County News - Take a walk in County Durham this autumn Durham Book Festival 2018 Our thriving culture
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Autumn 2018
www.durham.gov.uk
County News
Take a walk in
County Durham
this autumn
Look forward to
Durham Book Festival
2018
Our thriving culture
- benefits for everyone
Save time
do it online
Welcome
to the new look Durham County News
After what has been a fabulous summer, the nights will soon be drawing in but
there is still plenty to do across County Durham during the coming months. Councillor Simon Henig,
Leader of the Council
Durham Book Festival returns next month with dozens of best-selling authors lined up
to talk about their work and there’s the chance to make the most of our amazing clear
skies during the 2018 North Pennines Stargazing Festival.
If you’re stuck for something to do during the half term and at Halloween we’ve got lots of suggestions
along with a feature on the best places to take an autumn walk in County Durham.
This issue also includes the news that Lumiere will return in 2019 and 2021. The UK’s largest light festival is
our showcase event and you can find out more about why it’s so important to our culture and economy on
pages 14 to 15.
I hope you enjoy reading the magazine and remember that you can find more stories and videos online at
www.durham.gov.uk/dcn
Simon Henig
Inside... Pages 16-17
Back to
Pages 24-25
Holiday fun
Pages 4-7 school
News
Page 12
Pages 8-9 Adult health Pages 20-21
Durham Book Out and about:
Festival Page 13 Autumn walks
Local heroes
Pages 26-31
Pages 18-19 What’s on
Green living this autumn
Pages 10-11 Pages 14-15 great prizes in our competitions...
Enter online at www.durham.gov.uk/dcn. Or write the answer, along with your name,
Save time Celebrating address, telephone number and email on a piece of paper. Pop your entries into one
do it online Durham envelope (don’t forget the stamp) and post to Durham County News, Durham County Council,
County Hall DH1 5UF, or drop them into reception at any of our access points. Entries close on
Sunday 30 September 2018 (unless otherwise stated).
When you have finished with Look out for extra content… You can now view extra content
this magazine, please recycle it. wherever you see this icon by going to www.durham.gov.uk/dcn
To contact the editorial team, call 03000 268 059 Durham County News is written and designed by Durham County Council, printed by Acorn Web
or email durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk Offset Ltd and distributed by Smart Distribution Services Ltd and Royal Mail. It costs 16p a copy.
2
Explore
Dark skies
and starlight
Look to the skies this autumn
and explore the wonders of
our universe.
The 2018 North Pennines Stargazing
Festival celebrates some of the darkest
skies in England, situated right here in
County Durham.
There are more Dark Sky Discovery
Sites in the North Pennines AONB and
UNESCO Global Geopark than
anywhere else in the UK and the
festival’s programme makes the most
of the great places to enjoy the night
sky right across the area.
The headline event will be an evening
with Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE.
The Sky at Night presenter will look at
the world of space exploration and
give her perspective on women in
science and engineering during a visit
to The Witham, in Barnard Castle,
on Saturday 20 October.
And there’s plenty more Sunday 21 October, 10am-12noon, Friday 26 October, 6.30pm-9.30pm
including... 12.30pm-2.30pm and 3pm-5pm Skywatch @ Killhope
Solar System Walk and Diorama Killhope Museum, Upper Weardale
Friday 19 to Sunday 21 October Workshop Enjoy some of the darkest skies in the
Star Camp Bowlees Visitor Centre, Upper Teesdale North Pennines with experienced
Doe Park Caravan Site, Teesdale Discover the planets on a guided walk astronomers from the Sunderland
Join experienced astronomer Richard Darn to Gibson’s Cave then make a space- Astronomical Society. Adults £4,
for the first ever two-night star camp under themed diorama. Suitable for ages 5+. concessions/children £2.
the North Pennines sky. Pitch fees + £8.50 Children £5 (accompanying adults
per person per night ‘astronomy charge’. free). Sunday 28 October, 3pm-5pm
Skywatch Down Under
Saturday 20 October, 1.30pm-3pm Monday 22 October Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope
11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
Silk Painting a Constellation Using a live feed from a remote
The Witham, Barnard Castle Pop-up Planetarium @ Stanhope observatory in the Australian Outback,
Learn how to paint on silk and create your St Thomas’ Church Hall, Stanhope observe and photograph a number of
own constellation! Aimed at 4-11 year An immersive 45-minute show in the objects which are only visible at the other
olds but all welcome. Children £6 planetarium, suitable for all ages. Adults end of the Earth. £10.
(accompanying adults free). £5, concessions £2, families £10.
Booking is required for all events.
Photo: Cain Scrimgeour
Discover the entire programme at www.NorthPenninesStarFest.org.uk
3
Contact us: News
Visit our website
to use online services
24 hours a day
7 days a week
www.durham.gov.uk/
doitonline
Drop-in for potential foster carers
If you need to phone us, call Could you be the reason a to talk about their experiences along
child in care can look forward with members of our fostering team
Customer Services during the sessions which take place
to a brighter future?
03000 26 0000 from 10am to 1.30pm on Saturday 22
The number of children coming into September at County Hall, Durham
8.30am-5pm (Monday-Thursday) the care system in the north east and from 11am to 1pm on Thursday
8.30am-4.30pm (Friday) has risen by 50 per cent since 2010. 27 September at Durham Town Hall.
Out of hours emergency service We’re working hard to recruit foster We’re particularly looking for foster
available. carers across County Durham and carers to provide a home to siblings,
this month, we’re offering people teenagers and children with
For social care and independent from all backgrounds the chance to additional needs.
living enquiries or adult and find out more at two drop-in events.
children’s welfare issues: www.durham.gov.uk/fostering
Existing foster carers will be on hand or call 03000 269 400.
Social Care Direct/Children’s
First Contact Service
03000 26 79 79
@DurhamCouncil
/durhamcouncil
linkedin.com/company/
durham-county-council Message wall
/DurhamCouncil Our message wall artwork celebrates all that is great about our county –
and it was created with your help.
/durham_county_council
The wall features images of Durham landmarks made up of your messages
about what you love about our area.
Please ask us if you would like this document
summarised in another language or format. The wall has already been on display at a number of venues
around the county and is set to continue its journey over the
Braille Audio Large print
coming months – watch out for details of its next location.
durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk
03000 268 059
Key to symbols: N North Durham S South Durham E East Durham C Central Durham W West Durham
4
News
Cash boost for special
educational needs
Children with special educational needs in County
Durham will have better access to the facilities
they need to thrive thanks to a funding boost.
We have received £1.3 million from a national fund
which aims to help transform the lives of thousands
of children with special educational needs and
disabilities (SEND). The money will be used to help
schools extend their SEND provision through capital
projects such as building new classrooms and
purchasing new equipment.
Volunteers help
keep County Durham’s
beaches clean
Hard working volunteers have cleared more than
500 bags of rubbish from County Durham’s beaches
so far this year.
Plastic bottles, balloons, food wrappers and shopping
trolleys are among the items removed during the
regular litter picks, organised by the Heritage Coast
team.
Dementia friendly Heritage Coast is a partnership of local authorities,
Ensuring Durham is a ‘Dementia Friendly’ city agencies and community bodies with an interest in
is the focus of a new steering group. protecting the coastline in Durham, Sunderland and
The group includes representatives from the council, Hartlepool.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service,
Durham Constabulary, Durham Cathedral, Durham Bid,
local churches, carers and people living with dementia.
To find out more or to get involved, contact Mark Electoral register
Henderson on 0191 375 5594 or markh@ddfire.gov.uk Households in County Durham are being asked to
check if the voter information for their home is correct.
Flood risk As part of our annual canvass, we’re reminding people
Is your home at risk of flooding? of the importance of confirming the details currently
You can now check online and minimise the risk by held on the electoral register. You need to respond even
visiting https://floodsdestroy.campaign.gov.uk/ if there have been no changes.
Visit www.householdresponse.com
03000 261 212, electoralservices@durham.gov.uk
Are you among the 40 per cent of smokers who want to kick the habit?
Stoptober, which takes place next month, offers the perfect opportunity to maximise your
chances of giving up for good by seeking support from a specialist stop smoking service.
Smokefree Life County Durham can help you to choose the best way for you to stop
smoking and give you the ongoing support you will need.
www.smokefreelifecountydurham.co.uk, call 0800 772 0565 or 0191 369 2016 or text QUIT to 66777.
5
News
fight fraud together
Award for community Blue badge l council tax l tenancy
gardeners l direct payments l insurance
Green-fingered villagers have been honoured for Help us stop it…
Report it!
their efforts to breathe new life into neglected areas
of their community.
The Burnopfield Gardening Group, which carries out Email: corporatefraudteam@durham.gov.uk
planting schemes and other voluntary work in the village, Visit: www.durham.gov.uk
has received a Clean and Tidy Derwent Valley Award. Text: 07797 870 192, start your
message with the word ‘fraud’
This is the first year that the honour has been presented Call: 03000 266 745
by Derwent Valley Partnership.
Your first choice for housing in County Durham
To Let
No bond No admin fee Available now
Dale & Valley Homes 0800 083 0333 Karbon 1 0191 385 1900
Durham City Homes 0800 068 0013 Karbon 2 01207 521 100
East Durham Homes 0800 032 0835 livin 0800 587 4538
North Star Housing 03000 11 00 11
www.durhamkeyoptions.co.uk
6
News
Deerness Bridge
Pride of Teesdale Awards
reopens
Teesdale’s unsung heroes will be celebrated
later this year at a special ceremony.
The Pride of Teesdale Awards honour those
residents of the dale who do extraordinary deeds,
from going the extra mile to help others to
overcoming hardships and challenges.
The awards, which are organised by the Teesdale
Mercury and sponsored by the council, are set to
take place at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, at the
beginning of November.
An important road and pedestrian link has now
reopened following major repair works.
Deerness Bridge, on the outskirts of Durham, was
closed in 2016 following an inspection which revealed
structural weaknesses. The deck of the river
crossing has now been replaced and the
bridge has fully reopened.
Meanwhile, the first phase of works to restore the
Grade 1 listed Old Elvet Bridge in the city are also
complete.
The work has included waterproofing the bridge deck,
replacing worn and broken paving and creating loading
bays on approaches. Plans to repair the bridge’s masonry
arches are now being drawn up ahead of the submission
of an application for funding to Historic England.
Funding
Air cadets and a popular sports club are among And the historic
those to receive funding from Great Aycliffe and Wynch Bridge in
Middridge Area Action Partnership this summer. Teesdale has also
reopened following
The 1407 Newton Aycliffe Squadron Air Cadets were emergency repair
awarded £1,880 to deliver summer adventure training. work.
Newton Aycliffe Sports Club, meanwhile, secured The Grade II listed
£7,950 for a new mower which will be used by structure was built in
volunteers from the town’s rugby, cricket and football 1820 as a replacement for what was believed to
clubs. be the earliest suspension bridge in Europe.
Project aims to reduce A&E pressures
A new programme aimed at reducing pressure on accident and emergency departments Positive
in County Durham is now underway. Lives
Positive Lives is a joint initiative between the council, Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield
Clinical Commissioning Group and North Durham CCG, which hopes to reduce the number of
patients who regularly attend accident and emergency services. A free, confidenti
al support servi
tailored to your ce,
individual need
The pilot scheme focuses on those individuals who often present at A&E with a need which
to improve your s
wellbeing,
support you to
make change
help you to achie and
ve your goals
.
cannot be treated medically, such as anxiety, unemployment and homelessness and aims
to change the way they are supported.
44546 AHS
Positive Lives
Flyer A5.indd
1
01/08/2018
12:38
7
D ur h a m B ook
Fe s t i val
There is nothing quite
like losing yourself in
a good book.
It is the ultimate form of escapism, transporting
us to different times and places where
anything is possible. Books can increase our
understanding of the world, offering different
perspectives and new insights. The Big Read
Whether you are reading for pleasure, Every year, Durham Book Festival
knowledge or both, Durham Book Festival is the champions one book as its Big Read.
event for you. Produced by New Writing North In 2018, the honour has been bestowed
on behalf of us, it is a celebration of writers, upon Sarah Waters’ enthralling gothic
artists and thinkers, bringing together rising stars ghost story The Little Stranger. It’s hardly surprising, as the
and celebrated stalwarts of the literary world. Booker-nominated novel has a plot full of twists and turns.
New talent is also nurtured, with workshops
taking place at schools across the county. In the run up to the festival, 3,000 copies have been
distributed to schools, libraries, prisons and university staff
Last year, more than 39,000 people engaged in and students across County Durham. The idea is to turn the
150 events, including author talks, workshops county into a giant book club, encouraging conversations
and theatrical productions. And this year’s about the novel.
programme looks just as enticing, with a star
line-up promising to entertain bookworms of all On Thursday 27 September, at 2.30pm, Chester-le-Street
tastes and ages from Saturday 6 October to Library will host a drop-in book club for readers to discuss
Sunday 14 October. the novel. And, if you want to hear more from the author
herself, the Gala Theatre in Durham will host an Evening
Find out what inspired the writers of gripping with Sarah Waters on Saturday 13 October, from
novels, poignant poems, entertaining children’s 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Tickets cost £10 or £8 for concessions.
stories and intriguing biographies at one of the
festival’s many writer talks.
If non-fiction is more to your taste, the
programme is packed full of academics, The Little Read
journalists, comedians and political satirists who Young readers will delight in this
have written about everything from history,
year’s Little Read - Izzy Gizmo
nature, music and politics, to science, life and
by Pip Jones and Sara Ogilvie.
death.
This imaginative picture book
Durham Book Festival has all the makings of an follows a little girl who loves to
international best seller, and here are some of invent things. When Izzy finds a crow with a broken
the highlights. wing, she is determined to help her new friend fly
again.
Tickets to author talks and a free book Five hundred copies have been sent out, including a
copy to every primary school in the county. Izzy Gizmo
We have a pair of tickets to give away to author talks inspired workshops will also be held in community
by Sarah Waters, crime writer Peter James and Labour
politician Alan Johnson. The three winners will also receive a centres, and a one-off musical
copy of a book by each author. For the chance to win, answer production will be staged at the
this question: How many copies of The Little Stranger by Gala Theatre on Saturday 13 October,
Sarah Waters have been distributed across County Durham? from 11am to noon. Tickets cost £7
See page 2 for details of how to enter. or £5 for concessions.
8
6-14
October
2018
New commissions Cathy Newman
Every year, Durham Book Festival commissions This year is the centenary of the Representation of the
writers to produce prose and poetry on thought- People Act, a historic piece of legislation which gave
provoking topics, often with a North-East theme. some British women the vote for the first time. Many
Race, cultural identity and anxiety are among the festival writers have marked the milestone, delving into
subjects tackled in 2018. the history of suffrage and the issues which affect
women today.
In Bloody Brilliant Women: The Unsung Heroines who
Made 20th Century Britain, journalist and Channel 4
newsreader Cathy Newman explores the motivations
of the women who played a crucial role in transforming
British women’s lives from the mid-nineteenth century.
Join Cathy at Durham Town Hall on Sunday 14
October, from 2pm to 3pm. Tickets cost £10 or £8 for
concessions.
In Black and British: Growing up in the
North-East, British-Nigerian historian and
broadcaster David Olusoga shares his
experience of growing up in Gateshead,
and of his journey to reconnect with the region as an
adult. David will speak about the book at Durham
Town Hall on Sunday 14 October, from 3.30pm to
4.30pm. Tickets cost £10 or £8 for concessions.
In The World Above, Lucie Brownlee looks at how
mining shaped the lives of the women and girls who
lived in the world above the pit. To uncover these
rarely shared stories, Lucie interviewed colliery
women in Easington, many of whom were activists
during the miners’ strikes. She will discuss her
research at the Miners’ Hall in Redhills on To view the full programme or to book tickets,
Sunday 7 October, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. visit www.durhambookfestival.com or call 03000 266 600.
Tickets cost £8 or £6 for concessions.
9
Do it online
Save time
do it online
How do you contact us – by phone,
face-to-face or online?
Having an online customer account Debbie Hibbitts,
Waste Monitoring
is easy and gives you access to a Officer, showing
one of the new
range of services at a time and waste e-permits
location convenient to you. on her phone.
Here we give you a flavour of Making it e-asier to use your local tip
what’s on offer and how it can It’s now easier than ever to get rid of your rubbish and unwanted
benefit you. items at your local household waste recycling centre thanks to the
introduction of a new electronic permit system.
If you use a van, pick up or trailer you need a permit. Until recently
this was either posted to you, or you could pick it up from one of our
customer access points. The new electronic permit can be with you
almost instantly by email. All you need to do is download the permit
to your phone and show the code at the site before you unload.
To get a permit electronically, set up or log in to your do it online
account. Each household can get up to 12 permits per year.
Find out more about waste permits and see how they work
at www.durham.gov.uk/householdpermit
Why have an online
account? Low-cost laptops
✓✓ It’s faster and more secure as you Registered charities in
County Durham are being
don’t have to give your personal
offered low-cost laptops
details every time you contact us. and PCs as part of a
✓✓ You can use it at a time convenient council-run recycling
to you. scheme.
✓✓ You can check the progress of your The Digital Durham Reboot
requests. initiative sees IT equipment
owned by us refurbished
✓✓ It keeps you up to date with and made available to registered charities in the area.
information relevant to you e.g. As well as helping charities operate more efficiently, the scheme
if we are unable to collect your bin. aims to support them in their work to help people get online and
Register for your online account at: improve their skills.
www.durham.gov.uk/doitonline For more information www.digitaldurham.org
10What else can you do online? Here’s just a few of the services we offer.
Pay for things Register to vote
Whether it’s your council tax or As well as giving you the option to
business rates, a blue badge vote in local and general elections,
or a council invoice, you can make Book a theatre, cinema being on the electoral register can
a payment securely online 24/7. or event ticket help your credit rating.
www.durham.gov.uk/estore www.durham.gov.uk/elections
As the dark nights draw in, browse
what’s on offer at Gala or Empire
theatres and book and pay for your
tickets in advance.
www.galadurham.co.uk or
www.empireconsett.co.uk
Apply for a
school place Get unwanted large
items and white goods
It’s September and applications for collected
next year’s school places open on
the 12th. Apply for your child’s place If you’re having a clear out and
at primary or secondary school at: need large furniture or electrical
www.durham.gov.uk/ goods picked up - book and pay for
schooladmissions a bulky waste collection.
www.durham.gov.uk/doitonline
Report a problem
Book a leisure centre View and comment on
class or activity Whether it’s a pothole, your bin planning applications
hasn’t been emptied, there’s a street
If you have a Thrive card you can light out, or you want to report From house extensions to major
sign up to a membership or book an flytipping or another incident you developments - you can give your
activity online. can do this 24/7 at feedback on applications at
www.durham.gov.uk/sport www.durham.gov.uk/doitonline www.durham.gov.uk/planning
11Adult health
Round-
Staying independent the-clock
reassurance
Care Connect, our community
There’s no place like home – so it’s only natural alarm and telecare service, provides a
home monitoring service 24 hours a day,
that as we grow older most of us want to seven days a week, 365 days a year.
remain in our own home for as long As well as providing reassurance and assistance to
as possible. older vulnerable residents, it offers peace of
mind for their family and friends.
And for those needing a little extra support A simple alarm system installed in the home
can be used to call for assistance even in an
to stay independent, there are plenty of emergency.
sources of advice and assistance in care.connect@durham.gov.uk 03000 262 195
County Durham.
Whether it’s adapting your home
in order to make it easier to get Navigating Locate help, support - and
around or finding out about you to better new friends
local groups and clubs to
health Our Locate website contains information on a
avoid feeling isolated,
variety of care and support products and services
help is at hand. Not sure who to ask for advice
that can help you remain independent.
about your health and wellbeing?
It also provides contact details for hundreds of
NHS health commissioners in
groups and organisations around the county
Durham have introduced a new initiative
if you’re looking to make new friends or
to ensure people get the right support
learn a new skill.
when they’re not well.
Go to www.durhamlocate.org.uk
Under the scheme, GP receptionists have
If you don’t have access to the
been trained to direct patients to the most
internet, you can take advantage
appropriate healthcare professional or service,
of free online access at our
whether that’s a GP, practice nurse or even a
libraries or use Locate at one of
community pharmacist.
the elephant kiosks situated in
Ask about Care Navigation at your GP practice. many GP surgeries.
Equipment loan service Buying advice
Our community equipment service is operated by The Independent Living House in Spennymoor enables
Medequip which provides aids and equipment for loan people to try out a variety of items that can make
including items such as bath lifts and shower chairs. everyday life that little bit easier – from bathing aids to
If you would like to have an assessment to find out if you stair lifts.
are eligible for an equipment loan, please contact Staff from our equipment advice service are on-hand to
Social Care Direct on 03000 26 79 79. provide the necessary information and advice to help
people make an informed choice when buying or hiring
Medequip also collects equipment that items.
is no longer required which means
someone else in the community can The service does not sell equipment but can play a vital
benefit from using it. If you have equipment role in helping you get the best value for money.
that you no longer need, call Appointments must be booked in advance.
01325 524 531 to arrange a suitable equipmentadvice@durham.gov.uk
collection free of charge. 03000 265 667
12As the 100th Anniversary of the end of the First World War approaches, Lo c al heroes
communities across County Durham are remembering the fallen.
Village to honour VC hero
A County Durham war hero is to be honoured But it was for his actions towards the end of the conflict
that he was awarded the VC. The citation referred to his
in his home village. ‘numerous acts of gallantry’ and the example they set to
William McNally was awarded the Victoria Cross by his men.
King George V for a series of acts of bravery during
The VC stone will be unveiled during
the First World War. Now his actions are to be
a ceremony starting at 11am on
marked with the unveiling of a memorial stone in
Saturday 27 October.
Murton.
His story will also be
McNally enlisted in the Yorkshire Regiment – now told in an exhibition
better known as the Green Howards – at the at the Glebe Centre,
beginning of the war. which will be open
on Sunday 28
In July 1916, during the Battle of the Somme, he October, 10am-4pm
earned the first of three gallantry awards when he and Monday 29
dragged a seriously wounded officer to safety. October,
Just 16 months later he was awarded a bar to his 9am-5pm.
Military Medal when he three-times rescued men
wounded or buried by enemy shellfire in
Passchendaele, near Ypres.
Memorial stone
to Durham Pals
unveiled in France
A memorial stone dedicated
to the Durham Pals has been The Durham Hymns
unveiled at a ceremony in France. The anniversary of the end of
The stone has been installed next to existing the First World War is to be
memorials to the Bradford Pals and Leeds Pals in the marked in Durham with a
small hamlet of Bus-Les-Artois where the 18 DLI – known as the Durham Pals
moving musical performance.
– were stationed in the lead up to the Battle of the Somme.
The Durham Hymns, which first premiered
The DLI Pals were made up of men from all professions and many were
during BRASS Festival 2016, not only
childhood friends who had grown up together in towns and villages across
commemorates the sacrifice of those who
the county.
died, but also the courage and resilience
At 7.30am on 1 July 1916, 60,000 British soldiers climbed out of their trenches of those left behind. It features lyrics by
and began to move across No Man’s Land. Within one hour, over half were Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and will be
dead or wounded – the greatest loss of life in a single day for Britain. performed by the Reg Vardy Brass Band,
the Centenary Community Choir and
The Pals, as part of the 31st Division, were part of the attack at Serre, at the choral ensemble Voices of Hope
northern end of the Somme battlefield. By 5 July, the battalion that had gone at the Gala Theatre on Sunday 11
into the trenches on 30 June almost 800 strong had suffered around 500 November.
casualties, including 70 dead. www.galadurham.co.uk 03000 266 600
Look out for a special edition of the Northern Echo on Remembrance Sunday supporting Help for Heroes. The paper, which we are
sponsoring, will feature historic front pages from the Echo archives and will tell the story of how the First World War came to an end.
13Cele brating
D ur h a m
Lumiere set to light up
Durham again
The UK’s biggest and brightest festival is set to return to Durham City next year as Lumiere
celebrates its 10th anniversary.
The 2019 event, which will run from There will also be community
14 to 17 November, will feature a activities and legacy artworks
selection of some favourites from between festivals.
the past decade of the spectacular
Lumiere is produced by Artichoke,
biennial light festival as well as
commissioned by Durham County
some new artworks.
Council and supported by Arts
Lumiere, which has also been Council England and a raft of other
re-commissioned to return in 2021, partners and businesses.
has become synonymous with
Helen Marriage, CEO and artistic
Durham – transforming landmark
director of Artichoke, said:
buildings with mesmerising
“The festival’s continued success
installations and bringing tens of
shows what is possible when the local
thousands of visitors from around
authority, local business and local
the country and beyond.
people come together behind a
The festival was established in the project, allowing us as producers to
city in 2009 and the 2019 push the boundaries and do really
programme is set to wow crowds exciting things.”
and ensure the county continues to
be showcased on a global scale.
...I’m so excited to be programming the 10th
anniversary Lumiere festival. It will be a moment to
reflect and look back, as well as forward. Helen Marriage
14Durham celebrates A rich and
record tourism growth diverse
A record 240,000 people visited Lumiere in 2017 culture
bringing more than £7.5 million to the county’s economy
Lumiere may be the jewel in the county’s cultural crown,
and helping exceed our long-term tourism targets.
but Durham is also lucky enough to benefit from a
Newly published research measuring the volume and value packed calendar of events and festivals, a wealth of
of tourism to Durham has revealed that tourism is now worth visitor attractions and a rich history and heritage.
£867 million to the county’s economy.
From coast to dale and city to vale, our cultural offer
Commissioned by Visit County Durham, the STEAM economic spreads across the county – enriching the lives of residents,
impact study assesses information from visitor attractions, providing employment, attracting visitors from around the
events, transport and expenditure. globe and bringing millions of pounds into our economy.
The report, which shows that growth has already exceeded But it’s the diversity of what we have to offer that has made
targets for 2020, reveals that Durham welcomed 19.71 million culture so important to our area.
tourism visits in 2017 and that those visitors spent five per
In a single day you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage
cent more in the county than during the previous year.
Site of Durham Castle and Cathedral, learn to surf at
The number of jobs supported by the visitor economy also Seaham Marina, experience life as a Victorian miner at
increased with the sector now supporting 11,682 full time Killhope and watch 2,000 years of history, myth and legend
equivalent jobs, again an increase of five per cent. unfold at Kynren.
The figures also show a seven per cent increase in the The list continues with attractions including Locomotion
number of visitors staying overnight in the county. at Shildon, Bowes and Beamish museums to name but a
Ivor Stolliday, Chair of Visit County Durham said: few, along with events such as Durham Book Festival, the
“The successful results are a reflection of the collective way that Miners’ Gala and Durham Brass Festival.
the sector works locally to raise the profile of the county as a And our cultural offer is evolving too with new events and
visitor destination and we are delighted to see that partnership experiences continually emerging.
led marketing campaigns are attracting more visitors, resulting
For example, thousands of people turned out to see the
in this record growth.
Man Engine – the largest mechanical puppet constructed
“Visitor spend is increasing at a faster rate to visitor growth in Britain – when it made its way through the streets of
indicating people are spending more on things to see and do Willington earlier this year during a visit organised by
during their stay. Visit County Durham will continue to Northern Heartlands.
work closely alongside tourism businesses and other
organisations to improve the quality and attractiveness
of our fabulous county as a visitor destination.” ...people are spending more on
things to see and do...
15Back to school
As the summer holidays come to an
end, the prospect of no longer having
to keep youngsters entertained all week
Fighting flu
is a welcome one for many parents and
carers. But before letting out that big Colds are often spread when children get together, and
before you know it the whole family has runny noses.
sigh of relief, there are a few important However, there is also a risk of children contracting flu,
things to consider. which can cause severe symptoms including fever, chills,
headaches, aching joints, muscles and extreme tiredness.
Healthy adults should recover within a week, but flu can
lead to serious complications such as pneumonia.
Ensuring your child has the nasal flu vaccine will help to
i n g a p lace protect them.
Secur to s t a r t s chool nex
t
The Childhood Immunisation Team provides free nasal flu
ild is due .
If your ch the time to apply vaccines to children in reception class up to Year 5, who live
is ary
year, now a r y a n d second or attend school in County Durham. Immunisation cannot
im
ns for pr sday 12 cause flu, and is carried out in schools and community clinics.
Applicatio s open on Wedne d online.
ce te
school pla and can be comple o www.hdft.nhs.uk/nasalflu-consent 03000 030 013
er als
Septemb cation forms are Other vulnerable groups eligible for free flu vaccinations
p li .
Paper ap om 03000 265 896 include people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and
le f r ns
availab
o n d a r y applicatio people with underlying health conditions or weakened
e c
line for s October, immune systems.
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inexperience, non-use of
seatbelts and peer pressure.
Spennymoor AAP, Bishop
Auckland AAP and local
councillors are supporting
...teaching Durham Constabulary in
children piloting the project in schools
the essential in the area.
digital skills...
Creating After-school and lunchtime clubs teaching children the essential digital skills
they need for the jobs of tomorrow are going from strength to strength.
the Derwent Valley AAP has helped fund coding clubs at primary and secondary
coders schools across the area, with youngsters from Year 2 upwards attending the
of the sessions.
future Often deemed as the ‘literacy of the 21st century,’ coding is used to show
a computer exactly what to do, whether this is playing games, online
shopping or homework. The clubs are linked to Code Club UK and
supported by parent volunteers.
17Green
living Leaf composting
Autumn will soon be upon us and now is the perfect time
to start composting.
If you’re wondering what to do with To make leaf compost put your with Getcomposting.com to offer
fallen leaves, why not turn them damp leaves into a black bin bag, home compost bins at special offer
into a leaf compost? This is a make a few holes in it, and leave it in prices from only £17.98. There is
fantastic product, which can be a secluded spot to rot down for over also a buy one get one half price
used as mulch, soil improver, lawn 12-24 months, the longer it is left offer, meaning you can buy a
dressing or in place of peat for the better. second bin from only £8.99.
potting container plants.
Community groups, allotments and To find out more or to order a bin,
You can collect leaves from your schools can get involved in making contact 0844 571 4444 or visit
garden or street but not woodlands. leaf compost, which can be used in www.getcomposting.com
Leave them under hedges for school gardens, community
creatures such as hedgehogs, which flowerbeds, gardens or allotments.
may be hibernating there. We are looking for leaf compost
volunteers to help co-ordinate leaf
You can use all fallen leaves, even
collection events in their local area.
the ones with black spots, but avoid
If you are interested in volunteering
evergreen leaves as they take a long
or to request a leaf compost
time to rot down. A good tip with
information pack, email
fallen leaves is to use a lawnmower
wasteaware@durham.gov.uk
to collect up leaves as this shreds
them and helps to speed up the To encourage everyone to get
composting process. composting, we have teamed up
Blooming
marvellous
Green fingered hopefuls have
everything crossed for success
with Durham City reaching the
finals of Britain in Bloom.
The colourful poppies which we installed at
the Leazes Bowl junction are just one of the
displays that have helped the city shine in its
entry in the Small City category of the Royal
Horticultural Society competition. Durham is also competing in the
same category at the RHS Northumbria in Bloom contest.
Why not pick up a map from Durham Town Hall or a customer access
point and follow the Durham in Bloom Floral Trail around the city?
Northumbria in Bloom winners will be revealed in Gateshead on
Wednesday 26 September, while Britain in Bloom
winners will be announced at a ceremony in Belfast
on Friday 19 October.
18Celebrating our hedgerows
Hedgerows are an important habitat, providing vital
resources for mammals, birds and insects.
We are committed to protecting these wildlife corridors and this
includes celebrating the ancient craft of hedge-laying.
The Durham Hedge-laying Competition returns to Woodlands Hall
Farm in Knitsley, near Consett, on Friday 12 October, from 9am to
3pm. Organised by Durham Hedgerow Partnership with support from
Trees Please, the competition is free to enter and sees competitors
hone their cutting, staking and binding skills to lay seven metres of
hedgerow.
Competitors and spectators are welcome. To find out more, contact
03000 267 143 or landscape@durham.gov.uk
Food for Household waste recycling
thought centre winter opening times
Between Monday 1 October and Sunday 31
Durham is one of March, our household waste recycling centres
just a handful of UK will switch to their winter opening hours.
cities to have won a 9am to 3.30pm everyday: Annfield Plain;
Heighington Lane, Newton Aycliffe;
prestigious Sustainable Middleton-in-Teesdale; Potterhouse Lane,
Food Cities award. Pity Me; Romanway, Bishop Auckland; Seaham;
Tudhoe.
The award recognises the work of Food Durham, a partnership of 10am-4pm Monday to Thursday and
organisations including the council, which are committed to 9am-3.30pm Saturday, Sunday and bank
promoting healthy, sustainable and local food, as well as tackling holidays: Coxhoe; Horden; Thornley.
issues such as food poverty, health and the loss of family farms and
9am-3.30pm on Saturday, Sunday and bank
independent retailers.
holidays only: Hett Hills, Chester-le-Street.
It also runs the Durham Food Hub, which supports small and Stainton Grove in Barnard Castle remains
medium food and drink enterprises to grow and sell their produce closed as it undergoes refurbishment.
within the retail and hospitality sectors, and the Growing Durham
project, which helps people grow their own food in community For more information visit
www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc
gardens and other settings.
or call 03000 261 000
The award was presented to Dr Liz Charles, Food Durham manager,
and Keith Gill, Durham Food Hub manager, at a ceremony in
Cardiff City Hall.
Garden waste collections take a winter break
Collections for this season’s garden waste will end in November and the
scheme will restart in 2019. To find out your last collection date, check your
waste and recycling calendar or visit www.durham.gov.uk/gardenwaste
19Out and about
Autumn walks
Autumn is a wonderful time to explore
County Durham on foot.
As the leaves begin to
turn, the countryside
radiates a golden glow,
with an abundance of rich
reds and deep oranges Countryside walks
enhancing the already County Durham boasts diverse landscapes featuring vast
stunning scenery, while moorland, wildlife-packed woodlands, rolling fields,
the cooler temperatures rivers, waterfalls and more. Walking is the perfect way to
offer pleasant conditions immerse yourself in the wonders on your doorstep.
for walking.
Need some help finding your way? Our countryside walks
Our county is full of fantastic trails and footpaths leaflets feature a walking route set out on a map with
catering for everyone from serious hikers to those details of interesting places to stop off when you’re in
wishing to work off their apple crumble on a need of a rest. The choice includes:
riverside ramble. From the big skies and striking Our St John’s Chapel – farming, mining and
scenery of the North Pennines to the dramatic views Methodism walk offers the chance to discover how the
and geological gems of the Heritage Coast; from countryside has been shaped by our social, industrial
making new friends to improving your fitness; there and agricultural heritage with a series of circular walks
really is something for everyone in County Durham. linking the villages of St John’s Chapel, Daddry Shield
and Ireshopeburn in Upper Weardale. Each loop is
about three miles long or walkers can take on the
Coastal walks seven-mile outer loop. Organised as part of the Mineral
Valleys Project, the walk begins in St John’s Chapel and
The seaside is not just for summer; autumn is a fantastic
takes you past tiny farms once occupied by miners to
time to explore the Durham Heritage Coast. Let the sea
produce extra food for their families. Other highlights
air blow away the cobwebs and enjoy the fine views to
include High House Chapel, a Methodist church visited
be found on our windswept coastline.
by founder John Wesley no fewer than 13 times, and
The Durham Coastal Footpath is an 11-mile route New House Complex, which was built in about 1700 by
stretching from Seaham to Crimdon. Discover Walter Blackett, the Moor Master who administered
spectacular Magnesian limestone grasslands, magical lead mining in the dale. There are also hay meadows,
coastal denes and an abundance of wildlife, while an old schoolhouse and a wealth of wildlife waiting to
learning about the rich heritage that shaped the coast. be discovered on this wonderful walk.
The footpath is marked by waymarkers and finger posts
Where better to experience the ‘season of mists and
featuring a variety of information and artwork.
mellow fruitfulness’ than a native woodland. Bog Pit
If you want to explore further inland or warm up over a Wood is a broadleaved woodland planted on a former
cup of tea in a café, the coastal path links up to seaside mining site near Catchgate in 2012. The Woodland
settlements with their own unique stories to tell. Trust has created a gentle 3.5-mile walk around the
Among the circular routes to enjoy is a 4.5 mile walk site, which follows four different carriage ways before
from St Andrew’s Church in Dalton-le-Dale towards crossing the summit of Pontop Pike. You will also visit
Dawdon with the option of visiting Nose’s Point, a Deep Dene Local Nature Reserve, with its Scots pine
stunning nature reserve and site of special scientific plantation and ponds. Download our Robin’s Den
interest. Wood guide for details.
20Railway paths
County Durham has a proud railway heritage and the many former
railway lines that cross the county are fantastic for walkers, runners,
wheelchair users and cyclists. These flat routes pass through
picturesque and varied countryside, meaning you can surround
yourself in all that autumn has to offer. Here’s just one of the many
available:
Why not try the Brandon to Bishop Auckland Railway Path?
The track was closed to passenger traffic in 1964 and is now
popular with walkers and wildlife, including kingfishers, kestrels,
owls and foxes. Broompark is an ideal starting point, with a large
picnic area and plentiful parking.
Guided walks
Health walks
Those who wish to learn
If you want to take the first steps towards a more active lifestyle but more about the nature, local history
are not sure how, look no further than your feet. Walking is a great way and geology of our countryside may
to improve your fitness, while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of wish to join one of the regular guided
fresh air and nature. walks on offer. Walks range from one to
The Walk Durham programme offers a series of free, weekly walks 13 miles and there are even walks for
starting in locations across the county. Each walk is led by a trained those interested in art and photography.
walk leader, follows a risk assessed route and lasts between 30 to 90 They are also a great way to make new
minutes. friends. Most outings cost £4, with no
booking required.
www.durham.gov.uk/walkingandrunning www.durham.gov.uk/countryside
21Trouble
managing
your money?
Our Customer Services team offers personal
Be the reason they smile
budgeting advice and support to help you
take control of your finances.
They can help you plan your Come along to one of our drop in information events to find
budget, as well as offer advice
on reducing your bills by
out more about fostering
comparing the best deals for
utility bills, internet, TV and
mobile phones. Saturday 22 September, Thursday 27 September,
Visit a Customer Access Point County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UQ, Durham Town Hall, DH1 3NJ,
near you and ask for an any time between 10.00am and 1.30pm any time between 11.00am and 1.00pm
appointment or call
03000 26 0000.
Foster with us
You will need to bring details of your income and bills to your appointment. 03000 269 400 durham.gov.uk/fostering DurhamFosterAdopt
Get your
Loyalty
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Take advantage of exclusive
discounts and special offers
ENJOY
across Durham City. ENTERTAINMENT
Buy your InDurham Loyalty Card at
F L www.durhambid.co.uk/loyaltycard
22Sarah Boulter
Miranda The Mirror
Pip Chamberlin Paul Dunn
Corporal Crosby Dame Dolly Doodle
The Gala Theatre’s
spectacular family pantomime
a favourites
Written and directed by Gal
l Hartley
Neil Armstrong and Pau
Musical Director Mark Thompson
Choreographer Amanda Woods
Costume Designer Emily Baxendale
Neil Armstrong
Jacob Anderton With Gala Theatre Stage School Rupert Von Rottenchops
Will The Woodsman and full supporting company
Lauren Waine
Snow White Paul Hartley
Chester The Jester
22 November 2018 - 5 January 2019
Tickets: £6 - £17 (Family ticket £50 - £58)
Box Office: 03000 266 600
Book online: www.galadurham.co.uk
23Holiday fun
Trick or Treat?
Are you brave enough to try the events and activities in our guide
to frightening Halloween fun?
Saturday 20 to Sunday 28 October, Thursday 25
10am-4pm October,
The Gallery of Monsters Park Trail 11am-4pm
AT THE LIBRARY: Hardwick Park Spooky Family
How many monster portraits will you discover Fun Day
Orville the Owl is scared The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle
of the dark…and the light. in the woodland gallery? £1 per trail sheet.
Join him on a magical 03000 262 899 Make a witch’s broom, create a potion and take
journey featuring poetry, part in a magician trail. Children must be
music and puppets at accompanied by an adult, for whom normal
libraries throughout the admission applies. Free to pass holders.
county this October. 01833 690 606 www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Newton Aycliffe Thursday 25 October, 11am, 12.30pm and
Saturday 20, 2pm
10am-12noon Nicki Noo Noo’s Pumpkin Party
Hardwick Park
Shildon
Music, games, dancing and Halloween crafts.
Monday 22, 2pm-4pm
£6 per child. Advance booking essential.
Bishop Auckland Town Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 October, 03000 262 899
Hall 10am-11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm
Monday 22, Wizard School Thursday 25 October, 11.30am-12.30pm,
10.30am-12.30pm Hardwick Park 1pm-2pm and 2.30pm-3.30pm
Consett Learn to make an elder wand, join a potions Pumpkin in the Park
class and enjoy spooky games and activities. Blackhill and Consett Park
Tuesday 23,
Ages 6+ £6 per child. Advance booking
10am-12noon Free family pumpkin-carving sessions plus
essential. 03000 262 899
Stanley pumpkin-themed tips to reduce food waste and
promote composting. Booking essential.
Tuesday 23, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 23 and Thursday 25 October, 03000 266 104 wasteaware@durham.gov.uk
Crook 11am-3pm
Wednesday 24, Halloween Art and Craft workshops Friday 26 October, 10am-11.30am and
10am-12noon Wharton Park Education Room 1pm-2.30pm
£3 per child. Children must be Woodland Trick or Treat
Spennymoor
accompanied by an adult. Hardwick Park
Wednesday 24, 2pm-4pm 03000 262 655
Find the woodland witch, solve her riddles and
Seaham
complete challenges in a fun Halloween quest.
Thursday 25, Wednesday 24 Ages 4+ £4 per child. Advance booking
10am-12noon October, essential. 03000 262 899
Peterlee 11am-3pm
Thursday 25, 2pm–4pm Frightful Family Crafts Friday 26 and
Hardwick Park Saturday 27
Durham Clayport Celebrate Halloween October,
Friday 26, 2pm-4pm with some arty fun in the education room. times to be
Chester-le-Street £3 per child. 03000 262 899 confirmed
Friday 26, 10am-12noon Fright Night
Wednesday 24 October, 10am-3pm Wharton Park
Barnard Castle
Autumn Spook Camp (6-11 years) Halloween circus
Saturday 27,
Wharton Park performance, fancy dress is encouraged. Wear
10am-12noon
A spook-tacular activity day. Wear outdoor outdoor clothing. Bring a torch. £10 per person
The production is suitable clothing and bring a packed lunch. or £36 family ticket (2 adults and 2 children).
for children under 6. £12.50 per child. Limited spaces. Children with a ticket for this event can enjoy a
Contact your local library 03000 262 845 free Halloween art and craft session.
to find out more outdoorlearning@durham.gov.uk Gala Box office 03000 266 600
www.durham.gov.uk/libraries
24Half term holiday fun
Kids can get crafty, explore the great outdoors or
get active at just some of the exciting events taking
place around the county this half term.
Saturday 13 to Wednesday 24 October,
Sunday 28 10.30am-12.30pm and
October, 1.30pm-3.30pm
Saturday 27 October, 10.30am-2.30pm 10am-4pm In the Dark Wild Wednesday
Monster Saturday Welly Walk – part of Dark Skies
Bishop Auckland town centre Hardwick Park Bowlees Visitor Centre,
Dress up in your scariest clothes and enjoy some Test out the Upper Teesdale
live spooky street entertainment. Free. crunchy, splashy Pre-booking essential. Craft activities
01388 609 852 facebook.com/batownteam and squelchy route and mini-beast walks aimed at children
around the park aged 4-13. Child £3 (accompanying
– and don’t forget your wellies. adults free). 01388 528 801
Saturday 27 October, 6.30pm-9pm 50p per trail. 03000 262 899 www.northpennines.org.uk
Halloween Family Fun Night
Scarth Hall, Staindrop Monday 22 October, Thursday 25 October,
Halloween games, face-painting, prizes, bar, 10am-12noon and 1pm-3pm 2pm-3.30pm
disco, tuck shop and more. £2/£8 family ticket. Wild about the Park School holiday bounce and
07950 625 387 www.scarthhall.co.uk Blackhill and Consett Park football
Family activities exploring autumn in Spectrum Leisure Centre
Sunday 28 October, the beautiful setting of the park and Bouncy castle for up to 5 years and
10am-11.30am indoors in the Lodge. football for 6-9 years. £3 per child.
01388 747 000
Magnificent Broom www.spectrumleisurecentre.com
Ramble Monday 22 October
Bright Woods Forest Kids go free at Killhope
School CIC, Free museum admission for children
Barnard Castle as well as sand art and Killhope
Halloween ramble Rocks workshops. £3 per child.
www.killhope.org.uk
inspired by Julia Donaldson’s Room on the
Broom, finishing with a campfire. £7.50 per
child. 07399 575 253
www.facebook.com/brightwoodsforestschool
Sunday 28 October,
Sunday 28 October, 12noon-3pm 1pm-4.30pm
Halloween Special Family Bushcrafts
Killhope Hamsterley Forest
Disco with fancy dress, competitions and Tuesday 23 to Thursday 25 Build a shelter, light a fire, cook a
scavenger hunt. Museum entry fee applies October, 10am-4pm meal. Age 5+ £40 per family
(2-4 people) £10 per additional
01388 537 505 www.killhope.org.uk Celebrate Science person. Max two children per adult.
Palace Green, Durham 01388 529 154
Wednesday 31 October, 2.15pm Amazing experiments, hands-on www.natureholiday.co.uk
Connections with the supernatural activities and inventions. Everyone
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle welcome. Free.
www.dur.ac.uk/celebrate.science/
Short gallery talk exploring John and Joséphine
Bowes’ curiosity for the supernatural.
Included in admission pass to the museum.
Two sessions at
01833 690 606 www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
TopGear Karting
For the chance to win an early bird
40-lap session for two people at
Info TopGear Karting, Durham, simply
public firmation on
rework tell us how long is the track at TopGear Karting?
can event
www.d be found at s Early bird reduced price sessions are available from Monday to Friday throughout
urham
firewor .gov.uk/ the school holidays between 12noon and 5pm. www.durhamkarting.co.uk
ks
See page 2 for details of how to enter.
25September to
What’s on
November September to November
Until mid-October
Natural Creation
Low Force
This temporary artwork brings to
life a 320 million year-old story of
magma and rocks in the beautiful
landscape of Teesdale.
The North Pennines AONB
Partnership commissioned artist
Rob Mulholland to create the piece
featuring highly polished metal Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 October
figures and shapes in which visitors
can see themselves and the TWO
landscape reflected together. Gala Theatre
The artwork celebrates the geology This in-house production shows a
of the North Pennines AONB and microcosm of working class life
UNESCO Global Geopark – through the lives of the regulars of a
the result of millions of years northern pub.
of changing climates and The performances sees two actors take
environments. on 14 roles between them; from a small
boy to a frightened girlfriend and a
barroom Romeo.
Through these characters we witness
failed aspirations, unfulfilled lives and
enormous spirit.
www.galadurham.co.uk
03000 266 600
Sunday 21 October
Lost Voice Guy: Homecoming
Empire Theatre, Consett
He won Britain’s Got Talent, spent the
summer performing at the Edinburgh
Fringe and is set to appear at the Royal
Variety Performance but Lee Ridley is
still to realise his ultimate dream.
Lee, who performs as Lost Voice Guy,
says his greatest ambition is to perform
to a sell-out audience in his home town
of Consett.
We’re pretty confident he’ll be playing
Photo: Lee Dobson
to a packed house when he appears in
two shows at the town’s Empire
Theatre.
www.empireconsett.co.uk
26You can also read
