it together.”
Collaborations and the goodwill of volunteers keep many a riding club afloat and those who give up their spare time are vital for the roster of Area 2 events the club takes on.
“Last year at one event we had to provide ten – it’s a lot when you’ve only got one team of four in the actual competition,” says Ms Aldrich.
“It’s getting those volunteers to help run the events and it’s a real problem across the board.
“If you are not taking part, you might not want to travel up to places like Alnwick.”
One of those vital volunteers, Tony Martin, has been recognised with an award by for all his hard work.
“Tony does an awful lot of volunteering,” says Ms Aldrich.
“Whether it’s poo pick-ups or car parking he is a wonderful member who helps the club out no end.”
Other clubs have struggled to raise half the number of designated volunteers for events at times, meaning BCTRC and others are often left picking up the slack.
Understandably, Ms Aldrich is keen to train up any would-be helpers.
She adds: “We’re putting on volunteer training sessions so don’t be shy. If you don’t think you can do it we will show you.”
Insurance is another tricky topic in riding circles.
BCTRC insurance covers members only and Ms Aldrich explains how some of the conditions can trip up the unwary.
She adds: “Insurance is vital. Our members get public liability but personal accident insurance is riders’ own prerogative.
“All our instructors all have to be qualified and all are insured to give lessons.”
The year has started on the right foot for the club and there’s plenty on the horizon.
Ms Aldrich said the summer camp will be a highlight this year.
“We have already got a camp arranged which is very popular,” she says.
“Junior summer camp is August 7 to August 10 and senior camp will be August 11 to August 13 at Stonechester Equestrian Centre.
“Bring your horses, come along and have fun while you are learning – especially with the adults.
“Not only do we do the usual disciplines, but we do silly things like gymkhanas and we go up the gallops to have a good yahoo.”
For more information go to: http://www.bcandtrc.co.uk/

Support groups collaborate to help long term sufferers

A COLLABORATION between a lifeline community cafe and a Teesdale therapist is aiming to help more people with long-term illnesses.
Barnard Castle’s SOS (Sufferers, Overcomers and Supporters) cafe has teamed up with Nicky Morse’s mobile therapy service to provide a space for her care services.
The mother-of-two launched Eating and Living last year to help those with dementia, cancer and other serious ailments.
Since then, the start-up firm has grown, leaving Ms Morse needing more space.
Cafe volunteers Cliff and Kathy Burrage were only too happy to help.
Ms Morse said: “I think it’s wonderful – it’s so fantastic that there is something so central to the town.
“It’s a relaxed and safe place and there is so much going on.”
The cafe, which shares its King Street home with Durham Deafened Support and Friends of Citizen’s Advice, received a £10,000 boost from Teesdale Action Partnership late last year.
But more spaces have opened up for it to be used.
Mrs Burrage added: “We need to give it a push because the numbers have dropped again.
“It’s a comfortable and warm space, with plenty of cups of tea and very good people.”
A former retail worker, Ms Morse moved into personal fitness therapy after remedying her own health problems.
She has collected a number of qualifications during the past two decades including some in aromatherapy, massage and complementary fitness therapy.
Meanwhile, the SOS cafe helps people with mental health issues through meetings and creative activities.
Anyone interested can visit SOS at 5a King Street between 10am and 4pm each Wednesday and Thursday.
For more information on the Living and Eating therapy service, call Ms Morse on 07792 717730.

Project creates a buzz about vital role of bees

CHILDREN at Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary School have been learning how bees are important in helping create almost all the food that people eat.
Year one and two pupils played the part of bees, the sun, water, air, soil and seeds as they learned about pollination through a programme presented by the North Pennines AONB’s Nectarworks scheme.
Mandy Oliver, of Nectarworks, played a game of bouncing the bumble bee off the flower with the pupils before explaining how bees enable flowers to produce seeds by pollinating them.
She said: “The bee has flown about the flowers and as she moves the pollen from flower to flower she allows the flowers to make seeds.”
Several children correctly guessed that the process was called pollination.
Children who correctly answered what seeds need to germinate got to play the parts of King Soil, King Air, Princess Water and Queen Sun while the rest of the class played the part of growing seeds.
Another pupil played the part of a bumble bee that pollinates all the children after they had grown into plants and flowered.
The aim of Nectarworks is to enthuse, educate and enable communities to take action for bumblebees and other pollinators by restoring and increasing flower-rich habitats across the North Pennines AONB.

Butterknowle fancier receives one of pigeon racing's top national honours

A BUTTERKNOWLE man has been awarded one of pigeon racing’s top national honours after more than five decades of service to the sport.
Trevor Peairs stood down as secretary of Cockfield and District Federation after 55 years in the post last month and in recognition he has been awarded the Major L Lewis Memorial Trophy.
The trophy is made to only one person each year by the Confederation of Long Distance Pigeon Racing Unions of Great Britain and Ireland.
The president of the West Durham Amalgamation, Alan Brown, made a special visit to the 80-year-old last week to present the trophy.
Mr Peairs said: “I was overjoyed. This isn’t for pigeon racing, it is for service to the sport.”
Mr Brown added: “It is a massive honour and it is well deserved.”
It is the first time in the trophy’s history that it has been awarded to anyone from the Cockfield Federation.

It's puppy love as Gunner says thanks to David

A VERY important pup met his donor, ex-England football player David Thomas, to say thank you for setting it on a journey to becoming a guide dog.
Little Gunner is 11 months old and has already learned many of the basic obedience commands that will be used when he goes out into the world as part of a Guide Dog partnership.
Although this is Gunner’s first meeting with Mr Thomas, who lives in Lartington, the former footballer heard about his progress after he raised £5,000 to choose his name. Mr Thomas previously raised money to name another puppy, Willow.
He said: “I’m raising money for Guide Dogs, a charity very close to my heart. I have the eye condition, glaucoma, which was first diagnosed over 15 years ago. At first my failing sight did not cause me too many problems and I was able to continue my job as a physical education teacher but my life changed in 2008 when I was registered blind/partially sighted.
Before teaching, Mr Thomas was a professional football player. He represented his country at every level and finally achieved full England honours.
“Last year I decided to apply for a guide dog and was recently match with my own guide dog, Hannah. The support that Guide Dogs have given me during the application process has been life changing.”
Mr Thomas added: “It was really exciting to meet Gunner. It was also great to meet his puppy walker, Geoff, and to find out all about Gunner’s training and what his personality is like. These little things bring us closer to the whole process and it’s fascinating.”
Sue Robinson, community fundraiser from Guide Dogs, said: “Puppy visits are really special. People then get to see that all the time and effort they put into fundraising has gone into the training of this dog.”
It costs more than £50,000 to support a Guide Dog from its birth to its retirement aged about 10. Guide Dogs promises to supply every guide dog owner with a dog for as long as they need one.
If you would like to find out how you could name a puppy call Sue Robinson on 07468 711982.
Or to donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/
fundraising/DavidThomas7

Police step up patrols after woods are targeting by vandals

POLICE are to step up patrols after a children’s outdoor woodland school site was trashed by vandals.
Bright Woods Forest School, which was set up in Deepdale Wood, near Startforth, offers hands-on outdoor activities to youngsters.
However, vandals smashed their way into a wooden store, took equipment and then torched in the on-site fire pit.
Honia Devlin, who set up Bright Woods in April last year, described the incident, which happened sometime overnight on February 3 or the morning of February 4, as heartbreaking.
At this month’s Police and Communities Together (Pact) meeting, PCSO Darren Miles said  there had been a number of reports of anti-social behaviour in the Deepdale Wood area.
He said it was believed groups of people had moved across from the bandstand area of Flatts Wood, on the Barnard Castle side of the river, to Deepdale because it offered more shelter.
PCSO Miles said there had also been reports of underage drinking, however, in patrols to date no evidence of alcohol had been found.
He said police were going to make anti-social behaviour in Deepdale Wood a priority for the next month, with increased patrols in the area.
A SECOND Pact priority will see police and volunteers carrying out community speedwatch operations at Middleton-in-Teesdale during the coming month.

No-go on measures to slow traffic in Cockfield street

MEASURES to slow traffic on a narrow village road will not be introduced, parish councillors were told.
Safety concerns were raised late last year about the speed of traffic along Coronation Terrace, in Cockfield.
The road, which has a row of terraced houses along one side with cars parked on the highway, leads to the village’s recreation area.
After hearing how some motorists treated the road like Brands Hatch, Cockfield Parish Council wrote to highways officials at County Hall asking if there was anything they could do.
However, members’ hopes were dashed.
At February’s meeting, clerk Phil Howard said a reply had been received from the county’s traffic assets manager in which he explained that the county council receives more requests for measures than it can fund.
As a result, councillors were told, the highways department had to concentrate on areas with the worst safety record.
Statistics showed that in the last four years, there had been no personal injury accidents along Coronation Terrace, which meant it compared favourably to other areas.
The traffic official also stated that given the nature of the road, it was unlikely that cars would be breaking the speed limit, although he conceded they maybe going at an inappropriate speed for that particular route.
As a result, councillors were told the county was “unable to accede to the request for traffic calming”.
Despite this knock-back, members are going to press ahead with putting up signs.
Cllr Neville Singleton said he had spoken to another official at County Hall, who said the parish was within its rights to put up a 5mph sign, warning of a blind T-junction, on the approach to the recreation area.
A similar sign visible as vehicles leave the recreation area is also to be erected.
Cllr Christine Watters asked whether the two football teams based at the recreation area – Durham Alliance side West Auckland Tuns FC on a Saturday and West Auckland Town FC U23s on a Sunday – had been made aware of the concerns raised by residents.
Chairwoman Cllr Brenda Singleton said officials from both clubs had promised to speak to players.
Despite this, Cllr Barrie Williams said: “It is only a matter of time before there is an accident.”

Are spirits of a different kind to be found at Teesdale pub?

GHOSTLY goings-on at a Teesdale pub suggest there could be another chapter in a tragic river tale.
The Boat House, on the Teesdale Way, near Whorlton, is to bear a plaque commemorating Louisa and William Harrison who drowned in the Tees in 1896.
Ovington’s Four Alls pub held Mrs Harrison’s body before an inquest took place in an adjoining room.
Almost 12 decades on from their passing, landlord John Stroud believes spirits of a different kind may have a link to Mrs Harrison’s demise.
He said: “It’s an odd story we’ve mentioned before – those things that go bump in the night. It used to be a shop where they kept her body – we can identify some rather odd things.”
Mr Stroud and his partner, Sam Mason, have experienced haunting songs, floorboard footsteps and eerie presences at the old inn.
“We hear footsteps going up and down on a regular basis above the kitchen,” the publican added.
“There is a perfume smell near the bar and in the corner – a really strong smell of roses you get from time to time.”
It isn’t the first time spooky goings-on have reared their head at the Four Alls.
Mr Stroud’s dad, Michael, was pictured peering around a corner in the Mercury in 2003 after candles and menus went walkabout.
He added: “We’ve heard singing in here. An old cleaner who was here when we took over heard it as well.
“The first time it happened was when my parents were down in Kent.
“I was sleeping in the end bedroom, got up, went to the door and my two dogs were there looking straight through me.
“Some things make the hair stand up on the back of your neck.”
It isn’t just the staff who’ve had shivers down their spines.
“People have spotted a figure in the corner before,” he added.
“One Sunday afternoon when we were still serving lunches we had a man sitting on his own.
“He wheeled around from his lunch and asked who it was who’d walked behind him – he was convinced there was a woman.
“He soon finished his food and left after that.”
Mystery surrounding what was thought to be the nearby “Ferryman’s Cottage” was put right by former inhabitant Ada Pressley.
She revealed the tale of a ferryman and his family being wiped out in the river had become confused with the tragic tale of the Harrisons.
Six children were left orphaned by the tragedy and the pub pair are convinced there is still a restless presence.
Mr Stroud added: “If you’ve done any work in here she gets very annoyed – especially at the eastern end of the building.
“I’m afraid to say it but, from our point of view, Louisa is still very much a presence at the Four Alls.”

New life in France for organ rescued from Methodist chapel in Winston

AN HISTORIC pipe organ is heading for France after being rescued from an abandoned Methodist chapel in Teesdale.
The chapel, in Winston, which dates back to 1902, closed last summer because it was no longer viable, leaving the future of its antique organ uncertain.
Now organ restoration experts have dismantled the instrument to refurbish it before finding it a new home on the continent.
The chapel received the organ from Walworth Castle.
Expert restorer Martin Renshaw, who is part of the team that removed the organ, said it has yet to be determined where it will finally be housed because the removal came so soon.
The cost of collecting the organ was carried by Mr Renshaw and a colleague from France.
He said: “The history of the organ is that it was made in 1863-4 for the ballroom at Walworth Castle, following alterations to the castle.”
It was commissioned by the Aylmer family, who were almost wiped out in the Abergele railway accident four years later.
“The organ is a particularly well-made instrument,” said Mr Renshaw.
“It seems, though this is not yet confirmed, to have been made by W Holt, we think, of Bradford. There is an inaccessible trade card inside the organ which we will be able to read only when that component is fully dismantled for restoration.”
Researcher and organist for St Mary’s Church, in Cockerton, Frances Kelly explained that the organ came to Winston chapel in 1950.
She said: “Gerald Percy Vivian Aylmer eventually inherited the castle and following his death in 1936, the executors of his estate directed that Walworth Castle and its contents should be sold by auction.
“It seems the organ remained in the music room at Walworth Castle until 1950 when Durham County Council bought the castle to use as a senior girls’ school for the educationally sub-normal.
“In 1950 the organ was bought, removed and installed in Winston Methodist Chapel. The opening and dedication was held on November 11, 1950.”
The removal of the organ to France is the latest in a long list of organs that have been rescued in Britain and taken across the channel.
Mr Renshaw said: “This is about the 40th unwanted UK organ I have taken, or caused to be taken, to France. All of these have been carefully restored and are giving excellent service in churches, schools and private houses there, all along the west and north coastal areas.”

Break-ins put A68 cafe business under strain

A SLEW of break-ins at a roadside cafe in the past two years is not the work of organised criminals, say police.
A break-in at The 68 Cafe, in Toft Hill, on New Year’s Day, was one of three burglary attempts in the space of a month.
There have been eight reported attempts since the frustrated owner, Paula Kempin, took over the business six years ago.
She has since taken away charity collection tins which she believes the criminals were targeting.
In an effort to allay people’s fears about crime in the area, police visited Etherley Parish Council to explain that “substantive” security measures have been put in place at the isolated business.
PC Dave Greenwell told councillors during their February meeting that two people have been arrested in connection with one of the December burglaries and evidence had been found during the New Year’s Day incident.
PC Greenwell said: “They are on bail with conditions not to enter this part of Bishop Auckland. ”
Councillors heard that the business is vulnerable to burglaries because the rear of the property cannot be seen from the road. Most of the attempts to get in have been made to doors and windows at the back, he said.
PC Greenwell said: “It doesn’t take a detective to work it out – it is the location that is the issue. I have managed to get a crime prevention officer involved who has been and done a full site survey for this last burglary and the occupier has put in place a lot of the target-hardening measures around it to make it more difficult. The owner is in a position where she is going to be like HMP Durham.”
In the past, a burglar who was identified by his blood after he cut himself while breaking in, said he had taken £40 from a Great North Air Ambulance Service charity box to cover the cost of a taxi fair. The burglar had been visiting a friend in Toft Hill and needed to get home, the meeting heard.
Although there is little to steal and thieves make off with little money, the damage they create runs into hundreds of pounds, said Ms Kempin.
The business, which runs on tight margins, is put under additional strain each time it is targeted because the cafe misses out on trade while police investigate and staff clean up.
Ms Kempin said: “It is very demoralising, not just for me, but also for the staff. You come in and there is a mess everywhere.”
The cafe now has extensive security, including an alarm that alerts the owner and CCTV, but how much to add is creating a dilemma of its own.
Ms Kempin worries that “armour plating” everything will create the impression there is something worth stealing. The cost of the equipment is also a concern.
She said: “How many bacon sandwiches do you have to sell to put shutters on 18 windows?”
Among the charities that are now losing out because of the criminal activity are Marie Curie Cancer Care, the Great North Air Ambulance Service and a cerebral palsy group.

Safety improvements promised at danger A66 junction

HIGHWAYS chiefs have agreed to make safety improvements to a dangerous junction on the A66.
Highways England will make the changes to the New Lane junction at Ravensworth after the intervention of Richmondshire MP Rishi Sunak.
Ravensworth Parish Council had written to him asking for his help after villagers raised concerns about the T-junction on a single carriageway stretch of the important east-west trunk road.
The villagers said the junction, which lies in a dip in the landscape, is poorly signposted and there are insufficient warning signs for motorists, particularly when travelling from the west.
Mr Sunak wrote to the Government agency asking it to address the villagers’ fears
He said: “The A66 single carriageway sections of this vital artery are to be made dual carriageway but work will not start for a few years yet – it is important that the junction is made safer now."
Mr Sunak said he was delighted that Highways England had agreed to erect permanent, prominent junction signs to take the place of temporary signs and also to install reflective marker posts to make the junction more visible, especially after dark.
He added: “Anyone who has used this junction, especially at busy times, will know how difficult it can be to join or leave the A66 here. Dualling will ultimately provide a much better solution  but in the meantime this will certainly help motorists spot it in good time."
In its response to Mr Sunak, Highways England said it would continue reviewing other possible improvement measures for the junction although the parish council’s idea of a 40mph speed limit on the A66 near the New Lane turn-off had been ruled as not appropriate.

Tuning up for Teesdale's first community music festival

A community music festival launched in Teesdale at the weekend aims to bring performers, residents and children together.
Music lovers united at St Mary’s Church, in Barnard Castle, on Saturday morning to sing, play and applaud the start of the inaugural Teesdale Community Music Festival.
There will be a series of events in June including workshops, a “big sing” and a celebration concert.
The initial event was organised by Annette Butters to let everyone know what was being planned.
She said: “We want everyone to get involved – you don’t need to be a brilliant musician. We’re going to take this out into the community. The whole idea is about linking groups to get a strong community.”
St Mary’s Community Music Group, which has recently been set up by enthusiastic players, performed at the launch event, along with Teesdale community choir No Added Sugar.
The main festival kicks off on Friday, June 9, with a “big sing” involving local schools at St Mary’s church. On Saturday, June 10, there will be an instrumental workshop at The Witham involving Cream Tees and the church’s community music group.
Later that day there will be a song composition workshop for 11 to 18-year-olds with teacher Andy Yeadon.
June 10 will also see a musical tea party for residents of local care homes, their friends and families.
Teesdale Community Music Festival will culminate with a celebration concert that evening featuring Barnard Castle Brass Band, No Added Sugar and other performers.
More details and timings will be announced nearer the date.
Schools already signed up include Gainford, Ingleton and Green Lane.
“That’s already about 80 children so it’s going to be really good,” said Ms Butters who has recently moved to the area and came up with the initial idea.
“We want to offer a church for everybody,” said Ms Butters, who is a peripatetic  musical teacher, church organist and former Army musician.
She helped set up the church’s singing group, which meets on Fridays between 5pm and 6pm in the church.
They perform secular, gospel and other kinds of music.
County councillors Richard Bell, George Richardson, James Rowlandson and Ted Henderson helped fund the music festival through their personal budgets.
Cllr Richardson said: “It’s great to see everyone together enjoying themselves, especially across the age groups.”

Technology blackout sends Ramshaw school 'back to the 1980s'

A CLOSE shave led to a dale school surviving the best part of a week without phones or internet.
A van driver ploughed into railings and a telegraph pole just yards from pupils at Ramshaw Primary School on Thursday, February 9.
Luckily, nobody was hurt but staff and children were “sent back to the 1980s” by a six-day technology blackout.
Headteacher Dominic Brown revealed the shock of the initial collision.
He said: “There was a tremendous crash outside – we thought a lorry had shed its load but we saw the telegraph pole was broken and hanging across the road.
“It was just a few feet away from a classroom – fortunately there were bollard and crumple zones that took the main impact.”
Fire crews arrived just after noon to make the electric pole safe and police dealt with the motorist.
But the aftermath of the crash brought some longer-lasting consequences.
“We've had a really interesting few days without any internet or any electronic correspondence,” added Mr Brown.
“We needed them to access the lesson resources and assessments – it’s almost been a case of going back to the Victorian age.
“We thought about breaking out a few slates – the iPads and laptops we had were a bit redundant.”
It was one piece of hardy technology stashed away in a drawer which kept the school in touch with the outside world.
Mr Brown added: “We had to break out an old Samsung we had for emergencies and school trips – we’ve been using that all week.
“It’s almost been like the 1980s.”
By holding the phone up outside the building, staff managed to secure the vital one bar of signal to keep connected. Modern communications returned to the school last Wednesday (February 15) and a new telegraph pole has been installed.
Mr Brown paid tribute to staff for their make-do-and-mend attitude.
He said: “We’re not too far behind because we’ve got fabulous staff who worked from home and picked up emails from their own personal accounts.
“They all had to put a few extra hours in over the past few nights.”

Parents under fire after children 'wreaking havoc' in Evenwood

YOUTHS are wreaking havoc in Evenwood – with reports of youngsters climbing garages, illegally shooting birds and taking pot shots at people’s property with air rifles.
A broadside has been fired by the parish council at parents for not reining in their children. The incidents include reports of “three young men” with pellet guns blasting wildlife.
Complaints have been made to police, the county council and the RSPB about the behaviour of youths in the village.
The police have also been singled out by parish councillors for being too “nicey, nicey” and not getting to grips with the troublemakers. Cllr Anne Lyons said: “They shot three blackbirds, two sparrows and a magpie. Last year it was an owl. This is a criminal offence. The RSPB has been informed and my neighbour even found a raptor alive but with the pellets in it.
“They were shooting on a public walkway in Ramshaw and one person has had their security lights put out. There is just no need for it – people are appalled by this.”
Parish chairwoman Cllr Barbara Nicholson said damage to the village included the church green.
“It’s been reported to Durham County Council’s anti-social behaviour team. They are in their droves at the moment. It’s not an exaggeration to say that last Wednesday night there were about 40 kids. The litter the day after was horrendous,” she said.
Councillors were told that young people were creating ramps with mounds of soil for their bikes – despite there being an official BMX track at the sports ground. Surprise was expressed that people living in the area had not made repeated complaints to the authorities.
But at least one complaint was made about young people climbing someone’s garage, the meeting heard.
Cllr Paul Townsend said: “The bairns must go home filthy. Why aren’t the parents asking ‘where have you been?’ The parents and children don’t give a naff.”
A lack of a regular police update was also a bone of contention at last week’s parish meeting.
Cllr Lyons added: “We don’t seem to get much police action from the police no matter what happens.”
Councillors accused Durham Police officers are being too “nicey, nicey” and lacking authority when speaking to young people. A stricter line was called for.
Cllr Mary Prince said: “We have to get some enforcement in the village.”
Others complained that there had been too many police inspectors for Bishop Auckland and this had not led to any consistency.
Cllr Rachael Webb said: “We need strong action and punishment. There needs to be consequences for their actions. They should be made to repair their damage.”
However, it was suggested that if every person who committed an anti-social behaviour offence was made to tidy up the area, Evenwood would be the among the cleanest villages around.
It was claimed that police patrols in Cockfield had led to young people congregating in Evenwood. However, Cllr Martin Clark said not all young people were bad.
Insp Andy Reeves, head of neighbourhood policing in Bishop Auckland, said: “Evenwood is a very important area for us and we currently have two PACT priorities in the village relating to concerns about anti-social behaviour
“I would encourage local people to attend these PACT meetings to raise any further concerns and also to work with us to provide community intelligence on these issues from within their neighbourhood. “The police will take action when there is a need to do so, however educating those causing the problems may be more beneficial in the longer term. For example, the use of restorative approaches is an ideal way in which those responsible can put right any damage they have caused, provided we have evidence related to those offences.
“The local beat teams will continue to carry out regular reassurance patrols in the Evenwood area to address any concerns.”

Ideas wanted to help celebrate The Bowes Museum's 125th anniversary

CAN you help The Bowes Museum celebrate its 125th anniversary?
That’s the challenge being laid down by the iconic museum’s friends group.
An event has been organised on Sunday, February 26, and anyone with ideas is welcome to go along and share them with the friends.
It takes place in the museum’s Jubilee Room between 3pm and 4pm.
Sandra Moorhouse, chairwoman of the Friends of The Bowes Museum, said she hoped a programme of events would appeal to both local people and visitors from outside Teesdale.
“We are looking at all sorts of ideas and also need people to be part of a working group to put them into operation,” she said.“One thing we are looking at is having something which reflects what John and Josephine Bowes would have felt if they walked through the museum today.”
Both of the museum’s founders died before it was completed and opened to the public on June 10, 1892 – Josephine in 1874 and John in 1885. Mrs Moorhouse added: “We are also thinking of inviting people to write an adventure story featuring the museum.”
She said other ideas included looking back at the museum’s history and how it has developed in the past 125 years.
Another possibility was to involve young people to imagine what life at The Bowes Museum will be like in 125 years’ time – or whether it would even exist in its current form.
“We are probably also looking at doing something fun and truly exciting – something that really gets people to come in and appreciate The Bowes Museum,” said Mrs Moorhouse.
The friends group is working in partnership with the museum and Barnard Castle Town Council, which has agreed to spend up to £2,000 supporting the celebrations, even though nothing is yet in place.
Mrs Moorhouse, who is also a town councillor, added: “We said the 125th anniversary is something we (the town council) needs to get involved in – something that includes the town.
“If we could just get something that attracts local people to come as well – it is their museum.”
Anyone with ideas but who cannot get along on Sunday can contact the friends group on 01833 690606 ext 233 and leave a message, or email friends@thebowesmuseum.
org.uk

Future of popular Barnard Castle table top and craft sale is in safe hands

THE future of a popular bi-monthly table top and craft sale has been secured after new volunteers came forward to run the event.
The sales take place on the first and last Saturdays of the month at the Parish Hall, Newgate, Barnard Castle.
Featuring a range of goods including cakes, plants, jewellery, books, bric-a-brac and collectables, the first sale of 2017 takes place on Saturday, February 25, starting at 9.30am.
After the previous organiser stepped down at the end of last year, jewellery maker Peter Blackmore and Mark Richmond, the “plant man”, stepped forward.
“All the stallholders got together and we got volunteered to take it over,” joked Mr Blackmore.
“Because it had been running for such a long time, it seemed a shame to let it die. It is an amenity for the town.
“There is a core of about eight to ten regular stallholders and then there are occasionals and anyone else who wants to try it.
“None of us do it for a living. We are mostly hobbyists.”
Mr Richmond added: “I only did it for a couple of times one summer to fill in, but you get hooked.”
The sale is run on a not for profit basis, with stallholders covering the costs of hiring the parish hall.
Mr Blackmore said: “We try to keep the variety of stalls and not have too much competition. If people fancy trying it out, they can have a table for one session to see how it goes.
“We also plan to have a table available for a local charity to use.”
Visitors are a happy mix of residents and visitors.
“We have some regular summer visitors who come along when they come to open up their caravans.
“Some people just pop in for a cup of tea and a chin wag,” added Mr Blackmore.
Anyone who would like more information about the sales or who is interested in taking a table can contact Mr Blackmore on 01833 638120.

Closing A&E unit at Darlington Memorial Hospital would be a matter of life and death for Teesdale residents, hearing is told

A RADICAL NHS shake-up, which might include the closure of Darlington Memorial Hospital’s accident and emergency department, has been branded as foolish during a public inquiry.
If realised, people in upper Teesdale would be almost an hour away from the nearest A&E. The proposals form part of an NHS Sustainability and Transformation Plan for the region.
The plan is to reduce the number of A&E and maternity units to only two in the region. Health bosses say this will ensure that specialist consultants will be on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring better quality care. They added that there are currently too few consultants and midwives to fill rotas at all hospitals.
If the plan goes ahead, hospitals at either Darlington or North Tees will lose their A&E or maternity units, or both.
Darlington Borough Council was so concerned about the possible loss of services at the town’s hospital that it called a public inquiry last week. The inquiry heard from MPs, county councillors from County Durham and North Yorkshire, doctors, campaigners and patients.
A number of people who spoke said the changes will have a devastating impact on Teesdale.
Darlington MP Jenny Chapman said: “I really feel for the people who live to the west of us. People living in Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland and into the dales.
“Those people were made a promise when Bishop Auckland was downgraded. They were promised that, as unhappy as they were, Darlington was safe. That was a promise.”
Teesdale MP Helen Goodman added her concerns about distances people in Langdon Beck, Cockfield and Evenwood would have to travel if units were closed at Darlington Memorial Hospital. She added: “You have got a lot of isolated communities, so obviously that is a problem in an emergency, and it is just blindingly obvious. I don’t think there is anywhere else in the region that has got these long distances. So for us, Darlington is essential and the prospect of going to North Tees or James Cook is just horrendous to people. It absolutely stands to reason that we are totally dependant on having an accident and emergency unity in Darlington and that is just basic. That is our number one call, that is our number two call, that is our number 100 call.”
Mrs Goodman called on health bosses to be more honest and provide more numbers about the changes. She also asked them to challenge cuts in local government funding which have resulted in less cash for adult social care, thus placing more pressure on the NHS.
Claims that the shake up is backed by clinicians were challenged by Darlington hospital consultant Dr Jerry Murray, who described the plan as foolish. He said doctors were not allowed to ask questions during an engagement session at Sedgefield Racecourse, and during workshops they were asked to answer broad questions that the clinicians could not possibly but agree with.
The professor of cardiovascular medicine at Durham University added: “The inference is that therefore we support the extrapolation to go down the route of two hospital sites, but there is no consensus whatsoever.
“If you take a step back, it looks like the emperor’s new clothes – it makes no sense at all. As far I am concerned, I have to say it is a foolish proposal and it must be challenged.”
He warned that the closure  of an A&E department at either Darlington or North Tees would add more pressure on the remaining one.
Teesdale county councillor Richard Bell warned that moving the A&E department to North Tees would move the North East Ambulance Service’s “centre of gravity” there.
Ambulances would have to travel even further to get to Teesdale in an emergency, before returning to the North Tees, Cllr Bell said.
He said: “The geography of this area needs to be the deciding factor in any changes.
“It is not just a matter of convenience, it could potentially be a matter of life or death. I know the NHS powers say it is the type of treatment you receive that matters when you get there, but logically there must be a limit otherwise we would have one A&E in London and everyone would take the train.”
Consulting psychiatrist Dr Bunny Forsyth, who travels from Cotherstone to Middlesborough on a daily basis, used her own experiences to describe how far people would have to travel.
She praised Darlington Memorial Hospital staff who saved her life on two occasions, saved the life of her mother four or five times, and saved her daughter's leg.
She added: “I travel back and forth to James Cook Hospital every day, and I can tell you the only time I have managed it in 53 minutes was on Christmas Day with no traffic involved.
“There must be a regional service that is a reasonable distance away – this in rural areas is a key issue. People in this region, in Teesdale and beyond, are rightly passionate about Darlington A&E because we not only value and respect its excellence, but we desperately need its relative proximity care. That makes regional, geographical and clinical sense.”
Barnard Castle resident Judi Sutherland said a recent petition against the change raised more than 6,000 signatures in two days and warned mortality rates would rise because of long distances.
She said: “I think Darlington A&E has to stay because rural lives matter as much as urban lives matter.”
Darlington Borough Council voted unanimously to call on the area’s clinical commissioning group, which pays for services, to urgently revisit the proposals and that the A&E department at Darlington Memorial Hospital be retained,

Crossing patrol crisis leaves children dodging A68 traffic

CHILDREN have been left dodging traffic along a busy main road to get to school because of a shortage of crossing patrols in County Durham.
Toft Hill Primary School, on the A68, has been without its regular crossing patrol since December.
Teachers can only stand alongside the road and keep a watchful eye as children cross, because they are not qualified to stop traffic.
A mobile crossing patrol which helped out briefly was transferred to another school where county council officers believe the risk is greater.
The council says the problem is that few people are applying to fill crossing patrol vacancies.
Headteacher Janet Stobbs said: “We’ve had no crossing patrol since school closed in December because my crossing point has been off ill. There was a relief crossing point, but they took my relief to Barnard Castle. We’ve been left in limbo.”
Despite rigorous campaigning the school has twice been left off plans for a 20mph speed limit on the A68.
Some 60 schools across the county have been offered to safety measure.
Within days of the announcement that Toft Hill was not on the list, a van smashed into a nearby house.
Mrs Stobbs said: “This road is dangerous, something should be done but it feels like Toft Hill is being ignored. No one is listening at all.”
Even though the school has received help from PCSOs, they can do little because they are also not allowed to stop the traffic. Etherley Parish Council discussed the problem at its February meeting and will be writing to Durham County Council for something to be done. The headteacher said many parents had also lodged complaints.
Durham’s head of technical services, John Reed, said a mobile patrol was sent to provide cover but it had to be moved when another school called to say it had a problem too. Mr Reed said: “Regrettably, due to a shortage of school crossing patrols, we were not able to provide cover for both sites.
“We carefully considered safety at the two schools and the risks at Toft Hill were found to be lower. Accordingly, the mobile patrol was redeployed and staff at Toft Hill were informed of this.
“We are expecting the patrol at Toft Hill to return after the half-term holidays.
“We regularly advertise for people to work as school crossing patrols but due to a lack of applicants, unfortunately there are instances where we have to prioritise where we provide them.”
Anyone interested in taking up a crossing patrol job can contact the county council on 03000 261200.

Noriko lends her support to fundraising drive for a new piano at The Witham

THE second in a series of concerts to raise money for a replacement piano for The Witham, in Barnard Castle, will be held on Saturday, February 25.
It will feature a recital by the distinguished pianist Noriko Ogawa, already well known in the region.
Ms Ogawa has achieved considerable renown since her success at the Leeds International Piano competition.
She appears with all the major European, Japanese and US orchestras and is also well known as a recitalist and chamber musician.
Like the first concert in the series, given by Murray McLachlan, Kathryn Page and 17-year-old son Callum, the recital by Ms Ogawa will take place at 7.30pm in Barnard Castle Methodist Church, not in the Witham itself.
She will be playing works by Clara Schumann; Clara’s husband Robert (Fantasy); Takemitsu (Rain Tree Sketch 2); Liszt (Valley Overmann); and Chopin (Andante Spianato and Grand Polonaise).
Admission is £12 at the door, which includes refreshments. There is a discounted price of £2 for under-18s.
John Lowles, one of the organisers, thanked everyone who came along to the first fundraising concert.
“It was a great success and everyone, including the musicians, seemed to enjoy it.
“This next one should be of a very high standard, too. Noriko has played in Darlington and elsewhere in the region before.
“She is an excellent player. It’s very kind of her – and all the other musicians playing in this series – to come and support The Witham Piano Fund.
“Thanks to some extremely generous donations and other fundraising efforts, the fund has already reached a nicely promising level.”
He added: “In the end, when we know how much money is in the kitty, we should be able to purchase a pretty good instrument.
“Murray McLachlan who played at our first concert, agreed to check whatever baby grands we look at, so that we can be confident we get a good ’un.”

Teesdale Business Awards – records tumble at biggest ceremony to date

RECORDS tumbled at one of the dale’s biggest award ceremonies.
More nominations were put forward than ever before at the sixth annual Teesdale Business Awards – with familiar faces and new names picking up trophies at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, last Wednesday (February 15).
Voiceover artist Emma Hignett and business advisor John Atkinson kept proceedings moving.
Before the prize-giving, Mr Atkinson painted an optimistic picture for the dale’s year ahead.
He added: “I am delighted to report, despite a bumpy year politically, the enthusiasm for business has not waned.
“The quality which has grown shows how well social enterprises across Teesdale are doing.
“Whatever we read about Brexit, it’s clear uncertainty is not always good news but it will create opportunities for those prepared to seize them.”
There was a nervy half hour waiting for MBE and County Durham entrepreneur Sara Davies to arrive for her keynote speech.
But her entrance halfway through the evening was lauded by many for breaking up the awards procession.
The owner and creator of Crafter’s Companion, a multi-million pound business, revealed how important teamwork, self-belief and “a little bit of luck” were on the road to success.
She said: “I have worked very hard and it used to really annoy me when people told me how lucky I'd been.
“But for every one start-up there are probably 30, 50 or 100 with just as good an idea and just as much drive who did not make it.
“Everyone needs that tiny little bit of luck – it just depends what you do with it.”
Organiser Peter Dixon was delighted with how the evening had panned out.
He said: “Everyone has been working very hard – it’s been immense to bring them all together.
“People are proud and they deserve to be proud about what they're achieving.
“When you think what’s happened in the past year with a new Prime Minister and Brexit there has been a huge amount of change.”
Mr Dixon praised the array of firms and past winners who’d returned to the fray.
He added: “We find it nice how former winners want to sponsor it in the following years.”

Teesdale Business Awards – Sporting Force's success at the double

A DOUBLE triumph for an ex-forces charity took the eye at Teesdale Business Awards.
Sporting Force picked up both the Best Social Enterprise Award and the Employer of the Year trophy just two years on from its formation.
Butterknowle’s Tommy Lowther started up the charity in 2015 and has helped dozens of ex-service personnel adjust to civilian life.
The former serviceman was over the moon with the double win.
He said: “It’s unbelievable – I wasn’t expecting to get two.
“I could not do it without my team and I’d like to say a massive thank you to Help For Heroes who have funded us for two years.
“It’s allowed Cherylanne and Jacqui to come on board.”
A thrilled Jonathan and Allison Raper, from Rokeby, picked up the Best New Business prize for their work at Teesdale Cheesemakers.
Mrs Raper said: “I was so shocked – it’s fantastic. We have only been in business for a year and we use (the services) both the other competitors.
“I was so pleased just to get into the final three I thought it was not going to happen at all. We were sitting there waiting to hear one of the others had won – that’s why I lost it a little bit.”
The pair took over Leaside Cheeses in late 2015 before claiming gold, silver and bronze at the Great Yorkshire show last year.
“It means the world to us – we have worked so hard this year,” said Mrs Raper.
“The keynote speaker had it in a nutshell – it’s not just one person it’s a whole bunch of people – it’s just been a bit of a crazy first year.”
Newcomer Nicky Morse scooped Most Innovative Business for Eating and Living – a mobile therapy service for those in the dale with long term illnesses.
She added: “It’s just really great and humbling to be chosen – I wasn’t expecting it at all.”
Other nominees on the night included: Laura Willis, of No.15 Coffee House and Deli, Matthew Charlton, from Durham County Council, Claire Stoddart, Phillip Dawson, Lonton Coffee Company Ltd, Teesdale Alpacas, 1st Staindrop Scouts, Teesdale YMCA, Barnard Castle Farmers Market Ltd, Gaunless Valley Creatives CIC, 999 Fire and Safety, Sandringham Financial Partners, Spectrum Prints, CA Group Ltd, Teesdale Dress Agency CIC, The Carrosserie Company (UK) Ltd, Francis Bookkeeping Solutions Ltd, Poppy's Children’s Boutique, 4 Paws Farm, Cafe Fresh (Teesdale) Ltd, 999 Fire and Safety, Teesdale Community Resources, The Hub.

Teesdale Business Awards – Katie's hoping to cook up a second award

A YOUNG fryer is vying for a second award after being crowned entrepreneur of the year at Teesdale Business Awards.
Katie Barker took over the former Fryer Tuck chippy, on Barnard Castle’s Horsemarket last year and transformed it into Katie’s Traditional Fish and Chips.
Her efforts were recognised at The Witham last Wednesday (February 15) when she took home the Young Entrepreneur of the Year trophy.
The 23-year-old revealed her chippy could be in line for more silverware in the coming weeks.
She said: “We’re in the process of getting a fish and chip quality award.
“The Fox Hall won it twice so we’re hoping to carry it on.”
Ms Barker, from Barton, has a long history in the business having worked in her parents’ fish and chip shops in Richmond and at the Fox Hall Inn on the A66.
Her parents, Steve and Jennifer Barker, recently gave up the inn, which was famous for its fish and chips.
The young entrepreneur said her Barnard Castle shop was now getting to know its regular customers and revealed how last week’s business award had come as a surprise.
She added: “It was very exciting.
“This is our first award since opening here and we're settling in well.”
She added: “I have grown up around it so it comes naturally to me – I’ve seen it my entire life and I’ve worked in the business for as long as I can remember.
“I picked up a lot along the way so I feel like I owe my parents a lot.”
Ms Barker said she hoped to open more shops in the future and welcomed competition from Burrell’s at 149 on Galgate.
But she added that her attention was firmly set on maintaining high standards for the time being.
“It’s good competition – it makes you do well, pushes everybody and keeps the quality up,” said Ms Barker.
“Barney is busy enough for two fish and chip shops and it’s great the competition is there to keep everyone on their toes.”

Gainford priest plans to record area's mining heritage

A PRIEST is planning to create a record of mining heritage as part of a town’s transformation.
Revd Eileen Harrop combines her duties in the parish of Gainford and Winston, with the role of “Entrepreneur Priest” at St Anne’s, Bishop Auckland.
The town is undergoing radical change, with the developments at Auckland Castle and Eleven Arches (Kynren), through the work by Jonathan Ruffer, supported by Bishop Auckland Town Council and Durham County Council.
Revd Harrop said: “I am here to listen and watch and so see how as a church we come alongside that change.
“As an example, there is going to be a mining arts gallery that will be opening as well as a wide range of other initiatives.
“I listened to this and wanted to build on it and celebrate mining heritage, the lives of the mining communities; the people who have dedicated and sacrificed themselves, and belonged to the mining industry. As a response we are going to put on events; we are going to engage with schools; people in the community and businesses patiently waiting while the transformation happens here and all of the tourists and others that will come to the area.
“So I am asking for people to come forward and bear witness to the voice, culture and heritage of the mining communities. We are going to capture it in words and pictures, conversation, crafts and many others ways.
“We will then present it as a lasting and proud legacy of the region and of the spirit that is championing the regeneration.”
Anyone interested in taking part in the project should contact Revd Harrop via email at: ekgharrop@ gmail.com or call 01325 733154.

Gun club caught in the crossfire of warring politicians

Teesdale Gun Club found itself unwittingly at the centre of a row about public money paying for improved facilities at its Blanklands Quarry range. Reporter Stuart Laundy went along to find out what the club is planning

NIGEL Mitchell, chairman of Teesdale Gun Club, shakes his head and points to the toilets next to the club house, paper signs taped to the doors to distinguish male facilities from female.
It’s fair to say they have seen better days and we agree they are not fit for the 21st century, not least because there are no facilities for disabled shooters.
The state of the toilets, along with a wish to improve other areas of the range, prompted the club to apply for funding from the neighbourhood budgets allocated to the dale’s county councillors.
Currently, each county councillor is given £20,000 to support organisations in their area, with the fund administered through Teesdale Action Partnership.
Councillors Richard Bell, Ted Henderson and George Richardson each agreed to put in £5,000 to help the gun club – £15,000 in total – a move that led MP Helen Goodman to express her astonishment at the decision, saying the money would have been better spent elsewhere in such austere times.
The councillors, of course, are Tories; Ms Goodman is Labour MP for Bishop Auckland.
Mr Mitchell says: “The most annoying thing is that they don’t just give you £5,000 from their budget. You have got to meet all the criteria.
“We have applied before and been unsuccessful.”
He is equally frustrated that the gun club is somehow seen as being an elitist organisation, run for the benefit of the few, not the many.
Nothing could be further from the truth, he says.
“You won’t go anywhere else in the North East to find a small gun club like this,” he says.
“We are all run by volunteers and we are trying our level best to get better facilities. Anything we raise either goes back into the club or to good causes.”
He adds: “Our members range in age from 12-13 right up to 70-80. We have a broad spectrum of members and the club is a good stepping stone for the youngsters.
“We get people from all walks of life – retired people, families, it’s just Joe Public. The club is not expensive to join and the more members we have, the more money comes back into the club.”
Groups to benefit from the club’s fundraising activities include the lies of Newbiggin Village Hall, Butterwick Hospice and the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
Others, such as Scout groups, have been along for an introduction to the sport.
It is meeting the needs of the club’s 80 or so members and the various community organisations which make use of the facilities that is the driving force behind efforts to improve the range.
Shooting facilities include a down the line (DTL) set-up and sporting cages. An air rifle range has also been incorporated into a corner of the ground.
As well as new toilets, improved access is also on the cards.
“We are going to put down hard core so there is disabled access to all the shooting stands,” explains Mr Mitchell.
“We are also going to update some of our older equipment.”
This will include replacing old kit which automatically releases the clays for the sporting cages.
“We will also cover the DTL section with a canopy so it can be used in all weather,” he adds.
This is already being made at Middleton Forge.
“We want to make sure we get it right, but hopefully all the work will be done by early spring. It would be nice to have it up and running for the start of the summer season and the Monday night shoots.”
Another factor in upgrading facilities is that the club, which was established in 1970, now owns Banklands Quarry.
“We set off about five years ago and it now belongs to the club,” says Mr Mitchell.
“Now we can make some investment into the ground and put some money into the club.”
Neither Mrs Goodman, nor anyone from her office, contacted the club to find out more about its activities before she made her comments about the funding decision.
Notwithstanding this, Mr Mitchell says his local MP – along with anyone else interested – would be made most welcome.

Emma's on hand to offer a warm welcome at national nature reserve

A new face will welcome visitors to upper Teesdale’s national nature reserve this year. Reporter Stuart Laundy chats to Natural England warden Emma King

IT’S a freezing cold winter’s morning up at Cow Green reservoir. According to the car’s thermometer it’s -4C outside. It feels colder.
But with the sun breaking through and mist rising off the water, there is no place Emma King would rather be.
Ms King is the successor to Heather McCarty at the Natural England Moor House National Nature Reserve (NNR) in upper Teesdale.
Mrs McCarty and her husband Chris worked side-by-side at the reserve, clocking up 35 years of combined service before they retired last October, stepping down after receiving the North Pennines AONB Pendlebury award, which celebrates those who go above and beyond the call of duty to help look after the landscape.
Ms King had joined the NNR at Moor House a year earlier thanks to Natural England's Nurturing Nature Conservation Skills project.
The agency bagged £740,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to take on 99 recruits across the country to learn the essential techniques for looking after England’s most valuable landscapes.
Ms King was one of the 99 successful candidates and was posted to Moor House in November 2015.
Following Mrs McCarty’s retirement, Ms King has taken on split responsibilities as reserve manager for Moorhouse and also for the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve, which covers 350 hectares separated by Hartlepool Power Station.
“From the source to the mouth,” she says.
“When I first joined Moor House, it was a case of just learning all aspects of the reserve.
“Then I became reserve warden when Heather retired and I have taken over more of what she did – education, engagement, managing the volunteers and running the social media sites.”
Ms King does not come from a landscape conservation background – far from it, in fact.
She worked as a scenes of crime officer with North Yorkshire Police before moving to a post at force HQ. She has also worked as a registrar of marriages.
What unites them is people.
“I have always had people facing roles – I have always dealt with people,” she says.
“Part of the training placements at the nature reserves was to bring in new people who did not have a background in conservation.”
Much of the early part of this year has been spent preparing for the summer months.
At Cow Green, a new wind-up digital information device for tourists has been installed.
“We do the maintenance jobs to the fencing and boardwalks and jobs around the reserve base. We have been cutting back some of the diseased juniper and burning it. Much of what we do is largely weather dependant at this time of year.”
The programme of events for the spring and summer months has just been finalised. The first is in March, by which time, the temperature up at Cow Green should be a little more accommodating for the thousands of summer visitors attracted to the area.

Industry award recognises Teesdale farm charity's crucial role

A LIFELINE group for the upper dale has claimed an industry award for all its work.
Utass (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services) was voted best agricultural community support initiative in North East England for 2017.
The gold award, from business magazine Industry
Insight Monthly, was announced this month.
Utass project officer Lucy Jenkins was thrilled with the accolade.
She added: “It’s a wonderful recognition of the hard work that the whole staff do and that people clearly appreciate what we do for the community.
“We are not just for farmers but the whole community – a lot of people think we’re purely for farmers but that's not the case.”
Nicky Tulloch, from the Alzheimer’s Society, makes use of Utass offices in Middleton-in-Teesdale.
Ms Tulloch said: “They have been great – I have a nice warm room to come into.
“It’s a two-way street – they tell me things and I tell them things.”
An army of patrons, trustees and volunteers keep the charity afloat which in turn supports farmers, firms and young people in the upper dale.
Ms Jenkins added: “There was a report last year about the state of services highlighting the fact that people struggle in rural areas because they have to drive such long distances.
“So we bring these services closer to them.”
County councillor Ted Henderson said the award was richly deserved.
He added: “Utass is a very important thing to Teesdale itself – people really don’t see the sheer amount of work behind the scenes they do.
“They are such a help not just to farmers but in attracting attention to the upper dale.
“As far as Durham County Council is concerned, Teesdale and Weardale are an ‘also and’ so we need Utass to keep Teesdale in the picture.”

Warning to dale farmers as sheep rustlers strike again

FARMERS across the dale are being encouraged to keep a close eye on their livestock following a number of sheep rustling incidents.
It has emerged that between April and December last year, 34 sheep were stolen from a farm on Bowes Moor.
Late last month, 14 Swaledale ewes and one tup were also stolen near Tow Law. Someone with farming knowledge is suspected.
Peter Waistell, of NFU’s Barnard Castle branch, said: “It is very disappointing that these incidents are occurring and have reoccurred in the area. They have a devastating affect on the farmer.
“It totally throws out all of their breeding schedule. It can take them four or five years to recover.
“I think it has to be someone who has a farm or is working on a farm who is assisting with this.
“It is not as easy as dropping the tailgate and pushing a herd of sheep in the back. It has got to be someone with some farming expertise. They should know how hard it is for the farmers.”
In January 2016, two Bowes farmers were found guilty of passing thousands of pounds worth of sheep off as their own. Charles Neville Raine, 66, and his nephew, Phillip Albert Raine, 47, were both jailed for three years.
Farmer and Barnard Castle county councillor James Rowlandson was one of the victims. Cllr Rowlandson, who farms in Stainton Village, said: “It is disappointing that this is still going on after it was proved that other people had taken them in the past.
“You would have thought that some example might sway people from it but it
hasn’t. There is someone out there or more than one person out there who thinks they can get away with it.”
Cllr Rowlandson had ten sheep go missing but two were later returned.
He said: “Electronic ear tags are used now but that does not seem to be making a difference. They can take them out and put new ones in. You can count how many are in each field but it’s different when they’re on the moors. Farmers need to be vigilant and keep an eye on them.”
Last June, police officers received specialist training to help them tackle livestock thefts.
Officers were taught about identification and movement regulations, as well as being provided with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively question thieves stopped on the roads.
A NFU spokesperson said: “We have seen some really high-profile cases over the last year which demonstrate just how seriously police take livestock theft.
“That continues to be the case. The NFU has devoted a considerable amount of time and effort in training the police and equipping them with knowledge and equipment to help tackle livestock theft.”
Avon and Somerset Police are investigating the origins of 52 sheep after they were seized from a field near Yeovil on January 31.
The animals are believed to be stolen and include mules, jacobs, Swaledales and a texel ram. Officers say that the tags on the animals within the flock suggest that they have originated from as far afield as Cumbria.
Rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual Tim Price said: “While we only have some early claims data for 2016 to work from, we are concerned that, across the UK, while livestock theft claims costs for the first nine months of last year were lower than in 2015, there are worrying hotspots.
“We are also seeing thieves steal greater numbers of livestock. A decade ago, rustling was typically a local crime involving a couple of lambs or half a dozen geese being taken ‘for the pot.’ Now it’s an organised crime with hundreds of lambs and birds being taken in a single raid.”
To help prevent rustling, the NFU is advising farmers to padlock field gates, graze livestock in fields away from roads, ensure stock is clearly marked, keep records up to date, check stock regularly and vary times for feeding and checks.

Parents blasted for letting their children wreak havoc in village, shoot wildlife and take pot shots at people's property with air guns.

This week’s Teesdale Mercury is out now with a special three-page spread from this year’s Teesdale Business Awards.

Here are a few of the other headlines:

Youths are wreaking havoc in Evenwood, climbing garages, shooting wildlife and taking pot shots and people’s property.

Farm firm faces waste charges.

Closing A&E ward is a matter of life and death for Teesdale, inquiry hears.

Six-day technology blackout sends school back to the 1980s.

Ideas wanted for The Bowes Museum’s 125th anniversary.

Break-ins put isolated café under strain.

Teesdale’s community music festival launched.

Crossing patrol crisis leaves children dodging A68 traffic.

Deal sees Big Joe’s steakhouse back in business.

Careless driving case against motorist whose vehicle smashed into house.

Club Cotherstone marks ten years with sell-out show.

Photos from Middleton primary school’s nature lessons.

Barnard Castle and Teesdale Riding Club gets ready to mark ten years.

Plus letters, community news, Remember When, the dale’s best what’s on guide, farming, marts, local services, classified, property, motors, personal notices – and of course three pages of sport including the latest from local teams.

Barnard Castle Business Guild urged to back 'Alive After 5' initiative

AN ambitious scheme to restore Barnard Castle’s “flat” night-time economy has been backed by councillors – despite being branded “an insult”.
Co-owner of No. 15 cafe on Horsemarket, Emma Rowell, put her vision “Alive After 5” to fellow town councillors last week.
Speaking as a trader in the town, she told the council’s partnership committee how Barnard Castle needed reinvigorating after 5pm.
But a heated meeting saw fellow councillor David Kinch attempt to put a stop to the presentation before it began.
In a scathing letter, Cllr Kinch branded statements on the presentation papers “an insult to the hard working people of the town”.
He added: “This document looks and feels like the start of a political manifesto from a third world country with promises to change the world with no substance to how it will work in practice.”
His colleagues disagreed.
Cllr Sandra Moorhouse said: “This is a presentation – it says it’s a presentation. The recommendation was put forward by the staff which would have to be moved and seconded.”
Ms Rowell hit back before revealing feedback she’d received from fellow traders.
“Can I begin by congratulating anyone that has ever got anything moved on the council – they have my highest admiration,” she said.
“Traders said one thing they were really concerned about was the night-time economy – they felt there was very little to draw people in from other areas.
“We do not publicise it very well – especially for businesses down The Bank that really suffer during the winter time.”
Joint business promotions, making better use of open spaces and publicity beyond the town were at the centre of Ms Rowell’s plans.
She added: “It's not just people in the town, we need to become a go-to destination for people to come in, park up and enjoy the facilities.
“Having The Meet down on the Demesnes is a commendable change. You can look at the 125th anniversary of The Bowes Museum and publicise it widely to get people in the town and advertise businesses alongside that.”
Alive After 5 schemes have been launched in Newcastle and Sheffield in the past.
Jazz events, biker rallies and storytelling festivals were all on the table.
And less orthodox promotion methods, including impromptu public theatre “flash mobs” near the castle, were also suggested.
Ms Rowell added: “It makes people stop and look – it might be a group of shoppers. Kids thought it would be a really good somewhere around Scar Top.”
Cllr Roger Peat said Alive After 5 could go under the umbrella of the Barnard Castle Business Guild.
“Would you want to take over as chairman of the Guild?” he asked.
Town mayor Cllr John Blissett added: “It would be great if the Guild came out of the darkness again because we know they are there.”
Members agreed to back Ms Rowell's project with promotion. Clerk Michael King added: “The town council offers it’s support to Alive After Five in Barnard Castle excluding staff support and financial support but will assist with its promotion.”

Packing a punch... Barnard Castle's Little Kickers

BARNEY’S Little Kickers are going from strength to strength.
The Taekwondo club for five to 11-year-olds started back in September 2016 and has rapidly grown with lots of the students already achieving their first belt.
Instructor Katey Wallace, 5th Dan, is currently offering free martial arts sessions to encourage kids to take up the activity.
“I’m really passionate that kids are active. It doesn’t matter what they do as long as they aren’t sitting on the couch. Martial arts is great, especially for those kids who maybe don’t like mainstream sports such as football."
The fast-paced, fun class is 45 minutes long and children learn co-ordination, confidence, anti-bullying techniques and much more. It runs every Wednesday at The Hub, Barnard Castle, from 5.30pm to 6.15pm.
More details at www. chungdokwantkd.co.uk.

French flavoured food and folk on the menu at Whorlton Village Hall

FRENCH folk and a mystery chef will bring Gallic flavours to a dale village hall.
Flossie Malavialle will return to Whorlton Village Hall on March 4 for an evening of food and folk favourites.
The Bishop Auckland-based singer songwriter will be joined by a “mystery French chef” and his wife who’ll serve up a three course dinner through the evening.
Mary Stastny, secretary of Whorlton Village Hall committee, welcomed Ms Malavialle’s village return.
She said: “We’ve had her here in the past and she’s always had a good following with her.
“She is great – a French singer with a wide range of songs, many of which she writes herself.”
Ms Malavialle has been based in the North East of England since 2002 and has supported Fairport Convention and Show of Hands in the past.
An accomplished performer on the folk circuit, she is currently playing clubs and festivals up and down the UK.
Favourites from Edith Piaf on the evening with be interspersed between French onion soup, beef bourguignon and lemon tart with ice cream.
“We’re not asking for people to come dressed as the French flag,” said Ms Stastny.
“We’ve had a successful Turkish evening before with belly dancing and we thought this would be appropriate.”
The village hall has attracted a number of acts in recent years as part of the Highlights Rural Touring Scheme.
Ms Stastny added: “There are a lot of people who used to live in the village coming back for it. Judging by our recent pot luck supper, there is quite a large group who like to come together.”
Half the hall is already booked for the evening, starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £25 for music and the three course meal with £10 for those just along to listen. For more information, or to buy a ticket, call 01833 627419.

No drugs, but police tackle anti-social behaviour in Cockfield

CLAIMS of drug dealing among young people in Cockfield are unfounded, according to police.
However, officers have clamped down on anti-social behaviour problems in the village.
Cockfield Parish Council was told groups of up to 40 youngsters from the village and surrounding areas had been “running riot” on Friday nights.
Cllr Neville Singleton highlighted two specific incidents which he said were a cause for concern.
One involved young people receiving items from a bag out of sight of newly-installed CCTV cameras at the Pauline Charlton Sports Pavilion.
As a result, he said the angle of the cameras was to be adjusted to ensure the covered all areas outside the pavilion.
The other involved a gathering of youngster coming in from Watery Lane.
“Police came on the scene and they ran away and dispersed,” said Cllr Singleton.
“They hid a bag in a fence and after they had all gone, one of them came back and picked it up. They are drug dealing,” he said.
However, PC Dave Williamson discounted Cllr Singleton’s claims and said no drugs related paraphernalia had been recovered.
“We believe that some of the concerns about items being hidden and retrieved involved alcohol and some underage drinking,” he added.
Cllr Singleton said the young people had also left piles of rubbish strewn around the village centre.
PC Williamson said officers had taken a number of measures to address the issue of large groups of young people meeting up in Cockfield.
“Over the last month the neighbourhood police team identified that groups of youths were causing anti-social behaviour and annoyance in the village,” he said.
“In the process of responding to this, officers dealt with two linked shoplifting offences and a minor public order incident.
“A number of young people were identified and in addition to letters and visits to parents, some work has been done in schools to warn and advise individuals.
“Patrols have continued and reports of problems have declined.”
PC Williamson added: “We will link with the parish council and should there be a return to incidents we will consider raising the matter as a Pact priority.”