POTENTIAL sites for a new car park in Middleton-in-Teesdale are being explored by village councillors who say on-going parking issues are “killing” their village.
Parking has been a problem in the upper dale village for years but there are fears that it is getting worse and causing severe problems for residents, businesses and visitors.
Representatives from Durham County Council’s planning and highways
departments attended Middleton-in-Teesdale Parish Council’s monthly meeting last week to help address the problem. Cllr Lynn Oxby said: “We have a massive problem in Middleton with parking and we want to know how Durham County Council can help us solve it.”
Cllr Oxby, Cllr Adam Hearn and county councillor Ted Henderson drew up a list of 14 options for parking sites.
These include Jewitt’s Yard behind White Row, the field between Burn Bank and Hudeshope Beck, land currently planted as a hay meadow by St Mary’s Church, land behind Town End Farm and the allotment area to the west of Gas Lane.
However, the councillors made it clear during the meeting that these are just ideas.
No landowners have been approached yet but if and when they are they would have a right to reject the idea.
Durham County Council’s planning development manager, Stephen Reed, said: “We have to look at development opportunities to see where could be used for car parking.
“I think there will be options. There have been one or two sites looked at in the past where residents have raised objections. We would be more than happy to walk around the village with councillors to look at potential sites.”
Measures previously explored include the development of a car and coach park with housing to the west of Bridge Street, public parking in Middleton Auction Mart car park on non-sale days, as well as the introduction of time-limited parking restrictions around Chapel Row.
Lee Mowbray, from Durham County Council’s strategic traffic team, said: “Last time we looked at this was in 2014 and the problem was managing the existing space on the highway. There was a public consultation about two-hour parking restrictions but it was met with a storm of objections.”
Since 1999, the parish council has had an agreement with Middleton Sports and Social Club – it means the car park is available for long stay public parking from 8am to 6.30pm everyday. Short-stay parking is also encouraged at The Hill.
Parking at the Durham County Council owned Field Studies Centre did help ease the problems but this property has been sold so people won’t be able to park there.
Cllr John Miller said: “The village is crying out for a large car park that is not in the centre of the village but is only a few minutes’ walk away.”
Cllr Christine Gilbert said: “Commercially the village is killing itself because of the parking. We are losing businesses all the time.
“The positive with the new plans at the Field Studies Centre is that there are a lot of car parking spaces for it. At least they are not expecting people to park in the village.”
Those present at the meeting also heard how a fire engine had struggled to pass through the main street recently due to the number of parked cars on the road.
Mr Reed said: “I don’t think we own too much of the land on the peripheral of the village but we would be happy to assist. We need to find a landowner who might be interested in doing the good thing. It is a lovely part of the county so I think we would have to do something sensitive. We don’t want to spoil Middleton-in-Teesdale.It might take a few months or it might take a year or two to get there.”
It was agreed that a date would be fixed for parish councillors and Durham County Council representatives to take a walk around the village to come up with ideas.
Monday, 31 July 2017
Quarry responds to claims of speeding
THE operator of an upper dale quarry says it will not tolerate poor driving standards after receiving complaints about speeding HGVs travelling to and from the site.
The issue was brought to the attention of Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council after residents became concerned about speeding wagons through Newbiggin and Dent Bank.
Last month, the parish council wrote a letter to the manager of Force Garth Quarry, in Forest-in-Teesdale, expressing their worries.
At this month’s meeting, parish clerk Judith Mashiter reported that a response had been received from the quarry operator, Cemex.
A letter, from development and estates manager Rob Marsden read: “Cemex take very seriously any concerns about its operations and activities.
“Speeding vehicles and poor driving standards in general are not something which Cemex tolerates.
“If HGV drivers, believed to be operating from our quarry, are observed driving inappropriately and a registration number can be provided to us at the site, then we can check in the first instance if it is
one of our drivers and if so we can check the vehicle telemetry and deal with this accordingly.
“We operate a three strikes and out policy with drivers.”
The parish council had suggested that voluntary speed limit of 30mph was put in place for the HGVs on the B6277 from west of Bowlees to the east of Middleton-in-Teesdale.
However, instead drivers have been issued with more advice about the need to drive courteously through the upper dale.
Mr Marsden wrote: “All of our drivers receive reminders about safe driving and adherence not only to the speed limits but the importance of driving according to road conditions.
“An additional advice note has been issued in respect of the concerns raised about HGVs travelling through the villages and surrounding area to and from the quarry on the B6277.
“Drivers have been reminded of the need to keep well within the mandatory speed restrictions and ensure that vehicles are driven courteously.
“We are liaising with the local police and highways department to ensure any initiative to reduce the speed of quarry HGVs is deemed safe and will not result in a nuisance to other road users.
“Cemex is committed to being a good neighbour and an active member of the community and any concerns about our operations, staff or vehicles operating from the quarry should continue to be reported to the site office in the first instance.
“We would be more than happy to meet with members of Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council and discuss any ongoing concerns if you would find this helpful.”
Councillors accepted the response and felt that they had already noticed an improvement.
Cllr Nickie Hough said: “Since our letter I think they have been driving slower. If they have just reminded all of the drivers it is working.”
Clerk Judith Mashiter added: “It is a good result.”
The issue was brought to the attention of Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council after residents became concerned about speeding wagons through Newbiggin and Dent Bank.
Last month, the parish council wrote a letter to the manager of Force Garth Quarry, in Forest-in-Teesdale, expressing their worries.
At this month’s meeting, parish clerk Judith Mashiter reported that a response had been received from the quarry operator, Cemex.
A letter, from development and estates manager Rob Marsden read: “Cemex take very seriously any concerns about its operations and activities.
“Speeding vehicles and poor driving standards in general are not something which Cemex tolerates.
“If HGV drivers, believed to be operating from our quarry, are observed driving inappropriately and a registration number can be provided to us at the site, then we can check in the first instance if it is
one of our drivers and if so we can check the vehicle telemetry and deal with this accordingly.
“We operate a three strikes and out policy with drivers.”
The parish council had suggested that voluntary speed limit of 30mph was put in place for the HGVs on the B6277 from west of Bowlees to the east of Middleton-in-Teesdale.
However, instead drivers have been issued with more advice about the need to drive courteously through the upper dale.
Mr Marsden wrote: “All of our drivers receive reminders about safe driving and adherence not only to the speed limits but the importance of driving according to road conditions.
“An additional advice note has been issued in respect of the concerns raised about HGVs travelling through the villages and surrounding area to and from the quarry on the B6277.
“Drivers have been reminded of the need to keep well within the mandatory speed restrictions and ensure that vehicles are driven courteously.
“We are liaising with the local police and highways department to ensure any initiative to reduce the speed of quarry HGVs is deemed safe and will not result in a nuisance to other road users.
“Cemex is committed to being a good neighbour and an active member of the community and any concerns about our operations, staff or vehicles operating from the quarry should continue to be reported to the site office in the first instance.
“We would be more than happy to meet with members of Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council and discuss any ongoing concerns if you would find this helpful.”
Councillors accepted the response and felt that they had already noticed an improvement.
Cllr Nickie Hough said: “Since our letter I think they have been driving slower. If they have just reminded all of the drivers it is working.”
Clerk Judith Mashiter added: “It is a good result.”
Sunday, 30 July 2017
The last days before life changed forever on the remote moors
For the latest installment of Remember When, editor Trevor Brookes finds out about one of the last families to live in a remote and little known part of Teesdale
LAURIE Lee’s enchanting and famous memoir, Cider with Rosie, paints a picture of a rural paradise in England before the outbreak of the First World War.
But the reality was somewhat different. Hard labour, poor food, equally poor pay, disease, and high infant mortality were part and parcel of life in the countryside.
“I was dumped into the long grass, aged three, and left grizzling among the beetles and grasshoppers. I lived there until I was 19 and left home to see the world and make my fortune. I knew every flower, weed, stoat, badger and bird,” Lee once recalled with a rose-tinted flourish.
It’s a stark contrast to what Mr and Mrs D Slack, of Frosterley, wrote in 1918 to Joe Ridley as Spanish flu wiped out millions of lives across Europe, including Joe’s wife, Annie, and their seven-month-old child, William Arthur.
“We are all very sorry to hear of your dear wife and child and express our deep sympathy for you on your bereavement. It will be a great loss to you and your children. There is no loss to compare to that of losing a wife especially when there are little children left without a mother and the circumstances of you left with a farm and stock to look after,” they wrote.
Joe, who himself later succumbed to disease at a young age, got on and managed as best he could on the remote farm at East Loups’s, on the moors near Cotherstone. He and his remaining five children were some of the last inhabitants to work the farm before the Army took it over for military training.
The letter of comfort from a friend – and details of a lost way of life in rural Teesdale – have emerged after Joe’s grandson, Michael, came forward following a recent feature in the Teesdale Mercury about East Loups’s, which is now a mere shell after lying derelict and bombed out by the Army since the 1930s.
Family documents – from personal letters to sheep sale invoices – have been lovingly kept for years. They even include the undertaker’s receipt of 1918, which reveals Joe chose a best pine coffin for his wife and child.
Michael, a postman from Eggleston, says his father, Thomas, was keen to pass on details of East Loups’s before he died. Other items have been given to him by family members elsewhere.
Thomas, was born in 1916 at East Loups’s, which at one time or another was called Leaps House.
“All the family went to Cotherstone school on a horse and trap until it was his turn to go. He went across the moors on a horse to school. It’s all a bit like something from a Catherine Cookson book,” says Michael. The horse was called Brownie.
“My dad remembered his father lifting him up to watch out of the window a fire at West Loups’s. He said it was massive and he said it never left him. He must have been just a nipper at the time.”
West Loups’s was never inhabited again and Michael’s ancestors took over the land.
It has been suggested that a well was close by or inside the property, but Michael says the family’s water supply came from a spring outcrop at the back of the house which never ran dry, even in the warmest of summers.
Other memories relayed including an Irishman who stayed every summer to help with haytime, along with an annual summer holiday to Butsfield Abbey, in Weardale.
Louis Smith, the founder of the local garage, one visited the farm, bringing along a car that Joe was interested in buying. It must have been quite a sight for the family whose sheltered life rarely took them further than the wild moors. Mr Smith, who drove the car along several miles of rough track to get to the farm, was to be disappointed. He never got his sale. Whether the vehicle was too impractical or money was too tight we’ll never know. Among the letters and documents is a note from the owner of East Loups's, Mr Dent, of Low Green, Mickleton, notifying the tenants of a forthcoming rent increase.
It was, he wrote, due to Lord Strathmore increasing the rent for the stints and he had little choice but to pass on the costs.
The family had taken over the tenancy of East Loups’s in about 1913 and a receipt from that year shows Joe bought 100 ewes at 38 shillings each, 26 hogs at 28 shillings and one tup for £4 – a total of about £230.
“That was a lot of money in those days,” Michael says.
Emigration from Britain between 1903 and 1913 was about 3.15 million people leaving the country. The most popular destination was Canada and the Ridley family were no different in their desire for a better life.
One of Joe’s brothers went to farm there and a postcard sent from the ship reveals how he “had a good trip with good meat.” He was aboard the SS Laurentic, a British ocean liner, which was later sunk by a mine in 1917 off Ireland with the loss of 354 lives. Men across Teesdale were being called up to fight against the Germans and the Teesdale Mercury’s archives regularly feature appeals from men who were being conscripted. Many were unsuccessful.
However, Joe received a certificate for exemption from the army in 1916 aged 34 because of his job as a farmer – and possibly because he was the only surviving parent.
The war came and went and life at East Loups’s changed little until the death of Joe’s wife and child at the end of the conflict.
The family upped sticks and moved to Neamour, in Eggleston, in the 1920s. Family legend has it that Joe’s strength was sapped after he caught an infection from a fly bite and he could no longer work the farm. He died in 1952 aged 49.
His son and Michael’s dad, Thomas, died in 2004 aged 98 – and with him went the last memories of life at East Loups’s. Snippets, receipts, birth certificates and letters are now the only clues to a life that was poles apart from Laurie Lee and his cider.
LAURIE Lee’s enchanting and famous memoir, Cider with Rosie, paints a picture of a rural paradise in England before the outbreak of the First World War.
“I was dumped into the long grass, aged three, and left grizzling among the beetles and grasshoppers. I lived there until I was 19 and left home to see the world and make my fortune. I knew every flower, weed, stoat, badger and bird,” Lee once recalled with a rose-tinted flourish.
It’s a stark contrast to what Mr and Mrs D Slack, of Frosterley, wrote in 1918 to Joe Ridley as Spanish flu wiped out millions of lives across Europe, including Joe’s wife, Annie, and their seven-month-old child, William Arthur.
“We are all very sorry to hear of your dear wife and child and express our deep sympathy for you on your bereavement. It will be a great loss to you and your children. There is no loss to compare to that of losing a wife especially when there are little children left without a mother and the circumstances of you left with a farm and stock to look after,” they wrote.
Joe, who himself later succumbed to disease at a young age, got on and managed as best he could on the remote farm at East Loups’s, on the moors near Cotherstone. He and his remaining five children were some of the last inhabitants to work the farm before the Army took it over for military training.
The letter of comfort from a friend – and details of a lost way of life in rural Teesdale – have emerged after Joe’s grandson, Michael, came forward following a recent feature in the Teesdale Mercury about East Loups’s, which is now a mere shell after lying derelict and bombed out by the Army since the 1930s.
Family documents – from personal letters to sheep sale invoices – have been lovingly kept for years. They even include the undertaker’s receipt of 1918, which reveals Joe chose a best pine coffin for his wife and child.
Michael, a postman from Eggleston, says his father, Thomas, was keen to pass on details of East Loups’s before he died. Other items have been given to him by family members elsewhere.
Thomas, was born in 1916 at East Loups’s, which at one time or another was called Leaps House.
“All the family went to Cotherstone school on a horse and trap until it was his turn to go. He went across the moors on a horse to school. It’s all a bit like something from a Catherine Cookson book,” says Michael. The horse was called Brownie.
“My dad remembered his father lifting him up to watch out of the window a fire at West Loups’s. He said it was massive and he said it never left him. He must have been just a nipper at the time.”
West Loups’s was never inhabited again and Michael’s ancestors took over the land.
It has been suggested that a well was close by or inside the property, but Michael says the family’s water supply came from a spring outcrop at the back of the house which never ran dry, even in the warmest of summers.
Louis Smith, the founder of the local garage, one visited the farm, bringing along a car that Joe was interested in buying. It must have been quite a sight for the family whose sheltered life rarely took them further than the wild moors. Mr Smith, who drove the car along several miles of rough track to get to the farm, was to be disappointed. He never got his sale. Whether the vehicle was too impractical or money was too tight we’ll never know. Among the letters and documents is a note from the owner of East Loups's, Mr Dent, of Low Green, Mickleton, notifying the tenants of a forthcoming rent increase.
It was, he wrote, due to Lord Strathmore increasing the rent for the stints and he had little choice but to pass on the costs.
The family had taken over the tenancy of East Loups’s in about 1913 and a receipt from that year shows Joe bought 100 ewes at 38 shillings each, 26 hogs at 28 shillings and one tup for £4 – a total of about £230.
“That was a lot of money in those days,” Michael says.
Emigration from Britain between 1903 and 1913 was about 3.15 million people leaving the country. The most popular destination was Canada and the Ridley family were no different in their desire for a better life.
One of Joe’s brothers went to farm there and a postcard sent from the ship reveals how he “had a good trip with good meat.” He was aboard the SS Laurentic, a British ocean liner, which was later sunk by a mine in 1917 off Ireland with the loss of 354 lives. Men across Teesdale were being called up to fight against the Germans and the Teesdale Mercury’s archives regularly feature appeals from men who were being conscripted. Many were unsuccessful.
However, Joe received a certificate for exemption from the army in 1916 aged 34 because of his job as a farmer – and possibly because he was the only surviving parent.
The war came and went and life at East Loups’s changed little until the death of Joe’s wife and child at the end of the conflict.
The family upped sticks and moved to Neamour, in Eggleston, in the 1920s. Family legend has it that Joe’s strength was sapped after he caught an infection from a fly bite and he could no longer work the farm. He died in 1952 aged 49.
His son and Michael’s dad, Thomas, died in 2004 aged 98 – and with him went the last memories of life at East Loups’s. Snippets, receipts, birth certificates and letters are now the only clues to a life that was poles apart from Laurie Lee and his cider.
Saturday, 29 July 2017
Teenagers trapped by rising river are plucked to safety
FOUR youngsters were rescued over the weekend after becoming trapped by rising waters in the upper dale.
The 18-year-olds had ventured out to Low Force on Friday night to camp on a small island on the River Tees.
But heavy downpours overnight saw the river swell and cut off their means of escape on Saturday morning.
Parents of the two-men and two women, from Darlington, responded to their pleas for help and called in the fire service at 4.02pm.
Crews from Middleton-in-Teesdale, Stanhope and Bishop Auckland responded alongside a Swift Water Rescue Team who conducted the rescue.
An ambulance was on standby but was not required with all four teenagers helped out of danger by 5.30pm without injury.
The rescue comes a year after the death of teenager Curtis Atherton who was swept under High Force and two years after 36-year-old Wadud Abdul died while swimming at Low Force.
The manager of the Kingsway Centre in Middleton-in-Teesdale, Rob Atkinson, works on the stretch and warned how hazardous moving water can be.
“Without proper supervision, equipment and buoyancy aids any lake or river can be dangerous and you can very rarely see what’s under the surface,” he said. “The river often runs much faster underneath the surface and without proper instruction, equipment and knowledge of the water, I think it’s dangerous.” He added: “It’s often not the bits at big waterfalls that are most dangerous but the innocent looking stretches that can hold you just under the surface. Anywhere there is moving water can be deadly – it only takes half a metre of water with enough force to hold you under.”
While Mr Atkinson said the group of teenagers shouldn’t have been there in the first place, he was pleased with their approach once trouble arose. He added: “They have done the right thing in ringing their parents who then rang for the fire service – the pictures show it’s only a five metre distance from the island and someone might think they could make it across there.
“They would have definitely been swept away if they did so – it offers a good lesson not to take risks in that situation.”
He also urged people to call the professionals in if they were in danger. Mr Atkinson added: “Call for help – that’s what they’re there for and that’s what they’re trained for. You see comments on social media about wasting money and crews having to risk their lives but that’s what they do and they can put their skills to use.” For more information about water safety and to read about the campaign on cold water shock, go to ddfire.gov.uk/water-safety
But heavy downpours overnight saw the river swell and cut off their means of escape on Saturday morning.
Parents of the two-men and two women, from Darlington, responded to their pleas for help and called in the fire service at 4.02pm.
Crews from Middleton-in-Teesdale, Stanhope and Bishop Auckland responded alongside a Swift Water Rescue Team who conducted the rescue.
An ambulance was on standby but was not required with all four teenagers helped out of danger by 5.30pm without injury.
The rescue comes a year after the death of teenager Curtis Atherton who was swept under High Force and two years after 36-year-old Wadud Abdul died while swimming at Low Force.
The manager of the Kingsway Centre in Middleton-in-Teesdale, Rob Atkinson, works on the stretch and warned how hazardous moving water can be.
“Without proper supervision, equipment and buoyancy aids any lake or river can be dangerous and you can very rarely see what’s under the surface,” he said. “The river often runs much faster underneath the surface and without proper instruction, equipment and knowledge of the water, I think it’s dangerous.” He added: “It’s often not the bits at big waterfalls that are most dangerous but the innocent looking stretches that can hold you just under the surface. Anywhere there is moving water can be deadly – it only takes half a metre of water with enough force to hold you under.”
While Mr Atkinson said the group of teenagers shouldn’t have been there in the first place, he was pleased with their approach once trouble arose. He added: “They have done the right thing in ringing their parents who then rang for the fire service – the pictures show it’s only a five metre distance from the island and someone might think they could make it across there.
“They would have definitely been swept away if they did so – it offers a good lesson not to take risks in that situation.”
He also urged people to call the professionals in if they were in danger. Mr Atkinson added: “Call for help – that’s what they’re there for and that’s what they’re trained for. You see comments on social media about wasting money and crews having to risk their lives but that’s what they do and they can put their skills to use.” For more information about water safety and to read about the campaign on cold water shock, go to ddfire.gov.uk/water-safety
Show trophy for rare breed goes full circle
A TROPHY awarded in memory of a top dales pony breeder has come full circle by going to a Teesdale horse bred from the bloodline he maintained.
The family of Ernest Blockley, a regular winner at the Dale Pony Society’s annual shows, decided last year to dedicate a trophy for the top brood mare at the Great North Yorkshire Show.
This year, it was won by Middleton-in-Teesdale breeder David Eccles and his daughter, Rachael Cook, with their pony Westwick Heather. Westwick Heather was born from the bloodline of Hodgson Lane Prince II, which they bought from the late Mr Blockley.
It is only the second time the trophy has been awarded.
Mr Eccles said: “That is what we are aiming for. I
didn’t know last year, so we didn’t take a brood mare.”
The Eccles family had considerable success at the annual show taking first and third places in the yearling category with Westwick Mary Lou and Westwick Hannah; second in the mare or gelding section with Westwick Mille; and second and third in
the foal division with Westwick Fashion and Westwick Hamish.
The took enjoyed first and third position in the brood mare category with Westwick Heather and Westwick Hamish and Westwick Fashion and Westwick Alfie respectively.
Westwick Heather went on to be reserve champion dales pony.
It is significant that Mr Blockley’s family decided to sponsor the trophy for the brood mare because dales ponies are becoming increasingly rare and are listed as endangered.
The problem is compounded by mechanisation as most upper dale farmers have long since exchanged their hardy ponies for tractors and quad bikes, leaving a critical shortage of horses for breeding.
Mr Eccles said: “We are always looking for blood but we can’t find any we want.”
He added that only about 70 dales pony foals are born each year.
However, there is hope for the future of the breed, with Mr Eccles finding an increasing market for his ponies in Germany.
He said the breed is favoured because of their hardiness and low maintenance.
The animals are happy to live outdoors and upkeep is cheaper than other breeds.
Mr Eccles’ wife, Alison, said: “Generally they don’t ail much.”
For more information about the breed visit west
wickdalesponies.co.uk.
The family of Ernest Blockley, a regular winner at the Dale Pony Society’s annual shows, decided last year to dedicate a trophy for the top brood mare at the Great North Yorkshire Show.
This year, it was won by Middleton-in-Teesdale breeder David Eccles and his daughter, Rachael Cook, with their pony Westwick Heather. Westwick Heather was born from the bloodline of Hodgson Lane Prince II, which they bought from the late Mr Blockley.
It is only the second time the trophy has been awarded.
Mr Eccles said: “That is what we are aiming for. I
didn’t know last year, so we didn’t take a brood mare.”
The Eccles family had considerable success at the annual show taking first and third places in the yearling category with Westwick Mary Lou and Westwick Hannah; second in the mare or gelding section with Westwick Mille; and second and third in
the foal division with Westwick Fashion and Westwick Hamish.
The took enjoyed first and third position in the brood mare category with Westwick Heather and Westwick Hamish and Westwick Fashion and Westwick Alfie respectively.
Westwick Heather went on to be reserve champion dales pony.
It is significant that Mr Blockley’s family decided to sponsor the trophy for the brood mare because dales ponies are becoming increasingly rare and are listed as endangered.
The problem is compounded by mechanisation as most upper dale farmers have long since exchanged their hardy ponies for tractors and quad bikes, leaving a critical shortage of horses for breeding.
Mr Eccles said: “We are always looking for blood but we can’t find any we want.”
He added that only about 70 dales pony foals are born each year.
However, there is hope for the future of the breed, with Mr Eccles finding an increasing market for his ponies in Germany.
He said the breed is favoured because of their hardiness and low maintenance.
The animals are happy to live outdoors and upkeep is cheaper than other breeds.
Mr Eccles’ wife, Alison, said: “Generally they don’t ail much.”
For more information about the breed visit west
wickdalesponies.co.uk.
Joyce helped to shape Copeland Road Primary School
A SCHOOL governor and former teacher has stepped down after 50 years.
Joyce Davies has played a huge part in the development of Copeland Road Primary School, in West Auckland, since she started working there in July 1967.
For 30 years, Ms Davies taught full-time at the school until she became a part-time teacher from 1997 to 2007.
She became a school governor in 1988 and since then she has spent some time as vice-chairwoman of the board of governors.
Staff at the school said she would be sorely missed.
Joyce Davies has played a huge part in the development of Copeland Road Primary School, in West Auckland, since she started working there in July 1967.
For 30 years, Ms Davies taught full-time at the school until she became a part-time teacher from 1997 to 2007.
She became a school governor in 1988 and since then she has spent some time as vice-chairwoman of the board of governors.
Staff at the school said she would be sorely missed.
Film will remember the brave boys of the Evenwood area
A FILM project to recognise the Great War men of the Gaunless Valley has received a £10,000 boost.
Evenwood, Ramshaw and District History Society received the sum from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to make a film about the impact of the First World War on dale folk.
Kevin Richardson, from Evenwood, has spent years gathering archive material and stories from the time.
He will co-ordinate the project and revealed how inspiration had come from presentations by the U3A (University of the Third Age).
“We have done the book so to speak, we’ve done the website – we thought the next role for media would be film,” he said. “The U3A’s films are excellent. We think we have got enough material to take a documentary approach for our film.”
The history society has a number of enthusiasts and volunteers dotted around the north eastern reaches of the dale including Butterknowle, Etherley and Cockfield, as well as Evenwood.
Volunteers from West Auckland and St Helen Auckland are being sought too.
Mr Richardson said the project was making progress, adding that there would be displays and more research on the back of it.
The society has also held talks with The Bowes Museum and the DLI Collection, in Spennymoor, about securing the future of archive material.
Secretary of the group Jacquie Dodds was thrilled with the grant money. She said: “This is great news and we are all excited about this new project. Books, pamphlets and websites can reach only so many people.
“Hopefully by producing a film and showing it locally then later, maybe on YouTube, we can reach out to a wider audience.”
As ever, more volunteers are being sought. Group treasurer Brian Carter urged those interested to get in touch.
He said: “We still have some outstanding research to complete and help is always welcome.
“We feel strongly that the sacrifice of those who died and suffered during this terrible conflict should not be forgotten and consigned to the history books.”
The group aim to have the film ready by July next year in good time for the 100-year commemoration of end of the First World War. It hopes to show it alongside small displays in halls and schools.
If anybody would like to get involved, or has stories to tell, they are encouraged to contact Kevin Richardson at
knrichardson53@gmail.com or on 01388 834361.
Evenwood, Ramshaw and District History Society received the sum from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to make a film about the impact of the First World War on dale folk.
Kevin Richardson, from Evenwood, has spent years gathering archive material and stories from the time.
He will co-ordinate the project and revealed how inspiration had come from presentations by the U3A (University of the Third Age).
“We have done the book so to speak, we’ve done the website – we thought the next role for media would be film,” he said. “The U3A’s films are excellent. We think we have got enough material to take a documentary approach for our film.”
The history society has a number of enthusiasts and volunteers dotted around the north eastern reaches of the dale including Butterknowle, Etherley and Cockfield, as well as Evenwood.
Volunteers from West Auckland and St Helen Auckland are being sought too.
Mr Richardson said the project was making progress, adding that there would be displays and more research on the back of it.
The society has also held talks with The Bowes Museum and the DLI Collection, in Spennymoor, about securing the future of archive material.
Secretary of the group Jacquie Dodds was thrilled with the grant money. She said: “This is great news and we are all excited about this new project. Books, pamphlets and websites can reach only so many people.
“Hopefully by producing a film and showing it locally then later, maybe on YouTube, we can reach out to a wider audience.”
As ever, more volunteers are being sought. Group treasurer Brian Carter urged those interested to get in touch.
He said: “We still have some outstanding research to complete and help is always welcome.
“We feel strongly that the sacrifice of those who died and suffered during this terrible conflict should not be forgotten and consigned to the history books.”
The group aim to have the film ready by July next year in good time for the 100-year commemoration of end of the First World War. It hopes to show it alongside small displays in halls and schools.
If anybody would like to get involved, or has stories to tell, they are encouraged to contact Kevin Richardson at
knrichardson53@gmail.com or on 01388 834361.
Friday, 28 July 2017
Bugs and butterflies – Dawn Till Dusk kids have an absolute ball
A GROUP of pre-nursery children have celebrated their end of term by holding an Ugly Bug Ball and releasing butterflies into the air.
The Dawn Til Dusk class at Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary School have been learning all about insects over the past term.
Gemma Wallace, of the school, said the children had nurtured their own butterflies which were released as part of the ball.
She added: “We have had caterpillars which have hatched out into butterflies.
“The children have watched them go into cocoons and then come out as butterflies.”
The caterpillars, which were bought over the internet and came with their own special food, took about three weeks to meta-morph into butterflies.
The Dawn Til Dusk class at Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary School have been learning all about insects over the past term.
Gemma Wallace, of the school, said the children had nurtured their own butterflies which were released as part of the ball.
She added: “We have had caterpillars which have hatched out into butterflies.
“The children have watched them go into cocoons and then come out as butterflies.”
The caterpillars, which were bought over the internet and came with their own special food, took about three weeks to meta-morph into butterflies.
Can you feel the love tonight for Staindrop School's Lion King play?
FINAL year pupils at Staindrop Primary School staged a dramatic and moving performance of The Lion King to celebrate the end of their last term.
The school hall was magically transformed into the Pride Lands and the Elephant’s Graveyard for the production before the rest of the school and proud parents.
Effort put into rehearsals, which went on for about four weeks, was evident in the flawless performance.
Solid, characterful performances by Evie Arundel as Simba, Alastair Natress as Musafa and Claire MacIness as Nala gave the perfect platform from which Daniel Toft as Timon and Daniel Vickers as Pumbaa could launch their perfectly timed one liners.
If there was a stand out performance then it had to be the Rowan Atkinson-esque execution of the roll of Scar by Thomas Overfield.
With a deadpan expression, he delivered his lines with the type of expression that made Blackadder a hit.
The school hall was magically transformed into the Pride Lands and the Elephant’s Graveyard for the production before the rest of the school and proud parents.
Effort put into rehearsals, which went on for about four weeks, was evident in the flawless performance.
Solid, characterful performances by Evie Arundel as Simba, Alastair Natress as Musafa and Claire MacIness as Nala gave the perfect platform from which Daniel Toft as Timon and Daniel Vickers as Pumbaa could launch their perfectly timed one liners.
If there was a stand out performance then it had to be the Rowan Atkinson-esque execution of the roll of Scar by Thomas Overfield.
With a deadpan expression, he delivered his lines with the type of expression that made Blackadder a hit.
County Durham High Sheriff Caroline hopes to tackle drugs problems
COUNTY Durham’s High Sheriff is to make tackling drug and alcohol problems a priority during her year in office.
Hamsterley resident Caroline Peacock, who took up the post of high sheriff in April, made the announcement after seeing first hand the impact of addiction while visiting Durham Prison.
Speaking during the annual Service of Matins for Her Majesty’s Courts in the counties of Durham, Northumberland, North Yorkshire and, Tyne and Wear, Mrs Peacock described how crime is often driven by mental health and addiction issues.
She said: “In my work, not just in this role but over the years, I have seen too many people, mostly young people, whose lives have fallen over the mental health precipice, and quite a number who have been in trouble with the law.
“Many, but by no means all, have come from difficult family situations, and their problems range from depression to full-blown psychosis – but in almost every case I have discovered in the background experimentation with, or addiction to, drugs or alcohol, and often both.” The event, the most significant of the shrieval year, was held at Durham Cathedral on July 9 and attended by more than 200 people related to the judiciary, including High Court judges.
Also in attendance were High Sheriff of Northumberland John Dickinson, High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear, Lt Gen Robin Brimms and High Court judge Sir Alistair Norris.
Deputy High Sheriff Helen Dexter, from Tilly, Bailey and Irvine solicitors in Barnard Castle also attended.
Speaking about her visit to Durham Prison, Mrs Peacock said: “Durham is now a remand prison and it is full of young men with drug problems mostly. That is very big on my list of concerns.
“Addiction to illegal substances and alcohol, which is not illegal, is driving crime. I think those are problems that we are not dealing with in society as well as we should.
“It is really young blokes, their eyes are bright red and they are queuing up for methadone. It is very sad to see.”
Mrs Peacock said she was enjoying her new role as High Sheriff for the county which sees her act as the Queen’s representative for the judiciary as well as the police, prisons and emergency services.
She said: “My responsibility for the year is county wide.
“Obviously Teesdale is the part of County Durham that I know best, but it is one of the pleasures of my job it that it takes me into areas with which I am less well acquainted.
“I always make the point, as beautiful as Teesdale is and it looks prosperous, there is deprivation.
“There are areas where people in Teesdale have difficulties. Social isolation is a problem and obviously there is crime in all areas.
A collection made during the matins service is to be divided between the Durham Agency Against Crime (DAAC), which picks up and diverts young people from turning to crime in the first place, and NEPACS, a long-established service that supports the family and friends of prisoners, and helps rehabilitate ex-offenders.
Hamsterley resident Caroline Peacock, who took up the post of high sheriff in April, made the announcement after seeing first hand the impact of addiction while visiting Durham Prison.
Speaking during the annual Service of Matins for Her Majesty’s Courts in the counties of Durham, Northumberland, North Yorkshire and, Tyne and Wear, Mrs Peacock described how crime is often driven by mental health and addiction issues.
She said: “In my work, not just in this role but over the years, I have seen too many people, mostly young people, whose lives have fallen over the mental health precipice, and quite a number who have been in trouble with the law.
“Many, but by no means all, have come from difficult family situations, and their problems range from depression to full-blown psychosis – but in almost every case I have discovered in the background experimentation with, or addiction to, drugs or alcohol, and often both.” The event, the most significant of the shrieval year, was held at Durham Cathedral on July 9 and attended by more than 200 people related to the judiciary, including High Court judges.
Also in attendance were High Sheriff of Northumberland John Dickinson, High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear, Lt Gen Robin Brimms and High Court judge Sir Alistair Norris.
Deputy High Sheriff Helen Dexter, from Tilly, Bailey and Irvine solicitors in Barnard Castle also attended.
Speaking about her visit to Durham Prison, Mrs Peacock said: “Durham is now a remand prison and it is full of young men with drug problems mostly. That is very big on my list of concerns.
“Addiction to illegal substances and alcohol, which is not illegal, is driving crime. I think those are problems that we are not dealing with in society as well as we should.
“It is really young blokes, their eyes are bright red and they are queuing up for methadone. It is very sad to see.”
Mrs Peacock said she was enjoying her new role as High Sheriff for the county which sees her act as the Queen’s representative for the judiciary as well as the police, prisons and emergency services.
She said: “My responsibility for the year is county wide.
“Obviously Teesdale is the part of County Durham that I know best, but it is one of the pleasures of my job it that it takes me into areas with which I am less well acquainted.
“I always make the point, as beautiful as Teesdale is and it looks prosperous, there is deprivation.
“There are areas where people in Teesdale have difficulties. Social isolation is a problem and obviously there is crime in all areas.
A collection made during the matins service is to be divided between the Durham Agency Against Crime (DAAC), which picks up and diverts young people from turning to crime in the first place, and NEPACS, a long-established service that supports the family and friends of prisoners, and helps rehabilitate ex-offenders.
Plans to put Barnard Castle castle back at the heart of town
EFFORTS to forge a closer relationship between castle guardians and dale residents are being redoubled.
More events inside the castle walls such as the 1940s weekend and firework displays were on the table at the latest Barnard Castle Town Council meeting.
Gayle Rafferty, from English Heritage, began her tenure overseeing the castle in February and was keen to see it working more closely with other groups.
She said: “It does feel like the town and the castle have lost touch slightly.
“I will take ideas to my managers – they will either say ‘yes’ or ‘no, can we do it this way’.”
The castle is owned by Lord Barnard but English Heritage act as its custodians.
Ms Rafferty, who is also site manager at Richmond Castle, revealed meetings about the grounds had been held with Lord Barnard.
She added that no events were on the horizon for this year but she did unveil some other ambitions.
“I would love to have a community day and get more people in as we are a bit hidden around the town,” said Ms Rafferty.
English Heritage is three years into an eight-year project to separate itself from the government. Ms Rafferty said procedures were being revised and looked over with the potential for more power in the hands of site managers.
She added: “In English Heritage nothing happens overnight – we are still very much under the government which we would like to change”.
In the past, residents of the town could get into the castle free of charge but English Heritage says times have changed in that respect.
But Cllr Judi Sutherland said she’d had an “interesting chat” with Ms Rafferty about how the town and the castle could be brought closer together.
She added: “We talked about all sorts of ideas – I know there are certain priorities in guided historic tours and volunteers.
“It would be great to look at things for next summer.”
A more active party of volunteers has also been discussed by the group.
“Volunteering is something new to English Heritage and, as with everything at the organisation, there is a department which deals with that,” said Ms Rafferty. “It would be nice to have local volunteers.”
Cllr Rima Chatterjee asked if performances could take place in the site given the Castle Players had done so in the past. Cllr John Blissett, who is on the 1940s weekend committee, was also keen to incorporate the castle in vintage festivities.
Ms Rafferty added: “I have done concerts in Richmond Castle – they are treated as third party events so we can discuss venues.”
More events inside the castle walls such as the 1940s weekend and firework displays were on the table at the latest Barnard Castle Town Council meeting.
Gayle Rafferty, from English Heritage, began her tenure overseeing the castle in February and was keen to see it working more closely with other groups.
She said: “It does feel like the town and the castle have lost touch slightly.
“I will take ideas to my managers – they will either say ‘yes’ or ‘no, can we do it this way’.”
The castle is owned by Lord Barnard but English Heritage act as its custodians.
Ms Rafferty, who is also site manager at Richmond Castle, revealed meetings about the grounds had been held with Lord Barnard.
She added that no events were on the horizon for this year but she did unveil some other ambitions.
“I would love to have a community day and get more people in as we are a bit hidden around the town,” said Ms Rafferty.
English Heritage is three years into an eight-year project to separate itself from the government. Ms Rafferty said procedures were being revised and looked over with the potential for more power in the hands of site managers.
She added: “In English Heritage nothing happens overnight – we are still very much under the government which we would like to change”.
In the past, residents of the town could get into the castle free of charge but English Heritage says times have changed in that respect.
But Cllr Judi Sutherland said she’d had an “interesting chat” with Ms Rafferty about how the town and the castle could be brought closer together.
She added: “We talked about all sorts of ideas – I know there are certain priorities in guided historic tours and volunteers.
“It would be great to look at things for next summer.”
A more active party of volunteers has also been discussed by the group.
“Volunteering is something new to English Heritage and, as with everything at the organisation, there is a department which deals with that,” said Ms Rafferty. “It would be nice to have local volunteers.”
Cllr Rima Chatterjee asked if performances could take place in the site given the Castle Players had done so in the past. Cllr John Blissett, who is on the 1940s weekend committee, was also keen to incorporate the castle in vintage festivities.
Ms Rafferty added: “I have done concerts in Richmond Castle – they are treated as third party events so we can discuss venues.”
Fears for jobs at ‘K block’ in Glaxo due to drugs sell-off
GLAXOSmithKline has announced significant changes to its Barnard Castle operation which while bringing huge new investment could have the potential of losing jobs.
The plan is to pump £140million into three sites across the UK, of which Barnard Castle is one, to boost production of HIV and lupus drugs and also to possibly sell off its cephalosporins antibiotics business.
Those antibiotics are produced at the Barnard Castle plant’s K Block, as well as at sites at Ulverston, in Cumbria, and Verona, in Italy.
GSK declined to comment on how many staff in Barnard Castle could be affected.
In a statement, the pharmaceutical giant announced that up to 2020, it plans to invest new cash in its Ware, Hertfordshire, Barnard Castle, and Montrose, Scotland, sites. The investments will support
expansion of manufacturing for respiratory and HIV medicines.
However, the company said it will continue to manufacture other antibiotics such as Augmentin and will continue to conduct research on new antibiotics. GSK has also decided not to proceed with a previously planned investment to build a biopharmaceutical facility in Ulverston as it no longer needs the additional capacity.
The funds being ploughed into Barnard Castle are in addition to the £92million worth of investment announced last year to fund the construction of an aseptic sterile facility to support the manufacture of existing and new biopharmaceutical products.
The Barnard Castle facility is one of GSK’s largest secondary manufacturing sites and employs about 1,100 people. It supplies nearly half a million packs of products each day to 140 global markets.
Elsewhere, the company is looking to sell its Horlicks brand in the UK and is proposing to close the associated manufacturing site in Slough, where the UK product is made. GSK also intends to sell the MaxiNutrition brand in the UK.
The firm says it is also exploring options to divest some other smaller non-core nutrition brands.
Overall, GSK employs a about 17,000 people across the UK of which 5,000 are in UK manufacturing operations. The proposals announced for Worthing and Slough will result in a
reduction of about 320 permanent jobs over the next four years.
Roger Connor, president of global manufacturing and supply, said: “We have a substantial manufacturing presence in the UK and continue to support the network with new investment of more than £140million in the next three years.
“At the same time, we have had to make some decisions which we know will cause uncertainty for some of our employees. We will do all we can to support them through this process.”
Philip Thomson, president of global affairs, added: “We are continuing to invest in science and our core businesses in the UK and we continue to see the UK as an attractive place for the life sciences industry.
“We are working constructively with the Government and others to develop an ambitious plan for the sector as part of the UK’s new industrial strategy.”
The company said none of the announcements made by the company have resulted from the UK’s decision to leave the EU.
The plan is to pump £140million into three sites across the UK, of which Barnard Castle is one, to boost production of HIV and lupus drugs and also to possibly sell off its cephalosporins antibiotics business.
Those antibiotics are produced at the Barnard Castle plant’s K Block, as well as at sites at Ulverston, in Cumbria, and Verona, in Italy.
GSK declined to comment on how many staff in Barnard Castle could be affected.
In a statement, the pharmaceutical giant announced that up to 2020, it plans to invest new cash in its Ware, Hertfordshire, Barnard Castle, and Montrose, Scotland, sites. The investments will support
expansion of manufacturing for respiratory and HIV medicines.
However, the company said it will continue to manufacture other antibiotics such as Augmentin and will continue to conduct research on new antibiotics. GSK has also decided not to proceed with a previously planned investment to build a biopharmaceutical facility in Ulverston as it no longer needs the additional capacity.
The funds being ploughed into Barnard Castle are in addition to the £92million worth of investment announced last year to fund the construction of an aseptic sterile facility to support the manufacture of existing and new biopharmaceutical products.
The Barnard Castle facility is one of GSK’s largest secondary manufacturing sites and employs about 1,100 people. It supplies nearly half a million packs of products each day to 140 global markets.
Elsewhere, the company is looking to sell its Horlicks brand in the UK and is proposing to close the associated manufacturing site in Slough, where the UK product is made. GSK also intends to sell the MaxiNutrition brand in the UK.
The firm says it is also exploring options to divest some other smaller non-core nutrition brands.
Overall, GSK employs a about 17,000 people across the UK of which 5,000 are in UK manufacturing operations. The proposals announced for Worthing and Slough will result in a
reduction of about 320 permanent jobs over the next four years.
Roger Connor, president of global manufacturing and supply, said: “We have a substantial manufacturing presence in the UK and continue to support the network with new investment of more than £140million in the next three years.
“At the same time, we have had to make some decisions which we know will cause uncertainty for some of our employees. We will do all we can to support them through this process.”
Philip Thomson, president of global affairs, added: “We are continuing to invest in science and our core businesses in the UK and we continue to see the UK as an attractive place for the life sciences industry.
“We are working constructively with the Government and others to develop an ambitious plan for the sector as part of the UK’s new industrial strategy.”
The company said none of the announcements made by the company have resulted from the UK’s decision to leave the EU.
Thursday, 27 July 2017
‘Nit-picking’ or a real risk of ‘foul language’ at new play park right next to Deerbolt Prison
FOUL language and safety fears at a children’s play park have sparked unrest about its location.
The play area on the new Bowes Gardens housing estate, in Startforth Park, sits next to the fence of Deerbolt Young Offenders’ Institution and borders the A67.
It was completed last week but Startforth Park grandmother Susan Goat has road safety concerns and fears bad language from inmates will be within earshot of youngsters.
The 61-year-old said: “If you come here at 9pm at night the lads shout at each other through the cell windows.
“As you can imagine the language is a bit flowery but at the end of the day the prison was here first.
“The lads who built it have done a good job but you cannot be seen and we’re very close to the A67.
“Somewhere in the middle I would have thought would be better.”
Startforth Park’s Andrew Hinchcliffe was also unhappy, branding the park an “idiot idea”.
He added: “Walking past you can hear bad language from the prison and, as reported some time ago, drugs were being thrown over the fence – I believe this is still happening. All children living or going to live on Bowes Gardens are at risk of hearing bad language, meeting, getting involved with, or being groomed by drug dealers.”
Developers Taylor Wimpey began building homes at Bowes Gardens two years ago.
Mr Hinchcliffe feared the park’s proximity to the road was “putting children at
risk”, adding that his concerns had been ignored in the
past.
A Bowes Gardens resident, who did not wish to be named, thought the facility was not suitable for young children.
“On a night we are going to get teenagers in here – it’s ideal to congregate,” she added.
“There is no practical reason why it could not be moved.” Letters and emails have been sent to developers, Durham county councillors and Teesdale’s MP Helen Goodman about the park.
But some Bowes Gardens residents did not share all the misgivings.
Mother-of-one Ashlie High said those complaining were “nit-picking”.
She added: “If you are going to move into a house next
to a prison what do you expect?
“To be quite honest they are no bother – we might hear a bit of shouting but you make that decision.
“As far as the play park, I can see where people are coming from but if you look at it, it is designed for small children and they are not going to be left unsupervised.”
Neighbour and fellow mother-of-one Katie Wood agreed.
She said: “I grew up playing around here – we have always played near the road.
“It’s not really a problem to me – maybe they should have a railing around it but it’s not really an issue.”
Startforth Park’s Pat Estall said the noise from Deerbolt was nothing new.
Mr Estall said: “It should always be a concern – at the end of the day if kids are playing next to an area, the last thing you want to hear is foul language.
“There is enough abuse in the world without having them encouraged – it is not nice.
“We do not want to over-exercise the point but I think it’s a genuine concern.”
A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey North East said: “As a homebuilder committed to ensuring our housing developments offer the best in amenities and facilities for our residents, we wanted to build the play area to offer families with an outdoor space to enjoy together.
“As with any public play area we advise that children are accompanied by an adult when using the facilities.”
The play area on the new Bowes Gardens housing estate, in Startforth Park, sits next to the fence of Deerbolt Young Offenders’ Institution and borders the A67.
It was completed last week but Startforth Park grandmother Susan Goat has road safety concerns and fears bad language from inmates will be within earshot of youngsters.
The 61-year-old said: “If you come here at 9pm at night the lads shout at each other through the cell windows.
“As you can imagine the language is a bit flowery but at the end of the day the prison was here first.
“The lads who built it have done a good job but you cannot be seen and we’re very close to the A67.
“Somewhere in the middle I would have thought would be better.”
Startforth Park’s Andrew Hinchcliffe was also unhappy, branding the park an “idiot idea”.
He added: “Walking past you can hear bad language from the prison and, as reported some time ago, drugs were being thrown over the fence – I believe this is still happening. All children living or going to live on Bowes Gardens are at risk of hearing bad language, meeting, getting involved with, or being groomed by drug dealers.”
Developers Taylor Wimpey began building homes at Bowes Gardens two years ago.
Mr Hinchcliffe feared the park’s proximity to the road was “putting children at
risk”, adding that his concerns had been ignored in the
past.
A Bowes Gardens resident, who did not wish to be named, thought the facility was not suitable for young children.
“On a night we are going to get teenagers in here – it’s ideal to congregate,” she added.
“There is no practical reason why it could not be moved.” Letters and emails have been sent to developers, Durham county councillors and Teesdale’s MP Helen Goodman about the park.
But some Bowes Gardens residents did not share all the misgivings.
Mother-of-one Ashlie High said those complaining were “nit-picking”.
She added: “If you are going to move into a house next
to a prison what do you expect?
“To be quite honest they are no bother – we might hear a bit of shouting but you make that decision.
“As far as the play park, I can see where people are coming from but if you look at it, it is designed for small children and they are not going to be left unsupervised.”
Neighbour and fellow mother-of-one Katie Wood agreed.
She said: “I grew up playing around here – we have always played near the road.
“It’s not really a problem to me – maybe they should have a railing around it but it’s not really an issue.”
Startforth Park’s Pat Estall said the noise from Deerbolt was nothing new.
Mr Estall said: “It should always be a concern – at the end of the day if kids are playing next to an area, the last thing you want to hear is foul language.
“There is enough abuse in the world without having them encouraged – it is not nice.
“We do not want to over-exercise the point but I think it’s a genuine concern.”
A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey North East said: “As a homebuilder committed to ensuring our housing developments offer the best in amenities and facilities for our residents, we wanted to build the play area to offer families with an outdoor space to enjoy together.
“As with any public play area we advise that children are accompanied by an adult when using the facilities.”
Artist behind children’s favourite Bagpuss and the Clangers has teamed up with The Witham in Barnard Castle
A RENOWNED illustrator who helped create some of the nation’s best loved television characters will star in a new dale exhibition.
Hamsterley’s Linda Birch was one of the artists behind children’s favourite Bagpuss and the Clangers.
The 70-year-old has teamed up with a range of other talents at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, to put pencil to paper for children and adults alike.
“I have a neighbour who works here who works at The Witham who said they were putting together an illustrated exhibition,” said Ms Birch.
“She remembered I had a background in it so she suggested I might contribute – it was a chance meeting.”
During her illustrious career, Ms Birch illustrated more than 150 books.
The bug bit her when she picked up a pot and a bottle of ink one Saturday afternoon and swapped fine art for illustration.
She still writes and teaches in the dale.
“I do not illustrate now but I write about painting for adults and teach historical painting techniques once a month at The Bowes Museum,” Ms Birch added.
“Things have moved on a lot but it’s so good to see how fertile it still is.”
Sarah Gent, from The Witham, was thrilled to have Ms Birch on board.
She said: “It’s lovely – we have Linda and Sharon Bates, who has graduated from Cleveland Art and design college, so we have young illustrators who are up and coming.
“It’s wonderful to have a breadth of illustrators through the ages.”
The exhibition will take viewers through the initial sketches of illustration right through to the finished article. It is designed to offer some insight into the sheer amount of work involved.
“I think it empowers children to think maybe one day I could do that,” added Ms Gent.
Ms Birch revealed how life as an illustrator could be demanding.
Deadlines for manuscripts were often loomed large but a balance had to be struck when sending off proofs.
Ms Birch said: “You needed to get a good feel of it and then start generating pictures in your head.
“You need to show the editor what you want to do without giving away too much of your creativity.
“They would say alter this, change that. You never, ever let them down.”
After her work under the wing of Oliver Postgate, Ms Birch went on to draw pictures for dozens of books.
She often found editors had a close eye for detail.
She added: “There was a book I did called Grandma’s Cottage where the managing editor had counted all the tiles on the cottage roof and found there was not the same number on another page. I had to do it again.”
The exhibition began last week and goes on until Saturday, August 12.
Hamsterley’s Linda Birch was one of the artists behind children’s favourite Bagpuss and the Clangers.
The 70-year-old has teamed up with a range of other talents at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, to put pencil to paper for children and adults alike.
“I have a neighbour who works here who works at The Witham who said they were putting together an illustrated exhibition,” said Ms Birch.
“She remembered I had a background in it so she suggested I might contribute – it was a chance meeting.”
During her illustrious career, Ms Birch illustrated more than 150 books.
The bug bit her when she picked up a pot and a bottle of ink one Saturday afternoon and swapped fine art for illustration.
She still writes and teaches in the dale.
“I do not illustrate now but I write about painting for adults and teach historical painting techniques once a month at The Bowes Museum,” Ms Birch added.
“Things have moved on a lot but it’s so good to see how fertile it still is.”
Sarah Gent, from The Witham, was thrilled to have Ms Birch on board.
She said: “It’s lovely – we have Linda and Sharon Bates, who has graduated from Cleveland Art and design college, so we have young illustrators who are up and coming.
“It’s wonderful to have a breadth of illustrators through the ages.”
The exhibition will take viewers through the initial sketches of illustration right through to the finished article. It is designed to offer some insight into the sheer amount of work involved.
“I think it empowers children to think maybe one day I could do that,” added Ms Gent.
Ms Birch revealed how life as an illustrator could be demanding.
Deadlines for manuscripts were often loomed large but a balance had to be struck when sending off proofs.
Ms Birch said: “You needed to get a good feel of it and then start generating pictures in your head.
“You need to show the editor what you want to do without giving away too much of your creativity.
“They would say alter this, change that. You never, ever let them down.”
After her work under the wing of Oliver Postgate, Ms Birch went on to draw pictures for dozens of books.
She often found editors had a close eye for detail.
She added: “There was a book I did called Grandma’s Cottage where the managing editor had counted all the tiles on the cottage roof and found there was not the same number on another page. I had to do it again.”
The exhibition began last week and goes on until Saturday, August 12.
Teaching pair leave Copeland Road school in West Auckland after 46 years
AFTER more than 100 school terms between them, two West Auckland teachers have bid a final farewell to the classroom.
Elizabeth Jude and Carol Torano left Copeland Road Primary School last Friday after a combined 46 years of teaching.
In her 33 years at the school, Ms Jude has always taught infants as well as stepping in as acting deputy headteacher for a brief spell.
Meanwhile, Ms Torano has taught year two pupils at the school for almost 14 years.
She said: “I came for just one term in 2003 and I am still here now. It has been lovely.”
Ms Jude said: “It has been great. I have taught mums and their children but no grandchildren yet. I also taught three of our teaching assistants. It is emotional.
“It is a brilliant school with a fabulous ethos. Everyone is lovely to work with and the children are amazing. They have very supportive parents too.”
Both teachers are now looking forward to enjoying their retirement which they say will include meeting up for coffees, term-time holidays and time spent fulfilling their hobbies. Ms Torano said: “We will miss it all but it is a new start for us now. It is not the end. It is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.”
Headteacher Robin Nodding added: “We are sad to see Elizabeth and Carol leave because they have been here for such a long time. They have both brought experience to the school.
“Over the years they have supported the development of the school. It is difficult to quantify things sometimes.
“Two long-term members of staff leaving at the same time is a big change. They will be missed by all of the pupils, staff and parents.”
Elizabeth Jude and Carol Torano left Copeland Road Primary School last Friday after a combined 46 years of teaching.
In her 33 years at the school, Ms Jude has always taught infants as well as stepping in as acting deputy headteacher for a brief spell.
Meanwhile, Ms Torano has taught year two pupils at the school for almost 14 years.
She said: “I came for just one term in 2003 and I am still here now. It has been lovely.”
Ms Jude said: “It has been great. I have taught mums and their children but no grandchildren yet. I also taught three of our teaching assistants. It is emotional.
“It is a brilliant school with a fabulous ethos. Everyone is lovely to work with and the children are amazing. They have very supportive parents too.”
Both teachers are now looking forward to enjoying their retirement which they say will include meeting up for coffees, term-time holidays and time spent fulfilling their hobbies. Ms Torano said: “We will miss it all but it is a new start for us now. It is not the end. It is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.”
Headteacher Robin Nodding added: “We are sad to see Elizabeth and Carol leave because they have been here for such a long time. They have both brought experience to the school.
“Over the years they have supported the development of the school. It is difficult to quantify things sometimes.
“Two long-term members of staff leaving at the same time is a big change. They will be missed by all of the pupils, staff and parents.”
Tuesday, 25 July 2017
Fears of smell, noise and HGVs over plans for pig unit near Dalton
A SLEW of objections has met a bid to build two pig fattening sheds on farmland.
No fewer than 27 residents have hit out at plans for two buildings off Low Lane, in Dalton, to finish off up to 1,920 pigs.
James Milbank, of J Milbank and Son Farms Ltd, submitted amended proposals on the family’s 226-acre farm last month which would allow him to “improve the farm’s production and profitability”.
But villagers fear narrow roads near Gayles Fields Farm will be unable to handle the articulated wagons used to ferry pigs and their feed.
Noise and odours emanating from the would-be sheds were also sources of concern.
Stephen McDonnell, from Gayles, believed the larger vehicles would cause “untold damage” to the roads. In a letter to planners, he said: “The HGVs are far too big to go down the small lanes. There are no passing places along the route, if you are not a very competent car driver then you will not be able to reverse the long distance required.
“As many people will be elderly, this is an accident waiting to happen. Cyclists, walkers, horse riders and pedestrians will be in danger.”
Newsham’s Valerie McLean was just as unhappy – telling planners at Richmondshire District Council she would be forced to reverse hundreds of yards due to the HGVs.
She added: “The road is only single track, the verges have ruts in them, and the road surface is never maintained, and to my mind this road is totally impractical for heavy vehicle use.”
More than 40 people attended Dalton Parish Meeting earlier this year to discuss the plans alongside Mr Milbank.
And a tense meeting between the applicant, residents and Richmondshire district councillor William Heslop earlier this month at Dalton and Gayles Village Hall saw more questions answered.
Documents on behalf of the applicant said the building would fit their surroundings.
The design statement added: “This proposed new, state-of-the-art finishing building is of a sympathetic, understated design, in keeping with traditional agricultural buildings.
“The transport movements to and from the site will not be significant and deliveries will be grouped together wherever possible.”
Slurry generated from the new plant would be used elsewhere on the farm as fertiliser if plans are approved.
Comments on the application can be sent to Richmondshire District Council until Friday, July 21.
No fewer than 27 residents have hit out at plans for two buildings off Low Lane, in Dalton, to finish off up to 1,920 pigs.
James Milbank, of J Milbank and Son Farms Ltd, submitted amended proposals on the family’s 226-acre farm last month which would allow him to “improve the farm’s production and profitability”.
But villagers fear narrow roads near Gayles Fields Farm will be unable to handle the articulated wagons used to ferry pigs and their feed.
Noise and odours emanating from the would-be sheds were also sources of concern.
Stephen McDonnell, from Gayles, believed the larger vehicles would cause “untold damage” to the roads. In a letter to planners, he said: “The HGVs are far too big to go down the small lanes. There are no passing places along the route, if you are not a very competent car driver then you will not be able to reverse the long distance required.
“As many people will be elderly, this is an accident waiting to happen. Cyclists, walkers, horse riders and pedestrians will be in danger.”
Newsham’s Valerie McLean was just as unhappy – telling planners at Richmondshire District Council she would be forced to reverse hundreds of yards due to the HGVs.
She added: “The road is only single track, the verges have ruts in them, and the road surface is never maintained, and to my mind this road is totally impractical for heavy vehicle use.”
More than 40 people attended Dalton Parish Meeting earlier this year to discuss the plans alongside Mr Milbank.
And a tense meeting between the applicant, residents and Richmondshire district councillor William Heslop earlier this month at Dalton and Gayles Village Hall saw more questions answered.
Documents on behalf of the applicant said the building would fit their surroundings.
The design statement added: “This proposed new, state-of-the-art finishing building is of a sympathetic, understated design, in keeping with traditional agricultural buildings.
“The transport movements to and from the site will not be significant and deliveries will be grouped together wherever possible.”
Slurry generated from the new plant would be used elsewhere on the farm as fertiliser if plans are approved.
Comments on the application can be sent to Richmondshire District Council until Friday, July 21.
Shops in Barnard Castle Town Centre call for action ‘before another flood'
FIVE years on from a flash flood in Barnard Castle there are fears the waters could return.
Rain run off on Market Place, in Barnard Castle, has inundated The Number 15 Cafe three times in the past three years. Owner Emma Rowell said the cafe had been forced to close for three days in that time but warned that the next flood could be the last for her business. She added: “It happens when we get very high intense rainfall. The 2012 flood was described to us as a once-in-a-lifetime event but we’re aware it happens more than that.”
Northumbrian Water has earmarked Barnard Castle as one of its “priority areas”, carrying out survey work around the town through their “Rainwise” campaign. Contractors for the group carried out CCTV analysis of sewers and drains under Galgate last week. But Durham County Council modelling has not identified Barnard Castle as being at flood risk – despite the cafe's experiences.
“The reality is we see a regular flooding event,” added Ms Rowell. “We cannot do anything more than we have done – I have had the back walls done, we have repellant coverings, perspex screens up and it still happens. There is a limit to what I can do.”
It is thought two large drainage tunnels cater for the Market Place area of town fed by smaller tributary pipes.
They lead in a Y-shape to a pipe with what is believed to be the same bore underneath Newgate and down to the river.
“Another problem is the drainage from the Hole in the Wall car park,” added Ms Rowell. “We can have up to five feet backed up because the drains are not adequate – on top of that they are not dredged enough so often they are full of silt.”
The county council’s flood risk assessment lists Barnard Castle as having “insufficient sewer capacity” when it came to historical instances of flooding in Newgate and near The Granary. However, there is little mention of the town centre. Ms Rowell’s cafe flooded this year, last year and in 2013. She believes Northumbrian Water and the county council need to work together.
She added: “We’re suffering from it – there are a lot of small independent businesses here and we appreciate the relief we get on business rates.
“We don’t want to be put out of business because of floods.”
Subsidence has also presented problems for Number 15 and a number of other shops. Ms Rowell said engineering work under Newgate would offer some form of solution to flooding.
“If there is a solution to the problem, let’s get on and do it,’ she added. “It seems the county council and Northumbrian Water have known about this for a long time but they see it as the other agency’s problem.”
The owner of Star Flowers, Francesca Waring, had a near flooding miss last month in her Market Place shop.
She said: “The impression I get is the problems at Emma’s shop started when they put Tarmac down at the Hole in the Wall car park.
“Many times you walk around Barnard Castle and see blocked drains. We live in a town where a lot of the buildings are ancient and the drains are ancient.”
Brian Buckley, Durham County Council’s strategic highways manager, said: “We are already working in close partnership with Northumbrian Water to investigate the cause of flooding incidents in the Newgate area of Barnard Castle. Once we’ve identified the cause of the flooding we’ll be working with partners to identify mitigation measures.”
A spokesperson from Northumbrian Water said: “Through our Rainwise scheme, we are continuously investigating opportunities across the North East to remove surface water from the sewer network. This will help to increase capacity within the pipes, which is key to reducing the risk of flooding during times of heavy rainfall. Barnard Castle has been identified as one of our Rainwise areas. As part of this, we are working very closely with Durham County Council to share information and look at the main causes of flooding in the area.”
Northumbrian Water will be visiting Barnard Castle on Tuesday, August 1, outside the Methodist Church, between 8.30am and 4pm. The spokesperson added: “This will help us to get a better understanding of the complex drainage in the area and allow us to explore opportunities to carry out future flood reduction projects.”
The newly formed Teesdale Business Association (TBA) intends to make flood management in the town centre one of its early priorities.
 |
| The floods of 2012 in Barnard Castle |
Rain run off on Market Place, in Barnard Castle, has inundated The Number 15 Cafe three times in the past three years. Owner Emma Rowell said the cafe had been forced to close for three days in that time but warned that the next flood could be the last for her business. She added: “It happens when we get very high intense rainfall. The 2012 flood was described to us as a once-in-a-lifetime event but we’re aware it happens more than that.”
Northumbrian Water has earmarked Barnard Castle as one of its “priority areas”, carrying out survey work around the town through their “Rainwise” campaign. Contractors for the group carried out CCTV analysis of sewers and drains under Galgate last week. But Durham County Council modelling has not identified Barnard Castle as being at flood risk – despite the cafe's experiences.
“The reality is we see a regular flooding event,” added Ms Rowell. “We cannot do anything more than we have done – I have had the back walls done, we have repellant coverings, perspex screens up and it still happens. There is a limit to what I can do.”
It is thought two large drainage tunnels cater for the Market Place area of town fed by smaller tributary pipes.
They lead in a Y-shape to a pipe with what is believed to be the same bore underneath Newgate and down to the river.
“Another problem is the drainage from the Hole in the Wall car park,” added Ms Rowell. “We can have up to five feet backed up because the drains are not adequate – on top of that they are not dredged enough so often they are full of silt.”
The county council’s flood risk assessment lists Barnard Castle as having “insufficient sewer capacity” when it came to historical instances of flooding in Newgate and near The Granary. However, there is little mention of the town centre. Ms Rowell’s cafe flooded this year, last year and in 2013. She believes Northumbrian Water and the county council need to work together.
She added: “We’re suffering from it – there are a lot of small independent businesses here and we appreciate the relief we get on business rates.
“We don’t want to be put out of business because of floods.”
Subsidence has also presented problems for Number 15 and a number of other shops. Ms Rowell said engineering work under Newgate would offer some form of solution to flooding.
“If there is a solution to the problem, let’s get on and do it,’ she added. “It seems the county council and Northumbrian Water have known about this for a long time but they see it as the other agency’s problem.”
The owner of Star Flowers, Francesca Waring, had a near flooding miss last month in her Market Place shop.
She said: “The impression I get is the problems at Emma’s shop started when they put Tarmac down at the Hole in the Wall car park.
“Many times you walk around Barnard Castle and see blocked drains. We live in a town where a lot of the buildings are ancient and the drains are ancient.”
Brian Buckley, Durham County Council’s strategic highways manager, said: “We are already working in close partnership with Northumbrian Water to investigate the cause of flooding incidents in the Newgate area of Barnard Castle. Once we’ve identified the cause of the flooding we’ll be working with partners to identify mitigation measures.”
A spokesperson from Northumbrian Water said: “Through our Rainwise scheme, we are continuously investigating opportunities across the North East to remove surface water from the sewer network. This will help to increase capacity within the pipes, which is key to reducing the risk of flooding during times of heavy rainfall. Barnard Castle has been identified as one of our Rainwise areas. As part of this, we are working very closely with Durham County Council to share information and look at the main causes of flooding in the area.”
Northumbrian Water will be visiting Barnard Castle on Tuesday, August 1, outside the Methodist Church, between 8.30am and 4pm. The spokesperson added: “This will help us to get a better understanding of the complex drainage in the area and allow us to explore opportunities to carry out future flood reduction projects.”
The newly formed Teesdale Business Association (TBA) intends to make flood management in the town centre one of its early priorities.
This week's Teesdale Mercury, out today...
What a waste of money... The £11,000 project to illuminate the Market Cross will have to be completely re-done less than two years after it was finished – at a cost of a further £17,000 – because it's not up to scratch.
This story makes the front page of the Teesdale Mercury this week, along with pictures from the It’s a Knockout event on the Demesnes in Barnard Castle (and there are many more inside!).
Here are a few of the headlines elsewhere:
Fears for jobs at Glaxo factory.
Concerns at foul language and safety at children’s play park.
Official protests lodged about Richardson Hospital being downgraded.
Teens rescued in 999 River Tees drama.
Here come the hotsteppers – firewalk for the Clique.
End of term photos from schools in Teesdale including some touching farewells to teachers and staff.
Plans to put Barney castle back at the heart of town.
Parking woes are ‘killing village’.
Quarry responds to claims of speeding.
High sheriff Caroline hopes to tackle alcohol and drug problems.
Film will remember Evenwood’s brave First World War boys.
Remember When: The last days before life changed forever on the remote moors.
Plus letters, community news, arts, farms, marts, property, classified ads, announcements, personal notices, services, motors – and three pages of sport.
Monday, 24 July 2017
MP: Tell us the truth about plans for Richardson Hospital, in Barnard Castle
TEESDALE’S MP has urged health chiefs to tell staff the truth about their “real plans” for the future of Richardson Hospital in Barnard Castle.
Helen Goodman has called for a meeting following the announcement that the community hospital will be downsizing further to just 16 beds.
In a letter addressed to the chief executive of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Sue Jacques, Ms Goodman wrote: “I am extremely concerned about the reports that contrary to your reassurances last year the ‘temporary’ closure of the Lowson ward at Richardson Hospital is to be made permanent.
“In the meeting I organised at Barnard Castle Methodist Church you told those present that the closure was just temporary and you had specific plans to reopen the ward.
“It is clear that the strategy used to close the maternity and breast screening services in Bishop Auckland hospital are in fact a trust-wide strategy to circumventing public consultation on permanent closure of facilities and this is simply not acceptable.”
The controversial closure of the Lowson ward in October 2015 caused a public backlash and more than 100 people attended Ms Goodman’s meeting. Those present were told that the ward could reopen if staff could be recruited.
However, jobs at the hospital are now in jeopardy after it emerged earlier this month that the trust is planning to reduce the number of beds on the Starling ward from 24 to 16. During a staff meeting, it was also revealed that the Lowson ward would not be reopening.
Ms Goodman wrote: “It is now clear that there was no intention to reopen the Lowson ward and that a reduction in services will continue as I understand that you are also reducing the provision in the Starling ward by 30 per cent with staff being asked to ‘volunteer’ to move to hospitals in Bishop Auckland, Durham and Darlington.
“When we meet you consistently tell me that one of your main issues is with recruitment and it is clear to see why when your hard working nursing staff are constantly worried about the secrecy and dishonesty around service changes.
“The staff and local residents deserve to know the truth about your real plans for Richardson Hospital and I therefore request an early meeting with you to discuss this situation.”
A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust said: “Having just received the letter from Helen Goodman, we are arranging a meeting between her and our chief executive.
“We have 24 beds available currently at The Richardson Hospital, however, based on the numbers of patients benefiting from an inpatient stay we know that 16 beds is sufficient to meet that need.
“This is based on both current and projected occupancy levels and, consequently, there are no immediate plans to reopen the Lowson ward.
“Patients will continue to have access to the same services – this is about meeting their needs whilst using our resources in the best way.
“We would like to assure patients and their families that should demand increase we have the flexibility to open additional beds at very short notice, although we don’t
anticipate this will be necessary.
“Patient safety is a priority for us and staffing levels at the Richardson Hospital will continue to meet national guidelines.
We are being open and honest with our staff and are consulting with them. No job losses are planned as we have vacancies across the trust.”
In a letter addressed to the chief executive of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Sue Jacques, Ms Goodman wrote: “I am extremely concerned about the reports that contrary to your reassurances last year the ‘temporary’ closure of the Lowson ward at Richardson Hospital is to be made permanent.
“In the meeting I organised at Barnard Castle Methodist Church you told those present that the closure was just temporary and you had specific plans to reopen the ward.
“It is clear that the strategy used to close the maternity and breast screening services in Bishop Auckland hospital are in fact a trust-wide strategy to circumventing public consultation on permanent closure of facilities and this is simply not acceptable.”
The controversial closure of the Lowson ward in October 2015 caused a public backlash and more than 100 people attended Ms Goodman’s meeting. Those present were told that the ward could reopen if staff could be recruited.
However, jobs at the hospital are now in jeopardy after it emerged earlier this month that the trust is planning to reduce the number of beds on the Starling ward from 24 to 16. During a staff meeting, it was also revealed that the Lowson ward would not be reopening.
Ms Goodman wrote: “It is now clear that there was no intention to reopen the Lowson ward and that a reduction in services will continue as I understand that you are also reducing the provision in the Starling ward by 30 per cent with staff being asked to ‘volunteer’ to move to hospitals in Bishop Auckland, Durham and Darlington.
“When we meet you consistently tell me that one of your main issues is with recruitment and it is clear to see why when your hard working nursing staff are constantly worried about the secrecy and dishonesty around service changes.
“The staff and local residents deserve to know the truth about your real plans for Richardson Hospital and I therefore request an early meeting with you to discuss this situation.”
A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust said: “Having just received the letter from Helen Goodman, we are arranging a meeting between her and our chief executive.
“We have 24 beds available currently at The Richardson Hospital, however, based on the numbers of patients benefiting from an inpatient stay we know that 16 beds is sufficient to meet that need.
“This is based on both current and projected occupancy levels and, consequently, there are no immediate plans to reopen the Lowson ward.
“Patients will continue to have access to the same services – this is about meeting their needs whilst using our resources in the best way.
“We would like to assure patients and their families that should demand increase we have the flexibility to open additional beds at very short notice, although we don’t
anticipate this will be necessary.
“Patient safety is a priority for us and staffing levels at the Richardson Hospital will continue to meet national guidelines.
We are being open and honest with our staff and are consulting with them. No job losses are planned as we have vacancies across the trust.”
Teesdale area farmers celebrate success at Yorkshire Show
TEESDALE shepherds enjoyed success at the Great Yorkshire Show taking several of the top championship titles, including the champion Swaledale title.
Tom and Kay Hutchinson, of Forest-in-Teesdale, followed on from last year’s success by winning the Swaledale championship with their home-bred ewe. The ewe was produced by their own tup, Kingshaugh Yan, and a ewe brought from Long Green.
But the Hutchinsons had to settle for reserve champion in the interbreed hill championship, a title which they won last year. Nevertheless, the family is happy with the outcome.
Ms Hutchinson said: “All three sheep came home with prizes so you can’t complain.”
Their ewe came through the ranks, initially winning the category for a ewe of any age which is rearing a lamb in the current year.
A significant win for the area came in the form of a local breed which took the supreme champion title in the “wool on the hoof” category.
Anna Pennell, of Todd Hall, Farm, Redworth, claimed the title with her Teeswater ewe Nipna Tayla. The ewe took the same title in the Royal Norfork Show this year.
Ms Pennell said: “It was brilliant.
“We have had a few reserves in the past but this is the best we have done.
“It is a lot of work to get her fleece like that, so we were really happy.”
The shepherdess spent about 15 hours preparing Nipna Tayla for the show.
The Pennell family have been breeding the rare Teeswater and Wensleydale longwool breeds for about eight years, having moved to the area from Lincolnshire.
Although a native breed, only about five farms in Teesdale breed Teeswater sheep. The Teeswater is bred exclusively for its wool.
Ms Pennell, who is secretary for the Wensleydale Longwool Sheep Breeders’ Association, also had some success with her dales ponies, taking a third position in the ridden category with her horse Nipna Heather.
About 30 dales ponies competed in the category.
Romaldkirk farmer Henry Jewitt had considerable success with his Beltex sheep taking a third position with his ewe lamb, a second position in the group of three category as well as the reserve champion title.
In the produce section, Teesdale Cheesemakers' Jonathan and Alison Raper claimed a bronze award for their goat’s cheese.
Meanwhile, the Eccles family of Middleton-in-Teesdale were celebrating after Westwick Heather took reserve champion in the dales ponies section.
 |
| Anna Pennell with her Teeswater ewe Tayla |
But the Hutchinsons had to settle for reserve champion in the interbreed hill championship, a title which they won last year. Nevertheless, the family is happy with the outcome.
Ms Hutchinson said: “All three sheep came home with prizes so you can’t complain.”
Their ewe came through the ranks, initially winning the category for a ewe of any age which is rearing a lamb in the current year.
A significant win for the area came in the form of a local breed which took the supreme champion title in the “wool on the hoof” category.
Anna Pennell, of Todd Hall, Farm, Redworth, claimed the title with her Teeswater ewe Nipna Tayla. The ewe took the same title in the Royal Norfork Show this year.
Ms Pennell said: “It was brilliant.
“We have had a few reserves in the past but this is the best we have done.
“It is a lot of work to get her fleece like that, so we were really happy.”
The shepherdess spent about 15 hours preparing Nipna Tayla for the show.
The Pennell family have been breeding the rare Teeswater and Wensleydale longwool breeds for about eight years, having moved to the area from Lincolnshire.
Although a native breed, only about five farms in Teesdale breed Teeswater sheep. The Teeswater is bred exclusively for its wool.
Ms Pennell, who is secretary for the Wensleydale Longwool Sheep Breeders’ Association, also had some success with her dales ponies, taking a third position in the ridden category with her horse Nipna Heather.
About 30 dales ponies competed in the category.
Romaldkirk farmer Henry Jewitt had considerable success with his Beltex sheep taking a third position with his ewe lamb, a second position in the group of three category as well as the reserve champion title.
In the produce section, Teesdale Cheesemakers' Jonathan and Alison Raper claimed a bronze award for their goat’s cheese.
Meanwhile, the Eccles family of Middleton-in-Teesdale were celebrating after Westwick Heather took reserve champion in the dales ponies section.
Cockfield resident: I’ll flout ban on parking outside my home
A VILLAGER has vowed to return his car to the front of his home amid a long running row over parking.
Cockfield’s Stephen Bell was ordered by Cockfield Parish Council to move his 4x4 off an asphalt stretch on Front Street last year.
The 58-year-old, who has lived in the village for more than 30 years, has now spoken out against what he sees is a lack of common sense and said he intends to return his vehicle to the same spot.
“In all the years I have lived here I have always parked a vehicle there and I have never had any hassle whatsoever,” he said.
“I never had any bother until a few years ago.”
Cars and vans outside Joe Simpson’s Butchers, in Cockfield, have proved a bone of contention for residents, the parish council and Mr Simpson for the past three years.
A sign was put up by the parish council this spring saying parking is limited to one hour and overnight parking is not allowed.
Mr Bell moved his 4×4 off the stretch earlier this month but relations have remained strained.
Mr Bell, who manages an office furniture firm, revealed he’d be flouting the parish council’s new rule by moving one of his vehicles back in front of his house once it’s repaired. He said: “People used to use common sense here. It’s causing a situation where people are making dangerous manoeuvres into the road.
“We have never ever said customers to the butcher’s cannot park there.”
Resident Dave Lamb, whose house faces onto the stretch, has also had long running concerns about vehicles on the stretch.
He aired his concerns to the parish council about health and safety and a sign on the village green in May. Mr Lamb had threatened to go to the Ombudsmen over the “discriminatory” sign but last week he said he’d “achieved what he set out to do” and wouldn’t be taking any further action. He added: “I am happy to draw a line underneath it now. I have said from the start I have found that sign discriminatory and fear the health and safety of pedestrians, in particular, is at risk because the stretch has not been risk assessed.
“All car parks should be risk assessed. Not all of that has been done.”
Mr Lamb says the one-hour limit is unfair to residents living on the stretch.
He added: “Given that customers are in the butcher’s shop for, on average, 15 to 20 minutes, and residents park overnight, how would you read that as a resident?
“I did not say I want everyone to go because if they go, I have to go – which is counterproductive.”
Questions over the ownership and responsibility of the stretch of Tarmac have rumbled on for decades with Raby Estates, Durham County Council, Mr Simpson and Cockfield Parish Council all staking a claim to at least part of it. The vice chairman of Cockfield Parish Council, Cllr Neville Singleton, told this month’s meeting the parking problems had died down in recent weeks.
But Mr Lamb said the number of bollards near the land was “squeezing everyone out”.
“Cars were double parked across my house – they were reversing out and taking out the bollards,” added Mr Lamb.
“It’s treating this area differently to the Post Office or the chemist – there is no consistency in the way they deal with things.
“It’s supposed to be home of Jeremiah Dixon but at the moment it’s the home of bollards and parking signs.”
Cockfield’s Stephen Bell was ordered by Cockfield Parish Council to move his 4x4 off an asphalt stretch on Front Street last year.
The 58-year-old, who has lived in the village for more than 30 years, has now spoken out against what he sees is a lack of common sense and said he intends to return his vehicle to the same spot.
“In all the years I have lived here I have always parked a vehicle there and I have never had any hassle whatsoever,” he said.
“I never had any bother until a few years ago.”
Cars and vans outside Joe Simpson’s Butchers, in Cockfield, have proved a bone of contention for residents, the parish council and Mr Simpson for the past three years.
A sign was put up by the parish council this spring saying parking is limited to one hour and overnight parking is not allowed.
Mr Bell moved his 4×4 off the stretch earlier this month but relations have remained strained.
Mr Bell, who manages an office furniture firm, revealed he’d be flouting the parish council’s new rule by moving one of his vehicles back in front of his house once it’s repaired. He said: “People used to use common sense here. It’s causing a situation where people are making dangerous manoeuvres into the road.
“We have never ever said customers to the butcher’s cannot park there.”
Resident Dave Lamb, whose house faces onto the stretch, has also had long running concerns about vehicles on the stretch.
He aired his concerns to the parish council about health and safety and a sign on the village green in May. Mr Lamb had threatened to go to the Ombudsmen over the “discriminatory” sign but last week he said he’d “achieved what he set out to do” and wouldn’t be taking any further action. He added: “I am happy to draw a line underneath it now. I have said from the start I have found that sign discriminatory and fear the health and safety of pedestrians, in particular, is at risk because the stretch has not been risk assessed.
“All car parks should be risk assessed. Not all of that has been done.”
Mr Lamb says the one-hour limit is unfair to residents living on the stretch.
He added: “Given that customers are in the butcher’s shop for, on average, 15 to 20 minutes, and residents park overnight, how would you read that as a resident?
“I did not say I want everyone to go because if they go, I have to go – which is counterproductive.”
Questions over the ownership and responsibility of the stretch of Tarmac have rumbled on for decades with Raby Estates, Durham County Council, Mr Simpson and Cockfield Parish Council all staking a claim to at least part of it. The vice chairman of Cockfield Parish Council, Cllr Neville Singleton, told this month’s meeting the parking problems had died down in recent weeks.
But Mr Lamb said the number of bollards near the land was “squeezing everyone out”.
“Cars were double parked across my house – they were reversing out and taking out the bollards,” added Mr Lamb.
“It’s treating this area differently to the Post Office or the chemist – there is no consistency in the way they deal with things.
“It’s supposed to be home of Jeremiah Dixon but at the moment it’s the home of bollards and parking signs.”
Sunday, 23 July 2017
Brenda recognised for standing up to cancer
A DALE charity campaigner is one of only 15 people to receive an honorary fellowship of Cancer Research UK this year.
Brenda Thwaites, a founder member of the Teesdale branch of Cancer Research UK, received the honour during a glamorous ceremony at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall, in London, in recognition of more than 40 years’ service to the charity.
The award was made by Cancer Research UK chief executive Sir Harpal Kumar.
Mrs Thwaites, an artist from Cotherstone, was among a group of Women’s Institute members who started the Teesdale committee for the charity in 1974 after holding a community event.
She said: “We did a concert called Around the World and it was so popular. We only raised £140, which was a lot of money in those days, and we thought, ‘well what are we going to do with that?’.
“Then we decided to give it to Cancer Research UK. It snowballed from there.”
The effectiveness of the Teesdale group is confirmed in a citation that accompanied the award given to Ms Thwaites, which reads: “As treasurer and founding member of the Teesdale Cancer UK Group, Brenda has been supporting the charity for 43 years and has helped raise over £900,000.”
Now the group aims to reach £1million.
Ms Thwaites said: “This year, or next year, they probably will have reached it. It is remarkable.”
In the year up to November 2016 the group raised £65,000 from about 60 events including an annual Christmas fair, coach trips, quizzes, tombolas, raffles, selling refreshments, making collections, coffee mornings and an annual ball hosted by Butler and Gee accountants.
A particularly successful fundraising activity was a parachute jump by Eileen Watson to celebrate her 80th birthday.
Ms Thwaites, 79, is considering doing the same for her 80th birthday. She said: “I think I might do it, but my birthday is in December so I might have to do it in the snow.”
She is no stranger to taking on challenges, having completed the three peaks challenge in Yorkshire and tackling the Grange over Sands challenge to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.
Ms Thwaites said: “Over the years we have had lots of fun and laughter. But also a great deal of sadness.
“Whatever sadness families have gone through, they don’t give up, but come back stronger and more determined to stand up to cancer.”
Along with her activities and serving on the committee, Ms Thwaites has used her painting skills to produce of Christmas cards of iconic Teesdale scenes in the past. In recent years images produced by dale photographer Mark Brownless have been used for the Christmas cards.
Teesdale Cancer Research UK also arranges links between cancer scientists from Newcastle and dale residents.
Ms Thwaites said: “The scientists are absolutely brilliant. There is always one comes down from Newcastle to give us a talk and they love to come to Teesdale.
“We have been to the lab a few times.
“They are interesting to go to and it is lovely to see what they are doing.”
Ms Thwaites was nominated for the honorary fellowship by area co-ordinator Janet Leaf.
Brenda Thwaites, a founder member of the Teesdale branch of Cancer Research UK, received the honour during a glamorous ceremony at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall, in London, in recognition of more than 40 years’ service to the charity.
The award was made by Cancer Research UK chief executive Sir Harpal Kumar.
Mrs Thwaites, an artist from Cotherstone, was among a group of Women’s Institute members who started the Teesdale committee for the charity in 1974 after holding a community event.
She said: “We did a concert called Around the World and it was so popular. We only raised £140, which was a lot of money in those days, and we thought, ‘well what are we going to do with that?’.
“Then we decided to give it to Cancer Research UK. It snowballed from there.”
The effectiveness of the Teesdale group is confirmed in a citation that accompanied the award given to Ms Thwaites, which reads: “As treasurer and founding member of the Teesdale Cancer UK Group, Brenda has been supporting the charity for 43 years and has helped raise over £900,000.”
Now the group aims to reach £1million.
Ms Thwaites said: “This year, or next year, they probably will have reached it. It is remarkable.”
In the year up to November 2016 the group raised £65,000 from about 60 events including an annual Christmas fair, coach trips, quizzes, tombolas, raffles, selling refreshments, making collections, coffee mornings and an annual ball hosted by Butler and Gee accountants.
A particularly successful fundraising activity was a parachute jump by Eileen Watson to celebrate her 80th birthday.
Ms Thwaites, 79, is considering doing the same for her 80th birthday. She said: “I think I might do it, but my birthday is in December so I might have to do it in the snow.”
She is no stranger to taking on challenges, having completed the three peaks challenge in Yorkshire and tackling the Grange over Sands challenge to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.
Ms Thwaites said: “Over the years we have had lots of fun and laughter. But also a great deal of sadness.
“Whatever sadness families have gone through, they don’t give up, but come back stronger and more determined to stand up to cancer.”
Along with her activities and serving on the committee, Ms Thwaites has used her painting skills to produce of Christmas cards of iconic Teesdale scenes in the past. In recent years images produced by dale photographer Mark Brownless have been used for the Christmas cards.
Teesdale Cancer Research UK also arranges links between cancer scientists from Newcastle and dale residents.
Ms Thwaites said: “The scientists are absolutely brilliant. There is always one comes down from Newcastle to give us a talk and they love to come to Teesdale.
“We have been to the lab a few times.
“They are interesting to go to and it is lovely to see what they are doing.”
Ms Thwaites was nominated for the honorary fellowship by area co-ordinator Janet Leaf.
Nature reserve hopes for Barnard Castle – but where?
A WILDLIFE boss has sounded hopes for a nature reserve in Barnard Castle in the next five years.
The director of the Durham Wildlife Trust, Jim Cokill, said the town was somewhere his organisation had earmarked for attracting more members before he revealed his aims and aspirations at Barnard Castle Town Council last week.
Mr Cokill said: “We do have an existing membership base here but there is potential to grow.
“We would love to have a nature reserve in the area because that’s one thing we have not got.”
The trust, along with a group of volunteers, have already carried out work at Deepdale Woods, in Startforth, digging ponds, felling and coppicing with the help of many volunteers.
“We have been doing most of the work with funding from Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP) and we’re hoping for a Tesco plastic bag grant,” said Mr Cokill.
“It’s a very keen group but it’s a group which does not run on its own and relies on support from the trust.”
Nature reserves in County Durham range in size from 500 acres to the size of an office.
Mr Cokill told councillors how the trust relied on other bodies to get funding and asked whether the town council wanted to play a
role.
“We would like to expand a range of things like practical volunteering and wildlife groups with more traditional talks on winter evenings and survey skills in the summertime,” he added.
“We also have watch groups to cover the seven to 12 age range and they provide a way of engaging with younger people.”
Otter piles, salmon runs and migratory birds in the upper dale were particular interest points attached to
the town, according to Mr Cokill.
Cllr Roger Peat said there were things around the town that could be done.
“There are bits of path still not right – that’s an opportunity,” he said.
“We have got the wildflower meadow on the upper Demesnes and on the
lower Demesnes we are looking at introducing wild flowers – but that’s at a very early stage.”
Cllr Richard Child, who also volunteered at Deepdale, said it was remarkable how much people had achieved at the site.
He added: “It would be good to get younger people involved – it was predominantly retired people but it has made a big difference.”
Cllr Kelly Blissett said it would be worth talking to the TCR Hub and Barnard Castle YMCA about youth involvement in trust projects.
Councillors agreed to give some thought to identifying potential wildlife sites and discuss the suggestions at a future meeting.
The director of the Durham Wildlife Trust, Jim Cokill, said the town was somewhere his organisation had earmarked for attracting more members before he revealed his aims and aspirations at Barnard Castle Town Council last week.
Mr Cokill said: “We do have an existing membership base here but there is potential to grow.
“We would love to have a nature reserve in the area because that’s one thing we have not got.”
The trust, along with a group of volunteers, have already carried out work at Deepdale Woods, in Startforth, digging ponds, felling and coppicing with the help of many volunteers.
“We have been doing most of the work with funding from Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP) and we’re hoping for a Tesco plastic bag grant,” said Mr Cokill.
“It’s a very keen group but it’s a group which does not run on its own and relies on support from the trust.”
Nature reserves in County Durham range in size from 500 acres to the size of an office.
Mr Cokill told councillors how the trust relied on other bodies to get funding and asked whether the town council wanted to play a
role.
“We would like to expand a range of things like practical volunteering and wildlife groups with more traditional talks on winter evenings and survey skills in the summertime,” he added.
“We also have watch groups to cover the seven to 12 age range and they provide a way of engaging with younger people.”
Otter piles, salmon runs and migratory birds in the upper dale were particular interest points attached to
the town, according to Mr Cokill.
Cllr Roger Peat said there were things around the town that could be done.
“There are bits of path still not right – that’s an opportunity,” he said.
“We have got the wildflower meadow on the upper Demesnes and on the
lower Demesnes we are looking at introducing wild flowers – but that’s at a very early stage.”
Cllr Richard Child, who also volunteered at Deepdale, said it was remarkable how much people had achieved at the site.
He added: “It would be good to get younger people involved – it was predominantly retired people but it has made a big difference.”
Cllr Kelly Blissett said it would be worth talking to the TCR Hub and Barnard Castle YMCA about youth involvement in trust projects.
Councillors agreed to give some thought to identifying potential wildlife sites and discuss the suggestions at a future meeting.
Saturday, 22 July 2017
Plea made over ‘dozy parkers’ in Gainford
WORRIES over inconsiderate parking have led to calls for tougher action in a dale village.
A letter from the “residents of Gainford” has warned it’s only a “matter of time” until someone is seriously injured on the road from Ingleton.
Cars mounting pavements forcing pedestrians into the road and vehicles parked facing oncoming traffic near West View were the biggest concerns for the group.
“Car owners are putting themselves and other road users in danger,” it added.
The letter conceded that car ownership in the rural community had increased but its anonymous signees want the parish council to do more.
After Gainford and Langton councillors studied the letter this month, parish clerk Martin Clark said the problem had already been raised in the parish newsletter and traffic measures were being lined up in the village’s forthcoming neighbourhood plan.
He also added that police had knocked on doors in surrounding streets to advise residents.
Mr Clark said: “Some people have parked on the pavements because cars are being damaged by farm vehicles.
“The letter did not mention the brow of the hill – that was part of the issue, it wasn’t just there.”
Cllr Simon Platten told the latest Gainford and Langton Parish Council meeting he thought he problem had eased on the main road in recent weeks.
He also said the residents’ letter would have more influence if individuals put their name to their concerns.
“Who are you? It would be more powerful if there was 300 names on that rather than an anonymous letter,” said Cllr Platten. Councillors also hoped results from a recent traffic survey would shed light on the problem of speeding on the A67.
What do you think? Is there a problem in Gainford? Email your views to editor@teesdalemercury.co.uk
A letter from the “residents of Gainford” has warned it’s only a “matter of time” until someone is seriously injured on the road from Ingleton.
Cars mounting pavements forcing pedestrians into the road and vehicles parked facing oncoming traffic near West View were the biggest concerns for the group.
“Car owners are putting themselves and other road users in danger,” it added.
The letter conceded that car ownership in the rural community had increased but its anonymous signees want the parish council to do more.
After Gainford and Langton councillors studied the letter this month, parish clerk Martin Clark said the problem had already been raised in the parish newsletter and traffic measures were being lined up in the village’s forthcoming neighbourhood plan.
He also added that police had knocked on doors in surrounding streets to advise residents.
Mr Clark said: “Some people have parked on the pavements because cars are being damaged by farm vehicles.
“The letter did not mention the brow of the hill – that was part of the issue, it wasn’t just there.”
Cllr Simon Platten told the latest Gainford and Langton Parish Council meeting he thought he problem had eased on the main road in recent weeks.
He also said the residents’ letter would have more influence if individuals put their name to their concerns.
“Who are you? It would be more powerful if there was 300 names on that rather than an anonymous letter,” said Cllr Platten. Councillors also hoped results from a recent traffic survey would shed light on the problem of speeding on the A67.
What do you think? Is there a problem in Gainford? Email your views to editor@teesdalemercury.co.uk
Cockfield school win the ‘world cup’ – again
THE beautiful game took centre stage for more than a dozen dale primary schools.
No fewer than 18 teams descended on Staindrop Primary School for the fourth annual “World Cup” football tournament.
Teams of eight played a round robin format on three pitches at the back of the school building.
The event has grown from a dozen teams when it started in 2014 to 18 this year.
Last year’s winners, Cockfield, did it again this time around.
Cockfield teacher Lyn Boustead said: “The team had a strong focus as they wanted to retain the trophy from last year.”
In the quarter finals they played Copeland Road and after achieving another win, took on Middleton-in-Teesdale in the semi-final.
Ms Boustead added:“The team stayed strong throughout all of the matches
and were ready to take on
the final, which was against Ox Close Primary from Spennymoor.” Cockfield won 1-0.
“ At the end of the match all of the other schools gave the winning team a huge cheer,” said Ms Boustead.
“This year the team has already celebrated winning
the Teesdale football league,for the second year running, and also having the honour of being awarded Primary School of the Year for Sport. They left Staindrop school with their heads held high.
“Well done to all of the team.”
No fewer than 18 teams descended on Staindrop Primary School for the fourth annual “World Cup” football tournament.
Teams of eight played a round robin format on three pitches at the back of the school building.
The event has grown from a dozen teams when it started in 2014 to 18 this year.
Last year’s winners, Cockfield, did it again this time around.
Cockfield teacher Lyn Boustead said: “The team had a strong focus as they wanted to retain the trophy from last year.”
In the quarter finals they played Copeland Road and after achieving another win, took on Middleton-in-Teesdale in the semi-final.
Ms Boustead added:“The team stayed strong throughout all of the matches
and were ready to take on
the final, which was against Ox Close Primary from Spennymoor.” Cockfield won 1-0.
“ At the end of the match all of the other schools gave the winning team a huge cheer,” said Ms Boustead.
“This year the team has already celebrated winning
the Teesdale football league,for the second year running, and also having the honour of being awarded Primary School of the Year for Sport. They left Staindrop school with their heads held high.
“Well done to all of the team.”
Teesdale teen Rebekah Bunnett overcomes the odds to win place at top vet college
AN animal management student from Barnard Castle has overcome huge personal odds to win a top award and earn a place at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC).
Rebekah Bunnett almost closed her text books only six weeks into her two-year course at Newton Rigg College after learning that her mother had breast cancer.
While supporting her family, the 18-year-old persevered and emerged as top student, taking the Animal Carer of the Year award and a £500 prize, which she will use to buy the kit she needs for her university course to become a veterinary nurse.
It was her mother, Susan Hill, who urged her to continue her studies.
Mrs Hill said: “I said ‘no way You need to do it for yourself’.
“From going to quit and being home, I think she felt useless, but she needed to stay at college and be focused.”
Miss Bunnett worked hard at her studies while still taking time to support her mum as she went through chemotherapy and then radiotherapy.
Of the nine units she was required to complete during the two years – including biology, micro-biology, physiology, behaviour and breed development – the teenager scooped 17 distinctions and two merits.
She went on to apply to five universities, including the RVC.
Mrs Hill said: “She got an email to go for an interview at the RVC and she said ‘what is the point, I’ll never get in’.”
Ms Bunnett said she was initially downhearted when she received no reply over an extended period, until she got some good news on her 18th birthday.
She said: “I just couldn’t stop crying. I was like is it real? Is it a joke?”
Her mum added: “It is the cream of the crop – even if you don’t make it but you make the interviews, that is amazing.”
Some 1,300 hopefuls apply for the course, and of the 240 who make the interview stage, only 55 places are awarded.
Miss Bunnett plans to complete the three-year foundation course, followed by another year to complete her honours.
She leaves for London in September.
She said: “I am very excited.”
Rebekah Bunnett almost closed her text books only six weeks into her two-year course at Newton Rigg College after learning that her mother had breast cancer.
While supporting her family, the 18-year-old persevered and emerged as top student, taking the Animal Carer of the Year award and a £500 prize, which she will use to buy the kit she needs for her university course to become a veterinary nurse.
It was her mother, Susan Hill, who urged her to continue her studies.
Mrs Hill said: “I said ‘no way You need to do it for yourself’.
“From going to quit and being home, I think she felt useless, but she needed to stay at college and be focused.”
Miss Bunnett worked hard at her studies while still taking time to support her mum as she went through chemotherapy and then radiotherapy.
Of the nine units she was required to complete during the two years – including biology, micro-biology, physiology, behaviour and breed development – the teenager scooped 17 distinctions and two merits.
She went on to apply to five universities, including the RVC.
Mrs Hill said: “She got an email to go for an interview at the RVC and she said ‘what is the point, I’ll never get in’.”
Ms Bunnett said she was initially downhearted when she received no reply over an extended period, until she got some good news on her 18th birthday.
She said: “I just couldn’t stop crying. I was like is it real? Is it a joke?”
Her mum added: “It is the cream of the crop – even if you don’t make it but you make the interviews, that is amazing.”
Some 1,300 hopefuls apply for the course, and of the 240 who make the interview stage, only 55 places are awarded.
Miss Bunnett plans to complete the three-year foundation course, followed by another year to complete her honours.
She leaves for London in September.
She said: “I am very excited.”
Friday, 21 July 2017
'Staindrop school has experienced a long period of turbulence and instability in staffing, including leadership'
SIGNIFICANT changes have not saved a dale school from being rated as “requires improvement” after a recent Ofsted inspection.
Now teachers at Staindrop School will have to wait until early next year to see if their effort to turn the school around has had an impact.
Ofsted has described the school as “coasting”, meaning that while it meets the government’s minimum standards of pupil progress, pupil achievement was below the national average for progress in English and mathematics during 2014 and 2015.
The school was thrown into turmoil in February when the headteacher, Andrew Flint, left unexpectedly.
The inspection report said: “Since the previous inspection, the school has experienced a long period of turbulence and instability in staffing, including leadership.
“This has had an adverse impact on the school’s journey to becoming a good school. Over this time, leadership has not been strong enough to prevent a significant decline in both the quality of teaching and pupils’ outcomes.”
The inspection was held on June 13 and takes into account last year’s GCSE results.
The school’s management hopes this year’s results will be vastly improved since new mathematics and English teaching staff were appointed in September.
The inspectors described the teaching of English, maths and science as “not consistently good enough”.
Acting headteacher Alyson Carr said new science teachers would join the school in September.
In a letter to parents she said: “You will be as disappointed as I am to find the school judged to be ‘requires improvement’. This was mainly because the progress of pupils in the past 36 months has not been as strong as it should have been.
“The majority of students at the school do make at least the expected progress but we agree with the inspection team’s judgement that this is an area for further improvement.”
The report credits Ms Carr with making changes that seem to be starting to work.
Ofsted lead inspector Mark Evans said: “The acting headteacher leads the school well.
“She has put in place rigorous systems for checking progress and addressing the variability in the quality of teaching. These are having positive impact on the work of the school.”
However, while the report indicates that disadvantaged pupils do not make the progress they should and absenteeism in this group is a problem. The report also said there was some low level disruption and boisterous behaviour by pupils in the school. This, the report said, is not consistently challenged by staff.
Further problems were identified in the presentation of pupils’ work which was described as not consistent enough and there was too much variability in teachers’ expectations of what constitutes neat work.
The checking of pupils’ progress was also found to be inconsistent. On the positive side, the report found that the school provides well for pupils with special education needs and disabilities.
The report said: “The school knows its pupils well. It provides effective independent advice and guidance for pupils to help them make decisions about next steps.
Ofsted has described the school as “coasting”, meaning that while it meets the government’s minimum standards of pupil progress, pupil achievement was below the national average for progress in English and mathematics during 2014 and 2015.
The school was thrown into turmoil in February when the headteacher, Andrew Flint, left unexpectedly.
The inspection report said: “Since the previous inspection, the school has experienced a long period of turbulence and instability in staffing, including leadership.
“This has had an adverse impact on the school’s journey to becoming a good school. Over this time, leadership has not been strong enough to prevent a significant decline in both the quality of teaching and pupils’ outcomes.”
The inspection was held on June 13 and takes into account last year’s GCSE results.
The school’s management hopes this year’s results will be vastly improved since new mathematics and English teaching staff were appointed in September.
The inspectors described the teaching of English, maths and science as “not consistently good enough”.
Acting headteacher Alyson Carr said new science teachers would join the school in September.
In a letter to parents she said: “You will be as disappointed as I am to find the school judged to be ‘requires improvement’. This was mainly because the progress of pupils in the past 36 months has not been as strong as it should have been.
“The majority of students at the school do make at least the expected progress but we agree with the inspection team’s judgement that this is an area for further improvement.”
The report credits Ms Carr with making changes that seem to be starting to work.
Ofsted lead inspector Mark Evans said: “The acting headteacher leads the school well.
“She has put in place rigorous systems for checking progress and addressing the variability in the quality of teaching. These are having positive impact on the work of the school.”
However, while the report indicates that disadvantaged pupils do not make the progress they should and absenteeism in this group is a problem. The report also said there was some low level disruption and boisterous behaviour by pupils in the school. This, the report said, is not consistently challenged by staff.
Further problems were identified in the presentation of pupils’ work which was described as not consistent enough and there was too much variability in teachers’ expectations of what constitutes neat work.
The checking of pupils’ progress was also found to be inconsistent. On the positive side, the report found that the school provides well for pupils with special education needs and disabilities.
The report said: “The school knows its pupils well. It provides effective independent advice and guidance for pupils to help them make decisions about next steps.
Footballers to scale heights for mental health charity
A SELFLESS football team are tackling the Yorkshire Three Peaks to raise money for a men’s mental health charity.
A dozen members and supporters of Barnard Castle FC Sunday side will take on Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent and Whernside this Sunday to raise fund for CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably).
Sponsorship will be split 75:25 in favour of the charity with the other quarter going to help improve facilities at the club and cover the cost of maintaining the pitch at Tensfield.
The group aim to complete the challenge in 12 hours.
Organiser and club manager Jimmy Raine said the CALM cause was important in the town at the moment.
He added: “It’s not just for ourselves – with what’s happened in the town recently we were looking for a small charity which was male orientated so we went for CALM.
“We have seen lots of families affected recently by events so we thought it was a good choice.”
Suicide is the biggest killer of men aged under 45 in the UK.
County Durham in particular has a higher rate of male suicide than the national average.
The Rural Services Network has also raised concerns about some rural occupations – including farming – having high suicide rates with those who develop mental illness in rural areas seem less likely to seek treatment compared to people in urban areas.
Mr Raine said CALM offered a voice on the end of the phone to talk to.
He added: “There is someone to talk to – someone who you don’t know. They man the phones every day so people can ring up and that’s what they need the money for.
“People don’t have to be embarrassed about it at all.”
It isn’t the first charity fundraiser the club has taken on.
A couple of years ago the squad hiked 42 miles across the Yorkshire Dales for Motor Neurone Disease Association and the year before that they raised money for the Great North Air Ambulance.
Mr Raine, 25, said the lads had done “no training whatsoever” for the three peaks challenge but was confident his new Ordnance Survey map would see the group through.
“It should be a proper route – we’ve got people who don’t play football who just wanted to be involved,” he added.
“We have had a good response so far with sheets going around workplaces like Smith’s, Glaxo and AKV.
“Everyone seems to have got behind it.”
The club will enter a new chapter this year as Barnard Castle FC Sunday XI will merge with Bowes FC for the 2017/18 season.
To donate to the squad’s Three Peaks challenge go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/barneyfcyorkshire3peaks.
A sponsorship sheet is also up on the noticeboard at Barnard Castle Cricket Club.
To find out more about the work of CALM, go to thecalm zone.net
A dozen members and supporters of Barnard Castle FC Sunday side will take on Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent and Whernside this Sunday to raise fund for CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably).
Sponsorship will be split 75:25 in favour of the charity with the other quarter going to help improve facilities at the club and cover the cost of maintaining the pitch at Tensfield.
The group aim to complete the challenge in 12 hours.
Organiser and club manager Jimmy Raine said the CALM cause was important in the town at the moment.
He added: “It’s not just for ourselves – with what’s happened in the town recently we were looking for a small charity which was male orientated so we went for CALM.
“We have seen lots of families affected recently by events so we thought it was a good choice.”
Suicide is the biggest killer of men aged under 45 in the UK.
County Durham in particular has a higher rate of male suicide than the national average.
The Rural Services Network has also raised concerns about some rural occupations – including farming – having high suicide rates with those who develop mental illness in rural areas seem less likely to seek treatment compared to people in urban areas.
Mr Raine said CALM offered a voice on the end of the phone to talk to.
He added: “There is someone to talk to – someone who you don’t know. They man the phones every day so people can ring up and that’s what they need the money for.
“People don’t have to be embarrassed about it at all.”
It isn’t the first charity fundraiser the club has taken on.
A couple of years ago the squad hiked 42 miles across the Yorkshire Dales for Motor Neurone Disease Association and the year before that they raised money for the Great North Air Ambulance.
Mr Raine, 25, said the lads had done “no training whatsoever” for the three peaks challenge but was confident his new Ordnance Survey map would see the group through.
“It should be a proper route – we’ve got people who don’t play football who just wanted to be involved,” he added.
“We have had a good response so far with sheets going around workplaces like Smith’s, Glaxo and AKV.
“Everyone seems to have got behind it.”
The club will enter a new chapter this year as Barnard Castle FC Sunday XI will merge with Bowes FC for the 2017/18 season.
To donate to the squad’s Three Peaks challenge go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/barneyfcyorkshire3peaks.
A sponsorship sheet is also up on the noticeboard at Barnard Castle Cricket Club.
To find out more about the work of CALM, go to thecalm zone.net
Classic cars add ‘wow factor’ to It’s A Knock-Out
OWNERS of classic cars are being invited to hit the road to what promises to be a knock-out afternoon of family fun in Barnard Castle on Saturday (July 22).
Town charity The Clique has signed up 16 teams for an It’s A Knock-Out challenge, and organisers are keen to add to the entertainment on the rugby pitches at the Demesnes.
In addition to other previously announced attractions, such as a bouncy castle, food stalls, face-painting and live music, there will be a display of classic cars.
And Dave Harper, a member of The Clique, said anyone with their own vintage motor was welcome to take part.
“If anyone has a classic car and is willing to drive it down we will be over the moon to see them.”
He also invited anyone who had “anything of interest” that could add to the event, they should get in touch.
“We want a real ‘wow’ factor. It’s going to be a great family day out. Bring picnics and rugs.”
The centrepiece of the afternoon is the It’s a Knock-Out competition, which is based on the TV show watched by millions from 1966 to 1982.
It will follow the same format as the show, with plenty of water, greasy poles and rolling logs to trip competitors up.
The fun starts at noon and will continue until about 5pm.
Then between 5pm and 8pm there will be two local bands performing.
Admission for spectators and visitors to It’s A Knock-Out will be £3 for adults and £1 for the U16s.
Wrist bands will be issued on entry to the Demesnes so people can come and go throughout the day.
Mr Harper urged those planning to come not to bring alcohol.
Drink will be available at the venue and cash raised from sales forms a major part of the day’s fundraising activities.
“All the money raised will go back into good causes in the town,” said Mr Harper.
Anyone wishing to take part in the display of classic cars, or who wishes to find out more about contributing to the day’s activities, should contact Mr Harper on 07885 520017.
The event is the latest money spinner The Clique has dreamt up. Others include an annual bed push and a Boxing Day dip in the Tees.
Town charity The Clique has signed up 16 teams for an It’s A Knock-Out challenge, and organisers are keen to add to the entertainment on the rugby pitches at the Demesnes.
In addition to other previously announced attractions, such as a bouncy castle, food stalls, face-painting and live music, there will be a display of classic cars.
And Dave Harper, a member of The Clique, said anyone with their own vintage motor was welcome to take part.
“If anyone has a classic car and is willing to drive it down we will be over the moon to see them.”
He also invited anyone who had “anything of interest” that could add to the event, they should get in touch.
“We want a real ‘wow’ factor. It’s going to be a great family day out. Bring picnics and rugs.”
The centrepiece of the afternoon is the It’s a Knock-Out competition, which is based on the TV show watched by millions from 1966 to 1982.
It will follow the same format as the show, with plenty of water, greasy poles and rolling logs to trip competitors up.
The fun starts at noon and will continue until about 5pm.
Then between 5pm and 8pm there will be two local bands performing.
Admission for spectators and visitors to It’s A Knock-Out will be £3 for adults and £1 for the U16s.
Wrist bands will be issued on entry to the Demesnes so people can come and go throughout the day.
Mr Harper urged those planning to come not to bring alcohol.
Drink will be available at the venue and cash raised from sales forms a major part of the day’s fundraising activities.
“All the money raised will go back into good causes in the town,” said Mr Harper.
Anyone wishing to take part in the display of classic cars, or who wishes to find out more about contributing to the day’s activities, should contact Mr Harper on 07885 520017.
The event is the latest money spinner The Clique has dreamt up. Others include an annual bed push and a Boxing Day dip in the Tees.
Thursday, 20 July 2017
'Have you asked the vandals to stop while you are deciding?'
A NO show from disgruntled sports players at a village meeting was criticised by councillors.
Members of Evenwood Cricket Club were left upset last month after the parish council put the brakes on their plans to protect equipment with a CCTV system.
The council cited human rights concerns and the need for a public consultation before any possible installation at the Welfare Ground.
The cricket club said the money they had secured for the system would be lost because of a funding cut-off. They also feared the impact of more vandal attacks.
Long-time club supporter and pensioner Dennis Waistell attended last week’s parish meeting to voice his concerns.
He asked councillors: “I would like to know why you won’t allow the cricketers to put up a cameras to stop the vandalism.”
The parish council’s chairwoman, Cllr Barbara Nicholson, replied that the club had not been stopped, adding that councillors were “looking at the right way of doing it”.
She added: “We have asked them to wait until we can look into it.”
Mr Waistell, a regular spectator at home matches, hit back: “Have you asked the vandals to stop while you are deciding?”
He was reminded that the cricket club didn’t own the land – to which he replied: “Neither do you.”
The Welfare Ground is run by the trustees, which are made up of members of the parish council.
Cllr Nicholson said: “That land is for everybody not just the cricketers. It just goes to show because how many cricketers are here tonight? Where are they? They aren’t here. Why?”
Mr Waistell said: “Maybe they are sick and tired of trying or maybe they are playing cricket.”
The cricket club has been at loggerheads with the parish council over a number of issues in the past.
Members of Evenwood Cricket Club were left upset last month after the parish council put the brakes on their plans to protect equipment with a CCTV system.
The council cited human rights concerns and the need for a public consultation before any possible installation at the Welfare Ground.
The cricket club said the money they had secured for the system would be lost because of a funding cut-off. They also feared the impact of more vandal attacks.
Long-time club supporter and pensioner Dennis Waistell attended last week’s parish meeting to voice his concerns.
He asked councillors: “I would like to know why you won’t allow the cricketers to put up a cameras to stop the vandalism.”
The parish council’s chairwoman, Cllr Barbara Nicholson, replied that the club had not been stopped, adding that councillors were “looking at the right way of doing it”.
She added: “We have asked them to wait until we can look into it.”
Mr Waistell, a regular spectator at home matches, hit back: “Have you asked the vandals to stop while you are deciding?”
He was reminded that the cricket club didn’t own the land – to which he replied: “Neither do you.”
The Welfare Ground is run by the trustees, which are made up of members of the parish council.
Cllr Nicholson said: “That land is for everybody not just the cricketers. It just goes to show because how many cricketers are here tonight? Where are they? They aren’t here. Why?”
Mr Waistell said: “Maybe they are sick and tired of trying or maybe they are playing cricket.”
The cricket club has been at loggerheads with the parish council over a number of issues in the past.
Cockfield family’s 999 thanks after farm accident
THE grateful daughter of a man who was airlifted to hospital after being kicked in the head by a cow is raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
George Dent, a 61-year-old farmer from Cockfield, suffered a blow to the head after one of his cows kicked him on February 21, 2016, causing life-threatening blood loss.
The previous month, Mr Dent suffered a mild heart attack caused by a blood clot, meaning he was already on blood thinners for life and any bleeds required urgent medical attention.
The air ambulance team flew him to James Cook University Hospital in under 14 minutes where he received the care needed to make a full recovery.
Mr Dent’s daughter, Amy Burney, 35, said: “My dad suffered a serious blow to the head, and as it was February he was wearing a woolly hat at the time.
“He took the hat off and it was full of blood, so I tried to patch him up, and within minutes of phoning 999
the air ambulance were here and they were absolutely amazing.
“I explained what had happened and told them that he was on medication to make sure he got the right treatment.
“They instantly took over and were just top class.
“Without the air ambulance, dad would have had to travel to hospital by road which is more than 30 miles away and up to an hour’s travelling time.”
To thank the service for their quick response to the scene, the mother-of-three, from Bishop Auckland, raised money by taking part in a 20-mile bike ride from Cockfield to Barnard Castle.
Mrs Burney hadn’t ridden a bike since she was 15, but as soon as she put her foot on the pedals she discovered a new-found enjoyment for the sport.
She said the training has been tough, but her family have been supportive, especially her three young children, who have regularly accompanied her on family bike rides.
She hopes that her
sponsored bike ride will become an annual event and eventually plans to bike
from her home to Middlesbrough.
Mrs Burney said: “I don’t know what we would have done without the air ambulance.
“No amount of money in the world can ever repay them.
“My dad is priceless to us. We love him with every beat of our hearts.
“We will be forever thankful and grateful for what they did for my dad.”
The Great North Air Ambulance Service needs to raise about £5million a year to continue to operate.
For more information and to donate money, visit www.gnaas.com
George Dent, a 61-year-old farmer from Cockfield, suffered a blow to the head after one of his cows kicked him on February 21, 2016, causing life-threatening blood loss.
The previous month, Mr Dent suffered a mild heart attack caused by a blood clot, meaning he was already on blood thinners for life and any bleeds required urgent medical attention.
The air ambulance team flew him to James Cook University Hospital in under 14 minutes where he received the care needed to make a full recovery.
Mr Dent’s daughter, Amy Burney, 35, said: “My dad suffered a serious blow to the head, and as it was February he was wearing a woolly hat at the time.
“He took the hat off and it was full of blood, so I tried to patch him up, and within minutes of phoning 999
the air ambulance were here and they were absolutely amazing.
“I explained what had happened and told them that he was on medication to make sure he got the right treatment.
“They instantly took over and were just top class.
“Without the air ambulance, dad would have had to travel to hospital by road which is more than 30 miles away and up to an hour’s travelling time.”
To thank the service for their quick response to the scene, the mother-of-three, from Bishop Auckland, raised money by taking part in a 20-mile bike ride from Cockfield to Barnard Castle.
Mrs Burney hadn’t ridden a bike since she was 15, but as soon as she put her foot on the pedals she discovered a new-found enjoyment for the sport.
She said the training has been tough, but her family have been supportive, especially her three young children, who have regularly accompanied her on family bike rides.
She hopes that her
sponsored bike ride will become an annual event and eventually plans to bike
from her home to Middlesbrough.
Mrs Burney said: “I don’t know what we would have done without the air ambulance.
“No amount of money in the world can ever repay them.
“My dad is priceless to us. We love him with every beat of our hearts.
“We will be forever thankful and grateful for what they did for my dad.”
The Great North Air Ambulance Service needs to raise about £5million a year to continue to operate.
For more information and to donate money, visit www.gnaas.com
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