Saturday 30 September 2017

Craft shop grows from humble start

AN UPPER dale craft shop is celebrating after almost doubling the number of artists and craftspeople it represents despite only being open for six months.

Fresh Crafts and Interiors, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, currently sells the work of more than 20 artists and craftspeople, having started with only a dozen.

Based above Cafe Fresh, in Horsemarket, the shop is the brainchild of Jane Addison who wanted to create a space for local people to sell their wares.

She said: “I think we were 12 when we started. I am gobsmacked at how it has grown. Honestly I can’t believe how it has gone on. People say it is an Aladdin’s cave and they cannot believe there are so many gifted people.”

Stock includes paintings, books, knitted items, candles, hand-crafted jewellery and candles among other things.

Ms Addison added: “We have something for everyone. I want to thank our stand holders and customers who have supported us throughout. We are almost at 2,000 footfall.”

The store, which is open between 10am and 4pm every day except Wednesday, celebrated its sixth month of trading on September 18.

Residents give ‘mostly positive’ reaction to proposals to limit car access on Demesnes

PROPOSALS to limit cars to only a section of the Demesnes in Barnard Castle have been criticised by some but welcomed by others.

The proposal to fence off the bottom corner next to the entrance has been made by the town council after trouble with joy riders doing doughnuts and damaging the area. It would mean cars could still park next to the river but they would be prevented from roaming at will on the Demesnes.

The town council is poised to take over management of the Demesnes from Durham County Council. A public consultation was held at Woodleigh on Saturday.

Town councillors said most responses were positive.

Liz and Peter Colley who live nearby, were among those who attended.

Mrs Colley said: “It seems a sensible idea. My concern is people driving dangerously near the play area when my grandchildren are playing.”

Mr Colley agreed, adding that it sounded like a workable compromise. He said: “It will make it safer. I’ve seen cars going so close to children playing.”

However, one person whose property would be next to the area for cars was upset because she said it would mean more trouble next to her house. There have been complaints about antisocial behaviour in the past.

Another resident added: “We think it’s positive but we’re concerned for her.”

The option of erecting a 150m low-level fence would cost about £3,800 and would be funded by a grant through Durham County Council. Another proposal of creating a bank and ditch would cost £15,000 – a sum deemed too much.

Town councillor Rima Chatterjee said: “It’s a reasonable solution at a reasonable cost. Cars can still park down there but they’ll be limited.

At the end of the day we have to find a solution for the whole town because the Demesnes belongs to the whole town.”

Cllr Frank Harrison was also in favour, although he felt some anglers with mobility problems might be upset because some currently drive further down to access the river.

Cllr John Blissett added: “For me it’s about preserving what we’ve got.”

Comments from the consultation will be considered by the town council at a later date.

Mary, 74, to abseil down 115ft viaduct

A 74-YEAR-OLD church reader plans to abseil down an 115ft high viaduct as a parting gift to the school in her village.

Mary Shepherd will be giving up her role as officiating minister as well as holding a Thursday collective service at Bowes Hutchinson’s Primary School when she moves to Norfolk to be closer to her family later this year.

However, before she leaves she will abseil down Lambley Viaduct, in Northumberland, to raise cash for the school and lower Teesdale Churches, including St Giles where she is a reader. She will take on the daring feat on Sunday, October 1, having never abseiled before. She said: “I have always wondered what it would be like to do.

“It’s because it has always looked really interesting to me. I thought I've got to try it before I leave. I am determined to do it. My family think I am mad.”

Anyone who wants to sponsor Ms Shepherd can call her on 01833 650180 or drop off the cash at Bowes Hutchinson’s School.

Anger over bus timetable changes

PASSENGERS were left fuming after being stuck out in the rain for almost an hour because a “miscommunication” caused them to miss their bus.

People wanting to catch the 1.55pm bus up the dale earlier this month arrived at the bus stop only to find that the bus had left ten minutes earlier. They were forced to wait for the next bus at 2.45pm.

One person whose brother missed the bus said: “Durham County Council altered the Scarlet Band bus schedule and not told anyone. The bus driver was unhappy with the new schedule as it meant him waiting a half hour in Barney then another half hour in Middleton-in-Teesdale to keep to the new schedule.”

The county council says it regrets the mistake which was caused by a miscommunication with the bus operator.

They say the change was made necessary because of a change in hours at Teesdale School. Ted Henderson, county councillor for Barnard Castle West, which covers Middleton-in-Teesdale, said he too had not been informed of the changes.

He added: “They admit they have made a mistake and publicity about the change hasn’t been the best. They changed the times because Teesdale School changed the times but they forgot to tell anyone about it.

“They apologised to me, but I said, don’t apologise to me, apologise to the people who use the buses.

“Unfortunately Durham County Council, at County Hall, are very poor at communication. Even this morning they admitted they got it wrong, but that doesn’t help the people who were waiting for the bus in the rain yesterday. I am sorry, but I feel that at times the south west is the forgotten part of the county.”

The county’s head of transport Adrian White confirmed that “modest changes” were made to the schedule of the 95 and 96 buses between Barnard Castle and Middleton-in-Teesdale to facilitate

a change in hours at the school. He added: “Regrettably, a miscommunication between the bus operator Scarlet Band and ourselves led to the 1.55pm journey from Barnard Castle being operated ten minutes earlier than we’d publicised.

“We’re pleased to confirm that the correct time for this journey continues to be 1.55pm, which is in line with the information we display on-line and at bus stops, and Scarlet Band has already reverted back to this time.”

Friday 29 September 2017

‘Big interest’ in home farm of rustler who betrayed dale

THE home farm of a convicted dale sheep rustler, who was found guilty of passing thousands of pounds worth of sheep of as his own, has gone up for sale with a guide price of £1.25million.

Hazel Gill Farm at Bowes has been put on the market with Penrith-based Robson and Liddle Chartered Surveyors.

More than 100 sheep, belonging to 14 different farmers from three different counties, were found on farm land belonging to the Raine family including 111 at Hazel Gill Farm in Bowes where Phillip Raine was living at the time. The sheep, which had gone missing between January 2010 and October 2013, were identified by their rightful owners at sheep identity parades which were held in October and November 2013.

Phillip Raine was jailed for three years in January 2016 along with his uncle and former champion Swaledale sheep breeder Charles Neville Raine who was also involved in the crime which shocked the farming community.

During the trial at Teesside Crown Court, Judge Tony Briggs told the jury how the pair had been part of a significant abuse of trust.

He said: “You are from

a family of well-known Swaledale sheep breeders and are well known in the sheep breeding circles.

“I am perfectly convinced that this is a business that you were in together.”

Judge Briggs also described Phillip Raine’s attitude towards his neighbours in the farming community as “cynical” and “predatory”.

The stock rearing farm is located close to the A66 and A67 Barnard Castle junction and is set within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The four-bedroom farmhouse comes with a 240-acre ring-fenced permanent pasture which is accessed by a private road. There is also a range of modern and traditional livestock and other outbuildings on site.

Director of Robson and Liddle John Robson said: “We are pleased to offer this outstanding stock rearing farm which will make an excellent farming base or an addition to an existing enterprise.

“Early indications are that there is substantial interest.”

Phillip Raine was ordered to pay back his ill-gotten gains last year. During a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing in December 2016 at Teesside Crown Court, Mr Raine was ordered to pay back £130,251.

The court order also saw £24,933 of the £130,251 paid back to 11 farmers who lost their sheep and made claims.

Too noisy – Proposal for 18 houses rejected

COUNCILLORS have rejected plans to build houses next to a manufacturing site in Evenwood due to fears that noise could become a nuisance to future residents.

An outline planning application was submitted to Durham County Council for 18 houses on land north east of Jubilee Terrace and to

the north west of Copeland Lane.

In 2008, outline planning permission was granted on the site and an adjoining piece of land for 18 properties and a doctor’s surgery. The surgery has since been built.

Durham County Council’s South and West Area Planning Committee met last Thursday, September 21, to decide if the residential element, which expired in 2011, should be renewed.

The industrial site, occupied by CA Group Limited, borders the site for 18 two-storey two, three and four-bedroom detached, semi-

detached and terraced houses.

Officers had recommended that the application be refused due to the effect on future residents and the potential constraints on an existing business and its expansion.

Senior planning officer Tim Burnham said: “Noise from the business operations has been identified as being at the level of significant adverse impact.”

Results from a survey found that during the daytime that it would be too noisy for homeowners.

There would also be a significant impact during evenings.

Vehicle horns, reversing alarms and banging and grinding industrial sounds were cited.

Cllr George Richardson said: “This puts me very much in mind of a similar application at South Church which was close to production units with noise.

Given the circumstances and so many people working next door, I think we need to refuse this one.”

One letter of concern was received from CA Group Limited, which warned that during busy periods the factory can have 24-hour production. The letter recalled previous complaints from residents on Copeland Lane and explained that it was felt that the proposed properties would be too close to the manufacturing site.

Cllr Craig Martin added: “You can tell why there are a number of objections. I think it would not be a suitable place for anyone to live unless they like loud noises. They want to be able to continue to do the work they do.”

A unanimous vote was cast by councillors to reject the application.

Unanimous vote against plans for 100 homes just off busy A68


PLANS to build 100 new houses just off the busy A68 in Toft Hill have been knocked back by planners.

An outline planning application for a residential development on open agricultural land at Holme Farm was met with a raft of objections earlier this year.

Durham County Council’s south and west area planning committee met last Thursday, September 21, to make a final decision.

A total of 100 letters of objection were received. Concerns raised included visual impact, loss of green space, lack of amenities, an unreliable bus service and the loss of mature trees on the highway verge. Residents feared there would be an increase in traffic but no objection was made by the highway authority.

The proposed access was from the A68 west of Osbourne Bungalow.

A revised layby arrangement was proposed which would have seen it move westward along the A68. The existing public right of way would also have been accommodated within the site.

Senior planning officer Graham Blakey said: “Concerns have been raised by spatial policy and sustainability officers regarding the location of the site.

“Landscape [officers] object to the loss of the highway trees in order to access the site.

“It is identified that the proposals would result in adverse impacts through poor access to services and facilities and a great reliance on the private motor car.”

The committee heard a statement from county councillor Heather Smith which read: “There has been an enormous opposition from residents. I have yet to meet anyone in favour of it.”

An agent, speaking on behalf of the applicant, told the committee how the plans would increase the size of Toft Hill by a tenth. He said: “Toft Hill is the third largest medium-sized village in County Durham and the largest medium-sized village in the south of the county.

“This development would be a ten per cent increase in the size of the settlement.

“The houses will bring significant support to the existing local services.”

The committee heard how “significant areas of open space” were included to offset the loss of the trees.

Despite urging committee members to seriously consider the proposals, he failed to sway their decision.

Cllr George Richardson proposed that the committee went with the officer’s recommendation and refuse the application.

He said: “Having listened to the officer and knowing the area and the busyness of the road, the infrastructure, the fact that this road leads to Bishop Auckland and Tindale and how many pinch points there are, I think I will have to go with the officers’ recommendation. I can’t see any way forward with this one.”

Vice chairman Cllr John Clare said: “A ten per cent increase in size is huge to me. The impact, which seems to be the main point the officers are making, is going to be huge. I have to say that I absolutely agree with George.”

The application was refused following a unanimous vote.

Family campaign for track safety after ‘avoidable’ and tragic death

THE family of a dale farmer who tragically died in a motocross accident have vowed to campaign in his name for safer practice tracks.

Thomas Brown, from Marwood, was killed in a crash at a motocross event near Low Hardwick Farm at Sedgefield on April 30. The 27-year-old suffered a broken collarbone, nine broken ribs and a punctured lung.

Despite the efforts of the Great North Air Ambulance Service team, the motocross enthusiast was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Mr Brown’s family understand that motocross can be a dangerous sport but they believe that the medical cover on the track the day Thomas died was minimal. They are increasingly led to believe that had paramedics been on hand, Thomas’ life could have been saved but they have since learned this is not a legal requirement. Thomas’s sister, Eleanor, said: “Thomas’ injuries were not life-threatening. Unfortunately one of the ribs had punctured his lung. It is serious but had there been paramedics there the outcome would have been very different.

“There is no legal obligation for paramedics to be at a practise track. There was just one first aider present. In a situation like that it is all about time. Had there been a paramedic there and they had realised the severity of his injuries they would have phoned for the air ambulance straight away. Every minute counts and if there had been a paramedic there, Thomas would probably still be here today.”

In the months following his death, Mr Brown’s family, with the support of many friends, have been campaigning for “Tom’s Law”. They hope to raise awareness of practise track safety and encourage track owners to take more responsibility with the presence of medics and equipment.

Mr Brown had been passionate about the sport since the age of seven, spending most weekends practising or attending events as far away as Belgium. The Thomas Brown Memorial and Safety Campaign committee was formed to help keep his legacy alive. So far, more than £7,000 has been raised which helped to fund a memorial weekend earlier this month.

Cumbria MX’s Haverigg practice track was revamped and renamed Route 44 Thomas Brown The People’s Track. Ex-British and GP racer Alfie Smith designed the new track while machinery from Thor Atkinson, Thomas’s last employer, was used to move mountains of track dirt. The new-look site, which took two weeks to rebuild, is said to draw comparisons to the iconic Belgian track Lommel.

The official opening played host to more than 200 riders and 300 spectators for the Thomas Brown Weekend Memorial Meeting on September 16 and 17.

Ms Brown said: “This was the last place that Thomas won his class and it was one of his favourites. On a weekend from being kids we would follow Thomas round and we would camp there too. It seemed quite fitting to hold the memorial weekend there.

They have made the track a bit more fun so hopefully people will keep coming to use it. It will forever be Route 44 which was Thomas’ number.”

Aside from the track races which saw Thomas’ bikes complete a lap of honour, a special party was held. Money was raised from charity waxing done by one of Thomas’ friends Becky Fell from Serene Spa. An auction raised £3,300 and a raffle raised a further £1,500.

Ms Brown said: “We had a fantastic weekend but Thomas should have been there partying with us. The support from everyone was unbelievable. Thomas would have loved it. As a family it has hit us hard but it has hit the motocross world hard too and they don’t want to forget him.”

The family hope to make the weekend an annual event as well as forming an official charity. Ms Brown said: “This weekend was for fun but we want to move forward and campaign for safer practise tracks. We want to make sure something like this does not happen again.

“We need these places to have paramedics. We want to try and approach the tracks that don’t have paramedics.

“There is always going to be people who don’t want to run their tracks that way because of the costs so we want to educate the riders about their own safety too. We are not trying to say that there will not be accidents. We just want the right people to be there when they do happen.”

Since the accident, donations totalling £2,149.66 have also been given to the Great North Air Ambulance Service in Thomas’ memory.

Major changes at one of region’s quirkiest pubs

AN ambitious bid to extend and renovate a unique dale pub with an events garden has been put to planners.

The Milbank Arms, in Barningham, will be refitted with new ensuite bathrooms and have its ground floor opened up for public eating and drinking if new proposals are given the green light.

Owners Barningham and Holgate Estates want to launch a two phase project at the 19th century pub aiming to have weddings and events at the Walled Garden at the other side of Barningham Road to bring in more functions. A design statement on behalf of the estate said the grade I- listed pub was in “dire need” of a complete renovation given its “low capacity in the bar” and “a lack of parking”. It states: “The fabric of the Milbank Arms public house is in a state of disrepair and it is not operating as a sustainable commercial entity.

“The pub is well known to a few and enjoys an eccentric following by people who visit infrequently. It is not able to support itself commercially.”

The Milbank Arms has been tenanted by Neil Turner and his family since 1937 and was listed as an “asset of community value” after a bid by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) last year. It lacks a bar, meaning Mr Turner has to go into the cellar to get drinks. Quirky furnishings adorn the toilets and Mr Turner is known for his cocktails – and unique sense of humour.

Under the plans, outbuildings near the pub would be brought into use and an additional building has been lined up to provide en-suite bedrooms. More parking would be made available at the two acre Victorian walled garden to “relieve” the limited space at the front of the pub.

A barn being used as a joiner’s workshop would also be extended to provide an “open plan” events area with a temporary marquee. A trial period of events would then ensue to test the site before a more formal arrangement developed.

The estate also pointed to boosting attendance and “rejuvenating” St Michael’s and All Angels Church as a reason for the radical plan. Five permanent jobs and ten temporary positions at the renovated pub have also been touted. The design statement added: “It is appreciated this is a very sensitive building and needs to be approached with care and compassion.

“The intention is to respect and value the original fabric of the building but the need to update the layout in order for the business to function appropriately is vital to its viability and future success.”

Thursday 28 September 2017

Ewe must be joking – shock at late arrival

A GIMMER shearling destined for slaughter has been saved after giving birth to an unusually late lamb.

Gayles Hall Farm, in Gayles, welcomed the out-of-season arrival earlier this month.

The Stanwix family revealed its mother had been pulled out to go to slaughter after failing to lamb in the spring before the surprise birth.

It isn’t the first time the family has stumbled upon an autumn lamb.

A mule ewe with a leg injury being fattened up for sale was saved from the chop in 2015 after giving birth.

Farm owner Andy Stanwix revealed he was getting his flock ready for breeding when the family stumbled upon the lamb.

“We were just getting ready to put them to the tups,” he said.

“She never lambed in the spring so she’d been pulled out to go to slaughter and that would have been very soon.”

Daughter Sophie Stanwix added: “She’s been saved.”

Woof justice: Uproar in OAP complex over Archie’s ban

THE operators of a retirement housing complex have caused uproar among residents after banning the manager from bringing his much-loved pet pooch Archie into work with him.

Officials of Home Group, which runs Bowes Lyon House/Dunelm Court, in Barnard Castle, have outlawed the Dandy Dinmont terrier on health and safety grounds.

The move caused “absolute uproar” when a meeting between staff and residents, which should have been about improvements to conditions at the complex, descended into a shouting match about Archie’s ban.

Resident David Raine said: “The dog is absolutely adored. He is absolutely delightful. Everybody here likes Archie – even people who don’t like dogs.”

Archie belongs to Bowes Lyon/Dunelm Court manager Paul Smurthwaite and has accompanied him into work daily.

While Mr Smurthwaite carries on with his work, it is the residents who keep an eye on Archie, happily taking him for a walk at least twice a day.

Although this has been a longstanding situation, residents received a letter last week saying Archie was not welcome any more.

In the note, Home Group client services manager Rachel Butt says she has received “various letters from customers to object to my decision for Paul not to bring his dog into his work environment.”

The letter adds: “The reason for this decision was that from a work perspective, Paul is a paid member of staff and has got a professional role to play.

“Paul has the responsibility to ensure that health and safety is adhered to and that if an accident occurred at Bowes Lyon House, to deal with this effectively. Having a dog in the work environment would only put a barrier in the way in ensuring the wellbeing of all customers.

“Having a colleague’s dog in a work environment on a daily basis isn’t appropriate as it can undermine working practices.”

As a compromise, Ms Butt said that subject to a risk assessment, Archie could come in one day a week.

In response to residents’ arguments about the enjoyment and health benefits animals can bring, she suggests dog therapy sessions could be arranged.

But Mr Raine was unimpressed.

“They are always going on about improving our lot. They are just going out of their way to destroy it.

“It’s like the lights go on when Archie comes around.”

Bowes Lyon House/ Dunelm Court consists of 36 flats and bungalows for residents aged 60 and older, who are allowed to keep their own pets.

The complex was built in 1970 and renovated nearly 20 years ago. It is designed for residents who require minimal help with their day-to-day life, although there are a number of services available, such as light domestic cleaning and connection to a community alarm system.

Home Group was contacted for comment but no response was received as we went to press.

Alan clocks up 2,400 miles in a hearse

A CASTLE custodian has clocked up 2,393 miles travelling across the continent in a hearse to raise cash for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

Raby Castle’s Alan McKerchar completed the journey across eight European countries with his son, Ross, as part of an 18-vehicle Thunderball Rally that took them through France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Austria, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium. As part of their adventure they bungee jumped from the Verzasca Dam, which at 220 metres is the world’s highest ground-based jump. The five-day tour rounded off on Sunday, September 10.

Describing the jump, Mr McKerchar who had already bungeed from Middlesbrough’s Transport Bridge, said: “Four of us went to do the bungee jump. It was good.

“It was over quite quickly, but it feels like ages. I have a video of it – it make me queasy to look at it, which is odd because I didn't feel that at the time. Ross was a little nervous. He said if he saw other people doing it then it might put him off, so he volunteered to go first.”

Along the way, the pair got to see the the glacier at Furka Pass, the Stelvio Pass, which was rated by Top Gear as being the world’s best stretch of road, and many sites in Switzerland made famous in James Bond films, including the Belvedere Hotel.

The hearse turned out to be an ideal vehicle for the trip, with the pair being able to get a good rest each night in its spacious rear. The former soldier bought the hearse, a 1995 Ford Scorpio, specifically for the Thunderball Rally and will now be selling it with any profit made also going to the charity.

By good fortune one of the people on the rally is a member of a hearse society and will be helping to find a buyer.

A unique feature to the hearse was a coffin shaped roof box, which Mr McKerchar handcrafted and was used for storing the pair’s bags and camping camping.

So far he has raised £1,755 for the air ambulance service.

Mr McKerchar said: “I want to thank people for the donations, largely it has been from work colleagues, friends and family. I also got a generous donation from Lord and Lady Barnard.” An additional £270 was raised when he put the hearse on display at a recent vintage car fair at Raby Castle.

To contribute visit justgiving.com/fundraising/alan-mckerchar.

‘Neighbours get fast internet – but not us’

PART of a dale village is due to get superfast broadband in the coming weeks, sparking anger among those who will be missing out.

People in Startforth were promised they would get fibre broadband this month, but BT was forced to abandon the project because the cost of moving a cabinet proved to be too expensive. Now people in lower Startforth have expressed shock that their neighbours in High Startforth, which is further away from the exchange, will be getting a fibre connection.

One resident who runs and internet-based company and who will miss out of the connection, said: “High Startforth, which is behind me and much further from the exchange, is getting fibre in the next week or two, while ours is still cancelled.”

However, a BT spokesperson said High Startforth is covered by a different cabinet.

She said: “There are two cabinets covering Startforth. The Startforth location which is about to be upgraded is part of the second phase of the Digital Durham roll-out and is served by cabinet 4.”

She added that the decision not to push ahead with

the upgrade of the other cabinet was not taken lightly

and the position had not changed.

She added: “Discussions are ongoing with partners to consider whether there are other ways of providing improved broadband speeds for

residents served by this cabinet.”

Meanwhile, hundreds of homes are being built in the lower Startforth area next to the prison.

Police take flak over dale crime response

TOP police officials have been grilled in the wake of a spate of farm burglaries in the upper dale. 

Chief Inspector Steve Ball and Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg fielded questions in Middleton-in-Teesdale following five thefts at farms near Forest-in-Teesdale.

Diane Spark, from Utass (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services), pressed the pair after receiving notes from its members about their concerns.

Ms Spark said: “It just seems prolific at the moment. It’s mainly on moonlit nights – is it possible to have more police around?”

Mr Hogg said the crimes were being analysed.

“Police numbers are down from 1,510 to 1,140 – that’s a hell of a reduction for any organisation,” he added.

Mr Hogg also denied Special Constables were being used to replace losses in front line officers. And when asked about using cameras to catch thieves in the upper dale at junctions, Mr Hogg said ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras were being looked at after successes in Weardale.

However, he admitted cost was the biggest constraint.

“We could probably squeeze some money out but we cannot pay for everything,” said Mr Hogg.

Insp Ball confirmed the burglaries had taken place and CID units were investigating.

“I’ve spoke to Insp Kevin Tuck and it’s the first time we’ve had that concentration of crime in the upper dale in quite a few years,” he added.

“The question is how can we make sure we are policing those coming into the valley.

“We have invested in technology over the next valley and the councillors were excellent in Weardale in terms of financial support.”

Insp Ball also explained how a “balancing act” was required on Farm Watch operations between attracting volunteers and not over publicising operations to tip off crooks. Getting messages and information to farmers and isolated households was also a priority.

Mr Hogg added: “We have tried our best to maintain community policing.

“We work off ‘threat, risk and harm’ and rural crime is going on at a slower pace than the rest of the force so there is a real pull on resources.”

Ms Sparks said police responses had been “totally inadequate” at times with some officers getting lost on the way to jobs.

“It’s really important they know the area,” she added.

Both Insp Ball and Mr Hogg agreed it was important they received feedback so practices could be learned from and improved upon.

Insp Ball said: “It’s so important if you do not get the response you want – you let us know.”

Mr Hogg added: “From my point of view tell the police or tell me – if you do not tell, I cannot hold police to account.

“All too often I go to a meeting and people tell me ‘this happened six months ago’– it would have been better to tell me two or three days after it happened.”

Ms Spark also asked the pair whether outsiders were responsible for the majority

of rural crime in the upper dale.

Insp Ball said: “We do have local criminality and we do have organised criminality but we’re pretty good at disrupting groups.

“I would say most are within the county.

“We find that small stuff like bringing lurchers and poaching are linked to other types of criminal activity so we need to be on top of things like poaching.”

Ms Spark praised the “fantastic working relationship” the police has had with farmers in recent years but passed on a concern that efforts stopping motorists with trailers could be a “barrier to future relationships”.

She added: “A lot of farmers have been stopped – there is a feeling of targetting of the farmers so we need to work hard to avert that.”

Electronics expert engineers a switch to embrace rural life

DECADES of international travel combined with a curiosity of food production has resulted in a new venture on Teesdale’s doorstep

Former electronics engineer Malcolm Tennant and his wife Bernadette have opened a new farm shop at Ravensworth after embracing rural life.

Four years ago, Mr Tennant bought an empty plot of 80 acres close to Ravensworth and created Stoneygate Farm.

For the previous 20 years he owned his own company providing services to the oil and gas industry. He sold the business to take up farming.

Mr Tennant said: “In all the international travel I did, I was quite into food and was interested in how it lived and how it was managed.

“The idea was we wanted to be self-sufficient and sustainable but we couldn’t get the sales volume of selling meat direct from the farm to make the farm viable.

“We realised we needed a retail unit to make it sustainable.”

Construction of the new farm shop was started late last year and it opened to customers earlier this year.

All of the lamb, pork and beef sold at the shop has been raised on the farm.

The animals include beef Shorthorn cattle, rare-breed Tamworth pigs and Mule sheep put to a Beltex tup to produce fat lambs.

He specifically allows his animals to age longer than most farmers with the lambs going to hogget or mutton age, cattle to 30 months or more and pigs to nine months or older.

The 52-year-old said: “The taste is far superior in my opinion.”

Allowing the animals to grow more adds both flavour and marbling, he added.


The animals are taken to a nearby abattoir for slaughter before being returned to the farm where they are hung before further processing. Prime beef cuts are hung for 30 days, or sometimes longer, in a specialist cabinet.
The farmer does his own butchering, having learned the skill through a course at the School of Artisan Food.
Mr Tennant said: “It is quite satisfying to see an animal you raised at all stages in the food chain.”
An interesting addition to the items sold at the shop is the charcuterie on offer, which the farmer learned how to make from visiting Tuscan artisans in Italy.
Mr Tennant said: “Having a range of charcuterie made in North Yorkshire is quite unique. The initial feedback has been quite good. ”
Unfortunately, because of the time involved in producing the salami and other cured meats, the new farmshop owner worries that he will be unable to keep up with demand with the limited amount he is able to produce at this stage.
Happily for shoppers however, there is a lot more local produce to choose from if the salami is out of stock, including free range eggs from Stoneygate Farm as well as other farms in the area.
Various preserves and jams made locally are on sale along with gift boxes and other goodies.

'Not there yet – but I'll keep trying'

David Mallon has been hooked on Swaledales since attending his first tup sale. Reporter Wendy Short met him at Lanehead, in Kelton, one of three holdings he farms in partnership with his uncle, Simon Bentley.


DAVID Mallon considers himself very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to have his own livestock, as he does not come from a farming family. This fact was highly influential in his decision to continue his education after leaving school, as there was no certainty he would ever be able to farm in his own right.

His second choice was always to work as a farm manager and to this end he went to Newton Rigg College, in Cumbria, where he took a National Diploma in hill farming, going on to gain a degree in farm business management at Newcastle University.

While David was growing up in Northallerton, he spent many happy hours at Lanehead, his late grandfather David Bentley’s farm and where his uncle Simon now lives with his wife, Shirley, who also works on the farm.

The business partnership covers 700 acres of in-bye land, with the horned “Kelton Hill” ewes running on a couple of thousand acres of moorland. The production of Mule gimmer lambs is one of the main sources of income and the pair also have a suckler herd producing store calves, some of which are reared on a third farm, Scar Head at Lunedale.

David is based at Pallet Crag farm, in Eggleston, where he lives with his wife, Amanda and two young children, Josh and Olivia.

A small nucleus flock of Swaledales is David’s special project and from these he sells gimmer lambs for breeding.

He has already won a second and fourth place with a show pen and his top price to date for a tup is 9,000gns. David attributes much of his achievement to Simon, who worked hard to improve the quality of the Swaledale flock long before his nephew joined the business and has won several prizes for consignments of draft ewes, which have a good reputation among producers who farm in a more forgiving environment.

While he endeavours to attend local shows whenever time permits, David has missed out on a championship to date, although his Swaledales have been awarded plenty of second and third placings.

The 2014 purchase of the 8,000gns Ghyll House Elevator, bred by John Richardson, of Dufton, in Cumbria, has proved a great success and the sire has produced some breeding females of excellent quality.

This year, the business partners have picked out a batch of 15 tups, which will be presented for sale at the three main events in the local calendar this autumn.

As part of a multi-farm Higher Level Stewardship scheme in the region, some 400 Swaledale ewes are taken off the hill in mid-February and housed in a purpose-built shed. While the breed is not renowned for thriving indoors, the practice does allow greater control of their diet and serves to freshen up the ground, he comments.

At home, David uses a large polytunnel for the March lambing of the 200 Swaledales used for Mule production. Its original cover was made of standard polythene sheet and fell victim to Storm Desmond, prompting him to buy a more expensive PVC version, which has served him well for the past four years.

The Swaledales follow on in April, with David looking after the singles and gimmer shearlings and Simon and Shirley managing the majority of the twins at their home. The aim is to finish all of the wether lambs by Christmas and this was achieved in 2016, with the Swaledales in particular helped along with a small amount of bought-in concentrates.

“I like to offer a little feed from weaning onwards, while the grass is still nutritious,” he explains. “In my opinion, it is false economy to withhold supplementary feed until the grazing has run out, because it extends the finishing period and increases the reliance on concentrates.”




CATTLE

THE 70 spring-calving suckler herd is closed and a tight calving pattern had always been maintained, but David, fresh from college, took a long, hard look at the breeding policy.

“Before I became involved, Simon and grandfather had beef Shorthorn cows, which went to an Aberdeen Angus bull. Store cattle buyers who were supplying Scotbeef would come down from Scotland to buy them, but they often wanted animals around May time, which did not fit in very well with our system, and we struggled to sell the breeding heifers in our region.

“It is all too easy to return from college with new farming ideas and try to impose them upon family members. I tried hard to avoid falling into that trap, but I could see that there was a good local market for Limousin and Belgian Blue cross store calves.

“An element of the beef Shorthorn has been retained, as it has good maternal qualities, longevity and hardiness, but using Limousin and British Blue bulls alternately produces a good calf that will find a ready market and some of the heifers will be purchased for breeding. We try to produce a show-type commercial calf and we have had a top price of £1,700, but shape has to be balanced against ease of calving, which we consider extremely important.”

The bulls run with the females for about eight weeks and with the exception of a particularly good specimen, both cows and heifers will be sold if they fail to get in calf during the allotted period. Many cattle breeding experts today recommend the calving of heifers at two years, claiming that it greatly improves lifetime productivity and, therefore, profitability. Keen to keep up to date, David experimented with following the advice, but has since returned to the traditional system of calving at three.

“It takes a lot out of a heifer to calve her at two and it is a constant battle to keep her in good condition. The recommendation may work well on lowland farms, but this is a tough environment; our heifers spend the summer on rough ground at Lunedale. Gaining an extra calf out of a female when she is young can affect her longevity and I believe that she will be more durable, if she is allowed to mature slowly before she calves.”

David says he was lured in by what he describes as the “razzamattaz” of a major Swaledale tup sale when he was just five years old. When first asked, he said his ultimate goal was to have the champion tup at Hawes. However he quickly revised his opinion.

“I would actually be happy with being considered a reputable sheep breeder with a flock that is valued and attracts customers who come back year after year. I am making genetic progress within the breed, but then so is everybody else. I’m nowhere near where I want to be yet, but that won’t stop me from trying.”

Rough Fell is perfectly conditioned to life on the hills

THE Swaledale may dominate the Teesdale landscape, but just over the border into Cumbria the Rough Fell has always been the traditional breed and it has been making a comeback in recent times.

Rough Fell Sheep Breeders Association secretary, Ben Williams, works Adamthwaite farm, near Ravenstonedale, where he runs a flock of 600 ewes on challenging land which includes common at up to 2,200 feet above sea-level.

The Rough Fell is the largest of all the hill breeds, tough enough to cope with the high annual rainfall and often harsh conditions which prevail on the Cumbrian hills.

Ewes are milky, with a very strong mothering instinct and their large size and good conformation means they retain value as cast sheep, says Ben.

He farms with his wife, Laura, and his parents, Barry and Jackie, who took over the hefted flock of Rough Fells when the family moved to the 260-acre hill property almost three decades ago.

At Adamthwaite, a group of 160 Rough Fell ewes go to the Blue-faced Leicester and their Mule gimmer lambs are the farm’s most profitable sheep enterprise, going on to sell at the annual Ambleside Fair.

A highlight of the year is the tup auction, which is always held at NWS Junction 36 (Kendal mart); a date of October 14 has been confirmed for this year’s event.

In 2015, the bidding went to 10,000gns and this is a modest sum, compared to prices for the best Swaledale tups, which can run into tens of thousands of pounds, Ben points out.

There is also a sale in late January, where producers congregate to buy in-lamb Rough Fell ewes, gimmer shearlings and geld hoggs.

The purebreds usually achieve a scanning percentage of 110-120. They will receive some supplementary forage over the winter, while the crossbreds, which lamb on April 1, generally scan at 150per cent.

Pure-bred ewes and their mid-April born lambs are turned out on to the fell when the lambs reach three weeks old and at finishing they are sold either live or deadweight, depending on market conditions.

The first batch of Mule wethers will leave the farm in early autumn, with the horned lambs following on after Christmas.

Hardiness is the number one priority for the Williams’ flock, largely due to the farm’s height and the annual rainfall of 200-250cms. A group of 180 hoggs is kept for replacements and the partners have developed a policy to ensure that only the best ewes in both flocks are retained for breeding, operating a strict culling regime for any negative traits considered to be genetically-inherited, including prolapse, recurring lameness and infertility.

“The three-crop and four-crop ewes are inspected each year and the best of both batches will go to the Rough Fell tups, with their ewe lambs marked for breeding,” explains Ben, who has worked for the association for four years.

“As long as they perform well, they will be kept on for another couple of years after that.

“This system helps to maintain healthy bloodlines and their female progeny will also stay in the flock for as long as they remain productive; we have a number of seven-crop ewes to go to the tup again this autumn. An exception is made for shearlings which fail to get in lamb the first time round.

“They will be given another chance, as long as everything else is up to standard. As a rule, I also like to cross three-crop ewes, when they are at their peak.”

While no official recording scheme is in place, detailed written performance records are kept for individual animals and the flock is condition-scored on a regular basis. Due to the stringent selection programme, only a handful of breeding tups are produced each year.

“The Rough Fell was originally prized for its wool, which is favoured by carpet manufacturers because it is white and can be dyed any colour. It is worth twice as much as fleece from a Swaledale, but since wool values have plummeted, breeders have moved away from types with heavy wool, in favour of animals with good conformation which will produce a tight-skinned lamb.

“The Rough Fell ewe is ideally suited for breeding pure or for crossing with any terminal sire and the Rough Fell Mule is becoming more popular, as breeders are looking for a sheep that lasts well and produces a lamb with good conformation.

“It is hard to imagine any other breed which would match the productivity of the Rough Fell on this farm and many sheep breeders in this area feel the same way,” says Ben.




ROUGH FELL RAM DATA

Body weight - in excess of 85kgs

Fleece weight - 3.6-6.35kgs

Ewes per ram - 60-90

Working life – approximately six years




ROUGH FELL EWE DATA

Body weight – 60kgs

Fleece weight – 2.7kgs average

Lambing % - 100-150

Lamb birth weight – single 5kgs, twin 3.kgs




ROUGH FELL SHEEP BREEDERS ASSOCIATION (RFSBA)

THE RFSBA was formed in 1926, with the majority of breeders based in Cumbria, although the breed can now be found in all over Great Britain.

The Association is divided into three member districts: K (for Kendal), S (for Sedbergh) and T (for Tebay, Orton and Ravenstonedale).

For more information about the Rough Fell, contact Ben Williams on 07979 142809 or email him at rfsbasecretary @gmail.com

River Tees anglers aid valuable research

THE Environment Agency joined forces with expert anglers to collect valuable fisheries data for the River Tees.

The fifth annual River Tees Championship – a fishing survey match organised by the agency – saw 46 anglers take part.

Areas of the middle River Tees, from Croft to upstream Piercebridge, which are not normally fished were surveyed during the competition, which was held earlier this month.

The results were good, with all sorts of species caught and recorded during the valuable event.

Phil Rippon, Environment Agency fisheries technical specialist, said: “Despite low river levels making fishing conditions difficult, a variety of species were caught, including dace, chub, perch, bream and trout, with all sizes and numbers logged.

“The data, alongside our own surveys, will help us and our partners to better target habitat and fisheries improvements as well as helping us to understand about the distribution of fish species in the Tees.

“Our thanks to the angling clubs and landowners who supported the survey, and to the organisers,” he added.

The winner of this years’ championship was Ant Smith who caught 21lb 7oz of bream, dace and chub.

All fish caught during the competition were safely returned to the river.

Wednesday 27 September 2017

Scarth Hall gears up for sixth Staindrop Beer and Music Festival

FIFTEEN real ales, a host of ciders and ten class acts make up Staindrop’s annual Beer and Music Festival this year.

Now in its sixth year, the festival has a growing following with the village’s Scarth Memorial Hall packed out last year.

This year should be no different with an impressive line up of a diverse range of musicians. It kicks off at 7pm on Friday, September 29.

Hall chairman Morris Race said: “We have a good line up on Friday night. There are the Rock Roses, Loose Like a Goose and Los Capitanes, who are getting a good name around here.”

An interesting addition to the following day’s programme, which starts at noon, is a talk about the history of real ale by local journalist Mike Amos, followed by a performance from as many as 40 members of the Darlington and Stockton Ukelele Express. Boldron musician Kirsty McLachalan performs next before talented young band Upset Beat take to the stage.

Mr Race said: “The guitarist is little for his age, but he can make the guitar sing.”

Chester-le-Street outfit Kitchy Retro, who have already made a name in Teesdale through their performance during Barnard Castle’s Barney Jam, follow ahead of the final act for the night, the much talented Dan Kilford’s Vaudeville.

Mr Race said: “Last year he did the early evening, but he justifies being the headline act.”

A major attraction is the range of beer on offer.

As in previous years Aldbrough St John brewery Mithrel Ales’s specially brewed Scarth Ale will be available alongside Festive Ale, a beer made specifically for the Beer and Music Festival.

Newly established McColl’s Brewery, from Evenwood, will have its three beers on tap while Yorkshire Dales Brewery’s Ashrigg Ale, Mucker Silver and Butter Tubs beers will be available.

Rounding off the 15 beers starring at the festival is Three Brother’s Brewery which will have its Under The Thumb and Ex-Wife ales available alongside a traditional German Beer. Cider lovers can choose from a wide range of offerings such as Lilley’s Cider from Somerset including flavours like strawberry, mango and rhubarb.

Mr Race thanked Ryan Stones owner of Ferkin Alley, in Barnard Castle, who helped find new beers for the festival

Mr Race added: “He gave us some names which are out of the ordinary and a bit special.”

Music, pictures and words will raise funds for The Witham, in Barnard Castle

DALES vet Neville Turner is inviting supporters to an evening of music, pictures and words to help raise money for The Witham.

Mr Turner will present a selection of the most popular musical finales from the presentations he has given during the past four decades.

Now retired, he has presented hundreds of slide shows to dozens of different groups throughout Teesdale and beyond based on his working life and his love nature.

He carried a camera with him wherever he went and was able to capture the life of a vet, hill farmer, and the natural history and landscape of the dale.

The slide shows evolved as time went on and he incorporated a musical finale into each of them.

For many years these musical items were “hit and miss” affairs, because they depended on Mr Turner learning by heart each bar of music and the precise order of slides.

He would run the music on a cassette recorder and switch slides at precise points in the musical score so that with a bit of luck, the last slide coincided with the last note of the music.

“The musical finales were always a great success, and with the advent of digital imaging and laptop computers, they became much more refined,” he said.

“There was no need to learn the notes and change the slides manually. All this could be programmed into the computer.”

For the past 21 years, Mr Turner has been given a global platform on which to give his presentations. In 1996 he was invited to give his slide shows on the QE2 on an Atlantic crossing from New York to Southampton.

“Speaking to 30 friendly faces at Stainton and Streatlam Women’s Institute is one thing, but speaking to a few hundred strangers on a luxury cruise ship is another,” he said. The engagement must have gone well, as he was invited to repeat his performance on another QE2 crossing of the Atlantic.

This was the start of a long and varied career as a cruise-ship lecturer.

Mr Turner said he really enjoyed telling his audiences about the beauty and culture of the dale, and the audiences, in turn, loved hearing about Teesdale.

He said he was delighted to accept an invitation to do a fundraiser for The Witham and came up with the idea to present a selection of popular musical finales.

While most of the shows have a local connection, some have an international flavour, incorporating pictures from his cruises to St Petersburg, Oslo, Barcelona, Madeira, and Corsica. The music, too, is varied. Winter in the Dale is accompanied by the appropriate part of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

Listen to the Band features pictures of Middleton Band, and goes well with a rousing version of Rossini’s William Tell Overture.

A World Tour in Fruit and Vegetables features colourful markets, and runs along with a lively ragtime tune played by the Chris Barber Jazz Band.

“Since there will be lots of anecdotes about my travels, and tales of how some of these slide sequences came about, I have called the show, Music, Pictures, and Words,” he said.

It takes place at 7.30pm on Wednesday, October 4. Tickets are £5.

Crowds flock to see prize produce at Gainford Cross Keys Leek Show

GAINFORD grower John Challen’s pot leeks won the Cross Keys Leek Club annual show and the Nichols Cup with a pair measuring 193 cubic inches.

He also won the largest pair of trench leeks and the Sam Hunt Trophy, as well as trophies for the best tray of veg, and the judge’s special award for the best exhibit in show for his stand of three leeks, earning him the Ken Hodgson Trophy.

Last year’s winner Trevor Fox won the best single leek in show, and most points in the vegetable section.

Club treasurer Dave Greenland won the most points in the flowers section, and the most points overall in the show.

He also won the Sheila Burnett Memorial Trophy for the best vase of flowers.

Alan Pattison won the John Youds Trophy for best rose exhibit.

A special mention goes to four novice members who were exhibiting for the first time, and in particular to Rob Kirby who was placed a very creditable third in the pot leeks as well as gaining many other top three spots in the other categories.

The judge was Stewart Newton, of Ingleton.

An auction of produce took place in the Scout Hut after the show, in aid of local charities.

Mr Challen, the leek club secretary, said: “This was the biggest and most successful show the club has ever put on, with record entries and visitors to the show, despite the torrential rain.”

He said that interest in exhibiting is certainly on the rise and much interest is being shown in the area and also from further afield.

The club’s annual meeting takes place on October 3, when applications for membership will be accepted for the coming 2018 season.

Applications forms will be available through the club’s Facebook group site or from any member.




Class winners:

Pot Leeks: 1, J Challen; 2, T Fox 3, R Kirby. Trench Leeks: 1, J Challen; 2, S Mennel; 3, T Fox. Intermediate Leek: S Mennel. 3 Leeks: J Challen and best exhibit. 2 Seed Onions as Pulled: A Pattison. 2 Dressed Onions – sets: T Fox. 2 Seed Onions Dressed: J Challen. 4 Shallots: J Challen. 3 Beetroot: D Greenland. 3 Potatoes: J Challen. 2 Long Carrots: R Kirby. 2 Stump Carrots: T Fox. 1 Cabbage: R Kirby. 2 Peppers: R Kirby. 6 Runner Beans: A Pattison. 6 Pods of Peas: J Challen. 2 matched Marrows: D Greenland. 2 Cucumbers: T Fox. 4 Tomatoes: J Challen. 2 Parsnips: T Fox. Collection of Veg: J Challen. 3 Cactus Dahlias: D Greenland. 3 Decorative Dahlias: D Greenland. 6 Dahlias any other cultivar: D Greenland. 3 stems Spray Chrysanths: D Greenland. 3 Gladioli: S Mennel. 1 single stem Gladioli: S Mennel. 6 Sweet Peas: D Greenland. 1 Buttonhole: M Downs. 1 Rose: A Pattison. Vase of 6 Different Blooms: D Greenland. 1 Pot Plant: D Greenland. 1 flower and 1 vegetable: J Challen. Vase of Flowers in display: D Greenland: Comic Vegetable: S Mennel. Freestyle Veg arrangement: R Asquith.

Hilton housing expansion 'good thing for village'

A BID to change the face of a Teesdale village has been submitted to planners.

Lord Barnard has applied to create nine properties at Hilton Hall Farm, in Hilton – the biggest housing development for many years.

Existing barns will be converted into five dwellings with four new homes also built if plans are given the green light.

Hilton Hall Farm is part of the Marwood Estate, run by Raby Estates, adjoining the grounds of grade II-listed Hilton Hall.

The village itself sits in a conservation area.

A design and access statement on behalf of Lord Barnard said the scheme would “mirror the surrounding buildings” and be appropriate to its setting.

It added: “Overall it is believed that there will be no negative impact on the heritage assets, both listed and non-listed existing buildings.

Further to this the scheme will improve and preserve the existing barns for years to come.”

Villager Kimberly Raper said she had no problem with the plan.

“It’s better than it just being left on its own,” she added.

“Where we live used to be an outbuilding and we’ve had a new family move in next door. It’s lovely that they’re all part of the village.

“It would get more people into the village.”

The estate has proposed demolishing the existing cattle shed off Hilton Hall Lane and building four family homes on the site with access via a private road with a new entrance and exit.

Pre-application advice sought from Durham County Council officers suggested these four homes should “mirror the agricultural vernacular” of the existing shed.

Warren Lucas, who moved to Hilton 18 months ago from Gainford, said: “As long as it look sympathetic and there isn’t massive disruption from traffic backlogs up and down the village, it’s fine.”

If accepted, all the houses will each have private gardens.

Comments on the application can be made to Durham County Council planners until October 30.

Tuesday 26 September 2017

Woof justice, new starters picture pullout and a family's heartfelt campaign to save lives – this week's Teesdale Mercury

This week’s Teesdale Mercury is out now and this week includes our annual 12-page pullout packed with new school starters photos – one to treasure for families for years to come.

Here are a few of the headlines in the main paper:

Family of Thomas Brown campaign for increased track safety after his tragic death.

Ewe must be joking – meet the autumn lamb that’s made a shock entrance at one dale farm.

Woof justice: There’s uproar at a retirement complex after the manager’s dog was banned.

Police take flak over their response to crimes in the upper dale.

Major changes at one of the region’s quirkiest pubs.

Too noisy – proposal for housing development rejected.

There’s significant interest in the farm of a rustler who betrayed Teesdale.

Alan clocks up 2,400 miles – in a hearse.

Bright Woods Forest School – special feature.

Anger over bus timetable changes.

Mary, 74, to abseil down 115ft viaduct.

Pictures and results from Langdon Beck Show.

Take MP’s bypass petition with a pinch of salt, say residents.

Village hits gold for bloom contest.

Plus letters, community news, farming, what’s on and four pages of sport.

Danny brews up Good Beer Guide success

A BURGEONING brewery has been awarded a prestigious place in the Good Beer Guide.

Evenwood-based McColl’s Brewery was one of 15 from the North East which will feature in the latest book released by the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA).

Brewery owner Danny McColl was alerted to the accolade last week.

He said: “It was just an email – it was so on the quiet.

“We were up at the CAMRA Beer Festival in Durham a couple of weeks ago and it all seemed to go down very well.”

McColl’s will be one of only 15 new breweries featured in the 2018 guide from across the UK.

The 35-year-old opened the brewery earlier this year and has already got his beers placed in a number of Teesdale venues.

He and the brewery team appeared at The Witham last month and Mr McColl was pleased with the reception.

“It was brilliant – people really seemed to take to the person who brews the beer being there to talk to them,” he said

“They’ve shown brilliant support to ourselves.”

Four beers are produced on site at the Randolph Industrial Estate unit – namely a golden ale, an Indian Pale Ale (IPA) a best bitter and a pale ale.

Mr McColl revealed the team’s IPA has been a surprise hit with customers.

He said: “I thought the golden ale would do well because it’s four per cent, but the IPA has matched it.

“The uptake has been brilliant because it’s so full of flavour and it’s something a bit different perhaps to what’s on offer in this neck of the woods.”

Relations between the brewery and residents were a little frosty earlier this year after disagreement and confusion over licensing on the site triggered complaints.

But a tour of the brewery for villagers held last Thursday signalled a thaw in any hostilities. Mr McColl added: “It was canny – we are very keen to make links to the local community.

“I think they really enjoyed it, they asked plenty of questions and had a few tasters. A bit more of an official tour is something we want to develop.”

When it came to the month’s ahead, Mr McColl was keen to build on the brewery’s early foundations.

He said: “We are trying to push on and kind of get more of our beer out there but in my heart of hearts it’s a case of consolidating and making sure we are comfortable going into next year.

“That would make me a happy bunny.”

Red tape wrangle 'is hurting business' on The Bank, Barnard Castle

A RED tape wrangle over two windows has set a popular computer store’s plans back months.

TinkerDog Computers, in Barnard Castle, is shifting across The Bank to the vacant side of Connelly’s Toy Shop.

But TinkerDog owner Ben Collins says mixed messages about planning regulations and delays to a £20,000 grant promised by Durham County Council had put the store’s planned move this summer back until Christmas.

Mr Collins said: “We’ve had to leave the shop front in a terrible condition – we are actually renting both shops at the moment.

“I cannot complete the work and Pauline Connelly is suffering because it looks like she has closed her shop completely.”

Initially, the team at TinkerDog were planning to give the front of their new premises a lick of paint. However, on hearing of a county council grant to improve shop fronts, Mr Collins applied to the scheme and was told the store would be suitable.

Council officers came out to visit the shop, told Mr Collins to fill out the necessary forms before giving him the nod to go ahead. He explained: “They came out, had a look at all the work and said there wouldn’t be any problems.

“Windows needed replacing at the back with like for like timber frames – I spoke to Wade Glass and they were happy to start work on them.

“Then about a month later they came back and said we needed to fill out more forms taking an extra six to eight weeks. They are stopping everything for two windows at the back.”

Mr Collins was told the reason for the change of heart was the officer who first came out had gone on holiday leading to a new officer taking over the case. The delays have meant he has had to continue paying for both properties either side of The Bank. Meanwhile, Mr Collins’ confirmation of receiving a £20,000 grant to improve the shop front is looking less certain.

He added: “It has gone from ‘definitely’ to ‘hopefully’.

“This grant was set up to improve the look of the town – they have ended up with a right mess.

“I have had to get a £25,000 loan to tide me over – I am expecting £20,000 from them but now I’m not certain I’m going to get it. I am sick of phoning people, leaving messages and nothing happening. It’s not fair on myself and not fair on Pauline.”

Mr Collins has run TinkerDog in the town for the past 15 years with the firm based on The Bank for four-and-a-half years.

Toy shop owner Ms Connelly, whose business has downsized but is still popular with families, was also disappointed with the delays.

“When someone is so excited about a new project over here and gets sidelined by paper-filling it’s like you cannot move forward,” she said.

“Obviously we want it as well because it keeps the flow of footfall – if you see an empty shop you turn around.”

Mr Collins wants to set up a retro games area at the back of his new premises once everything is set up. He thanked Ms Connelly and his customers for their patience.

Stephen Reed, the county council’s planning development manager, apologised for the confusion, adding that it was working with Mr Collins to “keep his relocation on track”.

Mr Reed added: “Mr Collins is relocating his business into a grade II-listed property, and is carrying out associated refurbishment works, some of which, such as replacing glazing to the rear of the building, will require listed building consent. Mr Collins was informed that this planning permission was required before any business improvement funding could be provided to him, and he was advised to submit an application which omitted the works which required this specific consent.

“That application has now been assessed and an offer letter will be issued to Mr Collins. He was also advised that he would be able to apply for a further portion of this grant, for the glazing and windows, once listed building consent had been granted.

“Whilst it is not common practice for us to operate a two-tranche application process, because Mr Collins does not yet have the relevant permission to replace his glazing, we are happy to consider this as a separate application as and when proper permissions are received.”



Ball honours memory of 'inspirational' Cara

A CHARITY ball will keep alive the memory of a Teesdale woman whose struggles with mental illness have inspired others.

The Tinkerbell Ball is being held at The Hub, in Barnard Castle, on October 14, in honour of Cara Firmin.

Ms Firmin grew up in Staindrop and attended Teesdale YMCA, becoming a volunteer from age 18.

She was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder but friends say she was never ashamed of her mental health and “would always put others first”.

At 19, she attended the University of Chester, studying youth work and supported students as a hall warden at the Warrington Campus.

Due to her mental health difficulties, Ms Firmin didn’t complete her degree but did gain a higher national diploma and wrote a self-help book for others suffering from the same condition which was published by the NHS.

She was supported by mental health teams and was under the care of the Warrington Assessment Team for periods in between hospital admissions after finishing university.

Ms Firmin died in May following a suspected overdose aged 24.

Natasha Bree, one of the organisers of the Tinkerbell ball, was originally her youth worker at Teesdale YMCA.

She said: “Cara was a popular girl and was very likeable, and even though she was battling her own mental health, she continued to put others first. In her short life she has made some big impressions on people’s hearts. She is deeply missed by her family and friends

“The event aims to continue to raise awareness of mental health as Cara had hoped to do throughout her life. We are just shy of being sold out for the event with only about ten tickets left which is fantastic.”

Ms Firmin’s mum, Kathryn Walker, said it only seemed right to name the event after her love for the Disney character Tinkerbell – “a character that is independent, stubborn and has a fiercely loyal personality”.

The location of the event is also described as important because Cara helped to plan and design the building as a young person.

Although the event is described as a ball, black tie and gowns are optional. The evening will fundraise for the mental health charity MIND and If You Care Share Foundation (IUCSF), which supports families affected by suicide.

There will be live music, a disco, raffle and a presentation from IUCSF and time to reflect on Ms Firmin’s life.

“There has been fantastic support from the community, with donations of raffle prizes from The Old Well, Spice Island, Saks and Sandra Parker Studio, just to name a few,” said Ms Bree.

Tickets for the event, which starts at 7pm, cost £20 and can be purchased via Natasha Bree on email at tinkerbell ball2017@outlook.com or directly through Rachel Tweddle at The Hub 01833 690150.

Are you a young person struggling with life? Contact PAPYRUS HOPELineUK. Call 0800 0684141. Text 07786 209697.

Sister's gift of life to her poorly brother

A TEESDALE mother-of-three whose son narrowly avoided death twice has hailed her daughter for giving him the “gift of life” and raising £2,000 for charity.

Woodland’s Maureen Gwilliam feared she had lost her son, Andrew, twice – first to a deadly double kidney failure discovered by an optician at the 11th hour and second to a bacterial infection which left him fighting for his life last year.

The 69-year-old revealed how her daughter, Alison Maddison, stepped in after he suffered a kidney failure on returning from Kuwait in 2014.

Mrs Gwilliam said: “Andrew had returned for the summer holidays – he’d complained to me he was having problems with his peripheral vision.

“Fortunately Cooper and Leatherbarrow, in Darlington, had a cancellation for a 10am appointment the following day. Two hours after I dropped him off he was at Darlington Memorial.”

Mr Gwilliam was diagnosed with double kidney failure and rushed to Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital for emergency dialysis. He was in hospital for two weeks.

Mrs Gwilliam offered up her left kidney but two years of tests saw her organ deteriorate beyond donation quality.

His sister offered her left kidney as a replacement in April this year.

Mrs Gwilliam added: “This was the answer to our prayers. We are all so thankful for the gift of a kidney from Alison.

“We know how much Alison had to go through for giving her brother a healthy kidney.

“It is a gift which will hopefully last for the rest of his life.”

Five months on from the life-saving gesture, Mrs Maddison ran the Great North Run for Kidney Research and Hurworth Primary School where she is headteacher.

She said: “It was fabulous – I had never run in my life and it was a case of starting running to get fit for the operation – I have got a family so I did not want to risk not coming out of it. It was only when I was running that I thought it would be a good to make the most of the opportunity.”

Half the final total she raises will go to Kidney Research with the other half going to Hurworth School.

Ms Maddison added: “It was life changing for me and life changing for my brother – to literally give him the gift of life has been a privilege and a very humbling experience.”

However, the lead up to Mr Gwilliam’s life saving transplant was not smooth.

Mrs Gwilliam explained: “In August 2016, Andrew was back in the UK for a family party in Scotland. Sadly, he picked up a bacterial infection and on our return he was admitted to James Cook where he was in agony, critically ill and fighting for his life in a side ward.

“It was hell observing our son dying – all we could do was pray.”

However, Mr Gwilliam experienced what his mum described as a “Lazarus moment”.

She said: “Andrew suddenly sat up and asked for a drink of water. Doctors, nurses and hospital staff could not believe their eyes. It was a modern miracle.”

The “A-team” siblings Alison, Andrew and Amanda moved out of Darlington with their parents in 1978 attending Woodland Primary School and Staindrop School afterwards.

Mr Gwilliam went on to be a teacher at an International School in Kuwait.

Monday 25 September 2017

Headteacher reveals radical overhaul at Teesdale School

“MUCH, much better.” That’s the message from the headteacher who is driving a major overhaul at Teesdale School – and she says there is “no doubt” it will become the best in the region.

The school is undergoing a revamp with hundreds of thousands of pounds spent on makeovers for classrooms and equipment. Subjects such design and technology, which had been taken off the curriculum along with drama and RE, are being reinstated and a new library is to be created. Food technology facilities have also been refurbished – as has the music room.

Mobile phones have been banned for students and teachers are discouraged from shouting at the children – instead a “new culture” is being instilled where problems are solved “a different way”.

The school received a poor Ofsted report in 2015 but has had the slate officially wiped clean after it joined a multi-academy trust last year. The North East Learning Trust is responsible for eight schools in the region.

The first year since the change saw Teesdale School being measured in the top five schools in the county after a high percentage of students got grades 9 to 5 in GCSE English and maths.

A new uniform is also being introduced for year seven children and will filter down the school as they grow older.

Executive headteacher of Teesdale School Dr Janice Gorlach, who is also a lead Ofsted inspector, said: “There is not a shadow of doubt that this will be the best school in the North East.

“The amount we have changed is phenomenal. We want these students to have the best in the area but we’re not just interested in league tables – we want an excellent school where the kids excel in everything.

“That’s why we’re putting more emphasis on music. The message is that this school is much, much better.

Some £100,000 was spent in the summer holidays giving classrooms a makeover, she said.

“The difference is chalk and cheese,” said Dr Gorlach, whose time is split between schools in the trust.

The school says the previous two-week timetable was chaotic and lacked routine. Now it’s condensed into one week.

There is a new house system, along with a scheme that rewards students for results, as well as simply being thoughtful. A specialist counsellor works with students to address any issues.

Prefect and deputy head boy Ethan Rawlins, 15, said: “The school was going downhill but a lot of things are being done differently for the better. There’s a different attitude to learning.”

Year nine student Ben Arundel, 13, said he was delighted how the school had ambitions of being a centre for music, adding that felt “betrayed” to hear how the school had been described as “floundering” by an anonymous Facebook group.

Ben added: “There has been a dramatic improvement in behaviour.”

Two subjects have been introduced for year seven students – French and Spanish. Students are also learning photography in A-level art and the school has its own dark room – a nod to the revival of 35mm film. Staffing has also been reorganised. A French speaking linguist is also joining the school shortly.

Leaders at Teesdale School say they hope it will be a first-choice for post-16 students.

Simon Henderson, one of the heads of sixth form and head of history, said: “We aim to have the best sixth form in Durham and to be a first choice for A-levels. We’re creating an elite ethos, although we’re not saying everybody will get A and A stars but many will – it’s about the approach to studies.”

He used examples such as the school being an official partner of the Freedom City 2017 project, which marks the 50th anniversary of Dr Martin Luther King receiving an honourary degree from Newcastle University. A GCSE revision session with a history professor from Oxford is also planned.

Gladys, 99, unveils Barnard Castle's new-look AgeUK shop

BARNARD Castle’s AgeUK charity shop reopened last week after a major revamp.

In fitting style, 99-year-old Charles Dickens Lodge celebrity Gladys Sparks cut the ribbon for the reopening on Friday, September 15.

The shop was closed for about two weeks as the floors, ceilings and lighting were replaced and the walls painted.

Store manager Beverley Wilson said a new counter had been installed and all of the equipment, including the till, had been replaced.

She said: “The work environment is a lot nicer for staff and volunteers. I am absolutely thrilled, it was so dull before. It feels so clean and airy now.”

The charity shop currently has 10 regular volunteers and is always looking for more people to help out.

Ms Wilson said: “If they can do an hour a week or 20 hours, we will find them something to do. We work around our volunteers. It is like a little family here.” Anyone who wants to help can contact 01833 630103.

Child's play at Middleton thanks to school's friends group

FRIENDS of a Teesdale primary school have teamed up to provide kids with new equipment to enjoy playtimes.

The Friends of Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary School helped fundraise and put money towards a new play house, storychair and balance beams.

Parents Paul Seedhouse and Becky Stevenson, from P Seedhouse Fencing and Groundwork Contractors, helped make the equipment at cost price after seeing the high price of other goods on offer.

The works are part of an ongoing project to improve playground facilities and children are already enjoying the trim trail and log seat on site installed over the summer.

Headteacher Chris Chilvers was delighted to welcome the new kit.

He said: “It’s absolutely brilliant – I don’t think you could ask for a better set of friends for a school.

“It’s always 110 per cent from them.

“What they want to provide is the extra bits that, these days, the budget cannot manage any more.”

Grants to help Teesdale students through further studies

TALENTED Teesdale students have been given money to help with their education.

Teesdale School and Sixth Form has announced the winners of the Mewhort Scholarship for 2017.

The scholarship exclusive to sixth form students at the school who have achieved academic excellence and made a “valuable contribution to the life of the school and wider community”.

Ella Blackburn was awarded the top prize of £1,500 for each year of her undergraduate study.

Ella’s academic excellence was confirmed by her A*s in English literature and history and A in French.

She is moving on to read history at St Catharine’s College Cambridge. The Mewhort trustees said they were impressed with her passion for the subject and the ways she has engaged with it during her time at the school.

Sam Holmes, Katherine Harding, Kyle Ritchie and Alex Jeffries were each awarded £1,000 per year of undergraduate study.

Sam’s “impressive” sciences and maths ability shone through in his interview as did Alex’s passion for improving farming and helping her local community.

“Katherine has had a real impact throughout her time at the school helping younger students to achieve their goals and improve their confidence through performing arts

while Kyle looks forward to a year of study in Spain as part of his combined honours degree,” a school spokesman said.

Wendy Greenfield, chairwoman of the Mewhort Trustees, added: “It is fantastic that the scholarships continue to reward the academic excellence of students in the sixth form and give them some financial help to go

further and achieve even more.”

Another group of Mewhort Scholars graduated this year with first class honours degrees – Sarah Bedwell in architecture and Jack Holguin who is now pursuing a physics PhD thesis on dark matter.

Sunday 24 September 2017

Cockfield's new minister found God 'on battlefields of Bosnia, Iraq and Kuwait'

Revd Brian Whitley worked in some of the most unforgiving war zones of the late 20th century. He spoke to reporter Alex Metcalfe about meeting God and his move to the dale 


COCKFIELD is a world away from war-torn Bosnia but new Revd Brian Whitley has seen both.
The 59-year-old moved up to Teesdale from Lancashire last month to take over from Revd Claire Gibbs and held his first service at St John the Evangelist, Lynesack, on September 3.
Mr Whitley said: “I have been thinking about coming here for a while – when I was in the military I used to recruit from the North East so I’ve always known the area but I never thought I would come here.
“The Bishop of Jarrow said there was a job coming up. When I arrived people were very welcoming and
open – they are quite a rare breed.
“They run their own church services and they are proud of their church.”
The father-of-two began his working life in the army after attending a Quaker School in Lancaster before training as a registered general nurse and mental nurse in Blackpool and Preston.
The last ten years have seen him complete his curacy down south and establish himself in the church after a career in the army.
He said: “I left the army in 2007, trained in Salisbury and was ordained in the Oxford Diocese.
“I was ordained by a bishop from up here, John Pritchard – it was a great learning opportunity in mission and evangelism and a great position for reaching out to families, children and all ages of the ministry.”
It was Mr Whitley’s spell as a nursing officer with the Royal Army Nursing Corps which shaped the recent chapters of his life.
Work took him overseas to Iraq, Kuwait and Germany and he was also posted to Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
But it was his time in Bosnia amid the harrowing ethnic cleansing during the Yugoslav War which changed his life.
“That was the point of my calling,” he said.
“I was working in a Muslim mountain village which had been drastically ethnically cleansed.
“It was a touching time working with families who’d suffered under the Serbians.
“Working with children there were some very heart wrenching times as well as heart warming moments – that really changed me.”
“I enrolled in an Alpha course and that was me on the way.
“I often say I met God on the battlefield. I’ve had similar events in places like the Gulf where I felt God pulling me towards ministry.”
Mr Whitley spent a lot of time at Sandhurst training those working in the military academy, developing officer candidates and running the medical centre.
He was the first male matron Sandhurst ever had.
“I have met a variety of people throughout my life and people often say changing from the military to the priesthood is so different but I say no,” he added.
“It’s still all about caring for people, being that parental person, listening to the problems, their joys and being there during the hard times.
“It’s being a help to them through this – when you do that we grow together as a community.”
Mr Whitley has already been busy in the Gaunless Valley – covering a number of services and a Christening in the past couple of weeks.
He said his two-year-old labrador George had proven handy in getting to know his fellow villagers.
“I have said his dog collar is worth more than mine – I’ve met lots of people just from having my dog, walking and talking,” he added.
“Its just nice to join people’s lives and hear their stories.
“When strangers come together and share stories they aren’t strangers any more and we can grow together.”
After a five-year spell at his former parish of St Anne Woodplumpton, near Preston, Mr Whitley took a break from ministry and served as a padre to the 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.
Despite the move over the Pennines, Mr Whitley is still keeping in touch with his roots in the Armed Forces and hopes to join up with the County Durham Cadets branch soon.
When it came to his services, he revealed he liked to keep congregations on their toes with the odd magic trick.
He added: “I have some I do to entertain the kids – I have an eight-foot wooden pole I pull out of a sandwich bag.
“It’s just to tell the gospel story through the illusion as it makes them remember the story.”
The odd joke and laugh has proven handy throughout his working life – an idea sewn during his school years.
“I always remembered the lessons where there was a joke,” said Mr Whitley.
“I feel that’s helped me a lot in nursing, the army and in a priestly way to tell the story of God’s love in new and exuberant ways – that’s the calling of the priest of
today.”
He was also keen to bring together the dale’s diverse denominations and had plans for events in the coming months.
Mr Whitley said: “We’ll be doing a lot of recitals in the local area and we’re planning some really good activities with music and outreach events.
“We are looking at a music festival and a ‘last night at the proms’.”