Cockfield pigeon federation stalwart steps down after 55 years

A HOMING society federation is at a loss after losing its secretary of 55 years.
Cockfield Federation is struggling to find a replacement for formidable pigeon breeder Trevor Peairs who has called it a day after reaching his 80th birthday.
The problem now is that none of the federation’s 47 members want to take over the reins. Mr Peairs said: “To be honest, I said when I am 80 I would be too old.
“Your faculties aren’t as good as they were. I thought it best to stand aside before the new season starts. Some of them are hoping I will change my mind but having done it all these years I think I deserve a break. Nobody really wants to do these jobs these days. I’ve sent it (a notice) out for nominations but no one is interested, not a soul. Someone must take over.”
Not only is there a worry about finding a new secretary, but someone also needs to take over the running of the Cockfield Nominations, a federation competition, which Mr Peairs has been organising single-handedly.
The Butterknowle resident took up the secretary’s post at age 25 in 1961.
He said: “At that time there was a pigeon club in Butterknowle. Harry Dowson was secretary of the homing society and he taught me all there was to know about how to calculate the results. It was all worked out long hand, there were no computers then.”
While it would take as long as ten minutes to work out just one result, Mr Peairs said it is much easier now with computers working out the results for the secretary. They are also used to clock the pigeons’ times.
He added: “Now it all goes through the computer. When they come back they walk over a pad and it automatically records the time and the pigeon’s ring number. It is a vast improvement on what we had in the old days.”
Mr Peairs was introduced to pigeon racing by his father Harry who died about 30 years ago. His father’s name, however, has been carried through the years by Mr Peairs who continues to fly under the banner of H Peairs and Son.
Now that mantle is being handed over to Mr Peairs’ son Kevin, as he begins to wind down his pigeon racing activities because of health reasons. Together they run two lofts, one a set of 40 which is used for racing, and another set of 40 for breeding.
Over the years they have won the West Durham Amalgamation title on several occasions with their birds Joe's Pride, Stamina Lady and Maureen’s Star.
Mr Peairs said: “I would rate them being equal because they all won top honours.”
Over time H Peairs and Son have lost a number of birds, particularly to predators.
The 80-year-old said: “The biggest problem are hawks.
“Sparrow hawks are taking them. We've had them come down to the loft when we have been exercising the birds. We've lost a terrible lot. The sparrow hawk is a nasty bird that does no good. When a sparrow hawk kills, it doesn’t kill them right out. It nips it at the back of the neck and takes it down. Then they tear a piece of flesh away until it dies. It is a really nasty death but you daren’t shoot them or you will get jail.”
Along with struggling to find a replacement, the federation secretary worries about he future of pigeon racing as membership numbers dwindle.
He said: “Pigeon racing is a dying sport. We have 47 members, when I first took it on we had 90 odd.”

Funding lifeline for Teesdale's youth folk group

A YOUTH music project that has been surviving on a shoe-string has been given a significant boost.
Folk group Cream Tees,  enjoyed funding from the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership before it was wound down this year.
But the band will be able to carry on for at least another school term after receiving money from Teesdale Action Partnership.
The youth group was formed to carry on the tradition of folk music in Teesdale.
Cream Tees organiser Neil Diment said the money would ensure that the young musicians could continue to enjoy workshops and sessions with folk degree tutors Niamh Boadle and Anna Hughes, from Newcastle University.
He added: “Newcastle University is unique in having an undergraduate course where you can go and study folk music. The money will enable us to have at least six sessions next term.”
He added that the students also benefit from the one-and-a-half hour sessions every other week because it gives them valuable teaching experience.
The cash will also enable Cream Tees to put on a concert at Newbiggin Chapel next year. The event, which may will  be the last in the chapel because it is closing due to a dwindling congregation, will feature music written by upper dale folk musician Mark Anderson, who is credited with writing the version of Scarborough Fair that Simon and Garfunkel made famous.
Mr Diment said: “It is wonderful that we will be performing some of his tunes only a stone’s throw from where he lived and recorded.”
The event takes place on Saturday, March 18, at 2pm and will be preceded by a workshop with the students at The Hub, in Barnard Castle.
As for the future of the group, Mr Diment said: “We can continue on a shoestring and we are actively seeking sponsorship. We have put another bid to the Arts Council, hopefully that will keep us going until the next year.”

Volunteers serve up a Christmas Day treat in Barnard Castle

SELFLESS volunteers made it a Christmas dinner to remember for the third year running.
No fewer than 34 free lunches were served at St Mary’s Parish Hall, in Barnard Castle, on Sunday before a special musical performance by two talented youngsters.
Started by the Barnard Castle Meet Committee in 2014, the festive lunch saw a change of venue this year after The Hub was unavailable.
Organiser Shona Robinson said a last minute push for volunteers saw extra pairs of hands join the team on Christmas morning.
She added: “It was absolutely brilliant – we had about 30 people altogether. The Parish Hall looked fantastic when it was decorated.”
Town mayor Cllr John Blissett popped by for a chat with guests before a special performance from young harpist Joshua Greenwell and his sister Seren.
Ms Robinson said: “They asked their mum and dad if they could come along and they did a 25 minute spot – it was lovely.
“Joshua played the harp while Seren sang Silent Night – there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”
Cllr Blissett, who called at lunch as part of a number of Christmas Day visits, said: “The community dinner at the Parish Hall, that truly needs a mention. What a wonderful spread they put on for their guests.”
With chefs thin on the ground this year, Eggleston sausage-maker, Steve Chestnut, stepped into the kitchen with a raft of volunteers.
“We had some fantastic feedback and had about eight volunteers turn up on the day,” said Ms Robinson.
“They cleaned up, dished up food and got stuck in – they were all there for the duration.”
The day was capped off with Play Your Cards Right and The Generation Game, courtesy of Anne Pearson.
Ms Robinson added: “It went like clockwork and it was lovely to see everyone’s faces – we’re looking forward to next year if we do it again.”

Boxing Day dip organisers hope event will grow

THE second annual Boxing Day dip organised by Barnard Castle fundraising group The Clique made a big splash this year.
More than double the number of revellers donned fancy dress and plunged into the Tees near the town’s Silver Bridge compared to the inaugural dip.
There were superheroes, a pirate, a monk, a couple of Santas and even Elvis among those taking part.
Despite the sunshine, there was a chill wind and a strong current, but that didn’t put the dippers off as they waded half way across the river, where they raised The Clique banner.
Dozens of people also lined the river bank to support the dippers’ efforts and, although not primarily a fundraising event, a bucket collection was taken.
The Clique’s Geoff Thwaites, who was among the 17 hardy souls to take part, said organisers were pleased with the turnout.
“It’s double last year and hopefully it will continue to grow.
“The current was quite strong and I couldn’t really feel my legs – but once you were in the water, it wasn’t so bad really. It was well worth it.
“A big thanks to everybody who turned up to do it and everyone who came along to support.”
The Clique was founded in 1975 at Barnard Castle Workingmen’s Club. Originally a drinking club, its fundraising activities began with the collection of 2p pieces after a game of dominoes.
To date, more than £100,000 has been raised for local good causes.

'It's not worth it' grieving Teesdale mum warns motorists

Nick Davidson

THE mother of a Teesdale man who died in a horrific car crash is urging motorists not to get behind the wheel when under the influence of drink or drugs.
Anita Thompson is backing Road Safety GB North East’s campaign, in the hope it saves lives during the festive period.
Mrs Thompson’s 27-year-old son, Nick Davidson, and his friend Grant Benson, aged 21, were killed when the car they were travelling in crashed into a tree, ricocheted into another tree and burst into flames.
More than two years on, both families remain devastated, and Mrs Thompson now works hard to alert people to the dangers of drink driving, and to educate them on how it can tear lives apart.
She has also helped RoadPeace North-East launch their official road safety website.
“If I can help prevent even just one family from going through this devastation, that’s positive,” said Mrs Thompson, from Middleton-in-Teesdale.
“I cannot and will not allow Nick’s death to become just another statistic.”
 Her son and his friend had been for a night out in Barnard Castle. After returning to Mr Benson’s house, for reasons unknown, they decided to go out for a drive in his high-powered Audi A4 Quattro.
In the early hours, Mr Benson lost control of the car on a rural road near Whorlton, crashing into two trees, killing Mr Davidson instantly and badly injuring himself.
Trapped in the wreckage, Mr Benson was able to dial 999, but the emergency services were unable to reach him in time and he died after the car burst into flames.
Police found the driver had been one-and-a-half times over the drink drive limit at the time of the accident.
Mrs Thompson said: “If we expect people to make an informed decision, they need to know all the facts, and they need to know what all the potential consequences of a bad choice are. I want them to understand that young drivers are a particularly high-risk group.
 “My message to motorists is don’t drive after drink or drugs. It’s really not worth the risk; think of your family.”
Mrs Thompson said she was still coming to terms with her son’s death, adding that Christmas was a particularly difficult time.
She said she planned to visit the churchyard on Christmas morning.
“No parent should have to do that,” she said.
Paul Watson, chairman of RSGB NE, said: “Nick and Grant’s deaths are a stark reminder of the dangers of drink driving.
 “Having just one or two drinks can badly impair your judgement, and dull your reaction times, in this case with tragic consequences.
 “People need to be aware of the dangers of drink and drug driving and how it can tear the lives of families apart.
“It’s easy to go out with the intention of having one drink, but unfortunately during the Christmas period some people get carried away and that’s when accidents happen.”
 Mr Watson reminded drivers that they can still be over the limit the morning after a night out. He added: “The message is simple, plan your night out and either drive and stay sober or leave the car at home.”
Between 2011 and 2015, 46 people were killed on the region’s roads due to a suspected drink/drug driver, 297 were seriously injured, and a further 1,567 were slightly injured.
In 2015 alone, 80 people were killed or seriously injured – the highest number for six years.
Police Inspector Mark Pitt, of Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “Everyone has a responsibility to look out for a driver getting into a vehicle who they believe could be impaired by either drink or drugs and therefore will be a danger on the road by contacting police and helping us to keep our roads safe.”

Police pleased with breath test results

TEESDALE motorists have performed well amid fresh drink-drive warnings. 
Traffic officers breathalysed more than 50 drivers in Barnard Castle on Thursday, December 22, – all blew zero.
Christmas and New Year brings greater alcohol consumption throughout the dale.
Acting Sgt Simon Hogg was pleased with last week’s roadside tests.
He said: “People have been asking us questions and we’ve been giving advice as to what kind of thing is safe – it’s getting that safety message out at this time of year.”
Sgt Hogg added there was a chance the checks will return next year. 

Dance, music and song on the menu for the new year

A TRIO of Tuesday events are offering the dale a chance to stretch its musical muscles. 
Musicians Amy Purvis and Dan Kilford are starting a contemporary community choir and ukulele lessons at The Witham, in Barnard Castle.
Every Tuesday in term time will see the pair teach the four-string lute between 6pm and 7pm alongside other percussive instruments.
Between 7pm and 8pm a community choir accompanied by a live band will take centre stage.
The duo, from Newton Aycliffe’s branch of MusiKality Services, revealed they were looking to extend their reach across Teesdale. Mr Kilford said: “I will run the band and Amy will run the choir – we will be using local musicians.
“We have had a lot of enquiries so we’re going to sit down and work out where everyone will fit in.
“We want it to be as mad and fun as possible.”
The choir will have a “contemporary twist” using a live band to play hits from the likes of Coldplay and Snow Patrol. Ms Purvis added: “Sometimes people in choirs may not have had the opportunity to work with live musicians so it’s nice to be able to do that.
“Some people think of a choir as four or five part traditional hymns which is fine but we want to give it a modern twist.”
The pair said both the uke and singing lessons are open to those who might not consider themselves musical.
“Some people dismiss music from a young age if they cannot pick an instrument up quickly – the choir is quick and instant access to music,” said Ms Purvis. “The ukulele is a really in thing at the moment – it’s easy to handle and for all ages.”
Before the music, ballet and tap dance lessons are available for youngsters on Tuesday tea times with Rambert London trained professional Janie Lavell.
Sessions for four to eight-year-olds will be between 4pm and 5.30pm and ages nine and above from 5.30pm to 7pm.
Sarah Gent, from The Witham, was looking forward to the Tuesday treble bill.
“I am really excited by it all and I know a lot of people who are either in the band or the choir. It fits in really nicely with what we’re doing to give people access to the arts.”
Sessions start on Tuesday, January 10, and cost £5 each.   For more details contact Musikality on 07985 483566 or email musikalityservices@ gmail.com.

Old and new battle for Teesdale Business Awards glory

THE organisations shortlisted in the 12 categories of the Teesdale Business Awards 2016 have been unveiled.
Companies which have tasted previous success in the annual awards, such as Middleton-in-Teesdale-based Cafe Fresh and Evenwood CA Group, are joined by newcomers including fish and chip shop operator Katie Barker and Neat Acoustics.
The awards aim to recognise Teesdale businesses and social enterprises who have been successful in their own field during the past 12 months.
Peter Dixon, one of the awards organisers, said: “The aim of the awards is to celebrate achievements over the last year within Teesdale businesses and community groups.
“With more than 200 nominations our judging panels, which were each led by the sponsor for the award category, all had a difficult job on their hands.
“As we received feedback from each judging panel, we were consistently told that the standard of entries was very high this year.”
He added: “It clearly demonstrated to us that there is an exceptional range of high quality business endeavour taking place within Teesdale.”
The winners will be announced at a special ceremony, which takes place on Wednesday, February 15, at The Witham, in Barnard Castle.
Business advisor John Atkinson and Staindrop-based businesswoman Emma Hignett will host the evening.
Tickets for the award ceremony are on sale now for £12.
Ticket information and more details about the awards is available at www.teesdale businessawards.co.uk/
The awards shortlist is:
Best Business, sponsored by Thermal Compliance Ltd: 999 Fire and Safety; S & A Fabrications Ltd; Teesdale Community Resources (The Hub).
Best New Business, sponsored by Addison & Co: 4 Paws Farm; Café Fresh (Teesdale) Ltd; Teesdale Cheesemakers.
Growth Business of the Year, sponsored by Business Durham: Café Fresh; Francis Bookkeeping Solutions Ltd; Poppy’s Children’s Boutique.
Most Innovative Business, sponsored by Tilly Bailey & Irvine Law Firm: Eating and Living; Spectrum Prints; Teesdale Alpacas.
Best Business Trading Outside Teesdale, sponsored by CA Group Ltd: Lonton Coffee Company; Neat Acoustics Ltd; The Carrosserie Company (UK) Ltd.
Best Social Enterprise, sponsored by Café Fresh Group: Barnard Castle Farmers Market Ltd; Gaunless Valley Community Group; Sporting Force.
Best Community Engagement Project, sponsored by S & A Fabrications Ltd: 1st Staindrop Scouts; Barnard Castle Cricket Club; Teesdale YMCA.
Environmental Achievement, sponsored by The Greenfields: Cross Lanes Organic Farm; Lonton Coffee Company; Teesdale Alpacas.
Best Customer Focus, sponsored by Teesdale Renewables Ltd: 999 Fire & Safety; Reboot Repairs and Design; Sandringham Financial Partners.
Employer of the Year, sponsored by Spice Island Restaurant: CA Group Ltd; Sporting Force; The Dress Agency TDACIC.
Young Entrepreneur, sponsored by Durham County Council: Claire Stoddart, hairdresser; Katie Barker, Katie’s Fish and Chips; Phillip Dawson, Café Fresh.
Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by GSK: Gus Rowell, Anthony Nixon Furniture Ltd; Laura Willis, Café 15; Matthew Charlton, Teesdale Sports Centre.

Grant scheme to keep slurry under wraps

A NEW grant is available to farmers in an effort to cut emissions of ammonia.
Natural England has launched the  Farming Ammonia Reduction Grant (FARG) scheme.
Under the scheme, farmers will be able to apply grant funding at 100 per cent more than the standard Countryside Stewardship rates to pay for slurry store covers. 
In addition, one-to-one advice will be available on ways to reduce ammonia emissions and conserve nitrogen, both of which could ultimately increase the efficiency of farm systems.
 Applications for the FARG scheme are open to all beef and dairy farmers in England.
Floating covers for slurry stores are grant funded at £11.20 per sq metre, while self-supporting covers attract a grant of £61 per sq metre. There is no maximum available grant on eligible.
The new grant has been welcomed by Thomas Armstrong, of H&H Land and Property.
He is urging farmers to take advantage of this additional funding, as well as the advice being offered. 
 “Ammonia is a key air pollutant that can have significant effects on human health and ecosystems and, in 2014, the agriculture sector accounted for 83 per cent of total emissions,” said Mr Armstrong, associate director and chartered surveyor for H&H Land and Property.
“This scheme will benefit both the environment and farming businesses, so we strongly recommend beef and dairy farmers make use of this grant funding if they can.”
 Slurry store covers can benefit farms by protecting the store from rainwater and reducing storage and field application costs.
Covers can also cut the loss of nitrogen and increase the quality of slurry as a fertiliser.
They also work towards reducing ammonia emissions and improving air quality and minimise odour.
The closing date for all applications to be received by Natural England is January 31.
As applications will be prioritised on a first come, first served basis, Mr Armstrong said is was important to apply as soon as possible.
To be eligible, existing storage facilities must meet Environment Agency rules for storing slurry.
Any covers installed under the scheme must be maintained for a minimum of five years.
In some cases, planning permission may be required.
Further information on the Farming Ammonia Reduction Grant scheme is available on the government’s website, www.gov.uk.

Farmer's plea after dog kills his sheep

A TEESDALE farmer has urged dog owners to be “extra vigilant” when their animals are near livestock.
The call comes after a dog attacked and killed a sheep near Staindrop in the early hours of Wednesday, December 14. John Robson, of Friar Cote Farm, on Moor Road, discovered one of his Texel gimmer lambs motionless in the field at about 8am.
The animal, which was carrying twins, was found with a wound to its neck. It is believed that the animal was killed shortly before being discovered by Mr Robson.
He said: “I have never had anything killed at the farm before. It is the first incident here. I would ask people to be extra vigilant when their dogs are off the lead near livestock.”
No-one has approached the farmer to accept responsibility and the police have launched an appeal for the owner of the dog to come forward. Officers are also reminding dog owners that they must keep dogs on leads around livestock and make sure they know the whereabouts of their animals.
PC Dave Williamson, of Barnard Castle Police, said: “The farmer found that one of his sheep had been brought down by a dog. He did not see a dog but it had all of the tell-tale signs including lesions to its neck. At this time of year sheep are in lamb so dog owners need to be more careful when their dogs are off the lead.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident DHM-16122016-0098.

What's making the news in this week's Mercury

GOOD sports from Barnard Castle fundraising group The Clique dived into the Tees on Boxing Day and we were there to capture the fun.

Teesdale's fell rescue service is to maintain a local presence despite moving its centre of operations up to Durham.

The secretary of the Cockfield pigeon federation is stepping down after clocking up 55 years in the job.

Volunteers served up Christmas Day lunch to more than 30 people at Barnard Castle's Parish Hall.

Evenwood is in line for a major spring clean as part of a Durham County Council pilot programme.

Music tuition at The Hub is Barnard castle is to be extended thanks to a £14,000 boost.

In sport, meet the ladies of Barnard Castle RUFC who are embracing rugby.

Plus... our fun quiz, review of the year, letters, policing County Durham with Ron Hogg and the latest on The Bowes Museum's ground-breaking WW1 project.

All in this week's Mercury, in the shops today.

Katy's new year class to help shed pounds

Katy before and after

TRAVEL consultant Katy Davies is offering to show anyone who wants to lose weight the route to a slimmer, healthier new year.
Ms Davies, 36, who works for Kyle Travel, in Barnard Castle, has transformed her appearance after losing four-and-a-half stones.
Now she is launching a Slimming World evening group in the town for men and women anxious to shed those unwanted pounds.
In March, Ms Davies decided she’d had enough of unflattering family photos and holiday snaps and was determined to take action.
 “I thought I could do it myself, but Slimming World was always cropping up in conversation so I joined a group in Darlington,” she said.
 “Having been unsuccessful with weight loss in the past, at first I decided not to tell anyone I was trying again.”
Ms Davies needn’t have worried because she lost 5lbs in her first week and has never looked back.
“I never feel limited or restricted in what I eat – it has just made me appreciate my food more,” she said.
Ms Davies, who lives in Newsham, says although her eating habits have changed she still enjoys things like spaghetti Bolognese, curries and roast dinners.
She was also encouraged to be more active.
“I hate gyms but I do like swimming and walking so I just did a bit more of that.”
By August, she looked so different that friends sometimes failed to recognise her. Her self-confidence has grown and she loves shopping for new clothes in a size 12.
“A big high-point for me was when my group nominated me for Slimming World’s Woman of the Year award and for Miss Slinky 2016,” she said.
Ms Davies has now decided she would like to help others.
“I love my job at Kyle Travel and I am so pleased that I have been given the opportunity to continue doing that while running a Slimming World group,” she said.
Ms Davies’ group opens on Monday, January 2, in the Methodist Church Hall on Scar Top at 7.30pm.
For more information, call 07946 103437.

Dales farming calendar 'the best yet'

A FUNDRAISING calendar created by a Teesdale farming charity is said to be its best one yet.
The Utass (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services) calendar for 2017 is now on sale, packed with images from the Durham Dales. Members and friends of Utass have sent in their images of the countryside for the calendar, which has been well supported by businesses. Money raised will be ploughed back into the charity.
Utass worker Emma Spry, who helped select the images, said: “There are some really cracking photos – it gets better every year.”
The cover photo of Eggleston Fell, named ‘What more could a man want?’, was taken by Frazer Davies. One photo in particular resonated with Ms Spry, who farms in Newbiggin. It’s of hay making, snapped by Helen Alderson.
To many it portrays a peaceful scene of the northern dales, but Ms Spry has a different view. She said: “I can feel the sense of urgency because of the dark clouds bringing rain. “People from across the county have sent in pictures for the calendar this year. It’s nice that we’ve got members from across the area,” said Ms Spry.
The calendar is on sale for £5 from Utass, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, as well as at Simpsons butchers in Cockfield and Gainford. People who live out of the area can message Utass on the charity’s Facebook site and staff will explain how to make a donation and receive the calendar in the post for £5.99. Utass is also selling Christmas cards this year.

Security measures installed to protect Cockfield sports pavilion from yobs

Improved security measures are being introduced to help protect a state-of-the-art community sports facility.
County councillors Heather Smith and Andy Turner have each used £1,480 of their neighbourhood budget to fund CCTV cameras and improve access to the Pauline Charlton Pavilion, in Cockfield. Cllr Smith said: “It is going to provide external lighting because at the moment there isn’t any.
“It is a little way off the main road in the village and it is deterring people from going there on an evening in the winter. We are keen for it to be used as much as possible.
“Security cameras will also be fitted as there have been several incidents of vandalism. We are hoping that by having CCTV it will deter this. I think it is very important we do this. It is a lovely building and resource for the village.”
During recent months, yobs have targeted the building on a number of occasions. Locks have been glued up making access impossible, graffiti has been daubed on the building and there has been a failed attempt to torch the building.
Opened in 2015, the sports pavilion cost £120,000 and was developed by Cockfield Parish Council with financial support from bodies such as Sport England.
Cllr Neville Singleton said: “It is not too far out the way but there are no houses around it. We haven’t had any serious damage, just bits of graffiti mainly. The money will be used to put security cameras right round the building and one floodlight for now. We will put lighting right round eventually. I think it will be a big deterrent.
“We put notices up about cleaning up after dogs. They were pulled down the next day. It is a recreation area and a football ground. Before there is a football match we always have to go round and make sure it is clean. Hopefully the cameras will show who is letting their dogs foul.
“The building is getting more and more used. It is used about four nights a week. It is extra safety. It will be top-of-the-range equipment. This building needs protecting.”

A688 Barnard Castle -West Auckland road named one of the most dangerous in UK

THE A688 between Barnard Castle and West Auckland is to get interactive speed signs after being declared one of the ten most dangerous roads in Britain.
The 10.5 mile stretch of road came in eighth on the Road Safety Foundation’s (RSF) annual list of high risk roads in England, Scotland and Wales, published in November.
People in Staindrop and Evenwood have been campaigning for years for traffic calming measures to be introduced along the road because of the volume and speed of traffic passing through.
The situation was made worse when the road was being used as a diversion during overnight closures of the A1 near Scotch Corner.
In its report, the RSF found that 15 crashes on the road resulted in fatal or serious injuries, with more than half of them involving motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians.
Some 47 percent happened at junctions. The foundation wants more attention to be given to the roads on its list.
The RSF report said: “Roads that are featured in these tables need attention because not only are they high risk but they have a high number of crashes causing death or serious injury.”
Several communities along the route have made similar calls in the past.
Staindrop Parish Council has had its calls for a pedestrian crossing on the road as it passes through the village rejected on several occasions.
Parish chairman Cllr David Reed said: “We’ve been complaining for years and Durham County Council came out about six years ago and said there wasn’t enough traffic to warrant a pedestrian crossing.
“It is a really, really busy road. Sometimes you can be standing five or ten minutes trying to cross.”
People at Evenwood Gate gathered hundreds of signatures in support of a reduction in the 40mph speed limit through the hamlet because of the risk posed by the junction to Evenwood.
Evenwood and Barony Parish Council believes the problem will become worse when new houses are built at the site of the demolished Brown Jug Inn, off the A688.
However, the county council’s head of transport, Adrian White, said statistics did not highlight a problem in either Staindrop or Evenwood Gate.
He added: “The safety of residents across County Durham is our number one priority and we would like to reassure everyone that we closely monitor accident rates on all of our roads.
“Although nothing in the accident statistics suggests that there are any ongoing issues in either Evenwood Gate or Staindrop, work is already scheduled in to install interactive speed signs on other areas of the road in the new year to increase safety.”

Ingleton's Elaine cooks up a culinary award

A SCHOOL cook’s marvellous mince pies have earned her recognition in a national catering competition.
Elaine Santana’s edible Christmas decorations also wowed judges in the Lead Association for Catering in Education’s culinary craft competition.
Ms Santana, who cooks up a storm daily for pupils at Ingleton Primary School, took home awards for best in class in both categories, fending off competition from school caterers across the north east and Scotland.
“I was very surprised to find out I had done well in it,” she said.
Ms Santana, who lives in Darlington, puts the success of her mince pies down to “good buttery pastry”.
She works for catering company Taylor Shaw, which provides the meals at Ingleton Primary.
“I have been at Ingleton for two years and really enjoy cooking for the children,” she said.
“I do 65 meals a day. It is a three-choice menu – two hot options and a sandwich.
“The children really like spaghetti bolognese and pizza along with roast dinners.
“They also like chocolate cake and biscuits.”

Local historians hear how spy's shoe was kept as a trophy by firing squad

VETERANS of the First World War were well known for rarely speaking about what they went through and the grandfather of Brignall farmer Andrew Watson was no different.
Samuel Day did, however, share two  significant stories with his only grandson – as well as an extremely unusual artefact that proves the stories to be true. The item, a handmade leather shoe, and the gruesome story behind it was a hot topic of  discussion during a recent Barningham Local History Group meeting.
The shoe belonged to a Turkish spy, and Mr Watson’s grandfather was part of a six-man firing squad that killed him. Mr Watson said: “There are only two things he ever told me about the war, that was one.”
Other than the fact that the soldiers drew lots to divide up the spy’s belongings, with Samuel Day getting the shoe, the grandson was told little else about the incident.
The second story Mr Day told him gives an insight into the horrors that soldiers in the trenches faced on a daily basis. It tells of how a soldier near Mr Day had held up a recently washed shirt to dry. It was spotted by the Germans who fired off a “whizz bang”.
Mr Watson said: “It exploded between his legs.”
While the soldier was killed, Mr Watson’s grandfather was unscathed. Mr Day, who joined the Loyal Suffolk Hussars at the age of 19 on October 15, 1915, served in Palestine, Egypt and in the trenches in France. He was still there when the Armistice was agreed and gathered .303 bullet casings from the last shots that were fired. He was discharged in 1919 and earned the victory and service medals.
All of his memorabilia, including his pay book, badges, photographs and the Turkish spy’s shoe, were handed to Mr Watson by his grandfather before his death.
Mr Watson said: “He was born on December 19, 1895, and died December 7, 1995, just 12 days short of his 100th.”

Owl sanctuary opens at Kays Hill rescue centre

AN animal sanctuary is now home to a new owlery thanks to help from a house-building firm.
Kays Hill Animal Sanctuary entered a competition which was part of Barratt Homes North East’s Fix Up Look Sharp campaign and was run in partnership with Star FM radio.
The sanctuary at Bildershaw, near West Auckland, is run by volunteers and cares for unwanted pets as well as local wildlife rescued by the team.
Having been hoping to create more space to rehome owls, the sanctuary was one of many community groups and charities from across County Durham and Teesside who entered. They were then chosen from a shortlist of five as the most favoured project in need of some TLC, voted for by members of the public on Star FM’s website. Barratt Homes donated £5,000 worth of time and expertise to assist them with their plans.
Owner of the sanctuary Kevin Plummer said:  We’re hugely grateful for not just the financial help but the hard work that Barratt’s construction team has put into this project from start to finish.
“The building of the owlery gives us much needed space to rehome more animals, allowing owls, some of which can have a six foot wing span, to join our residents at the sanctuary.
“The public’s support for our work at the shelter and Barratt Homes North East’s generosity means a lot to
us.”

Drivers treat Cockfield street 'like Brands Hatch'

FOOTBALLERS desperate to make kick-off time treat a narrow village road like Brands Hatch, parish councillors in Cockfield heard.
Members were discussing safety along Coronation Terrace, which leads to the vehicle entrance of Cockfield recreation area. The parish council had received a letter from resident Leanne Burton highlighting the speed of cars down Coronation Terrace and stating she had almost been “wiped out” on one occasion.
Cllr Carole West said when the Pauline Charlton Sports Pavilion was being built at the recreation area, she had raised the issue with police who had told her it was a matter for the county highways authority.
Cllr Christine Watters said: “Half the time, the footballers turn up at the last minute and think it’s Brands Hatch.”
Cllr Neville Singleton said it wasn’t just on days when football matches were taking place that speeding was a problem. He added: “During the ordinary daytime it’s been a problem as well. It’s a dangerous road.”
He said that while the parish council could not go ahead and put speed signs on Coronation Terrace, members were well within their rights to introduce a limit on how fast cars could go along the track once in the recreation area.
He suggested putting up a 10mph sign on the gate at the entrance to the rec road.
Other suggestions for slowing traffic on Coronation Terrace include the installation of speed bumps and a mirror so traffic could see oncoming vehicles more clearly.
Parish council chairwoman Cllr Brenda Singleton said: “I don’t know how they can go so fast down there. I go at about 5mph.”
Members agreed to contact Durham County Council’s highways department for advice on Coronation Terrace.
They also agreed to put up 10mph speed signs for the track from the entrance to the rec area to the sports pavilion.

Fundraisers make a splash in the Tees

SUPERHEROES, a pirate, a monk, a couple of Santas and even Elvis plunged into the Tees at Barnard Castle this morning (Monday).
The Boxing Day dip was organised by the town's fundraising group The Clique.
Despite the sunshine, there was a chill wind and a strong current, but that didn't put the dippers off as they waded half way across the river, near the Silver Bridge.
It was the second time the Boxing Day dip had been organised by the Clique, and about twice as many took part compared to last year's first effort.
Dozens of people also turned out to support the dippers'  efforts from the river bank.
More pictures in this week's Mercury, which will be in the shops on Wednesday.

Head's labour of love looks back on 200 years of Ingleton school

A TEESDALE head teacher has compiled a new book to coincide with her school's 200th anniversary.
Judith Pressley has spent the last couple of years speaking to former pupils about their time at Ingleton Primary School as well as collecting old photos for the book.
The original school was built in 1816 when the population of the village was fewer than 300.
It was part-fitted with pews and also used as a meeting place for the Primitive Methodists as well as for education.
It was enlarged in 1874 and again in 1904 when the playground was extended. A school garden was added in 1917 and in the 1920s, there were about 130 children on the register.
School meals were introduced in 1950, when 76 pupils paid a shilling a day for dinner.
In 1967, the current primary school was opened in Manor Road.
Mrs Pressley is one of only 11 head teachers at the school since 1873. She has worked at Ingleton for a quarter of a century and been head since 1998.
She said she had enjoyed putting the book together.
“It’s been absolutely wonderful meeting former pupils and getting their stories and memories.
“The book is an ideal way to celebrate 200 years. I thought it was a very special occasion as we are one of the oldest primary schools in the county.
“The book will also provide a lasting reminder of the year.”
Some of the earliest recollections in the book are from Ronnie Raper, who started at Ingleton school on September 4, 1929.
“As my mother was getting me ready for my first day at school she asked me ‘And what are you going to say to Mr Wade, the headmaster, when you get there?’
“I replied quite boldly ‘Good morning, sir.’
“Then off we all went, my sister and brother and the rest of the children from Hilton to walk down to school.
“I was very happy until we reached the school and as the door opened, I panicked, lost my boldness, turned around and headed back home.
“My sister Ethel was having none of that and came tearing after me and hauled me back.”
Mr Raper, now in his 90s, was invited back to open the school’s new extension in 2002 and his great grandchildren still go to Ingleton in 2016.
Another former pupil, Neil Dunn, recalls mischievous behaviour during his school days in the 1970s.
“I mostly remember running a lot and collecting rose hips and haws from the bottom hedge so we could make itching powder.
“I remember the smell from the surrounding fields where animals were kept and grass was cut for hay. We played Batman and Cops and Robbers with guns made from sticks.
“I just remember it was a wonderful time at Ingleton and didn't really want to leave.”
Nellie Thornton was a member of the kitchen staff in the 1970s, but according the book, “Auntie Nellie” was better known for something else.
“After she retired from working in the school kitchen, she took on the role of football team coach when she was well into her 70s,” writes Mrs Pressley.
“She took the team to many successes, particularly the Small Teesdale Schools trophy fought out at Woodland School with all the local primaries. Ingleton won this many times with Nellie in charge.”
Ingleton Church of England Primary School 200 years – history is available at the Teesdale Mercury shop, in Galgate, Barnard Castle, and from the school.
It costs £6 with all funds going to the school.

Get-together planned for former town footballers

CURRENT and former footballers are planning to dribble their way around Barnard Castle to round off the year with a mass pub crawl.
The brainchild of former goalkeeper and entertainer Mark Carter, the event on December 28 is a way of reuniting players who may not have seen each other for years.
He said: “It’s about the third one we’ve had. Last year we had about 20 or 25 come from all over Teesdale. You get lads turning up that you’ve not seen for years. We have a great laugh together.”
Last year the group took in the Cricketers’ Arms, Cricket Club, Coach and Horses, Three Horseshoes and ended up at 12 Bar Blues.
This year the footballers will be starting at the Three Horseshoes at 6pm and will travel around to end again at 12 Bar Blues, where landlord and former footballer Ian Swinburn has arranged for live music.
Mr Carter added: “This is an open invitation to all footballers, managers and coaches to meet up for one night of the year and have a bit of banter and a few drinks. New or old faces, everyone is welcome.”
For more information contact Mark Carter on 07824 773993

Second chance for Barnard Castle residents to have their say on town council's plans to take over green spaces

A CONSULTATION event into the future of Barnard Castle’s green spaces is to be repeated early in the new year to give more people the chance to have their say.
Barnard Castle Town Council is considering an approach to the county council to take over responsibility for the upper and lower Demesnes, Scar Top, the grassed areas on Bridgegate, Amen Corner, the Galgate greens and various flower beds.
If councillors vote to go ahead, the move will add £7,180 to the council’s budget – most likely paid for through an increase in council tax bills.
The town council says that if the management of these areas is brought under local control, it would make it easier to organise events on areas such as Scar Top, where performance facilities were included as part of a major revamp of the area adjacent to the castle.
A hastily arranged day-long drop-in event to canvass residents’ views was held last week at the town council’s Woodleigh headquarters.
Given the short notice, another session will be held on Saturday, January 7, between 10am and 2pm.
Cllr Sandra Moorhouse, who was on hand to answer questions at last week’s event, said few had turned up, although some people had made their views known online. Among those who did attend the consultation were former town councillors Tom Deacon and John Watson.
Mr Deacon was “uneasy” about the cost to taxpayers of taking over the green spaces on top of the likely council tax increase from Durham County Council.
He also questioned whether the decision should be deferred until after the local elections in May, when the make-up of the town council is likely to be different as a number of current members have signalled their intention to stand down.
However, Mr Watson said it was “absolutely essential” for the town’s green areas to revert to local control for their “protection and maintenance”.
He said: “I took the trouble to attend the presentation delivered by the chief executive of Durham County Council and it is quite clear that green spaces that do fall within the remit of town and parish councils are destined to be relinquished by the county council.
“Barnard Castle’s green areas are irreplaceable spaces in the town, which has seen massive development in recent years.
“Unless we protect these spaces locally, they will come under threat, especially as we have not reached any agreement on the extension of the town boundaries.”
The consultation event on January 7 will again take place at the Woodleigh building on Scar Top.

Compost offer to gardeners across Teesdale

PEOPLE in Teesdale are being offered free compost when they sign up for garden waste collections in the new year.
The dale is unique in County Durham in that garden waste is collected by Teesdale Conservation Volunteers, better known as Rotters, on behalf of the county council.
This year they collected 2,200 tonnes of garden waste, some 400 tonnes more than they are contracted for, from about 2,400 households that signed up for the service.
Next year the group is hoping to attract more people to sign up by offering to fill green Rotters bags with free compost when they join up in January.
Martin Bacon, of Rotters, said: “It is important that as many people as possible join up. It isn’t just to provide the service, it allows Rotters to keep going.”
Those who sign up will get 17 collections at their homes between spring and autumn.
The free compost offer is available from Tuesday, January 3, to Saturday, January 7, and again from Monday, January 9, to Friday, January 13.

A million reasons to smile as Barnard Castle charity hits major milestone

A TEESDALE charity will have a million reasons to smile this Christmas.
Barnard Castle-based A Smile For A Child raised its one millionth pound on Sunday after more than seven years supporting disabled and disadvantaged youngsters.
Owner, founder and fundraising tour de force Chris Read was overwhelmed with the charity’s achievements.
“I never thought we would get there,” he said. “It never really crossed my mind until a year ago when my wife, Nicole, and I were going through the accounts.
“We had three-quarters of a million pounds and I did start to wonder.”
Using the Twitter hashtag #Go4themillion, the dale charity has been working towards the £1million figure for the past three months. Bucket collections and events nationwide have edged the charity towards the milestone.
It was a weekend collection near Hull with youngster Kizzy Wade which brought the million home.
Mr Read, a former supermarket manager, set up A Smile for A Child in 2009 while on leave from Waitrose.
After he was made redundant, the family took the life-changing decision to throw their weight behind the charity. Seven years down the line, A Smile For A Child has helped children the length and breadth of Britain with more than 500 different groups and people benefiting  from the charity’s work.
“It’s seeing the kids’ faces when they get the equipment they need,” said Mr Read. “It’s the smile on their faces when they see what they’ve got – especially when the family think it will take years to save up.
“Every family we’ve helped has offered to collect for us at some point. We have helped 82 families, 37 groups and seven special schools this year.”
Using Mr Read’s living room in Coronation Street as its office headquarters, the charity has grown from a one-man-band to having a standing army of volunteers.
But Mr Read said none of it would have been possible without his family.
“It’s very much a family thing – without Nicole and the children we would not be able to do half the things we do,” he added.
The 51-year-old has never been one to shy away from a physical test for the cause.
He completed 50 challenges for his 50th birthday in 2015 – including a marathon along the Great Wall of China, a cycle from London to Paris and a desert run in North Africa. The epic feat raised more than £50,000 for A Smile For A Child.
However, Mr Read was keen to highlight the work of families and volunteers who made the £1million quest a success.
“These kids and families do a lot of active fundraising themselves – it’s fantastic,” he said. “It’s not about me – it’s about our supporters and the children. I’m just the one who organises it.”
Harnessing the power of social media has been a key string to the charity’s bow and its partnerships in the dale have also boosted its reach.
Neville Singleton, chairman of Teesdale Disability Access Forum, had nothing but praise for his fellow charity worker.  He added: “There are a lot of people who don’t realise how much work he really does.
“He will not give up at anything – when they’re handing out OBEs he should have one.
“The number of children I know personally who he has helped is just unbelievable.”
Mr Read added: “We have got a lovely relationship with the access forum.
“If they cannot help someone they will refer them to me and I will see if I can help them.  It’s links like that which help so much – if it’s a request from them I know it’s genuine and I can spend more time on fundraising.”
Contacts from his former career have also helped boost the charity’s coffers.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Waitrose and the people I have worked with over the years,” added Mr Read.
“I have had managers I’ve not spoken to for years who have set up collections in branches. It's just lovely – that’s the beauty of the internet.”
The Reads are moving out of Barney this week which will mean a few administrative changes at the charity.
Mr Read explained: “I will have my own little office in the spare room now.”
The £1million may be secure but there is plenty still to come for the charity.
A Lionel Messi signed football boot, donated by Nigel and Eleanor Allison at Picture This, has seen dozens of people bid hundreds of hours of volunteering time for the charity. A ‘Santa Dip’ at Saltburn on Tuesday, December 27, will also see hardy souls brave the icy North Sea at 10am.  Mr Read will be served a curry on the seafront by staff from Barnard Castle’s Spice Island. Visit www.asmile
forachild.org

Barnard Castle firm backs A Smile for a Child

STAFF and customers at a dale builders merchants have raised more than £800 for charity.
A total of 1,700 tickets were sold for the annual festive raffle organised by S&A Fabrications in Barnard Castle.
This year’s chosen charity was A Smile For A Child, which helps disabled and disadvantaged children participate and progress in sport and is run by town resident Chris Read. Branch manager Steven McKie said: “We choose a different charity every year. Chris is local to the area and it is a very good cause so we chose him this year.”
With 150 prizes donated by suppliers  including a television and two tickets for an England match at Wembley, the lucky winners were drawn on Friday, December 16.
Mr McKie said: “We would like to say a big thank you to all of our customers, suppliers and everyone else who has contributed.” Winners will be contacted by S&A.

One to remember – final carol service at world's oldest Methodist chapel

A WORLD renowned upper dale chapel hosted coffee and carols for the final time.
A bumper turnout at Newbiggin Methodist Chapel joined in a dozen carols with cups of tea.
Worshippers came from as far as Hexham to soak up the festive atmosphere with a mince pie and a brew.
Superintendent minister Revd Beverley Hollings led the service with Christmas messages, prayers and a light-hearted story about modern day consumerism.
She reserved a special thanks to those who served refreshments adding she would remember the day for a long time.
Services began at the chapel in 1760 and Methodism founder John Wesley twice preached from its pulpit in the 18th century. It is believed to be the oldest of its kind still in use worldwide but, sadly, it will not hold that accolade for much longer. A dwindling congregation and a sparse event roster have taken their toll, meaning the chapel will hold its final service on Wesley Day – Wednesday, May 24.
Joyce Wood, Brenda Hunter and Ann Bates have made the Christmas journey up the dale for the last 22 years.
“It’s definitely a special and significant place,” said Mrs Hunter.  “It’s a big family event – we all go to the Methodist Church in Barnard Castle.”
Church steward June Luckhurst, from Ingleton, made sure the kitchen ran smoothly for the fourth decade running.
She added: “I’d rate this one as first class – one of the best we have ever had.
“We usually have a singer – each service we try to have a little bit of entertainment in between the hymns and carols. Everyone chooses their own carol – my choice was ‘Cradled in a Manger, Meanly’.”
Her daughter, Susan, has been “roped in” for the past five years.
“It was nice to see so many faces that would not normally make it here,” she added.
Former villager Bev Ward revealed how the chapel had played a significant role in her life.  “I used to come to Sunday school here,” she said. 
“I got married here 25 years ago and both my children were Christened here – it’s all very sad. My mother was a key holder so she was involved in helping look after it.
“Harvest festivals were always big events – Harold Beadle used to show local slides and then there was a sale of produce.”
Holwick’s Cynthia MacKenzie was another whose life had been shaped by the chapel. She said: “My mother used to walk from Holwick with the dog – the dog used to join in with the hymns.
“I don’t know how she dared walk across in the dark.”
Events are still lined up for the chapel next year with a worship on Sunday, February, 19 led by lay preachers.
Folk outfit Cream Tees are also due to perform in April ahead of the chapel’s closing service.

Little Alfie – the baby who couldn't wait for Santa!

A couple from Startforth are overjoyed after receiving an extra-special delivery just in time for Christmas.
Sarah Gregory and Chris Lacey had been expecting their first child on January 9 and had planned a relaxing Christmas break with plenty of time to prepare for their new arrival.
However, it seems Alfie Gregory Lacey just couldn’t wait for Santa.
Miss Gregory, who works
at GlaxoSmithKline, began her maternity leave on Monday, December 12, giving her and Mr Lacey four weeks to get everything sorted for their baby.
Never did they anticipate that the beginning of parenthood was only hours away.
Having felt unwell during the day with a few pains, Miss Gregory visited the doctors and then the pregnancy assessment ward at Darlington Memorial Hospital for further tests and advice.
She was told she had a water infection, that the pain was likely to be Braxton Hicks and that she definitely wasn’t going into labour. She returned home and was asked to revisit the hospital the next day for a scan.
But the pains continued and the 30-year-old mum-to-be settled on the sofa in the front room later that night.
She told Mr Lacey to get some sleep upstairs because she knew she was going to have an uncomfortable night.
Miss Gregory’s pain got worse and before she had time to do anything or even let Mr Lacey know upstairs, baby Alfie was on his way.
Weighing a healthy 6lb 2oz, Miss Gregory delivered him all on her own on the sofa at 3.11am on Tuesday, December 13 – three hours into her first day of maternity leave.
She said: “It was probably less than five minutes. I didn’t even have time to think about it. It just happened that quickly.”
Mr Lacey, who works at S&A builders merchant in the town, was woken by the sound of a crying baby.
The 36-year-old said: “At first I thought Sarah was watching something on TV. I never expected coming downstairs to a baby.”
After giving birth, Miss Gregory made a call to 999 and was holding their newborn son while speaking to the operator when Mr Lacey walked into the room.
Miss Gregory said: “I had managed to wrap him up in a blanket. His cord had been wrapped round him but he was crying so I knew he was okay. I was due to do my birthing plan the day after he was born so I had no idea what to expect. I had also made plans for that week to get things ready.”
Paramedics arrived within seven minutes of the call but Miss Gregory had done everything she needed to do apart from cut the cord which Mr Lacey had the honour of doing.
At about 4am, mother and baby were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital to be checked over.
Miss Gregory said: “We weren’t bothering about Christmas. We were just going to get each other little bits when we wanted something but now we have got Alfie.
“All of our Christmases and birthdays have come at once. We are both shocked and can’t believe he is here already. He is the best Christmas present ever.”
Sarah’s mum, Jackie Lowes, said: “Luckily everything went well. Sarah cracked on and did it all on her own. I’m so proud of her. Alfie is beautiful.”
Following a four-night stay in hospital, the family returned to their home in Startforth on Saturday. Mr Lacey said: “Plans have changed slightly for Christmas but we are looking forward to it.”
Miss Gregory added: “He’s fit and healthy and settling in really well. We’ll have to tell Santa there’s an extra little one now.”

Fundraisers to brave the Tees for Boxing Day dip

INSTEAD of a bracing Boxing Day walk along the Tees to clear the head, revive the spirits and work off some of the Christmas excess, why not jump into the river?
That’s the invitation from a group of Barnard Castle fundraisers.
The Clique is holding its second annual Boxing Day dip in the Tees – and anyone brave – or foolhardy – enough is welcome to join in.
Organisers are hoping for better conditions this time round.
Clique member Geoff Thwaites said: “Last year was the first time we did it and the weather was horrendous.
“The rain meant the river was in flood so we did it in Percy Beck. There were about eight of us who took part.”
He added: “Hopefully it will be better this year. We are hoping to build the event up a bit to try to get it more established.
“People can get themselves sponsored and come down or they can take part in the dip in memory of some one. The dip is not in aid of any one charity – people can raise money for which ever charity they want.”
Anyone wishing to take the plunge this year should meet at the bandstand (past Percy Beck in Flatts Woods) down by the river for a 10.30am start.
For further information, contact Andrew Tobbel on 07411 530056.
The Clique was founded in 1975 at Barnard Castle Workingmen’s Club. Originally a drinking club, its fundraising activities began with the collection of 2p pieces after a game of dominoes.
To date, more than £100,000 has been raised for local good causes and its 2016 presentation night when cheques were distributed was held at the Black Horse at the end of November.

Festive fun at annual Santa run

RUDOLPH and the rest of the reindeer were left in their stables at Teesdale Athletics Club stage its third annual Santa run last weekend.
The festive fun run saw some 58 Santas jog through the grounds of The Bowes Museum and around the Barnard Castle School grounds.
The main event was preceded by an elf run, which attracted 29 U10s – and their parents – who enjoyed going once round the museum grounds.
This year’s event also coincided with the second day of The Bowes Museum's Christmas market.
Although not a race, first home in the Santa run was Jonathan Hann, ahead of Josh Mawer, who both run for Teesdale AC. The first female home was another Teesdale AC runner, Shona Haston.
Mr Hann said it was the first time he had entered the event.
“It was a good course and I really enjoyed it,” he said.
Other runners had come from further afield.
Eddie Greenwood, who ran the elf run with his four-year-old daughter Poppy, was part of a group from Heighington.
“We only just heard about last night and thought we would do it. We came for the Christmas market and the run – it’s a fun day out.”
Donna Hawcroft, one of the race organisers from Teesdale AC, said that after last year’s snow and ice, she was relieved conditions were good for running.
“It’s gone really well and there was a good atmosphere.
“I think it’s nice to have it on the same day as the market. It makes it a bit more of a festive occasion.”
The event was run in support of Teesdale Lions Club, whose members acted as stewards around the course.

Gift-filled boxes presented to Darlington Memorial Hospital

SHOEBOXES packed with gifts have been given to the children’s ward in Darlington Memorial Hospital.
This month, pupils in Cockfield Primary School have been filling shoeboxes with presents for youngsters less fortunate then themselves.
They visited the hospital last week to meet Emma Boothe, who works to ensure that children have play facilities while they are undergoing treatment.
They handed over the shoeboxes and the presents that had kindly been donated. A school spokesman said: “Everyone on the ward was so grateful for all of our gifts and they gave us a lovely card to say thank you.
“Being in hospital at Christmas is a very difficult time for patients and their families so we are sure that our kind gifts will help put a smile on lots of faces.”

Kindhearted kids make festive hampers for Teesdale's elderly

Pupils at Staindrop Academy helped to spread the joy of Christmas by delivering food hampers to the elderly.
More than 50 hampers were hand delivered to elderly residents in Toft Hill, Evenwood, Cockfield, Staindrop and West Auckland on Friday, December 16.
Staff and pupils at the school began collecting items  in September. Having put the boxes together last Friday morning, Toft Hill residents Roderick and Julia Macdonald were on hand to judge the best ones.
Shaun Towers, inclusion manager at Staindrop school, said: “The children have been behind it all 100 per cent. They have really enjoyed doing it.”

Probe into flytipping at West Auckland beck

AN investigation is underway after dozens of bags of rubbish were found dumped in a West Auckland waterway.
The fly-tipping was discovered early last week in a stream opposite West Auckland Memorial Community Centre.
West Auckland Parish Council chairwoman Cllr Hazel Charlton said the problem of fly-tipping in the area was persistent.
She added: “It is unfortunate that this pleasant area, in fact along all the beck verges, accumulates litter because the public seem unable to use litter facilities which are provided. Keeping the beck free of rubbish and fly-tipping is unfortunately an ongoing concern.”
Durham County Council cleared the area last Friday after discovering the rubbish during a weekly estate inspection. Neighbourhood protection manager Ian Hoult said: “We discovered a large number of bags of waste which had been illegally dumped in and along a stream.
“We visited the stream on Friday morning and cleared the rubbish.
“We also found evidence which will assist our investigation into the dumping of the waste. We would encourage anyone with rubbish to put it in their bin or take it to one of our household waste recycling centres, free of charge. You can also arrange for us to collect your bulky waste for a small fee.”
For more information about how to get rid of
unwanted waste visit durham.gov.uk/recycling.

Go ahead for homes despite road safety fears

A controversial housing development near a busy road has been given the go-ahead despite opposition from residents who fear for motorists’ safety.
Plans to build 13 houses on the former site of the Brown Jug Inn, at Evenwood Gate, were approved last Thursday by Durham County Council’s planning committee.
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the proposal, agreeing that the new housing scheme would be “an improvement” to the area.
This is despite concerns from residents about extra traffic coming on and off the A688. The whole stretch of the A688 is eighth in Road Safety Foundation’s list of the UK’s most dangerous roads.
The applicant, Mark Fenwick, of Marfen Homes Ltd, has already been granted outline planning permission for the site twice previously. The most recent permission was issued in June this year when the former pub was demolished.  The site will consist of a mixture of three bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses including one affordable property at discount market price. Each house will have two parking spaces.
Speaking at last week’s meeting, senior planning officer Tim Burnham said: “This one has been knocking about before and has previously had outline approval.
“It has come back in again as the highways department required a turning circle. It has been a bit of an eyesore and the pub has now been demolished.”
Cllr Mike Dixon said: “It only came back because of the turning circle which seems to be an enhancement to the development.”
The turning head will extend into an area of scrub and paddock associated with the adjacent bungalow rather than into open countryside.
Cllr John Clare said: “We have already approved this in principle. This is an enhancement.”
The committee heard how seven terraced properties will face the road, “mirroring” the houses opposite. Although they will have a slightly different design to the terraces over the road, Mr Burnham said it wasn’t anything “unacceptable.” Highways officers also ruled that safe access had been achieved and the proposed A688 junction positioning was acceptable. New footways will be introduced along the A688 as well as revisions to the road markings.
Residents from Evenwood Gate have campaigned for years to reduce the speed limit on the road and have argued that the new development would increase the danger. However, the committee said there were no issues.
Cllr Christine Wilson said: “The houses would be an improvement on this area. It is an eyesore and does need improving.” Cllr George Richardson said: “I would be thrilled to see this approved.”
Despite letters of objections from five addresses, each reiterating highway safety concerns, the development was approved following a recommendation from officers.
The approval was subject to a £13,000 contribution towards open space provision in the Evenwood electoral division.

Engineers working to restore power to Barnard Castle

Engineers are working to restore power to homes and businesses in the Barnard Castle area.

Northern Powergrid was made aware of the fault at 5.03am today. Initially, 86 customers were affected but the supply to 44 addresses was restored this morning.
A spokesperson for Northern Powergrid said: “It is an underground fault. The good news is we have now found the repair that needs to be carried out which is located at Market Place in Barnard Castle. We hope to have power restored by 3.33pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Warning of school mergers amid falling pupils numbers

SAVED: Forest of Teesdale school saved from closure earlier this year

A COUNTY  school strategy is likely to see more “amalgamations” and action taken at primaries with too many surplus places, but officials are being asked whether they have got their sums right.
Plans for “rationalisation of the school estate” for “more cost-effective” education were rubber stamped at County Hall last week.
In the 46-page document are figures forecasting falling numbers at nine Teesdale primary schools during the next five years.
The report revealed there would be “a presumption against” the closure of rural schools but warned that did not mean a rural school would never close.
It also warned that funding remains the “biggest issue” facing schools in the short-term with no increase in funds anticipated.
The report added: “It is likely that consideration will have to be given to more effective and sustainable organisational structures such as amalgamating with other schools.”
Forecast figures for schools were calculated from Health Authority records alongside “expected house building”, “migration trends” and “surplus places”.
Figures suggest rises in pupil numbers at Montalbo Primary, Bowes Hutchinson’s and Evenwood with small rises at Butterknowle, Woodland and Cockfield Schools. 
The largest forecasted falls in numbers by percentage are at Staindrop Primary (-20.8 per cent), Hamsterley (-30 per cent) and Forest of Teesdale
(-50 per cent).
Under “projection of need” the council report said factors including “year groups with fewer than ten pupils in primary schools” and “the remoteness of a school to other schools” would be considered in reviews.
Other factors considered in reviews included “transport implications” and “total pupil numbers if fewer than 100 pupils and not expected to increase”.
When it came to surplus places at school, the report added: “Where an individual school has 25 per cent or more surplus places, the local authority will take action to reduce this if it is appropriate to do so with the aim of
improving that school’s educational and financial sustainability.”
More than a dozen dale schools are forecast to have a surplus of more than 25 per cent at some point in the next five years. However, Richard Bell, a county councillor and governor of Forest of Teesdale School, dubbed some of the figures “notional”.
“This is a complex paper and it is hard to discern
what underlies it,” Cllr Bell added.
“Speaking as a school governor, I do know that the theoretical capacities of schools are often way in excess of what the school could physically accommodate.
“If these notional ‘surplus places’ are to be used as evidence to decide a school’s existence then it is important that schools’ theoretical capacities are corrected to realistic levels.”

Magical journey to see Santa proves popular with Etherley children

A MAGICAL journey to see Santa at Etherley Methodist Church proved to be a huge hit with villagers.
It was the third successive year the event was held at the church and staged by Ferryhill-based performing arts group Enter.CIC.
With good weather, about 80 children, their parents and family enjoyed seeing Santa.
Dave Cadman, from the Etherley Methodists, said: “Every year, Enter.CIC transforms the church interior into a different theatrical event which is both very atmospheric and magical.
“Feedback this year has been amazing, and its seems this year was rated the best so far, with parents already trying to book again for the 2017 performance.”
He added: “Enter.CIC  have established an outstanding record of performances in County Durham and further away and we feel very lucky we have established this joint event with them.”
At the start of their journey to see Santa, children are welcomed into a holding area, where they are entertained and their families treated to tea and festive cheer.
The journey to meet Santa takes about 20 minutes as they are transported into the church.
“The atmosphere here was also tremendous, and packed with excitement, both before and after they had taken their magical journey,” said Mr Cadman.

Old folks' annual party raises £110 for Cockfield school

A SPECIAL party for a village’s older folk has raised more than £100 for the local school.
Each year, the Cockfield Community Christmas Decoration and Lighting Fund committee organises the event for local OAPs at the village primary school.
The pupils provide the entertainment by performing their Christmas nativities, while food and refreshments come courtesy of the committee.
Organiser Christine Watters said the raffle on the day had raised £110 for school funds.

Arrangements for Christmas refuse collection and recycling details

THERE will be no change to rubbish and recycling collections in Teesdale over the festive period.
The last day for bulky waste and white goods collections will be Friday, December 23, with the service resuming on Tuesday, January 3. To book a collection online, visit www.durham.gov.uk/bulkywaste
The council will once again be offering a collection service for real Christmas trees.
Bookings, for collection in the New Year, can be made by calling 03000 261000 or by visiting www.durham.gov.uk between Monday, December 19, and Sunday, 8 January.
Real Christmas trees can also be taken to any of the council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres. To check opening times, visit www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc
Anyone visiting a tip in a van, pick-up, mini-bus or towing a trailer will need to apply for a permit in advance by calling 03000 261 000 or visiting www.durham.gov.uk/householdpermit
If you require a waste permit for use over the Christmas and New Year period, apply before noon on Friday, December 16. Residents are also reminded to Bin it Right in order to reduce recycling contamination. Check which items should be placed where by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/whatgoeswhere

Couple raise a glass to Teesdale's first micro pub

A COUPLE passionate about a proper drop have realised their dream by opening Teesdale’s first micro-pub, which aims to take beer back to basics.
There will be no TV screens, pool table, gaming machines or loud music at the Firkin Alley, which has opened in Barnard Castle.
Instead, punters are being promised a choice of real ales, real ciders, wines, bar snacks – and good old-fashioned conversation.
The pub, which is located down an alley next to the YMCA charity shop, in Horsemarket, has one small but perfectly formed room downstairs and one upstairs, along with a cosy beer garden.
The Firkin Alley has been launched by Ryan Stones and his partner Alison Bearpark, who live in Caldwell.
Mr Stones said: “It’s all about the conversation, atmosphere and beer. You won’t find kids doing shots and spirits. Not everyone’s looking for a tear-up – lots of people just enjoy the old-fashioned pub experience.”
The couple bought the premises and have carried out most of the decoration themselves, sourcing quirky furniture such as beer barrels to use as tables and pews from the now closed Methodist Chapel, in Winston.
“It’s old meets new with a twist. Upstairs is a bit more cosmopolitan with tiffany wall lights and chandeliers, but downstairs is quite traditional. There are these reds and browns from years ago,” said Mr Stones.
The idea was sparked two years ago when Mr Stones and Ms Bearpark, who are both members of the real ale group Camra, visited a micro-pub in Skipton, North Yorkshire.
Mr Stones said: “We were blown away by it. I thought ‘oh my god’, this is what I want to do.”
Micro-pubs are a growing trend, say the couple. There are already scores of them in the south of England and their popularity is reaching the North with five opening in Middlesbrough.
The pub is offering five real ales, one craft lager and three real ciders. Customers can also choose red or white wine and prosecco – or a soft drink. No hot meals are served but drinkers can enjoy pork scratchings or a pack of peanuts with their pint.
The pub has already won the approval of Morris Race, who attended a guest night last Thursday.
Mr Race, the chairman of Teesdale Pub Watch scheme, said: “It’s very nice and tastefully done.”
Dave and Sandra Wilkinson, the landlords of the Golden Lion next door, have also supported the venture, said Mr Stones, who remarked that there was not a single objection letter when his proposal was put before Durham County Council.
The pub’s provisional opening hours are from 5pm to 9.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 4.30pm to 10pm on Friday, noon to 10pm on Saturday and noon to 7pm on Sunday.

Cheers! Barnard Castle man unveils liqueur for vegans

A TEESDALE man is toasting international success after launching a creamy liqueur for vegans.
Peter Smith, of Barnard Castle, is receiving calls from Canada, America and Europe for his festive tipple which is essentially made from a weed.
Mr Smith came up with the idea of using milk squeezed from tiger nuts to create what is fast becoming known as the vegan Baileys Irish Cream while living in Spain.
He moved to Barnard Castle with his wife Penelope to be closer to their children after she suffered a heart attack.
He said: “One evening, as a joke, I mixed brandy with a drink called horchata and the result was delicious. Horchata is the tuber of the tiger sedge plant. It is as old as the Egyptians. It is a nutty flavoured milk. We took the milk, condensed it and added brandy.”
After developing the drink, Mr Smith had to come up with an idea of how sell it in a market already dominated by Baileys.
He said: “The answer was quite simply the vegan market. They can’t drink Baileys. There are about one million vegans in the UK and the market is worth billions of pounds really.”
Describing the taste, Mr Smith said: “You get the wonderful warmth of the brandy and then the lovely nutty aftertaste.”
Along with his Besos de Oro liqueur, which literally translates into golden kisses, Mr Smith also produces chocolate bars and milk powder from horchata.
He added: “Anything a cow can produce, we will be able to produce. This is the most amazing product. This is phenomenally healthy, full of vitamins, full of phosphorous, full of all sorts of good things, and it is a weed, it grows like crazy.
“It is about 72 per cent oleic acid, which is one of those plant fats that has a major benefit of lowering LDL cholesterol. It is going to be the biggest alternative milk. All the vegan communities are going crazy for it.”
While all of the products are manufactured in Spain, Mr Smith runs his growing vegan product range from a small office on Galgate where he has a growing list of customers from around the globe.
The business really got off the ground about four months ago when, after failing to get cash for any of the banks, he was awarded a £10,000 loan from the Business Enterprise Fund.
Julie Micklethwaite, investment manager for start-ups at BEF, said: “We’re really excited to see Peter’s business kick-started here in the UK and I’m thrilled about the opportunities that have already sprung up for him.”
Next year the liqueur is to be marketed in Germany, Switzerland and Holland, all of which have large vegan communities.

Increase in garden waste collection charges

Residents can now sign up for next year’s garden waste collection service.
The fortnightly service will run between spring and autumn with 17 collections, starting in March.
Subscriptions are available throughout the year for an annual fee of £25, although residents must subscribe before Tuesday, February 14, to guarantee receiving all the collections.
Cllr Brian Stephens, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “Over 70,000 households subscribed to the garden waste collection service in 2016 and we’re pleased to announce the start of subscriptions for 2017.
“The annual fee has increased to £25 compared to last year’s subscription of £20. This is to ensure the service can continue despite current financial pressures.”
Over the next couple of months, the council will be contacting eligible households by email or letter with details of how to subscribe.
 Garden waste collections in Teesdale are provided by Rotters Composting. Residents should contact Rotters at www.rotters.org or call 01833 690 022.  People can still recycle their garden waste during the winter period by taking it to household waste recycling centres or composting it at home.

Barnard Castle arts centre to celebrate influence of travellers

A PROJECT to promote Teesdale’s cultural diversity has won praise from town councillors.
The Witham, in Barnard Castle, is preparing a “Diversity in the dale” project celebrating the influence of travellers on and within Teesdale life.
A photo exhibition is being planned.
Katy Taylor, from The Witham, told town councillors the centre was seeking funding for the scheme.
She said: “The idea is we look at what different people bring to the dale.
“From the Romans and Vikings to our art heritage, it’s looking at where people have come from and  people who travel through the dale in a more holistic way.
“What we have been doing is moving on and absorbing all of these ideas.”
Working with Durham County Council traveller liaison group, The Witham aims to use historic photographs and interactive displays to mark where visitors’ families have come from.
“We will create a community work of art from all around the world and start conversations,” added Ms Taylor. 
“Teesdale is a melting pot even though it does not look like it on the surface.”
A two-week trial in April will test the project alongside
two schools yet to be decid-ed.
Cllr Emma Rowell thought it was an idea with a future and asked whether it could be integrated with the town council’s 1940s weekend.
Partnership committee chairperson, Cllr Sandra Moorhouse, also liked the idea of the project being “an experience”.
She added: “We have vehicles on the cobbles very close to The Witham during the 1940s weekend – it would
be ideal to capture people there.”
Cllr Moorhouse asked Ms Taylor to keep the town council informed.

Barnard Castle charity A Smile for A Child raises a cool £1million – and the baby who just couldn't wait any longer to see Santa.

This week’s paper is in the shops with a feel-good front page for Christmas: Barnard Castle charity A Smile for A Child has reached its £1million target – and the baby who couldn’t wait to see Santa.

As well as a 16-page nativity pullout, there is an eight-page property supplement.

In other news…

The A688 is named one of the most dangerous roads in the UK.

Farmer’s plea after dog kills pregnant ewe.

Go-ahead for Evenwood Gate homes, despite road crash fears.

Village road in Cockfield being treated like Brands Hatch, residents say.

New security to protect clubhouse from yobs.

Utass farming calendar ‘the best yet’.

Fraudster targeted Teesdale OAPs.

Fundraisers to brave icy Tees for festive dip.

Teesdale business awards gears up for its big day by announcing shortlist.

One to remember: Final carol service at world’s oldest chapel.

Village Christmas tree hit by vandals.

Revealed: The spy’s shoe kept as a trophy by member of firing squad.

Town tax rise would help protect Scar Top, Demesnes and Galgate Greens – claim.

Santa run – pictures.

History book: Headteacher’s labour of love looks back on 200 years of Ingleton school.

Plus letters, a special festive Barney Liar, what’s on, community news, Remember When, sport and much more besides.