Teesdale's Hannah Hauxwell has reportedly died

TEESDALE'S Hannah Hauxwell who shot to fame in a TV series about her simple, solitary life on a remote farm has died, it is being reported.

However, official confirmation has yet to be given by Devonshire House, in West Auckland, where Hannah was a resident.

Quiet mannered and reflective, the 91-year-old touched the heart of the world when her way of life was brought to TV screens in the award-winning television documentary Too Long a Winter in 1973. Ms Hauxwell lived and ran Low Birk Hatt farm with just her beloved animals for company.

Her down-to-earth mannerisms and ways with words enthralled audiences worldwide.

She never embraced fame and stayed true to herself. Famously when asked about her celebrity status, she replied: “Don’t be daft, I’m just a plain Daleswoman. I’m just as I am. I don’t think of myself as anything special – if I did, I’m sure someone would give me a good shaking.”

Hannah was discovered by a friend of a researcher at Yorkshire Television while out walking in the Yorkshire Dales. The researcher contacted Barry Cockcroft, a producer at the company, who proposed to make the first TV documentary about Hannah.

What followed was an extraordinary journey for the prudent farmer in which she shook hands with a Pope and played piano on the Orient Express.

When the cameras came calling Hannah was 46, unmarried and appeared to belong to a bygone age. Her farm had no electricity, running water or central heating and she had run it alone from age 34 after her parents and uncle died.

On her solitude Hannah once said: “Once, I went for a whole three weeks without seeing anybody, and another time, for two and a half weeks. Of course, I missed people.”

Hannah’s favourite cow Rosie provided her milk and warmth when Ms Hauxwell bedded down for the night in the byre on colder evenings.

Her first priority was to her animals and in the series Hannah was seen to trudge through ice and blizzards carrying her water bucket and food to them.

It was not until her sixties that the stoic character had to make the decision to leave Low Birk Hatt and move six miles down the road to the village of Cotherstone. She never returned although she described the move as distressing.

“You can’t live somewhere all your life and have all those memories and walk away without being distressed – there’s chains that bind. I miss the trees the space and the water,” she said.

Hannah had a real passion for the dale and although unimpressed by hills and peaks, she did love its waterways, greenery and flowers and regularly walked in the area.

“We are lucky to live in an area like this which has lots of wide open spaces,” she said. “If you are unhappy, a good walk puts things right. It’s good therapy, she said. “Water is very relaxing. Whether it’s a stream or an ocean, it is very soothing.”

Some of Hannah’s favourite walks were to the Lunes Bridge between Mickleton and Middleton; the Briscoe to Cotherstone Road (although it has far more cars along it now) and a trip down to the Hag to the river.

She described High Force as ‘magnificent’ and ‘one of nature’s masterpieces’. “The rocks and trees look like they have come from another place,” she added.

Despite being used to solitude, Hannah welcomed visitors from around the world into her home as her fame grew. She had a fondness for horses and visited Appleby Fair each year to watch them. In her spare time she enjoyed a wide range of music especially rag time and opera and liked listening to Roger Royle on Radio 2 with his hymn on Sunday evening. Hannah even played her own hymns on a harmonium that had belonged to her mother.

An avid reader Hannah enjoyed detective novels and spy stories as well as the Good Book that was the cornerstone of her devout Christian faith.
In a Winter Too Many Almost two decades after Too Long a Winter, the same TV crew returned to her farm to catch up with Hannah. The second documentary, A Winter Too Many, saw that Hannah had a little more money, which she had invested in a few more cows. The crew followed her to London where she was guest of honour at the Women of the Year gala. But, out of the spotlight, her back-breaking work on the farm continued; and each winter became harder for her to endure. With her health and strength slowly failing, she had to make a heart-rending decision: to sell her family farm and the animals she adored and move into a warm cottage in a nearby village. In Hannah Hauxwell's Winter Tales. Barry Cockcroft also took her around Europe and to New York for further documentaries.

Futher documentaries followed. In Hannah Goes To Town The footage of Hannah's journey to the Women of the Year gala, briefly touched upon in A Winter Too Many, was used alongside additional footage (collected at the time) to document Hannah's entire trip. And latterly, Hannah Hauxwell: Innocent Abroad where in 1992 director Barry Cockcroft once again ventured into Hannah's life making a documentary series (also called An Innocent Abroad) which followed Hannah on her first trips outside of the UK. On a grand tour of Europe, reminiscent of Victorian ladies, Hannah visited France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy in her naive but captivating style. The series was released as a set of DVDs. The series proved so popular it was followed by another trip, this time to the USA in 1993.

Asked about her time in the spotlight the author of seven bestsellers with book sales topping two million and 15 television programmes to her name said it was a wonderful period of her life.

“It was a lovely time. I was lucky that the people around me, and the film crew, were the quality of people that they were."

Spreading the word that free advice is on offer

A DROP-in centre offering advice on everything from the introduction of universal credit to tips on healthy living is open and happy to help.

There’s just one problem – very few people know of its existence.

The free drop-in sessions are provided by Dales Homestay, part of the Home Group housing association.

Launched last year, the weekly sessions are held at the SOS Cafe, in King Street, Barnard Castle, every Monday from 1pm to 4pm.

Support and advice covers the likes of issues with tenancies or housing repairs; problems with money, debt, benefits and budgeting; staying healthy and meeting other people.

Support worker Paul McTeer said those people who had used the drop-in had found the advice they received to have been beneficial.

“If we can’t help anybody, we will signpost people to someone who can,” he added.

Fellow support officer Chrissie Ferguson said one of the benefits of the sessions was that there was no appointment necessary.

“If people pluck up the courage to seek advice and support, they want it there and then,” she said.

If they were made to wait or had to make an appointment, they were less likely to attend, added Ms Ferguson.

“I think it’s good that we are there, on the spot.”

The Barnard Castle drop-in is part of a network of Dales Homestay advice sessions which also cover West Auckland, Bishop Auckland and Crook.

Should the situation warrant it, Dales Homestay can also arrange for support in a client’s home.

“We know there are people out there who need support. It is just they are not recognising that we are here,” said Ms Ferguson.

“We know from being here for a few months there are some people who just want to ask some questions.

“It takes time. If people knew we were here and did not come in, we would know we are not needed.

“But it is a case of getting people to know we are here in the first place.

“We have been able to help those who have come in and they have gone away happy with what we have been able to do,” she said.

Anyone who thinks they may benefit from the advice offered by Dales Homestay is welcome to drop-in any Monday afternoon.

Easy does it as jazz club returns for 2018 season

A COUPLE of top jazz events have been lined up in the coming weeks to banish the winter blues.

First up for Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club is the visit of The Big Easy kicks on Saturday, February 3.

The club’s Ray Sams said: “They’re a young and energetic swing band from Leeds with a repertoire that’s designed showcase their lively and varied performances of the best swing from the 20th century.

“They exude class – but not at the expense of fun – when they play their brand of early jazz, New Orleans deep-south classics and lively jump-jive.”

Then on March 3, TJ Johnson is back with his band.

TJ is one of the country’s finest jazz and blues pianists and singers.

Backed by his group of top British musicians he plays a blend of music that covers jazz, blues, soul, country and gospel and is influenced by the likes of Ray Charles, Dr John, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Cash, BB King, Nina Simone, Alberta Hunter, Jimmy Witherspoon and many more. For his Darlington gig he will be joined by standout jazz trumpeter and club favourite Jamie Brownfield.

Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club meets at St Augustine’s Parish Hall, Larchfield Street, Darlington, at 12.30pm on the first Saturday of every month.

Admission is £10 on the door, and children go free.

St Augustine’s Parish Centre has a licensed bar and tea and coffee is available. Everyone is welcome to bring their own food along for a picnic while the band is entertaining.

For more information go to www.darlingtonjazz.co.uk or email Ray Sams at ray@ darlingtonjazz.co.uk, call 07860 368022 or email at Graham Foster graham@ darlingtonjazz.co.uk

Offer to clean up cottages 'left to rot' in Whorlton

VILLAGERS have offered give up their own time to try to “tidy up” a set of cottages.

The state of Whorlton’s Grange Terrace has been a regular item on the parish council agenda for a number of years.

Villager Ann Woodward asked council members last week whether something could be done to sort the cottages out.

She said: “It seems such a pity that they are being allowed to remain in such a state – I understand the county council was not able to do anything about it. Surely we can send a query to them again?

“The village itself is so attractive and people make an effort – it’s a lovely place to live and it’s a shame the owners have got away with leaving them to rot.”

Clerk Jonathan Dickinson warned the council “did not have anything fresh” to offer Durham County Council and labouring the point could “switch off” the authority.

“It’s one of those things we’ve been trying to achieve for a number of years – including removing those two old cars,” he said.

Cllr George Stastny said the council could write to Teesdale’s MP Helen Goodman.

However, Cllr Lynda Powell suggested a change of stance.

She said: “Could we contact the owners, and, if someone is willing, give the front area a tidy up? It may be an option so it at least looked acceptable – we cannot just go in and mow the lawn but if we were to contact the owners we could do it.

“It’s something we could perhaps explore as a positive way of dealing with it.”

Mr Dickinson said the missives they’d sent to the homeowners in the past had not had any effect.

He added: “The letters we have sent have been nothing friendly – they have threatened legal action.”

Cllr Powell added: “It’s opening up the conversation in a slightly different way – and if we don’t get a response we can say we’ve made an effort.”

Cllr Martin Saville liked the idea.

“It’s positive rather than negative,” he added.

Councillors agreed to try to track down all the homeowners.

This week's TM is out today

This week’s Teesdale Mercury is out now and the front page leads with news that little Ryan Chidzey, of Gainford, is to take part in a clinical trial to help find a cure for his rare illness. 

Here are some of the other headlines…

Counting the cost of flooding in upper Teesdale.

Hard work pays off for boxing club – we find out how members are packing a punch.

Military academy to be launched at Deerbolt prison.

Police to recruit unpaid volunteers to patrol dale.

MP presents bypass petition to parliament.

Barney households must each pay £100 to fund town council.

House builder must fund school expansion, council says.

Truce called as villagers plan a makeover for sports ground.

Ex-publican acting up as his career moves on.

Chef cooks up tasty sideline as an artist.

Money raised after tragedy abroad goes to good causes.

Volunteer scheme to carry out environmental improvements at Deepdale Woods.

Plus… four pages of what’s on, sport, classified, marts, community news, motors, Remember When and more.

Author will pen play to help kids understand dementia

CAMPAIGNERS working to make Barnard Castle a more dementia friendly town are teaming up with a children’s author to produce a play aimed at giving primary school pupils an insight into the condition.

The short play will be written by Jessica Shepherd, author of the picture book Grandma, the touching story of a young boy’s encounter with dementia and its effect on families.

Ms Shepherd is working on the project with members of the Barnard Castle Dementia Friendly steering group.

Chairman Ian Kirkbride explained: “We had an open meeting last year at which we asked what things Barnard Castle could do to be more dementia friendly and one of the things was to take it into schools and let the younger generation know about it.

“Could we come up with a small playlet, scripted and acted out rather than show a video?

“The book by Jessica came up and we realised we had access to a resource that may give us an insight and a script.”

Ms Shepherd was due to meet members of the steering group last week, but due to the weather, she was unable to travel, so a videoconference call was set up instead.

The consensus was that the short play should form part of a wider session on dementia.

“Perhaps the actors could be trained as dementia champions and they could respond not just as actors,” said Ms Shepherd.

However, Jill Cole, director of Northern Heartlands and a member of the steering group, said: “It is quite a big ask for members of the Castle Players wanting to act to become authorities on dementia.”

But she added: “It is a brilliant idea to make this more than a play, leaving questions unanswered.”

Steering group member Nicky Tulloch, of the Alzheimer’s Society, said the charity had a volunteer dementia champion and a dementia support worker for the area who could help.

She added that the society offered a free course to anyone wishing to become a dementia champion.

“The play needs to be part of a dementia friends session. I think that would work better,” said Ms Tulloch.

Ms Shepherd said it was also important to give an all round view of dementia sufferers.

This meant not just the challenges they face “here and now” and how young people respond to them, but also reflecting on the “incredible” full lives those living with it have led.

It was agreed the play should not stereotype dementia and who the typical sufferers might be after the meeting was told that in some rare cases, people as young as 30 were being diagnosed.

Ms Shepherd will now work on producing a play of up to 30 minutes. Funding for the project is likely to come from Teesdale Action Partnership and the Northern Heartlands community initiatives fund.

Village says thanks to couple who saved Cotherstone shop from closure

A TREE campaign group have thanked a shop-owning couple with a romantic reminder of their wedding vows.

Volunteers at Trees For Cotherstone clubbed together to create a plaque on a tree for Adam and Karolina Alston in recognition of their 18 months of hard work at the village post office and shop on the B6277.

The pair tied the knot in October nine years after they first met in London.

Co-founder and treasurer of the group Ian Moorhouse said villagers had feared for the future of their post office and shop before the couple arrived.

“For years and years this post office and shop had been up for sale and we were very afraid we would lose them both,” he added.

“Then Adam and Karolina came along and made it such a nice space – we think it’s a lovely shop and there have been so many improvements.

“When they decided to get married we thought it would be a nice thing to commemorate their wedding with a tree.”

The oak sapling sits on the path off The Hagg, near Cotherstone, and Mrs Alston braved the snow to help hammer in the plaque last week.

“It’s definitely a different kind of wedding present,” she said.

“I think we found out a couple of weeks before we actually got married – we tried to keep it a secret but we were closed for a couple of days.

“Ian told us about the tree and we thought it was a really nice idea.”

Mr Moorhouse said the oak would join the ranks of the countless native trees planted by the campaign group.

The Alstons took over the shop-cum-post office in May 2016 when Alan and Dorothy Christon retired after 32 years.

Trees For Cotherstone volunteer Robin Quick paid tribute to the new couple’s work.

“We could not do without it and they are exceptionally good,” he added.

Villager Chris Best has lived in Cotherstone since 1979.

She said: “It’s been a fantastic improvement in here – they always smile and say good morning and they’ve made the place so much more open and inviting.

“I’m about to leave but I think I will miss the shop as much as I miss the village.”

Entire top floor of town's £10m Richardson Hospital 'now empty'

THE Richardson Hospital in Barnard Castle remains under-used and there is no sign that NHS managers have tried to maximise services at the site despite paying full rent on the building, town councillors claim.

A report to go before the town council as we went to press outlined the efforts being made by local campaigners to find a use for the community hospital and the problems they face.

Councillors will hear how County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is paying full rent on the building, even though the whole of the top floor of the hospital is now empty.

The town council is calling for the site, which opened in 2007 and cost £10million, to be put to better use after a cut in the number of beds and staff at the hospital last year.

A report written by Cllr Judi Sutherland explained how a group had been set up involving the health trust, clinical commissioning group, the Friends of Richardson Hospital and the town council. They have met to discuss a way forward. Cllr Sutherland said: “The trust is struggling with a shortage of nurses but also maintains that there is not enough demand from Teesdale people to staff both wards.”

During recent weeks, the remaining ward had been under capacity for 15 days, at capacity for 17 days and over capacity for seven days. The health trust says changing times mean the hospital isn’t need as much as it once was.

“The trust points out that there is a national project in place to care for far more people at home, where they would prefer to be, and also that with improved technology, the number of days stay in a facility like the Richardson is falling,” said Cllr Sutherland. “These are both major reasons why the hospital is getting less use.”

But the councillor said bed blocking at larger hospitals could be alleviated by moving patients to the Richardson.

Cllr Sutherland said: “We have asked the trust to look at other uses for the empty ward. They looked at providing extra care, similar to that provided at Abbeyfield or Charles Dickens Lodge, but this would require major reconfiguration of the whole floor. We have asked whether a local hospice would be interested in running it but the trust thinks there is no shortage of hospice beds.”

As well as caring for in-patients, services provided by the Richardson Hospital include podiatry, urology, orthoptists, rheumatology, audiology, retinal eye screening, speech and language therapy, dental, dermatology and physiotherapy. Clinics are held for pain, contraception and sexual health, warfarin and lymphedema, and the hospital offers pulmonary and cardio rehabilitation services as well.

A survey carried out by the town council last year revealed residents had not been

offered outpatient appointments at the hospital and are instead being asked to travel to Darlington or Bishop Auckland to attend clinics.

The town council report puts this down to a lack of knowledge about the services on offer and blamed the trust for not publicising them better. Cllr Sutherland added: “There may also be an element of meeting targets here – if the NHS has a target to see new patients within so many weeks of referral, they may ask them to attend an earlier appointment at a different clinic.”

She said patients should be given a choice of whether to attend the earliest appointment or the nearest. The out-of-hours GP service at The Richardson is not be publicised enough, the report added.

“The building is let to the trust by NHS Property Services and pays rent for it. If the building remains half empty, the trust still pays rent on the whole facility, making service provision expensive.

“Despite this, we have seen no sign that the trust attempts to maximise health and social services to keep the hospital full, but they have undertaken to look at this,” said Cllr Sutherland.

A spokesperson for CDDFT said: “We recognise that the Richardson Hospital is well loved by the local communities it services and making the best use of all NHS resources and assets is in everyone’s interests. With this in mind, the Richardson Community Hospital Reference Group has been established as a forum where all the different partners and representatives from the local community, including Barnard Castle Town Council, can come together to discuss how the hospital could be utilised in the future.

“This work will continue through the reference group. Partners are listening to comments and feedback coming through the meeting and while the ward area continues to meet demand for the area, the Foundation Trust has committed to developing a communications plan which includes making more information about the out-patient specialities provided.”

Funding heralds a 'new era' for cash strapped arts centre

A £30,000 Arts Council grant will signal the dawn of a new era at The Witham, according to the cash-strapped centre's chairman of trustees.

Bob Garton said the money would act as a “pump primer” funding a campaign to put the complex on a sounder financial footing. The award came from the Arts Council’s catalyst small grants programme and will be used to attract more private investment.

“We are living hand to mouth, which is always a challenge. The biggest job of trustees has been keeping things going,” said Mr Garton.

“Over a year, we have to find £100,000 on top of the normal day-to-day operation to balance the books.”

On the back of the grant, a campaign is to be launched in the coming months calling on individuals, groups and organisations to support The Witham with donations, sponsorship and patronage.

The Witham will also be relaunching its friends scheme.

Mr Garton said the idea was to be less reliant on grants and more in control of their own affairs. He said: “It is the dawning of a new era, where the focus is more on cash flow and getting longer term patrons, sponsors and an infrastructure that is less reliant on firefighting grant applications.

“We are reviewing all the roles here as part of understanding our costs. We are looking to consolidate and build on some of the good, experienced people we have got here – staff and volunteers.

“The board has been strengthened with expertise and we are always looking for people in a voluntary way

with specific skills – everything from web technology to doing a bit of gardening.”

The Witham’s Laura Shaw described the grant as a “massive stamp of approval” from the Arts Council.

“It is a validation of what we are doing and the confidence they have in us,” she said.

Mr Garton said despite the ongoing financial difficulties, there was much to be positive about at The Witham.

“We are very conscious of the fact that we have come a long way in three operating years – just look at the A-list comedy, folk etc. The programme has a ‘wow’ factor,” he said.

“We are part of an arts network and an integral part of the arts scene. We don’t see ourselves as just minor players.

“We have got the partnership with The Bowes Museum and The Hub and are strengthening ties with the castle.

“There is evidence that people will decide to come for the weekend because they have seen a gig is on.

“This grant comes at just the right time. It’s not exactly a relaunch, but we have gathered our thoughts.”

Arts Council England’s northern director Jane Tarr said: “Our catalyst funding will enable The Witham to develop its fundraising activity and encourage local private support to help the organisation plan for the future and continue bringing people to Barnard Castle.”

Campaigners fight police's plan to sell off 'town green'

A BID to sell off a treasured green space has triggered a campaign to save it.

Durham Police plan to sell off the former police station on Bede Kirk, in Barnard Castle, and its adjoining land to the Railway Housing Association to build sheltered accommodation for the elderly.

Sophie Ebeling and David Stacey were so enraged by the move that they decided to launch a petition. As of Monday, they had gathered more than 70 signatures.

Ms Ebeling said: “We just went around one evening and people were quite happy to open their doors and chat to us. We just feel it’s dodgy. The council seems to do it all the time – they are filling in all the green spaces. We just don’t think it would be very good or appropriate for the neighbourhood. We need green spaces otherwise the neighbourhood cannot breathe.”

Bede Kirk was home to a medieval chapel until 1959 when it was demolished.

The police station was built on the site in the late 1970s with the adjoining green enjoyed by dog walkers and children in the decades since.

The message Ms Ebeling got from dale folk around Bede Kirk was that they believe Durham County Council had made up its mind about the housing proposal before the plans had been submitted.

She said: “It’s all about money and profit with the police station – they need the money to fund their new station which people are not happy about.

“And the housing association wants to make the maximum amount of profit – that’s what we don’t like.

“There is an inertia and a thought you cannot do anything anyway because they’re so powerful – we’ve heard the words ‘done deal’ a number of times on doorsteps.”

Barnard Castle Town Council has put a bid in to list the 1.36 acre site as village green.

But that may not be enough to halt plans being submitted for the £3.2million housing scheme. The campaigning pair, who live on Cleveland Road, wanted a “proper consultation” carried out to try to save the green.

Mr Stacey added: “The police are selling the land to the housing association which is building houses for the council which is then overseen by the council’s own planning department. It’s their game, their ball and their rules – that’s why people feel hopeless.”

The Railway Housing Association said it would be carrying out a full consultation with residents before any plans were submitted.

The charity's spokesman added: “We are keen to reassure local residents that this development will be very much in keeping with the area and the homes will be built to a high standard. The design will be sympathetic to the surroundings and we will maintain the ecological values of the site.

“We intend to keep as many of the trees and as much green space as possible. If any trees have to be removed then new ones will be planted.

“The police station has been closed for some time now and we are proposing to replace this old, rundown, empty building with attractive new housing for rent. There is considerable need for this type of housing in the town.”

Stuart Timmiss, head of planning and assets at the county council, said: “As part of the planning process we will take on board and consider all views and concerns when coming to a decision. As we have yet to receive an application it would be premature to comment further.”

Meanwhile, Mr Stacey and Ms Ebeling have looked into the history of the site and want to see if it had been gifted to the town at any point. Petitions can be signed at Woodleigh, on Scar Top, Hayloft Emporium, on Horsemarket, the Teesdale Mercury Shop, on Market Place and Wilson’s on Market Place.

For more information, contact Ms Ebeling on 01833 631074.

Scammers came within a whisker of taking £100,000

COMPUTER users are being warned to stay safe online after scammers came close to fleecing a dale farm business out of almost £100,000.

In an incident reported to Barnard Castle police last week, the business was contacted by fraudsters claiming to be from BT and stating they were aware of a problem with its computer.

PCSO Darren Miles said the business operators were taken in by the scam after being told they could check a website and phone number which the callers claimed proved their veracity.

PCSO Miles told the January Teesdale Police and Communities Together (Pact) meeting that having gleaned information from the victims, the crooks managed to convince them to allow remote access to the computer.

“They went into online banking. They said they could see an account and asked the victim to confirm the amount,” PCSO Miles said.

He said this set alarm bells ringing and the victim declined.

“She was going to cut them off but was then told if she cut them off, they would take all of it – close to £100,000,” said PCSO Miles.

“The victim put the phone down, rang the police and we are investigating it now. She rang her bank and the funds were still there.

“The bank said they would put safeguards in place. It was a very near miss. If anyone asks for remote access to the computer, alarm bells should ring.”

A spokeswoman for BT said the company was aware of a variety of scams, with fraudsters altering their approach depending on the information given to them.

She added: “BT takes the security of its customers’ accounts very seriously.

“We proactively warn our customers to be on their guard against scams. Fraudsters use various methods to ‘glean’ personal or financial details with the ultimate aim of stealing from you.

“This can include trying to use your BT bill and account number.”

She added: “Our advice is that customers should never share their BT account number with anyone and always shred bills.

“Be wary of calls or emails you’re not expecting. Even if someone quotes your BT account number, you shouldn’t trust them with your personal information.

“We’ll never ask customers for personal information unexpectedly and we’ll never call from an ‘unknown’ number.

“If we’re getting in touch about your bill, it will usually be from either 0800 3289393 or 0800 0285085.”

BT also operates a website – www.bt.com/scams – which has information about the latest scams and how customers can protect themselves.

“We would encourage anyone who’s been scammed or were a victim of an attempted scam to report this to Action Fraud – the UK’s national fraud and internet crime reporting centre.

“This helps law enforcement agencies build up a wider picture that may help protect others.

“Customers can link directly to the Action Fraud portal from BT’s scams website or by calling Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.”

Clocking on for a spot of bellringing

CAMPANOLOGY – it may not ring bells with some but it’s a practice very much alive in Teesdale.

Volunteers and supporters of St Mary’s Church, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, have worked hard to raise money for its roof and protect its structure with much fundraising still to do.

Its northern wall is home to embedded stones dating back to the medieval era and its contemporary stained glass windows are a nod to the upper dale’s later farming heritage.

But perhaps the most striking hidden gem is its bell tower.

Saved from the elements at the turn of the millennium, it dates to the 1500s and boasts close to a dozen keen bell ringers for Sundays, weddings and funerals.

And it’s one of only two free-standing bell towers in Britain still making a sound.

Bellringer Moyra Wilkinson says: “There used to be many bell practices here. Ernie Craggs did it for 10 or 12 years. Nobody is chief bellringer really – we just need to be organised.

“We don’t have that many people and we need three more. If we have a dozen that means we are all ringing once a month.”

The ten or so volunteers work on rotation every Sunday morning and practice on an ad hoc basis.

Villager David Moore can remember hearing the bells through his childhood. He adds: “When I was in the choir in the 50s I always thought I’d have to give those a ring.”

But the bells rang out long before Mr Moore. Its treble has sounded since 1557 when it was donated by then rector Dr William Bell, who was at the helm from 1549 to 1559.

The detached bell house was built on higher ground so that the toll would sound over the low-slung rooftops of the houses below.

It was also cheaper than erecting a great big tower on the church itself. However, it can sometimes be a struggle to hear them on Bridge Street and towards the bottom of the village if the wind is blowing the wrong way.

The second bell and the tenor bells were originally tuned as a ring of three but the advent of the 17th century brought “full circle ringing”.

This system was devised when ringers discovered a larger arc when swinging bells would offer more control.

Wooden bell wheels, headstocks and ropes helped arrange the chimes with ropes passing down to the ringers.

Youngsters from the Brownies and the village school have visited the tower.

A guest bell ringer even offered his own tunes to the group when passing through.

“The chap was staying at a bed and breakfast and he was really enthused by the place,” says Mrs Moore. “He could not believe it.”

Mr Moore adds: “He gave us different tunes but we kind of got lost with that.”

But back in the late 1990s, nobody had heard the bells for years and the building was falling into a decrepit state. Restoration work began in 1999 thanks to a funding boon.

One of the cracked bells was welded and fixed, all three were rehung and the bells were rejigged to ease the load on the wooden frame.

Nowadays the tower rings “half circle” to ease the strain on the structure but the only problem with the bell frame design is it is tough to ring out a toll at funerals.

“We hit it with a hammer,” adds Mrs Wilkinson.

St Mary’s bell tower boasts ringers from as far away as Scunthorpe who give up 15 minutes when they’re in the village on a Sunday.

Unlike other clubs with fixed practice sessions, the informal grouping is happy to set up a session for anyone who is interested at a time which suits them.

Mrs Wilkinson says: “The commitment is not great. If there is a service, be it a wedding or a funeral, and we’re wanted, we will ring.”

And whisper it quietly – volunteers needn’t be church members nor particularly religious to do their bit.

To find out more or to become a bellringer, contact Mrs Wilkinson on 01833 640544.

Farm charity to mark 25 years of support across the dale

AN upper dale farming charity is planning a raft of monthly events to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

The largely unseen work of Utass (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services) began in 1993, and progressed over the following years to offer support to rural farmers with such things as complex government forms and paper work, providing training and offering advice.

Starting this month with a Friends of Utass draw, the charity plans 12 events through the year to mark its quarter century.

Emma Spry, of Utass, said February would see the launch of a range of greeting cards.

Companies are being invited to sponsor designs of a greeting card for £45 which would entitle them to a full colour advert on the back of the cards.

Mrs Spry said: “The photographs will come from those we have been sent in by members for calendars because in the four years we’ve been putting the calendars together some the photographs have been really spectacular.”

A photography competition is planned for March with the winning pictures being selected for the next year’s Utass calendar.

Events to follow also include a fundraising event, a 25th anniversary sheep shearing training session and competition and a wide range of social events.

Mrs Spry said: “In June we will have a celebration of volunteers event to coincide with Volunteers Week.”

In October people will be invited to join the Utass Theatre Club on a trip Sunderland Empire to see Miss Saigon. The club was started with just a handful of people and has already grown significantly.

November sees the launch of the Utass calendar and Christmas card featuring photographs from the competition in March as well as the annual Christmas fair.

This will be the sixth staging of the Christmas Fair at the auction mart.

Ms Spry said: “We had over 55 stalls last year, which is the most we have ever had. We had 12 at our first one so it has grown to over 50 in five years.

“This year stallholders will have to provide their own tables because the logistics of moving the tables has become too much. It will also depend on the goodwill of volunteers helping out again.”

The services offered by Utass have won the praise – and financial support – of Prince Charles and his charity.

The royal has visited the base in Middleton-in-Teesdale several times. For more information about the anniversary year contact Utass on 01833 641010.

Look, but don't touch – why you should oppose the ringing of birds

ONE new year resolution that I have made with reference to wildlife is that the cruelty migrant birds and nestlings have to endure for what is described as scientific reasons is looked into by societies which claim to protect them.

I have written to the RSPB, RSPCA and the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) pointing out my concerns.

To date, all the replies have skirted around the cruelty involved, all quoting scientific reasons.

I want to give readers an insight as to what takes place every year during the ringing of up to one million birds – yes, that is the figure given.

Each year, millions of small birds migrate from Europe across the North Sea.

For instance the gold crest, a tiny mite weighing just a few drams, migrates across the North Sea each autumn.

They arrive absolutely exhausted and near death after such a long arduous journey. Many do not survive the crossing.

What awaits them on arrival is flying into fine nets and hanging by their feet until collected by a great human hand.

Remember most birds have an inbuilt fear of humans.

They are then subjected to every part of their anatomy being measured before being released.

Every breeding season, young nestlings still in the nest experience similar treatment.

While they are being ringed the parents are completely stressed out at their young being treated in this manner.

How would you really feel if your babies were treated like this?

There is no argument, this is a cruel act.

The societies involved claim that it is for scientific reasons.

I say this is a red herring. Surely after ringing millions of birds over many decades, they have sufficient evidence of birds movements etc.

That brings me to the difference between “twitching” and birdwatching.

Does the public in general know what “twitching” involves?

Twitching is about numbers – how many different species have they seen in the UK – and is very competitive.

There is a “400 Club” and they are classed as the elite.

The ends they will go to are unbelievable, hiring private planes to far outposts in the UK just to get another so-called tick on their lists. They will go to any ends to succeed.

Twitching is the same as people collecting train numbers when I was lad, but do they give a thought about to the bird they are going to tick off?

Bird watching and twitching are two entirely different things.

The former just enjoy watching birds and recording what they have observed – and if an unusual bird crops up it is a bonus.

They do not gallop all over the country to tick a bird off a list.

Bird watching now involves buying expensive equipment, such as binoculars, cameras and telescopes and is a lucrative business with millions of pounds spent every year.

I believe this is the reason that when ringing is brought to the notice of the three societies as cruel, all I get back is negativity.

As well as these societies I have tried to contact a very famous TV naturalist three times and am still waiting for a reply.

To back up my comments, I met a chap ringing nestlings locally from nest boxes, pointing out my opinions to him.

He stated he was a licensed ringer and was not breaking any law.

I asked why he was ringing young birds?

His answer was to find out how many breed here.

My reply was, if you just watch the area you will get a good idea of numbers, but why ring the nestlings?

Can’t you see the distress you are causing to the parents? What if you have caused them to desert their young?

Oh they’ll come back, he said. But what if they don’t? There was silence.

Another case was brought to my mind of a ringer chasing young lapwings on a local moor in the dark, trying to catch them to ring.

I can imagine the stress to all the other breeding birds there, such as curlews, redshanks and snipe.

That was surely an act of cruelty, which appeared to me that the protection societies should investigate.

A ringer once boasted to me how many birds he had rung. I could have rung his neck.

These are just a couple of examples locally. They must be repeated many, many times across the UK each breeding season – and for societies to allow this when they are there to protect our wildlife.

I hope I have brought to your attention the cruelty involved. If you are of the same opinion contact the RSPCA and RSPB as they are the flagships when it comes to protecting our wildlife.

Dave Moore is a wildlife enthusiast from Hutton Magna

Barnard Castle Market Cross repairs to be carried out

REPAIRS are to be carried out to Barnard Castle’s battered Market Cross this weekend.

The iconic structure has suffered repeated damage as a result of HGVs being diverted through the town – mainly at night – during the A1 upgrade.

Durham County Council has organised a day of maintenance to the Market Cross roof on Sunday, January 28.

Three-way traffic lights will be in force at the junction of Newgate, The Bank and Market Place.

The repairs are the first phase of work to safeguard the Market Cross and which are due to be completed by summer 2019.

Paul Burr, Durham County Council’s buildings and facilities maintenance manager, said: “We have planned work to repair damaged roof slates, replace stone tiles and renew a section of the copper gutter.

“We are carrying out this work to repair damage caused to the building in recent months by high-sided vehicles and will do our best to minimise disruption for motorists and pedestrians while it is taking place.

“We would ask all drivers of high-sided vehicles to exercise great care when passing this important structure, to minimise further damage.”

The repairs come in the wake of a £10,000 specialist structural survey into the state of the building which was carried out in February last year.

The study, which was funded by Teesdale Action Partnership, found that “immediate” repairs costing £13,100 were needed and that a further £57,200 would need to be spent in the longer term bringing the building back up to scratch.

Durham County Council has pledged to fund the repairs, which it hopes will be completed by next summer.

However, since the structural survey was carried

out, there has been more damage to the Market

Cross, most recently last November when another HGV bumped into it – despite new road markings and changes to the paving layout which force trucks to take a wider curve.

Meanwhile, members of the Barnard Castle HGV Action group were due to meet representatives of the county council’s highways department this week.

They are hoping to discuss the results of a traffic survey in the town centre carried out last October.

Anger over yet more damage to Cockfield Fell

AN off-road 4x4 driver who caused damage to a large area of historic land has been condemned by police.

The driver of what is believed to be a green Mitsubishi with a 51 number plate drove on to Cockfield Fell leaving part of it deeply rutted.

This latest incident of illegal driving on the fell took place some time during the weekend of January 13 and 14.

PC Dave Williamson, of Barnard Castle Police, appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

“We need to know the full registration number of the vehicle or who was driving. We are getting a number of these off-road vehicles causing damage to land they should not be going on to,” he said.

In addition to incidents on Cockfield Fell, others have occurred near Staindrop and at Selaby.

In Barnard Castle, there are problems on the Lower Demesnes with drivers doing “doughnuts” and churning up up the turf which has led to proposals for the popular spot to be partly fenced off.

PC Williamson added: “Cockfield Fell is a big area and we will have to work together (with the public) to stop it. There are no cameras on there.

“The fell is a scheduled ancient monument. It is sad someone feels the need to go on there and wreck the land.”

The fell is listed as a monument due to its early industrial connections.

However, in its description, Historic England admits the area suffers from “significant localised problems”.

In addition to illegal 4x4s, this includes fly-tipping at the scar of Haggerleases Quarry.

Cllr Neville Singleton, a member of Cockfield Parish Council, said there was no easy solution.

“What can you say? It’s ridiculous. Unless someone catches them on the fell there is nothing you can do. We have got an ancient monument, but they just don't give a monkey’s. The fell is getting terrible,” he said.

At almost 350 hectares, Cockfield Fell is England's largest scheduled ancient monument. Its rich historic past includes pre-Roman settlement and evidence of industrial use dating back to the 14th century. In 1869, the fell became a regulated pasture, managed by the Fell Reeves.

In a practice which continues today, local stockholders pay a yearly rent to the Fell Reeves for a “stint” which gives them the right to graze their animals on the land.

Cross country athletes take conditions in their stride

HUNDREDS of young athletes from across the North East descended on a snow-bound Barnard Castle School at the weekend for the Durham County Schools’ Athletics Association (DCSAA) cross country championship.

Teams representing South West Durham, Darlington, Derwentside, Durham Central, Easington, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Wearside and West Wearside took part in the event. Races ranged in length from 2.43km for the Y7 boys and girls to 6.97km for the senior boys.

As well as racing for glory in the championships, the runners were also aiming to qualify for the DCSAA team which will compete in the Northern Schools’ inter-county cross country event on Saturday, February 3.

It is the Durham association’s turn to host the inter-county, which will also be staged at Barnard Castle School.

There were some notable performances by local athletes in Saturday's races.

Barnard Castle School’s India Pentland won the intermediate girls’ race, while Daniel Richardson, also from Barnard Castle School, was first home in the Y7 boys’ event.

Teesdale School’s Josh Mawer secured his place in the inter-county team with a top ten finish in the intermediate boys’ race.

Other local athletes to qualify for the inter-county team were Adele Dry, Y7 girls; Beth Wilson, junior girls; and Freddie Langton, junior boys.

Results

Y7 Girls: 1, Freya Clarkson, Gateshead; 2, Jessica Peart, Durham Central; 3, Ara Local, Durham Central.

Y7 Boys: 1, Daniel Richardson, South West Durham; 2, Dylan Wilson, Darlington; 3, Angus Milne, Gateshead.

Junior Girls: 1, Emily Chong, Durham Central; 2, Amy Leonard, West Wearside; 3, Jess Graham, South West Durham.

Junior Boys: 1, David Race, West Wearside; 2, Chris Perkins, West Wearside; 3, Adam Russell, Darlington.

Intermediate Girls: 1, India Pentland, South West Durham; 2, Catherine Roberts, Darlington; 3, Lydia James, West Wearside.

Intermediate Boys: Henry Johnson, West Wearside; 2, Sam Gibson, Durham Central; 3, Cameron Thomas, South West Durham.

Senior Girls: Lucy-Erin Hunter, Darlington; 2, Sarah Knight, Wearside; 3, Eve Quinn, West Wearside.

Senior Boys: 1, Cameron Allen, Durham Central; 2, Max Harris, Darlington; 3, Jack Brown, Gateshead.

Jobs lost as Cooplands bakery in Barnard Castle closes

JOBS have been lost in Barnard Castle following the closure of a bakery.

Cooplands, in Horsemarket, closed its doors for the final time on Saturday (January 20). A notice had appeared in the window of the bakery informing customers that the store would be shutting at the weekend. It came less than three years after the bakery and sandwich shop opened in 2015.

Cllr Rima Chatterjee and landlady of The Old Well Inn said it was a worrying sign.

She said: “I really feel badly about it. It is worrying.

“It is another business that is closing on our high street. It is really unfortunate but I am sure, from their point of view, that it makes business sense.

“It is sad that jobs have gone. Cooplands is a chain so they will be fine but it is the staff who we need to worry about. I just hope that they all manage to find something else. It is a lovely high street and we get so many people coming here so it would need to be filled again.”

Details on how many staff have been affected are unavailable after Cooplands declined to comment on the matter, The company, which has a chain of more than 140 shops in Yorkshire, County Durham and Lincolnshire, also declined to give the reasons for the closure.

'It maybe just wasn't the best day for tackling the Pennine Way'

AN elderly walker had to be rescued after collapsing in the snow in the remote upper dale.

Emergency services were called to part of the Pennine Way, near Cronkley Farm, at about 1.30pm on Sunday, January 21.

Due to the difficult nature of the terrain, Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team were called in by the North East Ambulance Service to assist with the rescue.

Two hazardous area response teams were dispatched alongside two double-crewed road ambulances.

The man, who is believed to be in his 80s, was with four other elderly walkers when he came into difficulty during their hike near Forest-in-Teesdale.

A spokesperson for Teesdale & Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team said: “We were already out on exercise between Teesdale and Weardale when we got a call in the early afternoon. We eventually got there but with a bit of a struggle.

“He was relatively okay. We couldn’t find anything wrong with him but we all worked together to get him on to a stretcher and to the ambulance on the road. We had to carry him on the stretcher and sledge it part way.

“It had been snowing but by the time we got to Cronkley it had stopped. Roads from Weardale to Teesdale were only passable with four-wheel drive.

“The weather had been well forecast as being very poor for Sunday. The walkers had good kit but it maybe wasn't the best day for tackling the Pennine Way.”

The rescue operation took around three hours.

A NEAS spokesperson said: “The patient was lowered by rope to our specialist all-terrain vehicle known as a polaris. They were then transferred to the ambulance and taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital for further treatment.”

Frostbitten feet, but South Pole challenge is a success

A FATHER and son team have completed a gruelling challenge in the icy wastes of Antarctica – reaching the South Pole using renewable energy alone.

Robert Swan grew up near Barnard Castle and was the first man to walk both South and North poles in 1989.

The 61-year-old and his son, Barney, 23, were reunited at the southernmost tip of the earth last week after completing the exhausting 600 mile journey in temperatures as low as -40C.

Mr Swan jnr completed the final 300 miles of the trip without his father after his dad was forced to call a halt to his effort at the halfway point due to the sheer physical effort needed.

The zero carbon South Pole Energy Challenge was designed to highlight how clean technologies can operate in some of the harshest environments on the planet.

The challenge began on November 15 and called on cutting edge technology including a NASA solar ice melter, biofuel from Bangalore, in India, and an algae cooking stove from Germany.

Mountaineer Martin Barnett and filmmaker Kyle O’Donoghue also joined them on the journey, which signalled the beginning of a seven-year campaign – The ClimateForce Challenge.

The team beat their 60-day target by four days despite Mr Swan jnr being struck by harsh frostbite in his feet.

On reaching the pole, Mr Swan snr said in a website blog recording how there would be no permanent damage to his son’s feet and praised the team’s courage for continuing.

“Frankly, personally, it was a huge success,” he added.

Mr Swan snr now lives in California and founded the 2041 organisation in 1984 after seeing the effects of environmental damage on the polar icecaps.

He has since dedicated his life to the preservation of the “last great wilderness on Earth” – the Antarctic.

Through recycling, renewable energy and sustainability he hopes to try to combat the effects of global climate change.

The initiative’s goal following this venture is to clean up 326 million tonnes of CO2 and the team will return to Antarctica in March.

For more information, go to: https://www.2041.com

Successful year boosts Barnard Castle and Teesdale Riding Club's prospects

EQUESTRIAN enthusiasts have celebrated a year of junior success and increased membership at their burgeoning club.

Barnard Castle and Teesdale Riding Club (BCTRC) has grown by 60 members in the past year alone and chairwoman Lezley Aldrich was thrilled with how the last 12 months panned out.

The junior ranks have been decorated with rosettes from competitions the length and breadth of the country.

Mrs Aldrich said: “We had Sammy Morgan at the Lincoln Qualifier. Polly Nicholson came first in the individual at Lincoln; we had the Horse Trials qualifier which our junior team won and the Festival of the Horse qualifier which we won as well.

“We won the North Regional Championship at Bishop Burton and our junior team won the dressage there as well.”

The team did qualify for three other championships but Mrs Aldrich explained how logistical difficulties could stretch the club’s resources to the limit.

She added: “They were all four hour drives away by car – one was an individual so it was just too far to travel and the qualifier for Dressage to Music was held on a weekday.

“One is four hours 15 minutes by car so obviously that’s even longer with a horse box on the back.

“The Festival of the Horse is in Aston Le Wall, which is another four-hour drive away, but because it’s a team I think they are going to try to make the journey down.

“It’s a little bit different when they are four of you.”

A trip down to Daventry in May will mean another long trip for the team.

Southern clubs are reluctant to travel and event organisers are reluctant to stage many events in the north.

It’s something which grates with Mrs Aldrich.

She added: “We had the British Riding Clubs up but they wouldn’t bring the qualifiers up north because the people from the south would not travel up. They say there is not enough people up here to make it pay.

“It’s not very nice but never mind – we travel all the way down there because we haven’t got the option.

“Surely they could do alternate years to make it fair but I doubt that will ever happen.”

Despite the regional glass ceiling, there is still plenty to be positive about at the riding club at both ends of the generational scale.

Its young horse and returner riding lessons have proved popular.

Mrs Aldrich added: “If you have just broken in a horse and it’s never done anything we have provided instructors to do flat work and pole work.

“It’s proved popular because there are not many places you can work your young horse where it’s not going to be frightened by more experienced horses.”

She also said older riders returning to the saddle have increased in number during the past 12 months largely thanks to another riding scheme.

Mrs Aldrich added: “It attracts those who maybe rode in their youth, had children and they’ve decided to go back to riding.

“Or they’ve taken up riding their children’s horses.”

At the younger end, the juniors are showing their mettle as they clamber through the competition ranks.

Emily Barningham, Hannah Straughan and Pippa Morgan claimed all the podium places in the junior dressage at the BRC National Grassroots League.

Young Jessica Straughan took the top rosette in the junior showjumping category.

A successful last couple years has laid the foundation for more recent successes.

Mrs Aldrich added: “They are young juniors but they’ve come up through the ranks to do extremely well.”

New manager Kelly Clack has entered the club from Weardale to offer the club some fresh blood.

And BCTRC is also trying to do its bit to support the neighbours.

Mrs Aldrich is a member of Hamsterley Riding Association – a group trying to rejuvenate its fortunes and its numbers.

She added: “We open all our events and lessons to Hamsterley and they reciprocate – it means the small clubs can keep going.

“They get the opportunity to attend anything we put on and they put on hacks and rides in the forest which we can go to for the same price.”

Much is made of the BCTRC’s ethos of fun and inclusivity regardless of experience or skill level.

A wet summer didn’t dampen that spirit despite the loss of a few pleasure rides.

Mrs Aldrich added: “It’s not been too bad at all – we have always been able to find alternative venues or go on an all weather surface.

“Our riders are notoriously tough – we’ll ride in all weathers if we have to.”

The club will take part in an area two dressage qualifier on January 28 with one junior team, three junior individuals and four senior teams entered.

For the 2018 Grassroots competition the club has also entered four junior teams.

BCTRC’s horse and return to riding clinics will be held on January 27, February 10, February 25 and March 3.

Showjumping clinics will be held on February 11 and March 25.

For more information contact Mrs Aldrich on 07891 660317 or go to www.bcandtrc.co.uk

Hamsterley horse lobby group 'losing its voice'

A DALE association formed to protect the interests of horse riders in Hamsterley Forest is at risk of losing its voice because of dwindling numbers.

Ironically, Hamsterley Riding Association, which once boasted hundreds among its ranks, started losing members precisely because of open access to the forest through the Countryside Rights of Way Act. The association now has only 13 members, despite hundreds of riders still taking their horses along the trails.

Prior to the act riders needed a permit to enter the forest.

The association was formed to manage the permits and anyone who signed up was given free rein in the forest. But along with the horses, walkers and cyclists were also allowed in.

Committee member Tricia Snaith said: “Therefore everyone could go in the forest, so the Forestry Commission changed how it was run due to open access.

“That’s when the change happened and why membership dropped.”

Caroline Foster, also a committee member, added: “At our highest we had 200 to 300 members.”

Ms Snaith said: “It reduced our voice and influence in the forest. We are a small association trying to give a voice.

“There are a lot of people riding in the forest – we would like them to let us know if they have positive suggestions and ideas.”

Ms Snaith said the decline in membership and the dominance of mountain bikes in the forest, meant that horse riders are losing some of their trails.

She added: “Quite a few of those tracks are where we were riding before. They put their jumps on them and put up signs saying no horses.”

Founder member Carol Atkinson said many of the horse trails she had created in the forest were never officially registered, whereas the mountain-bikers had received planning permission for their tracks.”

She said: “I have been pony-trekking for 33 years and there fewer areas where we can go.”

However, association chairwoman Helen Kirby believes growing membership is not all that is needed to ensure the longevity of horse-riding in the forest.

She said: “We need support. Being just a member is not enough, we need to know what they (riders) want and for them to join work parties.”

Ms Snaith added: “We are willing to put the money in, but we need a guarantee there will be manpower to help and mountain bikes will not use the pathways.”

Work simply involves laying hardcore and covering it with wood-chippings.

The committee has two trails it wants to improve and possible plans to create a new one as well.

There are also proposals to link up trails.

Ms Snaith said: “There is a lot of work to be done to get more rider-friendly routes.

“There are other tracks that we need to improve because they are too muddy. We have to make connection routes to the wider routes that are for horses. There are some fantastic tracks but they are 20 miles to get around – so it is to get those links in.”

Despite their small numbers, the association is still able to organise two large rides each year, an Easter bunny ride and a Halloween ride, both of which involve many riders wearing fancy dress.

The aim of the rides is to raise the profile of the association in the forest, and it is one of the few occasions when riders outnumber cyclists.

The primary objective is to inform cyclists of how easily horses are startled and some simple steps that could prevent accidents from happening.

Ms Snaith said: “Simple things like saying ‘bike behind you’. It makes the horse aware and it is not just a mountain bike wooshing past.”

Another problem is cyclists using paths that are dedicated to horses.

She said: “These don’t tend to be members of the Trailblazers [the forest’s resident mountain bike club].”

The annual rides, along with a regular ceilidh dance are also used by the association to support charities.

Some that have benefitted in the past have Beating Bowl Cancer, Butterwick Hospice, Brooke horse and donkey charity and World Horse Welfare. For more information or to get involved in work parties visit Hamsterley Riding Association on Facebook.

Teesdale conference will look at future of moorlands

FINDINGS from the latest research carried out by scientists in the uplands will be discussed at a North of England grouse seminar near Barnard Castle.

From the role of grouse moor management in helping wader conservation to post-fire vegetation succession on blanket blog and reports from Langholm Moor, a variety of topics will feature at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s (GWCT) 11th conference.

This year’s event will be held in The Morritt Hotel, Greta Bridge, on March 8.

The Marquess of Downshire, a trustee, will chair the meeting, which will commence with GWCT scientist Dave Newborn talking about grouse diseases, including respiratory cryptosporidiosis, and will focus on distribution, prevalence, impacts on survival and productivity and reservoirs of infection.

Organiser Dr Dave Baines, director of upland research, who will be explaining the importance of grouse moor management for declining curlew and other waders, said: “The political pressures facing the future of driven grouse shooting have never been greater. This is your opportunity to find out the trust’s latest research findings that will help steer solutions.”

Meanwhile, Dr Sian Whitehead, senior scientist at GWCT, will explain how results from the long-term rotational burning experiment at Moor House nature reserve in upper Teesdale may be widely applicable on North Pennine grouse moors.

Dr Philip Warren’s paper will focus on black grouse range expansion and Dr Sonja Ludwig will provide the final results from ten years of the Langholm Moor Demonstration Project, showing the changes in numbers of red grouse in relation to moorland restoration, including the diversionary feeding of hen harriers.

There will be a guest speaker from Natural England and a discussion focusing on the pros and cons on heather burning by Professor Rob Marrs, of the University of Liverpool.

Tickets for the conference are now on sale and cost £40.

For more infomation and to book, visit www.gwct.org.uk /grouseseminar

Jonathan's come back to his roots

JONATHAN Wallis is a local farmer’s son with a wealth of training and experience in land agency.

Little wonder then that his feet haven’t touched the ground since he became a self-employed adviser last summer, having returned to his Barnard Castle roots and set up home in Startforth.

Mr Wallis’s services include private land and property sales and acquisitions, land development and landlord and tenant negotiations, as well as capital gains tax issues, boundary disputes and probate valuations.

He has worked with countless farm businesses since he left university in 2005, giving him a broad overview of the industry. Mr Wallis is convinced that many will need to change, if they are to survive in a future where support is likely to diminish, or even be removed altogether.

“I believe that some farm support will continue, but that it will be more directed towards the public benefit and that the uplands are likely to receive the most benefit,” he said.

“The rules are expected to be on an income foregone basis and land will probably have to be taken out of production, in order to make a claim. I would be very surprised if area payments were to be continued.

“Businesses which rely on support as the main profit stream may be in a difficult position and the industry will have to pull together to survive.”

He added: “Farmers need to find a way to gain more power and control over their produce and a better understanding of the supply chain. This is easier said than done, however, and perhaps we need a new type of organisation to cope with the new set of circumstances.”

He has some specific advice for tenant farmers.

“I would recommend a tenant to think very carefully, before agreeing to any proposition by their landlord. In the case of a rent review, for example, it is worth putting together some figures and looking at all of the influential factors. These can be taken along to the meeting and can be used to argue the case against a rental increase, for example,” he said.

“The same applies to investment, whether that involves money coming from either the landlord or the tenant, or through a joint arrangement.”

Mr Wallis added: “I would not advise against a tenant being the sole investor in an asset like a new building on a rented farm if it improved capital efficiency by reducing labour, or for expansion, in order to minimise fixed costs.”

It can be difficult to think about investment when profitability is poor, but as long as the tenancy is secure, it can help to move the business forward, he stresses, and risks must be taken to avoid becoming a casualty.

In the current climate, maintaining the status quo and hoping that the situation will improve may work for some farms, but certainly not for all.

Mr Wallis said: “Change and development is particularly necessary on tenant farms with a succession plan, where the business may have to provide two incomes in the future. A lot will depend on size, location and soil type, etcetera, but it is advisable to review the business on a regular basis and consider other possible options.

“One of my most successful clients originally had arable and livestock, but slowly built up an equestrian centre on his rented property. It has done so well that his daughter has taken over the enterprise and he has ended up buying the farm.

“Another client is always willing to embrace change. He will keep a close eye on returns and will give up an enterprise if it is not profitable. He makes sure that his business responds to market conditions,” he said.

“However any adjustments should be as flexible as possible. If a new building is required, it should be designed with a range of other potential uses for the future in mind.”

Jonathan’s grandfather, Walter Wallis, was the original tenant on the family farm, while his father, Frank Wallis, is a very well-respected hay and straw merchant who also keeps livestock. However, Jonathan’s own career progression means it is unlikely that he will ever farm in his own right.

“I am content with the path I have chosen and it keeps me in close touch with the agricultural industry. If I went into practical farming, I would strive to be an owner-occupier and probably try to develop a strong brand for my produce by seeking out a premium market,” said Mr Wallis.

“The obvious choice would be to produce beef and lamb to a high standard and sell to a small number of butchers whose customers were prepared to pay more for a high quality meat. But that is mere speculation.

“I have no plans to expand beyond being a sole trader land agent because I do not want to lose the personal touch which I feel gives me an advantage over some of my competitors.”

In Mr Wallis’s limited spare time, he enjoys organising charity fundraising events and has discovered that he has something of a flair for it. His most recent event was Christmas at the Cathedral, held at St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle.

The money raised from the concert went to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which finds methods of detecting and treating cancer. He also enjoys rough shooting and has recently bought a springer spaniel puppy, which he intends to train himself.

“I thought I might have more leisure time when I set up on my own. It hasn’t worked out that way, but I’m very happy,” said Mr Wallis.

New look for greyhound charity – but job remains the same

A canine charity has been rebranded, but the mission remains unchanged – to provide bright futures and loving homes for retired racing greyhounds. Stuart Laundy meets volunteers with the Greyhound Trust.

DUKE is a big, striking fella blessed with a friendly, calm demeanour. At just four years old, his racing days are behind him and, expected to live until about 12, he’s now in need of a permanent home.

He currently resides in the Greyhound Trust kennels at Merrybent, on the western fringe of Darlington.

The kennels are a family run operation, involving Janet and Doug Brass who, along with daughter Claire, have been rehoming greys for two decades, becoming part of the network of what was then the Retired Greyhounds Trust seven years ago.

The kennels have a capacity of 15 to 20 dogs.

“We are always full,” says lead volunteer Janet Brass. And there is a waiting list.

“Most of them come from the racing track, direct from the trainers, although we do get the odd one from elsewhere.

“We take most of them from Sunderland and Newcastle, occasionally further afield as well.”

Most of the greys are aged three to five when they come to Merrybent.

“Some of them can carry on racing. We always say the dog will tell you if it likes racing, but five is a good age to retire the dog from racing,” adds Mrs Brass.

“The Greyhound Trust tries to take in as many as possible from the racing side, then you do get some of the owners who try to rehome the dogs themselves.”

When they arrive at the kennels, greys are neutered where necessary, dental work is checked and the team ensures boosters are up to date.

Those looking to adopt a grey can expect “a ready made dog from the trust”, adds Mrs Brass.

As ex-stars of the track, surely greys are high maintenance with energy to burn?

“They are really only used to running about 480 metres,” says Mrs Brass.

“Don’t get me wrong, they do need exercise, but they are very lazy. A ten minute walk a few times a day would please a grey – if it’s pouring with rain, they won't even want to do that. Once they finish racing, they are just couch potatoes.”

She adds: “They have an excellent temperament. We rehome them with everyone from young people with children to the very elderly. Greys can sense the difference. Either way, they make great pets.

“In general they want to curl up on a bed and enjoy their retirement.”

One thing potential adopters are reminded is that ex-racing greys are unlikely to have seen the inside of a house and may need a little time to get used to their new surroundings.

“They have always been in kennels – but they house train very quickly,” says Mrs Brass.

Last year, the Greyhound Trust Darlington centre found new homes for 81 ex-racers. Another five had gone to new homes in the first week of 2018.

The Brasses rely on a small army of between 20 and 25 volunteers to help keep things running – walking the dogs daily to helping out at various fundraising events which raise about £7,000 a year to help cover costs.

“We would be lost without them. They are all fantastic people. There are a couple who come from Hartlepool just to walk the dogs. That shows how dedicated they are. You can’t run a branch without volunteers.”

Mrs Brass adds: “We do a lot of fundraising and don’t set a limit on what we try to raise.”

There are monthly dog walks at Hardwick Park, Sedgefield, meet and greets at Pets At Home, awareness weekends and an annual dog show (open to all breeds) in July, again at Hardwick Park.

“Everything we raise goes towards helping the dogs. It’s just a pleasure to rehome the dogs,” says Mrs Brass.

Annual walk helps to raise the profile of greyhounds, lurchers and other sight hounds

CARROLL Trevor’s love for greys and other sight hounds led her to establishing the Hutton Magna Great Global Greyhound Walk in 2014.

From small beginnings – Carroll and lurcher Amber were the only participants in that initial outing – the walk now averages about 12 sets of owners and dogs.

“Last year was such a miserable day, I am surprised we got ten,” she says.

Undeterred, Mrs Trevor is organising another Great Global Greyhound Walk this year. It will take place on Sunday, June 10, from Hutton Magna Village Hall at 10am.

“Fifty per cent of what we raise goes to charities of our choice and 50 per cent to the Great Global Greyhound Walk which is then donated to assorted greyhound charities.”

Hundreds of pounds has been raised and charities supported include Kia Rescue, the Greyhound Trust and Stray Aid. Mrs Trevor has been a committed lover of lurchers since her son was given one many years ago when he was aged just eight.

“I did also have an ex-racing greyhound called Daisy. She came from East Yorkshire Greyhound Trust Centre. She had been in Ireland and had pups in Ireland. She ran nine races, winning three of them. I had her for less than two years. Her lungs gave out on her.”

She has looked after Amber for five years after she was found dumped on the roadside bleeding profusely.

There is little difference in looking after a lurcher compared to a grey, she says.

“Lurchers need a little bit more exercise depending on their bloodline, but they do like lying about in a heap and they are not particularly bothered about going out if it’s wet and windy.

“It’s about 90 per cent the same the same as keeping a greyhound.”

After coming to terms with the stairs, Bess is now a calendar girl

WHEN Richard and Glynis Laidler introduced Bess to their home there was just one problem – she had never seen stairs.

“The first time we got her up the stairs we had to briber her with lumps of cheese. When it was time to come down, she was a quivering heap,” says Mrs Laidler.

Three years later and six-year-old Bess is much more adept at getting up and down.

Mr and Mrs Laidler took Bess from the Greyhound Trust Darlington centre.

“We had never had a grey before. We had a large mutt (a lurcher/alsatian cross) for 14 years,” says Mr Laidler.

The couple spotted Bess on the trust website and she was soon on her way home.

“She is Irish and won a couple of races. She was racing in Sunderland and had to be retired due to an injury in one of her back legs.”

Even now, Bess struggles on hard surfaces, walking on three legs. “Greyhounds are easy to look after. They don’t shed their fur very often and are good for people with allergies. They tend to eat and sleep. They don’t need long runs as people assume,” says Mrs Laidler.

Bess has also become something of a celebrity – she is one of the dogs to feature in this year’s Greyhound Trust calendar.

Two's perfect company for Sheila

SHEILA Wylie can thank TV cartoon The Simpsons for providing a home for two elderly ladies – Gem and Sky.

At ten years old, Gem was taken from the Greyhound Trust centre at Hollin Hall, Fir Tree, near Crook, about five years ago.

Sky, a year younger, arrived from the Greyhound Trust branch at Chester-le-Street race track, a few months later.

Ms Wylie explained: “I had been using dogs to engage disaffected children I was teaching and I showed them the episode of The Simpsons in which they get their greyhound after he was abandoned at the race track.

“When my terrier died, I had been talking about greyhounds so much, I looked into it and got my first one – then decided one was not enough.”

Gem raced more than 80 times, generally finishing in the top three. The end, when it came, was abrupt.

“She just stopped mid race and caused havoc. She just decided she did not want to race,” says Ms Wylie.

Sky, on the other hand, was no star of the track.

“She is not very well co-ordinated and did not have the speed. She was raced six or seven times then kept by her owner before being taken into care.”

Ms Wylie says it was only when she brought Sky home that gem “came out of her shell”.

She explained: “Gem did not play for about a year. They are so used to other dogs being around them she probably felt very lonely.”