Donation gives Teesdale social enterprise a warm feeling

A SOCIAL enterprise has been given a cash boost so its volunteers can get down to the knitty gritty.

Teesdale U3A celebrated its tenth anniversary with a raffle earlier this year. The £630 proceeds have now been donated to Warm Age Wood Company, a social enterprise based in Market Place, Barnard Castle.

Along with giving one bag of wood to those in need for every ten bags sold, Warm Age Wood Company sells knitted items, of which ten per cent of the profits buys additional wood. Volunteers knit the garments and will use the money to buy even more materials.

Margaret Forsyth, one of the helpers, said: “We use all real wood – merino and bluefaced Leicester and sometimes alpaca. There are no synthetics – we insist on that. This money means we’re going to be able to buy even more materials so we can make even more garments.”

The social enterprise is run by Dave Watson and Gerardine O’Connor.

Alan Swindale, chairman of U3A, thanked all those at U3A who helped with the raffle as well as the following businesses for donating prizes:

Ann Whitfield, Kyle Travel, Beauty Box, Hoppers jewellers, Clarendens, Morrisons supermarket, Edinburgh Woolen Mill, Tilley Bailey Irvine Solicitors, Chocolate Fayre, Three Horse Shoes, Brookes, Allium, 149 Fish & Chips, Il Palazzo, No 15 cafe, Mainsgill farm shop, Oliviers, Gun Shop, 54 Degrees North, Maxwells, Boho Boo, Maudes Coaches, Boyes, Co-op, Teesdale Restaurant, Hayloft shop, Teesdale Mercury, The Witham, Penny’s Teashop, Katie’s Fish and Chip shop, The Crown Mickleton, No3 Cafe, Moody Bakers, McFarlanes Butcher, Viva, McGarry and Co solicitors, as well as U3A members.

Plan for dazzling illuminations in Staindrop

COUNCILLORS have told Christmas lights volunteers not to hold back on their request for cash to put on a new display this year.

The Christmas light motifs that line the A688 have become an icon for those who travel through Staindrop during the festive season, but they have reached the end of their lifespan.

Now the village’s Christmas lights committee has come up with a crafty plan to replace the display.

Speaking during the last Staindrop Parish Council’s meeting, committee member Shelagh Stewart said they could not justify the cost of spending more money on the motifs.

She added: “So we thought we would branch wrap two more trees on the south side. And that’s proved to be far too expensive at £7,000 a tree.

“And we also have the upkeep of the two trees we already branch-wrap. Every three years you have to have it taken down because trees expand and grow – that is happening this year and it costs £2,500. To me it is dead money. Like the motifs, it was dead money.”

Another cost was the testing of the timers and the streetlight poles, she said.

Ms Stewart said advice from Durham County Council officers was to remove the timers and to put up new LED lights at the top of the 19 motif streetlight poles.

These are cheaper than the motifs, are more energy efficient and pole testing is not required to put them up.

Parish councillors suggested the Christmas lights committee be more ambitious and think about decorating even more poles through the village with LED lights.

They urged the committee to request more money from the council so that it can be discussed when the finance committee meets in September.

In addition to the new lights, the committee wants to create new static displays on the green. Ms Stewart said: “Sandra [May] came up with an alternative to the actual lights in putting some what I describe as tableau, under the trees. We identified some trees we could put them under.”

The committee members produced some prototypes of Santas, angels, toadstools, a Santa’s workshop and reindeer fashioned from logs.

Ms May said: “So you would have Rudolph with his red nose, then you would have a group of ordinary reindeer around Rudolph.

“They would all be screwed onto a board that would probably make it too heavy for anyone to tip over, or not easily taken away.

“Then, we could have a little Santa’s workshop and that would be fastened on a tree with cable ties.

“Then Santa would have some elves and a toadstool.”

On an unusually shaped tree outside of Gorst Hall, the committee hopes to put three angels, each of a different size perched on one of the branches. Ms May added: “They would all have different expressions on their face so they would be like cheeky little angels.”

A final idea is to have a memory tree on which people can place wooden stars with messages to loved ones they have lost. The stars would be given free of charge and people could take them down and keep them after Christmas.

The lights volunteers were congratulated by parish councillors on their ideas for the new village illuminations

Cllr Ed Chicken said: “I think it is fantastic. Everyone who drives through enjoys the display

“ I think it merits having lights on the tableaux. It is such a shame because they are superb but you aren't going to see them after the sun goes down.”

Duo to establish Barnard Castle branch of popular Pimms and Needles ladies group

A LADIES group which has soared in popularity since starting out a couple of years ago is branching out to Barnard Castle.

Pimms and Needles, which holds activities ranging from chocolate nights and laughter yoga to murder mystery evenings and life drawing, is holding its Barnard Castle launch at The Hub on Thursday, September 7, from 7pm to 9pm, when there will be entertainment and a clothes swish (swap).

The group, a not-for-profit community organisation, was founded by Charlotte Pyrah and Donna Feeney in 2015. It has three existing groups including in Darlington.

An Aycliffe Village group started in April and saw all 70 memberships snapped up in weeks.

“We get messages every week from ladies who want to join us, so we asked on our Facebook page where they wanted so see a new group and Barnard Castle was a very popular choice. We loved the vibrant community feel at The Hub, so it was an ideal choice of venue for us” said Ms Pyrah.

Ms Feeney said feedback from members is that the groups are great for their mental health as well as a being a good way to meet new people.

She added: “We get lots of ladies who join us that are new to the area and want to meet like-minded ladies but we also get groups of friends who are tired of just socialising on nights out and want to try something new and fun.

“Our activities range from more traditional skills such as making hanging baskets, cake decorating and sewing to laughter yoga, murder mystery evenings and life drawing. We love that everyone comes to our groups with an open mind and willing to try something new.”

The new group planned for Barnard Castle will meet each month at The Hub. Further groups to “meet demand” are planned for the Durham, Teesside and North Yorkshire areas in coming months.

Look for Pimms & Needles on Facebook for more information.

Carnival season concludes with Hamsterley Hoppings

CARNIVAL season was rounded off on Sunday withthe hosting of the annual Hamsterley Hoppings.

Along with a vintage car show, the village green was teeming with people enjoying stalls, a funfair and classic games like giant skittles.

Firemen from Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service brought along their fire trucks for children to enjoy while their parents experienced the weight of the gear they have to wear.

Volunteers from the Bishop Auckland outdoor spectacle Kynren showed off their horsemanship and demonstrated the work of a farrier, who hammered out horseshoes on an anvil.

Later in the afternoon children showed off their furry friends during the dog show where prizes such as waggiest tail and most unusual pet were award.

This was followed by traditional sports and races.

Landmark pub finally hoping to attract a buyer

ENGLAND’S highest pub, which has been on and off the market for the past decade, is back up for sale.

The Tan Hill Inn went up for sale in 2008 but landlady Louise Peace says she took it off the market because of a lack of interest.

It had a £1.1million price tag at the time, but is now on the market for £950,000.

It is hoped a renewed push in 2017 will finally realise a buyer who will have to get to grips with snowdrifts, blocked roads and blizzards in winter.

Ms Peace said: “I think it is the wrong time to sell and the right time to buy, but my husband is 70 now and it is this time of life that we want to slow down and spend more time together.”

The couple live in Somerset and Ms Peace currently spends about ten days at the inn, then three or four days at home before returning to the pub.

Her husband Mike, a tunnelling consultant, remains at home in Somerset while his wife manages the pub.

The 56-year-old added that there is a lot that any new owners could do to develop the inn, but she has been forced to hold back because she cannot take on additional work.

She said: “I am trying not to progress because it makes more work for me. There is a lot of inspiration to be had at Tan Hill.

“My advice to any new owner is not to change the bar. The bar is the lifeblood of the inn. People come in and say it is traditional. It just needs a good spruce up without it being themed. It is spit and sawdust really.”

Additions she has held back on include extending the kitchen and adding on six more bedrooms which could accommodate a further 27 guests. Planning permission has already been granted for the extensions.

There is also permission to erect a wind turbine near the inn which currently gets its electricity supply from two generators.

Extensive work has been carried out at the inn over the past two years with the “almost full-time” handyman refurbishing several of the rooms and improving the generator and septic tank.

Another area where the inn has gained a reputation is in hosting music events, some of which are geared towards raising cash for charity.

The likes of Arctic Monkeys, Mark Ronson and Scouting for Girls have performed in Tan Hill Inn’s barn to audiences of about 200 people.

Ms Peace said: “I love music. I love listening to anything. It is just a wonderful atmosphere. They are very intimate gigs.”

The Arctic Monkeys’ gig raised in excess of £6,000 for Children in Need.

Extra work taken on includes weddings which Ms Peace uses to increase trade over the winter months. Four have been held this year and another three are booked for the coming winter.

Ms Peace said: “The books are very, very healthy. Turnover is in the £600,000 a year minimum.”

Previously in catering, Ms Peace said she has no idea why she and her husband decided to buy the pub when they did except that they had seen it on the market and her husband had suggested they have a look.

She said: “I told my husband I don’t do Yorkshire and I don’t do pubs. It has been 12 years down the line and I do do Yorkshire and I do do pubs.”

Ideas come forward for future of Ingleton sports pavilion

A CONSULTATION has revealed a Teesdale village wants more sporting and social activities at a former cricket pavilion.

Ingleton Parish Council has debated the fate of the pavilion at the recreation field since the cricket club folded in 2009.

Questionnaires, an open day and chats between councillors and residents have uncovered a desire for healthier lifestyles – including suggestions for a “multi gym” a multi sports pitch and a running track near the pavilion.

A camp out on the field attracted more than 40 people last month.

Family fun days, more camping activities and sports days were also high on the list for residents. A committee to work out what the village wants from their pavilion was set up earlier this summer with question sheets posted around the parish.

Cllr Judith Pressley was pleased with the feedback.

She added: “People are keen to develop our resources in the village for the benefit of everyone and the parish council can help with facilitating this process.

“We will try to improve the facilities both inside the pavilion and outside on the field and funding will help us achieve this.”

Getting that cash is now the priority for the parish council with bidding and winning grants the target for autumn. Cllr Pressley added: “We already have a fantastic village hall and our sports pavilion and field will complement them.

“It may be in the future that they can be used by a wider community such as the larger surrounding villages.”

A public meeting into the pavilion's future will be held in the village hall on September 6, at 6.45pm.

Higher fencing and CCTV in bid to beat Staindrop playground vandals

A PARISH council is considering putting up higher fencing and CCTV cameras to protect their village’s playground.

The second phase of Staindrop’s new playground was opened in May but late night visits there by older youths has the parish council worried that the equipment may be damaged.

The previous playground had to be closed because of vandalism.

The two stage redevelopment of the playground was initiated by parents in the village with the help of the parish council.

Staindrop parish councillors discussed various security measures at their meeting in July when it was also mentioned that the entrance gate needs replacing.

A suggestion of putting up signs restricting the opening time, possibly to 8pm, was made.

Parish clerk Tom Bolton said: “If you are going to lock it down you are going to have to pay somebody because however well intentioned parents of children who use it might be, these sorts of arrangements tend to fall down after a period of time.

“The only way would be to have higher fencing and probably a higher field gate.”

Cllr Roger Humphries added: “We may have to bite the bullet.

“I might be in the dark ages here, but I had an idea of something that goes around a tennis court.

“A mesh fence, with a gate in, with ten foot right along the front. I don’t know wether that is feasible.

“I don’t know if that is the right answer, but that is what I always had in mind. I would have thought it is a hell of a lot cheaper than paying £700 for one gate.”

On considering the option of CCTV cameras, chairman David Reed said the plan was to do an installation in conjunction with Staindrop Scouts, whose hut is adjacent to the playground, but so far there had been no response.

He said: “Rather than waiting for the Scouts, why don’t we just do our own.

“Why doesn’t the parish council take responsibility and just put one in.”

The council decided to look at the cost of the options of fencing and CCTV cameras.

Cllr Ed Chicken summed up the issue: “Ninety per cent of people that use it, love it.

“It is the ones who don’t actually use it as a play park that are the problem.”

Dispute over access holds up Barnard Castle -West Auckland railway path plan

PROSPECTS for a Teesdale heritage path look bleak as a dispute over access and rising costs continue to hold back work.

The South West Durham Heritage Corridor Project between Barnard Castle and West Auckland received a £15,000 boost from Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP) to link up Dent Gate Lane and Bluestone Grange, in Marwood, in the latest round of funding.

But the bid has hit the buffers for the time being as negotiations over the sale of a strip of land on the proposed path have found no way forward.

The project along the former railway line has developed in different guises for the past 11 years.

TAP picked up the pathway after funding dried up in 2010 and a grant of £10,000 allowed phase one between East Pethrow and Cockfield Fell to be completed in 2015.

But the state of the renovated stretch has drawn concerns from Cockfield Parish Council in the past.

TAP co-ordinator Craig Morgan told board members “significant issues” arising from ecological reports and site surveys would mean the stretch could not been completed at present due to

costs.

Adrian White, Durham County Council’s head of transport and contract services, said improvements would be seen “as and when opportunities arise”.

He added: “The section from Dent Gate Lane to Bluestone Grange had been identified for such improvements but our exploratory work has shown that the area is of high ecological value and unfortunately, the cost of carrying out mitigation works means that the scheme is not feasible at this stage.

“We are currently working with the area action partnership and third parties towards reallocating the identified funding to an alternative section.”

Alternative routes to link up the path with routes near the back of Teesdale Leisure Centre are being explored.

Man killed in farm tragedy

A 51-YEAR-OLD Hamsterley man was killed on Sunday in a farming accident, police have confirmed.

Fire and rescue service, road ambulances and an air ambulance attended the incident which happened shortly before 1.30pm, on August 27, at a farm near Staindrop.

A spokesperson for the Great North Air Ambulance Service said they were called at about 1.30pm with a report of a man who had a life threatening injury. Sadly the patient was not airlifted.

A police spokesperson added: “We were called to an incident at around 1.30pm on Sunday, August 27 which involved the death of a 51-year-old man who was working on a farm in Staindrop.

“We are working closely with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.

“County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, North East Ambulance Service and the Great North Air Ambulance also attended the incident, but sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Officers from the HSC confirmed they were made aware of the incident and had visited the scene.

A spokesperson said: “HSE are working closely with Durham Constabulary to establish the circumstances surrounding the man's death."

Kindhearted Joan leaves £24,000 in her will to Teesdale charity – and the residents who have volunteered to keep their community pub going. This week's Teesdale Mercury.

Another news-packed Teesdale Mercury is in the shops today and it comes with a free 16-page rural life supplement. Here are some of the headlines in the main paper:

Kindhearted Joan leaves £24,000 in her will to a dale charity.

Residents step in to make sure their community pub keeps going.

Mum’s cancer fight inspires Laura’s head shave.

GCSE results – pictures and reports from Staindrop, Barnard Castle and Teesdale school.

Rise in foodbank users prompts project co-ordinator’s special challenge.

Town’s first commercial brewery in years starts selling its ales.

Holiday and tourist destinations are reporting a mixed bag of fortunes this year.

Call for more funds as crime soars in County Durham.

Medal of hour for Scout leader John Moore.

A book delving into the “secret life” of Barnard Castle and Teesdale is to be published.

Chippie to close due to extractor fan issue.

Trio’s tribute to brothers lost on Great War battlefields.

Cash donation gives social enterprise a warm feeling.

Let there be light – plan for dazzling illuminations in Staindrop.

It’s ladies night as new group starts in Barnard Castle.

Hamsterley Hoppings – two pages of photos.

Plus letters, community news, classifieds, Remember When, personal announcements, motors, four pages of what’s on – and five pages of sport including news, results and pictures from local cricket and football.

Developer under fire after closure of popular path in Startforth

A WELL-USED path fenced off near a forthcoming housing estate has angered villagers.

Kier Living Ltd is building 162 homes on the land near Deerbolt Young Offenders’ Institute, off the A67, in Startforth.

Fencing was erected around the site earlier this summer but dog walkers and pedestrians are unhappy an adjoining footpath has been blocked off.

Keith Tarn has lived in Startforth for nearly 38 years and often used the path to walk his dog.

He said: “I cannot work it out. If they put the fence up on the right side we could have still used all of that.”

Villager Liz Franklin was also less than pleased.

She said: “Lots of people used to use it. I just feel like they are taking away the

village without our permission.

“I don’t object to the housing in itself but the way they are doing it feels like they are riding roughshod over people.”

Parish councillor Chris Carr harboured a safety concern.

He said: “The path does offer a safe route down the road side for school children because it’s such a quick road.”

A sign near the fence erected by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) states use of the marked footpath “may be withdrawn at any time”, instructing pedestrians to keep to the footpath and keep dogs under close control.

A spokesman from the HCA said the path was now part of a construction site and Kier had closed the stretch for health and safety reasons.

He added: “They have a duty of care to the public. We put these little signs up so people should not be walking dogs on there – maybe people got used to using it but it’s not a footpath and there are other routes across the site.”

The housing estate will be made up of 55 two-bedroomed houses, 48 three-bedroomed properties and 59 four-bedroomed homes, including 24 affordable homes.

Questions had been raised over who was responsible for the path given the access it had offered in years gone by.

But a spokesperson for Durham County Council confirmed it had always been on private land and historical access to it had been granted in the past by the landowner.

Barnard Castle relief road 'will be included in County Durham plan'

A MULTI-million pound relief road for Barnard Castle is likely to be included in the County Durham Plan, according to campaigners who say they have been given the news unofficially.

In a statement, Durham County Council said no decisions have been made.

However, members of Barnard Castle HGV Action Group maintain that they have been informed unofficially that a road to take lorries away from the town centre will be in the next draft of the County Durham Plan, which will shape housing, infrastructure and economic policy in the next 20 years.

Campaigner and member of the lobby group Phil Hunt said: “It’s very good news but not a solution – just the first step in getting the solution.

“Having a relief road in the plan is one thing but getting someone to build it is another. Next is starting to think about the route of the road and looking to see where the finance will come from.”

The previously mooted route was to take traffic around the east of the town from Abbey Bridge to the A67.

The County Durham Plan stalled late last year after county councillors said they needed to wait so they could find out more about the Government’s latest housing policy.

It was the latest problem to hit the masterplan, which aims to transform the county’s economy. The council scrapped the original County Durham Plan in April 2016 to start again after spending £850,000 working on it since 2009. It followed criticism by an inspector.

Work was well underway on the latest version until it too was put on ice at the end of last year. But the latest hitch is only expected to be temporary.

Mr Hunt said he was told earlier this year by a cabinet member that the argument for a relief road, which would remove lorries from the historic heart of Barnard Castle and protect its heritage, had been accepted by county planners.

Mr Hunt, of Barningham, added: “Last week I was also told by someone with direct contact with senior planning officials that it has been accepted and will be in the plan.

“It’s the first step on the road – in the meantime we need to keep the pressure for Durham County Council to pull their fingers out about what improvements can be made to reduce the strain on the roads and protect monuments like the Abbey Bridge.”

He added that it has been a year since a site visit at the Abbey Bridge by councillors and community representatives after the structure was hit by vehicles.

Mr Hunt said alterations to the road markings near the bridge would give articulated wagons a better chance of passing safely.

“We have got to keep putting the pressure on,” he said.

Town councillor and member of the lobby group Judi Sutherland said: “There will be a lot of water under Abbey Bridge before any relief road happens, but we will be working to consult local people, shape the county council’s thinking, and feed in people’s views, during the consultation period [of the County Durham Plan].

Stuart Timmiss, head of planning and assets at the county council, said: “The County Durham Plan process is currently paused while we consider the impact of Government consultations following on from the Housing White Paper.

“Once we have clarity on a way forward we’ll be fully consulting with the public, businesses and community and interest groups – such as the HGV action group – to find out what they would like to see in the plan.

“At this time no decisions have been taken on what will be included in it.”

Gangsta Granny helps raise £400 for Hutton Magna church

HUTTON Magna held its second scarecrow trail earlier this month in aid of St Mary’s church.

Excellent weather resulted in a large number of visitors following the trail of 19 scarecrows, on the theme of a character from a children's book.

Visitors were issued with a trail guide and asked to award points for their favourite.

The eventual winner was “Gangsta Granny”. As a result of wanted posters appearing throughout the village, two members of the local constabulary were tipped off and made an arrest. Some £400 was raised, which will go towards the parish church.

Tenant's anger at state of property in Middleton-in-Teesdale

A HOME beset by leaks, damp and delays to repairs has led a vet receptionist to speak out.

Jill Hirst has lived in the centre of Middleton-in-Teesdale for almost five years in a North Star Housing property.

The 53-year-old has had to put up with a litany of repair delays, boiler faults, window leaks, damp carpets and slug invasions at her rented four-bedroom home with her husband. And she’s had enough.

Mrs Hirst said: “My husband is not keen on going for the jugular but I am and most people think it’s well past time.

“The problem is people keep coming to the properties, getting fed up and leaving rather than saying something.

“I have told them countless times.”

Problems with damp began soon after the couple moved into their new Market Place home in 2012.

Mrs Hirst recorded videos of water getting in through windows and making its way in through the front door.

“I have ankylosing spondylosis and asthma which should not be exposed to damp conditions,” she added.

“When it got round to Storm Desmond water was pouring in because they had not done anything about the previous leak.

“I got a water soluble pencil and you could watch it get washed away by water running down the wall.” But the problems didn’t end there.

Mrs Hirst said leaking water has caused the carpets to smell and the home’s boiler has been the subject of an ongoing saga.

She added: “Their response was ‘I can’t smell anything’. They were very flippant.

“We have had someone out for the boiler four times – the third time we were without hot water for a week and this time it was seven days at

least.

“They have one oil fitter based in Scarborough and it takes days to get someone out. When they came out they said it was going to take so many days to get the part – rather than just going down to Maxwells and getting it.

“If I wanted I proper wash I had to go elsewhere.”

North Star, the parent company of Teesdale Housing Association, was named in the top 0.5 per cent of companies in the UK by Investors in People Platinum for management and leadership. Mrs Hirst said the award stuck in her craw.

“Their customer service is absolutely terrible,” she added.

“They say they’ll be out but they seem to think you can drop everything – just because you live in a Housing Association home people think you’re the dregs of society and it does not mean you will be there 24 hours a day.

“My husband is running two businesses and he has to leave his job to come back – losing money every time.” The couple did manage to claim back five months of free rent after complaining about their living conditions.

However, that process was not smooth.

Mrs Hirst added: “I had to stand there ranting and complaining about the service – when it did happen they put the wrong name on the cheque – they seemed to think that was funny.

“We love the house and we love being in Middleton – these houses would be wonderful if they were looked after but in this day and age to be in a house as a person with a long term disability is just ridiculous.

Staindrop’s George Stennett has lived at Coronation Terrace for the past two years and also had one or two misgivings about his North Star property. The former TV engineer said: “All the ceilings are cracked but they would not replace it. All the skirting boards are odd.

“I am really tempted to pay for it myself but it’s annoying when it’s a housing association flat.”

Mr Stennett also cuts the council owned grass in front of his house as council cuts left grass clippings.

“I do not know when the houses were last modernised – I think age is catching up with them,” he added.

“You just cannot get anything done.”

North Star has apologised for the sub standard service.

A spokesperson for North Star said: “As a local landlord we strive to deliver quality services to our tenants. Working with our tenants, we carefully select contractors who share our commitment and values. On this occasion our service has fallen short of the standards that we expect and we are sorry for this.

“We have been working with the tenants at Market Place to make improvements to their home and we will continue to work closely with them to remedy their issues.”

The housing association has 825 properties in Teesdale, of which about 58 per cent of tenants receive housing benefits.

After installing her own shower, having scaffolding outside her house for months on end and witnessing her next door neighbour’s door fall on a visitor, Mrs Hirst wasn’t backing down. She said: “It’s not just for us – people go through these houses over and over again.”

Antiques dealer 'may quit Barnard Castle' over planning wrangle

A BARNARD Castle antiques dealer is threatening to leave the town after spending £300,000 on a new shop that he may not be able to use because of a planning wrangle.

Paul Ing bought the former Wilkinson’s gun shop, in Horsemarket, to expand his business, Ingnet Decorative Arts, which was located on The Bank.

But now a dispute over the installation of an acoustic ceiling and soundproofing has him wondering about moving away from the town.

Mr Ing was recently joined in business by his son, Charlie, and the plan was to move into the ground floor of the Horsemarket property and his son move into the upstairs area.

But planners say some sort of sound-proofing has to be installed because of the mixed use of retail and residential in the building. The 50-year-old said: “We thought we would buy the gun shop and expand the businesses, and change the upstairs into residential where Charlie can live.

“Now we have to spend another load of money on architects fees and we don’t even know what specs they want. I am livid. I have probably spent close to £300,000. I thought I would spend some more and do it up properly and save another property in the town. And this is what happens. I should have moved to Yarm or I should have opened my business in Richmond.”

Mr Ing added that he may have to rent to the property out, possibly making another charity shop in the town.

The antiques dealer said his plans were to install soundproof flooring upstairs and to put in special soundproofing foam in the ceiling. However, the installation of a false ceiling in the shop would be impossible in the main sales area because it is already so low, he said. He would not be able to hang his antique lighting in the showroom.

His son added: “I am frustrated. I want to move on and move forward and get on. It has taken eight or nine weeks just to get a response. At the moment we can't continue.

“I am the one living upstairs and any way it is just antiques down here. This isn’t Beauty and The Beast where the antiques come alive and have a party downstairs.”

The pair have already done extensive work to bring the property up to standard including putting in entirely new electric cabling.

County planners say they have been in regular contact with the antiques dealer and are working to find a solution to the problem.

Stuart Timmiss, Durham County Council’s head of planning and assets, said: “We have been in discussions with Mr Ing on a regular basis from his initial contact with us about redeveloping this site and granted planning permission at the first time of asking, within the eight week timeframe.

“Early in the application process, we informed Mr Ing that sound proofing measures of some kind would be required as is often the case with properties in mixed commercial and residential use. While we mentioned the possible creation of a false ceiling, we have explained that we are more than happy to consider alternatives and have provided advice on how insulation could be used.

“We will continue to work with Mr Ing towards finding a mutually acceptable solution.”

Animal centre is picture perfect thanks to artist Cathy

A CHILDREN’S book illustrator has used her natural talents to beautify a dale animal sanctuary.

Wetheriggs Animal Rescue Centre now sports a massive new mural along the length of its main building thanks to the work of artist Cathy Beaumont.

The mural features silhouettes of various animals, many of which can be found at the centre.

The 19-year-old, who is studying art history at the open university, found fame last year when she provided illustrations for children’s author Sam Shepherd’s book On the Coach last year.

Ms Beaumont said: “It was amazing to have it out there and it has been compared to Winnie the Pooh.”

The artist’s work is on display at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, as part of the Magic of Illustration exhibition.

He latest work, which is hundreds of feet in length, took about two weeks to complete, with Ms Beaumont sometimes working as late as 9pm.

She worked by first sketching in the outlines freehand and then carefully painting them. She said an interesting part of the project was working to the sound of animals in the background.

She added: “It was an absolutely beautiful attraction, it must be the most unusual painting I have done.”

A special studio is being established for the artist at the centre and she will be offering art and craft workshops for young people over the summer. Workshops for adults will take place in the autumn.

Club cooks up a surprise for West Auckland Town FC president

OFFICIALS at West Auckland Town FC helped cook up a surprise party when the club’s honorary president celebrated his 90th birthday.

Norman Ayton now lives with his wife, Jean, in Doncaster but keeps in regular touch with committee member Cliffy Alderson for updates on the team’s progress.

It was Mrs Ayton who organised her husband’s surprise buffet and extended an invite to any club officials and friends, as long as they kept it a secret.

General manager Stuart Alderson, committee member Dave Bussey and Cliffy Alderson made the trip and decided to take the Sir Thomas Lipton World Cup trophy with them. In addition to gifts from the club, there was also an engraved glass vase from Durham County FA in recognition of Mr Ayton’s many years’ service with the organisation.

Mr Bussey said: “The birthday buffet was about an hour old when we arrived and the surprise on Norman’s face was priceless when we entered the room.

“The masterpiece was a birthday cake made to look like the Sir Thomas Lipton trophy, with edible West Auckland badges running around it. A top cake for a top bloke.”

Stuart Alderson presented Mr Ayton with a club polo shirt and the vase on behalf of Durham County FA.

“During his speech, Stuart touched on how Norman would chase him and his mates off the field – something Stuart does himself these days,” said Mr Bussey.

Mr Ayton was 90 on the day West Auckland beat Guisborough 9-0 and plans a trip to see the team in action in the near future.

Teesdale Lions reflect on a busy 12 months

AT an informal annual dinner at The Crown, Mickleton, members of Teesdale and District Lions Club, with guests from neighbouring Lions Clubs and Barnard Castle Rotary Club, reflected on what has been one of the busiest on record.

This year is special in the Lions Club calendar as it is the 100th anniversary of the global organisation which was started by businessman Melvin Jones in Chicago for like-minded individuals who wanted to carry out community service.

Given that this event happened during The Great War, it is interesting to discover that the acronym “LIONS” actually stood for Liberty, Integrity – Our Nations Safety, and is nothing to do with rugby. The modern day objectives of the organisation are saving sight, serving youth, disaster relief and meeting humanitarian needs.

Between the wars, the famous Helen Keller challenged the organisation very early in its life to become “Knights of the Blind” and for much of its history, the Lions has focused on sight-related issues worldwide.

Lions Clubs first came to the UK in 1950, endorsed by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother to provide help to the war damaged areas of London and other UK cities.

The Teesdale and District Club was formed in 1984, and two founding members, Paul Beere and Jeff Dobson are active today.

Worldwide, there are more than 1.4 million Lions in 46,000 clubs, in 210 countries, making Lions Clubs International the largest community service group in the world.

In the UK alone, there are more than 17,000 members in 900 clubs.

Over the years, the organisation claims to have prevented serious loss of vision in 30million cases and provided in excess of 153 million treatments for river blindness, with 615 eye clinics and hospitals built. Additionally, Lions clubs have engaged with 13 million students and 600,000 educators via its Youth Development programmes.

In the last fiscal year, more than seven million people were helped by Lions Clubs aid, and $6.6 million of measles/rubella vaccinations were funded.

Teesdale and District Lions Club continues to support the global organisation, but the majority of efforts are still spent on local community initiatives.

Last year was no exception, with the club hosting two of its famous bingo with fish and chips events, and the usual Christmas music concert for Teesdale’s senior citizens. Christmas activities in town were supported, with Santa and his sleigh making appearances at the turning on of the Christmas lights, The Witham and GSK Club parties. The club continues to support Barnard Castle Athletics Club, Barnard Castle Band, Barnard Castle Rotary club (Veg Out in Barney scheme), Butterwick Hospice, The Castle Players, Marie Curie, Teesdale Lunch Clubs, The Witham and Charles Dickens Lodge, as well as a host of others on a one-off basis.

Money has also been donated to help buy defibrillators in Woodland and Copley.

During the year, almost £5,000 was raised and spent by the club on charitable activities. All money raised goes back into the community, with subscriptions to the global organisation paid by the members, meaning that the club has, effectively, no overheads.

The garden games, as always, were used to good effect over the summer, at the Barnard Castle 1940s weekend, Barningham Fete, and Montalbo and Staindrop schools. Members continue to play active roles in the higher governance of the organisation with both Nick and Sue Barron holding cabinet posts in the North East England and Scotland District.

As part of the Lions International Centenary, the club has initiated two legacy activities co-ordinated by 2016/7 president, Jeff Dobson.

Firstly, in a venture with the Friends of the North Pennines Trust, a new inscribed gate is to be installed on The Pennine Way route close to Widdybank Farm, in upper Teesdale.

Secondly, in partnership with Barnard Castle Town Council and the Friends of The Demesnes, a sum of money has been donated to help with a proposed wild flower planting scheme and other general maintenance.

Handing over the presidency, Mr Dobson thanked the club and partners for their support during the year and hoped that incoming president Graham Walker would enjoy his first year in office.

In a slight change, the Lions Club will now meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, at 8pm in the GSK Club.

Bob Garton

Keen competition as sun shines on Brough

A NUMBER of dale faces made the trip over to the Eden Valley as show season kicked into gear.

Brough Show welcomed a bumper turnout as it was blessed with sunshine for the second year running .

Thomas Brogden, of nearby Helbeck, took Swaledale champion honours with his gimmer shearling which also caught the eye at Stainmore Show in the spring.

Bred from a £14,000 tup, he said he was undecided whether to show it again this year.

Show secretary David Prince thought the 2017 show was on a par with last year’s installment.

He said: “Sheep entries are up again from last year but not by as much.

“Poultry is holding up which, when you bear in mind the avian flu restrictions, has been good.

“Horses and ponies are about the same.”

Brough Show allowed horse and pony entries on the day of the show.

Mr Prince was surprised by the uptake.

He added: “It has worked – we’ve had an extra £120 of entry money on the day.”

Tudhoe’s Jeff Daley is president of the Dales Pony Society and won one of his first prizes with a pony in the 1970s.

His son and grandson, Lee senior and Lee junior, upheld the family’s reputation with another strong showing.

Mr Daley said: “We do more disciplines than we did years ago and the market has changed a little bit.”

No love is lost in dales pony circles when it comes to shows and it is widely known as one of the more competitive categories on any showfield. As it happened, it was LT Daley and Sons who took champion honours with Highcroft Dream.

Dales Pony judge Mike German said the examples on show at Brough were “proper dales ponies”.

He added: “They’re not too fat in their working clothes and they have quite a lot of action. We try and share the prizes out a bit.”

He admitted there was a bit of needle in competition from time to time.

“I have been breeding dales horses for 40 years,” said Mr German.

“Some folk won’t show to a judge because of such and such a person – it doesn’t bother me.”

Mr Daley added: “An old pal of mine who was an ex-president said it didn’t matter whether you won, lost or drew – you always took your own pony home. I think that’s a very valid point.”

Laughter all the way thanks to comedy club's new season

A TEESDALE-base comedy club is promising ten of the best to keep a smile on people’s faces between now and Christmas.

Funny Way To Be has unveiled details of its autumn and winter season with a run of shows starting with Paul Chowdhry on Friday September 8, and concluding with a show by Ed Gamble on December 12.

The season’s highlight is undoubtedly the return visit to Barnard Castle of Omid Djalili.

Paul Chowdry kicks things off at The Witham with his brand new show Innit, tackling subjects such as race, relationships modern Britain with confidence and occasional, hilarious brutality.

In his wake, on Saturday, September 23 is Robin Ince, fresh from a 70-date, record breaking tour with Professor Brian Cox.

He will perform his first stand-up show in three years, Pragmatic Insanity.

The club hosts an evening of sketch comedy on Saturday, October 14, when American duo The Pajama Men present their show Pterodactyl Nights.

Lacing together bits from their extensive back catalogue and new material with bizarre improvised tangents, the Pajama Men create an anarchic night of jubilant and inventive comedy.

It’s one for the grown-ups a week later on Saturday, October 21, as The Thinking Drinkers perform their hilarious, informative and boozy show History of Alcohol.

Audience members can enjoy not only an intoxicating, time-travelling journey through our drink-drenched past, but five free drinks throughout the show.

On Friday, November 3, comedian and burgeoning rock star Nick Helm returns with his new show There Is Nothing You Can Do To Me That I Haven’t Already Done To Myself.

He last brought his combination of stand up, music and poetry to the town in 2015, and returns as part of his first nationwide tour.

The club hosts another TV comic on Saturday, November 11, as Matt Richardson brings his new show to town.

Slash covers the period since his last tour in 2013, from interviewing millionaire dogs in LA, ghost hunting with Craig Revel Horwood and having his phone pinched by Kate Moss.

On Friday, November 17, the surreal Shooting Stars scorekeeper Angelos Epithemiou joins forces with his 82-year-old pal and regular guest on Steve Wright’s Radio 2 show “Barry From Watford” to guide the audience through the complicated web of modern life.

After kicking off his last tour with a sell-out show at Funny Way To Be in March last year, award-winning comedian and actor, and one of the UK’s most recognisable performers Omid Djalili will return to The Witham with his new show Schmuck For a Night on Wednesday, November 22.

Then, internationally-acclaimed comedy star Daniel Sloss makes his Teesdale debut on Tuesday, November 28, with his stunning new show NOW.

After starting his comedy debut at just 16 by writing jokes for Frankie Boyle, he has since performed nine sell-out Edinburgh Fringe shows, two solo off-Broadway seasons and released a DVD.

Rounding off the season on Saturday, December 12, is Ed Gamble star of Mock the Week, Drunk History, Almost Royal and Man Down.

After a sell-out success in 2016, Gamble returns with more amiable, observational silliness in his new show Mammoth.

Promoter Peter Dixon said: “This year’s autumn/winter season is one of the strongest we’ve ever had, and we can’t wait for Teesdale’s comedy fans to see what we've got in store.

“We’re really proud of the programme we’ve put together; it’s a fantastic mix of top comedy names and exciting, innovative new comedy.

“So whether you’re after accessible, light-hearted comedy, imaginative sketches, or something a bit off-kilter, there’s a show for everyone."

Full details and tickets are available online at funnyway tobe.com with tickets also on sale at The Witham box office.

Teesdale dad to raise cash for hospital which saved his life

A DISABLED dad is to take on the Great North Run for the fourth time to raise cash for the hospital that saved his children’s lives after a devastating car crash.

Darren Handyside and his children Jack, 15, and Sophie, 13, were almost killed after a collision on the A688 near Staindrop in 2012.

While Mr Handyside suffered a shattered pelvis, cracked sternum, 12 broken ribs and internal bleeding, his children were airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) with severe head injuries.

Both are now doing well at Staindrop School.

Mr Handyside remains disabled but has consistently competed in the Great North Run in his wheelchair and hopes this year to improve on his personal best time for the half marathon of two hours and 35 minutes.

He said: “I have been doing a lot of swimming for the exercise and I want to get at least close to 2.35.

“Every day I do roughly a mile and a half swimming, which is about 50 laps. It takes just over an hour.”

He achieved that time in 2014 and finished the race ahead of his sister Michelle James.

In the first two years, Mr Handyside raised cash for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, but has since been directing his efforts towards the RVI through the Children’s Head Injury Equipment Fund (Chief).

He has also supported Help For Heroes through completing both the Great North

Run and the Great North Swim.

Over the four years of competing Mr Handyside has raised about £4,500 for the three charities.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Mr Handyside’s bid to beat his personal best time at the Great North Run can contact him on 01833 690919 or 07508 704824, or email

darrenhandyside2509@btin

ternet.com

Spectacular show that will leave circus fans in a spin at Raby Castle

THE internationally acclaimed Chinese State Circus is heading to Teesdale with a spectacular new production – Dynasty.

The big top will be pitched at Raby Castle, Staindrop, from Friday, September 1, to Sunday, September 3.

The show takes everyday objects and turns them into hi-tech acrobatic equipment.

So expect hurtling porcelain jars, dynamically spinning plates and balancing on pyramids of tables and chairs.

Organisers promise world class Chinese acrobats, aerial artistes and jugglers interacting with the physical skills and dexterity of the masters of martial arts – the legendary Shaolin Warriors.

The nonstop action is set to a soaring musical score accompanied by the rhythmic beats of Chinese percussion.

Show times for Raby Castle are 7pm on Friday, September 1; 3pm and 6pm on Saturday, September 2, and noon and 3pm on Sunday, September 3.

Tickets range in price from £12 to £36 for adults and £10 to £32 for children aged two to 12.

The box office is open on site daily from Thursday, August 31, from 10am to 8pm. Alternatively, call the booking line on 0844 4155228 or go online to www.chinesestatecir cus.com

The history of the Chinese State Circus spans 25 years when it was conceived by creative director Phillip Gandey, who became the first circus director in Europe to obtain permission from the Chinese cultural authorities to be allowed to tour a big top production of his own performed entirely by Chinese acrobats.

He said: “In our latest production we have returned to the pure and honest perfection in acrobatics upon which our reputation is based.

“We have the world class artistes capable of performing the excellence required.”

For a chance to win tickets to the show, pick up a copy of this week's Mercury

Gainford FC aim to tackle player shortage

ONE of the dale’s Sunday morning football teams is appealing for players to come forward to strengthen the squad.

Gainford Cross Keys, who play in the first division of the Wear Valley Sunday Morning League, lost a number of players during the summer break.

Centre forward Alan Haycock has moved on as have several others.

With the new season now underway, captain Adam Sams is keen to recruit new blood.

On Sunday, Gainford took to the field with ten players for their game against Peases West.

The numbers were made up when another player answered a last minute call.

Despite the depleted squad, Gainford put up a good show, losing out 5-4 in a thrilling game.

The club, which boasts one of the best pitches in the dale, has made good strides since its formation just three seasons ago, progressing from the old Sunday morning third division through to the top tier this time. Any players interested in joining Gainford can find out more by contacting Adam Sams on 07500 281269.

Dalton and Gayles Village Show celebrates country life

A QUIRK of fate meant that Dalton and Gayles Village Show had exactly the same number of entries this year as last – 440.

Show secretary Martyn Dean described the number as “really good”, adding that better weather this year had ensured an enjoyable day.

“Last year was a washout and we were chasing around the marquee in the wind,” he smiled. “This year the weather has been much kinder.”
The duck races in the beck were well supported with the children using the excuse to put on wellies and paddle with the ducks. Pam Sheard’s mosaic was judged the best exhibit in the show this year.

As well the usual baking, produce, flowers, art, wine, photography and children’s classes, there were fun and games for the youngsters including a Punch and Judy Show and sports.
Dalton and Gayles Show began when a children’s sports day was organised for the Queen’s silver jubilee in 1977.

All the fun of the fair at Romaldkirk's big day

A NORMAN Cornish print worth hundreds of pounds was among the donations for a village white elephant stall.

The work by the acclaimed mining artist was given by a villager to the organisers of Romaldkirk Fair with a reserve of £200 – even though the painting was believed to be worth much more.

The generosity demonstrated the warmth locals had towards their historic fair, said one of the organisers, Anthony Nixon. He added: “The person who donated the painting said they didn’t like it anyway – they felt it was too bleak. They were happy for it to go on the white elephant.

“It went very early for the asking price. Thanks to the generosity of the donator and the diligent research of Sue Simpson.”

The fair raises money for Romaldkirk and Cotherstone churches.

“Last year we raised £2,240 despite awful weather so we’re hoping to beat that,” said Mr Nixon who has lived in the village for four years and says he was “roped in” as an organiser.

“It has been around for a long, long time and started as a horse fair until it became too raucous and was stopped. It was revived as a church fair. It’s a really big fundraiser for the them.”

Stanhope Silver Band performed, along with the Romaldkirk-based Rumold Morris Dancers. There was also children’s fancy dress, plate smashing, a steam engine, tombola and a dog show. The event was opened by the High Sheriff of Durham, Caroline Peacock. Perhaps the luckiest children at the fair were Nathan and Lucy Walker-Wall – their dad, Kenny Walker, runs Barnard Castle shop Chocolate Fayre which had an ice cream stand there.

Castle custodian aims to tour Europe in a hearse

A DALE castle custodian is so dead set on raising cash for an air ambulance charity that he is taking to driving a hearse around Europe.

Alan McKerchar, who works at Raby Castle, bought his 1995 Ford Scorpio hearse specifically to take part in an international rally that will see him travelling through eight European countries over five days next month.

Mr McKerchar will be gathering cash for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), which he believes plays a vital role in rural areas, particularly because road ambulances can take longer to arrive on scene.

The daughter of one of Mr McKerchar’s colleagues was airlifted to hospital after an accident, making the trip all the more personal.

The 50-year-old will be completing the rally with his 22-year-old son, Ross.

He said: “We’re doing it as part of a Fireball Rally. I thought if we are going to do this, we might as well do it for a good cause.

“I was looking for some kind of novelty vehicle and I saw the hearse advertised. I will sell it at the end and any profit will go to the charity.”

The rear of the hearse has been converted into a sleeper to save on the cost of accommodation during the European adventure.

Currently people can see the hearse driving around Teesdale as Mr McKerchar promotes the rally and the air ambulance service ahead of the event.

It was also on display at the recent vintage car rally at Raby Castle where Mr McKerchar raised more than £200. So far he has raised more than £500 for the charity.

The tour, which takes in France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Austria, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium, includes a James Bond day and a visit to the dam that Pearce Brosnan jumped from in the film Goldeneye

He said: “While in Switzerland we will complete a bungee jump from the Verzasca Dam which at 220 metres is the highest ground-based jump in the world.”

He will also be visiting Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant that featured as Blofeld’s secret fortress in On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

The rally runs from September 6 to September 10.

Visit justgiving.com/fund

raising/alan-mckerchar.

Teesdale animal shelter may have to scale back operations unless more volunteers come forward

A TEESDALE animal sanctuary may have to downsize by turning away larger animals if it does not get more voluntary help.

Pat Kingsnorth, of the Ark on the Edge animal shelter near the village of Woodland, has been forced to consider downscaling because health problems mean she has to undergo two shoulder operations.

Along with cats, foxes, rabbits and birds, the Ark on the Edge is home to a variety of larger animals such as horses, sheep, goats and donkeys.

Ms Kingsnorth said: “I am going in for a fifth op on my shoulder and the hospital said they will only do it if I stop mucking out, carrying feed and doing heavy work. What they are saying is, I must not do any heavy lifting. Unless we can find some help, we have to downsize.

“When things go there will be no replacements. So there will not be any more large animals because I can’t do it.”

Ms Kingsnorth, who is the shelter’s chairwoman and its driving force, has already had a knee replacement and after an operation on her right shoulder, she will have another operation on her right shoulder. She can scarcely raise her right arm above her waist at the moment.

The 66-year-old said: “I am in constant pain, even sitting here now, so I am restricted to what I can do.”

Work that needs doing includes moving feedbags of between 20 and 30 kgs, cleaning out aviaries, pens and cages, and feeding the animals.

There are about five regular volunteers who help out in the morning but otherwise Ms Kingsnorth is alone at the sanctuary.

She said: “What we could do with is if people who could come up and help with the evening rounds which doesn’t take much because most of the hard work is done in the morning.” Ms Kingsnorth added that people only need to dedicate an hour or so of their time.

Evening work starts at about 6pm in summer and at 3pm in the winter. Morning work runs from about 9.30am to 11.30am. Anyone who can help can contact Ms Kingsnorth on 01388 630505 or 07970 802286.

Volunteers join in annual cut of Barnard Castle's town centre hay meadow

VOLUNTEERS and onlookers were out in force as Barnard Castle’s town centre hay meadow was given its annual cut in the traditional style – using scythes.

The small plot, outside The Witham arts complex, is being developed to highlight how 90 per cent of the country’s hay meadows have disappeared since the Second World War, with about half of the remaining 900 hectares in upper Teesdale.

Volunteer Neil Diment described growth on the plot during the past 12 months as “luxuriant”. He said: “It is almost too much for a hay meadow. The vetch is really thick to mow.”

Yarrow had also spread widely across the plot this year. Mr Diment said the day spent scything the plot had captured people’s imagination.

“We have had people popping in and chatting to us, sharing memories and wanting to have a go,” he said.

He said the hay meadow plot is continuing to develop.

“Over the last year, we have been planting out varieties from (noted botanist) Margaret Bradshaw’s garden at Eggleston.” This has included Lady’s Mantle, ox-eye daisies and scabious.

“We would like to see more of those and we would like in future to get more of a hay meadow crop,” said Mr Diment.

It is also hoped interpretation boards and more events will be held on the meadow in the next 12 months.

Forces charity founded by Teesdale veteran sets £1million fundraising target

A CHARITY set up by a Teesdale forces veteran has a £1million target in mind after marking a special summer of accolades and awards.

Sporting Force, founded by Butterknowle’s Tommy Lowther, was given the FSI Small Charity Big Impact award from a shortlist of 300 entrants last month.

The charity, which helps ex service personnel adjust to civilian life, was also crowned a Welfare Winner at the Garfield Weston Charity Awards in association with charity support group Pilot Light. Mr Lowther was delighted with the awards adding that the advice from mentors he’d received had served the charity well.

He said: “It’s given us confidence. Hopefully this next year we are going to be applying, I would hope, for in excess of £1million from funders.”

The armed forces veteran set up Sporting Force in 2015 after a breakdown cost him his job at Glaxo.

From helping a small handful of ex-service personnel, Sporting Force has grown to help dozens of veterans readjust through work placements in the sports industry – relieving both mental health problems and social isolation.

Mr Lowther recalled how it all began: “It got to the point where I could not leave the house. I was in a bad way. I was doing a bit of football scouting at the time for Middlesbrough. When I first started it was just something to keep me occupied.

“It’s just gone from strength to strength since then.”

Last year marked a breakthrough for the charity when it set up a relationship with Help For Heroes.

“Help For Heroes found us and we’ve set up a great strategic partnership,” added Mr Lowther.

“It’s gone really well – it gave us £85,000 in the first year and £115,000 this year.

“It’s given us the freedom to not have to go out and look for other funding.”

The Weston award also saw £6,500 of funding awarded alongside a promise of meetings with mentors and the charity. Mr Lowther said the format of the award had been a great help. He added: “We are a new charity and the growth in the past year has been phenomenal. It has changed from me alone in my dining room working on the table to a team of three working full time – we have helped 195 veterans in the last year.

Partnerships between the charity and football clubs have also flourished with clubs such as Sheffield United, Derby County as well as other Premier League sides getting involved.

Teesdale pupils make the grade in GCSEs

PUPILS across Teesdale were celebrating some exceptional GCSE results today.

This year's results

include the new 1-9 grading system for English and maths.

At Teesdale School, students and staff were celebrating an excellent set of maths results, with 11 per cent of pupils achieving the top grade – well about the national average of three per cent.

Among those celebrating was 16-year-old Nina Holguin, of Ovington.

She achieved a grade 9 in maths, English language and English literature along with another eight As.

Across at Staindrop, some 11 pupils got grade 9 results in English or Maths, putting them among the best performers in the country.

Head teacher Alyson Carr said: “We are delighted with the maths and English results. That is where we needed to improve. There have been some outstanding success stories.”

She added that changes to the system meant that pupils had to work harder for their results and the exams were a great unknown.

At Barnard Castle School, student Matthew Shovlin, had high praise for his school’s learning support department which worked tirelessly to help him overcome the effects of dyslexia to achieve an A*, six As, including English, a B and two Cs.

“I would be nowhere without them,” said the 16-year-old, of Barnard Castle, who took his exams with the help of a reader and a scribe.

“My dyslexia was diagnosed in Year 3 and it was a relief because with support I knew I could achieve my potential. I was soon moving through the sets and plan to stay on at sixth form to study maths, chemistry and physics.”

Deputy Head (Academic) Michael Truss said: “I’m thrilled so many of our students fulfilled their academic goals while still enjoying the school’s wider culture of sport, music, art and drama, which combine to help them become such well-rounded young people and citizens of the future.”

We'll have a full GCSE round-up in next week's Mercury

Supporters urged to raise a glass for The Witham

A BREWER has teamed up with a Teesdale arts centre in a fresh bid to boost its coffers.

The Witham, in Barnard Castle, was left reeling from a funding blow this summer when the National Arts Council turned down an £800,000 grant application which would have seen it through to 2022.

The arts centre has turned to Danny McColl, of McColl’s Brewery, in Evenwood, to help put on an afternoon of beer and music to raise some much needed funds.

Mr McColl was happy to support the venue and was looking forward to attracting dale folk in.

He added: “We get our face known with being a Teesdale Brewery but in turn we can drum up some trade for The Witham.

“Hopefully it adds a bit of atmosphere and draws a few more people in – I think it will be a cracking afternoon.”

Live acoustic turns will be accompanied by Mr McColl’s ales in the Cafe Bar on Saturday August 26 from noon until 4pm.

Maddy Sutton, from The Witham, said: “We’re really looking forward to it.

“Danny will be bringing along samples – there will be a raffle and all sorts.

“It’s good for us after the bad news about the lottery – we are making a start,” she added.

Youth folk ensemble Cream Tees, open mic specialist Malcolm Elsbury and trad-folk trio, Over the Yardarm, will also feature throughout the afternoon.

Visitors can also take part in a raffle where prizes include the chance to win tickets for folk gigs Lady Maisery and Blazin’ Fiddles in the autumn.

Mr McColl has also donated a some of his beers as a raffle prize.

The brewer, from Middleton-in-Teesdale, said the there had been a few “bumps in the road” for the new start-up but he added he was “staying philosophical”.

He said: “I am quite happy – the reception to the beer has been brilliant and the take up has been good.

“We just need to keep plodding away for the next six months to a year and we’ll be away.”

To find out more about the Beer and Busking event, go to thewitham.org.uk

Green fingered villagers rise to the challenge for Gainford show

IT was a family affair at the 60th Gainford Horticultural Show on Saturday when three generations of the Heslop family all picked up trophies.

Hilary Heslop won prizes in the bakery and produce sections, while her daughter Sarah was also a winner in the bakery category. Little Amy was rewarded with a trophy for her efforts in an event which saw a “brilliant” number of entries in the children’s classes.

They, like other villagers, were celebrating their successes, but it was keen horticulturalist Dave Greenland who won most overall points in the competition.

Asked what his secret was, Mr Greenland, who has a plot at the village allotments, laughed: “It’s having a lot of entries. I’ve entered 44 this year. We’re trying to boost the veg and horticultural side of the show to get it back to what it was years ago.”

Mr Greenland said this year’s warm start to the summer and cool August had affected people’s produce. But it didn’t stop him growing a runner bean measuring 21 inches – even though he admitted to not liking them.

“Actually I don’t eat much of what I grow – I grow it for the shows or give it away,” he said.

There was a more than healthy entry in other categories which included photography, art, flowers and baking. Maire Kennan, show manager, said: “We’ve had so many entries – it’s been very good. There’s been lots of interest this year with some wonderful entries in the children’s and photography classes. The baking has been great – everything has.”

Such was the enthusiasm to see the show, which was held in the village school and Scout hut, that there was a lengthy queue outside before opening.

The show recently lost one of its key organisers, Margaret Foster. Villagers have agreed to have a cup in her memory in 2018 for the best exhibit in the fruit classes.

Teesdale botany expert's book to be reprinted thanks to Lottery grant

MORE than half a century after it was published, a botany expert’s book about the wonders of upper Teesdale is to be reprinted as part of a drive to get more people to understand the area.

Durham Wildlife Trust has been awarded £9,700 by the Heritage Lottery Fund to support a project that aims to provide up-to-date information to residents and visitors.

The money will fund a new edition of the authoritative book, The Natural History of Upper Teesdale by Dr Margaret Bradshaw, as well as talks, guided walks and educational activities for schools. Durham Wildlife Trust will link up with The Upper Teesdale Botany group, run by Eggleston’s Dr Bradshaw to publish an updated edition of her book. It will be available in early 2018.

Local experts will revise the text and invite extra information from residents to inform their writing. People can look out for exhibitions and opportunities to attend workshops in the coming months. Talks and guided walks are planned for spring and summer 2018.

Durham Wildlife Trust will also work with local schools to provide learning days about the special nature of upper Teesdale, with visits for them and their families to see and understand the area.

By engaging as many people as possible – both residents and visitors – the project aims to increase the respect for habitats and wildlife in upper Teesdale and help to promote better conservation. Dr Bradshaw said: “It is more than 50 years since the first edition was printed to reveal the wonderful structure and great variety of wildlife in upper Teesdale to all.

“Much is unique and rare in Britain and this project aims to show how precious the wildlife and habitats are. The fifth edition will have a new look, will be updated with some new authors and will fill the gap from the publication of the previous much-sought-after editions.” Kirsty Pollard, education officer at Durham Wildlife Trust, added: “Thanks to National Lottery players, the project will highlight how rich and striking the landscape of this region is.

“Education sessions and community events will provide engaging hands-on activities which will bring to life the dazzling world of the upper Teesdale flora and fauna.

“We are excited to have this opportunity to link with local schools bringing young scientists into the wild to explore the rich diversity of wildlife and geology in the upper Teesdale area.”

BT U-turn over super fast broadband for Startforth

PEOPLE in Startforth are furious after BT reneged on a promise to deliver superfast broadband to the village.

Villagers were told in March that work to upgrade their cabinet would begin in September, but that has now been cancelled.

BT says it had to bin the project because it is too expensive to install.

However, people say the move is shortsighted because of new housing developments which would give the village a population that is about a third the size of Barnard Castle.

One resident, who runs an IT business from his home in the village, said: “The 1,400 population of Startforth are on a standard broadband maximum of 8Mbps. Meanwhile, miles away from anywhere, Eggleston’s population of 448 enjoy 50Mbps fibre.”

The resident was informed of BT’s decision last week.

He said: “The let-down email from BT started ‘Dear John’ – that is not my name, so says it all really.”

A BT spokesperson said fibre broadband was installed in Eggleston through Digital Durham, and was not part of the company’s commercial rollout.

The issue was raised by the village’s county council representative, Cllr Richard Bell, who said the problem arose because of the location of the current cabinet which cannot simply be replaced with a new fibre cabinet. Relocating the cabinet would be too expensive, he said.

Cllr Bell added: “This is very disappointing. This is not acceptable for a huge commercial outfit like BT and is also bad business sense for them as the uptake of superfast broadband in Startforth is likely to be high and they will get their investment back. I will be making this point to them directly.”

The BT spokesperson said: “We are very sorry that this cabinet has been removed from BT’s commercial roll-out of fibre broadband. All fibre broadband upgrades are subject to survey and despite numerous attempts to find a suitable location that is commercially viable it has not been possible due to the extensive relocation of the existing infrastructure that is required.

“Discussions are now taking place with partners to consider whether there are other ways of providing improved broadband speeds for residents in this area.”

Stylist Nicholas proves to be a cut above the competition

A HAIR stylist with roots in the dale has been recognised in an international awards scheme. 

Nicholas Holmes, who grew up in Winston and went to school in Gainford, now works for the Hobson and Holmes salon, in West Park, Darlington.

He has been announced as a Color Zoom UK Gold winner – a renowned international hair competition which revolves around the annual Color Zoom Collection from hair brand Goldwell.

The UK final took place earlier this month in London where the gold, silver and bronze winners were announced to an audience of more than 600 salon professionals from all over the UK.

Mr Holmes was crowned winner in the partner category and will now go on an all-expenses paid trip with his model to the international live finale in Barcelona.

Here they will be cheered on by nearly 3,000 fellow stylists as they compete against other national winners from 38 countries to become one of three global Color Zoom winners.

Mr Holmes said: “The competition has been an amazing experience so far and I can’t wait to get to Spain to show the world just how good the standard of hairdressing is in the UK and particularly in the North East. I’m also really excited to continue to work with my model, Rebecca Summers, also from Darlington, who has become a great friend and inspiration.”

Scary time for young artists at Bowlees centre

CHILDREN have been exercising their artistic talents and saving the lives of birds at the same time.

Young people who attended the weekly Wild Wednesday family event at Bowlees Visitor Centre last week helped build bird scarers,to stop the feathered friends from crashing into the centre’s windows.

Natural England’s Emma King said the phenomenon had only started recently and might be caused by the tint in the windows which reflects nearby trees confusing the birds.

Other activities on the day included messy mud painting and creating temporary art installations using natural materials.

A unique feature of the day was the creation of sound cards.

Ms King said: “They sit with their eyes closed and then draw what they hear.”

The finished cards were then stamped and posted to a loved one.

Organisers aim for 'wow factor' at Barnard Castle festive lights

ORGANISERS of this year's festive lights display in Barnard Castle are hoping to add a “wow factor” to the switch-on ceremony.

The Barnard Castle Christmas Lights (BCCL) committee is spending more than £900 on “snowfall strips” – flashing tubes which are hung from trees to enhance the display.

Members were told Barnard Castle would be one of the first towns to feature the new strips.

Chairman Roger Peat said: “This is something that has been on the market for two to three years but Xmasplus (the contractor responsible for erecting the lights) identified problems with them.”

He said these issues had been ironed out and new strips, manufactured in China, had just arrived in the UK.

The committee agreed to buy 51 snowfall strips varying in length from 30cm to a metre.

Mr Peat said the idea this year was to put them on the tree opposite the Post Office at the bottom of Galgate.

“It could be too near the Christmas tree, but I think that is where the footfall is and the majority of people. You will be able to see it right down Horse Market.”

BCCL member Leah Hobson said she feared it would outshine the Christmas tree lights.

Mr Peat said the hope was that the snowfall strips would complement the main Christmas tree lights. “When we switch them on, it will give a ‘wow factor’,” he said.

Members said depending on how it went this year, the snowfall strips could be relocated to another part of town in future years.

Dawn to direct her first Castle Players show

DAWN Trevor, Teesdale resident and busy mum of one-year-old Bertie, will be taking on a new challenge this autumn when she directs her first production for Barnard Castle based Castle Players.

For her directing debut she has chosen Peter Shaffer’s Black Comedy. The play was originally produced in 1965 by the National Theatre with a star cast including Derek Jacobi, Albert Finney and Maggie Smith.

Ms Trevor said: “It’s a wonderful, farcical comedy which has a unique challenge for the actors. 

"Light and dark are reversed so when it’s daylight in the play the stage is actually in darkness, and when a fuse blows plunging the characters into darkness, the lights come up for the audience to see the ensuing chaos.”

The production is part of an initiative by the Castle Players to encourage new directors. Anyone interested in taking part – either on stage or behind-the-scenes – is invited to attend the first meeting at Startforth School on Tuesday, August 22, at 7pm.

Black Comedy will be performed at The Witham, Barnard Castle on Friday and Saturday October 27 and 28. Tickets on sale at www.thewitham.org.uk; by phone 01833 631107 or in person at The Witham.