MARCH 2019 - The community magazine of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Big plans, bright future - Stockton Council

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MARCH 2019 - The community magazine of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Big plans, bright future - Stockton Council
MARCH 2019
www.stockton.gov.uk/stocktononteesnews

                                         The community magazine of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
                                                                              Big plans, bright future
MARCH 2019 - The community magazine of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Big plans, bright future - Stockton Council
30 FREE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     CONTENTS

Hours per week                        Childcare                          The sky’s the limit
                                                                                                                                                                               09             Been to Preston Park?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    27              Investing in your roads
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          34

Working parents of
children aged 3 and
4 years old could be
entitled to up to 30
                                                                 CONTENTS
                                                                    News Round Up
                                                                                                                                                                                     4        Children and
                                                                                                                                                                                              Young People                                6        Adults
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Services                                     9
hours free childcare
a week, if they meet                                                Health and
                                                                                                                                                                                12            Children
                                                                                                                                                                                              Communityand
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     24
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     15            Strong
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           17
                                                                    Wellbeing                                                                                                                 Young
                                                                                                                                                                                              Safety People                                        Communities
eligibility criteria.
Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/30hours
or call the Families Information
                                                                    Arts, Culture
                                                                    and Leisure                                                                                                 22            Economic Regeneration
                                                                                                                                                                                              and Transport                          30            Environment
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   and Housing                             38
Service on Tel: 01642 527225 for
more information about eligibility.

                                                                    Your Council
                                                                                                                                                                                41            What’s On
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     45

                                                                                                                                                                     Stockton-on-Tees News is published by      its partner organisations and local         Communications Team and designed by
                                                                                                                                                                     Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and       community groups and businesses. Every      Twentyseven Design. Pictures courtesy
                                                                                                                                                                     distributed to households across the       effort is made to ensure all information    of Dave Charnley, Peter Mernagh, Gary
                                                                                                                                                                     Borough free of charge. If you have not    is accurate and up-to-date at the time of   Walsh, Gilbert Johnston, Doug Moody,
                                                                 MARC H 2019
                                                                          v.uk/stocktonon
                                                                 www.stockton.go
                                                                                          teesnews
                                                                                                                                                                     received a copy please call 01642 526098   publication. Your views and comments        Dawn McNamara, Andy Berriman,
                                                                                                                                                                     or email snews@stockton.gov.uk             are welcome.                                Gazette and others.

                                                                                                                                                                     Stockton-on-Tees News aims to provide      Stockton-on-Tees News is produced by        A special thank you to June Ross
                                                                                                                                                                     news and information about the Council,    Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council            Photography for the front cover image of

                                                 Find out more
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Preston Park’s Victorian street.

                                                                                                                                                                     There is an audio version of Stockton-on-Tees News. Call 01642 526098 to order a copy or email snews@stockton.gov.uk

                                   www.stockton.gov.uk/30hours
                                                                                                                                                         Council
                                                                                                                                              s Borough
                                                                                                                                    ton-on-Tee
                                                                                                                       zine of Stock                 bright future
                                                                                                             unity maga                   Big plans,
                                                                                                     The comm

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             PAGE 3
MARCH 2019 - The community magazine of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Big plans, bright future - Stockton Council
WELCOME TO THIS MARCH
EDITION OF STOCKTON-ON-                                       Local                                                              Town centre lighting is set
TEES NEWS.
We’re making great progress on a series of major
investments across the Borough and you can read all
about it in this edition. Ingleby Barwick Leisure Centre
                                                              Elections                                                          St George’s Day, International
                                                                                                                                 Women’s Day and World Cancer
                                                                                                                                 Day are just some of the occasions
and the Borough’s new crematorium are coming on really        On Thursday 2 May there will
nicely and you can now sign-up for ticket updates for the                                                                        that Stockton’s colourful town
Globe, where work is also cracking on at a pace. Turn to      be Local Council and Town and                                      centre lighting will mark this year.
pages 29, 30 and 35 to read more.
We’ve got plenty of positive developments on the business
                                                              Parish Council Elections across                                    The Council’s Cabinet has agreed a programme to light
                                                                                                                                 Stockton Town Hall, riverside and Newport Bridge.
front too. On page 32 you can read about four new arrivals    Stockton-on-Tees.                                                  The permanent lighting features, which change colour and
in Stockton town centre, including some independent
                                                              You must be registered to vote to have your say in these           pattern, play an important role in the town’s programme
shops and an intriguing change of use for one building,
                                                              elections. But don’t worry it’s quick and easy to do.              of popular riverside events and are also lit up to mark
while our regular Made in Stockton-on-Tees feature on
                                                                                                                                 nationally recognised commemoration days, including
page 33 shines a light on one Borough business that’s         Turn to page 41 to find out how you can make your voice heard.
                                                                                                                                 those of a particular relevance and significance.
winning contracts across the world from San Francisco
to Brisbane.                                                                                                                     The programme was agreed in January and will be
                                                                                                                                 reviewed every year.
We also take a look at some of the great community
projects supporting residents who are facing loneliness                                                                          To see the full lighting programme visit
                                                                                                                                 www.stockton.gov.uk/featurelighting
and isolation, including a truly heart-warming scheme
bringing young and old together. Turn to pages 10
and 11 to read more.
And on pages 15 and 16 you can read all about the             OBITUARY                                                          New Stockton Lidl moves a step closer
work we’re doing to protect residents and consumers.
Schemes such as Setting the Bar and the annual Road           In December Director of Billingham
Safety Quiz are very different but both contribute greatly
to our work to keep people safe, while there’s also a piece   International Folklore Festival (BIFF),                           Plans to bring a new Lidl                                   Work will soon start to build the 1,300 square metre purpose
                                                                                                                                                                                            built shop on land at the southern end of Stockton High
on the tireless work of our Trading Standards service.        Joe Maloney, sadly died.                                          store to the heart of Stockton                              Street. Up to 40 new jobs will be created.
                                                                                                                                                                                            It will see current buildings demolished and replaced with
Once again, we’ve got a packed programme of events this
spring and summer. We’re really proud of our events and
                                                              Joe, who was born in Middlesbrough in 1930, became
                                                              involved with BIFF through Billingham Round Table and later       town centre were approved by                                the modern supermarket and customer car park. The
                                                                                                                                                                                            investment by Lidl is a huge vote of confidence for Stockton
are particularly excited to host the Great North CityGames
for the first time this year. You’ll find more about this
                                                              Rotary Club, running the festival club, which gave the people
                                                              of Billingham the opportunity to mix with the international       councillors in early February.                              and will drive footfall into the town centre, encouraging
                                                                                                                                                                                            shoppers to visit the town’s facilities, independent shops
event and more from page 23 as well as the What’s On          guests. He later became Vice-Chairman of the festival and                                                                     and markets.
section on pages 45 to 47.                                    in 1998 was invited to work as the Festival Director, a role he
                                                              cherished and took immense pleasure in doing.
It’s that time of year when the Council sets its budget.
On page 44 you can read more on our Medium Term                   In 2001 Joe became Secretary General of CIOFF –
Financial Plan which sets out how we are getting on with                               the International Council of
delivering vital services while continuing to make savings.                               Organizations of Folklore
                                                                                             Festivals and Folk Arts. He
Finally, one of our young residents recently received an                                      was the UK representative
extra special birthday surprise thanks to the Council’s                                       on this worldwide
Care for Your Area team. It’s a really heart-warming story                                    organisation. Joe spent his
which you can read on page 39.                                                                lifetime promoting mutual
                                                                                            understanding, friendship and
                                                                                             peace all over the world.
                                                                                                        In 2014 Joe was very
                                                                                                          proud to receive
                                                                                                            a Civic Award
                                                                                                             from The Mayor
                                                                                                              of Stockton-
                                                                                                              on-Tees in
                                                                                                              recognition
                                                                                                              for all his
                              Neil Schneider                                                                  hard work and
                                                                                                              dedication to
                              Chief Executive,                                                               the festival.
                              Stockton-on-Tees
                              Borough Council

PAGE 4   NEWS ROUND UP                                                                                                                                                                                                         NEWS ROUND UP       PAGE 5
MARCH 2019 - The community magazine of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Big plans, bright future - Stockton Council
Excellent
                                                                                                                                                                                                    The school is a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) which supports
                                                                                                                                                                                                    pupils who don’t attend mainstream schools for reasons

                                                                                                                                   accolade for
                                                                                                                                                                                                    ranging from permanent exclusions to physical and mental
                                                                                                                                                                                                    illness.

                                                                                                                                   Billingham school
                                                                                                                                                                                                    It’s one of only 173 schools nationwide to have earned the
                                                                                                                                                                                                    ‘Centre of Excellence’ status, of which only five are PRUs.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Headteacher, Emily Carr, said: “We are so proud of this

   Greetings! I am Netanya, a 14-year-old,                                                          Crooksbarn Primary School      A specialist school in                                           important achievement. Inclusion is something we strongly
                                                                                                                                                                                                    believe in and work hard to promote. We believe that every
   Year 10 Ian Ramsey CE Academy pupil.
   I have always lived in the wonderful Borough of
                                                                                                                                   Billingham has been                                              child deserves the best education possible and we educate
                                                                                                                                                                                                    the ‘whole’ child – developing them emotionally, socially and
   Stockton-on-Tees.                                                                                                               nationally recognised as a                                       academically.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                    For more information visit
   In order to reach out to my local community and make
   myself heard I joined Bright Minds Big Futures (BMBF)                                                                           ‘Centre of Excellence’.                                          www.bishoptoncentre.org.uk
   as a correspondent to promote events and activities by                                                                          Assessors from Inclusion Quality Mark commended                  Find out more about the
   writing blogs and posting on social media.                                                                                      Bishopton Centre on Marsh House Avenue for its listening and     Inclusion Quality Mark at
   Recently, I have been given the opportunity to join                                                                             communication, relentless leaders and polite pupils.             www.iqmaward.com
   the BMBF – Big Committee, which provides a voice                                                                                They reported that ‘pupils appreciate the patience and respect
   for young people in the Borough on issues such as                                      Northfield School and Sports College     they are shown and know that here, their voice matters.
   education, leisure facilities, health and wellbeing. The
   information collected will be used by the Council to help                                                                       ‘In return, they work hard and have embraced the challenges

                                                                INVESTING IN
   them make decisions about services.                                                                                             to strive for more, being ambitious and taking pride in their
                                                                                                                                                                                                     Headteacher Emily Carr (centre) accepts
                                                                                                                                   achievements.’
                                                                                                                                                                                                     the Inclusion Quality Mark award
   Through BMBF, I have learnt new project,
   communication and teams skills. I would like to thank
   Jane Webb for helping me.                                    OUR YOUNG
   I am also a member of the Stockton Police Cadets and
   am raising funds for RSPB, as I think it is important to
   help protect wildlife – even if it is in a very small way.
                                                                PEOPLE                                                            Could you support a young care leaver?
   This year, I am completing my Duke of Edinburgh-Silver       A £37million programme of                                        Supported Lodgings is an accommodation scheme
   award. I am volunteering at my school library, doing my      investment to improve schools                                    for vulnerable young people aged 16 years and
   Diploma in piano and am also doing dancing as part of                                                                         over. Supported lodgings carers accommodate
   this.                                                        across the Borough is well                                       young people leaving care, providing a safe,
   I enjoy going to Stockton Taekwondo Club at Elm Tree         underway.                                                        stable, supportive environment to help them gain
   Community Centre where I am a black belt. I am also a
   violinist and play with top youth orchestra, Tees Valley
                                                                The project will see a series of improvements, expansions        confidence and life skills.
                                                                and rebuilds to schools across the Borough.
   Youth Orchestra.                                                                                                              Lindsay and Alister Taylor from Eaglescliffe have supported
                                                                Work is now complete at a number of sites, including a           16 young people to live independently, helping them develop
   I am taking four GCSE subjects this year including Latin
                                                                £5.1million expansion at Northfield School and Sports            cooking, cleaning and laundry skills as well as arranging travel
   and Astronomy.
                                                                College in Billingham. A brand new bespoke unit has been         and managing their finances.
   I am very optimistic about growing up in Stockton-on-        built at the school to increase the overall number of places
                                                                                                                                 Lindsay said: “I won’t pretend it isn’t a challenge sometimes
   Tees and for my future in the wider world. The wonderful     available and support primary pupils’ transition to secondary
                                                                                                                                 but it’s wonderful when a young person we’ve supported gains
   opportunities given to me, successes, failures, joys,        school.
                                                                                                                                 the skills they need to try new things, and their confidence and
   sorrows, friendships, all light up my future path and
                                                                The nursery at Crooksbarn Primary School in Norton has           self-belief builds, not only to set and attain goals but make
   make me a unique individual and one of
                                                                also recently benefitted from works to help provide places       plans and dreams for the future.
   a kind.
                                                                for people wishing to take up the 30 hours free childcare
                                                                                                                                 “When a young person blossoms you get so much back and to
                                                                offer.
                                                                                                                                 watch someone walk with their head held high and a smile on
                                                                Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision      their face is the best feeling in the world. I would recommend
                                                                across the area is also being developed further with works       anyone interested finds out more as I can honestly say it’s the
                                                                at Preston Primary in Eaglescliffe, Billingham South             best decision I’ve ever made.”
                                                                Community Primary and Pentland Primary complete.
                                                                                                                                 Supported lodgings carers get help and support every step of
                                                                A wide range of other projects are in the planning and           the way and receive a generous weekly allowance, while young
                                                                design stages before work on the ground will begin -             care leavers receive their own money too. If you have a spare
                                                                including major works at Our Lady & St Bede Catholic             room and can provide practical and emotional support to a
                                                                Academy, Egglescliffe School and a new sports hall with          young person visit www.stockton.gov.uk/supportedlodgings
                                                                community spaces at Conyers School.                              email supportedlodgingsteam@stockton.gov.uk
                                                                                                                                 or call 01642 527858.
 Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/bmbf for information on how          Martin Gray, the Council’s Director of Children’s Services,
 you or a young person you know can join the campaign,          said: “A great deal of hard work is going on to make these
 how you can help us understand what young people need          improvements across our schools and nurseries which
 and want in the Borough, and how to access a whole host of     will have a fantastic benefit for future generations of our
 opportunities and events.                                      young people.”                                                                                                                                                     Supported lodgings carer Lindsay

PAGE 6   CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE                                                                                                                                                                                           CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE        PAGE 7
MARCH 2019 - The community magazine of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Big plans, bright future - Stockton Council
MAKING A DIFFERENCE                                                     DOMINIC’S STORY
  Full time employment is what most young people hope
  for when they leave education.
  But for some the road to finding that perfect job can be                                                          Age:
  challenging.
                                                                                                                    19 years old
  In Stockton-on-Tees the Council is working in partnership
  with Health Education England and local employers to help                                                         Occupation:
  people aged 16 to 25 with an Education Health and Care Plan                                                       Porter, North
  find extended work placements. The young people work four                                                         Tees Hospital
  days a week with one day out in education to pursue English,
  maths and personal, social development qualifications.
  Project Choice is proving so successful that many of the
  young people who have taken up the 38-week supported
  internship scheme have gone on to find full time
  employment.
  Martin Gray, the Council’s Director of Children’s Services,
  said: “Project Choice has really made a huge difference
                                                                                                         de my confidence rise
                                                                                                                                       FROM THE SKIES TO SCHOOLYARD
  to these young people because it is a stepping stone into
                                                                          “Working as a porter has ma
  employment. It gives young people chance to do three                                                       ut the job especially
  placements throughout the year to see what job they like                massively. I like everything abo
                                                                                                         huge team helping
  best and what is best suited to them. It helps to motivate              the fact that I am a part of a
  them while supporting their needs.”                                     people.
                                                                                                                                      From opticians and pub managers to business executives,           “I’ve been working with computers for as long as I can
                                                                                                          some amazing people
  Find out more information at Stockton’s Local Offer website              “Through this job I have met                               Stockton’s School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) has    remember and a career in teaching computing gives me the
                                                                                                          throughout the journey
  www.stocktoninformationdirectory.org                                     who have been there for me                                 always welcomed a diverse range of people looking to retrain      chance to impart my passion onto new generations.
                                                                                                           them friends. I think
                                                                           – and I am now proud to call                               as teachers.
                                                                                                            and it has helped me                                                                        “Often people overlook their own talents and just think of them
                                                                           Project Choice is a great idea
                                                                                                            , without it I wouldn't   But as far as career changes go one of the newest recruits is     as a skill they have rather than something they can give to
                                                                           enormously in getting this job                             certainly very unusual.                                           others – that’s what teaching is.
      KATHERINE’S STORY                                                     be where I am now.”
                                                                                                                                      Former skydiving instructor Blair Stent, 38, took on a new        “For anyone thinking of becoming a teacher, I’d really
                                                                          RYAN’S STOR                                                 challenge after realising he couldn’t keep up the physical        recommend Stockton SCITT.”
                                                                                     Y                                                demands of his old job forever.
                                                                                                                                                                                                        Applications to start training from September 2019
                                              Age:                                                                                    “I’ve jumped at various locations across the UK and Europe –      are open now.
                                              19 years old                                                                            notching up 4,596 jumps so far!
                                                                                                                                                                                                        For more information visit www.stocktonscitt.uk
                                               Occupation:                                                     Age:

                                                                                                                                      WHY NOT TRY SOMETHING NEW?
                                               Assistant                                                       22 years old
                                               Technical                                                      Occupation:
                                               Officer, Quality
                                               Control                                                        Customer
                                                                                                             Service
                                                                                                                                      Do you want to boost your skills but aren’t                       Courses available range from digital skills to crafts, cookery,
                                               Laboratory                                                                                                                                               maths and apprenticeships – as well as over 100 free courses.
                                                                                                             Assistant,               sure what to do? Recently retired or just
                                                                                                                                                                                                        To find out more, enrol on a course, or to set up a
                                                                                                             Sainsbury’s              starting on your career path?
                                                                                                                                                                                                        free information session with a qualified adviser,
                                                                                                                                      The Council’s Learning and Skills service runs hundreds           visit www.stockton.gov.uk/learningandskills,
                                                                                                                                      of courses which can help people to learn new skills, start       call 01642 527904 or email learning.skills@stockton.gov.uk
                                                                                                                                      volunteering, take up a hobby, and even start a new job.
                                                                                                                                      Originally from Ethiopia in Africa, Stockton resident Mulu
                                                                                                                                      Water recently completed an English for Speakers of Other
                                                                                                                                      Languages (ESOL) course to improve her verbal and
                                                                                                                                      written skills.
                                                            en
                                stepping stone. It has giv
    “Project choice is a great                 S  tha t I rea lly     “Project Choic                                                  Along with support from the Learning and Skills team, the
                             job within the NH
    me the chance to get a                     of  a wo  rking       into the workp
                                                                                     e gave me the
                                                                                                    confidence to                     course boosted her confidence and enabled Mulu to secure
                                the experience                                                                      go
    enjoy, and it is giving me                                                       lace. Working                                    permanent employment as a domiciliary carer.
                            with colleagues and giving me            has changed                    at Sainsbury’s
    environment, mixing                                      e
                                                                                   my life, I now
                                                                                                  do things I en
                                dence for the future. I lov          and love goin                               joy                  She said: “I was a volunteer at Allison House care home
     the freedom and indepen                                                      g to work with
                                                                                                  new people.                         when a friend suggested I book a course to develop my
     coming to work!”                                               “My colleague
                                                                                   s have made                                        English skills. English is my second language but I have been
                                                                    – everyone is                 me feel welco
                                                                                  friendly and he                me                   able to get better at it and improve my writing too. The course
                                                                    dream job!”                   lpful. It is my
                                                                                                                                      has really helped me and I was so happy when I was offered a
                                                                                                                                      job as a carer.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Mulu caring for Hartburn resident Margaret

PAGE 8    CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE                                                                                                                                                                                                          ADULTS SERVICES       PAGE 9
MARCH 2019 - The community magazine of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Big plans, bright future - Stockton Council
Benefits
                                                                                      of a canine
                                                                                      friendship
                                                                                      Could you give a few hours of your
                                                                                      time a week or fortnight to make a real
                                                                                      difference to someone’s life?
                                                                                      Wag & Company visit older dog lovers in
                                                                                      their own homes, in hospital, hospices
                                                                                      or in care homes. The volunteers and
                                                                                      their dogs spend time with people
                                                                                      who can no longer care for a dog to
                                                                                      have contact with a dog and friendship
                                                                                      with its owner. Visits can bring so
                                                                                      much happiness to the older person
                                                                                      and volunteer alike and really make a
                                                                                      positive impact to the person’s health
                                                                                      and wellbeing.
                                                                                      John has had his life transformed

                                                                                                                                            BRIDGING THE
                                                                                      thanks to regular visits from Sean and
                                                                                      Labrador, Alfie (pictured). After he lost

                                                                                                                                                               AP
                                                                                      his wife, Nora, and 20-year old Border

                                                                                                                                            GENERATIOideNntsG
                                                                                      Terrier, Mick, John felt that his life
                                                                                      was ‘empty’ but after Sean and Alfie
                                                                                      came into his life he gets the best of
                                                                                                                                                            are
                                                                                      both worlds.                                          Stockton-on-Tees’ older res
                                                                                                                                                                          me special
                                                                                      “I have a wonderful relationship with                 enjoying spending time with so
                                                                                      these lovely friends and my life has
                                                                                      completely changed,” said John. “It’s
                                                                                                                                            young visitors.
                                                                                                                                                                           rgenerational visits have a
                                                                                      fantastic, like winning the Pools!”                   Research has shown that inte
                                                                                                                                                                                communicate together
                                                                                                                                            positive impact as young and old
                                                                                      Wag & Company are looking for                                                          , play, singing and dancing.
                                                                                                                                            enjoying activities like cooking
                                                                                      volunteers across Stockton-on-Tees. So
                                                                                                                                                                                the benefits are proving to be
                                                                                      if you would like to find out more visit              Real friendships are formed and
                                                                                                                                                                              ation, creating a new sense of
                                                                                      www.wagandcompany.co.uk                               very real – reducing social isol
                                                                                                                                                                            l wellbeing.
                                                                                                                                            purpose and improving menta
                                                                                      Look out for more news about
                                                                                                                                                                            leby Care Home,
                                                                                      tackling loneliness and volunteering                   Pictured are Busy Bees at Ing
                                                                                                                                                                               ngton House Care Home
                                                                                      opportunities in future editions of                    Forest Friends Childcare at Alli
                                                                                                                                                                              at Wellburn Care Home.
                                                                                      Stockton-on-Tees News.                                 and a local childminder group

 Recognising problem gambling
Frontline staff across                   A Scrutiny Review undertaken by the
                                         Council’s Adult Social Care and Health
Stockton-on-Tees are now                 Select Committee found that a greater
better placed to spot the                preventative approach is needed to
signs of problem gamblers                tackle the issue. Citizens Advice’s
                                         Gambling Support Service visited
after receiving training from            Stockton to provide the training for staff
experts in the field.                    who deal with customers to help and
                                         support people who are struggling with
Problem gambling affects individuals,
                                         gambling-related issues.
their families and the wider community
with those suffering facing problems     If you are looking for gambling help,
such as financial issues, debt,          advice or support visit
relationship difficulties as well as     www.begambleaware.org
physical and mental health problems.     or freephone 0808 8020 133.                  Katie Fry from Citizens Advice training local staff

PAGE 10 ADULTS SERVICES                                                                                                                                                                                      ADULTS SERVICES PAGE 11
MARCH 2019 - The community magazine of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Big plans, bright future - Stockton Council
Knowing how to
                                                                                                                                                                     help save lives
                                                                                                                                                          In towns and villages across
                                                                                                                                                          the Borough defibrillators                                 Stockton
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       High Street, near The Shambles
                                                                                                                                                          have been installed to help
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Stockton Police Station
                                                                                                                                        save lives. But would you know how to use one
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Stockton Central Library
                                                                                                                                        in an emergency?                                                               T
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ees Barrage International
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       White Water Centre
                                                                                                                                        Why not take a look at these questions and
                                                                                                                                        answers to see how saving a life can be                                      Billingham
                                                                                                                                        easier than you think.                                                         Queensway, outside Fulton Foods
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Town Square, outside TSB branch
                                                                                                                                        What is a defibrillator?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Cowpen Bewley, Three Horseshoes
                                                                                                                                        When a person goes into cardiac arrest, their heart stops
                                                                                                                                        beating normally as the electrical activity in their heart becomes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Norton
                                                                                                                                        uncoordinated. A defibrillator sends out an electrical shock, to stop
                                                                                                                                        the electricity with the aim to get it to restart in a normal rhythm.          Red House School, The Green
                                                                                                                                        What should I do if I see someone who is unconscious and not                   Norton Sports Complex, Station Road
                                                                                                                                        breathing normally?                                                            Millbeck Care Home, High Street

  Improving the Borough’s health
                                                                                                                                        You must first call 999 to arrange for help. As well as guiding you
                                                                                                                                        through CPR, the call operator will be able to advise you if there is        Thornaby
                                                                                                                                        a defibrillator nearby. If there is, they will ask you to stay with the
                                                                                                                                        patient and continue CPR but ask someone around you to find the                T
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        hornaby Library and Customer Service
                                                                                                                                        defibrillator.                                                                 Centre, Pavillion Shopping Centre

The Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy                           All people in Stockton live well and live longer                      Can anyone use one and where are they?                                         Woodside Grange Care Home, Teddar Avenue

is Stockton-on-Tees’ plan to improve                              Enabling people to live independently and live well for longer will   Yes. Defibrillators give the person using them clear audio                     Teesside Golf Club, Acklam Road
                                                                  improve overall health.                                               instructions. You cannot hurt someone with a defibrillator because it
the health and wellbeing of children and                                                                                                won’t work unless a person is in cardiac arrest. See panel opposite          Yarm and Eaglescliffe
                                                                  Making healthy behaviours the easier option while supporting
adults in our Borough and to reduce health                        residents to improve their diet, increase physical activity and       for a list of locations.                                                       Egglescliffe Community Centre
inequalities.                                                     reduce alcohol and smoking will reduce health inequalities.           I’ve seen some defibrillators are locked inside a cabinet.                     Yarm Town Hall
                                                                  Early diagnosis of conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes      How would I know how to get access to it in an emergency?
The Strategy is produced by Health and Wellbeing Board                                                                                                                                                                 Falcon Inn, Hilton
members made up of representatives from the Council, local        and heart disease provide an opportunity for early help and           The 999 call handler will give you the code to unlock it.
NHS trusts, Clinical Commissioning Group, as well as other        support to self-care and prevent the development of serious                                                                                          The Crown Hotel, Kirklevington
                                                                  chronic conditions.                                                   Can it really make a difference to a person in cardiac arrest?
public sector and voluntary, community and social enterprise                                                                                                                                                           All Saints Church, Preston-on-Tees
partners.                                                         All people in Stockton live in healthy places with                    Definitely! Studies have shown that a shock given within three to five
                                                                  sustainable communities                                               minutes can produce survival rates between 50 and 70 per cent. The
The Borough’s health and wellbeing challenges mean that there
                                                                                                                                        immediate delivery of CPR combined with early use of a defibrillator         Ingleby Barwick
are higher levels of deprivation and lower life expectancy than   Health is influenced by the environment in which people grow          gives a person in cardiac arrest the best chance of surviving.                 Ingleby Barwick Community Hall
the England average.                                              up, live, work and spend their leisure time and how safe people
                                                                  feel in their communities.                                            How can I find out about getting a defibrillator installed in my
In February Stockton-on-Tees Borough Councillors approved the                                                                                                                                                        Villages and rural areas
                                                                                                                                        local area?
new strategy for 2019 – 23. The strategy has three key themes:    Housing, access to green space and services, density of
                                                                                                                                        The North East Ambulance Service supports groups, businesses and               Long Newton, The Wilson Centre
All children and families get the best start in life              takeaways, transport links, air quality, noise and levels of
                                                                  antisocial behaviour and crime are linked to both physical and        individuals to buy publically accessible defibrillators for their area, as     Thorpe Thewles, Parish Hall
Having a focus on children, young people and families provides    mental health and contribute to inequalities in health.               well as providing awareness training to show them how to use them.
a great opportunity to improve health and wellbeing across the                                                                                                                                                         Stillington, outside Darchem building
                                                                                                                                        It is important to register any new defibrillators with North East
Borough.                                                                                                                                                                                                               Whitton, Village Green
                                                                                                                                        Ambulance Service to make sure they have the most up to date
A good start in life provides important foundations for health     For more information visit                                           information. To register a defibrillator or find out about purchasing          Wolviston, Post Office
and wellbeing throughout people’s lives. Increased support for     www.stockton.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing                             one, please contact firstresponder@neas.nhs.uk
families during the antenatal and early stages of life can help                                                                         or visit www.neas.nhs.uk
them lay the foundations for a best start.
PAGE 12 HEALTH AND WELLBEING                                                                                                                                                                                                          HEALTH AND WELLBEING PAGE 13
MARCH 2019 - The community magazine of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Big plans, bright future - Stockton Council
Walking to fitness                                                                                                                 Bruiser the specialist sniffer dog

If you are looking to improve your health and
wellbeing while enjoying the beautiful local
countryside then a Stockton-on-Tees walking
group could be just the thing for you.

                                                                                                                                   SNIFFING OUT
                                                                                                 The group enjoys a riverside
                                                                                                 walk starting at Preston Park
                                                                                                                                   ROGUE TRADERS
                                                                                                                                  The Council’s Trading Standards Service                           Jimmy Jones, Trading Standards Manager, said: “Our aim is
Each Monday the health walk group meets up from 10am to        across Stockton-on-Tees come together to get out and about                                                                           to promote a fair and safe trading environment in the Borough
12noon, striding out across the Borough and further afield     and enjoy the fresh air. Beginners are welcome,” he said.          works hard to protect residents from                              for the benefit of both consumers and reputable businesses.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    We are committed to ensuring traders act responsibly and to
across the Tees Valley, Cleveland Hills and County Durham on
                                                               “It’s a good way to meet people too as we come from all walks      unfair trading practices.                                         make sure residents, particularly those that are vulnerable,
a four mile walk.
                                                               of life and we usually finish the walk with lunch which provides   The dedicated team deals with a wide range of consumer            are protected.
Kirklevington resident, Roger Murdock, leads the group.        the perfect opportunity to chat.”                                  protection issues in relation to goods and services, from the
                                                                                                                                                                                                    “When traders deliberately neglect their duties, we will not
“We welcome everyone who wants to get active and improve       For more information about the walking group contact               purchase of smaller everyday products to more significant
                                                                                                                                                                                                    hesitate to take firm action. Sniffer dogs are just one of a range
their health. Each week between 15 and 35 members from         Roger on 01642 785382.                                             services such as building work.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    of tools we use to crack down on those who flout the law.
                                                                                                                                  The team offers advice and information to consumers on their
                                                                                                                                                                                                    “However, it is important to recognise the vast majority
                                                                                                                                  legal rights, and works with local businesses to ensure that

 WHAT’S
                                                                                                                                                                                                    of businesses trade fairly. A large part of our role involves
                                                                                                                                  they are aware of their legal responsibilities.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    helping traders understand their legal obligations.”
                                                                                                                                  They also protect the public from counterfeit products such
                                                                                                                                                                                                    For more information or advice visit

 THE HARM?
                                                                                                                                  as illegal alcohol and tobacco - and Bruiser the sniffer dog
                                                                                                                                                                                                    www.stockton.gov.uk/tradingstandards telephone
                                                                                                                                  (pictured) is one of the key weapons in their armoury.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    01642 526560 or email trading.standards@stockton.gov.uk

Parents are being warned about
the risks of alcohol as figures suggest
creating a safer relationship with
alcohol and introducing drinking at a
                                                                                                                                   More pubs recognised
younger age could actually be harmful.                                                                                             Setting the Bar rewards licensed premises which
The ‘What’s the Harm’ campaign raises                                                                                              strive for high standards, and aims to guarantee
awareness of Chief Medical Officer (CMO)                                                                                           residents a safe and enjoyable night out.
guidance that an alcohol-free childhood up
to 18 is the healthiest and best option, and                                                                                       In the last edition we revealed the first pubs to secure gold,
that if children do drink this should not be                                                                                       silver and bronze ratings. Here’s the lowdown on the
before age 15.                                                                                                                     latest ratings:
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Silver:
Many parents know drinking increases                                                                                               Gold:
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • The Castle & Anchor, Stockton
accidents, injuries, smoking and drug                                                                                              • The North Eastern, Stockton
taking. But many are less aware of the                                                                                             • The Royal Oak, Stockton                                        Bronze:
damage alcohol can do to children’s                                                                                                • The Edge, Stockton                                             • The Oddfellows, Thornaby
developing brains, liver, bones and                                                                                                • The Riverside Lounge, Stockton                                 • Brennan’s Bar, Stockton
hormones, affecting their mood, their                                                                                              • Head Of Steam, Norton
mental health and risking them falling          Visit www.whatstheharm.co.uk to find out more.                                     • Myton House Farm, Ingleby Barwick (pictured)                  To find out more, visit
behind at school.                                                                                                                  • The Roundel, Thornaby                                          www.stockton.gov.uk/settingthebar

PAGE 14 HEALTH AND WELLBEING                                                                                                                                                                                                           COMMUNITY SAFETY PAGE 15
MARCH 2019 - The community magazine of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Big plans, bright future - Stockton Council
Friends of Ropner Park volunteers Tina
                                                                                                                                           A member of staff busy in the café                                 Whiteside, Brian Scranton and Barbara Charles

 PRIMARY PUPILS CROWNED WINNERS

                                                                                                                                              Run by volunteers for all to enjoy
                                                                                                                                              Each year Ropner Park is host to a programme of                 Chair of Friends of Ropner Park, Brian Scrafton, said: “We have
                                                                                                                                                                                                              a very strong volunteer group who work really hard to improve
                                                                                                                                              popular events from the Spring and Food Fair and                the use and enjoyment of the park. All the money we raise
                                                                                                                                              Eid Fusion Festival to Bark in the Park, all which              through events and the café goes back into the park to help it
                                                                                                                                              bring the community together.                                   continue to be a wonderful place for people to visit.”

                                                                                                                                              All these wonderful events are organised by Friends of Ropner   Make a note in your diary for the Friends of Ropner Park’s
                                                                                                                                              Park, a charity run by dedicated volunteers.                    upcoming events:

                                                                                                                                              They also run the not-for-profit café which opens every day,    • Sunday 14 April
                                                                                                                                              10.30am to 2pm through the week and from 10am to 4pm at            12noon to 2.30pm – Palm Sunday Stalls
                                                                                                                                              weekends. They serve delicious home cooked meals made           • Sunday 5 May
                                                                                                                                              on the premises.                                                   11am to 3pm – Spring and Food Fair
                                                                                                                                              From Sunday lunches to afternoon teas or just a humble          • Sunday 16 June
                                                                                                                                              cuppa, the café provides a perfect place to catch up with          12noon to 5pm – EID Fusion Festival,
The top three scoring schools                                                                                                                 friends and family after a walk around the park’s stunning         organised with the Community Welfare Trust
                                                                                                                                              grounds. Bookings are required at the café and can be made
                                                                                                                                              by telephoning 01642 633767.                                    For more information visit www.forp.org.uk
   More than 1,200 Year 6 pupils from 35 primary                     Kirklevington Primary School took the trophy and were
                                                                     crowned this year’s road safety champions.
   schools across Stockton-on-Tees battled it out
                                                                     The quiz is organised by the Council’s Road Safety Team to
   in the 22nd annual Road Safety Quiz.
                                                                     teach pupils road safety advice that could potentially save a life.
   The top three scoring schools (pictured) were Kirklevington
   Primary School, Harrow Gate Primary Academy in Stockton           Tees Active donated the Winners Shield, goody bags and prizes
   and St Francis of Assisi CE Primary School in Ingleby Barwick.    for all pupils who took part.

   Raising licensing standards                                       regulatory function, set by national legislation, carrying out a
                                                                     range of duties aimed at protecting the public.
   Licensing plays an important role in supporting                   Did you know the Council processes up to 2,000 licences,
   businesses, enabling high standards and keeping                   permits and registrations per year for a wide range of
   the public safe.                                                  businesses and individuals such as taxis, bars, tattooists,
                                                                     home boarding and dog day care.
   The Council’s licensing team aims to provide support
   to businesses and individuals to help them obtain the             If you are a business which may need a licence, or a member
   appropriate licences or permits necessary to carry out            of the public who thinks a premise is operating without a
                                                                     licence, call the licensing team on 01642 526558 or visit

                                                                                                                                                Community-building business
   legitimate business. The team also provides an important
                                                                     www.stockton.gov.uk/licensing

                                                                                                                                              Community groups across the Borough are benefiting              They are: Billingham Juniors FC Lionesses, Stockton RFC,

 RSPCA Award For
                                                                    This is the highest RSPCA accolade a local authority can receive.                                                                         Norton Hockey Club; Wynyard Village FC U8, Stainsby School of
                                                                                                                                              from a local community fund after going head to head
                                                                    The award recognises the work the team do to care for stray                                                                               Gymnastics, 6th Norton Scout Group, Fairfield Primary School,
                                                                                                                                              with hundreds of others in an online vote.                      and Children’s Dance Opportunities in Stockton.
                                                                    dogs alongside measures such as neutering, micro-chipping

 Animal Welfare Team                                                and responsible rehoming. This is done in partnership with the
                                                                    Dogs Trust and Stockton Security Centre.
                                                                                                                                              Global manufacturing company Venator’s £20,000 Community
                                                                                                                                              Fund, including the Together Fund and the Bright Ideas Fund,
                                                                                                                                              supports communities in which its employees live and work.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Stockton RFC (pictured) has used its grant to buy club shirts for
                                                                                                                                                                                                              its U13/U15 girls’ teams who had been borrowing the boys’.
 The Council’s animal welfare team has secured the                  For further information about the Animal Welfare team,                                                                                    Find out more at www.venatorcommunity.com
 Platinum PawPrint award at the Community Animal                    call 01642 526557, email animal.welfare@stockton.gov.uk                   The first ever Together Fund winning groups, including eight
                                                                    or visit www.stockton.gov.uk/animalwelfare                                from Stockton-on-Tees, received a grant of £250 towards         www.stocktonrugby.co.uk
 Welfare Awards for their work with stray dogs.                                                                                               activities that inspire teamwork.
 PAGE 16 COMMUNITY SAFETY                                                                                                                                                                                                                           STRONG COMMUNITIES PAGE 17
MARCH 2019 - The community magazine of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Big plans, bright future - Stockton Council
A young Police recruit at Norton Grange

        SPOTLIGHT
           ON…
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The Big Get Together, community event, Eaglescliffe

                                                                                                                                                                                 Skills to feed the family
   Our regular “Spotlight                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Saying no to loan sharks

   On” feature highlights
   the vital work some of
   the Borough’s voluntary,
   community and social
   enterprise organisations
   are carrying out across                                                                                                              es                               W hat is
                                                                                                                          Stockto
                                                                                                                                 n-on-Te
                                                                                                                                                                         Universal
                                                                                                                                 ter                                                                  Cre d it
   Stockton-on-Tees.                                                                                                      A Brigh for All                               and what
                                                                                                                                                                                     does it m
                                                                                                                                                                                               ean for m
                                                                                                                                 h
                                                                                                                          Boroug
                                                                                                                                                                        Universal Cr                     e?
   Formed in 2016, EPIC Teesside provides                                                                                                                               Stockton-o
                                                                                                                                                                                    ed it is being ro
                                                                                                                                                                                   n-Tees by th       lled out in
                                                                                                                                                                                                 e Departmen
   social inclusion activities for vulnerable                                                                                     g Pover
                                                                                                                           Tacklin 16
                                                                                                                                         ty                             Work and Pe
                                                                                                                                                                                    nsions from
                                                                                                                                                                                                   the 11 July
                                                                                                                                                                                                                t for
                                                                                                                                                                                                                2018.
   young people and families, isolated adults                                                                              March 20                                 s
                                                                                                                                                          Communitie
                                                                                                                                                   Strong

   and young unwaged adults across the
   Tees Valley.
   Operating out of Primrose Hill Community
   Centre, EPIC is an acronym for                                                                                          Preparing for winter                                                                         Universal Credit
   ‘Engagement, Participation, Inclusion and
                                                                                   Eliza, Herran and Hana getting their    A series of pop-up winter ready roadshows were held                                          Locality forums are continuing to work alongside partners
   Collaboration’.
                                                                                   reverse advent calendar ready           across the Borough to support and signpost residents to                                      to help and support those affected by changes to the benefit
   The organisation’s name signifies their                                                                                 services to help them prepare for the cold winter months.                                    system and the introduction of Universal Credit. They
   aims to improve the quality of life in local

                                                  CREATING A BRIGHTER
                                                                                                                           More than 70 people came along to find out about the                                         organised advice days for residents to access support and
   communities by creating activities that                                                                                 support on offer which included information about fuel                                       advice from a range of agencies. They also developed an
   raise aspirations and create opportunities.                                                                             poverty, independent advice on energy bills, debt advice and                                 information leaflet – ‘What is Universal Credit and what

                                                  BOROUGH FOR ALL
   EPIC offer a wide range of activities                                                                                   benefits assistance.                                                                         does it mean for me?’ Working with Infinity, the Borough’s
   including summer holiday programmes,                                                                                                                                                                                 financial inclusion partnership, the Locality Forums have
   sports, environmental activities and social                                                                                                                                                                          mapped where residents can access computers to help
                                                                                                                           Supporting local food banks
   action projects.                               Public, private, voluntary, community and                                                                                                                             them make and manage their Universal Credit claim.
                                                                                                                           The Locality Forums help the Borough’s foodbanks by
   Paul Surtees, Founder Director, said: “We      social enterprise sector organisations                                   calling for donations at key times of the year when many
   have created a positive hub for community                                                                                                                                                                            Saying no to loan sharks
   activity where people from all walks of life
                                                  come together as the Stockton Local                                      families struggle the most such as the school summer
                                                                                                                           holidays and the Christmas period.                                                           Following concerns that loan sharks were operating in
   are coming together.                           Strategic Partnership (LSP) to make a real                                                                                                                            the area, a fun, family event was held at Norton Grange
                                                                                                                           More than 50 families, local organisations and teams from
   “The Tuesday youth club for eight to           difference to the lives of others.                                       Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council donated items for the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Community Centre to help promote alternative access to
   twelve year-olds is the jewel in our crown                                                                                                                                                                           money such as the Tees Credit Union, part of Moneywise. A
   as the young people take responsibility        Four Locality Forums each represent                                      25 days in the lead up to Christmas. Local businesses Mint
                                                                                                                           Hobo, The Keys, Costa Billingham, Costa Tesco Billingham
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        number of residents opened credit union accounts and the
   for running it and we’ve received excellent
   feedback from parents.”
                                                  different areas of the Borough. The                                      and Boyes also got involved to help those in most need,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        children enjoyed themselves meeting the loan shark mascot
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        and testing the siren on the police car!
   Much more is planned in the coming
                                                  Northern, Central, Eastern and Western                                   donating vouchers and luxury items to be included in some
                                                                                                                           of the parcels.
   months including craft sessions, a             locality forums feed into the LSP to tackle                                                                                                                           Supporting the Borough’s refugees
   horticultural project, educational courses
   and it’s hoped a crèche can be developed.
                                                  family poverty, help families to maximise                                Skills to feed the family                                                                    The Central Locality Forum has formed a new group to

   For more information about Epic Teesside,
                                                  their income and give every child the best                               Last year the Locality Forums ran a pilot family cooking
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        learn more about the experience of refugees in Stockton.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The group is made up from a wide range of organisations
   visit www.epicteesside.co.uk or contact        start in life. Here are just some of their                               course in the Hub in Thornaby. Local people attended the
                                                                                                                           sessions and learnt to prepare, cook and bake a variety of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        working with refugees and asylum seekers. As a result of
   01642 030076.                                  excellent community projects which have                                  healthy meals and snacks to enjoy together at the Hub and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        this group’s work the Council’s Learning and Skills Service
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        are developing a new programme designed specifically to
                                                  supported our residents.                                                 to take home.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        help refugees settle in and gain skills.
PAGE 18 STRONG COMMUNITIES                                                                                                                                                                                                                           STRONG COMMUNITIES PAGE 19
Crafts for good causes

                                                                                                                                                     We’re always on the lookout for great photographs and videos of the Borough
                                                                                                                                                     to share on our Instagram feed. Tag your content #ourbeautifulborough
                                                                                                                                                     if you’re happy for us to share with a credit. Here are some of the best so far.

 Sheila Maher and Jo Thornton

A group of talented people have                                   Their generosity and efforts have also helped to support
                                                                  organisations including the Linus Project which supports sick
been getting creative to support                                  and traumatised babies and children, Butterwick Hospice, Guide
                                                                  Dogs for the Blind, the Great North Air Ambulance and Prostate
charitable causes.                                                Cancer UK.
Jubilee Quilting Group meets every Friday and Tuesday morning     Group leader, Sue Hargreaves, said: “Although the emphasis
from 9.30am to 1.30pm at Elm Tree Community Centre where          is on quilting and sewing, there is also a social side to the
members make a range of handcrafted items to sell and donate.     club, with many of the members going on an annual trip to the
                                                                  Harrogate Quilting Show and a weekend quilting retreat twice a
Since 2012 the group has been turning their hands to quilt-       year.”
making to support Macmillan coffee mornings. They work
                                                                  For further information and membership details telephone
individually and take part in a monthly group project to create   Sue on 01642 730 469 or call Elm Tree Community Centre
                                                                                                                                   @anthmorganward                    @adventures_of_georgethemini            @stocktoncouncil

other handmade items such as cushions and table runners.          on 01642 611 333.

Supporting the Armed Forces
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
has adopted a renewed Armed Forces
Community Covenant.
The covenant is a voluntary agreement which recognises the
contribution of serving personnel, their families and veterans.
It identifies how the Council can help veterans to successfully
adjust back into civilian life.                                                                                                    @simonmccabe5                      @anthmorganward                         @darrenneilclark

The first covenant
was signed in 2012.
Since then the Council
                                                                     New Citizens Advice Office
has set up dedicated                                                 Stockton and District Advice and Information Service
information pages                                                    (SDAIS) has opened a new office in Wellington Square
on its website, and                                                  Shopping Centre.
established a special                                                SDAIS is the local Citizens Advice Bureau for Stockton-
armed forces community                                               on-Tees and offers free, confidential, independent and
helpline number.                                                     impartial advice.
To access the helpline,                                              In 2018 SDAIS helped people with over 40,000 enquiries –
call 01642 528334.                                                   including problems with debt, welfare benefits, housing,
For further                                                          employment, energy and health and social care issues. The
information visit                                                    new office will help the service meet the growing demand
www.stockton.gov.uk/                                                 for welfare advice.                                           @craighatton26                     @jchicago                               @basilfrenchie
communitycovenant
                                                                     For more information visit www.stockton-cab.co.uk
                                                                     or telephone 01642 633877.

PAGE 20 STRONG COMMUNITIES                                                                                                                                                                                             STRONG COMMUNITIES PAGE 21
PULL OUT AND KEEP
                                                       LIBRARIES
                                                       REIMAGINED
                                                       Two cutting-edge
 Welcome to the Stockton                               innovation stations
 Business
 Improvement
                                                       are continuing
 District (BID)                                        to bring new
 column of                                             experiences for
 Stockton-on-                                                                                      Thea was the 100th cod

 Tees News.                                            library visitors.                           in the Grow with Google
                                                                                                                          ing participant
                                                                                                                           project

 Manager of the                                        The Innovation Station in Stockton
                                                       Central Library provides access to 3D technologies combined with a range
 BID is Jason Maxwell, and in this                     of equipment and software for people of all ages to develop their digital
 edition he will use this part of the                  skills. As part of the Grow with Google Project, Thea became the 100th coding
 magazine to keep you up to date                       participant in sessions commemorating the centenary of women’s suffrage. An
 with all sorts of interesting events                  exhibition will be unveiled in May.

 and promotions.                                       The Imagination Station based in Thornaby Central Library offers sensory and
                                                       immersive experiences using projection technology. Exhibitions, reminiscence
 “Spring is going to be a really busy time in          and tailored story-telling programmes have been helping people living with
 Stockton and we’re looking forward to the many        dementia, autism and learning disabilities.
 exciting events which will be taking place in the
 town centre.                                          For more information about libraries across Stockton-on-Tees
                                                       visit www.stockton.gov.uk/libraries
 “On Saturday 6 April, Chic Vintique specialist
 market will be back on the High Street with

                                                         MANY HAPPY RETURNS!
 plenty of handmade gifts, vintage clothes and
 delicious food to choose from.
 “The annual Duathlon Festival will return to
 Stockton Riverside on Sunday 14 April with plenty
                                                         Tea and cake was the order of the day at a special event held to mark the first
 of running and cycling action to watch and be
                                                         anniversary of Fairfield Library’s reopening.
 part of. There will be three different routes to
 choose from so it’s the perfect opportunity for         The library was refurbished as part of changes to its building which is now
 anyone who fancies a new challenge.                     shared with a private nursery ran by The Barn Childcare.
 “And our special Easter Eggsplorer Hunt will            Reuben Kench, the Council’s Director of Culture, Leisure and Events, said:            Your guide to the major events happening across Stockton-on-Tees this Spring and Summer.
 follow on Saturday 20 April where people young          “Fairfield Library is very popular with residents and it’s great to see it thriving
                                                         alongside the nursery.”
                                                                                                                                               Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events for full details.
 and old can search for Easter eggs hidden in the
 town centre shops. Find the eggs and receive a          To see a full list of Stockton-on-Tees’ libraries, visit
 special prize when you complete your trail card.        www.stockton.gov.uk/libraries
 “You can make an even bigger day of it by booking
 tickets to Stockton Calling which also takes place
 on 20 April. Over 70 bands will be playing this
 year’s festival at nine venues including ARC, KU
 Bar and The Georgian. Make sure to get your
 tickets early because it’s always a sell-out event!
 “Of course there’ll be lots of special offers from
 Stockton’s independent traders and high street
 favourites throughout Spring. Follow our social
 media accounts to stay up to date, and visit our
 revamped website www.stocktonbid.co.uk to see
 the BID’s latest news and events.”

       TheStocktonBid

       @StocktonBID

       StocktonBID                                        The Kasambara family visit the library on its first birthday

PAGE 22 ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE                                                                                                                                                                            ARTS,
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Big     CULTURE
                                                                                                                                                                                                               plans       AND LEISURE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      for great        PAGE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        PAGE23
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                experiences 23
PULL OUT AND KEEP                                                                                                                                                                                       PULL OUT AND KEEP

 Stockton Duathlon Festival                                   Stockton Calling                                                 Stockton Stages                                                Fire Engine and Vintage Vehicle Show
 Sunday 14 April                                              Saturday 20 April                                                Thursday 6 – Saturday 8 June                                   Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 June
 Stockton Riverside                                           Stockton town centre                                             Stockton town centre                                           Preston Park Museum and Grounds
 One of the UK’s best duathlons, this thrilling run-cycle-    A daylong music festival produced and promoted by                Stockton’s music and comedy festival returns to venues         The annual Fire Engine and Vintage Vehicle Show returns
 run event on Stockton’s picturesque riverside offers three   Tees Music Alliance, ARC and KU Events returns for its           throughout the town centre this summer. Enjoy a thrilling      to Preston Park bringing two fun-filled days out for all the
 different races suitable for the complete beginner to        tenth anniversary to showcase some of the best original,         array of live talent as well as free family entertainment on   family and more than 300 impressive vehicles, live stunts
 prospective world champions.                                 emerging music as well as familiar favourites.                   Stockton High Street.                                          and activities.

 Supercar Saturday                                            Tees Regatta                                                     Stockton Cycling Festival
 Saturday 4 May                                               Saturday 18 May                                                  Saturday 13 - Sunday 14 July
 Stockton High Street                                         River Tees Watersports Centre                                    Stockton town centre
 In association with JPC Specialist Motorsport the popular    Clubs from across the region flock to the scenic River Tees      Cycling fever returns in July with the annual Stockton Cycling Festival. This exciting free event offers a packed weekend
 Supercar Saturday is back for 2019. The High Street will     to compete in this exhilarating rowing event. There will be      of events for the whole family including elite racing, cycling challenges for all abilities, stunts, demonstrations and
 be lined with an extraordinary selection of supercars.       a wide range of events in three divisions, offering a full and   interactive fun, as well as a family fun ride on specially closed roads for everyone to join in.
 Get up close to the latest models alongside racing,          varied day of racing for competitors and spectators alike.
 classic and vintage cars.

         PULL OUT AND KEEP
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 SIRF19                                                     Billingham International
 Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 August                               Folklore Festival
 Stockton town centre
                                                            Saturday 10 – Sunday 18 August
 Be prepared to be entertained, intrigued and exhilarated
 as Stockton’s signature event returns with four days of
                                                            Billingham town centre
                                                                                                                          Have you been to Preston Park Museum’s Victorian Street recently?
                                                            Performers from all over the world will once again turn
 spectacular theatre, circus and aerial performances.       Billingham town centre into a colourful and lively feast of   A new and improved traditional sweet shop and a Columbian         including toffee tins and chocolate boxes from the late
 Look out for updates at www.sirf.co.uk                     contemporary and traditional dance.                           printing press are the latest additions to the popular visitor    nineteenth century, a traditional Victorian till and original
                                                                                                                          attraction.                                                       Cadbury products.
                                                                                                                          Pear Drops, Bon-Bons and Pineapple Chunks are just some of        Preston Park has also secured a long term loan of a
                                                                                                                          the sweet treats being weighed ‘the old fashioned way’. Run       Columbian printing press from Sidmouth Museum in Devon.
                                                                                                                          by the museum’s dedicated army of volunteers, the shop takes      The press is almost 200 years old, and will be used for
                                                                                                                          its name from J.F.Smith, a confectioner in Victorian Stockton.    demonstrations and to produce replica Victorian posters.
                                                                                                                          The new larger shop not only offers a selection of goodies        For further information visit
                                                                                                                          but also showcases objects from the museum’s collection           www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk

                                                                                                                           RAISE A GLASS
                                                                                                                                                                                           All the pubs were independently nominated, evaluated and
                                                                                                                                                                                           reviewed by local CAMRA volunteers.
                                                                                                                                                                                           Here’s a list of the Stockton-on-Tees pubs to make CAMRA’s
                                                                                                                           Nine pubs across Stockton-on-Tees have                          2019 Good Beer Guide:
                                                                                                                           been recognised by the UK’s best selling
                                                                                                                           beer and pub guide.
                                                                                                                                                                                                     Greenholme Catholic Club, Billingham
                                                                                                                           The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide
                                                                                                                           2019 highlights pubs which serve good quality real ales                          Cleveland Bay, Eaglesliffe
                                                                                                                           and ciders.                                                                      Pot and Glass, Egglescliffe
                                                                                                                                                                                                           George and Dragon, Norton
Stockton Dragon Boat Festival                               Great North CityGames and
Sunday 1 September                                          Simplyhealth Great Tees 10k                                                                                                                         Hyde’s Bar, Norton
River Tees Watersports Centre                                                                                                                                                                                 Golden Smog, Stockton
                                                            Saturday 7 September
Do you have what it takes to race the dragon? This family   Stockton town centre                                                                                                                            Hope and Union, Stockton
day out offers gripping, adrenalin fuelled dragon boat      Watch world-class athletes from around the globe as they                                                                                       Thomas Sheraton, Stockton
racing on the River Tees for all ages and abilities.        compete alongside the very best of home-grown talent in
No experience is required as training will be provided.                                                                                                                                                       Wasp’s Nest, Stockton
                                                            Tees Valley. Stockton will be transformed as it hosts an
For more information visit                                  action-packed major sporting event with the opportunity
www.stocktondragonboatfestival.co.uk                        for you to take part in the Simplyhealth Great Tees 10k,
                                                                                                                                                                                           For more information or to rate your pub,
                                                            Mini or Junior Run. Entries now open at
                                                                                                                                                                                           visit www.camra.org.uk
                                                            www.greatrun.org/Tees10k
                                                                                                                                                                                           Turn to page 16 to find out how the Council is also working
                                                                                                                                                                                           with pubs, bars and clubs to recognise high standards.
 This is just a selection of the fantastic events to enjoy in Stockton-on-Tees.                                            Pot and Glass landlords, Ann and Dave Bunyan
 Further
PAGE       information
     26 ARTS,           on all
               CULTURE AND     of these events and more can be found at www.stockton.gov.uk/events
                            LEISURE                                                                                                                                                                                  ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE PAGE 27
New games area                                                                                                                         READY TO MAKE A SPLASH!
 for Norton                                                                                                                             Ingleby Barwick’s new                                               The centre is due to open in summer 2020 and will be
                                                                                                                                                                                                            operated by Tees Active, which already operates three
                                                                                                                                        £13million leisure centre                                           leisure centres on behalf of the Council.
                                                                                                                                                                                                            For more information visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ib
                                                                                                                                        has taken a step forward
                                                                                                                                        with excavation and
                                                                                                                                        landscaping for its two
                                                                                                                                        pools complete.
                                                                                                                                        The main pool will be 25-metres long and feature
                                                                                                                                        five lanes. A second smaller pool with a moveable
                                                                                                                                        floor will be used for learning activities to help
                                                                                                                                        those who need to build their confidence.
                                                                                                                                        Next on the list for contractors Willmott Dixon is
                                                                                                                                        to construct the building’s steel frames and install
                                                                      Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Eileen Johnson with         a drainage system.
                                                                      Michelle Hall, Neighbourhoods Service Manager, Thirteen
                                                                                                                                        Richard McGuckin, the Council’s Director of
 A new multi-use games area,                                          On hand to open it was football fan and Mayor of Stockton-
                                                                      on-Tees, Councillor Eileen Johnson.
                                                                                                                                        Economic Growth and Development, said: “The
                                                                                                                                        centre for Ingleby Barwick with its pools and other
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Richard McGuckin with Nigel Lew
 ideal for football, basketball                                       “The new games area will bring the community together and         first class leisure facilities and new library will be a
                                                                                                                                        huge boost for residents from the town and visitors
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Senior Building Manager for Will
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    is,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    mot   t Dixon
                                                                      encourage people to be active,” she said.
 and cricket has opened its                                           “People often say there should be more for young people to
                                                                                                                                        from further afield.”

 gates in Norton Grange.                                              do and so facilities like this are always a welcome addition to
                                                                      our communities. I would like to thank all parties involved in

                                                                                                                                        Makeover for Borough’s gyms
 The games area, behind Norton Community Resource Centre              funding the project and look forward to seeing people put the
 on Somerset Road, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a               games area to good use.
 week.
                                                                      “The MUGA is open all hours and so it will be a great addition
 It features line markings, built-in goals and hoops, and             to the community and will give people – especially the
 Thirteen Group have provided funding to install floodlights.         younger generation – something to do all year round.”                                                                                 New equipment. New technology.
                                                                                                                                                                                                            New training areas. Stockton-

CALL FOR                                                                                                                                                                                                    on-Tees’ gyms are now Olympic
                                                                                                                                                                                                            standard thanks to a £600,000
ROWING COXES                                                                                                                                                                                                investment.
                                                                                                                                                                                                            A revamp of the gyms at Billingham Forum, Thornaby
Are you a good leader, competitive                                                                                                                                                                          Pavilion and Stockton’s Splash has seen the installation of
                                                                                                                                                                                                            equipment from Technogym – the supplier to the Olympic
and thrive in a team?                                                                                                                                                                                       and Paralympic Games.
                                                                                                                                                                                                            New workout areas boast a cutting edge range of cardio
Tees Rowing Club is looking for budding coxes to pop along to find
                                                                                                                                                                                                            machines and functional training equipment.
out more about taking part in a free, four week course in Spring.
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Technogym’s mywellness app allows members to watch
Dan Reading, Club Captain, said: “Rowing is a fantastic sport and
                                                                                                                                                                                                            a demonstration when they scan a piece of kit. It logs
the club is friendly and welcomes people of all ages. The River
                                                                                                                                                                                                            each workout, tracks progress and helps to create
Tees provides the perfect conditions for rowing and the scenery is
                                                                                                                                                                                                            tailored exercise programmes.
stunning.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Leon Jones, Managing Director of Tees Active which runs
Janet Wilkinson, experienced cox and rower, said: “The most
                                                                                                                                                                                                            the Activ8 gyms, said: “The new investment includes a
important member of the team is a cox. They can make the
                                                                                                                                                                                                            major renewal of our current equipment and introduces
difference between coming first and last.
                                                                                                                                                                                                            new technology that will enhance the experience for our
“They help the crew take the right lines, turn the power on and off                                                                                                                                         customers and will introduce several pieces of kit that cannot
and most importantly get them working together.”                                                                                                                                                            be found anywhere in the North East.”
To show your interest visit www.teesrowingclub.co.uk, click on
                                                                                                                                                                                                            For full details of the changes visit
General Enquiries and send a message to the club.                       Tees Rowing Club rower and cox                                                                                                      www.activ8fitnessclubs.co.uk

PAGE 28 ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE                                                                                                                                                                                                     ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE PAGE 29
SIGN UP FOR
                                                                                                                      GLOBE TICKET
                                                                                                                      UPDATES
                                                                                                                      Do you want to make sure
                                                                                                                      you’re one of the first to
                                                                                                                      hear about the live music
                                                                                                                      and comedy shows coming
                                                                                                                      to the Globe?
                                                                                                                      Then sign-up now for ticket updates via the Ambassador
                                                                                                                      Theatre Group (ATG) website.
                                                                                                                      ATG, a global leader in live entertainment with theatres in
                                                                                                                      New York’s Broadway and London’s West End, has signed-
                                                                                                                      up to operate the Globe for 25 years.
                                                                                                                      And company representatives are busy approaching acts to
                                                                                                                      play the venue.
                                                                                                                      ATG’s Group Operations Director, Stuart Beeby, said:
                                                                                                                      “We’re absolutely intent on bringing some of the biggest
                                                                                                                      names in showbusiness to Stockton-on-Tees and we’re
                                                                                                                      very confident we can quickly establish the Globe as a
                                                                                                                      leading venue on the UK touring circuit.”
                                                                                                                      To sign-up for ticket updates visit
                                                                                                                      www.atgtickets.com/stockton

  Open for                                           The Hub has                                                   Sustrans Project Officer, And
                                                                                                                   outside The Hub’s new  hom  e
                                                                                                                                                 y Elliott,

  business                                           a new home
                                                     A new cycling and walking
  Doesn’t it look stunning?                          centre offering everything from
  Stockton’s new Hampton by Hilton hotel is open
  for business.                                      free bike parking to guided
  This 128-bed hotel has been welcomed by            rides and walks has opened
  local businesses and will be a huge asset to the
  Borough for years to come.                         in Stockton High Street.
  To book a room visit                               ‘The Hub’ has moved from Bridge Street to the former
  www.hamptoninn3.hilton.com                         Burton’s shop, which has been beautifully restored by
                                                     the Council.
        /hbhstockton
                                                     Managed by Sustrans, The Hub provides a wealth of free
                                                     information, advice and training on all things walking and
        /hbhstockton
                                                     cycling as well as free bike MOTs and more.
                                                     It’s open from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. For more
        /hbhstockton
                                                     information visit www.thehubstockton.wordpress.com

PAGE 30 ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT                                                                                    ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT PAGE 31
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